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MagazineLuxury Travel

Vol. 3 Issue 11 June, 2015 Magazine

Top Five ExclusivePrivate Island Resorts

ThailandThe Land of Smiles

Palace on WheelsRemarkable Indian luxury on a train

July Festivals around the GlobeJuly Festivals around the GlobeJuly Festivals around the GlobeJuly Festivals around the GlobeJuly Festivals around the Globe

Editor-in-Chief :

Manashree

Travel Writers :

Prabha, Jeesha

Contributing

Photographers :

Prakash, Manashree,

Marc Sprengers

Website Counsellor :

Pramathesh

Designer :

Pranab

Manashree Prakash

Editor-in-Chief

Luxury TravelWorld

Magazine

Any time is a good time to travel

and an island retreat in a secluded

island is the perfect way to heal the

body mind and soul. In our cover story

this month, we are talking about the top five amazing

private island resorts. Take a look and pick the one that

intrigues you the most.

I recently visited Thailand again. Every time I visit this

incredible land of beautiful people, I bring back happy

memories. Thailand is a getaway in Asia where nobody

returns disappointed. It is also known as the sin city of

the east. Read more about this Land of Smiles in our

Country section of the magazine.

It might sound like an over statement, but life is

incomplete without a trip on one of the luxury trains of

the world. We have extensively written about

all the luxury trains before. This issue of the

e-zine talks about the Indian “Palace on

Wheels” luxury train. Our readers have

been requesting a feature on this train

and here it is! Flip through the feature

section and know more!

Wishing you all a splendid summer!

Thank you!

nnnnn Vol. 3 nnnnn Issue 11 nnnnn June, 2015

Contents

Cover Story5

28Feature 38 Happenings

ThailandThe Land of Smiles

16Country GetawayTop Five Exclusive PrivateIsland Resorts

July Festivals aroundJuly Festivals aroundJuly Festivals aroundJuly Festivals aroundJuly Festivals aroundthe Globethe Globethe Globethe Globethe Globe

Palace on WheelsRemarkable Indian luxury on a train

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World Luxury Travel Magazine

C o v e rStory

Top Five ExclusivePrivate Island Resorts

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If Robinson Crusoe firedup your imagination andyou dreamt of an idyllicisland lifestyle ‘away fromit all’, we have just theright places lined up foryou. Destinations whereyou can enjoy the sun,wind and water, laze in ahammock under palmtrees and fall asleep to thegentle lapping of thewaves. If it is peace andprivacy you crave for, youcannot do better than tohead to any of theseexclusive retreats.

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North Island, Seychelles

Why would someone spend around£3,000 per night to stay in a barefoot luxuryresort? The answer lies in North Island, the500-acre private island paradise located inSeychelles in the Indian Ocean. Owned anddeveloped by the Wilderness Safaris, this

all-inclusive island resort, consisting of just11 luxury villas, guarantees privacy and thedelightful sense of being cut off from theworld. The villas are hand-crafted from localwood and stone. Each air-conditioned villaoverlooks breath-taking ocean views, hasa splendid private plunge pool, sala,kitchenette, sun deck and a covered lounge

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area. Wi-Fi, a central dining area, gym, alovely outdoor spa, a personal butler and apersonal buggy are some of the otherfacilities. The ‘no menu’ concept has theresort chef designing personalised meals foreach guest. The resort stands out for itsexperiment in rehabilitating theendangered, indigenous animals likethe giant tortoises, fruit bats and rarebirds. Utterly lovely, unspoilt andexclusive, North Island is a havenfor those who seek tranquillity.

Did you know: Prince William and KateMiddleton chose it as their honeymoon

destination!

