20 Things to Do in Ayutthaya

1. Praise the “Maha Ut Chapel”: It has been believed that a visit to a windowless chapel with a single entrance or “Bot Maha Ut” protects us against lethal weapons and magic spells, enables us to avert danger, and makes us invulnerable. This “Maha Ut Chapel” can be seen at Wat Phutthaisawan and Wat Tuek.



2. Worship the Buddha images and contemplate the murals: Wat Suwan Dararam, Wat Pradu Song Tham, Wat Phanun Choeng, Wat Na Pramen, Wat Kasattrathirat, Wat Sena Sanaram, and Wat Choeng Tha are all adorned with valuable murals that await your visit.

3. Worship the reclining Buddha image: In Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, there are Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Lokayasutharam, Wat Sam Wihan, Wat Puttai Sawan, Wat Dharmikkarat, Wat Sena Sanaram, and Wat Phanom Yong. In Maha Rat District, there is Wat Suwannachedi as for Sena District, there is Wat Bang Pla Mo.

4. Worship the royal monuments: Visit the royal monuments of King U-thong, Queen Suriyothai, King Naresuan the Grea (at Thung Phukhao Thong and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon) and King Taksin the Great at Wat Phichai Songkhram and Wat Phran Nok in Uthai District.

5. Discover the sumptuous palaces and the architectural masterpieces: Such monuments reflect the prodigious talent and craftsmanship of the Ayutthaya Period. Visit Bang Pa-in Palace, Ancient Palace or Grand Palace, and Chandra Kasem Palace.

6. Visit various museums: Get to know the glorious past of the Ayutthaya Kingdom and learn the history through your visit to its several museums such as Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, Chandra Kasem National Museum, Ayutthaya Study Institute, Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, Local Museum in Ban Phraek District, Thai Boat Museum, and Million Toy Museum by Krirk Yoonpun.

7. Explore the history of foreign communities in the Ayutthaya Period: Pay a visit to Portuguese Village, Japanese Village and Dutch Village.

8. Browse through 8 Ayutthaya's markets: that are still busy on land as well as in the water such as Wat Tha Ka Rong Floating Market, Hua Raw Market, Thung Khwan Market (Khlong Sa Bua) in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Kong Khong Market in Bang Pa-in District, and Lat Chado Market in Phak Hai District.

9. Have a terrific time discovering local wisdom areas: Admire arts and crafts such as knife-making village at Aranyik in Nakhon Luang District or folk doll-making in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District. Appreciate a diverse range of handicrafts at the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand and Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Bang Sai District.

10. Take a pleasure cruise around Muang Islet: To admire the surrounding scenery and way of life of residents along the Chao Phraya River and Pa Sak River. Moreover, food and drink with plenty of options on the menu are at your disposal on board.

11. Enjoy a ride on elephant's back to see ancient monuments and get to know Thai Elephants at several places such as Ayutthaya Elephant Village and Kraal and Pang Chang Ayothaya & Snake Show in Phai Ling Sub-district.

12. Enjoy riding a bicycle, which is regarded as environmentally friendly tourism. Bicycles are available for hire at bicycle rental stores, guest houses, in front of the railway station, and tourist police office

13. Join a short trip arranged for tourist groups on a tramcar and listen to guide's explanation.

14. Go for a ride on Tuk Tuk for sightseeing: A symbolic mode of transport in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya that brings sightseers to discover the length and breadth of the city.

15. Take a leisurely ride in a three-wheel rickshaw “Samlor”: Local public vehicles whose cyclist enjoys telling stories as a member of the community while you appreciate soft breeze.

16. Eat out until dawn at the night market: Visit the market in front of Chandra Kasem Palace, the all-night market in front of Grand Market, Rung Charoen Market, and Bang Suk San Waree Dinner Cruise Ian Market.

17. Experience the delights of a homestay: Assimilate the host's lifestyle, get a hospitable welcome, and make yourselves at home at OTOP Village in Koh Kerd Sub-district.

