Panchkula is a potential market for SOTC which has been growing consistently year on year with significant progress. In an attempt to reach the optimum potential of this market and strive to provide the best pre & post tour experience to customers, SOTC Travel announced the launch of their franchise office in Manimajra, Panchkula. It is in the main residential hub of Panchkula and will offer consumer friendly travel and travel related value added services.

On this occasion, Mr. Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “We have observed a significant increase in enquiries and bookings from Chandigarh in recent times and it has been growing consistently year on year. We are excited to announce the opening of our newest SOTC franchise in Panchkula, where the demand for travel and travel related services will be facilitated. With the growth witnessed in the experiential travel segment, the new franchise office will offerpersonalized services with flexible holiday options that cater to the new age traveller. Apart from bringing in new destinations, we have added new experiences and products to top destinations. With packages that add value for money, combined with the patented superior service put forth by the brand,we look forward to introducing innovative travel offerings in line with local requirements in the near future”

The new franchise office of SOTC at Panchkula will be mentored by Surbhi. She has more than 9 years of experience in tourism industry and has travelled extensively around the globe exploring various tourist destinations. At the inauguration, Surbhi added “Travel packages which comes with personal experience suggestions always add more value to the clients. I am happy to get associated with SOTC and will ensure that our travellers will be our brand ambassadors”. She further added that leisure recreations offered through our experience portal “On the Go” such as trekking, jungle camps etc. are attracting tourists from Panchkula. Leisure combined with spiritual journeys is an interesting trend seen with travellers these days.

 About SOTC Travel

SOTC Travel Limited (Formerly SOTC Travel Pvt. Ltd.) is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Group; held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC India is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel and Foreign Exchange.

SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted lakhs of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.

The post SOTC TRAVEL EXPANDS BUSINESS OPERATIONS WITH OPENING OF ITS NEW FRANCHISE AT PANCHKULA appeared first on The Correspondent.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal a state which increases the beauty of India. It has many hill stations in it but Manali is one of the best hill stations in India. Mostly everyone has visited gto Manali once but still it’s cool weather  tempts everyone to visit it again. Some of the best places to visit in Manali are the Beas Kund Trek, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Baths, Hampta Pass trek, Van Vihar .

Tawang, Arunachal pradesh

 With Tibet in its north, Sela range in east and Bhutan in Southwest Tawang is beautifully located at the height of 10000 feet.Moatsu a three day festival of Tawang is celebrated in May for ending of sowing period. Best time to visit Tawang is September to March.

Dandeli, Karnataka

If you love thrilling sports and water then Dandeli is the best spot for you to visit in these summers. Covered with lush green forest and Kali river banks This hill station is the perfect combo of wildlife, scenic beauty and adventure sport. It is known for Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Kavala Caves.

Auli, Uttarakhand

Covered with snow draped Mountains and Dotted with apple orchard old oaks and pine trees Auli is a hill station in Uttarakhand famous for skiing. As a hill station instead of skiing we can also enjoy trekking at the mountains of Garhwal range. Auli was also popular at the time of East India Company.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Rajasthan is considered as one of the hottest place in summers but Mount Abu is the only Hill station in Rajasthan. It has cool atmosphere and Lush green surroundings which makes it a good place to visit in summers. One can also take part in the famous Summer festival of Abu that takes place every June. This two Day Festival showcases the high culture of Rajasthan.

Leh Ladakh, Jammu Kashmir

Ladakh is considered as Heaven of India. It is the land of mesmerizing landscapes with fabulous Culture. It has great tourist attraction because of Beautiful monasteries, picturesque locations and interesting markets defining the culture of Ladakh. The places to visit in Ladakh are Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, Leh Palace, Tso Moriri, Zanskar Valley. It is also Famous for Chang an alcoholic beverage drunk specially on any occasion.

