Netrani: The unexplored paradise

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Travel/20110527_netrani.html Experience 'aha' moments of discovery while snorkelling or scuba diving in Netrani's crystal clear waters, says Swetha Amit, who experienced several such moments

Discovering a hidden jewel of a surreal getaway is no doubt a delightful experience. One tends to feel like Christopher Columbus when he stumbled upon a mighty continent during his quest. The only difference was that this was an island, Netrani or  Pigeon Island as it is called, tucked away deep inside the Arabian Sea. Its crystal clear waters vied with that of international holiday destinations. The rich marine life beneath the waves at Netrani took our breaths away. Little did we know that our diving certification course would turn into a fun expedition? When our instructor suggested the idea of finishing our course in a small seaside town in Indian waters, we were thrilled. This was despite the fact that the facilities offered would be very limited. The spirit of adventure surpassed that of expectations of luxury and we geared up for an exciting experience. After a rather tiring overnight journey from Mumbai, we landed up in the small town of Murudeshwar, which is on the Karnataka coast. We were greeted by the soft murmur of waves and a giant statue of Lord Shiva. After getting adequate rest, we assembled at the diving equipment shop the next day. One with fishermen: After setting up our scuba diving gear, we boarded the boats that would ferry us to the dive spots. We were surprised to see that fishing boats were our transportation. With mixed feelings of apprehension and excitement, the five of us managed to climb on to the boats. The ride proved to be smooth, being blessed with good weather and friendly waves. The sparkling water at our dive spots left us gaping in awe. After essential instructions by our instructor, we soon jumped into the water one by one, lead by our guide. After relaxing for a few minutes on the surface, we proceeded to head down slowly and steadily. A different kind of nursery: This particular dive site was quite shallow in comparison to others, making it dive-friendly for beginners. We landed on gravel. After performing a few manoeuvres for our dive completion certificate, we proceeded to swim around in this little world. Colourful coral were present in abundance making it a strikingly resplendent world. We saw a giant moray eel burrowed in gravel beside some rocks. Varied schools of fish swam past us. The clownfish stood out among them, and was easily identifiable from the movie ‘Finding Nemo’. Our first dive lasted for around forty minutes before we headed back to our boats. After a lunch break, we did our second dive and exhibited a few more of our skills before our day ended. A rollercoaster ride: The boat ride on the second day was a rather bumpy one. The waves were restless and choppy. As we cruised along, the boat rocked to and fro and made us feel like we were on a rocking chair. One needs to anticipate such rides and ensure that one hasn't had a heavy meal. The other alternative is taking medications for sea sickness. We finally managed to reach our dive spot, a different one this time. It was called the Grand Central Station. After the usual set of instructions, we jumped into the sea ready to test our skills and explore the marine life beneath. The Grand Central Station: We were given a warm welcome by the fish as soon as we landed. This was a different underwater haven altogether and busier in comparison to the Nursery. No wonder it was called the Grand Central. The dive site lived up to its name with variety in the shapes, sizes and colours of marine life. It was bordered by a gentle slope of corals, which gave it a fairy tale setting. As we ventured deeper, we were greeted by long barracudas that resembled pikes, with sharp, prominent, fang-like teeth. We also saw numerous parrot fish that added colour to the waters. Their bodies were thick and large with rough scales; prominent parrot-shaped mouths gave them their name. As we continued swimming, we spotted a pair of antennae sticking out from a crevice in a rock. It was a shy baby lobster which refused to venture out from its abode. Lobsters are known to be nocturnal by nature. Our 35-minute dive came to an end as we headed towards the surface for a break before our last dive. Our last dive for the day replicated our earlier one. We soon headed back to the shores on another rollercoaster ride. On dry land: We returned our equipment to the dive shop and headed back to the hotel feeling rather tired after a long day. We completed our written examination and were officially certified scuba divers. Having time on our hands, we decided to cruise around the small town of Murudeshwar. There seemed to be nothing much besides the temple of Lord Shiva and a busy marketplace. The temple was beautiful, well constructed and serene. After paying our homage to the deities, we proceeded to examine the marketplace. After which, we headed back to our hotel for dinner and a good sleep before boarding our train the next day. Netrani is ideal for those interested in either snorkelling or scuba diving. It is also a good weekend getaway from the bustling life of metropolitan cities. The entire trip was a relaxing one and made us wonder how many such destinations existed in India that were waiting to be explored. How to get to Netrani By air: Mangalore is the nearest airport, which is about 165 km from Murudeshwar. Other airports include Panaji and Hubli. By rail: Murudeshwar is the nearest railway station, which can be reached by trains from either Mumbai or Mangalore. By road: Netrani is well connected from Bhatkal, Karwar, Mangalore, Kollur and even Bangalore. Where to stay RNS Residency provides decent accommodation for a weekend. The rooms are clean. Meals are fresh and served on time. It is situated right next to the Shiva temple and offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. Cost A weekend trip would cost around Rs15,000, inclusive of diving and overnight stay at the hotel. Best time to visit The best time to visit Netrani would be between the months of October to May. The weather is very pleasant and one can expect excellent visibility underwater. It is best to avoid this place during the monsoon months between June and September.

