Travelnetra E mag

ravelnetra

A tourism e-magazine

Vol: 1 • Issue: 1 • August 2011

India’s own travel & tourism e-magazine

Goa - The Land of Sun, Sand & Beaches

Make My Tripon the way of success

ravelnetra

A tourism e-magazine

Every effort has been taken to ensure that the contents of this edition is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publishing. The Publisher regrets any error or ommission and will endeavour to correct in the following issue.

Vol: 1 • Issue: 1 • August 2011

Editor, Printer & PublisherAkshay Kurup

MarketingWebneya Marketing Team

Designadlab

India’s most read travel e-magazine

editors note

send your feedback, editorial, press release to

[email protected]

Follow us on

travelnetra

We are honoured and in great pleasure for the reception given

to us. We are overwhelmed by the response and suggestions

received from all over and i personally take this opportunity to

promise you of more articles and informations with variety and

depth. In this issue, we have covered Goa beaches as our desti-

nation of the month, Review about Maruthi Eeco, Cuisine of the

month etc.

I wish all our readers a very joyable and happy reading

Regards

Akshay Kurupwww.travelnetra.com

contents

Travelnetra.com 4

In News

Airline News - Page 5 - 6

Download your

free copy on travelnetra.com

Goa - The Land of Sun,

Sand & Beaches

Page 16 - 21

Hotel News Page 7 - 8

E Travel News Page 9 - 10

Taste Guru Page 14Spicy Fish Curry

ShowcasePage 26Make my Trip - on the way to success

Page 27 Find a Job in the Indian Travel Industry

Shopper’s StopPage 22

travel goods Display

Wheels - Page 26Maruti EECO - Happiness in many forms

Kuwait Airways begun international services between Kuwait city and Kochi. The daily Airbus A310/A300 flights took-off this morning from Kochi at 5.15am. The new service will connect Kochi to Kuwait and other destinations in Europe, US, Gulf and Middle East, Waleed Bin Naji, Senior Regional Director Indian sub-Continent told PTI. “Kuwait Airways began its Indian services in the 1960”s and has

NEWS >>> Airline

Daily Kochi-Kuwait City services

Travelnetra 5

remained committed to this wonderful country,” he said. The airline currently operates from Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai.

Meanwhile, to support traffic along the route, Kuwait Airways Holidays promotes India and Kerala in particular as a preferred destination and has significantly contributed towards increased tourist arrivals, he added

Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines Ltd has scaled up its fleet expansion plans, and will now add 72 aircraft by 2015-16 instead of 67 planned in the last fiscal year, an industry source said. According to a report in DNA, the airline currently has 66 aircraft, and the additions to the fleet will take the tally to 138 by the end of 2015 -16. The airline will add five Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet in 2011-12, 15 by 2012 -13 and 17 by 2014 – 15. The revised plan, however, does not include any ultra-long haul Airbus A380 Aircraft, as envisaged earlier.

Kingfisher to add 72 aircraft

by 2015 – 16

Jet Airways, has entered into a partnership with ngpay, which enables its customers to seamlessly book Jet Airways tickets on their mobile phones. According to a company release, the service will allow customers to book, cancel and refund their e-tickets and also manage payment cards on their phones. Upon completion of the booking process, an e-ticket will automatically be sent to the customer’s preferred email address. The e-ticket details will also be sent to their mobile phone via SMS. To activate this facility, Jet Airways’ customers would need to download the ngpay mobile ticketing application on their GPRS enabled mobile phones.

According to Sudheer Raghavan, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways (I) Ltd, “Jet Airways’ partnership with ngpay will enable our guests to book tickets from their mobile phones. We are confident that the convenience and simplicity of this service will be much appreciated by our guests especially since mobile phones have now become an integral part of our daily lives.”

Jet Airways to partner with ngpay; to enable e-ticketing through cell phones

Garuda to launch Chennai – JakartaIndonesian national airline Garuda’s may start operating on the Chennai-Jakarta route by this year end, a top Jakarta envoy said recently. “We have been discussing

it many times. Our plan was to connect the cities of Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi. My first preference is to have connectivity between Chennai and Jakarta

The first Greenfield International Airport coming up with private participation at Kannur in Kerala is expected to be operational by 2014, K Babu, Minister for Excise, Kerala, said recently, according to a PTI report.

The airport will come up at an estimated cost of Rs 1130 crore, with a paid up capital of Rs 500 crore and funds raised through loans Rs 630 crore. “The plan is to start the work of the runway by next year,” he added. Airport Authority of India has been entrusted with the task of preparing a Detailed Project Report.

Joyalukkas Group, which is launching Jyothi Aviation, hopes to start chartered services by mid-August, according to a report in Deccan Chronicle. “We will provide chartered services on an hourly basis. Apart from the Brazil-made Embraer Phenom 100, we plan to acquire a Phenom 300 or a Lear Jet with a capacity to seat 8 to 10 passengers and a helicopter by year end,” an official said.

The group is targeting business, tourism and medical industries that require quick transit. “We have a realistic target to acquire at least three jets in the next two years and run a fleet of five by 2016. Initially, short-haul services will be launched, but gradually, operations will become pan-Indian,” the official said. Formalities to use facilities at Nedumbassery Airport have been completed.

