• Thekkady
  • "The Largest Wildlife Sanctuary"
  • Thekkady in Kerala State , India 's largest wildlife sanctuary is a dream destination for any tourist visiting India. The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice-scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great apportunities for treks and mountain walks.
  • The Country's sole Tiger reserve, Thekkady, with its bountiful treasures of tropical flora and fauna is the ultimate reservoir of many an endangered species and a rich tribal culture. Thekkady is a pleasant heaven on earth for those who love nature in its wild manifestations.
  • Weather in Thekkady: Thekkady has a moderate climate all through the year!! September to March is the best time to enjoy the eye catching lusting greeneries. Bird watchers can spot migratory birds during post monsoon and winter seasons. Summers are optimal period to spot more wild animals when they flock to water sources!!
  • In and Around Thekkady:
  • The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuar: Lying close to the plantations, in the rich jungles of Periyar in Thekkady is one of the world's most fascinating natural wildlife .Spread across 777 sq.km, of which 360 sq.km is thick evergreen forest, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Noted for its geomorphology, diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, the Reserve attracts visitors from all over the world.
    The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar adds to the charm of the park. This is the only sanctuary in India where you can have the unique experience of viewing wildlife at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the lake. The greatest attraction of Periyar, however, is the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake.
  • Kurisumala: A place for adventure tourism and trekking. This will offer a panoramic view of Kumily town and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Pullumedu: The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the rolling hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi illumination at the shrine are visible from here!!
  • Kumily: This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre ans spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily!!
  • Things to do in Thekkady:
  • Plantation Tour: Plantation tours are arranged from the District Tourism Information Office at Thekkady Junction in Kumily (Ph:0486-322620). Tours cover cardamom, pepper, coffee and tea plantations, tea factories, tribal settlements and the surrounding hill regions.
  • Trekking: Main trekking areas in Thekkady: Kurisumala near Kumily, Pullumedu, Ottakathalamedu near Kumily, Grampi near Vandiperiyar.
  • Boat Cruises on the Periyar Lake: Tourist can board boats to the Periyar Lake and get a classy look at the elephants on the Banks of the River.
  • Getting to Thekkady:
  • Air: The nearest Airport is to Thekkady is Madurai, which is at a distance of 140 kilometers. Apart from that, you can access the airports at Kochi at a distance of 180 kilometers and Thiruvananthapuram at a distance of 260 kilometers.
  • Rail: The railway station nearest to Thekkady is Kumarakom, located at a distance of 114 kilometers. Another station is at Madurai located at a distance of about 130 kilometers.
  • Road: Thekkady is connected to all major towns and cities in Kerala through an excellent network of roads. The nearest place is Kumily at a distance of 4 kilometers.
  • Macau
  • "The Las Vegas of the East"
  • Macau,Is a city with two faces. On the one hand, the fortresses, churches and food of its former colonial master Portugal speak to a uniquely Mediterranean style on the China coast. On the other, Macau is the self-styled Las Vegas of the East.And while that comparison might sound overblown, it's not. During the past few years charismatic-but-sleepy little Macau has experienced the sort of boom usually associated with cities like Shanghai. But rather than skyscrapers and office towers, the construction here is all about Vegas-style mega-casinos and hotels. The reason, of course, is that casinos are legal in Macau, while in China and nearby Hong Kong they're not. It's a big market!!!
  • Weather in Macau:eptember - Mid-December, as this is firmly the best time to land in Macau. During fall, humidity is low, while temperatures are warming and skies are bright. Autumn is the best time for outdoor activities, and to stroll around and enjoy the city, with summer being far to hot. Fall weather in Macau is also the most predicatble, with sudden changes in the weather unlikely.
  • In and Around Macau:
  • Senate Square:his beautiful plaza is located in the center of old Macau. Colonial buildings, some dating to the 1600s, surround the square. The undulating black-and-white mosaic tiles are said to symbolize the South China Sea and Macau's nautical heritage.
  • A-Ma Temple: The red A-Ma Temple, fragrant with perpetually burning joss, houses three ornate temples devoted to A-Ma, the patron deity of seafarers. Legend has it that the Portuguese came up with the word "Macau" after they heard the local name for this temple, which is Ma Kok. Interestingly, Buddhists, Taoists, and Catholics can be found praying here.
  • Ruins of St. Paul's Church: Looming hauntingly at the top of a wide flight of stone steps, the ruins of St. Paul's have become Macau's most famous landmark. Built by the Jesuits in 1602, the finely detailed facade of the church tells a pictographic story of Christianity, which the Jesuits used to teach native audiences who could not speak Portuguese.
  • Coloane Village: The narrow lanes of peaceful Coloane Village, with its Portuguese square and traditional Chinese shops, offers a quiet alternative to the massive development projects in the rest of Macau. If you're craving a hike along verdant trails, or a visit to the beach, you'll want to spend an afternoon in this beautiful village.
  • Casino at Venetian Macau: Venetian Background The Venetian is a 40 story hotel, casino, and amusement complex located on reclaimed land in the area now designated as Cotai in Macau.
  • Grand Prix Museum: The Grand Prix Museum in Macau contains exhibits that are related to Grand Prix worldwide including photos, videos, illustrated articles, cups, records of champions and some commemorative items. It was built in 1933 in memory of the 40th anniversary of Grand Prix Racing in Macau and is located in the Tourism Activities Center on Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes.