Flight into fantasy land

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Travel/20110218_fantasy_land.html A trip to Universal Studios in Singapore arouses childlike enthusiasm in Swetha Amit and provides her a quick visit back into childhood

Theme parks have always been a fascination for children. Fairyale and Disney characters and magical roller coaster rides make a visit to a theme park a joyful experience. The trip ends up being a treat for adults as well, who get a rare chance to bring out the child in them, making it a must-visit place irrespective of its location around the world. Inaaugrated in March-April 2010, Universal Studios in Singapore has gained popularity in no time. The grand entry: Situated right next to Sentosa, Universal Studios seemed to overshadow it. As we entered the fantasy land, we were greeted by colourful candy carts and Kung Fu Panda posing for photographs. We joined the long queue waiting to click pictures and got our turn and a warm hug from Panda. It helped that we had a map of the studio to find our way around. It was divided into seven theme sections, each of which had its attractions, namely rides, souvenir shops and restaurants serving global cuisine. We like to move it, move it: We paid a visit to the characters of the well-known animation film Madagascar at the park. The theme of the section revolved around the four main characters in the movie, namely the lion, giraffe, zebra and hippopotamus and the group of eccentric penguins. After clicking photographs, we went to join King Julian’s Tea Party Ride, a simple merry-go-round with merry characters and lively music in the background. It was a pleasant five minutes when we became children all over again. The Kingdom of Far Far Away: The next theme section was centred around another popular and well-loved animation character called Shrek. The first attraction was a spectacular Shrek 4D adventure where we got an opportunity to hear, feel and see the characters in close proximity. The second attraction was the Enchanted Airways, which was a roller coaster ride. We flew over the Kingdom of Far Far Away and beyond. The other features in this section included The Donkey Live Show, which was an interactive singing session, and a Magic Potion Spin only for children. The latter was a miniature giant wheel which proved to be a treat for the young ones, as they were spun around for a good five minutes. After a ‘happily ever after’ experience, we geared up to go back in time to encounter some extinct species. Dinosaurs and more: The Lost World was like walking into a Steven Spielberg thriller. Our first ride was probably one of the best. As we entered this section, we were instructed to buy plastic raincoats at the counter as there was a possibility of us getting drenched. We waited patiently in the long line for the Jurassic Park Rapid adventure and presently headed to the circular raft. Fastening our seatbelts, we entered the primeval habitats of the gigantic species.  Every corner had a thrill in store and we couldn’t help but give a shriek or two. The special effects were well-executed along with the lifelike cutouts of dinosaurs everywhere. The end took us by surprise. We glided down the stream into darkness only to find the ride coming to an end. After the excitment of the ride, we opted for the milder Dino Soaring next, a merry-go-around with friendly-looking baby dinosaurs as seats and buttons for moving up and down. The other attractions included Canopy Flyer, which was another roller coaster, and a rock-climbing ride; both didn’t quite catch our fancy. Water water everywhere: An interesting poster of the Water World caught our attention and words like death-defying stunts enticed us to go see the show. The artists poured water on the audience in a friendly greeting. There were some spectacular stunts and explosions. The high-risk stunts left us gaping in awe. Mystical mummies: We then entered the realm of the pharaohs, ‘Ancient Egypt’. Our first ride in this section was The Revenge of the Mummy, which was a psychological thriller. We entered a dungeon to board the ride, which passed through a never-ending twisting and turning passage. The eerie land had mummies and pharaohs out to seek ruthless revenge. Scary booming voices, special effects and the roller coaster left us gasping for breath. The second ride is designed primarily for young children. It was called the Treasure Hunt. Children could drive their own desert jeep through an abandoned Egyptian excavation site. The large line put us off and we decided to explore the other theme sections instead. Sci-fi reality: To our amazement, this part of the studios was practically empty. There were only three rides in this area. The first two were called cyclone rides, which, with their massive appearance and descriptions of whirling upside down, scared crowds away. No one dared to board them. We opted for a milder one called the Accelerator. There were circular seats, reminding us of a cup and saucer, that whirled us around for a good five minutes. Feeling a little dizzy and hungry at the same time, we decided to grab a bite. After which we proceeded to New York City.  New York: Universal Studios left us marvelling in admiration at this unique section. They had created a miniature of New York City. The bright yellow cabs, the bustling streets and the coffee shops made us feel that we were actually in the Big Apple. We gazed around in awe and clicked a few pictures. The main attraction was a light-and-sound show hosted by the renowned director Steven Spielberg. After a video of a welcome speech, we proceeded to watch a hurricane hit the city. The special effects were riveting as we felt caught amidst nature’s fury.  Hollywood: This was the last section of the theme park. The sole attraction was the Pantages Hollywood Theatre. This was a musical show about the infamous Universal Classic Monsters. However, we couldn’t watch it as we arrived late and the last show for the day had already begun. We chose to visit the merchandise section instead and browsed around for a while. The day was ending and we were quite tired after long hours of walking around. We seated ourselves on a bench in the Kingdom of Far Far Away awaiting our chauffeur. To our immense delight, a jovial Puss in Boots strolled by. Forgetting our fatigue, we shook hands and clicked photographs. Our fantasy trip ended and we headed back to the real world. We look back at our visit to the theme park rather wistfully. It had been a joyful tryst with a part of our childhood, making it worth another trip. Some useful points: Book the tickets to Universal Studios online before your visit to avoid disappointment. One can go on as many rides as many times as one wants. Avoid going on weekends as it gets very crowded. Carry a plastic raincoat or umbrella as Singapore receives light showers during late afternoon throughout the year. Some rides do not permit one to carry cameras or water bottles; however, Universal Studios offers locker room facilities. When to visit:  Singapore is a year-round destination. How to get there: Major cities around the world have direct flights to Singapore.

