Trek the hills

Far inland, lying on the windward site of the Western Ghats, Kerala has a long chain of lush, mist-clad hill stations that offer the most enchanting experience of nature in all its virgin beauty. Punctuating the forested hills are numerous waterfalls that roar, gurgle and splash down the mountainside. Almost all these breathtaking cascades are the venues for picnics and excursions round the year. The Palaruvi falls in Kollam (Palaruvi means’ stream of milk’), Athirapally and Vazhachal near Thrissur are some of the better known.

Winding up the forested high ranges are the most delightful trekking trails in the country. Some of them adventurously exciting, others enchanting in equal measure. All washed in the spice-scented air of endless acres of plantations – of tea, Devi Lake with its mineral water springs and picturesque surroundings, and Wagamon – a trekker’s delight

Going further north, you will have to negotiate at least 10 hairpin bends on the ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahyadri Ranges on the way to Nelliyampathy, the panoramic hill station in Palakkad. Attappady, also in Palakkad, is a beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests and is of great interest to anthropologists. This is the natural home of many tribals like the Irulars and Mudugas.

At the northeastern tip of the state is Wayanad district, the most pristine region of Kerala. Located 1300 -2100 m above sea level, Wayanad is renowned for is coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations. Mist-capped mountains and breathtaking scenery dominate other tourist attractions. Lakkidi, the gateway to Wayanad, is a lovely mix of lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests. Pakshipathalam as the name suggests is a bird sanctuary which is also known for its trekking tracks. Chembra peak 2100 m above mean sea level, the highest point in Wayanad, is ideal for trekking Pookot Lake, the perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Boating facilities, a children’s park, a handicrafts and spices emporium and a fresh water aquarium are among the tourist facilities available here.

Source: I read the magazines

Hotel Le Royal Meridien in Chennai

Address :

1, G.S.T. Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai 600 016, Tamil Nadu – INDIA

Ratings :

5 Star Deluxe

Location :

5 Kms. from Airport, 1.5 Kms. from Railway Station.
Hotel Le Royal Meridien Proximity to the Industrial Estate Area and very near to Shopping Centre, Chennai Trade Centre, Race Course and Universities.

Hotel Description :

Hotel Le Royal Meridien is one of the few hotels that can be known to pamper the guests with the impeccable service and luxury. Hotel also offers a massage center for traditional relaxing massages and also state of the art modern gymnasium facilities. The beautiful gardens around the hotel have been sculptured to provide the guests with the treatment of a lifetime.

Accommodation at Le Royal Meridien :

STANDARD & DELUXE

All these rooms include electronic safes to accommodate laptops, tea and coffee-maker, two-line telephones with dataport, ISDN Internet connections, minibar, satellite television, room control panel, spy hole and security chain, smoke detectors, sprinklers and soundproofing.

SUPERIOR

These rooms have a king bed, two IDD phone lines, interactive television, dataport, high-speed Internet access, safe, minibar, mineral water, fruit bowl, tea and coffee-maker. The room area is 330 square feet and the bathroom 60 square feet.

DELUXE

These rooms have a king bed, view, airport transfers, breakfast, two IDD phone lines, interactive television, dataport, high-speed Internet access, safe, minibar, mineral water, fruit bowl, tea and coffee-maker. The room area is 330 square feet and the bathroom 60 square feet.

DELUXE VIEW

These room amenities include airport transfers, breakfast, two IDD phone lines, interactive television, dataport, high-speed Internet access, safe, minibar, mineral water, fruit bowl, tea and coffee-maker. The room area is 330 square feet and the bathroom 60 square feet.

ROYAL CLUB

Guests staying in the Royal Club benefit from a king bed, lounge, butler service, breakfast, airport transfers, two IDD phone lines, interactive television, dataport, high-speed Internet access, safe, minibar, mineral water, fruit bowl, tea and coffee-maker. The room area is 360 square feet and the bathroom 60 square feet.

