Page 180 - Hospitality Recreation

Veganism is the hottest food trend in Israel

Amira, a housewife belonging to the Druze community, is busy chopping vegetables in her home in Dalyat el Carmel, a serene and quaint town in the Carmel mountains near Israel's Haifa city. It takes her about an hour to roll out five vegan Middle Eastern dishes which are fresh and healthy. Veganism has gained popularity in Israel and is a growing trend.

Israeli PM in Agra, visits Taj Mahal

The first Israeli Prime Minister to visit Taj Mahal, Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday spent over an hour with his wife Sara there, keenly watching the intricate inlay work and observing details of the architectural finesse of the 17th century white marble marvel.

NRI businessman Yusuffali MA acquires iconic Scottish hotel

Leading NRI businessman Yusuffali MA has acquired an iconic Scottish hotel based in Edinburgh in a 120-million-dollar deal clinched by Twenty14 Holdings (T14H), the hospitality investment arm of his Abu Dhabi headquartered Lulu Group International. The Caledonian, a grand Edwardianhotel overlooking Edinburgh Castle, joins his portfolio of 650-million-dollar worth of luxury properties across the UK, the Middle East and India. The T14H today announced plans to invest 28 million dollars for the expansion and enhancement of the historic hotel under its ownership, while retaining its heritage and distrinctive architecture. "We are excited to add The Caledonian to the portfolio of Twenty14 Holdings. With more than 100 years of history, The Caledonian brings with it a rich heritage, character and unique opulence," said Adeeb Ahamed, managing director of T14H. Ahamed added that the company plans to honour the "Scottish landmark", while adding to the experience the hotel ...

Israeli PM, wife visit Taj Majal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara spent over an hour visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra on Tuesday.

Netanyahu visits Taj

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his wife Sara today visited the 17th century Mughal monument Taj Mahal. Netanyahu was received by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Kheria Airport. He was accorded a traditional welcome by Braj folk artists on his arrival at the airport, the chief minister's office said on Twitter. The dignitaries spent some time at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for the monument in golf carts. In view of the Israeli prime minister's visit, the Taj Mahal remained closed for over two hours for tourists. The route from the Kheria Airport to the Taj Mahal was sealed and extra security arrangements were made. According to officials, the visiting dignitary will have lunch at Hotel Amar Vilas before leaving for New Delhi. Netanyahu arrived here on Sunday on a six-day visit. The Israeli prime minister is scheduled to inaugurate the third edition of the geo-political conference, 'Raisina Dialogue', in Delhi later today.

Foodgrains, Oilseeds, and

Foodgrains, Oilseeds, and vegetable markets are closed today on account of 'Uzhavar Day' (Pongal Holidays).

Snowless slopes kill skiing in Himachal this year

The ski slopes are deserted as scores of skiers in picturesque Solang Valley of Himachal Pradesh have been literally left high and dry with snow failing to cover its steep slopes.

Gary Barlow plans to start doing meditation

Take That frontman Gary Barlow has decided to meditate and increase his vegetable intake. The 46-year-old singer took to Twitter to share his health plans. "Goals for this week: Really top up on the green veg, get more beans into my meals, consistently stretch twice a day, find time for meditation drink water amen (sic)" he tweeted. Barlow, who shares three children - Daniel, 17, Emily, 15, and nine-year-old Daisy - with wife Dawn, has always been particular about his fitness regime.

Over 8 lakh people attend 3-day kite festival in Hyderabad

The ongoing International Kite Festival on the occasion of Sankranti and Lohri festivities here has drawn a crowd of about eight lakh people, state tourism department officials said today. They said that 40 kite fliers from 12 countries and 50 from across the country took part in the event held at the Parade grounds. "This is better than our expectations. The footfall of about eight lakh is overwhelming," B Venkatesham, Secretary, Tourism and Culture said. He added that the first Telangana International Sweets Festival which ended today also got a good response with delicacies from 25 states and 15 different countries including Korea, Spain, Turkey, Ethiopia, Brazil and Afghanistan going on display. "Our objective was to create a cross-culture platform to showcase the cosmopolitan nature of Hyderabad in the sweetest possible manner. We are happy that we have been successful in our efforts," Venkatesham said.

Two killed as truck falls into river Chenab in Ramban

Two persons were killed when a truck skidded off the road and rolled down into river Chenab in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. The truck skidded off the road and fell into river Chenab near Jaiswal bridge Karool near Ramban on Jammu-Srinagar highway late last night, they said. The ill-fated vehicle was on way to Srinagar from Rajasthan and was loaded with timber, police officials said. One person was rescued safely from Chenab but two others, the driver and owner of the truck, were washed away in Chenab river, they said. The bodies were taken out of the river after a search operation. The deceased were identified as driver Kalu Ram and Narayan Singh, owner of the vehicle, officials said.

Several peaks to scale, not just Everest: HMI

There are several mountain peaks in the world to scale and not just Mount Everest, said a senior official of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in West Bengal's Darjeeling district.

