• Khandala
  • "In the Western Ghats of Maharashtra"
  • Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, India, Khandala is a popular hill station and a weekend getaway of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of 625 metres above sea level and just 5 km away from Lonavala, it has a pleasant weather and plenty of outdoor activities. Khandala is situated at the end of the Bhor Valley and serves as a popular hiking destination for the residents of Maharashtra.
  • Climate: Nestled among hills and valleys in the Sahyadri Mountain Range, Khandala offers a pleasant climate throughout the year which makes it a preferred outdoor destination. Temperatures vary from 12°C in winter to around 36°C at the height of summer. The annual rainfall averages 450 cms.
  • Location: Khandala and Lonavala lie 5 km, apart, on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, straddling the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Karla is 8 km. from Lonavala.


  • Places of interest in Khandala:
  • Duke's Nose: This cliff resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington, which explains its intriguing name. It is a popular viewpoint as it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests.

    Korigad Fort: The hill fort of Korigad in Amby Valley is located roughly 3050 ft. above sea level. To get there, you travel from Lonavla to the village of Shahpur using any available means of transport, and thence proceed by foot to the fort through rugged hills and forests.

    Tiger's Leap: When viewing the valley from a certain point at this location, one has the illusion of a tiger leaping across the valley, hence the name. The echoes caused by dropping rocks into the crevasse is another attraction.
  • Lohgad: Lohgad attracts visitors with its wide, refreshing waterfalls, an ancient fort, and, of course, those famous caves - atop a steep flight of steps.


  • Getting to Khandala:
  • Air: The nearest airport is Pune, 66 km. away.
  • Rail: The convenient railhead is Lonavala, on the Mumbai-Pune line (118 km from Mumbai). Pune-Lonavala: 64 km.
  • Road: Mumbai -Lonavala, 104 km. Pune-Lonavala, 66 km
  • Accomodation: Besides a number of luxury and budget hotels in both Khandala and Lonavala, the MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.
  • Valencia
  • "the Mediterranean Side of Spain"
  • Valencia, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, it is considerate the third most important city in this country and the second most important along the Spanish Mediterranean coast after Barcelona. It is a lively city which has a very long and rich history, and it has grown rapidly and also is faster becoming an alternative to Barcelona and Madrid. A beautiful and charming old city in Spain, Valencia is definitely a place worth visiting.
  • Location: Valencia is situated in a fertile terrain on the east coast of Spain and near to the mouth of the Turia river.
  • Climate: Valencia possesses a very friendly weather and doesn't have extreme temperatures; the yearly average temperature is approximately 18 centigrade degrees. Its temperatures oscillate between the 12 degrees in winter, it means January, and 25 to 27 degrees in the summer, it means between July and August


  • Tourist Attractions in Valencia:
  • ElCarmen: El Barrio del Carmen, it is the most historical valuable zone in the city. El Carmen is home of interesting attractions such as Torres de Serrano and Torres de Quart.

    The Botanic Garden: The Botanic garden of Valencia has centuries of tradition, it lodges about three thousand species of trees and plants which were brought from distinct parts of the world. Among this natural treasure they highlight the collection of palm trees and tropical- trees, cactus and another plants from the desert.
    Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda): It is also called "Lonja de los Mercaderes", it is a master piece of the gothic art and one of the most emblematic buildings in the city, this building symbolizes the progress and welt of Valencia in the XV century. Since the year 1996 is considered as a human patrimony by UNESCO, in fact is the unique urban building that has this honor.

    Cathedral: Is one of the most symbolic monuments in the city and is worldwide known. It has been the home of the mythical Holy Grail by the last 500 years. Its famous "El Miguelete", a tower from the 14th century from which all the city can be appreciate is other of its attractions.

  • Getting to Valencia:
  • Air: The Manises Airport is served by a barrage of national and low-cost carriers, with daily flights arriving from all over the world.
  • Rail: One of the best options for getting to Valencia from major urban centres in Spain is to take the train. The Spanish rail network offers a fast and efficient way to travel between major cities, with Euromed.
  • Road: Getting to Valencia by bus is a lot more arduous than any other transportation alternative in Spain if you are travelling long distance, although buses do present an affordable option for those who are on a budget.
  • Hotels in Valenica: The Old Town part of Valencia is most popular with international tourists as it is in close proximity with most landmarks, except for the beaches.
  • Jungle Lodges
  • "In the National Park of Bandipur"
  • Bandipur Safari Lodge is located halfway down the Mysore-Ooty road adjacent to the world-renowned Bandipur National Park. The mountain breeze flowing down the vales of the picturesque Nilgiris invites you to this perfect backdrop for a wildlife safari. Nestling in the foothills of the Nilgiris, the Bandipur National Park was formed by extending the Venugopal Wildlife Park, set up in 1931 by the Mysore Maharajas. It is now one of the tiger reserves in the country. It also forms a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is the one of the last refuges of endangered Asiatic wild elephants.

