BOARDROOM TO BEACH
It’s time to boost our domestic economy. The status of the Rupee is partly to influence the decisions of corporate groups planning an India-centric trip for their business meets. Guess what, surprises await as the lean period has amazing offers on a platter. The cuisine is interesting, transportation is hassle-free and reaching the destination is truly easy. ET-Travel zeroed down on the popular business-cum-leisure destination choices of Jaipur, Indore and Kolkata, where post your meeting, you can soak in the city’s attractions. JAIPUR: Shopping is what may attract most people here but the night desert safaris, cuisine and hospitality befitting royalty is a blissful experience. Indulge! INDORE: Madhya Pradesh’s financial centre, Indore is a metropolis one must visit to experience. We recommend a trip to see the famous Khajuraho Temple. KOLKATA: This bustling city will embrace you with open arms and you must indulge in its street bazaars, shopping, cuisine, nightlife and literary tours, for sure.
WHERE: JAIPUR REGION: Rajasthan
BEST BETS: Sight-seeing, shopping, desert safaris, wildlife
A favourite amongst most international celebrities, Jaipur is renowned world over for its cultural and architectural beauty. So, if your business meeting is planned here, we can assure you, your weekender break will be great fun. This bustling capital city of Rajasthan is now a business centre and extends all the trappings of a modern metropolis. However, it’s the old-world charm that makes it special to the world. The old Jaipur painted in pink can grip any visitor with admiration. Presenting a stunning backdrop of ancient forts including Nahargarh, Amer, Jaigarh and Moti Doongari, witness romance and chivalry of the bygone era, that was celebrated with elan in Jaipur.
MUST-VISIT: The City Palace displays the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture; Hawa Mahal also called The palace of winds, is a fascinating landmark built by the orders of poet-king, Sawai Pratap Singh in the 18th century; Amber Palace; Jantar Mantar; Albert Hall; Statue Circle; Gaitore and more. Take your kids to the Dolls Museum, located near the Police memorial and see attractive dolls from various countries. Most of these destinations are a day trip, offering ample opportunity to shop as well at the local bazaars. You will be impressed with the exquisite embroidery work found here.
EXTENDED EXCURSIONS: Sambhar: Known as India’s largest inland salt lake, Sambhar was discovered with its amazing ethnic, ancient sculptural art in 1884. Today, this site is of historical importance. Sambhar has been designated as a Ramsar site (recognised wetland of international importance). Many flamingos and other birds migrate here from northern Asia. Viratnagar: Over 86 kms on the Shahpura-Alwar Road, the site of ancient Viratnagar is of great antiquity. It boasts of relics and structures of the Mauryan, Mughal and Rajput periods. Bagru: This village on the Ajmer Road, is known for its hand block printing and the prints are popularly called as Bagru prints. The threecenturies-old tradition of block printing is kept alive with the efforts of Bagru artisans. The village will be a treat for craft lovers and you could visit the place to acknowledge the tradition of former centuries. Sanganer: Popular for hand block printed textiles and handmade paper, Sanganer town is entered through the ruins of two Tripolias (Triple Gateways). The town is an important centre for the crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from units of block and screen printers. This textile is popular all over the country and abroad.
www.jaipurtourism.org
WHERE: INDORE REGION: Madhya Pradesh
BEST BETS: Sight-seeing; cuisine; wildlife and cultural festivals
Indore’s fast pace of economic growth has made it a good spot to hold business meetings. It is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh, and together with its satellite towns of Pithampur and Dewas, the trio offer much to businessmen. Indore is home to Madhya Pradesh Stock Exchange, India’s third oldest stock exchange. The real estate market here is among the most expensive in the state. Numerous colleges and universities are located in Indore, including IIM Indore and IIT Indore, making Indore a sought-after education institutions belt. It is evident that the proximity to the Gujarat - Mumbai grid has become a major factor behind Indore’s huge economic potential. Turning back the pages, Indore is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State. The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar, born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region. Today, Indore is a perfect mélange of the old and the new, where the old heritage structures co-exist with the modern multi-storeyed buildings. Local cuisine is to die for. The kebabs, bhutte ki kees, mawa-bati, koprapak and malpua are a must-try.
EXTENDED EXCURSIONS: MHOW: Military Headquarters Of War (MHOW) currently houses India’s prestigious military training establishments for higher commands, the entire cantonment is beautifully landscaped. Patal Pani: Come here for a picnic and witness the water falls that cascade from a height of 150 feet into a kund, the depth of which is still unknown. It is believed that the bottom of this unfathomable kund reaches patal (unknown world beneath the core of earth), hence the name Patal Pani. Ujjain: This temple city on the Eastern banks of the Kshipra River, is a beautiful family getaway. Dhar: On the Indore-Ahmedabad road is Dhar, the capital of Parmar Kings, among whom Raja Bhoj was the most prominent. The monuments here exhibit a combination of Hindu, Afghan and Mughal architecture. Bhoj Shala, Laat Masjid, the fort and the lakes are some of the popular tourist attractions with corporate groups who drive down here to unwind.
www.mptourism.com
WHERE: KOLKATA REGION: West Bengal
BEST BETS: Museums, street foods, shopping, nightlife, cultural showcase
Known for its cuisine, fashion, business sense, fresh talent in music, entertainment and art, Kolkata as a city is a powerhouse of creativity. Sure, we all know that it has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage, too.
MUST-VISIT: Victoria Memorial; Howrah Bridge; Dalhousie Square; College Street; Esplanade; Burra Bazar are on most tourist’s itinerary. Take time to visit the Birla Academy of Art & Culture: Situated on what is popularly known as Southern Avenue, the Birla Academy is a veritable treasure trove for the art lover. It showcases the Indian modern art and honours creativity. This place houses many paintings dating back to the medieval period, woodcarvings, archeological manuscripts, textiles and ancient Indian sculptures. Asiatic Society Museum: As early as 1796, the Asiatic Society announced its intention of establishing a museum, and it was actually set up at the beginning of 1814. The Society proposed for establishment of a public museum at Calcutta. And the Indian Museum of Calcutta was established in 1866. The Society still maintains a museum of its own possession of Ashokan Rock Edict, copper plates, sculptures, manuscripts and archival records. Marble Palace: Situated in Chorbagan, in an artistically laid-out garden, the place is full of rare collection of antiques of immense artistic and historical value. Wonderful curios, chinaware and a couple of paintings by Rubens can be seen here.
EXTENDED EXCURSIONS: Sundarbans: Take a river cruise to witness the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Digha and Mandarmani: Indulge in some exclusive beach fun at the seaside resort towns of Digha and Mandarmani in Midnapore district of West Bengal.
www.westbengaltourism.gov.in
Compiled
by Nimisha Tiwari ETTR130718
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