Page 17 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

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asking price if you’re prepared for some serious haggling). snowfields to the northeast and near Shimla. The season runs
There are many wonderful handicrafts from Kashmir’s hand- from December to January.
loomed rugs, furs, papier-mâché utensils and pashmina shawls, There’s whitewater canoeing on the Ganges’ tributaries and
jewels and brassware from Jaipur, and silks from Varanasi on the Zanskar, Indus, Chenab and Lidder rivers in Kashmir.
and Bangalore. For souvenirs, Delhi’s famed bazaars won’t Ballooning has become popular with a club at Safdarjung
disappoint, and are teeming with eclectic homewares, clothing, Airport in New Delhi. Other activities include camel safaris,
pashmina scarves, and more.
trekking and hang gliding in the Himalayas, or exploring
Chandni Chowk Bazaar, located in the heart of old Delhi is woodlands and orchards of the Western Ghats or Aravali hills.
comprised of a series of interconnecting crowded walkways Currency
littered with stalls hawking everything from books, clothes The Indian rupee is divided into 100 paise. Tipping is
and shoes to electronics, amidst the pervading smell of Indian appreciated, as wages are low by Western standards.
food—the best bazaar to experience the ‘real’ India. For those
who wish to return home loaded with quality yet well priced Climate
souvenirs, Janpath is a must-visit. Just a short walk away from There are three major seasons: winter, summer and the
Connaught Place, Janpath Bazaar has stand alone street stalls, monsoon. The winter, from November to March, is pleasant
permanent shops and a flea market, selling quality homeware with bright sunny days in the south and east, but in December
items such as bright and ornate throws, wall hangings, lamps, and January in the north, the temperature drops and there is
rugs, embroidered cushion covers, vases, and much more, as well snow in the hills. In summer, April to June, it is very hot and
quality clothing and a plethora of trinkets. Also at the Central humid, and many head to the cool hill resorts. The southwest
Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath Rd and nearby, along monsoon breaks about early June and continues until September.
Baba Kharak Singh Marg The south-eastern areas receive rainfall between October and
in New Delhi, are various state emporia each run by their state December. Wear cool, light, cotton clothes in the south and
governments. northern plains from April to September. Warmer clothes are
advisable for the north during winter. In New Delhi an overcoat
Activities
Indians all play hockey, cricket, polo, football, volleyball may be required during December and January.
and basketball, and in the hill stations ponies can be hired It is advisable that females dress modestly where possible, even in
for excursions to the glaciers’ edge. Ski resorts at Gulmarg in warmer climes, as showing too much skin is generally frowned
Kashmir and Auli in the state of Uttaranchal are popular for upon and may attract unwanted attention. However tourist
snow skiing and heli skiing, and also some of the Himalayan beachside areas are generally more lax.

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