18. Reserve chic sleeping accommodation in the style of boutique hotel: The different accommodation are Iudia on the River, Ayodhara Village, Bansuan Rimnam Resort, Pludhaya Resort & Spa, Ban Luang Chumni.

19. Riverside restaurants with splendid views: Tourists can sit down to tasty meals and take pleasure in looking at magnificent scenery at a wide variety of restaurants along the riverside.

20. Bring the shopping back to your family: It seems as if you have never reached Ayutthaya if you fail to get your family the following things: soup made of curdled blood of pig, noodle soup sold in rowing boat, pork or meat noodle soup, Phak Wan noodle soup, steamed stuffed bun, rice gruel, desserts wrapped in banana leaf, big freshwater prawns, fruit and vegetables. Other interesting souvenirs are Aranyik knives, fan palm leaf mobile woven in the form of fish and model ancient boats.

Insider's Guide to Mumbai

Taj Mahal Palace

CALLING MUMBAI A MASH-UP would be an understatement. India's most populous city is marked by an unrelenting convergence of high and low: Prada-clad women wait for fresh sugar-cane juice at corner street stalls, and luxury high rises overlook psychedelic street murals. In Mumbai (or Bombay, as most locals still call it), you can rub elbows with bankers, diamond merchants and film producers at velvet-roped bars, then step outside to grab some of the world's best street food and watch the sun set at Chowpatty beach, whose atmosphere turns carnival-like in the evening. Uncomfortably hot in the summer, Mumbai swings into peak travel season now, with foreigners and NRIs (an official-turned-cheeky term for nonresident Indians) showing up in droves for vacations and weddings.

Though extreme poverty blights the city, a rich cultural renaissance is under way. Contemporary art galleries are fast multiplying in Colaba, Mumbai's southern district. Boutiques from D7 in the western suburb of Bandra down to Bombay Electric and Le Mill in South Mumbai showcase local designers who marry traditional fabrics with edgy silhouettes. The city's namesake film industry, Bollywood, employs more than 2.5 million people and churns out 700 to 800 movies a year, nearly as many as its American counterpart.

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (C.S.T) or The Victoria Terminus Mumbai

• Significance: It has been declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO.
• Attraction: Victorian Gothic Style of Architecture
• Built In: 1888

Located on India's western coast, Mumbai served as a major port for the Portuguese and then the British from the 16th to 20th centuries. The colonial-style churches and Victorian Gothic buildings that dot the neighborhoods serve as a reminder of the city's past, while a growing number of modern glass-encased high-rises (including Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani's much talked-about $1 billion, 27-story home) look to the future.

Once you've had your fill of galleries and fine dining, take a 1-hour ferry ride to visit Elephanta Island, where Hindu and Buddhist rock carvings—some dating back to the sixth century—will leave you awe-struck. Or head over to the stunning Chhatrapati Shivaji (formerly Victoria) train station and watch locals dash at rush hour. Mumbai suffers no shortage of shiny new toys, but it's the city's spirit that will have you hooked.

 Madhur Jaffrey

The Foodie Madhur Jaffrey  Actress, food writer and cookbook author

Rare Eats // Britannia & Co. Parsi food is hard to find outside of private homes. Order the fish patra; and berry pulao, a rice dish made with barberries. And you must have a fresh lime soda. S S Ram Gulam Marg, opposite New Customs House, Fort, 91-22-2261-5264.

