Unforgettable Delhi

As Delhi prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in six months, we explore some of the city’s most colourful attractions from sari shopping to Bollywood dancing.

Shop for a sari
Shopping for a sari, the traditional garment worn by Indian women, is a truly memorable experience. With hundreds of colourful fabrics (usually cotton or silk) and patterns to choose from, the experience could take up an entire afternoon, so allow plenty of time. Fortunately, shops usually serve tea or soda to refresh you while you make up your mind. Support local villagers and buy khadi (hand-spun cloth). Shops selling unique, handcrafted khadi fabrics, shirts, clothes and products can be found all over Delhi.

A flash in the pan
Boasting 4,500 years of hygiene history, Sulabh International Toilet Museum is one place in Delhi where you won't need to queue for the loo. An extensive collection of privies, chamber pots and water closets in use since AD1145 are on display, including a beautifully decorated Austrian golden toilet and an electric chamber pot for use on chilly nights. Quirky photographs, poems, trivia (apparently King Louis XIII had a commode under his throne) and artefacts provide yet more washroom wisdom.

Website: www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org

Explore ancient alleys
You'll find quirky on every corner of Delhi's oldest street, Chandni Chowk, also Asia's largest wholesale marketplace. The area's centuries-old, narrow, bustling, and bewildering lanes are not for the faint-hearted which is why a rickshaw is the best way to negotiate the hubbub. Those that do venture into this market will enjoy a melting pot of Old Delhi life, with everything from pigeon flyers to the hidden world of eunuchs. Watch calligraphers practise their painstaking yet elegant art; marvel at precious stones in the jewellers' lane, Dariba Kalan, and admire garlands made from gold and currency notes in Kinari Bazaar, the wedding street.

Learn to dance Bollywood-style
Forget Pineapple Dance Studios. Try and follow in the footsteps of a Bollywood movie star under the tuition of Rahul Verma, one of Delhi's leading choreographers, who claims he can teach students basic moves in just two hours. Made up of numerous dance forms from Indian classical to bhangra, hip-hop and jazz, a Bollywood dance lesson will ensure you can strutt your stuff no matter which club you're in. At the very least, you'll be able to impress your friends back home.

Website: www.bollywoodnaach.com

Let your mind unfurl...
Architecture doesn't get more quirky than the Lotus Temple. The expressionist flower design of this Bahá'í temple consists of 27 free-standing marble clad ‘petals' arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. Bahá'í laws state that the temple must be open to everyone regardless of religion. Visit the exhibition or watch a film in the information centre to learn more about the faith celebrated in this elegant Delhi building, which attracts more visitors than either the Taj Mahal or Eiffel Tower. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1730.

...or your body uncurl
If the cross-legged lotus position is more your thing, where better to reconnect with yourself than in India, the birthplace of yoga? Whether you are interested in Ashtanga, Bikram, Hata or Kundalini, Delhi boasts countless yoga and meditation centres offering in-depth courses and drop-in classes. Ask your hotel or home-stay host to direct you to the nearest centre, then pop into a class or arrange a private session.

Throw together a picnic
India Gate, the country's largest war memorial, is Delhi's top spot for a picnic at the weekend and offers a real carnival atmosphere. Join the throng of locals who congregate with their family and friends on the lawns surrounding Lutyen's masterpiece on balmy, summer evenings, while kids enjoy the children's park. Tuck into tongue-tingling samosas or paranthes (unleavened flat breads) stuffed with vegetables and washed down by cooling cumin-flavoured lassi (yoghurt-based drink). Watch out for the hawkers selling weird and wonderful souvenirs.

Enjoy food for a steal
Restaurants don't come any funkier than Chor Bizarre, which roughly translated means Thieves Market. This Delhi restaurant is decorated with an eclectic mix of wares that, true to the restaurant's name, have been collected with or without the consent of their owners. Part art, part kitsch, they include a four-poster dining table, olde-worlde film star pictures and an antiquated car on which food is served. The music is a mix of Hindi and 1950s western tunes and the food is as bizarre as the décor. Try the traditional Kashmiri Wazwan dishes and the all-you-can-eat buffet, which is good value at 425 INR (£6).

Website: www.chorbizarrerestaurant.com

Saintly music
Saunter down to the Sufi Dargah (mausoleum) of Hazrat Nizamuddin between 1700-1900 and listen to the entrancing sounds of qawaali singing. Thursday evenings at this venerated Sufi shrine are particularly popular, with throngs of people providing a fair-like atmosphere. On special days like the annual holiday Urs each April, people come from all over the world to absorb this rare musical style, believed to be imparted by the saints. Tour operators like TransIndus organise weekly outings in Delhi to the shrine.