SUITES

All suites include a dedicated guest lift, exclusive Royal Club Lounge, check-in and check-out in either the room or lounge, complimentary breakfast, tea and coffee and soft drinks all day in the lounge, cocktail hour with canapés, airport transfers, pressing of garments, use of the boardroom, butler service, choice of daily newspapers and business magazines. Business facilities are also available. All suites are equipped with a fax machine.

EXECUTIVE SUITE

These suites have a king bed, lounge, butler service, breakfast, airport transfers, two IDD phone lines, interactive television, dataport, high-speed Internet access, safe, minibar, mineral water, fruit bowl, tea and coffee-maker. The room area is 360 square feet and the bathroom 60 square feet.

A spacious one-bedroom suite overlooking the atrium, gardens or city view. Bathrooms have a separate shower and bath. Some Deluxe Suites have a walk-in closet, and one suite has been specially designed for the physically challenged person. The room area is 600 square feet and bathroom 80 square feet.

ROYAL CLUB SUITE

Three suites, individually decorated and located on the Royal Club floor. These suites feature a master bedroom and en suite bathroom, with a separate shower and bath, a study, a grand salon, separate dining room, a foyer and guest toilet. The room area is 1320 square feet and the bathroom 40 square feet.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

A large one-bedroom suite, with separate dining area and pantry, a large sitting room, a study, separate toilet and a guard room. The room area is 1980 square feet and the bathroom 40 square feet.

Restaurants at Le Royal Meridien :

NAVARATNA

This authentic à la carte restaurant serves the country’s finest royal Indian cuisine. A private dining room is available for up to 12 persons and an intimate bar is available for pre-dinner drinks.

CILANTRO

A 24-hour international dining restaurant famous for its seven show kitchens and creative buffets. Cilantro serves international and Indian cuisine and boasts the only teppenyaki counter in the city.

KAYAL

Located on the top floor of the hotel, with magnificent views of the gardens and pool, this idyllic location is home to the only Mediterranean speciality seafood restaurant in the city. Live cooking.

THE DOME

Located off the lobby, this bar serves a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and televises major sporting events.

THE LOBBY LOUNGE

Serving speciality teas, coffee and soft beverages along with a variety of hot and cold snacks.

LE GOURMANDISE

Located in the foyer, this French-designed delicatessen is pure indulgence, offering a wide variety of home-made savouries, breads, pastries, cakes, sweets and chocolates.

CABANA BARAND GRILL

Located next to the pool, surrounded by landscaped gardens, this outdoor dining experience is home to a host of international dishes from the grill, barbecue and tandoor, accompanied by exotic cocktails and sundowners.

Facilities & Services at Le Royal Meridien :

BUSINESS FACILITIES
»State-of-the-art Business Centre
»ISDN/Internet access
»Video Conferencing and Comprehensive AV facilities
»There are nine meeting Rooms accommodating up to 1200 guests
»Ballroom

HEALTH AND FITNESS
»Health & fitness Club
»Steam/Sauna/Jacuzzi
»Massage facilities
»Swimming Pool
»Golf/Riding/Polo
»Water Sports available on request

ROOM FACILITIES
»Wooden floors and marble bathrooms
»All rooms have mini bar
»Computer with Dataport/ Modem
»Television set with satellite channels
»Electronic safe
»Tea and coffee making facility
»Direct dial telephone with data port

OTHER FACILITIES
»Travel Desk
»Currency Exchange
»Laundry
»Car Parking
»24 hrs-room service

Source:Travel India

Hotel Fisherman’s cove in Chennai

Address :

Covelong Beach,Kanchipuram Dist.,Tamil Nadu – INDIA

Ratings :

5 Star

Location :

40 Kms. – Airport, 45 Kms. – Railway Station.
Hotel Fisherman’s Cove is situated on the beach.

Hotel Description :

Hotel Fisherman’s Cove is also one of the three properties of the famous Indian chain of hotels of Taj Group of Hotels in Chennai. Hotel was one of the most impressive Dutch fort built in India and have now been converted into one of the most famous beach resorts in South India. The sun and the sand that surround the hotel offers a perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying few days of leisure and pleasure.