Bazaar Fruits // Crawford Market. It's basically a market of seasonal produce. If you're there in April or May, you should buy the Alphonso mangoes. Near Abdul Rehman Street, South Mumbai

Coco Central // Konkan Café. Beautiful fish with coconut and red chilis. Everything is shipped from the Konkan coast—they have more than a 100 coconuts shipped in every day. Taj President, 90 Cuffe Parade, vivantabytaj.com

Street Sweets // Bhendi Bazaar. This area is home to the Dawoodi Bohras, a Muslim community whose roots trace to Egypt and Yemen. You will find the most amazing sweets, such as halwa and jalebi (a sweet and crispy pretzel-like disc), in the lanes here. Near Mohammed Ali Road, Bhuleshwar

People carry a 32 feet (9.75m) long dosa, a south Indian crepe made for the promotion of the upcoming movie, "Quick Gun Murugun" in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

 

 

Suketu Mehta

The Novelist Suketu Mehta Author of "Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found"

Snack and Sleep // The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. The grand hotel is back on its feet after being heavily damaged in the 2008 terrorist attacks. I like to go to the Sea Lounge and watch the Parsi families trying to arrange matches between their young over tea. Apollo Bunder Road, Colaba, tajhotels.com

 

Daryl Visscher/Redux Pictures for The Wall Street Journal

Taj Mahal Palace

Buildings near Nariman Point, Mumbai
Great Greens // Shree Thaker Bhojanalay. An eating club that originally catered to migrant workers, it is now comfortably air-conditioned and still serving the greatest vegetarian meals I have ever eaten in a restaurant.31, Dadyseth Agiary Marg, Kalbadevi, 91-22-2201-1232

Strolling Grounds // Kamala Nehru Park. Everyone calls it the Hanging Gardens. When I'm jet-lagged and up at 5 a.m., I head to the top of the park, which has a fine view of the bay. Ridge Road at the top of Malabar Hill, Malabar Hill

Deep Fry // A. Ramanayak Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding. South Indian home cooking served on banana leaves. They will also let you watch as they fry terrifically crisp potato chips. LBS Market Building, 1st Floor, Matunga, 91-22-2414-2422

Words of Wonder // Strand Book Stall. You go to the Strand to look at books, talk about books, buy books. I sometimes shop for American and British novels there and have them shipped back to New York; it's still cheaper. Sir P.M. Rd. Fort,strandbookstall.com


 Maharashrian Mehdi decoration

 Local Bus Travel
 

Anoushka Shankar 

The Musician Sitar player, composer and daughter of Ravi Shankar

Sound Stage // Blue Frog. Surreally modern in its décor and design, it's the only place in India that combines a music-centered auditorium with the casualness of a bar. There are international and Indian artists; usually it's a live act followed by a DJ. Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, bluefrog.co.in

Daryl Visscher/Redux Pictures for The Wall Street Journal

Bombay Electric

Super Sands // Juhu Beach. I try to spend a minimum of an hour here. It's a place where you really get the vastness of the people that call the city home. Everyone lands up on the beach to have an ice cream with their family. You see quite a variety of people. West Mumbai

Star Grazing // Indigo. This restaurant is in a restored bungalow and feels really warm and swanky at the same time. You can do that usual actor spotting, but the food is actually really good. 4 Mandlik Road, Colaba,foodindigo.com

Street Style // Fashion Street. Miles and miles of market stall shopping. I tend to buy several of those simplekurtas (cotton tunics) to wear over jeans, and stop and have street food.MG Road, South Mumbai

Cheeky Chic // Bombay Electric. This shop has really unique clothes and cool accessories, kitschy Indian things. Definitely for people who like clothing with a twist. 1 Reay House, Best Marg, Colaba, bombayelectric.in

 

Raymond Bickson 

The Hotelier Managing Director and CEO of Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces

Culture Cool // National Centre for the Performing Arts. There is a great mix of established work and experimental, Indian and Western classical. You cannot go wrong. NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, ncpamumbai.com

Abundance of Dishes // Trishna. We bring guests here, and they are stunned by the hundreds of items on the menu. The garlic-butter king crabs are the reason people return again and again. Birla Mansion, Sai Baba Marg (next to Commerce House), Fort, 91-22-2270-3213

Old Worlds // Phillips Antiques. I love to gaze at their beautiful treasures and maps, and check out any new collectibles. From carved cupboards to Gauri heads to oil lamps, it's an authentic slice of the past. Madam Cama Road (opposite Regal Cinema), Colaba, phillipsantiques.com

Snack Attack // Camy Wafers. My daughters and I just love the fresh potato chips from this Colaba snack shop. 5-6 Oxford House (off Colaba Causeway), Colaba, 91-22-2282-8430

Restau-Disco // Shiro. This restaurant is a wonderful oasis in midtown. Friday night with music from the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s is great fun. And the food is delicious.Bombay Dyeing Mill Compound, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, shiro.co.in

Plus Don't Miss...

