Must-visit party places before 30

Chhavi Moodgal suggests some exotic party destinations you and your BFFs simply have to hit before you turn 30...Pack your bags and get partying!

Full moon party at Haad Rin Nok

This beach, located in Koh Pha Ngan region in Thailand, has been immortalised with its mention in Alex Garland’s 1997 novel “The Beach”. The story goes that in the 1980s a group of backpackers were amazed with the extraordinary beauty of the Haad Rin beach during the full moon and decided to throw a huge party to celebrate this celestial phenomenon. Every full moon of the month, more than 30,000 people celebrate all through the night with multiple stages offering the best of house, R&B, hip hop and trance.

Try the Floating Bar (quite literally on a Thai long tail boat!) for its exotic cocktails and freshly caught seafood produce. Make sure you also catch the spectacular fire show organized at the Cactus and Drop-In bars and party the night away with gallons of rum or Thai buckets! Don’t forget to get a Thai massage the next morning - after all that revelry, your body is going to need it!

Foam party in Ibiza

Renowned for its nightlife, the party island of Ibiza is also a terrific holiday destination for its gorgeous beaches, UNESCO heritage sites at the Ibiza port, delectable Mediterranean cuisine and myriad dance forms such as flamenco and tango. The party season in Ibiza typically begins in June with opening parties in the famous nightclubs Space and DC10. The closing parties typically end the season in October.

A visit to view the sunset at Café del Mar, one of the most famous night clubs in the world, is an absolute must. If you are lucky, you will get to attend a foam party at one of the swanky Ibiza nightclubs, so make sure you and your BFFs pack that bikini! A typical day for you in Ibiza would mean waking at noon, early evening massages, late night clubbing, and “disco sunrises” while enjoying the yummy sangria and the flaon!

Girlfriend cruise in the Caribbean

Looking for the ultimate gal pal vacation nirvana? Take a cruise with your girlfriends in the Caribbean. There is no denying that a cruise brings an unmatched sense of festivity and entertainment, and that too in the convenience of one large ship! You can customize the cruise to include as many locations and activities as you and your BFFs want. For those who just want to chill out, Jamaica with its laid back and relaxed culture is a fabulous place to enjoy the reggae, jazz, and blues festivals. If you are looking for more sophisticated celebrations, the carnivals and rum fiestas in St Lucia are an unforgettable experience!

Try the Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and Haiti circuit for something a little different. In Puerto Rico, you can shop till you drop and enjoy the stunning beaches and nightlife. If you are feeling adventurous, take a mountain biking tour in St Maarten and in Haiti, try the longest zip line over water!

Action weekend in Reykjavik

Who could’ve thought that nightlife in a city could be sizzling hot in spite of the outside temperature being 5 °C? With a history of producing experimental musicians like Icelandic rockers SigurRó s and Bjö rk, it’s no wonder Reykjavik pays homage to the auditory-inclined. Teeming with bars, pubs and prized nightclubs like NASA (an auditorium-like space with live music all through the night), Iceland’s capital is a great place to party and enjoy various kinds of live music such as hardcore punk rock, indie, classical chamber music, and hip-hop.

Think you and your friends have stamina? Prove it by participating in Icelandic rüntur, a night-long, marathon-style pub crawl. Make sure you taste the beer - it supposedly tastes phenomenal in Iceland because the water is so clean! If the girls are in a mood for some adventure, try white water rafting or quad biking. For that extra adrenaline, get a ride on the X4 Super Truck, which will take you over mountain roads to Myrdalsjokull glacier. You could also try the snow scooter. End your action packed weekend with a splash in the hot tub, a barbeque meal of Iceland’s fresh produce, and a visit to the Blue Lagoon spa, famous for its in-water massages!

Femina makes the big 30 more exciting by associating with the film “Turning 30”. For more dope on turning 30, visit our facebook and twitter pages.

Being fishy helps

If fitness is your mantra and you desire to see yourself able-bodied as you age, fish oil can help, says research. Just keep the intake natural, caution experts. Priti Salian discusses the pros and cons of this wonder oil.

