Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav: A Celebration of Music in Pune

Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra and it is no wonder that the city hosts one of the most important classical music festivals in India. The Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav (formerly known as the Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav) is an annual festival held in honour of the great musician Pandit Rambhan Kundgolkar, also known as Sawai Gandharva. The festival was initiated in 1953 by the late Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, in whose memory it has been recently renamed. This year marks the 60th year of the festival and to commemorate this, the fest will be held for six days – between December 11 and 16. The venue is the New English School, Raman Baug grounds in Narayan Peth, Pune.

Various Indian dance forms are also performed at the Mahotsav | Photo Credit: Soumitra Inamdar / Wikimedia

A Musical Extravaganza 

The festival is a celebration of Hindustani classical music and sees performances from well-known maestros as well as upcoming artists. Performances range across all the musical gharanas and the festival brings together different styles of music to one platform. Some of the famous artists who performed in 2012 include Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, to name a few. New artists also get an opportunity to showcase their skills. The festival draws a large crowd of enthusiasts every year and 2013 promises to be a veritable treat for music lovers. So whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian classical music or you appreciate its beauty, this is one festival that you should not miss.

Legendary artistes such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan have graced this event in the past

Getting There

Pune is well-connected by road, rail and air. The bus station and train station are merely 3 kilometres from the venue and you can easily get an auto-rickshaw. The airport is situated outside the city and is 10 kilometres from the venue. Taking a prepaid taxi from the airport is the best way to reach the school ground. Pune has several hotels that you can choose from. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, the Courtyard Marriott on Bund Garden Road is 4.5 kilometres from the venue. Hotel Woodland, near the railway station (3.5 kilomteres), is a good mid-range hotel. For the budget-conscious, Hotel Basera in Budhwar Peth is less than a kilometre away. You can also make the best of MakeMyTrip’s last minute deals on hotels.

Eating and Drinking in Pune

There are many restaurants near the venue for you to choose from. Fish Curry Rice is a coastal specialty restaurant in Narayan Peth, practically next door to the school. Good Luck Cafe, a Pune institution, serves excellent North Indian food and is 1.6 kilometres away, in the Deccan area of the city. For South Indian and fast food, Vaishali Restaurant on F C Road (2 kilometres) is a good option. Home to a large student population, Pune has no dearth of watering holes. Koregaon Park, about 5 kilometres from the venue, has the best pubs in the city. Try 1000 Oaks or Ouzo’s. Curve at ABC Farms, in the vicinity, is also quite popular. There are plenty of other things to see and do in Pune as well as some day trips from the city that would be worth your while.

Plan your trip with MakeMyTrip to experience the rich musical heritage of Indian classical music. Book your flight, catch a train or hit the road to Pune!

Top 10 Summer Retreats for this Vacation

The summer holidays are almost here, and so many of us are already in the hills … at least mentally! We are often told that it’s the journey that’s important. I beg to differ. The drive up to your chosen haven may be breathtaking but if the lodging isn’t good enough, the experience nosedives. So unless you’re embarking on a leisurely road trip, give the destination a leg up over the journey! To help you get started, here’s our list of ten spectacular properties that do the best travel destinations of the Indian Himalayas complete justice.

Rokeby Manor, Landour, Mussoorie

Getting a place for the night anywhere in Landour, the coveted satellite hamlet of Mussoorie was next to impossible. There’s a freeze on new constructions, so no hotels can be built here. The area’s elevation (about 8000-feet), its protected forests, the cemetery made famous by Ruskin Bond’s pen, the illustrious Woodstock school, and cosmopolitan atmosphere (because of the School for Languages) place Landour firmly in its own league. Those in the know coaxed locals into sub-letting rooms, but quality lodging was unavailable. That was till a British-era villa, The Rokeby Manor, was taken over by a Mumbai-based hospitality-chain. The 1840-vintage construction was given a loving makeover. Modelled after a cosy Victorian lodge, the manor is straight out of a fairy tale. Room rates are steep. It’s a small price to pay for a night in the most perfect lodge, in the most pristine settings, otherwise out of bounds for stay over tourists.

