Want a filmi phoren holiday?

You suddenly wake up shaken and sweaty not because you saw the wall clock and it was already seven and the thought of your boss (wearing an imaginary boxing glove) ready to take a shot at you made you shiver, but because you saw the calendar and the freaking page still reflected the scorching and blistering month of MAY. Tsk tsk...!

Now before the ‘Rain God’ can help you let Bollywood come to your rescue. Take your pick from the following filmi phoren destinations and go far far away from the sweltering Indian summer heat…


Phoren getaway: Switzerland

Famous movies shot here: Bachna Ae Haseeno, Chandni, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke and Dhadkan

If you ever wanted to sing on the top of your voice while enjoying an alpine coaster ride… if you secretly wished to make your friends - who’re lugging it out in the local train from station to station - jealous by sipping on hot coffee in a cable car while you were going past snow-capped mountains, you have to go to Switzerland!

When the militants took over the Kashmir valley, Bollywood was flummoxed. But thanks to Yash Chopra we found an equally beautiful replacement in no time – Switzerland. In fact, there won’t be one Indian tourist who wouldn’t have visited Chopra Lake (as it is referred to in tourist jargon), a lake that has made many appearances in films directed or produced by him.

Phoren getaway: New York

Famous movies shot here: Kal Ho Na Ho, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and New York...

Remember how Shah Rukh Khan secretly tried to woo ‘Preity’ woman on the streets of New York in Kal Ho..? Or how Mr King Khan sang love ballads with Rani Mukerji amidst an enchanting snow fall in KANK?

Well if you think that SRK will romance you also if you go to NY then high hopes dahlings. But since NY is filled with hunk-ies and cuties you may get your own version of Bollywood Baadshah!

Phoren getaway: New Zealand

Famous movies shot here: Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai

Believe it or not it was Rakesh Roshan who discovered the vastness of the kiwi land before Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings fame) did. Of course you cannot compare the two movies where one gets his leads to dance and prance around the trees, and the other has the trees walk and talk themselves! But whatever it is Kaho Naa… is and will remain one of the best romantic movies of all time.

So if you want to have a snowball fight in the middle of summer and yearn to get naughty and nice with your partner against the immense landscapes of pristine white snow book your tickets to New Zealand, now!

Phoren getaway: Europe

Famous movies shot here: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Hum Tum

Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, London and many more cities of Europe offer a wonderful mixture of both modern and traditional way of life. From high-end cars to bicycles, quaint cafes to elite restaurants, heritage houses to modern buildings… the choice is yours.

Whether you arrive via cruise ship, train, plane or car, these cities are bursting with ways for you to enjoy nature. And never mind if you don’t have a partner to get cozy with… your ‘Andekha Anjana’ is waiting for you to sweep you off your feet!

Phoren getaway: South Africa

Famous movies shot here: Race and Cash

Ok, so by the look of it (read: the above-mentioned movies), it doesn’t exactly seem like the most romantic place on earth. But if you’re all about fast cars, game reserves, mountain resorts, desert safaris, grand casinos and everything that is ‘Madagascar’ wild and as thrilling as these movies then there is no better place to go this summer than South Africa.

You never know, you’ll strike ‘diamond’ by finding your own billionaire, like Saif Ali Khan…

Which is your favorite filmi phoren location? Leave us a comment and let us know.

Think out of the Xbox

New Delhi, May 6 -- For a lot of today's children, adventure is what Tom Sawyer did in a book written in 1876. Most students in Delhi today are busy studying for exams or downloading music for their iPods. Oh, and when they get bored, they also poke each other on Facebook.

But, don't worry; the summer vacation can change all of that. Delhi has some great options- from new-age activities such as Zorbing to the tried and tested hitchhiking - for students who want their routines to 'go, take a walk' this summer.

Zorbing and paintball Zorbing is a fun-filled adventure sport, involving a ball made of transparent plastic. The ball - 16 feet in diameter - has a thick air cushion that protects a smaller ball inside.

You are placed inside the smaller ball, safety belts helping you stay upright, and the ball is rolled down a slope. You spin around in a virtual anti-gravity form of weightlessness like a space traveller.

As you tumble head over heels inside the ball, the build up of centrifugal force keeps you pressed hard against the plastic wall, so you go with the flow and enjoy the view outside. Perfect if a 'revolution' is what you wanted to start.