Resplendence of the Red Sea

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20101229_red_sea.html Acquire fins and live out your fantasy of becoming a merman or mermaid, says Swetha Amit in her description of her diving expedition into the wondrous undersea world of the Red Sea

29 December 2010

No one knows why it’s called the Red Sea. Many in fact have mulled over its unique name, and we were no exceptions. This was one reason why we decided to take a plunge into this water body, besides being certified scuba divers. When one thinks about diving in Egypt two places instantly come to the mind, namely Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, both located by the Red Sea. We chose to visit Hurghada as it was along our tour route. The Sharm el Sheikh was situated on the other side of the Sinai Peninsula. Hurghada was bustling with activity with an array of shopping centres, restaurants and friendly people. Adding to the charm were shops with attractive posters, which rented out diving equipment. Having arranged for equipment from one of the shops, we assembled at the dive centre eagerly awaiting our underwater expedition. After filling in a few formalities, we were onboard the boat with our guide and a few professional scuba divers. Welcome aboard: The boat was modern, well-furnished and well-equipped with rest rooms, water and soft drinks. The beverages were essential to hydrate ourselves pre and post dives. There was room on the deck to spread out our wet suits, masks, fins and breathing equipment. During the cruise, we were briefed about the dive sites we would be visiting and precautions and signs to be used underwater. It sounded pretty exciting to hear about the aquatic species we would be bumping into during our dives. As we neared the location, we slipped into our scuba diving suits and paired up with our respective diving buddies. Before taking the leap into the rippling waves, we did what was called the ‘buddy check’, ensuring that our partners’ equipment was in place. After which we jumped into the sea, one by one. The enchanting world below: The temperature of the water was not more than 25 degrees. Being a sunny day and the sea quite calm, the visibility was up to 20m. We descended down slowly as guided and reached the ocean bed. We looked around in amazement and awe at the world that lay beneath the waves. A shoal of goldfish swam past us, and we couldn’t help but notice their beauty and grace. We ventured further, led by our guide, and soon felt no different from the fish when we used our fins. A clown fish spotted in the vicinity led to a ‘finding Nemo’ moment. Keeping an eye on our buddies, we swam further, hoping to spot a shark. We stumbled upon a gigantic moray eel basking at the bottom. Not far from it, we found a blue spotted ray; the sun's rays trickling down highlighting its vivid colour. Further down, we were delighted when a Napoleon wrasse graced us with its presence. This species is huge, and rarely goes unnoticed by divers. We found ourselves caught in mild currents, which we navigated, and were treated to the sight of angel fish. These rectangular blue fish had a patch of yellow on them. The butterfly fish added additional colour to our underwater safari with its bright yellow streamlined body. It was exciting to encounter finned creatures of varied shapes, sizes and colours. Our first dive came to an end and  we wistfully headed back to the surface. Between the dives: On reaching our boat, our dive time recorded was a good 45 minutes. Time seemed to fly faster underwater than on land. We had time to grab a bite before gearing up for our second and last dive