Page 42 - Hospitality Recreation

JLF concludes, sans controversy

The 12th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival ended on Monday evening after hosting over 500 writers from from about 30 countries and covering a wide range of themes including the classics, war, espionage, intelligence, politics, climate change and gender issues.

Japanese airline introduces winter tourist spots in Yamagata

Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) is taking steps to introduce popular sightseeing places in Yamagata, a prefecture on Japan's Honshu Island, known for its mountains, wonderful winter spots, entertaining events and culture.Yamagata Prefecture has one of the most beautiful scenic winter season in Japan. The 'Mogami River Boat Ride' is an attractive activity, which allows tourists to sail down the Mogami River in Yamagata on a boat.Tourists also get to enjoy the majestic landscapes alongside Mogami River area while listening to traditional Japanese music.The Mogami River changes its faces in accordance with every changing season. Each trip to the river is different and provides one with a special experience.Tourists are offered heated boats or boats during the winter season with 'kotatsu' to keep warm while enjoying beautiful Japanese sceneries and traditions."I felt very special about the fact that there was actually the long warm table. I was very excited and enjoyed the ride" a ...

Gauri Khan Launches Home-grown Luxury Jewellery Brand Zoya at South Ex

/ -- Zoya, the exquisite diamond boutique from the House of Tata, today officially reopened its flagship store in Delhi, amidst a glittering celebration, graced by connoisseurs of design from Delhi's high society. Now located in the iconic South Extension neighbourhood, the new boutique of India's home-grown luxury brand spreads luxuriously over 4600 square feet. Designed as a minimalist gallery of fine art, where each piece resonates with reflections of Zoya's inspirations from its journey around the world, the boutique is home to Zoya's rare masterpieces. In keeping with the brand's unwavering focus on fine design and impeccable craftsmanship, celebrated designer Gauri Khan was guest of honour for the evening and joined CEO of Titan's Jewellery Division, CK Venkatraman, and guests, in raising a toast to the boutique's many treasures. Looking resplendent in a tanzanite and diamond necklace from Zoya's Hollywood inspired collection '6299 Hollywood Blvd.' paired with a Monisha Jaising

Madrid taxis block major road in biggest anti-Uber protest yet

MADRID (Reuters) - Hundreds of taxis blocked a central traffic artery in Madrid during Monday's morning rush hour, in their biggest show of strength yet as a protest seeking tighter regulation of Uber and other ride-hailing services entered its second week.

Rahul, Sonia enjoy lunch at Fisherman's Wharf restaurant

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited the popular Fisherman's Wharf restaurant in south Goa on Sunday. Goa-based dentist Rachna Fernandes, who was dining at the same restaurant along with her relatives, told ANI that Rahul took photographs and her and patrons of the seafood restaurant."When I asked him for a photograph, he said he would oblige after he settles the bill. Once the bill was paid by him, Rahul took a picture with me," said Fernandes. Fernandes also shared the photograph on Instagram and wrote, "Awed by his charm and modesty". Rahul and Sonia arrived in Goa on January 26 on a private plane and are residing in a five-star resort.

Adventure Travel Influencer Himadri Garg Releases her Maiden Novel 'Ghoomophiro'

/ -- Leading publishing house, Kalamos Literary Services LLP, releases her first travel fiction titled 'Ghoomophiro- Travel bringing families together' globally Himadri Garg is a travel influencer and heads a digital agency. She writes her travel musings on Ghoomophiro and showcase her photography skills in an annual exhibition 'Shades of India'. India's leading adventure travel influencer, Himadri Garg released her first fiction novel 'Ghoomophiro- Travel bringing families together' at the World Book Fair held at New Delhi. The book is a travel fiction that revolves around the lives of two sisters Nitika and Kritika and their exciting and much-awaited trip with their family. Both of them are travellers and during this trip, they discuss everything about their travel tales. The book has been published by New Delhi based publishing house, Kalamos Literary Services LLP. Himadri Garg is a travel photographer who started her travel journey with her sister Prachi Garg in early 2007. In .

2 Ecuadorians preparing to open new Himalaya route

Two Ecuadorian mountaineer will travel to the Himalayas in March, where they will seek to open a new climbing route.