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Laucala Island Resort, Fiji

This private island resort is set inbewitchingly lovely surroundingsof tropical rainforest, swayingcoconuts, beautiful beaches andturquoise blue waters. Set atopvolcanic mountains, on a 3500-acre property, the resort has 25thatched villas (bures) with theirown beach and garden. Beach-side barbecues, gourmet cuisinecreated from the fresh produce ofthe island, are served by fiverestaurants and bars(personalised menus are there

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too). Swimming in the 2000 sq. mlagoon style swimming pool, yourprivate infinity pool or the glass lappool; water sports, horsebackriding, snorkelling or pro golf, thereis no dearth of activities to choosefrom. A spa with a range ofrejuvenating Fijian treatments, awedding chapel, a fitness centreand a kids club, a private cook andnanny complete the array ofservices. All this will of course setyou back by at least £2,500 a night.

Did you know: The Red Bullbillionaire Dietrich Mateschitzowns the island. He bought it fromits previous owner, Malcolm Forbes(who lies buried here as per hiswish)!

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Necker Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

This idyllic 74 acre private retreat is set in the Caribbean and one ofthe largest of the British Virgin Islands. The whole island is developedas a resort. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Groupmagnate, the island is open for hire only at certain times of theyear and can accommodate up to 28 guests. Completely gutted bya lightning strike in 2011, the Great House at the island has been

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refurbished with new additions like theoutdoor terrace and a large dining table. Thewhite sandy beaches, crystal clear waters,coral reefs and gorgeous views have drawnmany famous celebrities including PrincessDiana, Kate Winslet and Nelson Mandela toname a few. At £16,900 per couple, all-inclusive (reduced rates during CelebrationWeeks), the stay here does not come cheap.Guests are not complaining though. Thecomplete privacy, amazing rooms, dedicatedservice, variety of water sports, the beautifulspa, infinity pool, tennis court all combine tomake for an incomparable holidayexperience.

Did you know: The Island is home to 200flamingos, lemurs, giant tortoises, and guestcan even feed them!

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MnembaIsland Lodge,Zanzibar-Tanzania

Mnemba IslandLodge is barefootluxury as exclusive andprivate as it can get. Oneof the most beautiful andromantic destinations in theIndian Ocean, the island is locatedclose to the north east coast of Zanzibar. Itis owned and run by &Beyond. There arejust ten bandas, nestled in the tropicalbeach forest. Each has its own beachfrontand is equipped with en suite bedroom,outdoor veranda and gorgeous views. Theall-inclusive resort is beautifully decoratedwith traditional furniture and crafts.

Persona l i sedattention fromthe friendlystaff caters to

every need of theguests. The

delectable menuincludes fresh fruits

and sea-food.Swimming, scuba diving,

cruising, snorkelling, dolphinwatching all are available here. Enjoy

the unique experience of watching thegreen turtles laying eggs on the beach. BillGates, Tom Cruise and Naomi Campbellhave all been guests at this resort.

Did you know: The island is home to the suniantelope, the endangered green turtle, therare crab plover and a variety of reef fish,anemone and a diverse range of marine life!

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Motu Tane, Bora Bora

Bora Bora described as ‘the most beautiful island in theworld’ lies in the French Polynesia. Just across the island, aten-minute boat ride away, lies the tiny 3 acre island resortof Motu Tane. Motu Tane or ‘Island of Universal Love’ isenclosed by powder white sand beaches, sparkling bluewaters and enchanting scenery. The resort island is rentedout to just one party at a time, and perfect for those lookingfor exclusivity and privacy. Of course, it comes at a cost of$36000 per night. Two luxurious presidential suites and living

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areas, two family suites and nine individual African style bungalowsform the main accommodation which can house 26 guests in all. Aprivate chef serves up delicious meals. There is a complete gym.Polynesian dancers and singers add magic to the night’sentertainment. The Bora Bora lagoon provides ample opportunitiesfor snorkelling, diving, dolphin and whale watching.

Did you know: Millionaire Francois Nars, of Nars cosmetics, is theowner of Motu Tane!

Far from the madding crowd, these resorts are the ultimate, secludedgetaways where you can immerse yourself in nature alone or withcompany of your choice.