for the day. This time the nervousness that was present earlier was replaced by enthusiasm. The Red Sea contains about 38 per cent salt, which is the highest in comparison to other salt water bodies. This increased buoyancy, ie, the ability to remain afloat. After jumping into the waves once again, we descended down to explore a dive site, namely the Aquarium. Feeling like a mermaid: We were introduced to finned species quite different from our first dive. Our tryst began with sighting the orange-spotted unicorn fish. We came across the moray eel lazing behind the rocks. Eels are night predators, hunting down prey. As we moved ahead, we spotted the lizard fish, which appeared unfazed by the crowd of divers around it. Living up to its name, it resembled a lizard and was covered with dark, tough scales. A masked puffer fish which played hard to get close to, swam in its own world, with a black mask over its eyes and mouth. With a mouth shaped like a parrot, the parrot fish was quite flamboyant in its appearance. We were once again graced by the majestic Napoleon wrasse. This time the sea was friendly and we were spared its currents. All good things come to an end; we once again bid farewell to the surreal world. Back to the shores: We  surfaced, got on the boat and  headed towards the shores of Hurghada. It was a memorable return journey over a silky smooth sea with the sunset in the background. We carried back with us treasured memories of the enthralling world of mermaids and mermen. We were lucky enough to be blessed with perfect weather and reliable underwater equipment. As we scanned through the images, I came to the conclusion that the colourful array of species is probably what gave the Red Sea its resplendent name. If anyone wondered what it was like to be a mermaid or merman for some time, diving in the Red Sea, one of the best places to dive in the world, would answer your question.  How to get to Hurghada By air: One can fly to Cairo and board a flight to Hurghada from there. Direct flights to Hurghada are available from European countries and the Middle East.  By road: One can reach Hurghada by driving down from the city of Luxor, which takes roughly about four hours. Direct flights are available from the Middle East and European nations to Luxor. Best time to visit Hurghada Hurghada is a year-round destination. However the best period to visit would be between February to April; it is usually pleasant, with the onset of spring, and the sea is perfect for diving. July and August are the hottest months of the year; however, this makes it even more suitable for diving, and the rates in Egypt are usually half around this time, being a lean season. Cost of diving The cost of renting equipment for each dive sums up to around Rs10,000 per person. However rates may be subject to variation depending on the dive shop, number of dives or if the person is carrying his / her own scuba diving equipment. Tips essential for diving One needs to get a certification from either Professional Association of Diving Instructors or Scuba Schools International. Never dive alone. Never dive when you are diagnosed with cold or cough or any infection that affects your breathing. Ensure that you are always accompanied by a professional guide. Strictly adhere to instructions given on board the boat. Always keep an eye on your diving buddy while underwater to ensure you do not get lost.

Splendours of the Sahara

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20101014_sahara.html

It's not mummies and pyramids that Swetha Amit remembers when she thinks back on her trip to the Sahara, it is the desert in all its hues

