INDIAN COOKERY

CHETTINAD FRIED CHICKEN RECIPE:

Ingredients:

3 lb chicken
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground turmeric
4 tbsps vegetable oil
½ tsp black mustard seeds
½ tsp skinned urad dal
½ tsp whole fennel seeds
5 whole dried red chillies
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

Instructions:

1) Cut the chicken into small serving peices as one might for chinese food. The breast should be split in half and each half cut into 6-8 peices. Thighs and drumsticks should be halved.Rub 3/4 tsp salt and the turmeric onto the chicken and set aside for 15 minutes.

2) Put the remaining salt in a bowl with 3 tbsps water and set aside.

3) Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan over a medium high flame. When hot add the mustard seeds. As soon as they begin to pop add the dal. As soon as this turns red put in the fennel seeds and red chillies. When they start to darken add the onion and stir and fry until it browns lightly.

4) Add the chicken peices and stir and fry for about 5 minutes. Start sprinkling a little salted water at atime from the bowl over the chicken and keep stirring and frying over a medium high flame. Fry the chicken for about 10-15 mins.All the salt water should be used up.

5) When the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned remove with a slotted spoon and serve.This goes well with Mysore Spinach with Dill, Cauliflower with Dried Chillies and Mustard seeds, Plain Rice and Mysore Split Peas with whole shallots.


CHICKEN CURRY:


Ingredients
1/2 chicken breasts, skinned and boned
3 garlic, cloves, crushed
1/4 tsp ginger
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 onion, chopped finely
1 tsp olive oil
1 cup water
1/2 tsp cummin seeds powder
1 tsp coriander seeds powder
1/4 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 green chilli, finely chopped
2 tbsp coconut milk
3 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Method
Make pieces of chicken breasts .Heat oil in a pan .Saute chicken pieces until golden from
both sides
Remove and drain .Add onion and ginger-garlic and fry till golden brown .Add all the
powders, and saute for a minute
Add chicken broth and water .Let it boil for 2 minutes .Add chicken pieces .Cover the pan
and let it cook for approx 30 mins.
Then add coconut milk .Cook for another 1 min. Serve with rice


CHICKEN BIRIYANI:


Ingredients:
8-10 oz basmati rice, rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp ground cumin

For garnishing:
1 tbsp fried onions
2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds
1 tsp ground coriander
a pinch of nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp turmeric
6 fl oz natural yogurt
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp raisins or sultanas
salt and black pepper

Method:
Boil the rice in 3 pts water with a little salt for 8 minutes, stirring once and keeping the water at a rolling boil.
Drain and reserve. Meanwhile, thinly slice the chicken breast.
In a large saucepan or casserole with a tight fitting lid heat the oil and fry the onion, ginger and garlic for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the chicken, raise the heat and stir fry for 3 minutes.
Add all the ground spices and stir again for a few seconds.
Add the yogurt and stir for one minute, then add the sugar and raisins or sultanas and stir again. Check seasoning.
Put the rice on top then cover the saucepan with foil or a damp tea towel and put the lid on tightly.
Reduce the heat to low and cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.
Uncover, sprinkle with the garnishes and serv

chettinad pepper chicken:


Chicken fillets- 2 cubed, onion- 1 chopped, tomato- 1 chopped, ginger-garlic paste- 3 tbsp, peppercorns- 10( ground alongwith the ginger- garlic paste), turmeric pwd - 1 tsp, garam masala pwd - 2 tsp, coriander leaves- few sprigs, chopped, curd- 4 tbsp, lime juice- 4 tbsp, oil- 3 tbsp, curry leaves- 8, cumin seeds- 1/2 tsp, saunf(fennel) - 1/2 tsp, salt to taste.
Add 1 tbsp of ginger- garlic-peppercorn paste, curd , turmeric 1/2 tsp, & lime juice to the chicken pieces & marinate for half an hour.
Heat oil in a kadai & season with curry leaves, cumin & saunf. Now add the onions & fry till golden. Then add the ground paste, tomato, coriander leaves, turmeric , garam masala pwd & salt to taste and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken alongwith its marinade & stir briskly for 2 minutes. Now add little water and cover & cook till the chicken is done.
When the gravy has thickened a little bit & the oil begins to float on top, remove from fire & serve hot with rice, rotis or dosais.


MUTTON SUKKA / MUTTON DRY FRY:
Ingredients:Mutton (1 inch cubes) - 200gmsOnion (finely chopped) - 1Green chillies (slit) - 2Curry leaves - a sprigGinger-garlic paste - 1 tspJeera (cumin seeds) - 1 tspSaunf (fennel seeds) - 1 tspPepper powder - 1 tbspJeera (cumin) powder - 1 tbspCoriander powder - 1 tbspGaram masala - 1 tspTurmeric - a pinchOil - 3 tbspSalt - as neededMethod:Pressure cook the mutton with jeera, saunf and a pinch of turmeric with just enough water to cover the meat, for about 8 whistles. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions. Once the onions turn translucent add green chillies, curry leaves, ginger garlic paste, pepper powder, jeera powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt and the cooked mutton. Fry in low heat till all the raw smell disappears from the powders and the mutton gets coated and roasted evenly. Serve hot with rice and sambar.

MUTTON CURRY:

Ingredients:1/2 lb Mutton4 Potato(optional)1 tsp Fennel seeds2 Onion(medium size)2 Tomato(medium size)1 tbsps Poppy seeds Paste1/ tsp turmeric powder2 tbsps Coriander powder2 tbsps Chilli powder3 tbsps Coconut paste1 tsp Ginger-garlic Paste1/2 tsp Garam masala powder4 Cloves2 Bay leaves2 Cinnamon(medium size)1 tbsp Curd(optional)5 tbsps OilCoriander leaves for garnishingSalt for tasteMethod:1. Marinate the mutton pieces with the poppy seed paste,garam masala & 1tsp of salt.2. Heat the oil in pressure pan & put the fennel,seeds,cloves,bay leaves & Cinnamon.Let them splutter.Add the chopped onion & fry till slight golden brown.3. Add the ginger-garlic paste & fry for 4-5 mts.Now add the chopped tomato,salt & turmeric powder & cook for 6-7 mts till the oil separates from the masala.4. Add the the marinated mutton,potato cubes & a cup of water & combine all the masalas & cooks for 5-6 mts.5. Now,close the pan & pressure it till the mutton becomes soft.Then,open the pan & add the coriander powder,chilli powder & coconut paste & cook the garvy for 10 mts in slow flame till theoil separate from the masala.6. Now,garnish the mutton with the coriander leaves.7. Serve the mutton curry with rice,dosai,idle,puri,roti & naan.

