Bharath International Travels

COONOOR
"The gateway to Ooty"

Coonoor is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris and one of the highlights of tourism in Tamilnadu. Incredibly scenic, Coonoor is one of the famous hill Stations in South India where exquisite panoramas and vistas unfold at every turn. Perched on the lovely Nilgiri hills in the state of Tamil Nadu, this beautiful hill resort is a destination for the discerning traveler. Blessed with a milder climate, Coonoor also offers some of the finest hiking and trekking in South India, which will enable you to be closest to the rolling mountains and lush green foliage of this hill resort. The toy train between Coonoor and Ooty is a famous tourist attraction and has been included among the world heritage sites by the UNESCO.
Coonoor Location: Located on western part of Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is perched on a lower ridge of the Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 1839 meters. This beautiful hill resort is 27 km north of Mettupalayam and 19 kms south of Ooty.
Climate In Coonoor: The climate of Coonoor is pleasant throughout the year. This spectacular hill resort of Tamil Nadu experiences mild climate from April to June. During the winter months (November to February) the climate is cool. Coonoor get its share of rain thanks to the southwestern monsoons from July and September. So the best time to visit the hill station is from October to June.
Economy in Coonoor: Coonoor's economy relies on seasonal tourist traffic during the summer months, and on the tea industry all year round.
Tourist attractions in Coonoor:
Dolphin's Nose Point: This popular vantage point offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Nilgiri hills and the town of Coorg. The point is located only ten kilometers from the town. The beautiful Catherine Waterfalls are also clearly visible from this point.
Lamb's Rock: It is yet another vantage point from where tourists can get a fantastic view of the entire surroundings, including the tea and coffee plantations.
Sim's Park: Spread over 12 hectares, this park is home to over 1000 plant species. The beautifully designed and well maintained park offers excellent opportunity for walks and bird watching. An annual fruit and vegetable show is held in May in the park.
Masinagudi: Masinagudi is 35 kms from Ooty and 18 kms from Coonoor. The drive beyond Masinagudi entails 35 hairpin bends and though these are very enjoyable drives, the trouble is, everyone else seems to think so too. Watch out therefore for maniacs coming tearing down from the opposite side. Masinagudi used to be an elephant corridor. Apart from the scenic beauty of the road, the drive through Masinagudi is charming in itself.
Droog: The fort built by Tipu Sultan lies in ruins now, but Droog is still considered as one of the important sightseeing options of Coonoor. The site offers wonderful panoramic views of the surroundings. Droog is located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Coonoor.
Getting To Coonoor:
Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore which is 100 kilometers away. Coimbatore is connected with all the major south Indian cities and Mumbai.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Mettupalayam, 46 kilometers away. Coimbatore is the nearest junction connected to all parts of the country. The toy train connects Coonoor with Ooty and Mettupalayam.
Bus: Good roads connect Coonoor with all the major south Indian cities. Regular bus and taxi services are available from Coonoor to all the nearby tourist spots.
Hotels in Coonoor: Coonoor Hotels are best known for the remarkable hospitality they shower upon guests amid exotic locales and luxurious comforts. These pocket friendly hotels are equipped with all contemporary amenities and services, to make your idyllic holiday all the more pleasurable. The well-furnished rooms at the Hotels in Coonoor place most of the comforts at your feet. The in–house restaurants serve irresistible South Indian and other Indian fares, besides a wide array of Chinese and Continental delicacies.

Malacca
"The Historic State of Malaysia."