When one thinks of Egypt, mummies and pyramids are what come to the mind. Pyramids cover only about 5 per cent of the country while the remaining 95 per cent is covered with sand dunes. Going by this logic, one really hasn’t experienced Egypt until one has visited its vast and spectacular desert. Possessing an adventurous streak, we decided to take a tour right into one of nature’s wonders, Egypt's desert. We had an early start to the day from Cairo and boarded the 4x4 SUV which was laden with our tents and the essentials needed to camp in the desert. We set off on our expedition accompanied by our driver and guide. As we drove down listening to informative inputs from our tour guide, we saw signs of civilization slowly giving way to scanty vegetation and piles of sand. We trusted our skilful driver who, we were told, knew his way around like a fox. After stopping for lunch on the way, we ventured further and reached the camel caravan by evening. Into the sunset: The camel caravan comprised a herd of camels tended by their respective keepers amidst the barren land. We mounted on a camel each as we set off for the long desert safari. Our ride lasted for about an hour in the silence of the desert which was broken by occasional animated chatter by the camel keepers. The cruise into the desert wonderland in the middle of nowhere was a surreal experience. We paused for a while to watch the marvellous sunset, which painted an altogether different picture of the desert. Darkness crept in slowly and our ride came to an end along with a rather long day. Black magic moments: The next day, we drove down further to explore the beauty of the Black Desert, which is believed to have been formed due to a meteorite colliding with the earth's surface millions of years ago. True to its name, this was unlike any other desert. It had volcanic-shaped mountains covered with small black stones. Spreading over acres, it was uninhabited. Everything seemed to tower over us, making us feel insignificant. We managed to climb one of the peaks to enjoy the wind and the view. We couldn’t get enough of the black beauty of the landscape. After clicking a few pictures, we rather reluctantly left to continue our adventure. Sands of time: We drove to an area with sand dunes all around. A child-like enthusiasm gripped us as we got out and wandered around the picturesque setting. Grabbing a football, we indulged in a friendly game which drained our energy, and we sat down on a dune to soak in the beauty of our surroundings. The scorching sun finally got to us and we walked back to our vehicle to find its wheel stuck in the sand. We pitched in to help our driver and guide who were doing their best to loosen the wheel. Not a soul was in sight. Fortunately, after what seemed like ages, help arrived in the form of another vehicle with tourists like us. The joint effort soon extricated the vehicle from the clutches of the dunes. After thanking our saviours, we set off, exhausted with the effort. The mirror effect: Our next halt was at the Crystal Mountain near the White Desert. This huge piece of rock sparkled and glistened in the rays of the sun, making it look like a massive chunk of crystal, hence the name. This was formed from limestone and white chalk from the White Desert. We managed to capture its beauty with our camera. As we walked around it, we found huge chunks of crystal pieces strewn about. It, without doubt, was easily one of the favourite tourist hangouts. White as snow: We soon reached the White Desert where we were to camp for the night. As we entered, we gaped in awe. The entire landscape appeared to be covered with snow. We looked around to see beautiful and unusual wind-carved sculptures resembling humans and animals. It was like being on a different planet altogether. White Desert was known to be safe for camping and looked absolutely clean. As sunset reddened the horizon, we set up our tents and the fireplace. Campers delight: Our tents looked quite cosy and comfortable. Our guide lent a helping hand to our driver, who was assigned to cook a sumptuous dinner. The silence and the stars added to the atmosphere. We could see a few campers who were at a distance from us. We sat by the fire, warming our hands before the feast, and treasured every moment in the enthralling place. We weren’t disturbed by crawly insects. As we started on our delicious meal, to our delight, the desert fox, which was usually known to haunt camps, joined us for dinner. The animal was shy and hesitant. However, after a few friendly calls by our driver and a few pieces of chicken, it got comfortable in our company. This is probably the only animal one gets to see while camping in the White Desert. It had been a tiring day, and we settled into our sleeping bags for some well-earned rest. Waking up, we lay admiring the desert's early morning beauty for some time. Later, we gathered our tents and headed towards Bahariya oasis to get some breakfast. The night in the White Desert was an unforgettable experience altogether. Oasis charm: Bahariya Oasis offered its own delights. Here we found ourselves amidst ancient brick-and-mud houses and date palms. Greenery was abundant after the shades of black, yellow and white of the desert. Our guide gave us information about irrigation facilities around the desert. We visited the museum for the golden mummies, tombs of nobles from the 26th Dynasty of Egypt and the Ain Muftillah Temple. We also saw the Ain Bishmu Spring, a natural spring used during the Roman times. After lunch, our desert tour came to an end, and we drove back to the capital city of Cairo.  It was a wonderful experience and we carried memorable moments from the Great Sahara. The unique beauty of and the tales attached to each place enriched our fascinating expedition and we ended up feeling like a character from an Arabian Nights tale.  How to reach the Sahara: By road: Organised tours provide air-conditioned vehicles from either Cairo or Giza, which give a full tour of the desert. Best time to visit: Egypt is a year-round destination. However, due to its scorching summers, November-March proves to be tourist-friendly months with its pleasant weather. Cost of the tour: Depending on the travel agency and the number of stops, the tour cost can range anywhere from USD 300 to USD 350. One must also remember to tip tour guides and drivers as its mandatory to do so, which is about minimum $20 per day. Some essential tips: Carry loads of water and food while venturing into the desert. Carry medicines. Take care to employ a good guide and driver.

