Interaction with CEO of Niraamaya Retreats, Kerala- India

Pool at Kovalam

Destination-dining-at-beach Kovalam

One of my close relative visited resort of Niraamaya Retreats for two days in Kovalam and was all out for them. He wanted to be there again not for a day or two but for full two weeks and just relax there.

Coincidentally, I got an opportunity to interact with the CEO of this chain. So, I grabbed it. This would give me the perspective of providers of  hospitality.

So, I will share my dialogue with Manu Rishi Guptha, the CEO of Niraamaya retreats.

Here you go! Below are few excerpts:

Niraamaya-luxury-wellness-center

Room-view-outside Thekkady

Nidhi: What is unique about Niraamaya Retreats?
Manu: Each property of Niraamaya Retreats is a collection of small private retreats focussed on wellness more than the Business. We are providers of wholistic and great experiences managing happy times for Indian and foreign clientals.

There is a great emphasis on locations of our retreats. All are spectacular. The way setting is done is to provide luxury through space. Example , our Kovalam property has 31 acres of area and 31 rooms. So, you can say almost an acre is to a room. The setting is a fusion of traditional and contemporary architecture.

Nidhi: How do you ensure personal touch to guests to generate long term relationships?

Manu: There is a full blown in-house training that is provided to our employees. It is to inculcate a culture in them as to how to conduct themselves with guests, teach them how to be a perfect host to a first time traveller to India or other guests. A person who spends 9-10 days on an average would like to feel at home. So, we focus at delivering service in a way that leaves them with pleasant memories.

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Nidhi KM

When the sun rose at Sarangkot...

...everyone chirped at the top of their voices to see the divine scene at the moment!

View on the way to Sarangkot

Refreshing view on the way to Sarangkot

Well, Sarangkot is a small sleepy village and a hill station in Gandaki Zone , located approx 5 kms from lakeside , Pokhara. At a height of 1592 meters , it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Pokhara , renowned for its spectacular sunrise in the backdrop of Annapurna range of Great Himalyas.

The beauty of Sarangkot Sunrise lies in its panoramic view of the Dhaulagiri (8167 met), Annapurna Range including Machhapuchchre – “Fish-Tail” Mountain (6997 met) along with Annapurmna II (7937 met) and III peaks.

Some time before sunrise

At the sunrise , Glowing up of snow capped peaks of Annapurna Himalyan range creates a spectacular view and certainly a most memorable one. On other side it offers view of Pokhara Valley and Feva lake.

The most thrilling part of the scenic beauty is the view of majestic Himalyas reflecting sunrise , as most peaks facing sun glow with sunlight as sun rises.

The peaks started glowing as we could slowly see the sun in it’s complete rounded form. It was a spectacular view and certainly a memorable one , as all of us were mesmerized by Machhapuchchhre and Annapurna glowing peaks.

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Golden sky

Sun peeping through clouds

How we planned our fantastic trip to Nepal

Nepal trip was one of the most memorable trips in my lifetime. We planned it in October holiday season keeping pleasant weather conditions in mind. We took a spicejet flight and reached Kathmandu comfortably in evening.

Kathmandu seemed to be a very busy city. Although we reached there during Nepali famous festival- Vijay Dashain and most of working class in Nepal was out on vacation. Even then the city was crowded.

We headed straight to our hotel Manang in Thamel, tourist hub of Kathmandu.

Thamel Market

Buddha Air flight

As soon as we stepped out of our hotel in Thamel , I got a amazing feel of the city in the evening with livewire resturants , live music and happening crowd. It was a pleasure to enjoy evening at this place full of life and happiness.

The tallest of all- Mt. Everest

Next morning, we went for once in a lifetime experience of Mountain Flight. It was a pleasant and clear morning and we reached Nepal domestic airport and boarded Buddha Air flight. What followed was an eternal experience of viewing Mount Everest and Himalyan ranges from close, which I had actually never dreamt of.

This set the tone of my wonderful and memorable Nepal trip.

By the river Marshyangdi

Mesmerizing view

We did some shopping in Thamel and moved on to our next destination , Pokhara.