MUTTON BRIYANI:

INCREDIENTS:


1.5 lb goat or lamb meat cut into medium sized pieces
To Grind:
6 Dry Red chilies
1″ Cinnamon
1 tsp fennel seeds
4 cardamom
1 finger sized ginger
6 pods garlic
1 onion thinly sliced
About 20 mint leaves
1 star anise
3 bay leaves
1″ cinnamon
3 cups Basmati Rice
Salt to taste
Oil
Coconut milk 1/2 cup
1 tbsp Ghee (Clarified butter)
Method
Wash and soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
Grind all the ingredients in the To Grind section to a smooth paste and keep aside.
In a pressure cooker, heat some oil and fry the mutton pieces along with the star anise, bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
Add the ground masala paste, salt and 1 cup of water and pressure cook the mutton. (3 minutes after the first whistle).
While the cooker is cooling down, in a big frying pan, heat the ghee, add soaked rice and a little bit of salt and fry well.
When the pressure cooker is cool enough to handle, open and measure the gravy in the mutton. We need total 5 cups of liquid including the gravy, coconut milk and water to cook 3 cups of rice. For example, if there is two cups of gravy in the mutton, add 1/2 cup coconut milk and 2 1/2 cups of water. Add the fried rice along with the required amount of hot water and coconut milk to the mutton in the pressure cooker.
Close the pressure cooker and cook till the first whistle. Switch off the stove and let stand till it cools down.
Delicious mutton biryani is ready. Garnish with coriander leaves, squeeze a fresh lime over the biryani and serve with cucumber raitha.

BUTTER CHICKEN

Ingredients
700 gm: Raw chicken
Marinade
½ kg: Curd
1 tsp: Ginger garlic paste
1 tsp: Red chilli powder
Salt to taste
Gravy
100 gm: White butter
½ kg: Tomato (pureed)
½ tsp: Black cumin seeds
½ tsp: Sugar
1 tsp: Red chilli powder
Salt to taste
To Prepare Chicken
100 gm: Fresh cream
75 gm: White butter
4-5: Sliced green chillies
½ tsp: Crushed fenugreek leaves
Method
For the marinade, mix red chilli powder, ginger garlic paste, salt and curd together. Marinade is ready.
Now mix the raw chicken in the marinade and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
Then roast the marinated chicken in a tandoor or an oven for about 5-10 minutes till it is three fourth done.
For the gravy, heat white butter in pan. Add black cumin seeds, tomato puree, sugar, red chilli powder and salt. Mix it well.
Now add the prepared chicken, white butter, fresh cream, sliced green chillies and crushed fenugreek leaves.
Cook till chicken is done.
Butter Chicken is ready to eat.
Serve hot with rice or naan.

MOMO (steamed dumpling)

Ingredients (Makes 30 momos)
4 cups: Wheat flour
750 gm: Meat minces
2 large: Onion, chopped
1 thumb-sized: Ginger, finely chopped
1 Teaspoon: Salt
Method
Mix well wheat flour with 2 cups of water and knead into a stiff paste, roll out on a floured board till it is very thin. The rolled dough should be about 2 feet square.
Cut in circle with the rim of tea cup
Place a circle of dough on your left hand, slightly stretch the edges and place about a teaspoon of filling in the centre.
Then with your right thumb and forefinger pleat the dough together over the centre of the meat, forming a pin-wheel design. Your left thumb is used to tuck the minced meat down as you go, and the dumpling turns on your palm as you pleat around it. A special steamer locally called moktu is required.
Filled up dumplings are placed on oiled racks, slightly separated in the moktu.
Bottom of the moktu is filled with water and steam the dumplings for 20-25 min.
Momo is ready to serve hot.
Momo is eaten with meat/vegetable soup, and tomato achar.

DIWALI SWEETS

Cashew Burfi

Ingredients
1 cup: Powdered sugar
4 tbsp: Milk powder
A little milk
½ tsp: Powdered elaichi
1 cup: Cashews
1 tbs:Ghee
Method
Grind cashews in a blender till you have a fine powder.
Knead the ground cashew with powdered sugar, milk powder, cardamom, ghee and a little milk. Knead till you get a thick buttery dough.
Roll out and cut into diamonds and bake in the oven till a light golden brown.

JALEBI

Ingredients
½ cup: white flour or maida
2 tbsp: Yoghurt or dahi
½ tsp: Yeast
½ cup: Sugar
1 cup: Water
A few strands of saffron
Oil for frying
A pinch of salt
A little oil
Method
Make a batter of the dahi, maida, saffron and yeast with a little oil. Let it rise for several hours.
In a saucepan, boil sugar and water till you have a thick two-strand chasni. Keep it warm on the stove.
Fill the batter into a squeeze bottle (like that used for ketchup). Squeeze shapes into the hot oil and drain quickly.
Dip in chasni for 1-2 minutes and drain.

