INDONESIAN CULINARY

If you are food lovers it is a right decision to visit Indonesia. Yes, the country with diverse ethnic and cultural store many kinds of culinary as well. And one of them is beef rendang from Padang , West Sumatra which is one of the top 50 world's most delicious food in CNNG0 version. Well , besides it there are some foods that you can taste during your visit in Indonesia include:

1. GUDEG
Gudeg is Java's traditional food especially in Yogjakarta . The long history of gudeng was begin from Plengkung Tarunasura village ( Plengkung Wijilan). The villagers made this special food by using young jackfruit ( "Gori" in Javanese) and it is becoming popular up to foreign countries. Sweet and savory flavors dominate this special food. Basically gudeg divided into 2 types; wet and dry gudeg.
Wet gudeg is served with a splash of thick coconut milk to make it a little wet("nyemek" in Javanese). Well for the dry one,the young jackfruit is boiled for hours to evaporate the liquid. Then the young jackfruit fried again by adding Javanese sugar. As a complement to enjoy gudeg usually it is accompanied with chicken dish, pindang egg, sambal gorik krecek, tofu/tempeh bacem and rambak. Beside young jackfruit gudeg, Yogjakarta also ghas gudeg manggar ( manggar is the coconut flowers). Well, this manggar presents a very delicious taste sensation.

2. LUWAK KOFFIE
when you visit Indonesia do not forget to taste this delicious special drink, coffee. Yes, Indonesia is noted for its high quality coffee both in Arabica and Robusta type. Some areas that are known for producing a good quality of coffee are Gayo-Aceh, Sidikalang and Mandailing -North Sumatera , Lampung , Toraja , jampit-East Java up to Wamena -Papua. Well, The most special coffee is the civet cat coffee. It is the most expensive coffee in the world. The flavor of this coffee is produced from coffee beans extracted that made of civet cat's dung ( Paradoxurus Hermaphroditus). Luwak , or civet cats, love quality and ripe fruits including coffee as their food. With its sensitive sense of smell the civet cat will pick the truly optimal coffee. The coffee bean is still protected in its hard cover and it will come out with the undigested civet droppings.

From long time ago until present this coffee beans were hunted by the farmers, as it is believed that it come from the finest coffee beans that have been fermented naturally in the digestive system of civet cat. The aroma and flavor of luwak coffee is really special and perfect among coffee lovers around the world.

3. SATE
Do not be surprised when you visit Indonesia you will find many sate sellers that spread over the country. Sate is food made from pieces of meat that have been cutting into small size and stick it by using sate's stick which usually made of palm leaf rib or bamboo and then burnt it by using charcoal wood. Generally the meat is using chicken , goat , lamb, pork , beef and also fish. sate is very popular in Indonesia from sate peddler that hung in the tent up to a big restaurant serving this food. It is usually enjoyed with 2 kinds of seasoning; peanut and soy bean. The recipe is different depend of the variation of each region. Some of them are  sate Padang, sate Madura, sate lilit, sate Maranggi and sate Matang. Well , it is usually accompanied by pickles ( sliced red onion , cucumber and chili sauce) and sliced of cabbage leaves. Sate can be eaten with rice, lontong or ketupat. Because of its deliciousness, sate included as one of the top 50 world's most delicious food in CNNGO version.


4. NASI GORENG
You could say that this fried rice is a dish of Indonesian which does not has boundaries of social class. Fried rice can be enjoyed simply on the roadside stalls, vending carts, up to the restaurant and the buffet table in the party. The main ingredients for the fried rice are rice , cooking oil , soy sauce , garlic and salt. It is usually added with vegetable , meat , sauce , chip and chicken egg.
Several variations of fried rice can be found in Indonesia such as Javanese fried rice,salted fish fried rice , petai fried rice , tripe fried rice, lamb fried rice and seafood fried rice.

5. SOTO
The next Indonesian food that must be tasted is soto, sroto or coto . Soto is similar with soup and generally the main ingredient is either beef broth or chicken and vegetables. Uniquely , many regions in Indonesia have its own kind of soto, of course with different content as well. Some of the varieties of soto are soto -Kediri, soto- madura, soto-Betawi, soto-Padang, soto -Bandung and sroto -Sokaraja, soto- Banjar, soto-Medan, soto-Bogor Noodle and soto -Makassar.
Generally, soto is served with rice, but there is soto that is served with lontong or ketupat. It has many kind of side dish such as cracker, croquette, fried tofu and tempeh, melinjo chip, satay quail egg, satay shell and many others. Hmm......yummy!

Indonesia - Did you know PAPUA ?

Our travel along the Indonesian fascinating tourist attractions reaches Papua, the easternmost province of the country. It is a region holding a lot of tourism potentials for marine, cultural , historical , flora and fauna attractions.

One of the attractions is witnessing in person the way Cendrawasih, the bird of paradise, lives in its own habitat. If you are lucky, you could see the male Cendrawasih perform a dance to attract the attention of female for mating. Unfortunately , you could only enjoy this attraction in the morning around 7 to 9 am and in the afternoon from 4 to 5pm local time.

Among the not to be missed items on this island is the enchanting view of Sentani Lake enjoyed from above the hills where the General Douglas MacArthur's monument is located. The lake with 21 smaller islands in the middle creates an astounding spectacle.

The Baliem valley is the most popular cultural travel spot in Papua . Tribal yells and energetic footwork in accord with the rhythm of local drums, tofa, marks the commencement of a mock tribal war. Two troops throw lances and shoot arrows at each other. Take it easy , this is not a real battle! Demonstration of a tribal war is regularly performed during the Baliem Valley Festival organised annually in commemoration of the Indonesian independence, the 17th August .