Tiger Airways will relaunch direct flights between Singapore and Bengaluru in India from 31 October 2011. The service will launch with four flights a week - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

This route opens cost-effective opportunities for our passengers travelling between Bengaluru and Singapore. It will also boost travel and tourism, with benefits that will extend beyond Karnataka to neighbouring states as well,” said G V Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, Bengaluru International Airport. Bengaluru is the fourth destination in Tiger’s India routes, following Chennai, Trivandrum and Tiruchirapalli.

Tiger to resume Bengaluru flights

Budget carrier Air Arabia has added a new destination of Gassim from India. Flights from 13 Indian destinations would be connecting Gassim from 15 July, according to the airline. The largest low coat airline in the Middle East and North Africa will offer flights to Gassim from its hub at Sharjah. The airliner plans to capture large number of Indian visiting friends and relatives in the UAE, the paper said. Air Arabia will offer four weekly flights to Gassim on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

and Sundays from Sharjah International Airport. “We are extremely pleased to introduce our new service between Sharjah and Gassim, which marks the fifth destination in Saudi Arabia reachable via Air Arabia. The significant Indian expatriate population in the UAE and wider Gulf region too will be benefited with this new destination,” said A.K Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. Air Arabia flies out of the metros like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and from other smaller metros like Ahmedabad, Calicut , Chennai, Jaipur and other cities in south India.

Air Arabia’s new destination from India Joyalukkas to introduce chartered flights

Kannur Airport expected to be operational by 2014

Travelnetra.com 6

NEWS >>> Airline

UK-based hospitality firm, Whitbread, plans to invest 75 million pounds (over Rs 535 crore) in India by 2020 to fund its hotel business in the country. The company, which currently owns and runs two ‘Premier Inn’ hotels in India, has plans to operate over 80 properties here in the next ten years.

“Whitbread has earmarked an investment of 75 million pounds for the next ten years with a plan to operate over 80 properties in India,” said Shwetank Singh, Director - Brand and Operations, Premier Inn India Pvt Ltd. He said the company has already invested over Rs 115 crore on two owned hotel properties in Bengaluru and Delhi.“Another four properties have been finalised in Mumbai, Goa, Chennai and Pune which are currently being developed, or are in the process of being acquired,” Singh said. These properties are likely to be operational only after 2013, he said.

CGH Earth, the five-decade old Kochi-based hospitality company and pioneer of the Eco-Tourism concept in Kerala, is exploring options to exit its air catering business — Casino Air Caterers and Flight Services (CAFS). Private equity industry players have stated that CGH Earth is looking at a price of around Rs 100 crore to exit the business, which has its presence in Kochi, Kozhikode and Chennai, and in 14 Indian and international carriers.

CGH Earth is looking to focus more on its primary business of developing Eco-Tourism resorts and feels that running the �tran�present nine locations, primarily in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

With properties at religious destinations like Badrinath, Nashik and Haridwar, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts plans to launch a new brand for its hotels at pilgrimage destinations. According to Anil Madhok, Managing

Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, “We will create a brand for our hotels at pilgrimage destinations. We are debating on various issues related to the brand and as soon as it is finalised, we shall launch the new brand into the market.”The company has recently entered into a joint venture with Africa-based Marasa Hospitality Pvt Ltd, part of the Madhavani Group, to open hotels in religious destinations across India, namely, Tirupati, Bodhgaya, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Dharamsala and Puri. Madhok further added, “Religious destinations have huge potential because of more efficient air and road connectivity and the availability of flights at reasonable rates. There is a growing demand for reasonably priced rooms. The properties at these destinations will be of four-star category. However, the room inventory will depend upon the location.”

NEWS >>> Hotel

Travelnetra 7

CGH Earth to exit air catering business

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts plans to launch new brand for pilgrimage destinations

Whitbread to invest Rs 535 cr. in India by 2020

Four Seasons to operate six to seven hotels in India in 10 years

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts plans to operate six to seven hotels in India in the next 10 years. Currently, the Canadian luxury hotel operates Four Season Hotel Mumbai with a second hotel being built in Bengaluru.

Apeejay Surrendra Group, which owns and operates The Park Hotels, plans to bolster its presence in West Bengal by opening its second hotel in Kolkata by 2014. The hotel is rated at Rs 500 crore and will have 250 rooms and 100 serviced apartments. According to a report by Pinak Ghosh in The Telegraph, around four acres had been acquired for the project a few years ago and the Group expects to get all clearances by the end of the year.

Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP, a US-based architecture firm will design the hotel. The hotel is part of a larger plan to expand the group’s reach in the country. The group expects

�properties in Pune, Kolkata and Jaipur. Investments worth Rs 1,000 crore have been earmarked for expansion.

“With the formation of a stable government in West Bengal, we believe that the atmosphere here is now more conducive for investments. With our new hotel in Kolkata, we want to redefine the Park experience for our guests and patrons. The funding of Rs 500 crore will include a mix of internal accruals by the company and external debt. We would like to have a strong presence in the metro cities first and then look forward to expansion in Tier-II and III cities,” said Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, The Park Hotels.

