An update from Emperor Traveline on COVID-19
For the first time ever, We, at Emperor Traveline, advises you not to travel! And that’s the biggest irony. And if Government regulations are anything to go, you need to stay safe indoors. We are in the midst of a global crisis owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 or Novel Corona Virus, which has transformed the world, as we are approaching towards a ‘new’ normal. The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 are unprecedented as the world is waking up to the news of rising deaths and increasing number of COVID -19 positive-tested patients every single day.
The business climate is gloomy and the worst is anticipated in the days to come as every Government has imposed nation-wide lockouts in almost every part of the world. Videos surfacing of wild creatures roaming scot free on the roads in many parts of the world are doing the rounds online. Several reports have emerged that mentions the role of the ongoing virus crisis in improving air quality and stalling climate change momentum.
Furthermore, emissions from factories, air pollution due to vehicles, and water pollution caused by irresponsible industries have gone down considerably. We cannot but only concede that every crisis, big or small, presents its own challenges, threats as well as ample opportunities.
The uncertainty of COVID-19 is bewildering, to stay the least. Even more baffling is the fact that there is no proven cure or tested vaccine available to curb the spread of the virus. However, what is more heartening to see is that almost every government has preferred to save precious human lives over the falling economy, which again can put many lives at stake later.
We, at Emperor Traveline, have completely adhered to the guidelines and modalities of the regulations laid down by both the State and Central Government during this crisis. We have also ensured that none of our staff or team member has to undergo financial grind. Let’s all pray sincerely for the safety of the world and for normalcy to restore at the earliest.
All about the Fort Aguada – the Fortress of Strength
- Goa, the smallest state in India in terms of area and word length, synonymous for the spectacular beaches, stunning parties and ultra modernity has lot more to offer in terms of heritage and culture in addition to its exciting touring destinations popular the world over.
- A stark reflection of the state’s colonial history, the Fort Aguada is built in 1510 after the Portuguese conquered it comprehensively.
- The fort that stands stall is located on the Sinquerim beach at the mouth of the Mandovi River facing the Arabian Sea.
- Built between the years 1609 and 1612, the name of the fort comes from ‘agua’ meaning ‘water’. There is a spring within the fort that enabled the crews of passing ship to top up their freshwater sources.
- The fort was bifurcated into two sections: the upper part functioning as a watershed, and a fort well insulated by a deep dry moat. The lower part served as a safe hour for the Portuguese vessels to hoard and top up their supplies, in addition to being a bastion, gun powder room and a clandestine escape passage during emergency.
- Besides the huge cistern of the fort could store up to 2, 30,000 gallons of water. The high fort served as a citadel against invading forces during the Portuguese rule.
- Main attractions of the fort include a four-storey lighthouse, one of the oldest in Asia, which was raised in 1864. However, it has remained out of use since 1976.
- Interestingly, huge bonfires were lit on the ‘Hills of Pilot’ just above the site of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Pune to guide the sailing ships into safety.
- It was under the administration of Antonio de Oliveira that he turned the lower part of the fort into prison, and protestors who demanded that Goa be handed back to India were imprisoned here. Today, it is more popular as Goa’s central jail housing those accused of trafficking and narcotics-related offenses.
- Much of the fort today is acquired by the Taj group of Hotels as a Heritage hotel. Get yourself transported back to the time where the angry waves rolled the ships into its sheltered harbour. Definitely, worth a visit.
Kanakakunnu Palace in Trivandrum, Motley of Heritage and Ecology
- The Kanakakunnu Palace in Trivandrum was once the venue for stately events of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore
- Listed by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage as a heritage monument, the Kanakakunnu Palace in Trivandrum today is motley of history and ecology.
- The palace, constructed during the reign of King Sree Mulam Tirunal (1885-1924), was used for royal banquets. Swati Tirunal gave a complete makeover of the palace, and even built a tennis court on its premises.
- Opened first to public view in the 1960s as a venue for marriages, the splendid edifice, the jewel on the ridge of a hillock laden with landscaped green meadows, bamboo thickets and blossoming shrubs have become a favourite among the locals and tourists. There are many events that are conducted here in its stately halls.
- Members of walking & laughing clubs, yoga practitioners, in addition to college students, nature lovers and senior citizens hang out in large numbers. The rare trees here are another attraction.