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The Land of SmilesThailand

CountrGetaway

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Thailand has emerged as the ultimateholiday destination in Asia in the lastfew years. Also known as the ‘Land ofSmiles’ this Southeast Asian countryis located just 15 degrees north of theequator with an approximate area of514,000 square kilometres. Thailand’sshape on the map resembles anelephant’s head which is also one ofits primary attractions coupled withmany others. Its exotic wildlife,ancient heritage, fascinatinglandscape, Buddhist monasteries andwellness centres attract tourists fromevery part of the globe.

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Climate

Thailand has a hot and humid weatherfor most part of the year. The inlandareas are typically plagued by intenseheat and unbearable humidity fromMarch to June. The sporadic rains inmid-April come as a welcoming relief.However, the actual rainy season,characterised by heavy showers, startsfrom July and continues till October.November to February is the coolseason and witness the maximumnumber of tourists.

Must carry items

• Mosquito and insectrepellents

• English - Thai Dictionary

• Appropriate clothes for ahot, humid weather. Lightlinens, loose fitted breezyoutfits, shorts and cotton t-shirts are ideal

• Sunscreen, sun hat,sunglasses and longsleeved light shirts if youare prone to sunburns

• Suitcase and bags withwheels since you are likelyto end up shopping a lot

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Language and Culture

Thai is the official language of Thailand while English isthe unofficial second language. Road signs are written inboth Thai and English. Around 94.6 per cent of Thai peopleare Buddhists, 4.6 per cent are Muslims and 0.7 per centpeople are Christians. Compassion and tolerance areconsidered to be true virtues by the people. Thai culturehas been influenced by both Indian and Chinese cultures.The citizens are usually warm, friendly, easy going and veryhospitable. Approximately 80 per cent of its nearly 65million citizens are ethnically Thai while others are ofChinese, Indian, Malay, Mon, Khmer, Burmese, and Laoorigin. The government here is one of constitutionalmonarchy. The economy is heavily dependent on export.

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To remember

Possession of even a smallquantity of drug can lead toimprisonment and severeconsequences.

It is important to respect the Kingand members of the royal familyviolating which can lead to prisonsentence.

Buddhism and Lord Buddha’simages are sacred and must betreated with respect.

Thai women are often shy andconservative.

One must not touch another’s headin Thailand as it is consideredinauspicious.

It is advisable to remove your shoesbefore you enter a Thai home.

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Trivia

Thailand has changed its namemany times and was known asSiam till 1939.

Around seven million of its citizenslive in Bangkok though the numbervaries seasonally.

One-tenth of all animal species onEarth are said to inhabit Thailand.

True to its name Prathet Thai in itsnative language, meaning “Land ofthe Free”, it is the only nation inSoutheast Asia that was nevercolonised by a European country.

A nuclear family is rare here andpeople live in large extendedfamilies.

Thailand has been governed bykings since the 13th century.

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Khao Yai National Park –Elephants are the mostpopular species of animals inthe country. Khao YaiNational Park is the perfectplace to watch and befriendthem. You can see thembathing in water falls, lazingaround and roaming about inthe jungle and also helpfeeding them. Exotic birds,monkeys and various tropicalanimals are the otherinhabitants.

Places to see

Railay Beach – Railay is presumably the bestbeach of the Krabi province, which is famousfor its numerous world class beachdestinations. This crystal clear white sandbeach with azure blue waters seems like asparkling slice of paradise any day.Adventure sports especially rock climbing isvery popular here.

The GrandPalace – Thisarchitecturalmasterpiece isone of the bestsights ofBangkok. Royalhalls, temples,and ancientrelics and WatPhra Kaeo, Temple of the Emerald Buddhaadorn the historical palace.

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Sukhothai Old City – Historicaltourists and photographers simplycannot miss Sukhothai’s Old Citywhich is a UNESCO World Heritagesite. The origins of Buddhism andmany wats which are Buddhist placesof worship can be found here. Muchof the ancient ruins have beenrestored.

Floating Markets – The famousfloating markets are not only anamazing way to shop and eat but alsoprovide a sneak peek into theauthentic local life. Vendors sell freshfruits, vegetables, spices, flowers,goods and food items on their longwooden boats. The floating marketsnear Bangkok, Amphawa andDamnoen Saduak are quiterenowned.