Malacca is a wonderful repository of its cultural heritage. Its colonial past is evident in its Portuguese architecture, whereas on the streets, Chinese influence is most visible. Malacca is the historical state of Malaysia, rich with heritage buildings, ancient landmarks and colonial structures over the centuries, the Chinese and local Malay cultures in Malacca intertwined, eventually producing a completely unique society-a mosaic of different cultures.
Location: Malacca is a quiet seaside city located on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the Straits of Malacca, about 147 km from Kuala Lumpur.
Climate: Malaysia has a tropical climate. The temperatures are more or less same throughout the year, in the vicinity of 26-27°C. The total rainfall is around 213 cm per year. Humidity is high throughout the year. The relatively stable weather allows Malacca to be visited all-year-round.
Economy: Tourism is Malacca's main economy sector, contributing almost 3/4 of its economy.
Tourist Attractions in Malaysia:
Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum: The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is the ancestral home of three generations of a Straits-born Chinese Baba family. The building is now converted into a stunning museum that preserves the unique legacy of the Babas. The Babas combine Chinese and Malay culture, a result of marriages between early Chinese settlers and local Malay women.
The Stadthuys: Built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch Governors and their officers, the edifice is a fine example of Dutch architecture. Preserved in its original structure and form, it now houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum.
Fort A Famosa: Constructed by the Portuguese in 1511, it suffered severe structural damage during the Dutch invasion. Inside the A'Famosa were the governor's palace, bishop's palace, state halls, five churches and two hospitals and belongs to one of the pride of Malacca.
The Malacca Zoo: The open-habitat zoo sprawls over 22 hectares and has been rated as one of the best in Malaysia. It is home to the rare and endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros as well as many other animals indigenous to Southeast Asia.
Mini Malaysia: A stupendous theme complex to enable visitors to view the traditional houses of the 13 states in Malaysia on a single visit. The complex displays life-size authentic houses of Malaysia crafted by master builders.
Crocodile Farm: One of the largest crocodile farms in the country. There are more than a hundred species found here, including Albino and humpbacked crocodiles. The farm is landscaped to recreate the reptiles' natural environment.
Pulau Besar: An ideal place for those seeking sandy beaches, clear blue waters, the sun and sea front chalets on stilts. The island is an excellent resort for swimming, fishing, picnicking and snorkeling.
Getting to Malacca:
Air: The airport in Malacca is about 9.5 km north of the town centre, at Batu Berendam, which can accommodate mainly smaller aircrafts.
Bus: Traveling by bus is the mode of transportation favored by most people as there are many bus companies making quite a few trips at different times to various destinations in Malaysia every day. It is comparatively cheap too.
Rail: If you intend to go by train, then the nearest station is Tampin, about 38 km to the north of Malacca.
Hotels in Malacca: Choosing a hotel in Malacca that perfectly lives up to your expectations is the easiest thing in the world. There are all categories of Hotels in this historical place ranging from budget to super luxurious stays.
Food: Malacca is well-known for its food; Malay dishes include ikan asam pedas, sambal belacan and cencaluk.

Windflower
"Spa & Resorts"

Windflower offers Palatial rooms, Rain showers, Private sit-outs framed by swaying coconut trees and a glorious view of the Chamundi Hills in mysore. Heritage walks that make history come alive. A world-class spa that offers over 30 different ways to renew with a midnight swim in the rock pool at night. An incredible multi-cuisine open-air restaurant. Silence, space, serenity in the heart of the royal city.
And then, look in. Not just at your palatial bed awaiting you after an hour-long hot oil massage, or at your outdoor dip pool, but into a space deep within while it is situated in an unbeatable location and is just 5 minutes away from the Mysore City
Suites & rooms:
The Windflower Villa: Perfect for a small group or a family, entertain and accommodate in style in your own living room. Done up in tasteful Balinese interiors, the Club Class room also has its own rain-shower and a private sit-out to really stretch.
The Windflower Studio: A vast balcony to take in the morning mist with your cuppa, a huge shower cube and comfy twin beds, these super-sized rooms are designed and fitted to delight.
The Windflower Apartment: Unwind as you please- in your open-to-sky shower bedecked in bougainvillea, set in a secret garden all to yourself, on the sit-out facing the water body, or while sprawling out on your four-poster bed.
Facilities: From a personal tour guide to an Ayurvedic doctor, the Windflower Mysore seeks to anticipate and fulfill your every need, whim and fancy. Each room is fitted to please- connect to the free Wi-Fi, pop in a DVD and help yourself to the delicious cookie and fruit hamper. Or just lounge around in your soft cotton bathrobe, help yourself to our yummy toiletries, and feel right at home, in the lap of luxury. Come, take advantage.
Dining: Dig in to the multi-cuisine spread at the Olive Garden, Mysore's finest open-air restaurant in the midst of a glistening water body. Or try the tantalising tapas platter under the gulmohar tree at Vineyard, the wine bar. Windflower Mysore serves up a feast of dining options for the discerning palate. For those on a special spa diet, your diet chart will be shared with our chefs and the room service crew, to deliver wholesome meals at the exact times prescribed by your nutritionist.
Activities: Wake up and stretch. Walk around the palace, or take in the pinnacles of the region's artistic achievements at the Jaganna Mohana Art Gallery. Form your own Kings XI and battle it out on the cricket pitch. Get an Emerge signature facial with red rice and warm milk, and let Dad take the kids out on a day of spotting kingfishers at the Ranganathittoo Bird Sanctuary. Challenge yourself and climb the thousand steps to the Chamundeshwari temple on the hill, or just put your feet up and shoot the breeze. Windflower Mysore has something for all levels of activity. They also got Carom, Ludo, Scrabble, Monopoly and table tennis, if you're game for a fun, family face-off.
How to get there:
All Windflower properties are easily approachable, and yet incredibly secluded. Windflower Mysore has an unbeatable location and is just 5 minutes away from the Mysore city beneath the great Chamundhi Hills.
Air: Mandakalli Airport has direct flights operating to Bangalore and Chennai.
Train: The Wi-Fi enabled Mysore station is well connected to most major cities.
Bus: Volvo buses travel to-and-fro from Bangalore to Mysore every 10 minutes.
Things to see around in Mysore:
Mysore Palace: Mysore is a city of palaces, but the most magnificent of them all is the Mysore Palace sometimes known as the Main Palace as well. One of the most unforgettable images of the city is the image of the illuminated Mysore Palace against the dark black sky.
Mysore Zoo: The Mysore zoo is over a century old and has an interesting history of its own. The zoo not only had an excellent collection of animals, it has a beautiful bandstand and had a picturesque setting with the Chamundi hills as its backdrop and an artificial lake on its premises.
Chamundi Hills: Named after Mysore's patron goddess, Chamundeshwari, it is believed that here is where she slayed the demon Mahashisura. These hills come alive during Dasara when the goddess's idol is carried up to the summit on an elephant, with much pomp, fare and prayer.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, located 16 km away from Mysore, is a haven for bird-watchers and nature lovers. Watch flocks of Painted Storks, White- Headed Ibises and Spoonbills forage in the shallow waters of the Kaveri, amidst droves of the threatened water-lily species, Iphigenia mysorensis.