Tadoba: Call of the wild

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20100713_tadoba.html Swetha Amit describes an excursion into the jungles of Tadoba, where she catches rare glimpses of the majestic tiger

13 July 2010

A feeling of child-like glee bubbles up when one tends to spot something that one has only read or heard about, or seen on television. Sighting a magnificent striped beast, a tiger, in the dense forests of Tadoba was no exception. Our quest for a weekend getaway made us stumble upon the  Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, not far from Mumbai. Situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, this hidden jewel of a place proved to be a treat for us wildlife lovers. After a flight to Nagpur and a three-hour drive to Tadoba, we arrived at the MTDC resort. On arrival, we set off on an afternoon game drive in an open jeep, accompanied by our driver and a guide. Forest fascination: Driving through the dense cover of trees in the scorching heat, we stumbled upon a family of langurs perched on the branches of a tree. Half-curious and half-fearful at our attempt to click pictures of them in their natural habitat, the whole group seemed to let out a sigh of relief as we drove away. Eager to catch a glimpse of a tiger, we set off on a pathway frequented by the animal, as reported by forest officials. After thirty minutes of an arduous wait, disappointment began to set in as there was no trace of the royal beast. Deciding not to waste any more time, we drove down to the nearby lake, where we spotted a sloth bear from a distance. As we ventured further, three different species of deer graced us with their presence, namely the barking deer, the sambar and the spotted deer. The great Indian gaur was seen grazing, unfazed by the noise around it, while the wild boars scurried away in fright as our vehicles drew close. On a tiger's trail: We had an early start the next morning as we headed to the woods again, this time taking a different route. It looked beautiful in the light of the rising sun and was strangely silent. As we drove through, the startling call of the sambar deer alerted the guide. We were told that such calls by the deer signified the presence of a tiger in the vicinity, and they seldom were wrong. Excitement mounted as we headed in the direction of the call, which was estimated by the guide to be about 5 metres away from the big cat. Switching off our engines we parked our jeeps in a corner, waiting with bated breaths. To our immense delight, the majestic animal strolled by rather haughtily on its way to the waterhole a few meters away, and settled down for a lazy cat nap. Wilderness beckons again: The afternoon safari commenced with us bumping into another family of langurs and deer in plenty. We managed to spot another tiger, which glided into the undergrowth in search of prey.  We were told about a family with tiger cubs, spotted a couple of months back. While driving back, we caught glimpses of a jungle cock,  peacock and honey buzzer. Our last safari set us on a tiger's trail again; we had a half-hour audience with it, until it was frightened away by a water tanker. We carried away joyful memories of our expedition into the animal kingdom. With the overall number of tigers in India just about 1,411, we consider ourselves blessed to have sighted three. While Kanha, Corbett and Bandhavgarh are on the top of the chart among tiger reserves, Tadoba is set to reach there soon.

Living jewels of the Arabian Sea

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/lakshadweep_20091008.html Gleaming corals, shimmering sand and fantastic underwater experiences — the Lakshadweep islands are all you would want in a beach holiday, says Swetha Amit