Three Oberoi hotels have been ranked first, third and fourth in Asia by the Travel + Leisure Magazine in their World’s Best Awards 2011 Reader’s Poll. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur and The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra have been ranked first, third and fourth respectively. The three hotels have been ranked amongst the fifteen best in the world. They have been ranked fifth, eighth and fourteenth respectively in the world.According to a release, The Oberoi, Mumbai and The Oberoi, New Delhi have also been ranked amongst the top city hotels in Asia. Mena House Oberoi has been ranked the eighth best city hotel in Africa. The ranking is the result of a Readers’ Poll conducted by the magazine. The readers rate their experiences and evaluate hotels across the world on the following characteristics – rooms and facilities, location, service, restaurants and food, and value.

NEWS >>> Hotel

Apeejay Surrendra Group to build second Park Hotel in Kolkata

Three Oberoi hotels ranked among top 5 hotels in Asia

Lemon Tree Hotels has partnered with Experian Marketing Services (EMS), service provider of email marketing and customer intelligence technologies, for its email marketing campaign. Through this partnership, the company expects to increase the Return on Investments (RoI) from its email marketing campaigns via EMS’ product Experian CheetahMail. The two companies intend to drive higher RoI by improving deliverability, creating more focused email campaigns and strengthening relationships with existing customers and reaching new audiences.

Lemon Tree Hotels partners EMS for email marketing

Travelnetra.com 8

Swiftrank recently announced that it has changed its name to TravelShark. The company still owns and manages the same global travel network of 12,000 destination-based websites. TravelShark also introduced its new online presence at www.TravelShark.com, according to a company release.

“Sure�truth is, we had a less-than-optimal name and found a better one,” said Sue Heilbronner, CEO TravelShark. “Having a resonant name has opened the door to new possibilities for marketing and brand development unavailable until now.”

On the business front, TravelShark is developing new branded online products and services in travel. TravelShark has been experiencing significant growth since its official launch in June 2010. The company now works directly with more than 600 hotels, hotel ownership groups, brands, and hospitality agencies to feature select hotels on TravelShark sites and drive consumer bookings to Featured Hotel Program partners.

NEWS >>> E-Travel

Swiftrank changes name to TravelShark

MakeMyTrip.com has tied up with Visa to provide offers to Visa Platinum, Signature and Infinite cardholders on the purchase of holidays and flights from MakeMyTrip.com. These benefits include free airport transfers

and free airlines tickets. Further, Visa Platinum, Infinite and Signature cardholders can avail a free airport transfer at any airport in India on purchase of an international air ticket or holiday from MakeMyTrip, or they can avail an additional domestic air ticket free on purchase of three domestic air tickets.

Commenting on the tie up with Visa, Deep Kalra, CEO and Founder, MakeMyTrip.com said, “This facility will be helpful to Visa cardholders and will enable them to avail maximum benefits while travelling. This tie-up gives us the bandwidth to reach out to more Visa cardholders and increase our customer base. Customers can avail different offers on the purchase of international and domestic products from holidays to flights. This pan-India deal is valid exclusively for Visa card holders.”

Uttam Nayak, Group Country Manager – India and South Asia, Visa, said, “MakeMyTrip is one of the leading travel portals in India, and Visa is glad to collaborate with them and offer benefits to Visa cardholders. We are sure this offer will be utilized by many cardholders to plan their holidays.”

MakeMyTrip.com ties up with Visa

In a bid to increase their customer base in India, Israel-based travel and tourism company BD Graiver and Uniglobe Travel International, a travel franchise company have started operating through a toll free number 000127, access code 8381 in India. They had launched their B2B hotel booking engine in the Indian market earlier this year. The booking engine provides rates and availability from multi-source suppliers, which allows travel agents to compare prices and book the one most suitable to their client.

BD Graiver and Uniglobe Travel starts toll free number for hotel booking agents

Travelnetra 9

NEWS >>> E-Travel

Hotel reservation service provider, agoda.com, has launched an iPhone application for hotel bookings. Currently available for free, the application will let customers view and book up-to-the-minute rates on more than 1,50,000 properties worldwide, all with instant confirmation.

According to a media release, the application allows customers to search hotels by city or by their current location. Users can also view hotel photos and facilities, read through customer reviews, and refine search results to find exactly what they need. The application also features interactive maps showing the location of the properties.

Robert Rosenstein, President, agoda.com said, “Today’s traveller is mobile-ready, which makes travel so much easier if there’s no computer or Wi-Fi station nearby and you need to book a hotel. People already know that agoda.com is a source for the best price on hotels that aren’t available through other channels, and with our new application, customers can access these hotels via their iPhone.”

agoda.com launches iPhone application for reservations Himachal Pradesh has decided to launch an aggressive marketing

campaign using all available mediums including the electronic media to promote the state’s tourism potential, according to a report in Indian Express.

Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, in a meeting with tourism officials, gave his nod to an e-marketing plan by the department to promote the state. Dhumal said the state would use all

safeguards to protect the environment and ecology while promoting tourism. One such scheme – ‘Home Stay’, where tourists can stay in rural areas and experience the state’s customs and lifestyle – has proved to be a big tourist-magnet to Himachal. To promote the scheme, the government has exempted all units registered under the ‘Home Stay’ umbrella from the power and water commercial tariff. “The state has also brought out two coffee table books — Har Ghar Kuchh Kehta Hai, which depicts historical facts relating to the historical buildings in Shimla, and Har Gaon Ki Kahani, which carries interesting stories concerning the respective villages,” he said. Arun Sharma, Director of Tourism, said with tourism being the basic industry of the state, it had vast potential for creating jobs.