The road trip to Pokhara was outstanding and piturestique. It was alongside Marshyandi river and kids enjoyed the road trip. We reached Pokhara by evening and had snacks at our Hotel Landmark's rooftop with a majestic view of “Machhapuchchhre or Fish Tail Mountain” and Feva Lake. Those were some cherishable moments of my life. Actually, fate of a trip also depends a lot on the accommodation one chooses. One we chose at Pokhara was good.

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Hotel review - The Gateway, Agra- India

The gateway hotel in Agra is a five star property of the Taj group. A property where one can relax while enjoying the view of Taj Mahal from the room. It’s one of the most popular high end hotels in Agra offering a unique view of the Incredible Taj Mahal from the room itself. It was this fact for which we booked our rooms in this hotel when we visited the Taj.

We went on a short trip on Republic day to visit the Taj. After a swift journey on expressway we reached Agra by noon and checked in. The drive way was good enough. The hotel was totally booked.

Interiors at Lobby

Lobby

Sit out

As we entered, a jazzy lobby welcomed us. Kids were happy to see the hotel. Lobby was glittering with interiors and was spark less clean. Staff was attentive and prompt.

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Marine Interpretation Center , Port Blair

Marine Interpretation Center

Various marine species

Marine Interpretation Center at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a small museum on marine lives. There are only two Marine Interpretation Centers in India. The other one is in Tamil Nadu near Rameshwaram.

This center provides information of various species of Marine life. Colourful panels and displays augment the understanding of species which a normal visitor is not able to see in a day's time.

This place is a must visit as it adds to knowledge of Marine Life. Students, scientists and researchers can definitely benefit from this museum.

Corals and other marine life

Blue coloured coral

Display of flora and fauna under water

Spectacular view

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nidhi KM

World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar city , located in Bhaktapur district in Bagmati Zone. It is approx 8 kms from Kathmandu International airport.

It is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture,temples and has a best preserved palace courtyards. Also known as Bhadgaon (City of Devotees ) or Khwopa (in Nepali – wearing masks which refer to masks worn by Deities) , It is popular for various forms of mask danced based on life of Gods and Godesses.

Bhaktapur is an old city center in Nepal with its magnificent wooden, stone and metal architecture. See the intricate carvings.

Remarkable wooden work

Wooden carvings

It’s a living meuseum as most of the inhabitants are still Newars, whose males have a distinct style of wearing Bhadgaunle Topi (Nepali Cap).

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Interesting work

Vatsala Temple

Chill out with kids at Re Cafe, Delhi- India…Restaurant review

Re- Cafe which has a theme of Refresh, Rejuvinate, Retreat is a dining cafe in Ambiance Mall,1st floor, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Ambiance

It had a different jazzy ambiance from outside. There were few tables at the entrance overlooking the lobby of Mall.

Outside sitting

Cafe seemed to have utilized the space optimally and judicially as there was no disturbance to guests at all. Live DJ was playing jazzy numbers. Overall atmosphere was refreshing.

Innovative seating with cycle tyres as the base of table

To the right of entrance door, was a table with 3 cycle tyres as the base. It was a different concept specially to lure kids.We visited this Cafe on Children's day. I had known through reviews about kids zone in Re Cafe.

To the opposite of this section, there was a separate area and seating arrangement for kids. Wooden stairs with wooden slabs in the middle were fixed for kids to play and eat.

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Nidhi KM

Kushalnagar, Coorg- India

Interesting scene

Kushalnagar is a town near Kaveri river in Karnataka. It is the first big town while entering Coorg via Mysore. This town has picturistic views. We went to see an elephant camp there. It was an interesting visit.

What to see around

• Harangi Dam
• Kaveri Nisargadham
• Dubare
• Golden Temple
• Buddhist Monastry

Birds enjoying

How to reach Kushalnagar

By Air

Nearest airport is Mysore airport which is about 80kms away from Kushalnagar

Another airport is Bajpe airport, 130kms away

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Divine Swayambhunath Temple, Nepal

Stupa

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ) has designated almost 51 World heritage sites in South Asia. Swayambhunath is one of them in Nepal.

Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in Kathmandu valley. It is a most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site and Tibetan Buddhism.

The temple has two access points , a long stairway with 365 steps on east side and another car road around the hill from southwest side with almost 65 steps. We took the route of 65 steps as it was impossible for us to climb 365 steps with kids and pressing time.

Swayambhunath complex

Another view of complex

The swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa , variety of shrines, temples, museum and a library. There is a proper shipping complex besides the stupa.

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Gurupurab's special- Celebrations in Delhi

Palki Sahib decorated
with flowers

Gurupurab is Guru Nanak's Birthday which comes in the month of November. The date depends on the Indian Lunar calendar. This is a three days ceremony. Generally, two days before the ceremony, Akhand Path is performed in Gurudwaras. Few days before Guru Purab, Prabhat Pheris are organized by Sikh people in residential areas where Sikhs and other people from all religions get together very early in the morning and sing religious hymns and songs. Some people also burst crackers.

Panj Piare

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Generate referrals for your Business even as you travel- BNI !

About BNI

Demonstration at BNI Delhi Chapter

Business Networking International, BNI is a forum for helping Businesses create more word of mouth Businesses, more references than they ever had before. Its primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. It is one of the most successful organizations operating 6,500 chapters worldwide including UK, USA, South Africa , Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, and Australia

As customers, we rely on services that have a positive word of mouth. This is specially applicable to goods and services that are important to us both in terms of money and usability. So, referrals is a very strong way to get customers. Companies across the world spend huge amounts on advertisements, promotions and referrals ( tough to get).

BNI is a forum that provides a platform to generate referrals amongst trusted group of mermbers. It is a 29 year old organization that permits only one person from each trade to join the chapter. There are over 160,000 members across 55 countries in 300 varied professions.

In 2013, BNI generated 5.4 Million referrals which gernerated Rs.40,000 crores( USD $6.5 billion) of Business worldwide.

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Nidhi KM

Spectacular Mount Machhapuchhre in Nepal

Majestic view of Machhapuchchhre peak

Machhapuchhre peak

Pokhara is an international tourist destination with views of whole Annapurna range of Himalyas, especially Machhapuchchhre – The “Fish-Tail” Mountain. On a clear day, one can actually see reflection of these ranges in Feva lake.

Most of the hotels provide breathtaking views of the Feva lake and mountain ranges from the roof top itself. The Machhapuchchhre peak is about 25 kms from north of Pokhara.

Fish Tail's steep pointed profile makes it striking, although it is at the height of 6,993 m. Due to its double summit resembling the tail of a fish, its name is Fish Tail.

Spectacular

Sun rays falling on Machhapuchchhre peak

The fishtail mountain gives a truly majestic appearance ... Read more

Nidhi KM

Time out for Love and Friendship at Diggin Cafe, South Delhi- India

In the interiors of Delhi, bang opposite to Gargi College, Diggin Cafe was easy to find. Thanks to GPS and auto drivers who helped us reach there. Parking was not a problem at all.

Ambiance

As we saw from the car, this cafe looked awesome with square wooden panes and greenery hovering it. There were wooden benches and a nice seating arrangement. Crowd appeared to have a gala time there. Romantic couples were making the place happening. Beautifully decorated with plants, lights, wooden benches, and vintage British furniture, Diggin Cafe is a perfect place for spending time with loved ones.

We already knew that the experience is going to be nice. As we reached the open air restaurant, number of couples were having a nice time.

Food

Coffee Brownie and Banana
Strawberry shake

We secured a table and ordered Banana strawberry shake and coffee brownie smoothie. Both were awsome in taste. Then, we ordered Diggin's Signature Ravioli Pasta. This was homemade Ravioli ( like momos) stuffed with mixture of spinach, broccoli , ricotta cheese cooked in arrablata sauce. What a taste it was. All the spices and cheese were optimal. Both of us liked it. Although my husband is not very fond of Pasta but he loved this one.We also complimented the chef- Mr. Narinder Singh on Pasta.

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Nidhi KM