08 October 2009

We have often wanted to have a Maldives experience without travelling outside of  India. A little net surfing and we spotted pictures of the Lakshadweep islands, which looked to be exactly what we wanted – a quiet, seaside getaway. And when we finally managed to vacation there, we were certainly not disappointed; Lakshadweep has all the ideal elements of a great beach holiday — gleaming corals, shimmering sand, and fantastic underwater experiences. We landed on Agatti Island, and were greeted by the gentle sound of restless waves in the lagoon, smiling resort staff, and offerings of tender coconut water. The resort, owned by island locals, consisted of not more than 19 rooms and provided a pleasing contrast to the crush and crowds of city life. Our rooms overlooked the sea which was an exquisite green in colour. We didn't know too much about the islands except what had appeared in our school geography textbooks. Extremely curious, we looked forward to exploring the area. And what we found was that what lay above the waters of the Arabian Sea, could not compare to the treasure we found beneath the surface.  An enchanting underwater world: Our expedition began with an exciting ‘Discover scuba diving’ experience offered by the Diveline centre in Agatti. Diveline offers certified courses for diving that are conducted by a German couple. For novices like us, this was a great opportunity to learn the skill. The instructors started the diving lessons by teaching us breathing techniques and how to handle the equipment. Then we were taken into the shallow waters of the lagoon, where for 40 minutes we swam among the colourful corals and brightly hued fish. We were lucky enough to spot a turtle too! It was a wonderful experience and not very difficult once we got used to the rules for breathing. The swim along the shore gave us far more confidence and we decided to venture into deeper waters. We were taken by boat to a diving site in the deep ocean where we had to change into wet suits. When the boat halted, we plunged into the sea and swam down towards the anchor on the bed of the ocean. As we were just beginners, this was a hand-in-hand dive with the professionals. The next one hour was enthralling. We were in a different world altogether, experiencing for the first time the feeling of being deep underwater and moving amongst the unusual fish, coral reefs, sting rays, etc. A fairytale experience almost, and well worth the price of Rs4,800. (More details can be found at the website: www.divelineagatti.com) We came away convinced that Lakshadweep indeed is one of the best places in India for scuba diving.  An island left to nature: Another unique experience was Kapitti Island, a place where nature has been left to rule without any interference from man. This was an ideal adventure for city souls like us. We organised a boat from the water sports centre at Agatti at Rs500 per person for a two-hour excursion and reached the island within 30 minutes. First we cruised around the entire island, and then landed among the shrubs and towering trees that shielded us from the glare of the sun. Walking along the shore, we saw zillions of hermit crabs of different shapes, sizes and colours. All around, the sea lashed at the rocks, giving one the feeling of being away from civilisation and at nature's mercy. Holidaymakers have the option of spending a whole day here or even a night stay in tents, for Rs1,000 and Rs2,500 per person respectively. Island hopping: Lakshadweep is home to the Bangaram Island Resort, a 5-star property about an hour-and-a-half away from Agatti and accessible by speedboat. The resort has an ayurvedic spa and about 39 rooms for guests. A tour of the resort costs about Rs1,000 per person and includes the Bangaram lake that is surrounded by coconut trees, and is open for snorkelling and swimming (equipment provided by the water sports centre). Bangaram also has a scuba diving centre with courses for beginners. In the vicinity of the Bangaram Island are two more uninhabited islands called Parali I and Parali II. On a full moon night, one can visit these islands to watch turtles come to the shore to lay eggs. The night excursion costs around Rs2,000 per person. Life by the sea: Staying on Agatti island gives nature lovers the opportunity to relax by the ocean. One can occasionally spot a turtle coming up to the surface for a breath of fresh air. The water sports centre offers attractions such as glass-bottomed boat rides for Rs500, water-skiing at Rs800, water scooter rides for Rs 500, and fishing in the lagoon and deep sea fishing for Rs500 and Rs2,000 respectively. And then there is always the chance to simply laze in a hammock, catch up on a good book, float under the sun in the clear blue water, or play football on the sandy beach. The resort also has bicycles for rent at Rs100 per person to cycle around the island and down to the village. The local language is known as Jesseri, a mix of Tamil and Malayalam. Visitors can get by with either language, English or even a little bit of Hindi. Although the resort offers a range of fine home-cooked meals (Indian, continental and Chinese) included in the room package, liquor is banned on the island. Those keen on sampling cocktails can find them at the Bangaram Island resort. The island is inhabited by Muslims and requires visitors to be decently covered when out of the resort premises. On the whole, Lakshadweep provides an ideal holiday for those looking for a little tranquillity and unspoilt surroundings.  Getting there: By air: Take a flight to Cochin for a connecting flight to Agatti Island. Air India flies from Cochin to Agatti on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Kingfisher Airlines flies the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.   By sea: Take a ship from Cochin. The cruise covers the islands of Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Androth and Agatti and then back to Cochin. Schedules may be subject to change. NOTE: A permit is necessary to visit the islands. The permit is issued in Cochin, or can be arranged by a travel agent.  When to visit: The best time to visit Lakshadweep is from November to March/early April. The rest of the year, the islands are affected by the monsoons, making it difficult to travel from one island to another

Retreat by the waves news

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/retreat_waves_20090113.html Shwetha Amit tells you all about the pleasures of being around water in Mauritius