Yatra.com, India’s leading online travel company, today announced the launch of its much awaited ‘Cash on Delivery’ (COD) service. This facility will now enable the customers to make travel bookings with Yatra.

com and pay cash against the travel bookings. The COD payment option is available for International Air, Domestic and International holiday bookings with Yatra.com. This service is currently available for all customers in Delhi / NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune and Chennai with an endeavour to soon extend this facility to other cities as well.

Enhancing the convenience quotient for the customers, Yatra.com representative will visit the customer to collect the cash against the travel bookings made with Yatra.com. E-Tickets / package vouchers will be sent to the customer, once the cash has been collected from the customer. The COD service will add a new stream of offline customers to Yatra.com’s customer base, particularly the one’s who are reluctant in using the electronic payment mechanism.

Yatra.com launches Cash on Delivery service

E-marketing to promote Himachal Pradeshtourism

Travelnetra.com 10

NEWS >>> Other

Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), the sole body which represents non-IATA travel agents in India, is likely to organise its first convention in Dubai in February 2012. According to Karl Dantas, President, ETAA, the Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) office in Mumbai has approached ETAA to host their convention in Dubai and both organisations are currently discussing the modalities for the same. ETAA, which was established 12 years ago and has a membership base of 167 travel agents, mainly from Mumbai and Pune region, is also planning to have a pan-India presence by setting up regional chapters and appointing more convenors. The Association is also working on increasing its membership base and according to Dantas, is targeting at least 300 members before the convention.

Elaborating on the expansion plans, Dantas said that the Association will look at setting up chapters in cities and regions where they attract large numbers of members. Currently, ETAA has two chapters, Mumbai and Pune. He also informed that ETAA will be appointing travel agents and tour operators as convenors in cities where the number of members is low. ETAA currently has convenors in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Guwahati, etc. “In the past, our growth has been constant but slow. However, in the last year and a half, we have noticed phenomenal growth. We expect around 150 travel agents to join ETAA between July and November 2011,” stated Dantas. The ETAA membership base comprises of small time and mid-scale travel agents and the Association’s criteria for membership includes minimum one year of business operations, a shop and establishment license or rent r�is to meet and have presentations exclusively for members and educate and provide them with information and data, and also encourage them to learn how to sell their products and services. The convention will be a big help in achieving these objectives. ETAA has always worked for the betterment of the travel trade fraternity in India,” stated Dantas.

ETAA plans to organise its first ever convention in Dubai early next year

Travel Tours Group recently announced the acquisition of Splendour Holidays Pvt Ltd, a charter and inbound tour operator based in Goa. The acquisition includes Splendour’s MICE focused brand, GoAvenues, which plans and manages meetings and incentive groups in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. According to a media release, the acquisition will give both Splendour Holidays and GoAvenues direct access to the Travel Tours network and strength. The combined entity will now be able to enter new markets with an extensive product portfolio.

RateTiger’s, RTCorp, has been recognised by the travel industry just one year after launching in the market. The rate shopping technology has been nominated

for the Business Traveler Innovation Award within the Travel Management category. The Business Traveler Innovation Awards are part of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention 2011 organised by The Wall Street Journal and the GBTA.RTCorp helps monitor hotel rates in the public market in both real-time and via scheduled reports by sending automated alerts that filters hotel-pricing data into exception information and then, delivers it to the appropriate manager to action. This helps corporate buyers, travel websites and hotel companies monitor violations or discrepancies in room rates while providing intelligent rate shopping data to better understand the market.

TTG acquires Splendour Holidays, Goa

RateTiger nominated for Business Traveler Innovation Award

Travelnetra 11

The Rajasthan Tourism Department is planning to roll out 100 new food joints along national highways in the next two years. Usha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Rajasthan Tourism said, “These joints will provide wayside facilities to international and domestic tourists passing through the state. We will complete the selection of sites within a week. These sites will be developed as quality food joints with the help of private players.”

According to a report in the Economic Times, these joints, developed under ‘Padharo Sa’ scheme of Rajasthan Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy will be provided with 25 per cent of the cost of construction/renovation as incentive, subject to a maximum of Rs five lakh. “All these joints will have common branding. Apart from that, this will ensure quality food and other facilities for tourists visiting the state. It will also encourage private sector partnership in tourism development in the state,” informed Sharma. The state government will also engage its hospitality arm, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) for the promotion and sales of handicrafts. “All RTDC properties have been proposed to have in-house souvenir shops to exhibit and sell ‘Made in Rajasthan’ products to guests,” an official said.

In order to battle threats from Maharashtra and Kerala in the tourism sector, Goa needs to move towards developing Heritage Tourism in the region, said Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission of India in charge of Goa, at the Goa Small Industries Association (GSIA) Annual General Meeting recently, according to a report in The Times of India.

Citing from a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of Goa’s two main industries of mining and tourism Jadhav said, “While beach tourism is a good thing, Goa needs to move away towards heritage tourism. Goa’s weaknesses in tourism include the lack of a comprehensive tourism policy and the lack of cohesiveness among the state’s tourism players in marketing Goa as a tourism destination. Likewise there are threats to Goa’s tourism from states like Kerala and Maharashtra, but the opportunities far outweigh the threats.”

He suggested that Goa could develop Medical Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Event Tourism, Eco-Tourism and other alternative forms of tourism. “Goa is an ideal location for business and pleasure. You can also create a good convention centre,” he added.