Elco Pani Puri Center A legendarypani puri (crispy fried canapés) street stall that went brick and mortar. elcocateringservices.com // 

Forest Essentials The place to load up on handmade soaps and creams, many of them laced with sandalwood, rose andmogra (a type of jasmine).forestessentialsindia.com // 

Ahilaya A favorite for silk and cotton tunics in pastel hues. 91-22-2202-4053 

Natural Ice Cream A must for the seasonal fruit-loaded ice creams likesitaphal (custard apple) and chikoo (sapota). naturalicecreams.in 

Enjoy Singapore Our Way!

Must go

Robertson Quay
If you enjoy soaking up the downtown vibe but appreciate a more laid back night out, I highly recommend this entertainment precinct. The quietest of Singapore’s three quays, you’ll find riverside restaurants and watering holes offering a range of quality cuisine from Australia to Japanese. The former specializes in the iconic Belgian dish of mussels with fires alongside a comprehensive list of beers, while the latter serves up a wicked selection of pizzas in an open kitchen concept such as one layered with mascarpone, mushrooms and black truffle oil
In recent times, the area has also become the haunt of coffee aficionados, who flock to Toby’s Estate and Kith. On the weekends, Robertson Quay transforms into a vibrant brunch spot some of Singapore’s best ones can be found here.

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Club Street

Once dotted with Chinese clubs probably why it’s called Club Street where wealthy Chinese men in Singapore met and talked business, this pedestrian’s street with its rows of restored shop houses is now a favorite haunt of trend business executives to relax after office hours. Each restaurant, bar, club, hotel or gallery that lines the street has its own character, theme and décor, while the overall atmosphere is abuzz with chatter and laughter. Unlike Mohd Sultan or Boat Quay, Club Street has a tinge of 19^th century colonial Singapore. Located in the Chinatown area.

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Bollywood Veggies
Set on a four-hectare plot of agricultural land in the rural north-western suburb of Kranji, Bollywood Veggies  provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s urban jungle, Run by former president of Netball Singapore, Ivy Singh-Lim, the organic farm specializes in local produce cultivated without the aid of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or growth hormones.
Open Wednesday to Sunday from 09.00 till 18.30, this delightful oasis is best explored during he first half of the day when the weather is cooler. Take a leisurely strollor20-minute guided tour around the farm to survey the vast assortment of flora and fauna.
If you are hungry, home cooked meals are available at Poison Ivy Bistro, which uses ingredient plunked straight from the farm. Ivy Singh Lim often makes an appearance at the eatery to reminisce with customers about Singapore’s ‘good ol’ days’.

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Night Safari
As the sun sets and darkness blankets the sky, get up close and personal with nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat at the Night Safari. Stretching over 35 hectare of tropical foliage, the safari is now home to 137 animals, 38 percent of which are endangered.
Visitors can choose to explore the safari on foot or by tram, though I would highly recommend venturing on the tram as well as the Leopard Trail, where felines including the elusive clouded leopard and the Malayam civet rest and play
The creatures of the Night Show, where one can catch the cheeky antics of animals are another not to be missed highlight.

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Marina Barrage
Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, this urban reservoir opened too much fanfare in 2008 but interest has waned with bigger names like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay popping up in the vicinity. This destination showcases Singapore’s technological prowess in water storage, and tours to the visitor centre can be arranged for groups. It is open round the clock, but head to the rooftop garden after sunset for panoramic views of Singapore’s ever changing skyline. Pack a camera and a picnic basket too.