Amanfayun
"In the Hangzhou of China"

In the spirit of a traditional Chinese village, Amanfayun is a place to explore – a place of stone pathways leading to shaded courtyards, quaint restaurants and peaceful abodes. Situated on 14 hectares to the west of West Lake on the outskirts of Hangzhou, the resort is comprised of 47 dwellings surrounded by tea fields, natural forests and lush groves of bamboo. Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Amanfayun is the ideal location from which to explore the region’s ancient Buddhist temples, botanical gardens, vast wetland areas, countless pagodas and Hangzhou’s famous silk and shopping streets. The resort features the original village layout, with a 600-metre main thoroughfare, the Fayun Pathway.
Location: Surrounded by natural beauty and history in equal measure, Amanfayun is just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Hangzhou, and a 50-minute drive from Hangzhou Airport. The airport is serviced by both domestic and international flights, and there are direct domestic flights to most major cities in China.
Suites, rooms & villas: Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas located within the property. Due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Without compromising the integrity of the dwellings, all accommodations enjoy the comforts of radiant under floor heating, air conditioning and internet connectivity. All furniture is freestanding and includes daybeds, sofas, dining suites and floor and desk lamps. Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls and a sound system with iPod option is available in all rooms. Televisions are available on request. Most accommodation units open to private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounging areas. The categories fall into Village rooms, Village Suites, deluxe Village suites, village Villas, Amanfayun Villa.
Restaurant: Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas located within the property. Due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Without compromising the integrity of the dwellings, all accommodations enjoy the comforts of radiant under floor heating, air conditioning and internet connectivity. All furniture is freestanding and includes daybeds, sofas, dining suites and floor and desk lamps. Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls and a sound system with iPod option is available in all rooms. Televisions are available on request. Most accommodation units open to private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounging areas. The categories fall into Village rooms, Village Suites, deluxe Village suites, village Villas, Amanfayun Villa.
Other Activities: The Library features an extensive array of books and documentary DVDs (both in Chinese and English) focusing on the history and culture of China, while the Boutique carries a handpicked selection of the finest antiques, artefacts, jewellery and crafts available in China. Handmade silk and bamboo parasols for which Hangzhou is renowned
Amanfayun’s Aman Spa consists of five separate buildings surrounded by bamboo groves, tea bushes and Magnolia tree with the Tea House which provides traditional tea service along with a variety of handmade sweet and savoury snacks
Amanfayun has broadband internet access throughout its facilities and accommodations.
Places to See:
The buddhist temples: Of the seven temples and monasteries within walking distance of Amanfayun, the most renowned is Lingyin Si or “Soul’s Retreat”. Founded in the first year of Xianhe of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (326 AD), the temple once housed 3,000 monks who worshipped in more than 70 halls.
Hangzhou’s west lake: Formed from what was originally an inlet of the Qiantang River, the lake was created in its current form by the silting of the river in the 4th century. Covering eight square kilometres, the lake is surrounded by verdant hills and its shores and causeways are lined with fragrant trees and lotus blossoms.