What is fish oil?
Fish oil is derived from the tissues of fish. “Fish oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio which is good for the human body,” says Dr. Balbir Singh, Chairman, Department of Cardiology, Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon. Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are not manufactured in the body but are needed for important physiological functions. These should thus be taken in through food and fish oil is the best source of these fatty acids.

One oil, many benefits

Reduces pain and inflammation
Fish oil can reduce pain and inflammation in the body even when it is caused by arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acids not only provides relief but also protects against further damage, says research. The anti-inflammatory effects also make it effective for psoriasis.

Lowers triglycerides
High triglycerides in the body are linked with heart diseases. For reduction of heart disease, it is essential to maintain a certain level of triglycerides in the body. Just like exercising and restricting fats in your diet helps, so does the intake of fish oil. “Fish oil not only reduces triglycerides, it also improves good cholesterol,” says Dr. Singh.

Prevents heart attacks
Consumption of fish oil also weakens the chances of a healthy person getting a heart blockage. “The incidence of coronary heart disease also diminishes,” says Dr. Singh. You can also look forward to a healthy life without any high blood pressure problems if you include fish oil in your diet. It is said that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have a tendency to expand blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure.

Eases menstrual pain
This one is a boon for all women. If you consume fish oil either alone or along with Vitamin B12, it can bring down your menstrual pain. So, add fish in your diet today and cut down on pain killers!

Slows down bone loss
While you still need to take your calcium regularly, it is a good idea to include fish oil in your diet to slow down bone loss which leads to osteoporosis.

How to consume fish oil?
“The best way to consume fish oil is by having fish 2-3 times a week,” says Dr. Singh. Eating any fish will help, though fatty fish is recommended, asserts the Padma Shree awardee. Fish oil is available in the form of supplements as well. “But consumption of supplements is not recommended unless your doctor advises so,” says Dr. Singh. They may not contain the correct amount of fatty acids needed by the body and may not help you at all. “In fact, they can cause allergic reactions and diarrhoea as well,” cautions Dr. Singh.

The most important thing about fish oil is its omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio. If fish oil is not your thing, incorporate olive oil in your cooking. “Olive oil is the next best thing to fish oil when it comes to the fatty acid ratio,” says Dr.Singh. Similarly, you can also include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids separately in your diet. “Flax seed, canola oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and soy are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids,” says Preethi Rahul, Registered Dietician, Mumbai. “For consumption of omega-6, you can include sunflower, safflower or corn oil in your diet,” she adds.

So the next time you dig into a delicious fatty fish, indulge guilt free…you know it’s good for you!

Experience the world in miniature

Chhavi Moodgal takes you on an unforgettable, action packed quest of New Zealand's South Island

From paragliding and skydiving to abseiling, kayaking, and mountain biking, the South Island of New Zealand has some of the most exciting escapades on offer. Combine that with delicious food, tantalizing wine and panoramic views of glacial mountains, majestic fiords and lush green pastures, and there’s your recipe for a dream vacation.

Queenstown - South Island’s crown jewel
Begin your adventure in Queenstown. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, this picturesque town is nestled beside Lake Wakatipu in the Southern Lakes district. Take a ride in the Queenstown Gondola to see the sights of the city. For those who enjoy their food and drink, the nearby Otago region is famous for its Pinot Noir and a visit to the Fergburger café is a must, where you can try various delicious burgers.

Adventure activities like jet boating, skydiving, skiing and boarding, horse trekking, heli mountain biking, and bungee jumping are limitless here. For the ultimate adrenalin kick, try the canyon swing where you get strapped into a full body harness and then dropped in free fall for 60 metres! End the evening with Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife.

For those who are fans of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, a visit to Wanaka is a must, to experience the sights and sounds used in the movies. Stop en route at the “Prancing Pony” pub, also known as “Cardrona Hotel” for their delicious meals and brews.

Fiordland - untouched natural splendour
Drive south-west from Queesntown to Fiordland to see natural beauty in all its splendour, including sheer sides of the snow-capped Southern Alps, deep blue lakes, and steep valleys teeming with flora and fauna. Fiordland has never had any significant permanent population and is the least inhabited area of New Zealand. Even the Maori only visited temporarily for hunting, fishing, and to collect precious stones.