"I was nervous when I was inside the ball for the first time. But as soon as they rolled down the ball, it was great fun," said six-year-old Arushi Srivastava. "Children are tired of those old sports.

Zorbing, which is new to India, excites children a lot. The game is absolutely safe and reliable. Our team is always around to support children in case they need help," said Major S.K. Yadav, managing director, Wanderlust Travels.

Wanderlust also offers a unique game that involves small guns firing "bullets" filled with colour. The game involves a face off between two teams with 5 players each. A flag is placed on ground and the teams have to fight to win that flag.

The game involves hiding behind trees and running across the ground to win the flag. "My kids really enjoyed the game and want to do it again this year," said Kanchar Naib, whose 10-year-old daughter went for the camp last year.

Where: Wanderlust Travels (Near Damdama Lake, Sohna Road, Gurgaon)
When: April 3 to June 30
Age group: 7 to 18
Charges: Rs 550 for a day, Rs 1,400 for an overnight stint
Call: 9811043497

Mountain-top star gazing

Are you an astronomy buff and love gazing at the night sky, the stars and the galaxies? We're sure your starry pursuit is usually hampered by the city's light pollution. You can overcome this problem by joining an Astro Camp in the Himalayas this summer.

The camp will allow you to combine adventure with astronomy. At Astro camp, you will also learn the practical uses of telescopes, hydro rockets, and other cool stuff. "I hated science earlier, but learning astronomy as part of an adventure camp changed my attitude to science," said 10-year-old, Anirudh Sahni.

The camp also allows you to perform physical activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, treasure hunts and slying fox. "Children have always been curious about the stars and the galaxies, but they can hardly get to see them in the city," said Anurag Mehra, Director, Zice Holidays, which organises astro camps.

Where: Camp Redstone, Near Dehradun
When: May 15 to July 5
Age group: 12 to 15
Charges: Between Rs 6500 and Rs 12000 (depending on the content of the course that includes several activities)
Call: Zice Holidays 9911039423

Hike in the Himalayas

If you love nature, you can opt for an eco-walk in the dense, mysterious forests of Kumaon. It will not only help you enhance your understanding of the diverse flora and fauna, but will also help you learn more about environment preservation. The eco-walk will take you past rough hills, gurgling river, lakes and streams.

"Our camp helps children explore nature. It ultimately enhances a child's confidence and curiosity and makes him fall in love with nature," said Manasi Goyal, Director, Mystic Routes.

Where: Mystic routes (Kumaon Himalayas)
When: June 4 to June 29
Age Group: 8 to 17
Charges: Rs 18,000 for a full package (includes other activities also)
Call: 9999983767

Flying high in the sky If you want to fly but not in an aeroplane, go parasailing this summer. You will be hitched to a parachute, called parasail, and set aloft in the air. The parasail is attached to a long towrope pulled along by a speeding car or a jeep.

When the speed exceeds the stalling speed, the parasail rises, hoisting the pilot up in the air. Parasailing is an experiential flight which will thrill you no end. And it's quite safe too.

Where: Zice Holidays, Camp Redstone
When: May 15to July 5
Charges: Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per child (depending on the content of the course)
Age Group: 12 to 15
Contact: 9911039423

Source: Yahoo! India News
Source Link: http://in.news.yahoo.com/32/20100506/1053/tnl-think-out-of-the-xbox_1.html

The Train Traveler

• Carry enough cash for your rail journey, as there are no places to get cash on trains.

• The food and water available at train cafeterias tends to run out. In any case, fresh snacks are rarely available and it is a good idea to carry your own food and drinks. This will come in handy if there are delays.

• Carrying a pillow on train journeys is a good idea, especially if you are used to sleeping with your own pillow. You may find their pillows lumpy or too high or too hard; yours will be just right.

• When traveling by train at night, secure your luggage by looping a long chain through the handle of your suitcase/bag/rucksack and padlocking it to a convenient surface. You could lock the chains together too, making it difficult for someone to walk away with your luggage while you are sleeping.

• Avoid the agony of waking up on a train to find that your shoes have been stolen. Stuff them into the seat pockets or place them in your bag while you sleep.

• Find out in advance how long your train stops at the station and on which side the platform will appear. If you have several pieces of luggage, start moving to the door well in advance so that it is easier to disembark without making too many trips back and forth.

• Carry your own paper towels, soap and toilet paper rather than being stranded on a long train journey.