- This place is also used to hold government-sponsored events and other cultural events. But the increasing number of commercial activities in and around the building has posed several challenges to the Tourism Department which takes care of it.
- The locals are opposed to the idea of using this place for trade fairs and exhibitions, considering the significance of its cultural, historical and architectural values.
- The significance of the Kanakakunnu Palace is also felt in its role in micro-climate amelioration and regulation and curbing emission of greenhouses gases, as a lush green, open space in the busiest part of the city.
- The meadows in the hill terrain if properly maintained can turn out to be a natural herbal peak with Dasapushpam’s and other precious flora, making it a nature’s herb museum, and for people to just relax and walk, and kids to play on the premises.
- Locals also suggest that it should be made a heritage zone, and that a nominal entry fee can be collected for maintaining the park sublimely green.
All About the Plettenberg Bay in South Africa
The town of Plettenbergy Bay is situated almost on the edge of Eastern and Western Cape. Built on the hillside, most part of the town is located on a steep slope descending all the way into the sea. Once you are at the Plettenbergy Bay, you’ll be treated to the scintillating views of the bay and surrounding mountain ranges and hills. There are a numbers of upmarket resorts and hotels to self catering, to budget Bed & Breakfasts and accommodation here.
The Plettenberg Bay, once a quaint town, was visited by European explorers from Portugal and the UK. The remnants of the Gonzales Wreck in town; Old Rectory, constructed by the Dutch East India Trading Company in 1776 and Forest Hall, a stately home that was privately owned, established in 1864 by William Henry Newdgate stand tall to this day.
Popular tourist activities include yachting at the Keurbooms River mouth and marina and playing polo at Kurland. You can indulge yourself in water sports and swimming in the clear and serene waters. There are many pristine beaches worth a visit, and if you want to boost your adrenaline performance, there are a host of activities including hiking, charter boat cruises, abseiling and canoeing. Another popular attraction is the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, a one of its kind multi-species, free roaming primate sanctuary. You can also make a trip to the Witblits distillery and Mampoer.
Don’t go away, there’s lot more: you can take a short trip on the N2 moving towards Port Elizabeth, across the border into the Eastern Cape, and return to the Bloukrans Bridge. An engineering wonder, it is where the world’s highest commercial bungee jump site is located. Situated at 216 metres, it is not for everybody to take a plunge from the purpose-built observing platform bordering the gorge.
If you are done with the above activities, visit the Khoisan Village to take a glimpse of the lives of the indigenous peoples of the area, and enjoy buying local arts and crafts.
Everything you need to know about the Dolmen Circle in Kodaikanal
- Are you burned out and knackered this summer and wanted to take a breather? One of the best places in Tamilnadu to be this summer is the charming hill station of Kodaikanal that has about 40 tourist attractions. One of the lesser known places in Kodaikanal, though popular, is the Dolmen Circle.
- The Dolmen Circle is about 8km from Kodaikanal Lake and 18km from Berijam Lake. It is one of the most important places among anthropologists. A pre-historic site, the Dolmen Circle dates back to 5000 BC.
- This place is believed to be the dwelling place and burial site of the pre-historic man who belonged to the Iron Age and Stone Age. They are known as dolmens and Kistavens.
- Situated nearby the Parvatha Vihar and the Pannikadu village, the dolmen is raised out of two huge erect slabs covered by a huge flat slab.
- The sands of time brought destruction to several dolmens, so only two survive now. One is found at the Ghat Road near Periyakulam and another 2 km away from the hamlet of Pannaikadu.
- It is located on the highest point before you descend to Pattiveerampatti still standing rock-solid without significant damage.
- The place is the remains of pre-historic inhabitants in addition to models of dolmens and burial urns. The ruins and remains of the place can transport you right to the pre-historic living.
- Research also shows that these were used as hideout for the pre-historic man. It is also widely believed that this site served as a safe haven for people to hoard their valuables. Site excavations in the past unearthed several copper and brass ornaments in addition to the utensils. On the other hand, Kistavens were used as burial grounds.
A dream ride into the hills of Ooty – “The Nilgiri Mountain Railways” (NMR) Toy Train – Part 1
If you’re looking for the ride of a lifetime, then the Nilgiri Mountain Railways (NMR) Toy Train is a must-try experience for memories to cherish on and on, whether you find yourself on the celebrated toy train or at the Fernhill station.
