Diwali Escapes: Old bonds, new memories

Hyderabad

The former capital of Andhra Pradesh is now capital to the new state of Telangana, but not a whit of its princely past has changed during the transition. Seeped in the history of the Qutb Shahi and Nizam dynasties, Hyderabad stoically bears witness with many monuments and a legendary cuisine. This famed City of Pearls is better known today for its gems in the IT, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, but it also means that you can see both its faces — very old and brand new.

Indulge: Retrace the steps of distinguished kings and queens during your stay. You deserve a right royal treat, so go find it in the luxury of hotels such as Taj Falaknuma Palace, ITC Kakatiya Hyderabad, Taj Krishna, and Vivanta by Taj Begumpet.

Jaipur

It is an astonishing fact that the Pink City of India is more familiar to foreigners who have visited the country only once than to many Indians who live abroad. Such is its popularity on the tourist trail that seasoned travellers can reel off names of hotels, restaurants, stores — and some landmarks — with great ease. Join their ranks by taking your family to this vibrant city of forts and palaces and get to know Hawa Mahal, Rambagh Palace, City Palace, Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Jantar Mantar.

Shop: Jaipur is a veritable shoppers’ paradise. Take your pick from handicrafts at Chandpol Bazaar, gemstones and jewellery at Johari Bazaar, the local specialities of hand-painted pottery on MI Road, lac bangles and tie-and-dye fabrics at Tripolia Bazaar.

Goa

Another destination that is much visited and well loved by foreign visitors to India is the sunshine-soaked south Indian state of Goa. There is no dearth of activities for the entire family to indulge in this tiny state, so take your pick from trying Portuguese-influenced cuisine, taking in some fascinating history or sunbathing. Tourism is the primary industry, so you have multiple choices in accommodation: luxury resorts, budget-friendly boutique hotels and international chains, furnished apartments and homestays.

Chill: Take a leisurely dolphin sightseeing trip from Baga Beach, climb aboard a deep sea fishing boat from Mobor Beach, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon at Assolda Ground in south Goa.

Delhi

The capital of India is stately, serene, old world, other world, and full of juxtaposition. Moving between the awe-inspiring domain of majestic government buildings, the ancient structures of Jantar Mantar and Qutub Minar, the rustic charms of Chandni Chowk and the hippy chic of Hauz Khas, a trip to New Delhi is a journey in itself.

See: Either ignore traditional sightseeing or embellish it with some alternative options. Consider a cycle rickshaw tour of Old Delhi or rent a motorbike to find hidden streets. Get picked up by a chauffeured sedan for a bespoke shopping tour. Organise a private group Segway tour around the landmarks of India Gate, the Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Vijay Chowk and Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Bengaluru

The capital of Karnataka is now among India’s largest and most developed cities. Having shed its former epithets of Garden City, Pensioner’s Paradise and India’s Silicon Valley, it is now the most liveable city in India, according to several recent surveys. You can’t go wrong visiting this quaint city with its colonial charms and urban marvels.

Eat: The locals are friendly folk, and you’d do well to pay homage to their obsession with food. Visit some of the legends — Koshy’s on St. Mark’s Road, or any of the Empire restaurants. Try something classic — Dakshin at ITC Windsor or Karavalli at the Gateway Hotel. Enjoy gastronomic adventures at I & Monkey Restopub or Barbecue Nation at Koramangala.

Chennai

Formerly known as Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu is the largest cultural and educational centre in South India, and also one of its most traditional and conservative cities. Your family will be delighted to discover motley gems such as the mid-day meal o f tiffin, diamond nose pins, floral headwear and intricately hand-woven silks. It’s this combination of charms that places Chennai high on travel rankings by Lonely Planet and National Geographic.

Revere: Chennai is dotted with innumerable temples that are sacred sanctums for Hindus, but are worthy of universal respect for their sculptural splendour and rich history. We recommend Parthasarathy at Triplicane, the seventh-century Kapaleeswarar in Mylapore and Kandaswamy in Cheyuur.

Kochi

Kochi, Queen of the Arabian Sea and commercial capital of Kerala, changed her name a few years ago, but retained all her comely virtues and glorious charms. An important trading post from the 14th century onwards, this city has much to offer — Dutch architecture, Portuguese and Chinese influences, Arab and anglicised interpretations and waterside living. Your family will quickly come to relish spicy food, take up sauntering through historic streets, or enjoy life on a houseboat.

Enjoy: With offerings that span history, culture, nature and recreation, you can mix it up, travelling around by bus, boat or bicycle. Treat yourself to relaxing massages and great food in Fort Kochi, buy spices in Mattanchery and watch the sunset over Vypeen.

Hands across the skies

Great teamwork usually means better service, which is certainly true of Etihad’s partnership with India’s Jet Airways. Together, the two airlines deliver high standards of service and hospitality across a network spanning every corner of India on some of the youngest aircraft in the skies. Further, frequent flyers of either carrier enjoy reciprocal benefits on the other, so travellers have greater flexibility than normal.