NEWS >>> Other

Rajasthan tourism to roll out 100 food joints

Goa should develop heritage tourism: Narendra Jadhav

Send your press release to [email protected]

ATTENT ION ! ! !Airlines, Hotel/Resort, Tour Operators

Travelnetra.com 12

Send us your companyprofile and get featured on Travelnetra

Send us your company profile with logo (PDF/EPS) with the full size photo.

for more details [email protected]

Are you a Tour Operator ?

Taste Guru

Fish Curry

How to make Fish Curry:• Grind dry red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, and turmeric powder with water to make a fine paste.• Rub the slices of the fish with some salt and a pinch of turmeric powder and keep aside for 5 minutes.• Wash well and drain the water.• Heat the oil in a wok and saute the onions till they turns golden brown.• Add the paste and the chopped tomatoes. Saute slightly.• Now add tamarind paste and water to it and bring it to a boil.• Add the fish, green chillies and salt.• Mix very gently and simmer on moderate heat for about 6 minutes or till the fish is cooked .

Ingredients:• 800 gms Fish (washed and sliced)• 1 Onion Sliced

• 1 tsp Garlic (chopped)• 12 Dry Red Chillies• 1 Tomato (chopped)• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds• 1 tbsp Tamarind Paste• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder• 4 Green Chillies• 1 tbsp Oil• 2 tbsp Coriander Seeds• 1 tbsp Ginger(minced)• Salt to taste

Travelnetra.com 14

Destination Review

Goa - The Land of Sun, Sand & Beaches

Goa is a very popular beach destination in India. Visited annually by 2 million tourists, Goa has an unavoidable charm. Goa is located on the Western Ghats of India on the bay of Arabian Sea. The swaying palm and the silver sand at the beaches of Goa provide some of the most desired beach experience to tourists.Goa has a coastline of 125 kms, and hosts as much as 50 beaches. However, the beaches on the coastline do not exist in a stretch. The coastline is intermittently broken by islands, villages, rivers, and tributaries, adding an interesting twist to the Goan beaches. The elegant curves of the beaches attract tourists from all over the world.

For the purpose of tourism, the beaches of Goa are divided into South and North Goa. While the North Goa beaches are known to be the center of activity and fun, South Goa beaches provide the much desired solace, and isolation. In other words South Goa beaches are less crowded as compared to the North Goa beaches.

Agonda The long and isolated stretch of Agonda Beach is perfect for those looking to get away from it all. It’s quite and relatively uncrowded. Anyone looking to relax should come here. Stay in a simple hut right on the beach, and enjoy the stillness and nature. Agonda Beach is fast being discovered, however. Do expect to find some other tourists, souvenir stalls, and restaurants.

Location: South Goa, just north of Palolem Beach. 43 kilometers (26 miles) from Marago and 76 kilometers (47 miles) from Panaji. The closest main railway station is Marago. Canacona is the local railway station nearby.

AnjunaAnjuna Beach was once home to the hippies. Most of them have now moved on but their legacy remains. The Wednesday Anjuna Beach flea market is bigger than ever, and after the day is over, the crowds descend on the shacks along Anjuna beach to listen to psychedelic trance as the sun sets. Curlies, right at the southern end of the beach, is the most happening spot. Most shacks close by midnight due to sound restrictions, but at the rocky northern end of the beach you’ll find some that stay open all night. Anjuna’s infamous Paradiso Disco is also located at this end of the beach.

Location: North Goa, 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Mapusa and 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Thivim.

ArambolArambol, on Goa’s far northern stretch of coastline, has become the new hippie haven. Once a small fishing village, it’s now full of long term travelers. You’ll find plenty of alternative therapies there, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and reiki. Water sports and dolphin sight seeing trips are on offer as well. The nightlife is relaxed, with live music and jam sessions happening. Just north of Arambol are the deserted Keri beach and Tiracol Fort. It’s worth the walk there if you want total peace and privacy.

Location: North Goa, 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Mapusa and 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Pernem.

Baga & CalanguteCalangute Beach is the busiest and most commercial beach in Goa. It’s filled with foreigners tanning themselves on the endless rows of side-by-side sun lounges, and Indians who come to watch. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends, although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where. The beach is a bit less crowded and better developed than Calangute. A wide range of water sports are on offer. If you feel like indulging yourself with some fine food and wine, there are many upmarket restaurants in the area too. Baga is also well known for its nightlife, including the legendary Club Tito and Cafe Mambo.


BenaulimBenaulim Beach is only a short distance south of Colva Beach, but there’s a huge contrast between the two. Known for its fishing industry, it’s a beautiful and laid back stretch of beach. You won’t find any wild parties there, but water sports and dolphin sightseeing trips are on offer. It does get a little crowded around peak time in December, but head a bit further south down the beach and the quietness will be restored.

Location: South Goa, 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Marago and 41 kilometers (25 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Marago.

CandolimThe long straight stretch of Candolim Beach is lined with shacks and bars, which back onto scrub covered sand dunes. It’s a lively beach that has managed to retain its cleanliness, and even peacefulness in some areas, making it a good alternative to the maddeningly crowded Calangute and Baga. You’ll find plenty of tasty restaurants and happening nightspots in the area. Candolim Beach is right next to Aguada Fort, which is also worth a visit.