RASSOGLLA

1 litre: Milk
300 gm: Sugar
05 ml: Lemon juice
3 drops: Rose essence
1 litre: Water
Method
For the preparation, heat the sugar and the water in a deep pan and bring to a boil.
Boil the milk. Add the lemon juice and curdle the milk. Remove from fire and strain through a muslin cloth.
Hold under running water or dip in a bowl of cold water for 1 minute. Squeeze out the excess water.
Knead till very smooth. Make balls of desired size.
Now place the cheese balls in boiling syrup and cook for 15 minutes.
Switch off the flame and let the dumplings stand in the liquid until cool.
Chill for a minimum of 2 hours.
Mix in the essence before serving

PHIRINI

Ingredients (Serves: 6)
6 cups: Milk
3 tbs: Rice preferably long - grained (called Basmati in India)
9 tbs: Sugar (or to taste)
1/2 tsp: Cardamoms (powdered)
1½ tbs: Almonds (blanched and sliced)
1½ tbs: Pistachios (sliced)
1½ tbs: Cashew nuts (sliced)
A few strands of saffron soaked in a little milk.
Method
Wash the rice and soak it in a little water for about 40 minutes. Grind the rice with just enough water in which it was soaked to make a fine paste. Keep aside.
Pour the milk in a vessel and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Let it simmer. Meanwhile, take a little of this hot milk in a bowl, add the rice paste and dilute it to a very thin consistency. Add this to the simmering milk and mix, stirring continuously. Cook on low heat for 16 minutes or till the milk has thickened. Add sugar and stir well. Keep on low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the saffron and sprinkle cardamom powder on top.
Garnish with sliced almonds, pistachios and cashew nuts.

FASHION SHOW

Models display creation by Leonisa Colombia's company during the Colombia Moda fashion show in Medellin, Colombia on Wednesday, July 30, 2008.










Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif displays a creation by Ashish Soni at the Grand Finale of the Wills Fahion Week in New Delhi.

Fashion Bazaar to promote serious business: Designers

How about the fashion fiesta running for the whole year? Well this can be true if everything goes as planned.

Fashion bazaar or a fashion village is an ambitious project that designers are looking at and seek government support for the same.

All the other countries have dedicated place for fashion industry and why should our country lag behind, when India is emerging as a fashion capital and International buyers have started liking the collections, designers make a strong point.

"Yes we want a fashion bazaar, where designers have their own space, where buyers can come anytime and book the orders. We should be provided a specified space for business," says Rahul from the Gunjan & Rahul duo.

Designer Samant Chauhan, who has showcased his collection for the second time is very upbeat about the whole idea and says that it will increase the business and be a very good platform for us to showcase our clothes.

"The idea of fashion bazaar will be a big time hit as there will be a direct business. Right now, all of us are scattered and getting all under one roof will be of a great help. The buyers who could not attend the fashion week can come in anytime, have the feel of everyone's collection and book the orders accordingly," says designer Charu Parashar, who will be flying to Dubai to showcase her collection.

Anupam, designer Charu Parashar's associate, says, "Designer Leena Singh is working very hard to make fashion village a reality but despite having the land the government is not giving the permission to set up a fashion village. We want the Government to help us and treat us like professionals."

We pay a huge amount of money as taxes, so we really want government to revise the laws so that we can also breathe easy," says Rahul from Gunjan & Rahul duo.

Won't there be insecurities issues, Rahul explains, "Every designer has his own signature style and a list of loyal clientele, so that I don't think there should be these kind of insecurity

curtacy-hindustan time.com


Body Issues:

Ass Bra Is Sure to Resolve Lingering Body Issues

We've seen underpants with ass-padding, but what about those women who want a little help shaping their derriere and yet don't want to add any extra volume? There's a void in the undergarment market, and Bubbles Bodywear has taken advantage of it: Meet the Double-O Push-Up Thong, an ass bra. "Go undercover with a license to 'shake what your mama gave you' with our new Double-O Collection!" their Website urges. The Push-Up Thong, they say, "enhances the lift, shape and volume of the derriere while also flattening the lower tummy and shaping the thigh." At $64, it's not exactly the cheapest solution to a saggy backside. At least you can probably achieve the same effect by cutting holes in your old Spanx

DEEPIKA GEHANI:

Mumbai designer Deepika Gehani will host a preview of her latest collection for the festive season at Samsaara in the Souk Al Bahar, Burj Dubai Old Town, on September 20, from 8pm to 10pm. The colourful collection of tunics, kaftans and jellabiyas in satin, georgette and silk fuses motifs from Egyptian jewellery and art with rich Indian embroidery.

KOLLYWOOD NEWS

The missing scenes of Kuselan!
August 13, 2008
Post Kuselan release, Vadivelu and Meena seem to share the same line of thoughts. While Meena, in a recent interview, said that a few scenes in which she performed very well and was applauded on the sets did not make it to the final version, Vadivelu has now claimed that many of his scenes have also been chopped. Though both the actors rued that the
Vadivelu

scenes could have placed them in a better position, they took it on their stride considering the length of the movie.

Meena said that a scene in which she emoted very well was hailed by the entire Kuselan team but she was surprised that it was not a part of the recently released Kuselan. Likewise, Vadivelu also averred that a scene wherein he clips the long locks of hair of a reverend only to come in direct contact with a snake hidden within the locks was chopped. The scenes, particularly like this one, were more hilarious, said Vadivelu.


Kamal teams up with Mohanlal
August 14, 2008
The infamous Kandahar Airport hijack case is all set to be made into a film with Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan playing the lead roles. Eight years ago this incident made it to the headlines when the Indian Airlines flight that took off from Delhi was hijacked by terrorists. The hijacked flight landed in Amritsar, Dubai and Lahore before it was finally grounded in the Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan.
Kamal

This entire hijack episode will be made into a film by director Major Ravi. The director, incidentally, was one of the officers who investigated the case. Major Ravi, who had earlier directed the Malayalam movie Keerthi Chakra, is known for directing films based on his real life experiences. Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal will don the role of commandos trying to save the passengers. The film will be made both in Tamil as well as Malayalam.

Talks have been going on between the parties involved for sometime now. Kamal and Mohanlal who were busy with their respective projects were not able to commit to the movie. But it seems finally things are settling down with the Superstars agreeing to come together on the project. A final official announcement is expected soon.




Vijay's style in Villu
August 12, 2008
Director Prabhu Deva and Vijay are putting in all their efforts to bring out Villu as mass entertainer. The director has in fact taken extra care where Vijay's style in Villu is concerned. While in their earlier venture Pokkiri, Vijay was seen donning a scarf in the entire film, in Villu he will be seen nibbling his shirt collar. According to the director, this new style has reached well among Vijay fans.
Abhinav Bindra


Likewise, the name of Vijay's character in Pokkiri was Thamizh and in Villu it will be Pugazh. Looks like with every new film with Vijay, Prabhu Deva plans to give a new dimension to his career.