Thailand aims to attract more Indian tourists

Singapore [Singapore], Jan 28 (ANI): Thailand is one of the favourite international tourist destinations for Indians. The Indian tourists spent almost 70 billion Baht (USD 2.2 billion) last year and 58 per cent of them have been there before with the length of stay averaging 7.45 days. The South East Asian country, this year, is rolling out red carpet to travel enthusiasts from India. In spite of martial law, the tourism industry has been booming with strong growth every year except for 2014 when it was in political turmoil and amidst the military takeover. Tourism is a major contributor to the Thai economy accounting for some 18 per cent of its GDP. It is projected to end 2018 with about 41.5 million visitors- up some 17 per cent from a year ago (official figures are not out yet for December). If projections are correct, it would have grown almost 70 per cent since 2014 - a very enviable statistic for any country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues its aggressive and ..

Abandoned, specially-abled children raise awareness about fitness at Alcis Family Run

In a move to raise awareness about fitness and environmental issues, Alcis Sports, a sportswear brand, organised the inaugural edition of 'Alcis Family Run' which was flagged-off by Indian cricketers Manan Vohra and Prashant Chopra.

Patnaik launches Es 1,100cr infra projects in Ganjam district

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday launched a slew of infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,100 coore in Ganjam district. While foundation stones were laid for 231 projects, as many as 48 of them were inaugurated during Patnaik's visit to the district. The projects are in different sectors including roads, buildings, tourism and water supply. The cost of the projects for which foundation stones were laid is to the tune of Rs 715 crore, a senior official said. Major projects which were inaugurated by the chief minister included a 10-bedded geriatric ward (Rs 40 crore), district vaccine store (Rs 79 crore), bleaching store (Rs 29.64 crore) and construction of OPD for eye department at the district headquarter hospital and City hospital here. Similarly, the major projects for which Patnaik laid foundation stones are railway over bridges (ROB) at Jagannathpur (Rs 30 crore) and Ambapua (Rs 35 crore), improvement of 9 major roads in Berhampur, Hinjili, Gopalpur, ...

After snow, tourist rush gridlocks Himachal roads

Weekend tourist rush to enjoy snowy landscapes in Himachal Pradesh, slippery roads and lack of traffic management in picturesque resorts of Kufri, Fagu and Charabra have brought these picnic destinations to a halt - quite literally.

Statue of Unity: Crocodiles to be relocated for tourist safety

Crocodiles from two ponds near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Narmada district are being relocated for the safety of tourists visiting the Sardar Patel memorial, officials said Sunday while dismissing reports that the move is linked to the seaplane service. As many 20 cages have been set up along the banks of the two ponds, officially known as Dyke 3 and 4, to trap the crocodiles, an official informed. These dykes are artificial water bodies created to stabilise the water released from the Sardar Sarovar Dam before it reaches the entry point of the main Narmada canal, the official explained. Aradhana Sahu, Conservator of Forests, (Vadodara Wildlife Circle) said that 12 crocodiles have been caught so far, though she added there was no specific target for the number of these reptiles that need to be captured. "The area around the Statue of Unity near Kevadiya village is attracting huge number of tourists. Since there are crocodiles in these ponds, there exists a threat to the ...

Yellowish orange turban for PM Modi at R-Day event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued with his tradition of donning colourful turbans at Republic Day celebrations on Saturday by sporting a yellowish orange headgear with a red tail. Wearing his traditional kurta pajama and the trademark Nehru jacket, Modi paid tributes to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti before heading for the Republic Day parade. Turbans have been a highlight of the PM's sartorial choices at Independence Day and Republic Day events. For his maiden Independence Day address as the prime minister in 2014, Modi had opted for a Jodhpuri bandhej turban in bright red colour with green at the tail. A yellow turban covered with criss-crossed lines in different shades of the same colour, along with a few in red and deep green, marked his 2015 look, and he chose a tie and dye turban in hues of pink and yellow for his appearance at the Red Fort in 2016. The prime minister's turban for 2017 was a mix of bright red and yellow with criss-crossed golden lines all over it ...

Google displays colourful doodle to mark 70th R-Day

Google on Saturday dedicated a colourful doodle marking the 70th Republic Day of India.