Amarnath, Jammu & Kashmir

What is better than a full family tour place where you can take minors as well as adults too. Amarnath is the perfect Destination for all those who are interested  in Staying at a cold place as well as it is also perfect for Lord Shiva devotees because it has Amarnath Cave in which a ice shivlinga creates appears every year. This is to be said for this place that Lord Shiva told Goddess Parvati his secret of Eternity at this place only and this place is considered as pilgrimage for Shiva devotees

So these are the places where you can visit these summers. So make your plan and go for fun!!!!!

The Correspondent Bureau

The post Vacations at these stations appeared first on The Correspondent.

Get behind the scenes in Bollywood

After opening its exclusive doors only to actors for decades, Film City Studio in Mumbai has now partnered with the state tourism department to offer visitors a chance to step into their favourite Bollywood movies, or at least the sets where they were filmed.

One of India’s largest film studios, Film City offers weekend bus tours to both indoor and outdoor shooting sets for such hit movies such as Shah Rukh Khan’s Happy New Year and Josh, to name just a few. Visitors can get lucky with snapping photographs of celebrities too, as stars regularly visit the canteen on the premises.

For a more detailed look at the industry, tour companies such as Viator, Mumbai Film City Tours and Thrillophilia offer group tours giving insight into different aspects of Indian film-making, including its history and growth, the technical processes of editing and dubbing, and iconic movie locations. As in Los Angeles, you can also take a tour of the lavish, or sometimes humble, homes where some of India’s top cinema stars live or were born. Khaki Tours and the Mumbai Darshan Tour (run by Maharashtra Tourism) are reliable options.

Hit the Mumbai theater trail

Mumbai historians take pride in the fact that the very first Indian movie, Raja Harishchandra, filmed in 1913 by Dadasaheb Phalke using cameras, lights and projectors shipped over from Europe and America, has its origins in the city. In the heyday of Indian cinema that followed the end of WWII, Sandhurst Road – today occupied by the railway lines of the Harbour local line – stretched from Girgaum Chowpatty to Dongri, lined with the grandest movie theatres of its time: the Olympia, the Coronation, the New Alhambra, the Majestic.

Most of these have vanished or now stand as forlorn shells, lost in time, owing to the onslaught of multiplex culture. However, a handful can still be visited, screening mostly obscure regional movies, in a setting of decaying art-deco grandeur. Cinephiles should seek out the Alfred Theatre near Kamathipura, or the nostalgically dilapidated Nishant Talkies, New Roshan Talkies and Moti Talkies, dating from the transition away from silent films, dotted between Grant Road and Sandhurst Road.

To catch newly launched Bollywood movies in a classic theatre setting, head to the graceful, art deco Regal Cinema on Colaba Causeway, the rocketship-shaped Eros at Churchgate, or the Metro INOX Cinema(originally built and run by MGM, the Hollywood Studio), still sitting pretty at Marine Lines.

Having completed the movie theatre trail, tourists can head to the recently reopened Royal Opera House near Girgaum Chowpatty, an architectural marvel from 1912. As well as hosting the opera talent of its day, the place is also credited with being the making of the Kapoor Khandaan family, the first proper Bollywood dynasty, who grew up watching stage shows and musicals at the opera house in the dying days of the Raj.

Locations, locations, locations

Unless you have an encyclopedic knowledge of Bollywood films, it may help to hire a guide, or at least a taxi and driver, to explore the most prominent landmarks in the city that have doubled up as movie locations. Start with the Gateway of India and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel – settings for many a Bollywood dance routine – or head to the Colaba and Bora Bazaar markets that featured prominently in Aamir Khan’s Talaash and Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol respectively.

Film-makers have long been drawn to the scenic promenade of Marine Drive, where parts of the motorcycle action thriller Dhoom, 2003 comedy-drama Munnabhai MBBS, and coming-of-age film Wake Up Sid was filmed. There’s something undeniably cinematic about the crowds of young Mumbaikers gathering on the edge of the urban sprawl to soak up the fresh breezes and calming sunrises and sunsets. Come in the wee hours of the morning, when the city wakes up.

Next, head on to Bandra, the swanky northern suburb whose boutiques, bars and restaurants cater to many movie stars and icons of the industry. Stroll around Bandstand, Carter Road, Chapel Road, Pali-Hill and the Worli Sea Link and you may spot a star or two in the flesh.