What is Asin’s preference: Kamal or Vijay?

The Fair and Lovely girl Asin carved a niche for herself in the Tamil film industry with her good acting skills and cherubic looks. She further forayed into Bollywood with the Hindi version of Ghajini and it has been reported that with the release of this film, she is sure to go places there. Ghajini is nearing completion and there are a couple of song
Asin
sequences yet to be shot before finally wrapping up the project. Though she has a few films in Bollywood, the actress had made it clear that she prefers to star in Tamil films if good roles came her way.

Rumor mills now have it that Asin may be roped in to star with Kamal Haasan under the direction of Bharat Bala. Yet another buzz doing rounds in Kollywood is that she may also star opposite Vijay in an untitled film.

Surya and Tamanna in a Guinness show

RJ Dheena who works for Big 92.7 FM is on an attempt to get into Guinness Book of World records for a marathon in Radio Jockeying which is likely to last for more than 136 hours. Earlier in 2007 August, Dheena had completed 92.7 hours of RJing and in his current attempt he will try to outshine his earlier feat.

Many celebrities from different fields are slated to participate in Dheena’s live show. Earlier in the day, Tamanna and Surya who are featuring in K V Anand’s Ayan had taken a brief break from their shooting schedule to participate in Dheena’s show. It was later reported that the duo had enjoyed the show and wished Dheena all the success in his BIG attempt.

MAKE MONEY ONLINE

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Affiliate Programs



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4. Reading E-Mails.
5. Clicking on Advertisements.
6. Accepting free offers for promotional purpose.
7. Surfing Various Sites
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Srilanka Tour Information

SRI LANKA -Sri Lanka is famous for its unique Buddhism culture. Buddhism is the main religion of Sri Lanka where it was officially introduced in the third century B.C. during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa by Venerable Mahinda who was son of Emperor Asoka of India.

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a free, independent and sovereign nation. Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean is located to the south of the Indian subcontinent. encompasse beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand delights to please all tastes. The relief features of the island consist of a mountainous mass somewhat south of the centre, with height exceeding 2,500 metres, surrounded by broad plains. Palm fringed beaches surround the island and the sea temperature rarely falls below 27OC. Climate & Seasons In the lowlands the climate is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27OC in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16OC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres.

Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January. Economy Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural country. The chief crop is rice with which the country is almost self sufficient. Tea, rubber and coconut are also important agricultural crops, with tea being a major foreign exchange earner. In addition, other crops of importance are cocoa and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper and cloves.

In the last three decades tourism industry is emerge as an important industry in Sri Lanka. There has also been a rapid growth in manufacturing industries which offer a wide range of export goods such as petroleum products, leather goods, ready made garments and electronic equipment.

Colombo

Sri Lanka's capital upto recent times, Colombo, is a fascinating city, not only for a comfortable blend of east and west, but also for a cosy mixture of the past and present. It is still the commercial centre of the country. Situated 34 km. from the International Airport, Colombo has been a flourishing seaport for centuries. Today the bustle of the harbour mingles with the activity of its busy commercial, banking and shopping areas. The original trading settlers - the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankans. Colombo, with its population of over half a million is divided into fifteen zones.

While in Colombo attractions worth seeing are:- Buddhists temples, Hindu temples, Mosques, Christian churches, Parliament building, Parks, Zoo, Museums and Art Galleries. A half day tour covering 40 km. and including visits to a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, the Zoo and the residential areas will cost around US $ 18 for a car with a chauffeur guide

Palaces to Visit

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, situated in the Indian Ocean and sharing the same continental shelf as India, is a unique location, hills, mountains and rivers that are virtually tailor made for adventure sports activities, couple this with the reefs and wrecks of the Indian Ocean and you have truly an adventure sports paradise.
You can choose one or more of the sports offered below :
· Scuba Adventure
· Cycle Adventure
· Rafting Adventure
· Trekking Adventure
· Rock Adventure







Sri Lanka's so-called cultural triangle stands on its point on Kandy, the last Singhalese capital. Within this area are the great sites of ancient Lanka: at top left is Anuradhapura, the first capital, where centuries of kings built ever-larger domed monuments to Buddha. Nearby is Mihintale, a monastic city that grew up around the cave that sheltered the first disciple of Buddhism, Mahinda. The medieval capital, Polonnaruwa, is further south. It contains complete buildings and colossal rock sculptures. In the middle is Sigiriya, where a usurper built his royal palace on top of a loaf-shaped rock. Any one of these four sites is enough to impress even the most worldly traveller, taken together they are overwhelming.


The tropical beauty of East Coast, lying completely land-locked, it forms a glassy lake surrounded by hills covered with the waving foliage of coconut tress and palms of great variety. The white bungalows with their re-tiled roofs, are dotted about along the shore, and two or here men of war are usually resting at their ease in this calm retreat.

The West Coast, Arthur C.Clarke, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated residents, described it thus: "And always it is the same: the slender palm trees leaning over the white sand, the warm sun sparkling on the waves as they break on the inshore reef, the outrigger fishing boats drawn up high on the beach. This alone is real; the rest is but a dream from which I shall presently awake."

The South Coast, the road to the deep south plunges you into a region rich in history and cultural interest, and there are several vast and impressive nature reserves, including Yala, Bundala and Uda Walawe.
It all begins at Galle, which is believed to be the possible location of the city of Tarshish, of Biblical fame, the source of a thriving trade in "gold", silver, ivory, apes and Peacocks.

The coolestspring is 29°C (84°F) and the hottest not more than 46°C (115°F).

Hermann Hesse beautifully described this area, " The wind had just swept clean the whole valley, I saw deep blue and immense, the entire high mountain system of Ceylon piled up in mighty walls, and in it's midst the beautiful, ancient and holy pyramid of Adam's Peak. Beside it at an infinite depth and distance lay the flat blue sea, in between a thousand mountains, broad valleys, narrow ravines, rivers and waterfalls, in countless folds, the whole mountainous island on which the ancient legend placed paradise."

