IndiGo augments domestic network with 14 new flights

In a bid to boost its domestic network, IndiGo is launching 14 new flights across key cities in India. Effective May 1, 2016, IndiGo will start new flights connecting Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, Kolkata to Hyderabad, Bengaluru to Jaipur and Chennai to Kochi.

Additionally, the airline will connect Kochi to Chennai and Jaipur to Bengaluru, effective May 2, 2016. Furthermore, with effect from May 6, 2016, IndiGo will also add increased frequencies between Delhi to Srinagar and Delhi to Jaipur.

This would allow both corporate and leisure travellers the opportunity to experience the matchless on-time performance that IndiGo is synonymous with. With 759 flights connecting 40 destinations, these new flights will further consolidate IndiGo’s position as the fastest growing airline in India.

Speaking on the launch of the new flights schedule, Aditya Ghosh, President IndiGo said, “We are delighted to announce additional frequencies between these cities.  The increased flow of traffic to and from these cities gave us a great opportunity to offer passengers more chances to experience the hassle-free and on-time performance that IndiGo has become synonymous with. We are confident that these flights will prove to be just as popular and convenient to our passengers.”

Five lakes of Band-e Amir

The five lakes of Band-e Amir are arguably Afghanistan's greatest natural asset. The group of five lakes are collectively known as Band-e- Amir. Band-e-Amir lakes are also considered the lakes of jewels. Lakes of Band e Amir are formed naturally with special geological formations. Color of the water is deep blue flourishing with amazing natural beauty.

The Lakes

The natural lakes of Band e Amir were created by the carbon dioxide with rich water oozing out of the faults and fractures. The deep blue water of the lakes glitters like jewels. The lakes are formed by limestone deposits. The most accessible of the lakes is Band-e-Haibat, literally translated as Dam of Awe. High mineral content of the lake water grants it the color. Due to high mineral content, water seems to change its color during the day time presenting a stunning beauty.

Lakes of Band e Amir Band-E-Amir is a beautiful place to relax and take in the spectacular scenery, eat freshwater fish at lakeside, and drink the pure water straight from the source. Band-e-Amir was decided to be developed as an natonal park but due to political inconsistencies in Kabul the plan could not materialise.

Location

Band e Amir lakes are located in the central Afghanistan. The lakes are high in the Hindu Kush Mountains. Lakes of Band e Amir lie 75km west of Bamiyan, via the village of Shahidan. Budhas of Bamiyan are so close to the Lake.

Getting There

The place is most easily visited from Bamiyan. The visitors most often visit the lakes on Thursday or Fridays. In good weather the trip from Bamiyan takes around five hours. It is usually necessary to hire a vehicle there as there is little transport available for the lakes. One can take transport to Yawkawlang and get off at the junction to the lakes. Private minivans are also available. The road can only be attempted in summers or in the autumns due to snow falls.

There is a chaikhana at Band-e Haibat, where the people visiting the lake can pay a visit. Locally caught fish and some local dishes are served here. One night stay can also be available at low price. Next to the chaikhana is a small mosque dedicated to Ali. Couple of rowing boats are also available which you can use to move to the lake. Swimming is possible but only for men. The water of the lake is incredibly cold.

Samaria Gorge National Park

The gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete. This majestuous gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it. But you must realise that it is a long (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience in order to enjoy it.

The Samaria National Park has traditionally always opened to the public at the beginning of May. It has often been possible to enter the gorge of Samaria at some point in April from the bottom part but this depends on the weather and the amount of work needed to restore the path after the winter rains.

The gorge of Samaria closes to the public at the end of October. but may close earlier if autumn rains (not uncommon in October) damage the path or make some cliffs unstable.

The gorge will also be closed on rainy days (when there is a danger of rock falls).In winter, high water makes the gorge of Samaria dangerous and impassable.

The park opens daily at daylight (so the exact time will vary depending on the time of the year) and closes in the evening. If you want to enter the park after around 14.00 you will not be allowed past the first quarter of the walk and will need to return to your starting point.

You have to pay an entrance fee of Euro 5.00 to enter the park (free to children under 15, half price to students).


Tourist Attractions in Greece, Samaria Gorge National Park, Greece travel attraction, Samaria Gorge in Crete, Hiking in Crete

Shangri-la Villingili Resort Maldives launches private jet services

Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives has launched a new private jet service to brings guests directly to the resort in luxury.

The resort is the only one in the Maldives with its own executive airport - Gan Executive International Airport - which is located on Addu Atoll, just five minutes away by private speedboat.

A new co-operation between Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives and Gan International Airport means hotel guests can now by-pass the international airport on Male and fly direct to Gan Executive International Airport offers Shangri-Las first-class service, a private jet lounge, on-site immigration, customs support and baggage screening.

Other benefits of the Private Jet Experience include accommodation in one of the resorts Presidential Villas, champagne, a romantic dolphin cruise, a daily massage at CHI, The Spa, an exclusive “Dine By Design” dining option, a personal mobile telephone and a personal villa host.

Rene D. Egle, general manager of Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives said: “With Gan Executive International Airport, we have found the ideal partner to provide guests arriving by private jet a memorable experience.  The perfect service and the highest quality standards – the creme de la creme– is guaranteed for our guests right from the start."

 Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives, on Addu Atoll, is the first luxury resort south of the equator in the Maldives.  The resort features 132 villas with views of the ocean or of the island’s natural lush vegetation.

Shangri-Las Villingili Resort Debuts Maldives First Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts at Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives are in for a treat with the introduction of the country first nine-hole recreational golf course at the resort. Designed by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and opened on March 27, 2012, the new course sits on seven and a half hectares of previously undeveloped land at the southern end of the island.

Spectacular sights await guests at each of the nine holes, mostly par three and averaging 123.4 yards in length. Designed to be a fun course for golf aficionados and beginners alike, the course was developed with the islands natural beauty in mind, enhancing existing flora to highlight the gleaming ocean and turquoise lagoon along a scenic walking path. A diversity of palms, pandanus and various exotic plants are dotted along sandy beach coves on the east and west shorelines.
 

 

To commemorate the event, the resort is offering an introductory golf package valid from now to May 9, 2012. For a minimum stay of four nights, guests may enjoy the following benefits:
 

• One complimentary green fee for two persons for bookings in a Pool Villa, Deluxe Pool Villa, Water Villa, Ocean View Villa or Beach Villa
• Waived daily green fee for bookings in a Tree House Villa, Two Bedroom Beach Villa, Villa Muthee or Villa Laalu.

The golf course is exclusive to guests of Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa. Facilities include a clubhouse, refreshment bar and a pro shop carrying an assortment of golf apparel, gear and merchandise. Shoe and equipment rental services are also available.

The introductory green fee of US$80 per adult includes a golf set, golf balls and unlimited rounds per day. Children play free on golf activities scheduled by Cool Zone, the children club at the resort.

“We are excited to offer a new experience to the Maldives traveler,” said Rene D. Egle, general manager of Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa. “Apart from our other recreational options, the Villingili Golf Course will add a new and unique activity for our guests – a game of golf amid expansive views of the Indian Ocean.”

Set amidst sensational sandy beaches and lush tropical foliage, Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa is a luxury all-villa Maldives resort property located in a spacious, boutique-style environment. The luxurious accommodations include private ocean retreats and tropical tree house villas making it a premier Maldives luxury resort, while a selection of fine-dining choices and innovative spa treatments have been carefully designed to stimulate the senses.