Chapora & VagatorVagator Beach, north of Anjuna, is the center of Goa’s trance party scene. The beach itself is located at the bottom of a steep cliff, and is divided into three sections -- Big Vagtor (the main stretch of beach, overrun by Indian tourists), Little Vagator (past the rocks, known as Tel Aviv Beach due to the number of Israelis there) and Ozran (Spagetthi Beach in the far south, dominated by Italians). Disco Valley is nearby. Accommodations at Vagator are inland instead of on the beach, with many people staying there long-term. Head to Nine Bar, high above Ozran beach, at sunset

for early evening partying.Location: North Goa, 9 kilometers (5 miles) from Mapusa and 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Thivim.

ColvaBusy Colva Beach is a favorite amongst domestic Indian tourists, and day-trippers arrive by the bus loads. On the weekend, the crowd explodes with locals as well. The beach also gets particularly busy in October, when hoards of pilgrims come and visit Colva Church. The area is well developed with plenty of budget hotels, beach shacks, food stalls, and small restaurants and bars. The development hasn’t however extended to nightlife, which is minimal apart from a few places. Overall, this beach really doesn’t have much to offer foreigners compared to other beaches in Goa.


Travelnetra.com 20

Mandrem, Morjim, & AsvemThe wide open beaches of Mandrem and Morjim are quite empty and isolated, and have limited facilities for visitors. You’ll find a few beach resorts, makeshift accommodations and camping facilities, but not much else. Many locals also let their homes out to tourists. These beaches are best known for their protected turtle population. Quite a bit of land in the area around Morjim and Asvem has been bought by Russians, who are settling there en mass. It’s possible to walk to Mandrem

from Arambol.Location: North Goa, 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Mapusa. The closest railway station is Pernem.

PalolemPicturesque Palolem Beach is a semi-circle shaped beach with shady palm trees and soft sand. Since it was discovered, it’s become backpacker heaven, and is getting busier and more crowded with each passing season. Fortunately, so far there remains an absence of any permanent structures on the beach. Instead you can stay in one of the the simple, temporary, coco huts that are erected there each year. Anyone looking for additional comforts will find them at the hotels and resorts a short distance from the beach. For bars and nightlife, head to the hectic southern end of the beach.

Location: South Goa, 43 kilometers (27 miles) from Marago and 76 kilometers (47 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway stations are Marago and Canacona.

PatnemPatnem Beach is no longer a well kept secret, but it’s still much quieter than nearby Palolem Beach, which is only a 20 minute walk away. This small beach, nestled between two cliffs, is a wonderful place to stay if you want to chill out but not be too far away from some decent nightlife in Palolem. You’ll find a range of gorgeous huts, with private bathrooms, to stay in right on the beach.

Location: South Goa, 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Marago and 78 kilometers (48 miles) from Panaji. The closest main railway station is Marago. Canacona is the local railway station nearby.

Varca, Cavelossim & MorborThese pristine and unspoilt fishing beaches are the territory of Goa’s luxury resorts. There are a few beach shacks, water sports, and local vendors but the beaches remain clean, and the sand white. Most of the nightlife happens at the resorts and includes live music, cultural performances, and casinos. You’ll also find a handful of low-key bars around Cavelossim.


The silver and golden beaches of Goa have strong undercurrents but tides are not very good for surfing. However, bathing in the rising and falling tides of Goa beaches provides an experience of the lifetime.

Although the best time to enjoy Goa beaches is in winters (October – February), they are no less luring during monsoon and summer. Summers can be humid but sitting near the beach during early morning, and late evenings can be breezy. The beaches are not fit for swimming or water sports summer but still you can bath when the undercurrents are not very strong.

Shacks, solace, fun, hustle-bustle, Goan beaches provide varied experiences to the tourists. Beach shacks in Goa add a lively touch to the sea shore. The shacks are small huts on the beach that are made of dried coconut plants, woods, etc. The shacks sell some tasty coastal food, drinks, and also artifacts. These shacks stay active till late night with live music, DJ, drinks, and food.

The beaches of Goa have everything required to make a vacation perfect. If you want to spend some personal moments with your family on beaches then there are some hotels that have their own private beaches meant to be used only by their guests.

Shopper’s Stop

Milestone Classic Airbag-168,50

SAVE ` 665MRP ` 1,899Offer Price ` 1234

Product Details A stylish, lightweight, expandable and sturdy airbag with premium fabric. A luggage trolley with lock and keys.Affordable price. Skid bars with polypropylene strips fitted at the back of the pullmans to offer protection to the wide back section.International sizes as per specifications laid down by airlines.Self repairing nylon zips. If the teeth come apart, simply zip the slider through the open section and the teeth interlock again.Separate laundry section situated in the lid of the case to house the used clothing. Roller blade wheels, made from high grade PVC which ensure years of durability. This Milestone product is made of high quality laboratory tested materials.A 1 year guarantee is offered against possible defects in material and workmanship.This piece of luggage undergoes strict quality tests like - Jolt test (for handles), Wheel test, Seam test, Zip test.

Dimensions: 11 x 11.5 x 19.5 inches (Depth x Height x Width).Warranty: 1 Year.Color : Olive Green.