Author: Kathryn Liston

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/feature/314/index/Unforgettable-Delhi.html#ixzz0krJkj7wf

Travel diary 2010

Now that spring has finally sprung we are full of the holiday spirit. Check out our top destinations and events for the year ahead, from an alternative city break in Berne to exploring the Alaskan wildlife.

April

Follow the action: Amsterdam will be gearing up for its annual Queen's Day celebrations with the Orange Festival at the end of the month (30 April). Street parties take over the laid-back streets, parks and squares, with thousands of revellers cavorting in orange wigs, capes, feather boas and body paint.

Take it easy: Base yourself in a cosy country cottage and explore the landscape and folklore of Cornwall as it blooms into spring. The Lizard Peninsula in the south and the Tintagel caves in the north have ruggedly romantic seascapes, or venture onto the wilds of Bodmin Moor and enjoy a drink at haunted Jamaica Inn.

May

Follow the action: Head to Manhattan in spring when there is less heat on the city streets and shorter queues for the main attractions than in the humid and busy summer months. Join the art buffs, students and curious tourists at the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit in West Village (29-31 May).

Take it easy: Leaves are starting to fall from the trees at the Berenty Reserve in Madagascar, making it easier to spot the bright eyes and bushy tailed lemurs. Treat yourself to a ‘soft' adventure package with plush accommodation, minimal driving and an easy tour pace.

June

Follow the action: Forget the UK's more corporate summer events - for an authentic festival experience, join the summer equinox celebrations at Stonehenge in Wiltshire (20 - 21 June). Mystical vibes are in the air during the free all-nighter when hundreds gather around the ancient stones to see the sun rise.

Take it easy: At this time of year the Florida Keys has all the perks of a big summer resort but without the heaving crowds. The waters around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West will be warm enough to explore the beautiful living-coral barrier reef.

July

Follow the action: Caribbean and Latin culture make an exotic mix in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Locals love their live music all year round but party fever really takes over during the Festival of Fire (2 - 12 July). Rum flows freely as colourful floats pass by and conga lines wind through the historic streets.

Take it easy: If you're after an inexpensive beach break close to home, Croatia is just over two hours away from the UK. It's got miles of coastline and islands, and sea and land temperatures reach a glorious 28°C (83°F) at this time of year.

August

Follow the action: If you're after thrills and spills, winter season is well underway in Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island in August. Of course it's famous for bungy jumps and late night fun, but it's the perfect time for skiing or snowboarding on Mount Coronet and The Remarkables if you can't wait for the European winter season.

Take it easy: For a lazy mid-summer trip take a short ferry ride over to Brittany, northern France. With a similar climate to the UK, now is the time to enjoy its rugged coastline and seafood banquets. Explore the region by hire car and stay in guest houses along the way.

September

Follow the action: For live wildlife action book a tour to Admiralty Island National Monument in Alaska to see brown bears hunting for wild salmon. If that's not enough action, go native and paddle the canoe route from Angoon village to Mole Harbour.

Take it easy: Tranquillity can be found on the west coast of Ireland at any time of year, but why not combine your stay with the Galway International Oyster Festival (23-26 September). The slippery delicacy is served with Guinness and champagne at various events, including the Oyster Opening Championship on the opening day and Magnificent Mardi Gras Party.

October

Follow the action: No where celebrates Halloween like America and liberal San Francisco is the place to go for ghoulish parties and parades. The vibrant neighbourhood of Castro is host to the biggest and gaudiest parade of revellers.

Take it easy: Australia's wide-screen landscapes make it perfect driving country. Take advantage of the mid-spring climate to cruise along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Hair-pin bends wind around awesome cliff-side views, including the sight of the Twelve Apostles - huge eroded limestone rocks jutting up from the sea. Laid-back beach towns and national parks provide plenty of pit-stops.

November

Follow the action: Swap murky UK skies for crisp Swiss vistas and take a trip to its historical capital Bern. With stately medieval architecture and elegant hotels it has all the ingredients for a civilised city break. But watch out, the annual Onion Festival (22 November) will add a pungent twist to your stay as 700 onion-wielding stalls line the streets.

Take it easy: With the summer season just starting, Natures Valley on South Africa's east coast can be enjoyed in relative peace. Remote beaches are lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, and indigenous trees tower over lagoons and rivers. Stay close to nature at one of the many comfortable lodges and guest houses in the valley.

December

Follow the action: Feed your festive anticipation by taking a coach or plane to Germany and visiting the Christmas markets. Stock up on traditional crafts and delicacies at the open-air markets of Cologne, Aachen, and Koblenz. Whilst there, take in the wintery splendour of the Rhineland's countryside and dreamy Barvarian castles.

Take it easy: Egypt's pyramids are a tourist draw throughout the year, but if you want to avoid the stress of heat and crowds go in December. The Nile Valley still enjoys average temperatures of 20°C-26°C (68°F-79°F) so you can pack light, just take some warm tops for the evening.