Texas restaurant to offer traditional Indian food with a twist

'Sesame pork' from the hills of Meghalaya and 'duck curry' from the backwaters of Alleppey will be among the many indigenous cuisines served with a twist at a new restaurant in Texas soon. Two chefs - Mayank Istwal, alumni of IHM-Guwahati, and Shivek Suri of IHM Aurangabad - have decided to open a eatery at Houston in Texas, where Indian food is largely unexplored. "The restaurants in the US mostly dish up kebabs and butter chicken as Indian food. The traditional items from the North East or the western part of the country have barely found its way to menu cards here. So, we thought it's time to serve tradition with a twist," Istwal explained. The chefs left their high-profile jobs in Bangalore and Delhi and moved to Houston in Texas in 2016 after a friend gave them references of an NRI couple who was willing to collaborate with Indian chefs for their new restaurant. "We got in touch with Shammi Malik and his wife, who were planning to start a high-end restaurant, 'The ..

Foodgrains,oilseeds,Bullion and

Foodgrains,oilseeds,Bullion and vegetable markets are closed today on account of 'Tiruvalluvar' day (Pongal Holidays).

International Camel festival organised in Rajasthan

Showcasing the rich and colourful culture of Rajasthan, the two-day 25th International Camel festival kick-started in Rajasthan's Bikaner district on Sunday.Scores of beautifully decorated camels from various regions were witnessed on the first day of the festival which is organsied in Karni Singh stadium.Apart from this folk artists attracted the interest of the domestic and foreign tourists."Enthusiasm can be witnessed among the visitors over here. People from different parts of the country have come here to see and participate in this festival. The camels have been decorated colorfully and beautifully," said an organizer.This festival is organsied in January every year by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture to celebrate and honour Camel, which is also known as the ship of the desert.

Look beyond 'elitism' to revive tourism in J-K: NC to Mehbooba

Opposition National Conference today said tourism in Jammu and Kashmir was in "severe distress" and asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to look beyond "elitism" to revive the sector. NC spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu said the tourism sector in the state remained "vision-less and direction-less" while the chief minister "splurges in private galas and tours". "Recurring splurges by the chief minister and her government, including private-guest galas and private tours in times of a severe, unprecedented tourism distress in the state is unbecoming, utterly insensitive and shameful, especially in light of a complete lack of vision to resuscitate the tourism sector," Mattu said in a statement here. Mattu said the previous NC-led governments focused on asset and infrastructure creation in the tourism sector which was missing under the current PDP-BJP regime. "..and remains invested in being directed and guided by a few rich, influential and powerful businessmen who decide on ...

Tourism will help promote dialogue, ensure peace: Mehbooba

Tourism is one of the best means to promote dialogue as it gives ample opportunity to people to know each other better, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said. "Tourism promotes interactions at people's level, removes misgivings and creates bonds of amity among various sections of society. That is why every tourist visiting the state is a step towards peace," Mehbooba said while interacting with a group of tourists on the sidelines of a three-day snow festival at the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg last evening. Mehbooba asked the guests not to get carried away by what they see on TV channels, but come to experience the truth on their own. "The impression about the state will improve consequentially with more and more tourist arrivals as they will be judging the place for themselves rather than relying on newsroom discussions of some news channels," she said. The three-day festival is expected to showcase winter attractions at the famed tourist ...

How to work on loopholes of destination wedding

Destination weddings are getting popular, but there are a few things that can spoil the idea before you actually plan for it, say experts.

The following are PTI's

The following are PTI's expected/top stories from eastern region at 4.30 pm: STORIES IN THE PIPELINE: *Makar Sankranti related stories STORIES ON THE WIRE: CAL1 WB-GANGA SAGAR Over 20 lakh devotees take holy dip on Makar Sankranti Sagar Island (WB): Nearly 20 lakh devotees from across the country as well as from neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh today took a holy dip at the confluence of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. CCM1 BIZ-COALINDIA Coal India boss sees challenging times ahead Kolkata: Coal India Ltd, which is struggling to meet coal production targets, foresees significant competition coming in from the private sector in the future. CES4 WB-TOURISM-POLICY West Bengal to unveil revamped tourism policy by Jan-end Kolkata: The West Bengal government is set to unleash a new revamped tourism policy by the end of this month. CES5 JH-CEMETRY-CHINA China wants historical cemetry at Ramgarh to be turned into global tourist ...

Three-day Sankranti festivities begin in Telangana & AP

The three-day Sankranti festivities began in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh today with 'Bhogi' being celebrated with fervour on the first day. Bhogi 'mantalu' (bonfire) were lit at dawn outside the homes. The bonfire is lit with logs of wood and wooden furniture that is no longer useful. Derelict things at home are also thrown into the fire. The disposal of derelict things symbolises the sacrifice of old habits, vices and attachment to material things. Traditionally, women spray cow dung and water in front of the house and draw colourful 'muggulu' (rangoli) and keep 'gobbemmalu' (cow dung balls) decorated with turmeric, kumkum and flowers on the rangoli. In the evenings, 'Bhogi pallu' (Indian jujube) are showered on children seeking their health and prosperity. The Telangana government is organising 'kite festival' and a 'World Sweet Festival' at the Parade Grounds here on the occasion of the festival. People from about 25 states and some foreign countries, who live in ...

Thousands take dip in Himachal Pradesh rivers to celebrate Makar Sankranti

The devotees took a holy bath in Vashist temple, located on the outskirts of the popular tourist resort Manali