The most famous fjord is Milford Sounds but Doubtful Sound is larger and untouched with several branches being accessible only by air or boat. Spending a day and night on an all-purpose boat here will treat you with sights of fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins, and dolphins. Fiordland also includes some of the tallest waterfalls in the world.

Head back to Queenstown and fly to Christchurch. Alternately, enjoy the scenic 8 hour drive to Christchurch. Stop at Arrowtown to enjoy old mining sites and at Mt. Cook (at 3,764 mts, this is the highest peak in New Zealand) for a glimpse of the Kiwi mountainside and glacier blue lakes like Pukaki and Tekapo.

Christchurch - picturesque Garden City
Arrive at the gorgeous city of Christchurch and rent bicycles to explore the beautiful tree-lined avenues, ambling inner-city rivers, and magnificent heritage buildings including the neo-Gothic Cathedral in the city centre.

You must visit the suburbs of Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake, Christchurch’s surfing capital. Gourmet lovers should walk along Oxford Terrace against the Avon River; here you will find a huge selection of restaurants and cafes catering to every palette.

Kaikoura and Punakaiki - coastal delights
From Christchurch, head north-east towards the Kaikoura Coast via Hammer Springs. Kaikoura literally means “to eat crayfish” and this town is abundant with marine life, its deep sea trench allowing whales, dolphins, and seals to come up close to you. Go dolphin swimming and whale watching while enjoying the delights of the seafood spread!

Alternately, from Christchurch head north-west to the beach town of Punakaiki, world famous for its “Pancake Rocks”, huge columns of limestone resembling stacks of pancakes. Hear the impressive roar of the water which is forced upwards through the blowholes at high tide. Enjoy the landscape through various adventure sports like surfing, horse trekking, kayaking, four wheel driving, and trekking.

Head onwards to Wellington in the North Island or journey back to Christchurch in the epic Trans Alpine train to catch your onward flight and conclude your thrilling journey around the delightful South Island feeling refreshed by all the natural beauty and exhilarated with all the adventure activities!

Honeymoon with a wild twist!

Just married? Come along for the ride as Baisakhi Roy checks out some really crazy and very exotic honeymoon destinations

1) Have a meat-fest
Hawaii is not just sand and snorkelling. A better way to celebrate wedded bliss is eating your guts out at a traditional “luau”. Far from being a picnic table affair, this is an elaborate ceremony where you will be regaled with Polynesian music and dance while you enjoy a demonstration of their native arts and crafts. Then, the fun begins. At a typical luau, in a large pit called the “imu”, a large pig, sweet potatoes and laulau (fish and pork wrapped in a leaf) are placed and covered with banana leaves and ti leaves. then after a couple of hours and a few mai-tais down, watch the unearthing of a steaming, roasted pig from the underground oven accompanied by exotic Hawaiin food like huli huli chicken, fresh mahi mahi, poi and sweet potatoes, fruits, vegetables and delectable desserts.

There are three nightly luaus hosted along Kaanapali Beach: the Hyatt Regency Maui’s ‘Drums of the Pacific,’ and the one hosted by the Royal Lahaina Resort; one of Maui’s longest-running luaus. Romance blossoms on a full tummy.

2) Swim with the fish
Yes you could and then stay on. Jules’ Undersea Lodge, at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in Key Largo, Florida is perfect for couples who love marine life and literally want to be a part of it. Getting to the lodge is an adventure magnifique. Visitors must dive 21 feet down below the surface and swim through the tropical mangrove habitat of the Emerald Lagoon going up underneath the structure to enter a space through the floor in the hotels ‘wet’ room. “Entering through an opening in the bottom of the habitat, the feeling is much like discovering a secret underwater clubhouse,” according to the lodge’s Web site. See some amazing technology in the Marine Lab, an underwater laboratory devoted exclusively to research and education. Befriend some parrotfish and barracuda while the “mer-chef” dives into the hotel to prepare your dinner. Don’t fret if you don’t know how to dive; the lodge provides lessons for all levels. Seal that pact with love and a wet kiss.