Things to do

Gastronomical Expedition – Thailandis a heaven for foodies from any partof the world. From fine diningrestaurants to a variety of street food,you will never run out of options. Rice,curries, spices and seasonings form anintegral part of the gastronomy. Manynight bazaars, Sunday night walkingstreets and markets let you sampledelectable local varieties.

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Shopping – The countryis touted to be the besthub of holiday shoppingand visitors are advisedto save space in theirluggage beforehand.Thai silk, leather goods,silver, gold, preciousand semi-preciousgems, pearls, furniture,paintings, antiques andhandicrafts are popular.The glitzy shoppingmalls featureinternational brandswhile the local marketsand night markets areabuzz with unlimitedbargain buys.

Adventure Sports– If you likeadventure sportsgo for snorkelling,diving, elephanttrekking, white-water rafting,kayaking, hot airballooning, kitesurfing, rock

climbing, scubadiving, bungeejumping,camping, hiking,wildlife tours,paragliding,skydiving, caving,mountaineering,sailing and muchmore.

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Medical Tourism – Many international patients travel toThailand to take advantage of its highly advanced medicalfacilities, cost effective treatments, state-of-the-art technologyand excellent services. Hospitals, health clinics, medical spas,wellness retreats and massage centres offer a variety of healingtherapies. Surgical procedures such as laser, cosmetic, andcardiovascular are also renowned here.

Ecotourism – More than 100 national parks, over 20 marineparks along with plenty of rainforests, natural habitats house anumber of rare animal and bird species. The flora, fauna andmarine life is extensive and awe inspiring to say the least.

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Getting there

The Suvarnabhumi International Airport inBangkok is the main gateway into Thailandand serves all the leading airlines frommajor international destinations. TheChiang Mai International Airport, PhuketInternational Airport and the privatelyowned, relatively small Samui InternationalAirport are the other viable options.

Getting around

Air – There are around 20 domesticairports connecting all the major cities ofThailand. Thai Airways is the most popularcarrier whereas Nok Air, Air Asia and One-to-Go are preferred by budget travellers.

Train – Travelling by train is the next bestoption and is more convenient as well asfaster than bus journeys. All the majorrailway routes are available from Bangkok.Low cost trains, rapid, express, specialexpress and diesel rail cars are the variousoptions.

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Tourism is a huge draw inThailand but the recentpolitical tensions have ledto a drop in the visitorfigures. However thetourism board isoptimistic aboutrecovering from thisphase. The touristfriendly policies andadvanced infrastructurecontinue to attract agrowing number ofbusiness and leisuretravellers.

Bus – Long distance bus routesconnect the places which are notserviced by railways. Thegovernment run buses are plentyand offer great variety of ticketprices and facilities. Luxury busesare equipped with recliners andhostess service.

Car – Taxis and rented cars arewidely accessible. Bothinternational companies as wellas local agencies provide cars forhire.

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Palace on Wheels Remarkable Indian

luxury on a trainFeature

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Air conditioned cabins, restaurants for dining,a well-stocked bar and treatment fit forroyalty - sounds like another hotel? Pull backthe curtains from the windows and you willsee fields, sand dunes and villages whizz by!Welcome to Palace on Wheels, India’s firstluxury tourist train. The Palace on Wheels wasstarted on January 26, 1983. Voted the 4th

luxurious train in the world, the Palace onWheels is a fantastic way of exploring thehistoric state of Rajasthan.

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Luxury Interiors

Rajasthan is the home tothe valorous Rajputs, thewarrior kings of India. Richin history, the stateabounds in forts andpalaces bearing testimonyto the grandeur of its past.The décor of the trainresonates with the spirit ofthe era of bygone royalty.There are 14 luxuriouscabins or saloons as theyare called. Wall to wallcarpeting, localhandicrafts, paintings andfurnishings adorn theinteriors. Each coach is

named after a former state of Rajasthan. Thebeautiful mirror work, upholstery, miniaturepaintings and antique decor in each saloon reflectthe colours and images of the respective state.