Note: Service warranty for the product is available only at Big Bazaar Stores. Please present the product bill at the Customer Service Desk along with the product. To Locate your nearest Big Bazaar Store, click on ‘Store Locater’ on the Home Page of www.bigbazaar.com

Product Details Before there was the Swoosh, before there was Nike, there were two visionary men who pioneered a revolution in athletic footwear that redefined the industry. Originally known as “Blue Ribbon Sports”, Nike was founded by University of Oregon track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman in January 1964. The company initially operated as a distributor for Japanese shoe maker Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS), making most sales at track meets out of Knight’s automobile. Today, Nike continues to seek new and innovative ways to develop superior athletic products, and creative methods to communicate directly with its consumers. Nike Free, Nike+ and Nike Sphere are just three examples of this approach. The new integrated approach has become the cornerstone for Nike marketing and communications.

Type : Casual sports shoeGender : MaleMaterial : Synthetic mesh upperSole : PhylonUsage : Casual sports

Nike Sports Shoe, White-Grey

SAVE ` 800 MRP ` 2299 Offer Price ` 1499

Cash on Delivery

Cash on Delivery

Travelnetra.com 22

http://www.bigbazaar.com

We are a group from hyderbad. we need 33room deluxe a/c houseboat on 1st October 2011. anyone can help us plz contact - [email protected]

Hi, looking for a week’’s holiday in oct nov. in kerala. We would like a different experience. Await your suggestion. You can mail me to [email protected]

Desk

Request for a

Quote

August Events

• August - 11-13, 2011 HICC, Hyderabad, India

• August - 19-21, 2011 Ahmedabad, India

• August - 26-28, 2011 Surat, India

ADVERTISEyour

ClassifiedHere

Buy/SellTravel Related Stuffson Travelnetra E-mag

Travelnetra.com 24

Share your travel experience with photo, we will publish it

Send to [email protected]

Showcase

MakeMyTrip.com, India’s leading online travel company was founded in the year 2000 by Deep Kalra. Created to empower the Indian traveller with instant booking and comprehensive choices, the company began its journey in the US-India travel market. It aimed to offer a range of best-value products and services along with cutting-edge technology and dedicated round-the-clock customer support.After consolidating its position in the market as a brand recognised for its reliability and transparency, MakeMyTrip followed its success in the US by launching its India operations in 2005.

With the foresight to seize the opportunities in the domestic travel market, brought on by a slew of new airlines, MakeMyTrip offered travellers the convenience of online travel bookings at rock-bottom prices. Rapidly, MakeMyTrip became

the preferred choice of millions of travellers who were delighted to be empowered by a few mouse clicks!

MakeMyTrip’s rise has been lead by the vision and the spirit of each one of its employees, for whom no idea was too big and no problem too difficult. With untiring innovation and determination, MakeMyTrip proactively began to diversify its product offering, adding a variety of online and offline products and services. MakeMyTrip also stayed ahead of the curve by continually evolving its technology to meet the ever changing demands of the rapidly developing global travel market.Steadily establishing itself across India and the world, MakeMyTrip simultaneously nurtured the growth of its offline businesses like its franchises and affiliates simultaneously, augmenting the brand’s already strong retail presence further.

Today, MakeMyTrip is much more

than just a travel portal or a famous pioneering brand - it is a one-stop-travel-shop that offers the broadest selection of travel products and services in India. MakeMyTrip is the undisputed online leader, with its share of the travel market extending to more than 50% of all online sales, a fact evinced by the trust placed in it by millions of happy customers.Remaining reliable, efficient and at the forefront of technology, MakeMyTrip’s commitment and customer-centricity allows it to better understand and provide for its customers’ diverse needs and wants, and deliver consistently. With dedicated 24x7 customer support and offices in 20 cities across India and 2 international offices in New York and San Francisco (in addition to several franchise locations), MakeMyTrip is there for you, whenever and wherever.

on the way to success

Travelnetra.com 26

Jobs

Travel ChaCha is a growing company; we constantly need new IT professionals. Along with Professional skill we pay much attention to the application moral values; teamwork abilities. Below are basic requirements to on employees

Experience: 1- 2 yrs xperience The candidate’s responsibilities will be to develope, implement and manage the company’s advertising strategy, both from a business, sales and technical perspective. It is their job to Initiate and manage discussion and sales with sponsor and agencies, negotiate agreements with outside sales representatives, tie-ups, brand buildings, managing the development of sales materials, including media kits and group of advertising sales representatives

MEDIA MANAGER

HEAD OF MARKETING MBA, Having experience in advertising and marketing

MARKETING EXECUTIVES Marketing Executives for all major cities in india (In this Vacancy you will be responcible for marketing/ advertising in you own city)

CUSTOMER COORDINATORFemale Excellent written and spoken English is a must; basic knowledge of itineraries ; experience is a big plus.

send your resumes to : [email protected]

Try Recruitment Solutions from Travelnetra

EMPLOYER

• Post a job in easy steps and start receiving applications • Save time and receive most relevant responses• we are best placed to drive the most relevant jobseekers to your travel vacancies.• All our job seekers are relevant to the travel industry which means there is no wastage in your recruitment advertising costs and there is a greater chance of finding your perfect travel candidate.

Vacancies

to display your ads here mail us on [email protected]

• Get headhunted by top companies • get matching-job alerts from the tourism industry

J BSEEKERSto display your ads here mail us on [email protected] !!! its free

Travelnetra 27

Wheels

The Maruti Suzuki Eeco packs many a happy surprise in styling,

comfort, driving, and usage. Every aspect of the Maruti Suzuki

Eeco has been designed keeping your life and style in mind. From

the things you would expect from it as a family car, to how you

would like to use it in your work.