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The Esplanade

The grand dame of Singapore, the Esplanade hosts plays, dance recitals, concerts every day of the week and is home to the Mosaic Music Festival, Huayi Festival and Bay bests.
Known affectionately as the “the Durian” for its spiky exterior, the Esplanade also provides free performances by local artists in the lobby and the outdoor heater on most evenings, and a spectacular view of the lights of the Marina Bay area from its rooftop garden.
The Singapore River, the Merlion and the Singapore Flyer are within walking distance, which is a pleasure to do in the evening, with the breeze blowing in from the sea.

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Marina Bay Sands Theatres
This venue, which houses two theatres, is current favourite haunt for musicals, and it is no surprise considering how some of the world’s best performances have been held here. I laughed and cried during Wicked, the Broadway Musical in March, had my breath taken away by Drum Tao The Art of Drum in August, and at the point of writing this i am looking forward to Avenue Q the Musical on September 29.
The two plush theatres share a spacious, well designed foyer with a magnificent wall made of mirrors. In fact, the beauty of this foyer makes me wish for longer intervals, which i usually spend enjoying a beer while browsing musical collectibles.
Spectacular performances coming up include the Bootleg Beatles (November 8-11) and Jersey Boys (November 20 to February 17, 2012)

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Must See

National Museum of Singapore

Having been to some museums in other Asian cities, I have come to appreciate the educational and entertainment value offered by the exhibitors in the National Museum of Singapore. The Living Galleries make for quick and fun excursions through Singapore’s past, and I find the Food showcase particularly interesting. Learn how Singapore’s favorite dishes come to be, while listening to the sounds of street hawkers whipping up their fare.
If you have several hours on your hand, do visit the Singapore History Gallery. It offers visitors two ways to ‘see’ Singapore’s progress from the 14^th century to modern times; the events path highlights major events in the city state’s past, while the personal path tells stories through the eyes of the man on the street. I am a fan of this gallery and have gone down both paths twice.

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Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s latest mega attraction is definitely with a ramble in, especially for tourists who prefer the city-state’s more natural offerings. The sprawling development has ‘super trees’ rising from the ground, which are unmissable when traveling from the airport into town. These 16- story high vertical gardens are captured by over 160,000 plants and also serve Eco friendly functions such as harvesting solar energy through their embedded photovoltaic cells. Don’t miss a visit to the two undulating glass conservatories. The Cloud Forest features a 35m tall waterfall cascading down into lush vegetation in a cool moist environment, while the flower Dome is home to a collection of colorful blooms from Mediterranean regions.
For those who want to kick the adventure up a notch, ascend the OCBC Sky-way for a panoramic view of the gardens and the surrounding city skyline.
I find the gardens more captivating at night, when the ‘trees’ glow in different hues as part of a light and sound show. The park is accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Marina Bay sands or by MRT (Bay front Station).

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National Orchid Garden

While we now have a new mega garden, Gardens by the Bay, don’t ever forget the evergreen favorite, National Orchid Garden, located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The orchid is Singapore’s national flower and this orchid garden will make you feel you’re seeing the world’s largest orchid show unfold. The variety of orchids on display is just incredible, while the detailed information on each orchid variety is highly educational and interesting. The grounds are lovely and there are also thousands of tropical plants don’t forget the camera!

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Little India

This is the second year in the row that I’m recommending visiting Little India, but if you’ve got time to spare on Sunday afternoon or evening, then there’s really no other place better to sample a slice of Singapore’s multicultural mishmash of a society.
Situated to the east of the Singapore River across from Chinatown and north of the Malay district, Kampong Glam, this Tamil ethnic enclave is absolutely swarming with foreign workers from the Indian subcontinent on Sundays. The hordes of workers, eager to meet up with comrades in familiar surroundings in their day off, literally turn the area into you guessed it a veritable semblance of being right smack in India.