Accommodation at Fisherman’s Cove :

Hotel Fisherman Cove in Chennai has 80 rooms including 38 cottages. Hotel Fisherman Cove in Chennai – All accommodation at the hotel is centrally air conditioned, with international direct dial facility, channel music, colour television with satellite programs. VCRs on request. 24 hour room service. Laundry service.

STANDARD ROOM

Elegantly appointed, most of the rooms are sea facing at Hotel Fisherman’s Cove in Chennai.

COTTAGES

Spacious and rustic in look, these cottages have a private sit out and garden at Hotel Fisherman Cove in Chennai. Some have a view of the sea.

LUXURY SEA FACING COTTAGES

Private sit out and lawn with a great view of the sea from the bed; and a Jacuzzi at Hotel Fisherman Cove in Chennai.

Restaurant at Fisherman’s Cove :

ANCHORAGE

Located on the deck, overlooking the swimming pool, serves Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine.

CLAY PIPE

When it’s time to lift your spirits, come raise a toast at the bar.

BAY VIEW POINT

A romantic open air beach restaurant, serving grilled and barbecued seafood specialties.

Facilities & Services at Fisherman’s Cove :

ROOM FACILITIES

» 24 hours Room Service
» H/C running water
» Tea/Coffee maker
» T.V. with Channel Music
» Telephone STD/ISD
» Direct Dialing

BUSINESS FACILITIES

» Business Center
» Banquet & Conference Facilities
» Shopping Arcade
» Massage Center

OTHER FACILITIES

» Safe Deposit
» Doctor on Call
» Laundry
» Money Changer
» Safe Deposit
» Baby Sitting
» Valet
» Travel Desk Service

Source: Travel India

Hotel ITC Park Sheraton and Towers in chennai

Address :

132, T.T.K. Road,Chennai 600 018, Tamil Nadu -INDIA

Ratings :

5 Star Deluxe

Location :

11 Kms. from Airport, 13 Kms. from Railway Station.
Hotel ITC Park Sheraton and Towers is situated in the down town area of Chennai.

Hotel Description :

Hotel ITC Park Sheraton and Towers Hotel is one of the two properties of the famous WelcomHotels group of hotels. This is the most exclusive address that one can think of while in Chennai. Hotel is for the who is who of any stream of life. Top of the line hotel Park Sheraton & Towers offer guests with the liberty of being in the city center while exploring the business, shopping and tourist attractions of the city.

Accommodation at ITC Park Sheraton and Towers :

Hotel offers 283 rooms that also includes 38 exclusive suites. The rooms are furnished with the finest of every thing with every minute detail that can offer complete rest to the guests have been taken care of. Finest in hospitality and personalised service in an atmosphere of gracious elegance. Where everything you need is provided for under one roof.

Facilities & Services at ITC Park Sheraton and Towers :

BUSINESS FACILITIES
» Two business centres
» Fully equiped
» Board rooms

HEALTH AND FITNESS
» Billiards Room
» Health Club
» Gymnasium
» Ayurvedic Massage facilities
» Beauty Salon

OTHER FACILITIES
» Shopping Arcade
» Foreign Exchange Counter
» Dublin – Irish Pub
» Vijays – Sports Cafe
» Travel Desk
» Florist
» Palmist
» Doctor on call
» Happy Hour for Resident Guests

ROOM FACILITIES
» Ladies Floor
» All suites Floor
» Non-Smoking rooms on request
» In-room safes
» Tea-coffee makers
» Personalised voice mail
» Dual line telephones with data port
» Internet connection
» Butler service in Towers Rooms

Source: Royal Holidays India