EECO was introduced in India by Maruti Suzuki during 2010.

This car is essentially an updated Versa, this is an urgent refresh

in lines with Maruti Suzuki not being able to come up with a

new minivan. EECO comes with 5 seater and 7 seater options.

EECO is equipped with advanced Engine Management System for

optimizing fuel efficiency and performance. It is branded by the

manufacturer as a perfect car for every occasion-a business trip or

a picnic with the loved ones

Happiness in many forms

Maruti Eeco resembles more or less same like the Versa. Minor upgrades in design are present which includes flat loading and a spacious bay, clear lens headlamps, new design tail lamps and fog lamps. Maruti Suzuki Eeco offers a perfect blend of

style and substance. Its bold design and stylish body graphics symbolise power and also give it a balanced look. Maruti Eeco’s

interiors are dual tone including the beige and grey. The digital meter cluster adds to the driver convenience as well as sophisticated

feel.

Maruti Eeco comes with sliding doors as you have already experienced in Omni van. The integrated headrests on the front seats for both driver and companion in the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, are not only stylish to look at, they also provide excellent comfort and support. In both the 5 seater and 7 seater options, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco offers roominess for all kinds of usage – for both personal and work related travel. The seats have been designed to maximise comfort and space for all.

Design & Interior

Engine & Fuel Economy

Maruti Eeco is powered by a 1196cc petrol engine with five speed manual transmission gearbox that produces maximum power of 73 Bhp at 6000 rpm with the maximum torque of 101 Nm at 3000 rpm. This 1196cc power-plant delivers high engine performance and acceleration with excellent fuel efficiency.

ARAI test report says that Maruti Eeco offers mileage of 15.1kmpl. Its refined five speed manual transmission gearbox with DSA (Diagonal Shift Assistance) technology offers noise-free gear change with out any break in continuity and improves gear-shifting of the car. The new engine of Eeco will be Bharat Stage IV compliant to meet the strict emission norms.

Large car comfort

Be it a short trip or picnic or a drive

to the market, things are always

best enjoyed when done with the

family. Imagine a car that is designed

keeping this in mind. That’s the

Maruti Suzuki Eeco for you!

Complementing its smart exteriors, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco has elegant new dual tone interiors.

Elegant Dual Tone Interiors

The Maruti Suzuki Eeco provides spacious interiors for both driver and others travelling in the car. Thereby adding to the overall comfort you feel in it.

Spacious Interiors

Travelnetra.com 30

Hotel Review

Ginger hotel is located in Pato Complex situated behind the KTC Panjim Bus Stand. It takes around 45 minutes from the airport and 1 hour from Margoa Railway station to reach the hotel. The location being central, travelers use the hotel to travel to North Goa, South Goa and to industrial hubs like Verna, Ponda.Ginger Goa, the one of the best budget hotel, has 137 self sufficient rooms and all the special features of Smart Basics™ such as Smart space™, Safe zone™, Conference Room, Gymnasium geared to make your stay comfortable and pleasant. At Ginger hotel in Goa all rooms are equipped with amenities such as Mini-fridge, LCD TV, Self-controlled A/c, Tea and Coffee maker and Telephone. Ginger Goa has a conference room that can take up to 100 people.

Facilities• Net Zone • Gymnasium • Safe zone(TM) • Give ‘n’ take(TM)• Water dispenser • Self check-in• Smart space(TM) rooms • Restaurant• Conference room • Cafe Coffe Day • In Room Dinning

www.gingerhotels.com

How to ReachFrom the Bus Stand (Vasco and KTC, Margao):From the Vasco Bus Stand travel via Chicalim towards Zuari.Take the Zuari bridge to get onto the NH 17. Go 13 km North on NH 17 to reach the KTC Bus Stand. From the KTC Bus Stand in Margao, travel 30 km North towards the KTC Bus Stand at Panjim . Ginger is located in Pato Complex situated behind the KTC Panjim Bus Stand.

From the Railway Station (Vasco and Margao):From the Vasco Railway Station travel via Chicalim towards Zuari. Take the Zuari bridge to get onto the NH 17. Go 13 km North on NH 17 to reach the KTC Bus Stand.From the Margao Railway Station move towards the KTC Bus Stand. From the KTC Bus Stand in Margao, travel 30 km North towards the KTC Bus Stand at Panjim. Ginger is located in Pato Complex situated behind the KTC Panjim Bus Stand.

From the Airport (Dabolim):From the Dabolim Airport travel via Chicalim towards Zuari. Take the Zuari bridge to get onto the NH 17. Go 13 km North on NH 17 to reach the KTC Bus Stand. Ginger is located in Pato Complex situated behind the KTC Panjim Bus Stand.

About.5 minutes from the bus stands, and 45 minutes from Railway Stations and the Airport, Ginger Goa is in the heart of the town, and eases your access to various tourist spots.

Address: Ginger Goa, Plot No. 37, 38, SGO Complex, EDC, Pato, Near Passport Office, Panjim-403 001, GoaPhone: +91 832 664 3333 / Fax: +91 832 665 6336 .

Email: [email protected]

Travelnetra.com 32

Documents

Travelnetra E mag