The mountainous region of Sri Lanka is most famous for its tea plantations, the abundant rainfall combined with sunshine, cold nights and mists offered the perfect climate for producing high gown, aromatic treas.
15°C (altitude 1800m)

Traveling eastwards through a landscape of thrilling waterfalls, the road dives dizzily to Haputale, which was one of tea millionaire Thomas Lipton's favourite haunts. Here, in the Benedictine monastery of Addisham, you'll find a natural bird sanctuary with blue magpies, paradise flycatchers, green barbets, brilliant orange plumaged mini-verts hornbills, golden orioles and a host of other bird life.

The house resembles Leeds Castle in Kent, England, and was in fact built by Kentish gentleman, who filled it with imported carpets, porcelain, furniture and glassware. He even had an English chauffeur for this Daimler. Today it is run as a monastery, which produces homemade jams and jellies from wild guavas and fruit cordials for sale (open 9am-12 noon and 3-5pm). Though in no way a full commercial guesthouse, Addisham can accommodate up to 12 people by prior arrangements.To stand on a mountain, with the trees about you alive with the twinkling lights of a galaxy of fireflies, and gaze on villages thousands of feet below, is to experience the spirit of this island. The visual spectacle is often paralleled by the hauntingly sweet perfumes of the queen of the night or the large, white, pendulous angels trumpets and all around the silver bell sounds of tree frogs tinkle a mysterious melody.

Traveling through the mountains of Sri Lanka is always a rewarding experience. The high country combines with the monsoons to give the island at least four distinct types of forest, each with its own peculiar complement of plants and animals. There are wildlife sanctuaries in each area and all are irresistible, and quite accessible. Sri Lankans have always taken conservation seriously, perhaps due to their Buddhist principles, with records of animal protection found even in the ancient text of the mahavamsa

Having big feet, like Malaika Arora-Khan and Paris Hilton

Having big feet, like Malaika Arora-Khan and Paris Hilton, maybe a bane as far as getting your feet into designer shoes goes, but according to the latest medical research, women with big feet are likely to find childbirth easier than women with smaller feet. Scientists say that those of us with larger-than-average feet are likely to have a wider pelvis, which helps to ease labour pains. We'd rather have more designer shoes. Get the epidural... NOW!

Deepika tops Maxim Hot 100 girls list

Bollywood's new entrant Deepika Padukone, whose second film "Bachna Ae Haseeno" is due for release on August 15, is considered the hot favourite actress by Indian audiences across the globe. She tops the popular Maxim Hot 100 girls worldwide list.

The Maxim Hot list makes its debut in India and the "Om Shanti Om" star, Deepika, is winner of the first edition.

"To be honest, personally I never thought of myself as 'sexy' or 'hot' but if that's the call that people have taken, then I hope I live up to it. I am so excited about this," Deepika said in a press statement.

She joins the likes of previous Bollywood celebrity-winners like Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor.

"Deepika was our choice as the winner because apart from her huge fan following with the new generation of Indians, she also has the potential to be an international face. This calls for a huge party," said Anup Kutty, editor of Maxim-India.

Deepika will be felicitated August end in Mumbai.

Indo-Asian News Service

Deepika Padukone was supposed to make her debut with a Priyadarshan film but she chose Farah Khan's "Om Shanti Om" instead. Now, three years later, the actress is making a cameo appearance in the director's much-talked about "Billo Barber".Priyadarshan gives credit to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for bringing her to the project. Besides Deeepika, Kareena Kapoor also makes a guest appearance in the movie."Yes, she was being seriously considered for a film called 'Pirates' about music piracy. But the film didn't work out. I'm so glad Deepika made her debut with a film as successful as 'Om Shanti Om', and that too with Shah Rukh Khan," Priyadarshan told IANS."Shah Rukh has asked one more heroine to join him. But Kareena and Deepika agreed because of Shah Rukh. They aren't performing item songs. They play his heroines," he added.The director had been trying to rope in Shah Rukh for years."I had offered him four other films. I never made those films. You can't make a film written for Shah Rukh with anyone else. Then now when he finally gave me 65 days, he said he's busy with the IPL (Indian Premier League) and I'd have to adjust dates accordingly."Then I narrated 'Billo Barber' to him. He got really excited and said, 'IPL and this film happen side by side'. This film takes me back to my 'Viraasat'. I feel I've gone back to my roots.""Billo Barber" is a remake of the Malayalam film "Kadha Parayumbol", which was directed by Sreenivasan. Mammootty and Sreenivasan played the lead roles in it."Irrfan Khan plays the title role and Shah Rukh plays a superstar called Saahil Khan. It's inspired by the mythical friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama but done in a completely contemporary context."It's about a village and the changes that happen in it when a superstar comes to the village. What people don't know is that there's a very strong suspense element in the film," said Priyadarshan.Commenting upon Irrfan, the director said: "Any big star would've agreed to play the title role. But I wanted someone who looked like a real villager, a hardcore barber. Irrfan has learnt how to cut hair," said Priyadarshan.Indo-Asian News Service

After "Bachna Ae Haseeno" three big directors are trying to cast real life couple Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone together, but the pair is reluctant."We decided to be open about our relationship and lived to regret it because the more open we were the more our honesty was misconstrued. Our right to privacy was completely disregarded. So we've decided to be less public about our relationship. And we don't need to do films together to prove anything," Deepika told IANS.Ranbir debuted with "Saawariya" and Deepika forayed into films with "Om Shanti Om" last year. "Bachna Ae Haseeno" was the second film for both.The directors who have offered them films together include Anees Bazmi, who is taking a break from Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif after "Welcome" and "Singh is Kinng", David Dhawan and Rajkumar Santoshi.Santoshi is already doing a film with Ranbir. It is titled "Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani" and Katrina is playing the female lead in it.But Ranbir and Deepika are not showing any interest in doing films together after seeing what happened to Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur in all their films until their break-up. The two were seen together in films like "Fida" and "36 China Town" before their break-up, but both the films bombed.However their "Jab We Met", which came after the two separated, was a huge success.Recently Kareena featured with her current boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in "Tashan" and that bombed too."They've definitely been offered films by Bazmi, Dhawan and Santoshi and are considering taking up at least one of these. But Ranbir-Deepika are in no hurry to sign films together. Not after seeing what happened to Kareena and Shahid in all their films until their break-up and recently to Kareena and Saif Ali Khan in 'Tashan'," said a source."Ranbir-Deepika know the public gets satiated reading about real-life couples and seeing them constantly at events on television. The novelty factor is over. Deepika would rather be seen with Saif in Imtiaz Ali's film and Ranbir with Katrina and Konkona SenSharma in his forthcoming films rather than come together on screen repeatedly to entertain each other and bore the audience," added the source.At the moment all the three major offers for Ranbir-Deepika are on hold."They might finally take up one of the offers. As for the much talked-about film by Ranbir's childhood friend Vicky Singh, that has three leading ladies in it and Deepika might or might not be one of them. And that project won't be shot until 2010. In fact, Ranbir hasn't even signed it as yet," a source said.Indo-Asian News Service