3) Hike up the passion with biking
Take your love to dizzying heights with a biking honeymoon in Oaxaca’s Northern Sierras. Exotic flowers crowd the slopes, and even on the sunniest of days, puffy white clouds loft in from the Gulf of Mexico to cool you. Pine forests give the mountains their green colour and add shade. You can choose from over a dozen inexpensive lodging places called cabanas where you can stay while not biking up the mountains. The housing is reasonably priced to attract adventure junkies and eco-tourists. Add to that the locally grown fresh farm food and you have an inexpensive way to spend your days wrapped in love, savouring some fresh, rare air. And if the culture craving seeps in, explore the ruins in Monte Alban (one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica), located 10 km west of the state capital, Oaxaca City.

4) Camp with the lions
Does big game give you a thrill? Then, one of the largest game reserves in Kenya, The Masai Mara is where you could set up camp. Or it could be done for you; the safari experience is quadrupled when you are right in the middle of the action. The Mara is home to some of the best tented luxury camps in Africa and wait, there’s more. All tents are equipped with flushing toilets, haute cuisine and sun downers served by waiters wearing white gloves. You can begin your mornings with a slow mocha, watching the wildebeest (belongs to the goat family) converging at the waterhole (most of the hotels set up camps along the Talek river) right from your tent. Then take a convertible van out into a no-holds barred wildlife adventure as you sneak up on a herd of African elephants or a family of lions lazying over their kill. Sweet moments spent in savannah splendour!

6 reasons why every woman should visit Hungary

Nestled in Central Eastern Europe lie Hungary's best kept secrets. The country boasts of the world's best spas, thermal baths and hot springs, thanks to it's mineral-rich purifying thermal waters. Anjum Dhir Kulkarni guides you on 6 ways to spoil yourself silly here

1. Budapest Baths
The capital houses some luxurious wellness centres. Along with therapeutic treatments for aches, pains and stress, weight loss programmes including underwater massages and gymnastics are popular. Szechenyi baths, Gellert baths, Rudas baths and the Kempinski spa are the places to be. Soak up the powers and pleasures of the mineral waters in the 400 years old Turkish bath Kiraly Furdo. Margaret Island, a beautiful recreational park on the Danube River, is famous for the luxurious Danubias Thermal Hotel and the glorious 100 year’s old Ramada Grand Hotel. It’s no wonder then that you find a cure for everything from circulation to fractures in this city!

2. Chic Countryside Resorts
Step out of Budapest and visit the cave-spa in the northeast, in Tapolca for a one-in-a-million experience. Once in the countryside, you have to spend time at the Hévíz Lake with its 47,500 square metres of hot (33°C) medicinal water. The lake is fed by a thermal spring supplying it 20,000 litres of water every minute, ensuring that the lake water is renewed within every 72 hours! Now that really is a new standard in luxury! The mud covering the bottom of the lake is especially curative. The forested parks and the clean air coupled with the friendly locals make this a truly unforgettable experience.

3. Fishing and Play at The Hungarian Sea
This is what Lake Balaton, the great Hungarian fresh-water lake, is called. Lake Hé víz is located near the western end of the Balaton. The mountainous area of the northern shore is a major wine region, while the flat southern shore is known for its resort towns, many of which have artificial sandy beaches with step access to the water. Here you can sail, fish and indulge in other water sports, cycle or walk through the countryside and party the night away in the clubs dotting the lakeside. A visit to top vineyards and cellars in the north for some wine tasting can also be thrown in!

4. Beautiful Budapest
Once back in the capital, spend your days visiting many of the city’s architectural marvels. Going up to Buda Castle on Castle Hill by the funicular cable railway at an incline of 48% is great fun! While in the Castle District- a world heritage site, visit the 100 years old Fishermen’s Bastion for a panoramic view of Budapest and Danube. Check out the Millennium Monument in the Hero’s Square, built for the 1000th birthday of Hungary. Matthias Church, the art museums, The Hungarian House of Wines and Cafe Ruszwurm shouldn’t be missed either. Across the river lies the Parliament of Hungary, famous for its size - nearly 18000 square metres - and for its splendour. It is the most expensive building ever built in Hungary. You simply have to pay it a visit!