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The Journey

This is a fascinating journey consisting of7 nights and 8 days and comes with a pricetag of $5600 per person for the journey.During the journey there are stops atchosen top destinations, in Western andNorth Western India. Together they weavea kaleidoscope of rich experiences

revealing India in her multi-faceted hues.You can visit World Heritage sites, fortsand palaces, and shop to your heart’scontent at the colourful bazaars. If you arelucky, you can even get to see the famousRoyal Bengal Tiger prowling in its naturalhabitat.

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The Itinerary

New Delhi (Day 1) - The trip is flagged off in New Delhi, India’scapital city. Board the train at the Safdarjung Railway Station, butnot before you explore the charms of this city where history and

Jaipur (Day 2) – Arrive at the Pink City and explore the city after breakfast on board.Marvel at the City Palace and the charming facade palace Hawa Mahal (the Palace ofWinds). Relive history at the Amber Fort and proceed to the local bazaars for shopping.Choose from local handicrafts, souvenirs, antiques, gemstones or jewellery.

modernity rubshoulders with ease.Take the guided tourto India Gate, QutubMinar and otherattractions. Once atthe railway station, atraditional welcomeawaits you, completewith a royal garlandand turban. After asumptuous dinner youcan call it a day whilethe train moves on toits first destination -Jaipur.

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Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh (Day 3) – Here is your chance for somewildlife spotting (tiger, Sambar deer, hyena etc.) at one of India’s largest,the 392 sq. km. Ranthambore National Park. Breakfast is served at thejungle lodge. The train then proceeds to Chittorgarh. Enjoy a visit to thesplendid Chittorgarh Fort and the light and sound show there.

Udaipur (Day 4) – The ‘City of Lakes’ will enchant you with its picturesquelakes and palaces. The lovely Jag Niwas Lake Palace is a dream in marble.The Jag Mandir is nestled on an island in the Lake Pichola here. Afterlunch at a heritage hotel visit the City Palace and the Crystal Gallery. Theday ends on a magical note with a sunset boat ride on the Lake Pichola.On return to the train, evening tea and delicious dinner get served withroyal grandeur.

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Jaisalmer (Day 5) – Jaisalmer in all its historical glory in the heartof the Thar Desert awaits you next. Visit the World Heritage Siteof Jaisalmer fort, the golden sandstone towers, beautifullylatticed like Nathmalji ki Haveli (mansion), Patwon ki Haveli andSalim Singh ki Haveli. Shop for souvenirs at the local markets.The evening closes with an exotic camel ride at the sand dunesfollowed by dinner, bonfire and cultural shows under starry skies.

Jodhpur (Day 6) – Arrive in the morning at Rajasthan’s secondlargest city Jodhpur. Do not miss the imposing Mehrangarh Fortand the lovely Moti Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. This is followedby lunch at a palace hotel. Shop here for silverware, tie and dyeclothing and the embroidered slippers.

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Bharatpur/Agra (Day 7) – Spot egrets,Siberian cranes and hundreds of birdspecies and wildlife at the Keoladeo GhanaNational Park. Relax over breakfast at ajungle lodge before proceeding to Agra.

The name Agra conjures up the name ofIndia’s most famous monument, thegraceful and lovely Taj Mahal. Delight in thebeauty of the Taj and other Agraattractions. After a light and sound showin the evening and dinner at a city hotel, itis time to return to the train. The journeyends in New Delhi after a hearty breakfaston board.

Saloon Amenities

Each air conditioned deluxe saloon hasfour twin-bedded chambers with a minibar, channel music, intercom, a lounge, hotand cold water, attached toilets andshower. Expect personalised service fromthe ever-attentive ‘khidmatgaar (personalattendant). The luggage is deposited atyour saloon by the attendants and anarrival kit is also gifted to the guests.Mineral water is available throughout thejourney. Essential toiletries, mineral water,daily newspapers and magazines are alsoprovided.