Mussoorie is the Queen of Hills indeed

Nandadevi Estate, Binsar

Luxury and farm stay are never a part of the same sentence. The owner of the Nandadevi Estate, a heritage homestay hidden away in the Binsar sanctuary, offers a novel combination of the two. The 25-acre farm has a 155-year-old bungalow, complete with antique furniture and crockery first shipped up from England by the original inhabitants. This building, and another out-house in the farm, can each accommodate four adults and two kids. Its exclusivity and privacy make it a perfect honeymoon destination. Though there is electricity, guests are encouraged to use kerosene lamps and the fireplace, after nightfall. Most of the food is prepared with organic ingredients, grown on the farm. The cottages have views of Garhwal’s Char Dham peaks, the Nandadevi, Nandakot, Panchachuli and the Nepal peaks. The farm is within the sanctuary’s core area, so sighting animals like leopards and deer are common.

A view of the Himalayas from Binsar | Photo Credit: Sanjoyg / Wikimedia

Jilling Estate, Padampuri, Kumaon

This is no luxury resort but an affordable wilderness retreat where you can enjoy pastoral bliss. The Jilling Estate is built and run by a retired Army man, who shares the farm with like-minded guests. He has four cottages on a hundred-acre sprawling estate. Therefore, there are no typical eyesores like constructions, plastic litter or deforestation in sight. You can pretend to be the only person in all of Kumaon! The cottages have several woody accents, and spread out living spaces. There’s also an extensive library. It’s a great place to travel with kids because the hosts encourage activities with farm animals. The rates are on a full-board basis.

The sprawling Jilling Estate offers a unique holiday experience out in the wilderness

The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Our former summer capital is much maligned as one of the ugliest hill-stations mostly because of the scale of construction and volumes of visitors. Most hotels haven’t channelled the city’s heritage or preserved its fading beauty. The one property that gives us a taste of Shimla’s past glory is the Oberoi Cecil. Burma-teak panelling, common in many constructions of the same vintage as The Cecil, is intact and a highlight of the hotel. A grand heated indoor swimming pool is also a part of the premises. The Vice Regal Lodge, Gorton Castle, Annandale, the Shimla Secretariat, the wonderfully restored Gaiety Theatre all transport you back to Shimla of the heyday and the Oberoi Cecil keeps you there for the duration of your stay.

The Oberoi Cecil, a magnificent heritage property located in one of the most picturesque hill-stations of India

Raju Bharti Homestay, Banjar, Kullu Valley

Many have hailed him as the king of hospitality in all of Kullu and Manali. Mr. Bharti, the unassuming owner of the homestay in question, has the kind of mouth-of-word publicity no PR machinery can buy. Once you get here, you’ll understand why. First, you’re made to sit in a metal basket, and pulled across the icy Tirthan river on the banks of which stands the wooden house. This exhilarating ride gives you a taste of things to come. Then, you will marvel at the exquisite local architecture of the family home, adorned with beautiful Kullu carpets and strewn with a wealth of reading material, some dating back to the ‘50s. Help yourself to as much fruit from the family orchard, as you can and discover the taste of real apple nectar like you’ve never tasted before. And do feast on Mrs. Bharti’s cooking; her legendary fried trout, baked casseroles and local recipes. This is the ideal place to start a trek to the Great Himalayan National Park. Or just vegetate. To enjoy these inexpensive luxuries, call Raju on 09418149808 or send an email to goshaini@yahoo.com.

The gorgeous Kullu Valley makes for an exhilarating vacation spot

Houseboat New Golden Flower, Srinagar, Kashmir

Bobbing on the Nagin Lake, these houseboats provide the comfort of a hotel, with the experience of living on the water. Though there are several other options, this one’s rated best by travellers. You can enjoy courses of a Kashmiri Wazwan meal in the intricately carved wooden dining-room, hop onto a passing shikara for a ride, or just laze on the veranda overlooking distant snows, with a book. If it’s value for money you’re looking for, this is a good bet.

Staying in a houseboat in Srinagar is an experience not to be missed in Kashmir

Shakti, Ladakh

The Shakti chain markets village walks, and remote locations as a major part of their experience. In Ladakh they’ve glamorised local houses to create luxury in real settings. This gives the traveller a glimpse of the indigenous way of life, food, cultural traditions and hospitality. Porters, for luggage, accompany guests on foot to these locations, up to 14,000 feet above sea-level. Vacation package deals are available from May to September each calendar year.

Ri Kynjai Serenity By The Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya

This hotel is located 20 kilometres away from the hustle bustle of Shillong, and prides itself for showcasing Khasi architecture and the tribal way of life. Opening out onto views of Umaim Lake, the 45-acre grounds comprise of lush undulating hillocks. Though it’s a large hotel, its novelty lies in the fact that it doesn’t insulate visitors from local culture. The property’s furniture, food and beverage, hospitality practices and entertainment encourages tourists to forge a better understanding of the destination, without compromising on luxury or comfort.