13 January 2009

We have often wondered what life under the sea would be like and were always curious to find out. Our trip to Mauritius gave us an opportunity to find out and we headed out for what promised to be an adventurous trip Mauritius is known as the star of the Indian Ocean. When we set foot on this paradise island we realized that it more than lived up to its name. Our exciting expedition began with a visit to the lle aux Cerfs (the Island of Deer) situated towards the east of Mauritius. As we drove down the smooth roads, we couldn’t help but admire the lush green sugar cane fields on either side. Before we realised it, we had reached the ocean bay from where we took a speed boat to the Miniature island. On the way to the Miniature island we stopped for parasailing. Riding on a high! This 20-minute flying high in the air is a must for those seeking a thrill. Gazing down at the ocean from high above enhances the serenity of the sea. The most exciting part was when we swooped down to dip our feet into the sea and were immediately transported back to flying high over the ocean. The experience was well worth the $50 that we spent on it. When we came back to the lle aux Cerfs, it was vibrant with activities. The beach itself was one of the most beautiful that we had ever seen. Some tourists bathed in the scorching sun of May hoping for a tan, other trying out the different water sports and yet others just enjoying the lively beach. The locals pointed us in the direction of the many water sports that Mauritius was famous for. Several options were available and all of them so attractive that made it impossible for us to choose. Wrapped around the tube This ride is a tamer version of water skiing but for couples. Two people have to sit on a tube that is attached to a speed boat. We placed ourselves hesitantly on the tube and started off on an aqua roller coaster ride on the bumpy waves. The alteration of the speed from a slow to a fast pace left us swinging side to side as we held on fiercely. Even a seconds distraction can mean that you are dunked into the water. Water scooter I avoided the water scooter ride that looked very tempting but appeared to require more skill and experience. Banana boat The banana boat ride is another thrilling experience and I am glad I didn’t miss it. Six people were taken to the middle of the ocean in a boat shaped a little like a canoe and more like a banana. This is why the name I guess. The boat and its screaming occupants are mercilessly pushed into the waters. The cost of most of these sports ranges from $30 to $70 .   Under the sea My first journey into the mystic world of corals and fish began in the Grand Baie, situation towards the north of Mauritius. We were taken to the middle of the sea in a motor boat. Our enthusiasm was only matched by nervousness and uncertainty. However, our inhibitions gradually disappeared due to the comforting reassurances of the trained professionals. We were given instructions on how to breathe under water with an oxygen mask. Then we were joined by our guide and a scuba diver who promised to introduce us to the treasures of the sea. As we gradually dipped lower and lower, almost fifteen feet the surface of the water, we saw an effervescent world. Colorful shoal of fish swam past deftly and the corals were shone in colours we had never seen above the water. The allotted thirty minutes just flew while we gazed at this strange world and regretfully climbed back aboard. Photographs can be taken under water with a special camera that is provided at the cost of about $100. Quad biking and bird watching Mauritius is not all water. A visit to the Casela bird park taught us about 150 different species of birds in Mauritius. We even had the delightful opportunity of feeding an ostrich! Near the bird park is something called ‘quad biking’. We were taken for a two and a half hour drive on these heavy powerful bikes by professional guides. As we drove further into the ravines, we could see zebras lazily munching grass. Around were also a herd of spotted deer that scurried away at the sound of our bikes.  Mauritius Crocodile Park, The Vanilla Crocodile Park has over 200 Aldabra tortoises which means the largest captive herd in the world A tour of two citiesA tour of the capital city- Port Louis, gave us a glimpse of the life and culture of Mauritius. This largest city in Mauritius, Port Louis is cushioned between the mountains and the sea. The famous ‘Ganga Talao’ is located in this city.  The Ganga Talao or the Grand Bassin is considered a tributary of the Ganges. Idols of Shiva, Laxmi and other gods and goddesses stood tall around the lake. We were told that Shivrathri was widely celebrated in Mauritius. It is the pilgrimage site for the Hindus, one of the most famous ones outside India. Curepipe is the second largest city in Mauritius. This city is a great haunt for shopaholics and aesthetes. Shops and boutiques selling not only handicrafts and local products but also duty free international goods are in abundance in this city. Other sitesThe Paplemousses garden is a popular tourist spot and after all we had heard we had to go and see the famous giant water lilies. For plant lovers and photographers this garden has plenty to offer. One evening we went to see the seven-colored earth of Chamaral (south east of Mauritius). The different colours of sand were almost unreal.  It almost felt like a painter had just been playing around with his brush. Evening, especially just before sunset is the best time to see the glistening palette of Chamaral. How to get to Mauritius Air Mauritius offers direct flights from India, Maldives, Singapore, Europe, Australia and the United States of America to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius. Visa can be obtained on arrival. Mauritius is also accessible via ship, though takes about 9-10 days from Asia and 6 days from East Africa.  Within Mauritius Being a tourist friendly place, a variety of transport facilities are available. Taxicabs are very comfortable but expensive. Though Creole is the official language, most transport personnel are quite in English and French. Buses are a good travel option as one gets to see the island the local way.  When to visit The best time to visit Mauritius is between July to September. January and April should be avoided as it may rain most of the time in these months.