Alternatively, wander through the surrounding backroads and narrow by-lanes, where you’ll stumble across larger-than-life murals depicting classic Bollywood movies, such as the 1960 historical drama masterpiece Mughal-E-Azam and superstars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema.

Off-Beat Bollywood Locations

Not all movie locations are glamorous. A number of agencies run trips to the vast slum area of Dharavi, where parts of Slumdog Millionaire were shot. This doesn’t have to be an intrusive experience. however. On the best trips, guides from the community will introduce you to local people and explain not just the area’s significance to Bollywood, but also how its fame has helped residents transform their lives. In the process, you’ll be providing work and income for Dharavi residents.

Another interesting spot is the Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghat, where thousands of washermen make their daily living pummelling the laundry of city residents in concrete washtubs in the open air. Bollywood paid tribute to their energetic trade in the namesake movie Dhobi Ghat.

Any list of popular movie locations in Mumbai would be incomplete without a mention of its beaches: Juhu, Girgaum Chowpatty, and Aksa beaches. An untold number of films have set their stars on the sand, with Juhu the beach of choice for cast-of-hundreds song-and-dance numbers. See it in its prime in the 1971 Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan flick Anand.

There’s one more cinematic experience we shouldn’t overlook. Film-makers periodically drop by Apollo Bunder and the cheap backpacker guesthouses of Colaba when they need extras for crowd scenes, offering a modest daily payment in exchange for a fascinating glimpse at how Bollywood works from in front of the camera.

The Correspondent Bureau

The post Light, Camera and Action: Exploring Cinematic Mumbai appeared first on The Correspondent.

Think of Colorado as an extreme adventure playground for anyone up for the challenge. So summon up your inner dare-devil and check out our list of six heart-thumping activities – if you dare.

Ice Climbing 

During the winter season (which generally ends in the last week of April), many Colorado rock climbers turn to ice climbing, where they use sharp picks and footwear to ascend frozen waterfalls. The sport is particularly popular in Ouray, which is home to the world’s first official ice park. This man-made ice park offers over 200 ice and mixed climbs. Be warned: you to be fit, have plenty of stamina and well trained as this will challenge your endurance levels.

Uphill Skiing

Uphill skiing may sound like hard work and that’s because it is. This involves skiers using special skins on the bottom of their skis, which allows them to hike up the mountains before descending the slopes. It is an intense workout but is popular with locals at various resorts across Colorado but especially Aspen Snowmass. You can join residents who wake up before sunrise to uphill ski before the lifts.

Fat Biking

Fat biking refers to the size of the wheels, not the riders. The bikes come with tyres that are between 4–5 inches thick so that they are able to tackle snowy trails. The width of the tyres allows the bikes to glide across the snow with ease, allowing riders to cycle in weather conditions a regular road bike cannot.

One of the state’s best fat biking spots is Leadville where multiple trails vary in length and difficult. Bear in mind though that you will need a lot of puff regardless of which trail you use. Leadville is Colorado’s second highest city at 10,150 feet tall, so the thin air makes for a challenging experience.

White Water Rafting

Colorado’s rivers and climate make for superb white water rafting conditions, particularly in spring once the snow has melted away. All ages and abilities can take part but those really seeking a challenge can head to the Arkansas River, which offers some of the most advanced rapids in the state.

Hiking

There are seven mountain ranges, four national parks and 41 state parks in Colorado which provide ample opportunities for hiking. One hike which stands out against them all is the Via Ferrata in Telluride, where travellers are suspended 500 feet above the ground to scale a giant cliff face. The trail is two and a half miles long and its most exposed section, aptly titled the Main Event, involves hikers navigating narrow iron pegs that extend from the cliff face. The hike can be tackled alone or with a guide.

Sandboarding

A desert landscape isn’t usually something people would associate with Colorado but the Great Sand Dunes National Park provides exactly that. There are over 40,000 acres of sand dunes at the park, which are framed by contrasting, snow-capped mountains in the distance. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at sandboarding on the dunes, the highest of which reaches an impressive 750 feet.