Mayfair Hotel, Darjeeling

The erstwhile summer home of the Maharaja of Nazargunj is now open to tourists. The best way to enjoy this quaint town and a cup of its most famous tea, is from this decadently ornamented abode. It’s got lovely views of snow peaks and densely wooded valleys. The rooms are done up in imperial style, with extensive wooden panelling, lithographs of pre-partition India and antique style furnishings. Even though modern creature comforts like a spa, health-club and banquet are in place, they don’t interfere with the hotel’s old world charms. Staying here is a well-deserved extravagance. Reserve a room well in advance.  Last Minute Deals are also available on MakeMyTrip.com.

The Mayfair Hotel in Darjeeling redefines luxury while keeping its old world charm intact

Summit Norling Resort & Spa, Gangtok, Sikkim

Though a full-fledged hotel, the resort isn’t of the scale that intimidates the tourist. This 3-acre resort is within close proximity to the city centre, but offers calm and tranquil environs. There’s a bamboo grove and a pond with feeding fish and poetic charms, ideal for an affordable spa vacation. You can also check out some great value rates on this resort on MakeMyTrip.com!

These summer retreats are just a few clicks away! Plan and book your vacation only on MakeMyTrip.com!

Discovering India and the World: Khao Luang Cave

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo… Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo… Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo

Every Buddhist temple in Thailand echoes with this chant, and the Khao Luang Cave is no different. One of the most important Buddhist temples, Khao Luang Cave is a must visit when on a trip to Thailand. Located in the Khao Luang Mountains, the cave is just 5 kilometres away from Phetchaburi.

About the Cave

Entrance to Khao Luang Cave

A steep staircase descending from the foothill of Khao Luang leads to the cave, which is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites and is home to 170 Buddha statues. The statues shimmer as sunlight falls on them through the various openings. The main Buddha statue is 4 metres high. It was erected on the orders of King Chulalongkorn and dedicated to Kings Rama III and Rama IV. However, its most fascinating part is the huge reclining Buddha figure which draws millions of tourists from across the globe to the cave.

Why You Must Visit

The serenity and peace that exists inside the cave is sure to levitate your senses. The laid-back atmosphere here will give you the perfect break from the hustle-bustle of city life.

When and How to Go

The caves are open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and the admission is free. Taking a private taxi is the best way to get here. It takes less than an hour from Hua Hin and about two hours from Bangkok to reach Khao Luang Cave. 

ABOUT AUTHOR
	Ragini Mehra: A content writer by profession, Ragini is an avid animal lover and has taken initiatives to spread awareness about animal welfare through blogging, social media, etc. She also enjoys playing the Keyboard and loves watching cricket.

A Musical Extravaganza in Chennai

Think of it as Chennai’s own Brazilian Carnival, if you will. The scale, the glamour, the frenzy and the crowds could well give Brazil a run for its money. But the similarities end there. Where Latin America may well celebrate with parades, opulent street dances and flashy feathers, the Chennai Music Season is about cultural sophistication, of gorgeous Kanjeevaram saris and diamonds; of mellifluous Carnatic music of ragas, sabhas and kutcheris.  If you’re a music aficionado, you should probably be heading to Chennai this December for the six-week long Chennai Music Season, a time when the whole city is in the grip of a cultural frenzy.

Of Historical Beginnings

The Chennai Music Season is as old as the Indian National Movement. The very first season was actually held in the shadow of the Chennai session of the Indian National Congress in 1927. This was also the time when the iconic Chennai Music Academy came into existence. From those humble beginnings to the music festival of today, this event has come a long way and has been organised each year since 1928. As the event diversified, it evolved from a mere musical conference or concert into a mega cultural event which included music, dance, drama and other non-performing arts too. Today, the Chennai Music Season attracts as many as 1800 musical concerts and nearly 400 dance performances in a single season! This means that there are nearly 100 different performances held in the city every day. Spoiled for choice? We’d say so!