That’s not all Little India has to offer though, Mustafa Center, a humongous 24 hours department store, sells everything under the sun at rock bottom process, while Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, built in 1881 and dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, attracts a steady stream of devotees.
Litter India also harbors the best Indian cuisine Singapore has to offer, including vegetarian favorites at Komalas Villas, and the very popular fish head curry at Banana Leaf Apollo.

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Haji Lane
Tucked in a nondescript, narrow street in a Muslim enclave on the edge of the city centre, Haji Lance is a Mecca for fashionistas. Lined with hip, eclectic boutiques stocking indie, quirky and vintage collections, Haji Lane is reminiscent of Le Marais in Paris or Carnaby Street in London.
After a hectic day of sashaying though shops, pecking shoppers can stop by Café le Carre for an authentic Middle Eastern meal or Turkish coffee.

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Kampong Glam

Singapore’s Malay Arab Quarter since the early 19^th century, this historic enclave remains the heart of the country’s Muslim life despite taking on a hip, bohemian air in recent years. Myriad experiences can be had in this atmospheric neighborhood one can shop for scarves, custom a special perfume, smoke sheesha (water pipe), sip an artisan cup of coffee or savor a diverse array of Middle Eastern cuisines ranging from Lebanon to Turkish. Photographers are sure to have a field day in this vibrant district, with iconic architecture such as gold dome Sultan Mosque and rows and rows of giant heritage shop houses.

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Haw Par Villa

More an eccentric genius garden than a theme park, and the subject of urban legends, Haw Par Villa was set up by two millionaire brothers in the 1930’s and features over 1,000 status depicting stories and scenes from Chinese folklore, including the famous Journey to the West.
A popular attraction in the 1980s when the park boasted live performances and a water ride, Haw Par Villa barely draws tourists now, despite the free admission. A real shame because the signature exhibit, a stroll through the 10 courts of hell, remains as gruesome and terrifying as ever. Visit for an offbeat, quirky break in pragmatic Singapore.

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Must Eat

Ponggol Choon Seng Seafood Restaurant
Despite having dished out fresh seafood dishes to a loyal following of customers since 1956, this restaurant remains humble in its pricing and service is friendly and attentive. It sits in a lovely black and white colonial house on Turnhouse Road, a serene enclave in the Changi area. It is air-conditioned too, so you can dig into its signature seafood dishes such as chili crabs, crabs with salted eggs, black pepper crayfish and crispy baby squids in comfort. The restaurant also whips up an addictive dish of crispy shreds of duck meat wrapped in paper thin popiah skin.

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Old Airport Road Food Centre

For a more authentic local dining experience, look slightly outside the city centre. The variety on offer is hard to beat; rows and rows of almost every Singaporean favorite imaginable can be found in this non air conditioned space, from noodles in prawn and pork rib broth to rojak, a traditional salad of turnip, pineapple, dough sticks and fried bean curd smothered in sweet sauce. It is debatable which stall offers the best wonton noodles (minced meat dumplings), but there are two famous ones that sit just a few spaces apart near the main road. To end off your meal, try one of the many soy-based deserts or crispy banana fritters.
With the recent opening of the circle line (Dakota is the nearest MRT station), the food centre has become a lot more convenient to get to. It is also a stone’s throw away from the indoor stadium, which plays host to many international concerts.

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Jumbo seafood

There are two types of crab dishes that are indigenous to Singapore chili crab and black pepper crab. We are proud of them! If possible, order both (but choose a small crab to begin please), one at a time. But if you have appetite for only one, then I’d say (reluctantly), chili crabs.
Go to Jumbo Seafood branch in Dempsey Hill, as by doing this, you will combine a must eat with a must see. Dempsey Hill was formerly an army barrack; it has been rejuvenated with all sorts of F&B outlets and antique shops. Reservations for Jumbo Seafood are recommended.