Author: Louise Jones

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/feature/313/index/Travel-diary-2010.html#ixzz0kObFWp59

Spring beach breaks

If you can't wait until summer to get your sun and sand fix, here are some ideas to help you enjoy the beach without the crowds or the searing heat.

Best for romance: Antigua and Barbuda

Average daily temperature in April: 26°C (78°F).
Why go? Caribbean tourism starts to slow at this time of year so April is perfect for an affordable tropical getaway. The island of Antigua has a beach for every day of the year, so there are plenty to choose from. Jabberwock Beach on the northeastern coast is a swath of white sand with warm waters that are perfect for a relaxing swim. The island of Barbuda is renowned for its wild beauty and deserted beaches - ideal for a romantic escape. Head to Palm Beach and laze on the shimmering spectacle of pink-tinged sand. It's only accessible by boat so pack a picnic and enjoy the solitude with the one you love.
Insider tip: Take an excursion to Great Bird Island from Dickenson Bay. Glass-bottomed boats afford leisurely views of the reef, and a restored pirate ship sails around the island, taking passengers for day or evening trips.

Best for families: North Cyprus

Average daily temperature in April: 23°C (74°F).
Why go? Sunny days dominate the endless stretches of coastline in this Turkish-Cypriot part of the island. Take your pick from secluded spots, sandy beaches and rocky coves, overlooked by the pine-clad Kyrenia Mountains. Head off the beaten track and you'll find Alagadi Turtle Beach, which can be enjoyed in spring before the nesting season - you may even see a turtle or two splashing around. Silver Beach in Famagusta has warm, shallow waters so is very safe for children, and the nearby ancient ruins will keep both the kiddies and adult explorers entertained.
Insider tip: Jump in a hire car with your beach gear and head for the Karpaz Peninsula for your pick of secluded spots for a relaxing family picnic.

Best for diving: Egypt

Average daily temperature in April: 25°C (77°F).
Why go? The richly coloured coral and marine life of the Red Sea is a magnet to visitors during Egypt's sweltering summer season. Go there before June and you'll have more room to stretch your limbs and snorkel in the calm, clear waters. Sharm el Sheikh has all the facilities of a popular tourist resort with diving schools to get you started and trips for more experienced divers.
Insider tip: If you prefer low-key lounging, head up the coast to the natural beauty of Nuweiba. Find shade under a thick palm grove and cool-off the shallow bay near the ruins of a Turkish fort.

Best for luxury: Dubai

Average daily temperature in April: 33°C (91°F).
Why go? April is a great time to head to the desert coast with warm temperatures offset by a cooling breeze. Exclusive resort-style hotels are in abundance, and you can bag luxury for less at this time of year. A long stretch of powdery white sand along Jumeirah Road provides the main beach area. It's divided into sections and owned by private hotels (non-guests can pay to use them), as well as public areas such as Al Mamzar Park. Swimming in this part of the Arabian Sea is a unique experience, with a stunning architectural backdrop of hotels that would make any urban city proud.
Insider tip: Take a break from the beach and stroll through the cooling wind towers, cafés and art galleries of the pretty Bastakiya Quarter.

Best for nature: Bulgaria (Black Sea)

Average daily temperature in April: 23°C (74°F).
Why go? Head to Bulgaria's south eastern coastline and enjoy a comfortable climate and picturesque surrounds. Abundant woodland provides shade and contrast to the swathes of golden sand along the Black Sea coast. St. Konstantin is one of many resorts tucked between the foliage and the sea, with a parkland setting and a local monastery as its namesake. Golden Sands boasts the largest beach, with surrounding parkland sloping down to the sea.
Insider tip: Nearby hot springs and mineral baths will give your skin a complete detox after soaking in the calm seawater.

Best for exclusivity : Taormina, Sicily

Average daily temperature in April: 20°C (68°F).
Why go? Taormina is Sicily's most famous, upmarket and exclusive resort and is starting to warm up nicely in the spring months. The area has several coves and grottoes that can be explored and beach resorts are sheltered between a rocky mountain range and the Ionian Sea - ideal for grabbing a secluded spot. Hop on a cable car to reach the pebble beaches of Isola Bella and Mazzaro. In the summer the beaches are heaving but in April and May visitors can take a more leisurely approach to bagging a sunbed.
Insider tip: Feel like a star for the night and stay at the San Domenico Palace Hotel. Built on the site of a 15th-century monastery, the hotel is one of the finest in Italy, offering opulence and luxury with a superb restaurant, piano bar and heated pool with a wonderful view of Mount Etna and the bay below.

Author: Louise Jones

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/feature/302/index/Spring-beach-breaks-.html#ixzz0jzlLb9Q0