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General Amenities

Restaurants - There are two beautifulrestaurants ‘The Maharaja’ (meaning theking) and ‘The Maharani’ (meaning thequeen). Seated in twos or fours you canwatch the scenery fly by as you dine onContinental, Chinese and Indian fare freshlycooked in the train kitchen. Do not miss theRajasthani specialties. The emphasis is onfresh ingredients and local flavour.

Bar – A well-stocked bar with the choicestselection of Indian and international brandsis available.

Lounge – There is a charming lounge whereyou can relax, sip a drink and catch up with

fellow passengers.

Indoor games – A selection of board gamesincluding chess, cards, puzzles, carom areavailable should you wish to beguile thehours playing.

Royal Spa – Wash away the tiredness of theday’s sightseeing and shopping at the RoyalSpa. You can get rejuvenating massages anda variety of pampering treatments here.

Internet – Wi-Fi and laptops are availableon board.

Events – Personal celebrations, meetingsand conferences can be organised aboardthe train.

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Others – Arrival kit, on board mailbox, medical aid,security arrangements, souvenir shop etc. also formpart of the entire experience.

Please Note:

The Palace on Wheels is a no-smoking train. In caseyou wish to smoke please contact your captain.

Voltage on train: 110/230 V

A Royal Experience

India has the fourth largest railroad network in theworld. For those who want to connect with theheartbeat of India, a railway trip is the best way to doso. However, the regular rail journey may seem a bitdaunting to the foreign tourist. A luxury train providesa great base from which to explore the country whileenjoying a ready-made itinerary and royal treatments.The Palace on Wheels does just that!

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July Festivalsaround the

Globe

Happenings

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International Mango Festival

Place: New Delhi, India

Dates: July 2, 2015

The delectable mango, dubbed ‘king offruits’ by its lovers, holds centre stage atDilli Haat, the venue that hosts the festival.Displayed in all their golden, juicy glory areover 1100 varieties of mangoes includingpopular varieties such as Alphonso, Langda,Himgiri and Malda as well as new hybridones. Not only mango lovers, but sellers,

growers and buyers visit the fairboth from India and abroad.

Agro industries, foodprocessing companiesgrab the opportunity toadvertise their wareslike jams, preserves,

juice, canned fruits andfruit pulp before a world-

wide audience. There arevarious competing categories

for mango growers. Visitors canenjoy interesting events which are all part

of the festival. They can pick up mangobased recipes at cooking stalls, learn mangocarving and of course taste delightfulsamples of the fruit.

Trivia: India is the leading mango producerof the world, producing almost half of theworld’s mangoes!

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Brian Boru Festival

Place: Killaloe and Ballina,Ireland

Dates: July 1 – 5, 2015

This festival is dedicated toBrian Boru, the legendaryHigh King of Ireland andthe hero of the Irishpeople. The king fought forthe freedom of the Irishpeople and was killedduring his victorious battleat Clontarf against theVikings. Celebrated in thetwin towns of Killaloe andBallina, the king’s nativeplace, the festival keeps hismemory and legacy alive.Among this year’s events isthe parade, complete withmusic, colour and fun. Thisis a great time to visit theseplaces. The pubs ring out

with traditional Irish music andthere is an air of gaietyeverywhere. There is a powerboat race on the River Shannon.Street parties, street theatre, livemusic and entertainment,competitions for children, craftexhibitions, workshops and agrand fireworks display are allpart of the festivities.

Trivia: 2014 saw the 1000th

anniversary celebrations of theBrian Boru Festival!

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World bodypainting festival

Place: Poertschach, Austria

Dates: July 3 – 5, 2015

Pöertschach at Lake Wörthersee is the venueof the World Bodypainting Festival everyyear. Be prepared to gape at a breath-takingvariety of creative art. Spectacular body artis on display at every turn with body-paintingartists from 40 countries vying with eachother for the coveted awards. The Body PaintCity is the centre of action with fashionshows, street artists,bands and shows, tattoostalls, trade show area forb o d y p a i n t i n g ,photography and make-up workshops. There arevarious competingcategories includingbrush and sponge,airbrush and special

effects. Thousands of visitors includingmodels and photographers come for thisevent every year. Art, music, markets,workshops, kids’ events, music bands, DJsand a host of other events enliven the event.

