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KOCHI - THE HISTORIC KERALA CITY

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For years now, travellers and travel writers have built on the myth that Kochi is an ancient city; that it is over 2,300 years of age. A city sought and sailed to by a diverse group of sea traders; a melting pot of cultures that went back to the Phoenicians; a metropolis that had a place for everything, from imported Chinese fishing nets to fragrant spice bazaars; a city of strange tongues, customs, dreams, hopes and a million other little things that we think of as Kochi today. To this mix we can now add a new tag—city of arts. For Kochi is all set to host India’s first-ever three month-long biennale, starting on 12 December. With over 80 Indian and international artists participating (Subodh Gupta, Ariel Hassan, Sudarshan Shetty and Atul Dodiya among them), and curated by well-known painter Bose Krishnamachari, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale promises to be an unmissable event. In fact, in the name of the biennale lies the truth about Kochi. For it was Muziris, the once bustling

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN PRAGUE

COUNTRY LIFE These organic vegetarian health food stores serve pre-packaged sandwiches, burgers and salads. They also have a few seats for those who want to eat in-store. The Melantrichova branch, close to the Old Town Square, offers a vegetarian goulash. LEHKA HLAVA The name translates to "Clear Head" in English and is one of Prague's most popular vegetarian restaurants. Located right next to Charles Bridge, it is known for its special brunch and lunch packages. The menu has tapas, soups, pasta and daily specials. MAITREA A sister concern of the Lehka Hlava, this restaurant is closer to the Old Town Square and serves a mix of Mexican, Italian and Czech food. GOVINDA'S This restaurant is the Prague branch of the worldwide chain run by the ISKCON and serves healthy and reasonably priced Indian and international cuisine. The building also houses an organic bakery and cultural centre. GOPAL'S Strict Jains will love this Indian restaurant in the

Argentina's Wine Country

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There are places you cant help but fall in love with at first sight and return to year after year. We've chosen some of Argentina's most beloved destinations and, with the help of the best travel specialists in the business, ferreted out their secrets, their treasures, their unmissable experiences. Let the romance begin: Day 1 -Mendoza's Primera Zone You arrived in Argentina's most storied wine country yesterday and were whisked past the outskirts of Mendoza city to the Cavas Wine Lodge , your base in the region. The architecture is bold and angular, and the 14 abode-style cabaña buildings spacious: at 90 square metres they feel like houses rather than suites. Heavenly boutique hotel and glorious spa designed in charming modern style, in the heart of Mendoza wine country.  Nestled in a 35 acre vineyard, Cavas Wine Lodge is strategically located between the best known wineries and the magnificent Andes Mountain range. There are wine references everywhere, f

Cycle Trails of New Zealand

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With 23 Great Rides on the New Zealand Cycle Trail, there is something available for everyone. Find out which cycle trails are right for your clients. NORTH ISLAND Great Lake Trail Status: Sections Open Grade: Intermediate (3) Location: Central North Island The Great Lake Trail follows the western shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, from Whakaipo Bay to Waihaha. Once complete it will provide 93 km of all-weather riding through pristine native forest, with stunning views across Lake Taupo to the Tongariro National Park. Riders will have the option of riding the full trail over two to three days, or choosing shorter riding options to suit your fitness, experience and the time you have available.  A water taxi will be available to drop you and your bike at various access points along the trail and there will also be the option having your bags delivered to your overnight destination. Hauraki Rail Trail Status: Open Grade: Easiest (1) Location: Waikato The H

10 Top Tourist Attractions in New Zealand

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New Zealand is an otherworldly, photogenic and friendly country offering visitors unbeatable changes for adventure and exploration. The rugged islands are home to dense native forests, mountains, beaches, glaciers, thermal regions and fiords that have been well-preserved by the environmentally-conscious government and culture. New Zealand is a place where traditional Maori culture mixes with modernity in cosmopolitan cities, charming villages and vast expanses of untouched wilderness. Pristine and heavenly, the island nation has something for everyone, including the following toptourist attractions in New Zealand. 10 Coromandel Peninsula flickr/ Seamoor This north-eastern peninsula is famous for its white and golden sand beaches that frame magnificent coastal scenery, forests perfect for days of exploration and other natural wonders. Start your visit in Thames, a small but picturesque city with a rich history of gold mining. Don’t miss a stop at Hot Water Beach, where visitors

Jawhar - Peace and Tranquility

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Hello friends, Have been away for far too long I know and apologies for that. Actually didn't have much to say about my travels since I did not get the chance to really for some time. But now I'm charged and back... Recently went to this little hill station called Jawhar near Mumbai - to be precise 120 kms from Mumbai  for shooting a punjabi music video and I was quite surprised. It is a quaint small town - termed as a hill station now by Maharashtra govt, but has a charm of its own. The Government has plans to develop it but I guess only if some funds are remaining after every one gets their share of the pie. As would generally happen in India, I expect there will be no development since all the sarkari naukars will eat up the funds and show some progress on paper. Jawhar in Thane district is located at about 150 Kms from Mumbai and is a perfect weekend picnic destination from Mumbai. Pune - Jawhar distance is about 250 Kms. Jawhar is on the SH 26 and the roads leadin

New Zealand Wine

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New Zealand wine is distinctive for its purity, vibrancy and intensity. The long ripening period - a result of cool temperatures - allows flavour development whilst retaining fresh acidity, a balance for which New Zealand wines are renowned. There are a number of distinct major winegrowing regions spread throughout New Zealand, with the majority on the East coast of the Islands in the rain shadow of the mountains. New Zealand organic grape and wine production is on the rise, as more growers at every level of the industry turn to organic practices in their quest for sustainability. Vintage 2011 will see organic grapes harvested from over 1400 hectares of vines on 112 vineyards, over half of which are fully certified organic, with the rest certified in conversion to organic production. New Zealand Wine – Pure Discovery New Zealand is a land like no other. New Zealand wine is an experience like no other. Our special combination of soil, climate and water, our innovati