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2am: Dessert bar
If you’re looking for a unique dessert and wine venue to while away till the wee hours of the mornings, then look no further than 2am: Dessertbar, tucked away in a corner of Holland Village.
Open Mondays to Saturdays from 18.00 till 02.00 (hence the branding), the place is helmed by chef – owner Janice Wong, whose groundbreaking dessert creations have been earning rave reviews from some of the world’s most celebrated culinary aficionados.
The place is a haven for trying innovative desserts. Favorites include Basil White Chocolate with Textures of Passion fruit, Purple Potato Puree with Blackberry Parfait and Kayambe H20 (concocted from 72 per cent Michel Cluizel dark chocolate and Evian mineral water). If you’re game enough, go for the 4x4 desserts & Wine Degustation.

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Salt Grill & Sky Bar

Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan’s sixth homage to Pacific Rim Cuisine, Salt Grill & sky Bar, is perched on the 55^th to 56^th floor of the iconic Ion Orchard.
Salt exudes laid back sophistication, tinged with a hint of glamour. Housed in a vast atrium, the restaurant’s minimalistic interior is decked in white, complemented by a fusion of neutral and deep shades of red. Illuminated blocks of glass, concrete and steel, framed by cathedral like windows, provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner for two. By day, the restaurant is a hub for power lunches.
Dishes are wholesome, unpretentious and suitably sublime, deftly made from the best seasonal Australian produce on offer and accented by bold Asian flavors. Menus are seasonal in nature, and diners have a tantalizing choice of prix fixe, degustation and a la carte selection.
The sky Bar is tiny compared to the immense expanse of restaurant, but it does not disappoint. As with the main dining area, it is invitingly warm, and its cocktails are prepared with flair and taste absolutely divine.

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Thasevi Food

A culinary institution synonymous with the ultimate Singaporean comfort food, Thasevi draws Singaporeans of all stripes to its no frills shop in Jalan Kayu for their roti prata, fried discs of dough often eaten drenched in curry. Good for breakfast, lunch, dinner or supper (they open late), the versatile roti prata can be ordered kosong if you want it plain, with egg it you’re a little hungrier, or with banana, for a sweet twist to a savory dish. For the kid in you order a Milo Dinosaur – the chocolate malt drink come topped with a generous heap of Milo powder for a midnight sugar rush.

Elephants Rehabilitation centre (ERC) Kappuka

Elephants have been an integral part of India’s history, tradition, myth and culture. They have been captured, tamed, domesticated and bred in captivity. They have been used in battle, hunting, religious and ceremonial occasions and to manage other elephants. Captive elephants are reverted, kept in temples and passed on as family heirlooms. The giant beasts enjoy a very special place in the minds of the people and cultural life of Kerela. Real-life anecdotes that capture a thousand moods of these whimsical animals too are part of the lore of a multitude of elephant lovers. Despite the rich heritage and experience, the quality of life of the captive elephants has been deteriorating in recent years. Considering the present scenario and the need to take care of them, the Kerala forest department has established an Elephant Rehabilitation Centre(ERC) at Kappukkad, near Kottoor, in Thiruvananthapuram district to provide spacious and near natural habitat. The objective of the centre is to take care of the rescues, sick, aged and baby elephants. ERC also function as a centre for training elephants as well as their managers and mahouts with facilities for research on management and rehabilitation.

LOCATION

The rehabilitation Centre is located 3 kms from Kottoor and 30 kms from Trivandrum City. From Kovalam the access is through Balaramapuram Kattakkada. The site is flanked by waters of Neyyar reservoir and moist deciduous forests and grass lands.

JOIN ELEPHANT BATH

Bathing of elephants in the reserboir is intresting to watch. Visitors can also lend a helping hand to the Mahout in scrubbing the elephant to clean them.

EXPERIENCE ELEPHANT RIDE

Visitors can experience the thrill of an elephant ride in the centre.

ENJOY FEEDING ELEPHANTS

Elephants are fed after bath. Cooked rice and jaggery are made into the shape of balls and fed into their mouth. Visitors are permitted to g near the elephants to witness this lovely scene.