Trivia: The Body Circus,held at the Monte-Carlo Square, is themain attraction of thefestival. It featuresfantasy costumes,d e c o r a t i o nmasks, bodyp a i n t i n g ,e x t r e m emake upa n df a n t a s yfashion.

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Fiesta del Fuego

Place: Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Dates: July 3 – 9, 2015

This week-long festival is themost important cultural eventwitnessing the merging ofcultures of various Caribbeancountries. Over 200,000 artistsfrom 18 countries take part inthe events. There areworkshops, competitions,religious ceremonies, artexhibitions and academicseminars, all showcasing thehistory, religion and culture ofthe Caribbean. The atmosphereis vibrant and for a whole weekthe city is flooded with streetparties, parades, colourful floats,lively music and drum beats. Themain events include the grand

cultural gala held at the HerediaTheatre, the famous snake parade andthe finale of ‘Burning of the Devil’. Agiant effigy of the devil is created and itis set to fire to the accompaniment ofritual dancing, music and drum beats.This cleansing ritual symbolises the endof evil and a fresh start.

Trivia: 2015 marks the 35th year of thefestival celebrations!

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Bastille Day

Place: Paris, France

Dates: July 14, 2015

On July 14, 1789, the longsuffering French peasantsstormed the fortressprison of Bastille. Theylater executed King LouisXVI and his wife MarieAntoinette and severalnobles and the chain ofevents form what isfamous today as theFrench Revolution. Thestorming of the Bastillemarked the end ofmonarchy and the birth ofthe modern republic.Today it is celebrated asthe French IndependenceDay and is a nationalholiday. There is animpressive military paradeat the Champs Elysees(ending in the Arc deTriomphe) with infantry,marines, air force, soldiers,police officers and firefighters turned out in fullceremonial splendour. Thisis a time for wonderfulballs, picnics, parties, funand feasting. Especially

popular are the firemen’sballs hosted at the firestations. The celebrationsreach a crescendo with anenthralling show of fireworksat the Eiffel Tower. The burstof colours and lights dazzlethe night sky in a fitting finalesalute to a grand celebration.

Trivia: The Bastille Daymilitary parade is the oldestone in Europe!

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Pflasterspektakel

Place: Linz, Austria

Dates: July 23 – 25,2015

Pflasterspektakel is adynamic street artfestival. The wordliterally means‘pavement spectacle’ inGerman. The live-wireaction brings together jugglers, musicians,acrobats, clowns, fire dancers, mimicryartists and a host of other performers andentertainers from around the world. The actsare breath-taking, lively and as varied as any

you can see. The action is centred in theHauptplatz, the large city square. Thousands

of spectators come fromall over the world to enjoythe lively proceedings. Theperformers are selectedthrough a rigorousscreening process and theperformances are nothingshort of electrifying. Someof the antics will have youwhistling and throwing

money into collection hats. Remember theartistes are not paid, so be generous!

Trivia: Siegbert Janko founded the festivaland it was first held in 1987!

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Splendour in the Grass

Place: North Byron Parklands, Australia

Dates: July 24 – 26, 2015

Held near the Byron Bay, New SouthWales, this music festival was started in2001 by the Village Sounds and SecretService music companies. It has evolvedinto a three day festival attractingthousands of visitors and is considered thelargest winter music festival of Australiatoday. Various genres of music arefeatured and the festival contains animpressive line-up with many famousnames as well as new talent. Food is animportant part of the festival with drinks

and snacks often woven into the musicalexperience. Apart from feasting on musicand delicacies you can also participate inthe yoga sessions, get relaxing massages,watch circus performances and othershows. Browse through crafts bazaars,attend workshops and relax and strollaround in general absorbing the goodtimes.

Trivia: The name of the festival has beeninspired by the famous poet Wordsworth’sOde: Intimations of Immortality!

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