5. Delicious Fare And To Die For Wines
From 22 wine regions of Hungary come 700 different Hungarian wines. Some are world famous e.g. Tokai and Egri Bikavér and some you can discover! Hungarians often enjoy their wine with a mix of soda-water, making a drink called “frÖccs”. Try one of the 21 brands of Hungarian mineral water; some of them have therapeutic value, like Mira or Borszé ki. Get in a riverboat and sample some fine wine while enjoying the night-lit world heritage view of the two sides of the Danube. Another must taste is delicious Goulash soup and various stews brewed with paprika, widely grown in Hungary and added to almost every Hungarian dish. Also try popular street food - Lángos, a sort of salty fried dough, usually served with sour cream and grated cheese. Indulge!

6. Oh, Shopping!
Central Market Hall in Budapest offers a great rustic market experience in a beautiful building. You can buy organic vegetables, home-made andouille sausages, salamis, pastries, paprika and Hungarian spirits like Zwack Unicum. It is a great place for buying handmade Hungarian folk art souvenirs like embroidered pillowcases, dresses, dolls dressed in Hungarian folklore costumes, pottery and porcelain. Herend and Zsolnay porcelains make exclusive gifts. You also find folklore shops in Pest’s chic shopping district, Vaci Street. Andrassy Avenue is a place of famous designer shops and exclusive gift shops. The best antique shops in Budapest are in Falk Miksa Street.

As if all this was not enough to entice you to visit Hungary, the people are very friendly and the country is quite safe even at night. Bless yourself with the spa holiday of a lifetime and be treated like royalty in Budapest and beyond.

Go fashionably light this honeymoon

Less is more' and to put that thought into action, pack intelligently for this adventurously romantic getaway. Aditi Jain pens down the absolute checklist for mastering the honeymoon packing list in 25 items or less

First things first is to do you research on your holiday- The number of days you will spend, the weather, any special dress codes and the location, is it a beach/ mountain/ city/etc. and tweak the following one week list accordingly.

Mix n match with
1. 2 pairs of denims: One in pencil fit in ink blue which can crossover for an evening on the town, and the other in a slim fit in a funkier acid sky for the more adventurous excursions.
2. A pair of hot pants: A sateen (not satin) in cotton lycra, the ‘it’ shade being safari green. Steer clear of hot pants with fold ups, pocket flaps, pleats and fringes which tend to add bulge where it is not required. Shorts in white, a la Malaika style, can work very well too and can help you sport diverse looks with accessories.
3. A light weight jacket that can be scrunched up into your hang luggage: Light cotton/poly twill works great as it minimises the creases and pumps up the style in any silhouette you fancy.
4. 2 day dresses that can work their way to the evening with a change of accessories: Try a sundress with a bloom of floral or an abstract of geometry with a nipped high waist and bare those shoulders with a strapless dress, knee length or above for a haute mood
5. An ever so sexy black mini dress: Be it a tiny shift, an empire waist A line or even a structured well fitted one.
6. A stole in a neutral shade: With temperatures hovering in the low, a pure paschmina or blend with tassels, sparingly studded with Swarovski will definitely go the distance. Throw it over your bare shoulders or recklessly tie it over your swaying hips. A stole can be used for much more if you put your imagination to work.
7. 3 multipurpose tops which can pass for pleasure or play: With the 50’s still sizzling on the runway, go ‘easy’ with a button down jersey and tie it up with a belt to show of those curves. For a look that’s ‘seductive’ take along a quiet animal print bustier or corseted top that pumps up the cleavage and tames down the waist. Wraps work well for a ‘flirty’ feel, layer it with a camisole or try out unconventional ways to tie the knots.
8. An intoxicating two piece swimsuit with cover-up: Bare it all in a style that suits your comfort, shoulder bearing bandeau’s are the in thing, clasped with jewels. If you do have a heavy bust though, it is advisable to go with straps.
9. Lingerie in nude shades for under the clothes and in whatever suits your fancy for times out!