WATCH ELEPHANT BEHAVIOR

Observing different moods of elephants is very interesting; one can spend hours watching this.

STAY IN FOREST HOSTELS

Nature enthusiasts, elephant lovers, nature study tour group etc. can stay in the forests hostels available at the centre. Essential catering facilities are attached to the hostels.

DOS AND DONTs in ERC

• Observe total silence and discipline in the centre

• Do not smoke and consume alcoholic drinks in the centre

• Do not disturb or tease the elephants

• Do not harm the eco system of the locality

• Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir

• Do not pollute reservoir

• Do not litter surroundings of the centre

• Keep the centre a plastic free zone

• Avoid feeding the elephants

• Trekkers are advised to use jungle boots and leach proofs socks

• Avoid perfumes when approaching elephants; it may irritate them

• Keep a watch on children accompanying you

• Do not collect plant materials from the locality (it is an offence). Let them grow in its natural environment

• Respect local culture and heritage

• Do not attempt to snap photographs of the local folk and fellow visitors

• Obey the instructions of the guides and officials accompanying the trekkers

• Carry drinking water and snacks on trekking

Entry fees

India Rs. 10

Foreigner Rs. 100

Elephant Ride

India Rs. 100

Foreigner Rs. 200

World's Highest Bungie Jumping

The Bloukrans Bungy is the worlds highest commercial bungy bridge. It is also the highest commercial natural bungy jump in the world. We have had a number of world records associated with Bloukrans. In 2003, Bloukrans bungy was recognized as the worlds highest commercial bungy jump. In 2008 we were part of two more world records. Veronica Dean performed 19 bungy jumps in one hour and Bill Boshoff performed 101 jumps in a 24 hour period. Bill’s world record was subsequently surpassed, but in 2011 we facilitated Scott Huntley to regain the world record with 107 jumps in the 24 hour period. The Bloukrans bridge is 216 meters (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River.

Vegetarian and Indian Food in Thailand

Festivals Around the Globe in September

Till September 29, 2012

NYC & Company along with Rooftop Films is organizing a films festival in NYC that will allow visitors to watch more than 40 movies outdoors this summer, absolutely free! The venues include Bronx Terminal Market, Coney Island Boardwalk, Dekalb Market, Queens Museum of art, Socrates Sculpture Park, Pichmond Country Bank ballpark & Tompkins Square Park, all of which will host free outdoor screenings of classic movies, blockbuster hits, independent documentaries, shot films & more (nycgo.com/rooftopfilms).

 

September 21-23, 2012

The countdown to the Singapore Grand Prix has begun & the city is going all out to make it one of the best this year. Packed with high-octane fun, visitor can book tickets in advance have the change to witness F1 action live.

September 21-24, 2012

 The Fests de la Merce in Barcelona, Spain is weeklong festival that celebrates Our Lady of Mercy, the partron saint of the city. It opens with giants & dragons in the Placa Sant Jaume. This is followed by more than 600 events including sardanes [a circular dance typical of Catalonia] and correfocs, a tamper version for kids, a spectacular fireworks display, sporting events and lots of activities for children.

September 22-23, 2012

The people of Sydney love their food and this year, the city comes alive with the Crave Sydney International Food Festival. Food-lovers will have gala time trying to fit all the culinary experiences into their calendars. Iconic Crave events include Barbecue Madness and the night Noodle Markets in Hyde Park.

Till September 30, 2012

Goa in the rain is spectacular. Why not take advantage of the season & goo off on a monsoon Vacation? We are offering villas & hotels at discounted rates.

September 22-23, 2012

Ever wondered what was behind the doors of all those beautiful buildings in London? Open House London celebrates all that is beautiful about the capital’s building, areas neighborhoods, which are not ordinarily, open to public. Get under the skin of London’s brilliant architecture & explore over 700 buildings that throw their doors open during this time.