Priyanka's 2 films and 2 looks this month

It's Priyanka Chopra all the way this month with "God Tussi Great Ho" and "Chamku" releasing within two weeks of each other. And the svelte actress promises to look completely different in the two.

"Not that I planned for 'God Tussi...' and 'Chamku' to come one after another. But fortunately I look very different in both. In 'God Tussi...' I'm dressed in shorts and jeans. I wear a nose-ring throughout the film...a very hip and 'today' thing to do. In 'Chamku' I'm a schoolteacher. So I'm dressed in saris."

While "God Tussi..." is set to release on August 15, "Chamku" will hit screens on August 22.

The actress says she enjoyed herself while working for "God Tussi..." with Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.

"We really had a good time shooting 'God Tussi Great Ho'. That sense of enjoyment shows up on screen."

But it is her "Chamku" co-star Bobby Deol whom she can't stop talking about.

"Bobby and I go back a long way. He and Sunnyji (Sunny Deol) are a part of my initial phase in Mumbai. Sunnyji did my first film 'The Hero' with me when I was a nobody. He didn't have to. But he encouraged a newcomer. I'll never forget that.

"As for Bobby we've done two films together before. I'd do anything for the Deols' banner Vijeta Films any time," Priyanka said.

Is that why she agreed to be in "Chamku" though it's an out-and-out Bobby Deol film?

"It is Bobby's film, but I've a substantial role. I am the shoulder he cries on. Sometimes it's good to be a shoulder instead of shouldering a film," she chuckled.

Meanwhile, Priyanka has also shot a special episode of Salman Khan's television game show "10 Ka Dum", brushing aside reports of differences having cropped up between them.

Priyanka appeared on the show along with Bobby Deol. The actress had reportedly refused to appear on "10 Ka Dum" along with beau Harman Baweja before the release of their film "Love Story 2050".

Priyanka said the shoot was done in the early hours of Wednesday and that she had a great time with Salman, her co-star in forthcoming film "God Tussi Great Ho".

"We shot the episode from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. I had a tough time keeping my eyes open. But Salman entertained us all through. He played a double role - He was both the host and the hero of one of the films I was promoting."

Asked about the rumoured cold war between them, Priyanka said: "When did I ever say I had any problems with Salman? We make a fantastic on-screen pair. We proved it in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karoge'. And now again in 'God Tussi Great Ho' we rock together. Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) plays god, by the way. As for Salman, he's always fun on the sets.

"He had me in splits during the shooting. He had Bobby and me entertained throughout 'Dus Ka Dum'. And yes we both won a lot of money."

Indo-Asian News Service

Priyanka's 2 films and 2 looks this month

It's Priyanka Chopra all the way this month with "God Tussi Great Ho" and "Chamku" releasing within two weeks of each other. And the svelte actress promises to look completely different in the two.

"Not that I planned for 'God Tussi...' and 'Chamku' to come one after another. But fortunately I look very different in both. In 'God Tussi...' I'm dressed in shorts and jeans. I wear a nose-ring throughout the film...a very hip and 'today' thing to do. In 'Chamku' I'm a schoolteacher. So I'm dressed in saris."

While "God Tussi..." is set to release on August 15, "Chamku" will hit screens on August 22.

The actress says she enjoyed herself while working for "God Tussi..." with Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.

"We really had a good time shooting 'God Tussi Great Ho'. That sense of enjoyment shows up on screen."

But it is her "Chamku" co-star Bobby Deol whom she can't stop talking about.

"Bobby and I go back a long way. He and Sunnyji (Sunny Deol) are a part of my initial phase in Mumbai. Sunnyji did my first film 'The Hero' with me when I was a nobody. He didn't have to. But he encouraged a newcomer. I'll never forget that.

"As for Bobby we've done two films together before. I'd do anything for the Deols' banner Vijeta Films any time," Priyanka said.

Is that why she agreed to be in "Chamku" though it's an out-and-out Bobby Deol film?

"It is Bobby's film, but I've a substantial role. I am the shoulder he cries on. Sometimes it's good to be a shoulder instead of shouldering a film," she chuckled.

Meanwhile, Priyanka has also shot a special episode of Salman Khan's television game show "10 Ka Dum", brushing aside reports of differences having cropped up between them.

Priyanka appeared on the show along with Bobby Deol. The actress had reportedly refused to appear on "10 Ka Dum" along with beau Harman Baweja before the release of their film "Love Story 2050".

Priyanka said the shoot was done in the early hours of Wednesday and that she had a great time with Salman, her co-star in forthcoming film "God Tussi Great Ho".

"We shot the episode from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. I had a tough time keeping my eyes open. But Salman entertained us all through. He played a double role - He was both the host and the hero of one of the films I was promoting."

Asked about the rumoured cold war between them, Priyanka said: "When did I ever say I had any problems with Salman? We make a fantastic on-screen pair. We proved it in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karoge'. And now again in 'God Tussi Great Ho' we rock together. Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) plays god, by the way. As for Salman, he's always fun on the sets.

"He had me in splits during the shooting. He had Bobby and me entertained throughout 'Dus Ka Dum'. And yes we both won a lot of money."