The post 6 Incredible Adventures In Colorado, USA appeared first on The Correspondent.

It’s intriguing to see how this international presence blends with the bustle of a modern Indian city, and the antiquity found in well-preserved attractions like Chowmahalla Palace and Charminar Mosque.

Charminar   

Built in the 16th century to mark the end of the plague, the exquisitely crafted mosque of Charminar is now the landmark of Hyderabad. It stands proudly at the centre of a busy junction, but there’s plenty of nearby pedestrianised areas to gawp at it in safety. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque. Open 9am-5.30pm daily.

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort was originally built in the 12th century but grew to become a complex of palaces, defences and temples. Climb up its hill to survey Hyderabad in all its glory, or head to the Queen’s Palace at 7 pm for a sound and light show. Open 8am-5.30pm daily.

Chowmahalla Palace 

Formerly the residence of the Nizam monarchs of Hyderabad, Chowmahalla Palace features four major buildings within well-kept gardens and courtyards. Begin at the impressive Durbar Hall, decorated with huge chandeliers dripping with Belgian crystal, and work your way around the exhibitions of regal finery. Open 10 am–5 pm daily, closed Fridays.

Salar Jung Museum

Allow a few hours to explore the Salar Jung museum – with nearly 100,000 rare items on display, it’s one of the largest museums in India. Its Quran collection is the largest draw, but the Indian jade daggers and Veiled Rebecca by Giovanni Maria Benzoni are other highlights. Open 10am-5pm daily closed Fridays.

Where to stay

Decent hotels are affordable to even those on meagre budgets. To start, try lemon tree hotels, the Premier Inn of India. Its budget-friendly prices are achieved with economies of scale and a no-fuss approach to clean and modern accommodation. Doubles from Rs3,390 (£37), B&B. For those on a stricter budget, sister brand Red Fox is just the ticket. Doubles from Rs2,499 (£28), B&B

Where to eat

First thing’s first: you can’t leave Hyderabad without trying its biryani. This is where the Mughal one-pot dish was popularised and it’s still hugely celebrated. Biryani is a speciality at Shadab (0091 780 976 6659), where patrons can see the chefs at work as they wait for their dish, priced at around Rs270 (£3). Open 5am-2am daily. 

For indecisive visitors, flechazo is a buffet-style eatery that serves Mediterranean-Asian fusion food – expect made-to-order pizza, chaats on a conveyor belt like a sushi bar, ice cream prepared with liquid nitrogen and much more. This one needs booking in advance. Open 11.30am-4pm and 6.30pm-midnight daily.

Where to drink

Given the quality of homebrewed chai, neighbourhood cafes are revised into more grandiose propositions like chit chat chai. Its creamy masala chai is a must, but it also serves concoctions like banana walnut lassi, kiwi and green apple ice tea and Oreo chai frappe, alongside breakfast food. Open 8.30am weekends/10am weekdays-midnight.

For something a little stronger, Heart Cup Coffee in Jubilee Hills not only gives a caffeine hit but turns into a buzzy bar with live music as day turns into night. Open 10.30am-midnight daily.

Where to shop

Known as the City of Pearls, Hyderabad’s jewellery stores are the sole reason for many a visit – a pearl earring and necklace set begins at around £50. It’s possible to find a bargain in the Punjagutta area, busy with shops selling pearls and gemstones, but Mangatrai jewellers provide more assurance. Diamonds, for example, come with a certificate, and there’s no haggling on the already reasonable price. 

Elsewhere, Laad Baazar is found at the foot of Charminar, selling bangles, costume jewellery, bridalwear and household goods. It’s an experience to take it all in, but not necessarily a place you’ll find a perfect memento of the trip.

The post Hyderabad City Guide: Where To Eat, Drink, Shop And Stay appeared first on The Correspondent.

The post Love beaches: The World’s 5 Best Beaches appeared first on The Correspondent.

The post Five things to do in Nainital appeared first on The Correspondent.