  • Accomodation:
  • Bandipur Safari Lodge is built along the lines of contemporary architectural style with a maximum capacity of 44 persons at a time. There are twenty two well-furnished, elegant rooms with modern amenities and spacious bath to relax your senses.

    Activities: The major attraction of Safari Lodge is its wildlife expeditions into the Bandipur National Park. The trips are slated for the best periods of wildlife sighting, i.e. at the daybreak and in the evening. For those who want an arduous workout, there is no greater challenge than hiking the heights of Gopalswamy Betta or down the slopes of the Moyar Gorge. Bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography can have no better opportunity than a walk on this treasure trove of natural featuresFor the adventure seeker we offer assistance to trek the beautiful Western Ghats. We arrange trained, experienced guides who will help you with trekking, sight-seeking, rafting, rock-climbing and mountaineering. Wayanad offers one of the most spectacular trekking experiences.
  • Bandipur National Park: Bandipur, established in 1931, is a wonderful wildlife centre. Tourists visit this place to admire the breathtaking beauty of nature and also to enjoy a quiet vacation far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The home to a large number of animals like Tiger Elephants, Hornbill, Sambar, Wild Dog, Giant Squirrel, Deer, and Partridges. There are also a few endangered species including Four Horned Antelope, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Mouse Deer, Pea Fowl and many more. Besides animals tourists can see some exotic trees including Bamboo, Sandalwood, Teak, Honne and Mathi.

  • Travel within the National Park:
  • Bus Safari: Bus safaris are organized by forest officials in the Bandipur National Park and this can be a great option for you, as you can see all the important regions in an organized manner. These safaris will extend for around forty five minutes and you will be taken through the park in a bus.
  • Jeep Ride: You can also opt for a safari through the Bandipur National Park in an open top jeep. This can be an exciting way to visit the popular sections of the national park, and this mode of travel is a bit more costly, ranging around Rs 2200.
  • Elephant Safari: Elephant rides are available for kids and adults.

  • How to Reach Bandipur National Park:
  • By Air: The Bangalore airport is the nearest airport and is 220 kms away from Bandipur.
  • By Rail: The nearest railhead is Nanjangud, 55 kms away followed by the Mysore station at a distance of 80 kms. One can easily hire a taxi or catch a bus or train from Mysore or Ooty.
  • By Road: The Bandipur National Park is 220 kms from Bangalore; 80 kms from Mysore and 80 kms from Ooty. The Gundulpet town is 20 kms away from Bandipur and is the nearest road head in Bandipur. The national park is well connected through road with every big or small town.
  • Taj Malabar
  • "Kochi"
  • A new name which adds a fresh vibrancy to this historical location – Taj Malabar
  • Situated on Willingdon Island with a magnificent view of Cochin harbour, Vivanta by Taj - Malabar is a fine balance between yesterday and tomorrow.Drive in from the airport delighting in backseat surprises (we're not revealing here). You'll see how we mean business in a quiet efficient way from the moment you drive in. Get set to be delighted with small surprises from the moment you enter. Our lobby is a unique mix of chic and classic. This arrival zone sets the tone for guestrooms and banquet facilities that deliver the ultimate in urban relaxation. The heritage wing, built in 1935, has graceful Victorian interiors that aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin. And the tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary

  • Suites & rooms:
  • Relax | Refresh
  • Our rooms have it all worked out. We know what you must have and then add to the delight! Clever surprises and the best of technology. Each room features ergonomically designed mobile work desks with special task lighting and stylish designer work chairs. So also hi-tech electronics for internet access, 32" LCD televisions, distinctive custom lighting and outstanding storage facilities. De-stress options such as surround sound home theatre systems, a special Rest Easy menu and dual massage showerheads add luxury to your stay. The styling and the décor suits both business and leisure travellers. Very modern. Very in.

  • Facilities:
  • BUSINESS CENTRE: The Business Centre lets you reach new levels of productivity so you can get back to the pool as quickly as possible.
  • FITNESS CENTRE: Our fitness centre is open 24 hours, so you can always take time to focus on yourself.
  • LEISURE: Vivanta by Taj thrives on providing our guests with all the services they need to escape, unwind or refresh.
  • Dining:Vivanta by Taj - Malabar, Kerala entices guests to explore the nuances of the finest Indian and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites. The atmosphere is lively. The crowd exceptional. Jet set culinarians sample different exotic menus night after night. Pepper the multi cuisine all-day diner with delightful views of the backwaters and lush gardens. The Rice Boat is a fresh take on speciality sea food with an accent on local Kerala cuisine. Fine dining it is. The Thai Pavilion proudly holds sway as Kerala's only authentic Thai restaurant. Dolphin's Point is spot on for its bay side location serving outstanding barbeque and grills in season. And everyone gravitates to Mattancherry Bar for a heady evening with lots of spirit and character.

  • How to get there:
  • By Air: The closest airport is the Kochi International Airport