70th R-Day: Google doodle showcases Rashtrapati Bhavan, India's heritage

Search giant Google Saturday dedicated a special doodle to mark India's 70th Republic Day, which captured the country's architectural and cultural legacy as well as its rich bio-diversity. The doodle with a 3D impression depicts the iconic facade of the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan in the backdrop, flanked by trees, reflecting the flora and fauna that resides on its sprawling campus. Rich in colours, the celebrated landmark is fronted by six letters of the word G-O-O-G-L-E, each one on in a stylised form, ranging from a golf course to an ancient monument. While G dipped in green colour, stands on a golf link, L has been represented by Delhi's Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visited sites in the country. The fourth letter G takes a shape that portrays an elephant trunk placed over a peacock, both being symbols of India. The rest two Os and E, represent the handicraft and intangible heritage of India, the overall result being thematically colourful. The ...

Republic Day: Traffic restrictions in Delhi for parade

The Delhi Traffic police has made elaborate arrangements in wake of the Republic Day parade and has closed C Hexagon- India Gate for traffic movement from 2 am till parade crosses Tilak Marg. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays and avoid the route of Republic Day parade between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort grounds in the national capital on Saturday.However, alternate routes or corridors traversing via Ring Road have been provided for North-South and East-West movement of traffic.To manage route diversions and ensure a safe and secure passage for the visiting dignitaries, the Delhi traffic police has deployed 3,000 personnel.South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. Ramaphosa, who is accompanied by First Lady Dr Tshepo Motsepe and a high-level delegation of nine ministers and a large business delegation, is second South Africa's President after Nelson Mandela to be the chief guest at the Republic ...

AAI receives 111 initial proposals for UDAN-3

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has received 111 initial proposals and 17 counter proposals from 15 bidders covering more than 350 routes in the round 3 of Ude Desh Ka Aan Naagrik (UDAN) scheme of Ministry of Civil Aviation.Proposals connecting 13 water aerodromes and more than 40 tourism routes were also received as part of the bidding process.UDAN 3 scheme includes the inclusion of seaplanes for connecting water aerodromes and bringing a number of routes in the North-East region under its ambit.The inclusion of tourism routes under UDAN 3 is in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, and under the scheme 16 unserved airports, 17 underserved airports, 6 water aerodromes and 50 served airports would be connected.The UDAN 3 will connect 235 routes comprising 189 Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) routes and 46 tourism routes across 29 states in the country.The UDAN 3 would add another 69.30 lakh seats annually across the RCS routes with more than 1 lakh annual seats through ...

Casino busted in a resort, 51 persons including 5 women held for gambling

Delhi Police on Friday claimed to have busted an illegal casino and arrested 51 persons, including five women, for gambling in a resort located in west Delhi.

B'deshi tourist killed by elephant

A 43-year-old Bangladeshi tourist was killed by an elephant when he was returning from a jungle safari in Jalpaiguri district on Friday, officials said. The elephant drew Kanak Saymon with its trunk and flung him away when he went close to the jumbo to take a photo. The tourist came to the forest with friends and had checked in at a resort in Jhalang. They came to Lataguri for a jungle safari and the incident occurred on the state highway between Murti Bridge and the road leading to a Chandrachur watch tower. Forest Minister Binay Krishna Burman and Tourism Minister Gautam Deb termed the incident as 'unfortunate'.

Train covering places linked to Ambedkar & Buddha to run from

A special tourist train covering prominent places associated with chief architect of the Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar and Gautam Buddha, will embark on its maiden journey on February 14 from Nagpur. The train, 'Samantha Express', will be run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). "IRCTC is running a special Bharat Darshan Tourist Train Samantha Express in memory of the revered leader, Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on February 14 covering the prominent places associated with his life and that of Lord Buddha," an official statement said. The train will cover Chaityabhoomi (Mumbai), Mhow (Indore), Bodhgaya (Gaya), Sarnath (Varanasi), Lumbini (Nautanwa), Kushinagar (Gorakhpur), Deekshabhoomi (Nagpur), all places linked with either Lord Buddha or Ambedkar. "The duration of this tour will be of 10 nights and 11 days," the IRCTC statement said. The journey will commence at 11 am on February 14 and end on February 24. The package cost, which includes