Indo-Asian News Service

Shilpa Shetty's kid sister Shamita discusses her low-flying career and their next big moveby Lipika Varma

She's smart, she's sexy, she's sassy. Yet, Shamita Shetty has achieved none of the success that her sister Shilpa has. Though she debuted with Mohabbatein, a Yash Raj movie, Shamita has been struggling to make her mark in the film industry even as Shilpa is going places - maybe even to Hollywood - after the Celebrity Big Brother controversy.

After a series of films that failed to boost her career as an actress, the younger Shetty sibling is now dabbling with film production.

A heart-to-heart with Shamita over her tryst with Bollywood and more...

You've been around for quite some time. And yet, you haven't really broken into the big league. Also your films are spaced far apart. Why?

Yes, I agree that there has been a two-and-a-half-year gap between my releases.

It's been two years since "Cash" released. So I guess I will do a film after six months (laughs).

Earlier I did feel a bit upset with these things but as time went by, I became stronger. I feel one gets whatever is in his or her fate. So slowly these things stopped worrying me much.

Finally, I started appreciating things around me. There are a lot of things that I am doing. Now I have even started a production house. I am so busy with my new ventures that I now have no time for myself.

Is there any film you regret refusing?

No, not really. Whatever films I have refused haven't done well and I am happy that they did not add more flops to my kitty.

I don't do films that don't appeal to me. I always want to give my hundred per cent to the roles I do. I am quite happy about the films

I picked. Mahesh Bhatt told me once, "If you give flops, director and producers don't like to cast you." I am satisfied that whatever little work I have done has been all good.

Tell us about your home production...

It's a bit too early to discuss the storyline now. The film is being directed by Manish Jha. We are very focused on this one as it's our first venture and we don't want to make mistakes.

All my energy and efforts are going into my first home production. Since both Shilpa and I belong to the creative field, we both are discussing things before moving ahead with them.

We also have a great technical team in place. Mushtaq Sheikh and Niranjan have a number of innovative ideas. We are tapping the best talent for every aspect of the film.

Shilpa will play the lead role. I am handling things behind the scene. It is our baby so we are being really careful.

Right now, I can't tell you anything more about the project. We will reveal every detail when the time is right.

How far are your parents involved in this project?

My mom has made it very clear that she is now older and doesn't want any kind of stress in her life. She told us to be very careful and meticulous when we make our entry into film production. But whenever Shilpa and I are together with our parents, we do discuss everything with them. My parents are there to show us the right path.

Talking about stress, your family has had its share of controversies...

Yes, we did. We've faced a lot of problems and have learnt our lessons the hard way. Now we take utmost care to avoid making the same mistakes. Actually, we trusted people and ended up being victimised.

Both of you are very close to your mother, aren't you?

Yes. I trust my mom. She told me that I have a bright future and that I will achieve my goals someday. I don't doubt her words at all. I follow every advice that my mother gives me.

So what next from you?

I am doing a promotional song in "Hari Puttar". Besides that, not much in the acting department for now.

I might join the cast in my next home production. I don't know what happened to "Rokda". Maybe it was shelved.



Shilpa hurt over Rakhi Sawant's allegation:


This week has been really tough on actress Shilpa Shetty, who is hosting the second season of "Bigg Boss". First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu and then item girl Rakhi Sawant's allegation that a contestant on the show has been changed because of her manoeuvres.

The show went on air on August 17 on newly launched channel Colors.

When questioned about Rakhi's allegation, Shilpa told IANS: "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi. Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts? How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen?

"I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way. You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost."

"Rakhi takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me? I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show."

Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt by the supporters of Ramdas Athavale, Republican Party of India (RPI) leader. Athavale claims he was approached to go into the house but dropped because of her manoeuvres.

"It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show I didn't even know who was going to be there. The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants. Mr. Athavale claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead."

Amongst the participants this time are politicians Sanjay Nirupam and Rahul Mahajan, son of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, as well as gangster Abu Salem's partner Monica Bedi.

The actress, who won Britain's version of the show titled "Celebrity Big Brother", said she wanted to be left alone.

"Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into 'Bigg Boss'? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy? They went on a dharna in Lonavala in front of the 'Bigg Boss' house.

"Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone."

"I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen. My phone went ballistic on Tuesday.

"I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies," said Shilpa.

She wanted police action against the practice of burning effigies.

"It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading."

Indo-Asian News Service

Over Water Sophistication

Adaaran Resorts’, Maldives’ latest property, Ocean Villas has won the Excellence Award in the ‘Hotel & Tourism’ category at the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) Design Awards 2008. Adaaran’s Ocean Villas in the North Malé Atoll of Republic of Maldives, 19 km from the Male’ international airport, are a selection of 40 beautiful villas set in the ocean. Consisting of luxurious contemporary decor with teak wooden flooring, topped with a king-sized four poster bed, these villas are the epitome of luxury.

Fine dining takes on a new meaning at the resort, where you can have your meal on the island or in a private setting of your choice. The Spa experience is extremely blissful as expert massage therapists caress your cares away. Ayurvedic remedies and the art of healing come next to a choice of more modest treatments like a soothing sauna, facial and bath… Ocean Villas also arrange excursions to nearby deserted islands where nature takes over as you enjoy complete privacy.

Mr. Mano Ponniah, Consultant Architect and Jean-Michel Fragnay, Consultant Interior Designer for the Ocean Villas project received the Adaaran Ocean Villa excellence award for ‘Hotel & Tourism’ under ‘Buildings’ category. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Ponniah commented that the simplicity of the structural design, quality of the interior and immaculate methods undertaken in the construction were pivotal to the winning of the award.

The first Adaaran Prestige property to be launched in the Maldives was Adaaran ‘Prestige’ Water Villas in 2005. Their second Prestige property Adaaran ‘Prestige’ Ocean Villas was inaugurated late last year. Their next property, Adaaran ‘Prestige’ Vadoo, set to officially open in February 2009, is also anticipated to further add to the collection of Adaaran Prestige properties represented by excellent architectural designs and exquisite interior designing.