A number of beautiful Indian dance forms are showcased at the event including Kuchipudi

Of Ragas and Mudras

To say that this event is popular would be stating the obvious, indeed it is said to be one of the world’s largest cultural events. It attracts thousands of enthusiasts from across the country and a horde of international tourists too. The performances or kutcheris (Carnatic music concerts) are organised by various sabhas which not only organise these performances and concerts but also bestow artistes with titles and awards. Each sabha usually owns a concert hall (large or small) where the performance takes place to a packed audience. The performances range from vocals to playing of the sitar, sarod, violin, sarangi, tabla and santoor as well as a number of talented dance performances – Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and others. Evidently, established and budding talent from across the country and overseas comes here to perform. Among the prominent names that have figured in the long list of artistes who have graced the event are Yamini Krishnamurthy, Zubin Mehta, Sudha Raghunathan, Shobhna and Sonal Mansingh. With so much happening you can well plan for days and do nothing but hop from one sabha to another on an unforgettable musical journey. There are individual and season tickets available.

Dancers performing the enchanting Manipur dance

Chilling In and Around Chennai

Now that you are in Chennai, you may as well make the most of it by exploring the city too. Visit its many attractions – National Art Gallery, Vivekananda House, Valluvar Kottam, the iconic ISKCON Temple, and Santhome Cathedral Basilica. You must also visit its wonderful beaches; Marina, Elliot and the aptly named, Breezy beach! There are also several places within easy driving distance or short flights away from Chennai, which make for great weekend getaways and longer trips. These include Mahabalipuram, Mysore, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Kabini and Hampi.

Marina Beach, one of the most popular tourists spots in Chennai | Photo Credit: L.vivian.richard / Wikimedia

For all flight and hotel bookings, log onto MakeMyTrip.com!

All’s Fair in Pushkar

It’s one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan with a rich and thriving heritage of history, culture and mythology. The lake which waters the town and gives it its name is considered one of the holiest in the country, second only to the waters of the Kailash Mansarovar. The annual fair that it hosts is one of the largest cattle fairs in Asia and attracts thousands of tourists to Rajasthan every year. We’re talking about Pushkar and its annual fair better known as the Pushkar Mela, which will be held from November 9 to 17 this year.

The fair is organised along the beautiful Pushkar lake

The Spectacle

The annual Pushkar fair is held in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. Organised along the famous Pushkar lake, it completely transforms this hot, dusty, sleepy town. The place is a riot of colour buzzing with activity, not to mention the endless sea of humanity that continues to ebb and fall with the rising and setting of the sun. The main purpose of the mela is to serve as a cattle fair, a place where locals from the surrounding towns and villages get their cattle – camels, horses, cows – for trading. It is also a time of some social respite and a break from the daily demands of living under the influence of harsh weather conditions. So expect the local men and women to come here in all their traditional glory – men with their bright turbans, long mustaches, dhotis and an array of rings pierced in to their ears and adorning their wrists and ankles. The women match them every bit, bedecked in their bandhej and tie-and-die odhnis, beautiful ghaghra cholis and traditional jewellery.

A Traditional & Cultural Display

There is no dearth of entertainment at this cattle fair. There are camel, horse and donkey races, giant Ferris wheels, longest mustache competitions (oh yes!), acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters, sadhus, and an endless array of bright and beautiful local handicrafts on sale. In short, everything Rajasthan is so well known for can be seen here. The days are spent roaming the fair grounds, picking up souvenirs, watching the races, examining the cattle, and eating local delights. As the sun goes down, the dazzling heat of the day gives way to a chilly night with people huddling close to bonfire and enjoying the beauty of Rajasthani folk songs and dances such as bhavai, chari and ghoomar. The whirling skirts, the matka dances, the beautiful songs keep the audience enraptured. The last days of the fair are dedicated to religious ceremonies and taking of the holy dip in the waters of the Pushkar Lake. Another beautiful aspect of the festival is the deepdan ceremony during which thousands of diyas are floated on the lake after sunset. It is easy to imagine why Pushkar is so great for photo ops!

Women dress up in colourful traditional odhnis and ghaghra cholis

Beyond the Pushkar Fair

Pushkar is a city dotted with beautiful and famous temples. Of special interest is the Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to this deity in the world. Tourists can also visit the Savitri Temple, Man Mahal, Varaha Temple and the Apteshwar Mahadev Temple. Other attractions around the fair include camel safaris and hot air balloon expeditions for a bird’s eye view of the fair.

How to Get There

Pushkar can easily be reached by bus or train. The nearest airport is in Jaipur. For hotel bookings and Pushkar travel packages, log on to MakeMyTrip.com.