• Don't lose sight of the train you are traveling in when it stops at a station. You wouldn't want to be left behind at the platform browsing through a station bookshop while your train pulls out.

Tourists Safety Tips

Punjab Police Department would like to make your visit to our exciting city as pleasant and safe as possible. You can help us further by following these simple tips while touring Punjab.

• Carry your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or side trouser pocket, never in the rear pocket.

• Carry pocketbooks in the bend of your elbow, held close to your body. If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag. Carry credit cards and cash in your pockets.

• Keep pocketbooks on your lap when dining out, not dangling over the back of a chair. Avoid placing pocketbooks on hooks on the back of a fitting room or bathroom door, where someone can easily reach over & removed them.

• Leave valuables and important papers, such as jewelry and passports, secured in your hotel's safe deposit box. Never leave these items unattended in your room or carry large sums of cash on your person.

• Be wary of unexpected persons coming to your hotel room. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance people. Contact the front desk if you have any doubts.

• If you schedule a meeting with a potential client, research the company and the individual with whom you are meeting. Meet in a public place, such as a restaurant.

• Make sure that luggage is only given to a member of the hotel's bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage. Never leave luggage or other expensive items, unattended at airports or taxi stands.

• Kindly contact on counter "May I help you" available at airport, railway station & bus stand for help and guidance.

• Adequate numbers of PCR & other police officers are deputed in proper uniform in the city. You can contact nearest police officer to intimate about undesirable elements and touts in your observation. However, police is taking utmost care, vigilance and surveillance over these elements, still it is felt that we can eliminate these elements effectively with passengers active participation in the drive.

• In addition to above, police officers in plain clothes are also deputed to keep watch on suspicious movements. Therefore, you should never entertain the touts and unscrupulous persons to avoid harassment.

• Preplan your destination in Punjab regarding your stay and tourism in Punjab. Never take advice of Taxi Drivers regarding your stay/tourism in Punjab. Please strict to believe the information of Police Officers, "May I help you" counter, or any other Govt. recognized information Centres.

• If you face any harassment or law and order problem in Punjab, you can dial 100 number from nearest telephone for police assistance.

Houseboats become USP of tourist hotspot Kerala

Alleppey/Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Apr 17 (ANI): As northern India sizzles in scorching summer, most of those bit by the travel bug are making a beeline for tourist spots Kerala.

With its fleet of black-hulled houseboats, the backwaters of Kerala entice the tourists, both domestic and international, to 'God's Own Country'.

Most of the domestic tourists arriving in Kerala are from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal.

"We are from Punjab. We have chosen this destination, as backwaters are a different kind of experience. All the other tourists generally go to the higher altitudes and all other places but we want to have a soothing experience and we are really looking forward to the backwaters of Kerala," said Vikram Singh, a tourist.

A typical backwater cruise takes tourists on a 40-km journey through the Vembanad Lake, India's longest, which is spread over 1,512 sq km.

The cruises have packages tailored for all budgets with a one-night cruise costing from Rs 3,000-25,000 as houseboats now come equipped with power showers in bio-toilets, LCD television sets, air-conditioners, AC-fitted lounges and even jacuzzis. They even have chefs onboard to prepare some of Kerala's culinary specials.

Tour operators say the period from April to September is a good time to attract domestic tourists when there is a lull in international arrivals.

"Actually the foreign tourists are coming in the months of December, January and February. And the rates will be very comfortable in April and May also. It will not be that high and it will be affordable for the domestic people also. After the examinations (are over), people come in large numbers to have a nice day in our houseboats, to see the serene beauty of the backwaters which is unique," said Abhilash Sreekumar, proprietor of Aria Holidays, a houseboat cruise operator.

Meanwhile, the state Tourism Department authorities have decided to extend the experience of these floating hotels beyond Alleppey, and plans to give licenses for operating houseboats in Ashtamudi Lake in nearby Kollam district as well.

Authorities are creating new landing points and also developing new backwater circuits in other districts. More houseboats are being constructed.

"It has been structured as luxury resorts or luxury segment properties. And a typical houseboat cruise starts during the day, move along the backwaters to see the village community life, spend the night there and wake up to the early morning sun in the houseboat itself," said M Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism Department in provincial capital Thiruvananthapuram.

In 2008, Kerala witnessed 7.6 million domestic tourist arrivals, showing a growth of 14.28 per cent from the previous year.