Contact: Tel: + 960 3343867 / 3315238
E-mail: info@hudhuranfushi.com.mv / info@adaaran.com.mv
www.hudhuranfushimaldives.com

Prolific Preserve

The Bannerghatta National Park, the famous tiger and lion reserve of India is about 22 kms from Bangalore. Situated at an altitude of 3375 ft interspersed with valleys and streams, the Park is home to a wide variety of carnivorous animals and birds and a major tourist attraction. Spread over 25,000 acres of land, the park possesses of a zoological garden, butterfly park and facilities for adventure trekking. A mini safari through the tiger reserve is an amazing experience. Established in the year 1971, the Bannerghatta National Park includes ten reserve forests of the Anekal Range. The surrounding areas of the Park are hills speckled with temples. The patched rough terrain of the park is The Butterfly Park inside the Bannerghatta National Park is a circular-shaped enclosure of around 10,000 sq ft of area and has around 20 species of butterflies carefully preserved with a polycarbonate roof. Spread over 7.5 acres of land, the Butterfly Park comprises of a butterfly conservatory, museum and an audio-visual room. The Butterfly Park has a controlled tropical atmosphere and humid climate. The museum on the second and third domes of the conservatory has dioramas and exhibits.

The small museum in the zoological garden features exhibits. The reptile park and a small theatre make the zoo a major attraction of the National Park. The mini zoo has rare species like the white peacock, fantail pigeon, great Indian pied hornbill, iguanas, porcupines and leopards and many more exotic varieties. Pythons, crocodiles, vipers, cobras and other snakes are the inhabitants of the reptile park. The lion and tiger safaris and elephant joy rides are some features of this area and which serve as a fund of the reserve. Karnataka State Tourism development Corporation’s (KSTDC), large and well-equipped vans are available for tourists to conduct safari rides. To get the most fearsome sights of Indian Tigers as well as Lions, we have to pass through dry deciduous forest and thorny scrub with moist deciduous bamboo patches along the streams. Also, now a new herbivorous enclosure is coming up in a separate 80-hectare area where native species like elephants, spotted deer, sambhar and black buck will be kept.

The nearest attractions of the Bannerghatta National Park are Pearl Valley and Nrityagaram. Situated at 25 km from the park, the Pearl Valley is a beautiful and very popular picnic spot surrounded by lush vegetation, a habitat of several wild animals. Other attractions are an ancient Shiva temple and Nrityagram, India’s first dance village that features cultural programmes every February.

The best season for visiting the Bannerghatta National Park is between mid-June and August when the forest is at its spectacular best, full of lush greenery. However, the best time to spot wild animals is between the months of November and June. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day, but Tuesday, which is a holiday.

www.karnatakatourism.org

New value additions from KSTDC

The latest from the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is the options for holiday packages and other value additions for tourists. KSTDC hotels are offering to make arrangements for vacations and not just rent-a-room service. Mr. Vinay Luthra, KSTDC MD has stated that KSTDC hotles at Belur, Badami, Kodagu, Hampi, Mysore and Srirangapatna will make arrangements for one-, two- and three-day packages that are inclusive of hotel accommodation, food and sightseeing in the vicinity. The plan is to make this offer available in other KSTDC properties also.

For the northern parts of the state which are less developed and less popular compared to other regions, Mr. Luthra states that KSTDC plans to arrange bus tours to these places. The Corporation is buying 14 new buses for package tours to these areas. Rural tourism is to be developed at places like Kokkaew-Bellur, Kodagu, Banawasi and Anegondi. The tourism authorities are making efforts to involve local communities and NGOs in tourism to pass on the economic benefits to the local community.

KSTDC is also on its way to helping to solve the connectivity problem to Bengaluru International Airport and already has the license to operate 100 pre-paid taxis from there to the city.

UNWTO World Tourism Barometer June 2008

International tourism grew at around 5% during the first four months of the year - one percentage point above the long-term trend. According to the June edition of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the first results for 2008 suggest the relative stability of international tourism. In spite of uncertainties posed by the global economy, international tourist arrivals grew at around 5% between January and April 2008, compared to the same period of 2007.

Prospects for international tourism remain positive, although the overall economic climate has deteriorated since the last quarter of 2007, reducing consumer confidence and putting pressure on household spending and travel budgets. UNWTO expects tourism demand to grow, but at a slower pace over the remainder of the year. The summer season in the northern hemisphere will be critical. "The extent of any tourism demand adjustment and its consequences for the sector will depend on how the economy evolves and consumers react, both of which are directly interrelated to oil and food prices. UNWTO is monitoring this evolving situation closely. Given current circumstances we are cautious, although we remain positive for the overall industry perspective in 2008", said UNWTO Secretary-General Mr. Francesco Frangialli.

All sub-regions posted positive results in the first months of the year. Growth was fastest in the Middle East, North-East and South Asia, and Central and South America. North-America is on track for a clearly positive year thanks to the strong inbound travel to the USA, while arrivals to the Caribbean started to rebound well on last year’s stagnant results. Growth was more modest in Europe, with best performances coming from Southern and Mediterranean destinations. A variety of destination countries all around the globe reported double-digit growth rates in the first three to five months of 2008, among which in Asia and the Pacific: China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Macao (China), Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Fiji, India and Nepal; in the Americas: the USA, Cuba, Jamaica, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Chile, Peru and Uruguay; in Europe: Sweden, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Israel, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey; and in Africa and the Middle East: Bahrain, Egypt and Morocco.

Uncertainty over the global economic situation is affecting consumer confidence and could hurt tourism demand. The current economic imbalances, in particular the rising energy prices, are very likely to influence tourism spending. But specific demand shifts – determined by disposable income, travel budgets and confidence - will vary from country to country, and from region to region, depending on their local economies, labour markets and consumer confidence.

For 2008 as a whole, UNWTO maintains a cautiously positive forecast. Though consumer confidence indices show an increasing degree of uncertainty, international tourism has proven to be resilient in similar circumstances in the past and able to cope with various types of shocks, including security threats, geopolitical tensions or natural and man-made crisis. The anticipated softening of international tourism growth in 2008, yet still clearly at a positive level, follows four historically strong years. Between 2004 and 2007 international tourism grew at an extraordinary above average rate of 7% a year, boosted by a buoyant world economy and pent-up demand after the challenges in 2001-2003.


(Condensed from the original article ‘Advanced results from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer June 2008’ For more information on the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer:
http://unwto.org/facts/eng/barometer.htm