Strut those legs in
10. A pair of keds or flats: Comfortable on the sole for those long walks. Dark colours are low maintenance and black or navy can be sported when you just can’t wear those heels
11. A set of metallic stilettos: In either gold or silver, whichever complements the colours of your clothes

Add the glam quotient with
12. Trinkets: Art pieces are big this season, from heavy cuffs and stacked bangles to baroque and statement jewels. Go with whatever accentuates your wardrobe.
13. A chic narrow leather belt: that goes with everything, more for fashion than function.
14. A chiffon scarf: To add feminine charm, use it as a bandana, tousle it into a hair tie or string it to your belt loop.
15. Hair accessories to alter your look every day
16. Sunglasses that seize the sun

Don’t compromise on
17. Compact sized skincare and makeup
18. Deodorant, because BO is a mood kill
19. Perfume to heighten his senses
20. Hair spray/mousse for those bad hair days
21. Nail filer
22. Tweezers to pluck out the unwanted
23. Hair Brush to tame those tresses

Essential lasts
24. Contraception, unless you’re planning a baby
25. Cell phone charger without which you’d be cast away!

Add to these your irresistible smile, elegance and poise and you’re all packed for a honeymoon on which you won’t spend much time in the suitcase.

Ecolicious spa holidays for you

Heading out this festive season? Pamper yourself silly and give back to the planet, all at the same time, by choosing an eco-friendly destination spa where practitioners work to indulge both you and the environment. Chandana Banerjee brings you a top list.

The Dune Eco Village Resort and Spa at Pondicherry
http://www.thedunehotel.com/

Situated in the lovely coastal town of Pondicherry, the Dune is an interesting destination for those looking to dip into the healing arts and revel in their spiritual journey. Spread over 35 acres, this eco-friendly spa resort situated right on the beach boasts of 30 villas and 20 rooms. It offers Artists in Residence programme, water-based healing programmes such as Aqua Zen Aichi, Magic Chromatherapy, Aqua Reflexo, Water Shiatsu and other interesting aqua therapies, a spa that combines beauty with healing techniques, and an Ayurveda centre headed by specialists in the field. While you’re here, you’ll not only be pampered, indulged and healed, you’ll also be nourished with organic, home-grown produce from their very own organic farm.

Vythiri Resort at Wayanad
http://www.vythiriresort.com/

If you love nature, especially deep, dark forests, then the Vythiri Resort in Wayanad is for you. Exquisite, elegant and eco-friendly, this spa resort pampers all your senses. You can actually live a life of leisure here at Vythiri “uncovering the simple joys” - treks in the tropical forest, walks by the waterfall, guided trips to the village nearby, long and luxurious sessions in the Ayurveda boutique and other rejuvenation therapies at the spa.

Speaking about rejuvenation therapies, you can opt for interesting packages that combine scrubs and massage, inspired by aromatherapy and Ayurveda techniques. There’s Marma Body, a mind and spirit massage, Serenity Full Body Massage with aromatherapy oils, a relaxing Padabhyanga Foot and Leg massage and several others to choose from. If therapy is what you’re looking for, try any of the Ayurveda packages that promise to relieve pain and rejuvenate senses.

Savista in Jaipur
http://www.savista.com/eco-friendly-resort.html

An eco-resort, this one offers spiritual and spa facilities and also a sustainable and responsible lifestyle. While you’re here, you can nurture your body with not only the usual spa treatments like sauna, steam and Jacuzzi baths, but also a wide range of traditional massage treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara and Panchakarma massages. In addition, you can practice yoga in the tranquil lawns, take up fitness activities and relax.

You can also practice natural living and detox your system. Here at Savista, most of the produce used in cooking is grown organically, spices are freshly ground, butter is home-churned, oil cold-pressed, and meat, poultry and eggs are obtained from the surrounding farms. This eco-sensitive travel destination believes in conserving energy, living organically and investing in the local community - simple but important principles that you can take away with you, along with great memories and your relaxed and rejuvenated self.