This almost 5-hour long travel up and down a scenic route is packed with unbridled romance, relaxation, adventure, exotic trails and turns, nature and some adrenalin booster material.
Get onboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railways’ toy train that would take you down the memory lane where the most recently included compartment is just 50 years old, and the oldest is about 80 years! The good times will cease to fade out even if the train happens to break down in the middle of the trip. And don’t grouse even if it does so as you will get some extra time to enjoy the picturesque settings including misty valleys, mountains, forests, tiny falls, and the cool weather. When the train inches up between 1069 and 7228 ft, you may get down out of it to surprise your loved one with flowers, view the big tusker staring at you from a distance, capture a lovely Hoopoe in flight, wonder about the deep gorge shrouded in darkness, or shout at the top of your voice every time the train passes through the dark tunnel. Its charm is unparalleled the train has been huffing and puffing through the valley since 1899 originally from Mettupalayam to Coonoor, and from Fernhill to Nilgiris since 1908 it’s a unique journey across 250 bridges and through 16 tunnels. Most of them have been re-constructed except the Breeks Memorial School whose heritage features have been preserved to a nicety.
Although the NMR has stood the test of times, many stops en route to Ooty have now become ghost stations. A few structures are strewn with flora and are eroding fast. They have become inaccessible due to wild animals prowling nearby. The train, however, hasn’t changed the way since Swiss inventor Riggenbach had originally engineered it. It still sports the original yellow and blue color and has bench-seats without any cushioning in an era of comfort and luxury. With the train’s coaches remaining open, there are no curtains, glass or even windows!
Everything you need know about the Meiji-jingu Shrine in Tokyo
- The Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is enveloped by lush green woods located right in the heart of the city.
- The Shinto grand shrine is built in the memory of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken, first emperor and empress of modern-day Japan.
- You can well put Meiji-Jingu at the top of your bucket list, in addition to visiting the busy Shibuya or Harajuku with a calm walk down the well-trodden pathway to the front gate of the shrine.
- Major attractions include the Treasure House filled with royal artifacts and antiques of the past; the traditional Inner Garden, a spiritual spot and the Spring Grand Festival of the shrine held during April – May.
- Come 2020, the shrine will commemorate its 100th anniversary, just before the Tokyo Olympics.
- You can find over 1,20,000 trees in the forest bordering the Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park. They cover a range of different species, which came as donations from all over the country.
- You can find English signage all over the place to help you take part in traditional Shinto rituals including giving offerings and doing prayers at the main hall, writing down your wishes on an ema amulet, and picking a protective charm or fortune.
- There are the iris gardens which were a favorite spot among emperors and empresses, and this tells you why Meiji-Jingu was constructed here.
- Although the garden involves an entrance fee, it’s well maintained comprising a lovely labyrinth of picturesque forest walks, traditional iris flowerbeds and there is that ritual Japanese tea house too.
- Kiyomasa’s Well got its name after the military general who dug it 400 years ago. Today, it is regarded by many as a ‘power spot’, a site visited by people to receive positive vibes and healing energy.
- The Meiji-Jingu Shrine grounds are a host to several festivals all along the year including Nikku-sai beginning on New Year, considered a ritual of good fortune, concluding as Joya-sai or ‘end-of-the-year-ritual’ on December 31st. The Spring Grand Festival is celebrated during April-May. Not to mention the traditional Shinto weddings happening during the same period, food fairs, modern fests, and traditional music and cultural performances.
To Visit Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Tokyo contact Emperor Traveline for Cost-Effective Tour Package.
Discover Japan’s New Golden Route with Emperor Traveline
If you’re a first-time traveller who wanted to experience the multitude of fabulous sights that Japan, the land of the rising sun, has to offer, then the New Golden Route of Japan is all you can ask for. The Golden Route of Japan runs from the capital city of Tokyo and Kyoto taking through bustling cities, ancient historic sites and quaint, scenic destinations. Following this truly fabulous route is nothing short of the holiday of a lifetime as it supposedly promises travellers. Here is all you need to make the perfect plan for the Golden Route Japan trip.