  • Getting to Macau:
  • By Air: you can get a flight direct to Macau, then there will be less travelling, and at lower cost, than going through Hong Kong.
  • By Sea: here is as direct ferry service to Macau which operates from Hong Kong International Airport - journey time 45 minutes.
  • Getting to Macau:
  • Macau food is as famous as its variety and quality. Travel to this once Portuguese city to find Western gourmet food in the top hotels, clubs and restaurants as well as cheap but excellent Cantonese cuisine in the side walk stall
  • Holiday Inn Gem Park
  • "Ooty"
  • Contemporary structure with a traditional feel, Holiday Inn Gem Park, Ooty has kept itself well with the spirit of the beautiful and picturesque city. With its convenient location and fine service, the hotel has aptly gained favor of all business and leisure travelers who throng the city throughout the year. Overlooking the beautiful Nilgiri Mountains, the hotel stands tall with all elegance and style. It is the elegance in ambience, warm Indian hospitality and the best of food that makes it one of the best in the area. Holiday Inn Gem Park Ooty is located in a charming place, an ambience that spells grandeur and majesty – overlooking Dodabetta peak and garden valley, nestling comfortably amongst the hills and yet close to the town. There are a range of 95 luxurious centrally heated rooms and suites facing the Dodabetta valley at 7 levels giving you a breathtaking view of the landscape that awaits you to make your stay a paradise on earth!!
  • Accomodation: With BBC Network, Minibar, Centrally heated from November to January. 24 Hrs Hot and Cold water, 24 hrs Room Service, No Rollaway available, Internet access at a charge.
  • Amenitites:
    • » Business Services.
    • » Health & Fitness Centre.
    • » Spa Facilities.
    • » Entertainment & Recreational Activities.
    • » HouseKeeping & Laundry Services.
  • Restaurants:
  • One multi-cuisine Coffee Shop-Toda Cafe and one speciality Restaurant -Jade Garden-Chinese.
    • » Number of restaurants: 2
    • » Room ServiceAvailable12:00 AM - 11:00 PM
    • » 24hour Room Service
  • Getting to Holiday Inn Gem Park:
  • By Air : Bangalore International Airport Limited - Take the Mysore Road from Bangalore. Drive through Madumalai wildlife sanctuary into Ooty. Approximately takes 7 hours if driven non-stop.
  • Vythiri Resort
  • "In the gateway of Wyanad"
  • An exquisite eco friendly jungle getaway in the heart of Wyanad in north western Kerala. Wrapped in the lush embrace of a tropical rainforest, you will dwell in perfect harmony with nature, pristine and waiting to be explored. Allow yourself to be seduced by the orchestration of delicate, subtle sounds accompanying nature's theatre. Quietly elegant and exclusive, the Vythri Resort is a state of mind with breathtaking vistas.
  • Spread across either bank of a sprightly mountain stream that runs through the 150 acre property, the Vythiri Resort is a delightful jungle hideaway and a naturalist's treasure trove. Wrapped in the cool embrace of a rainforest, stone lined pathways, canopied by majestic trees, lead to brick coloured cottages built in the style native to the region. Built of brick with wooden rafters on the roof, furnished in cane, wood and fabrics of discreet elegance, the cottages are equipped with all modern amenities.
  • Accomodation:
  • Tree houses: set high above the lush canopy of the rainforest. Built by indigenous tribal's with locally available materials, the cottages are designed to utilize natural spring water that flows down from the surroundings hills and to use solar energy for power. The ultimate jungle retreat, ideal for couples and for small families.
  • Serenity Cottage: 18 spacious, rustic styled cottages with terracotta floors finished with red oxide, some with views of the stream and others, of the forest stretching out above the resort. Offering a degree of seclusion, yet close enough to the pathway and the general areas, the cottages are ideal for small families and couples.
  • Vythiri Habitat: 4 rooms with exclusive balconies that face the stream rushing by below. The balconies are great spots to watch a wide variety of exotic birds in the overarching trees or to sit back reading a book. Ideal for small families and couples.
  • Planters Retreat: 6 adjoining rooms inspired by traditional Kerala architecture with generous use of wood, each with private plunge pools and balconies with splendid views of the forest. Yet you could very well listen to the stream passing through next to the Planters Retreat. Set away from the pathway, secluded and intimate, ideal for couples.
  • Other Activities:
  • » Conference Hall.
  • » Ayurveda Centre.
  • » Multi-Cuisine Restaurant.
  • » Coffee Shop.
  • » Health Club.
  • » Travel Assistance.
  • » Swimming Pool.
  • » Games Room.
  • » TV Salon.
  • » Kids Park.
  • » Natural Pool.
  • » Safe Deposit Lockers.
  • Places to See around:
  • Pookot Lake: Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws. This natural lake near Lakkidi is just a short distance off the National Highway 212. (4 Kms from Vythiri Resort).
  • Soojipara Waterfalls: It is a thundering three-tiered waterfall. These falls capture nature at her best. This place is also famous for rock climbing. Best season is from June till January.
  • Kuruva: The Kuruva Island with 950 acres of evergreen forest lies on one of the tributaries of the Kabini. The island is home to various species of rare birds, orchids and herbs. (60 Kms from Vythiri Resort).
  • Thiruneli Temple: The temple is on the banks of the beautiful Papanasi River. It is believed that people can wash out their sins by immersing themselves here in the water. (80kms - 3hr drive).