Ananda at Tehri Garhwal
http://www.anandaspa.com/

Once the home of the Maharaja of this region, Ananda in Tehri-Garhwal is now “a world class destination spa”. If you’re looking for unique ways to soothe your senses and frazzled nerves, and at the same time, get away from the maddening crowds, Ananda is your destination. The spa is spread over an area of 24,000 square feet and offers 79 body as well as beauty treatments, which have been drawn from traditional Indian techniques and the Western spa approach. At Ananda, you can get a tailor-made spa experience, created for your specific needs and expectations. From cleansing, detoxification and de-stressing to weight loss, anti-ageing and relaxation, the team of experts at the spa resort will make sure you have a ‘spalicious’ holiday.

Sparsa at Kanyakumari and Thiruvannamalai
http://www.sparsaresorts.com/about_us.html

You have a choice of destinations, if Sparsa is where you want to be. You can plonk yourself either in the beach town of Kanyakumari or the sacred city of Thiruvannamalai. Created with eco friendly material and equipped with the finest of facilities, Sparsa won’t let you down, if ‘eco’ is what you have in mind. Chill out, enjoy languorous days and treat yourself to eco-conscious spa treatments at the Sparsa resorts.

A tryst with a lost colony!

Looking forward to spending a weekend at a beach with a dash of history? Head to the only Danish colony in the South - Tranquebar or Tharangambadi as its known today. Lakshmi Sharath takes you on a drive to this town of singing waves.

As you drive beyond the erstwhile French colony, Pondicherry, you come to this small hamlet called Tharangambadi, which in Tamil, means the town of the singing waves. The melody haunts you as the village roads slowly open into the sea with a quaint old fort on its shores, unraveling beautiful sights entwined with engrossing tales.

When a ship landed on its shores
Tharangambadi or Tranquebar (Trankebar) is a 17th century Danish settlement ruled by the Danish East India Company who built the Fort Dansborg. Today, the fort wears the garb of a museum that tells a story of a busy port which has now become a windblown village. Legend has it that a small strip of an insignificant fishing hamlet was leased from the Vijaynagar king by the Danes for an annual rent of Rs. 3,111 and Trankebar was created with the Dansborg Fort built right in the centre of it.

At the portals of the village is the ‘Landporten’ or the town gate that sports the Danish Royal seal and leads us through a row of colonial bungalows and ancient churches. Sprawled on the beaches are the bungalows of the British Collector and the Danish Governor which are being renovated and converted into hotels for guests. The heritage hotel ‘The Bungalow on the Beach’ is considered the most popular one of the lot.

Reliving the Royal era
The quaint streetscapes lend an old world charm to this destination that speaks volumes of the people and its past. Walk down the small by lanes called King Street, Queen Street and Goldsmith Street where buildings have been restored.

The King Street is where all of colonial Tranquebar’s biggest and most famous buildings are concentrated. It is also the place where the most amazing eateries and hotels are situated. So if you’re hungry and want to grab a bite or even a glass of chilled beer, you know where to head to!

The church chronicles
The 18th century Zion Church, which is the oldest protestant church of India, is a great witness of the past. It is also the reason behind the moving and spreading out of the Danish population into the surrounding settlements. This church is a beautiful combination of colonial and Indian architectural features and has gone through several makeovers to reach its present form.

The New Jerusalem Church was built a bit later by German missionaries Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg and Heinrich Pluetschau to accommodate the increasing Christian population in this region. These missionaries were also responsible for translating the Bible into Tamil.

Surviving the tsunami
While you’re screening through this lost forgotten town’s Danish past, it is important to note that it was ravaged by the tsunami as well. If you stand at the edge of the sea and look out into the horizon, you will see the Masilamani Nathar temple, the oldest temple that has survived here since the 14th century.

As the waves lash at the store, listen to the haunting melody of the waves and watch fishermen return from a hard day’s work. All that is left of the town are now the little snippets of history. While time and nature has robbed it of its glory, it still remains in its little corner, waiting to be discovered, still ready to startle you with its heritage and mystical beauty!