It is recommended to spend at least 10 days to 2 weeks to discover some exotic destinations on the trip. But if time is of the essence, you can afford to spend one week and skip a few places by the way and visit the top destinations alone. But that would be just like, kind of hustling a little bit. The best time to make the Golden Route of Japan trip is between April and May, especially when the cherry blossoms flutter and the temperature is nice and warm.
The old Tokaido road which links the city of Tokyo and Kyoto is several centuries old used by samurais, merchants and pilgrims to move from city to the next. Today it’s one of the most popular touring destinations. The Golden Route of Japan covers some of the best exotic sites including Greater Tokyo Area; Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; mountainous area of Hakone; temple city of Nara; Osaka, the third-largest city of Japan and Kyoto, the cultural centre of the country. The trip, if properly planned, should help you visit the hot springs of Hakone and Kyoto’s geisha district among several other touring attractions.
Emperor Traveline provides you with an excellent opportunity to tour Japan’s New Golden Route from the 1st of April to 8th April 2020 with All Nippon Airways (ANA) scheduled to leave from Chennai. Hurry, as the seats are fast filling!
A Brief Note on the Bolgatty Palace in Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala
The Bolgatty Island is located off the Kochi Marine Drive. It is an island situated right in the midst of Kerala’s most happening city, ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi. Coming as a major source of attraction is Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort, property operated and managed by KTDC.
1. The Bolgatty Island is located off the Kochi Marine Drive. It is an island situated right in the midst of Kerala’s most happening city, ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi.
2. Coming as a major source of attraction is Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort, property operated and managed by KTDC. Other centres of attraction here include the Bolgatty Event Centre and Kochi Internal Marina.
3.The Bolgatty Palace is a delightful mansion comprising four palatial room offering travelers state-of-the-art facilities and excellent holidaying options.
4. Originally constructed by the Dutch traders in 1744, the Bolgatty palace is the oldest and a unique structure next only to the one in Holland.
5. Popularly dubbed as the Honeymooners’ paradise, the resort is quietly nestled amid lush green nature, and guaranteed to give incredible islandic experience to the tourists.
6. The resort houses a mansion block and a main block. The mansion block has the palace room and a marine block facing the marina. You can find the Marina block on one side; on the other side there is a golf course. The resort also offers six resort lake views in the resort. Surrounding the resort is a 9-hole golf course started in 1925.
7. Facing the Cochin seaport and the backwater and the Arabian Sea and the Vallarpadam container terminal and the Arabian Sea is the Bolgatty Event, easily accessible from anywhere in Cochin. Offering an exotic ambience, the venue is great for organizing Conventions, International conferences, Meetings, Exhibitions, Theme dinners and Wedding receptions.
Kochi International Marina:
Situated on the eastern coast of Bolgatty Island is the ‘Kochi International Marina’ – the full fledged marina of global standards in the country. Constructed in the Kerala traditional style, the marina offers berthing facility for 34 yachts and provides basic facilities including electricity, water and sewage pump-outs etc; here, vessels refresh and top up their stores too.
Click here to know the Best Tourist places to visit in Kochi!
Yercaud Flower Show – Places to visit in Yercaud
With the poll code in place, the official announcement of the date for one of South India’s most popular Annual summer flower showers has been deferred to a future date. The charming and scenic hill station of Yercaud, also known as the “poor man’s Ooty”, is witnessing an increased influx of tourists. Though the dates for the annual summer festival haven’t been officially announced, the main venues of the festival are already thronged by thousands of locals and visitors from all across the country.
The officials have said that the flower show venues including Lake Park, Anna Park, Rose Park and Botanical Garden, are crowded with tourists from the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.
The officials have also said that the dates for the annual summer festival are being put off as the Model Code of Conduct is in place. Nevertheless, the Horticulture Department has kept the flower beds and lawns ready with the festival in mind.
Floral Formation
The Horticultural Department’s officials said that about 10 varieties of flowers will be arranged and already readied for exhibition this year, and more varieties may be considered depending on the floral formation to be put in place this year.
Flower varieties, including Dahlia, Salvia, Balsam, Chrysanthemum, Hydrangea, and Marigold, among others, have been installed in about 10,000 pots. Officials have also tended 15,000 flower saplings, preparing for the flower beds here.
For Yercaud Tour Package, Contact Emperor Traveline