In terms of marine tour, Raja Ampat islands are diver's paradise . The amazing beauty has included Raja Ampat as one of the 10 best dive spots in the world. Based on research, 75% of world coral reef species inhabit the islands' underwater.

For mountain climbers, you could sample the sensation of the everlasting snow capped Cartenz peak in laurentz National Park, one of 3 tropical snow meadows in the world. The Cartenz peak is included in the phenomenal seven world summits.

RAJA AMPAT
This is the paradise of the divers seeking underwater charm.Raja Ampat or "Four Kings" is the name of a collection of islands in the region, namely Waigeo Salawati, Batanta and Papa Misooi that are in the West. According to the Nature Conservancy and Conservation International have about 75 % of the world's marine species live in the waters of this island. In Raja mapat there are 540 species of coral , 1511 species of fish and 700 species of molluscs. 

Indonesia - Did you know MALUKU?

Maluku is the oldest province in Indonesia. It is now divided into 2 provinces; Maluku and North Maluku. from the beginning , Maluku islands are very rich in its natural and herb plants .

An entertaining cultural attraction in this part of the country is Bambu Gila dance that involves 7 study men fighting against uncontrollable 2.5 meter long , 8cm diameter bamboo pole that carry together . Also known as Buluh Gila or Bara Suwen, this dance is performed in the village of Liang, the sub-district of Salahatu, and in the village of Mamala, the sub -district of Leihitu , the district of Central Maluku. Mystical version of the dance is performed by the local people of several parts of the city of Ternate in the North of Maluku province.Bambu Gila or Wild Bamboo dance is a cultural attraction in Ambon.

The Maluku Islands have been renowned for ages for its natural beauty and wealth of spices. Travelling around to see the charm of Maluku Islands would seem to take you back in time, to the colonia era. Numerous old Portuguese and Dutch style buildings and fortresses are still in good condition as witnesses of the country's history.The Maluku islands have long been known throughtout the world for their valuable spices. Sogo is the staple food of the people of Maluku

One of islands with the largest number of historical relics is Banda Neira. Cultural reserve on the island is centered in the village of Kampung ratu, in the neighborhood of Belgica Fortress and a  palace known by the name of Istana Mini. The fotress was built by Portuguese in 1602. There are 2 secret wells at the centre of the fortress that are said to have secret tunnels that connect the fortress and the harbor and Nassau Fortress on the beach. Banda Neira is also well known for its underwater sea garden. Halmahera island also boasts its sea garden which houses the world's most diverse sea biota comprising 750 species of coral reefs and 942 species of fish.

One the island of Saparua you can find Duurstede fortress built by the Dutch in 1676 to defend themselves against the Portuguese attack. Near the fortress is Waisisil Beach, previously the battlefield between the national hero, Pattimura and the Dutch troops. Ambon has its mainstay tourist spot, cape Marthafons, across the city of Maluku, prides its tourist attraction of pretty sandy beach with a one meter high border coast. It sounds like a pleasant idea sitting around the coast border while enjoying the scene of the tranquil bay.

There are also more historical spots to visit in Ternate and Tidore, including Gamlamo Fortress constructed in 1522 and Kota Janji, Kalamat and Toluko fortresses,as well as Oranje Fortress, the first Dutch fortress built in Indonesia. 

Indonesia - Did you know SULAWESI?

The wonder of the Indonesian tourism does not stop there. Our next itinerary brings you to the island that generates a large number of skillful sailors in the country , Sulawesi.

In Bulukumba, South Sulawesi , aside from enjoying the beautiful scenery of the beach , you could also have the rare opportunity of witnessing the local shipmakers build Phinisi schooners using their traditional method.

a traditional shipbuilder, Panrita Lopi, would normally perform a special ritual prior to building a Phinisi. Shipbuilding related ritual are required even for the selection of the appropriate tree to make the keel of the ship. amazingly the building of this renowned ship relies solely on the traditional trade and does not even use any design drawing.

Have you seen a traditional buffalo race? or seen a buffalo worth more than 35 thousand  US dollar? these may be the exclusive items offered by Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi. Visiting this region by April to October may be a good time to witness a colossal traditional funeral ritual known as Rambu Solo that lures flocks of local and overseas tourists.

 During  the ritual, groups  of the extended family come to pay their last respect to the deceased by bringing  offerings consisting of buffaloes and pigs. One of the most treasured  buffaloes offered  is Tedong Bonga, a type of spotted buffalo worth up to thousands of dollars that can only be found in Tana Toraja. In this region, you can also see rows of hanging tombs on a cliff wall in the Londa Cave  or suspended chests in Kete Kesu.

One of the local attractions in Tana Toraja is the typical traditional houses called Tongkonan. There are 3 different styles of the architecture of Tongkonan designated for different types of dwellers.
Tongkonan Layuk is the type of house for a person who holds the highest rank of authority  and used as the center of the local " government". Tongkonan Pekamberan is the type of house designated for members of a family that has certain authority in the local customs and tradition, whereas Tongkonan  Batu is the style for houses used by commoners.

 Meanwhile, enchanting coral reefs and diverse species of tropical fish await divers and snorkelers at the Bunaken Underwater Park in North Sulawesi. Interesting sights in this location also include underwater great walls known as the hanging walls, example giant reefs that stand vertically and curving upward. Aside from Bunaken , underwater fascination can also be found in the Togean Islands in Central Sulawesi and in the divers' paradise of Wakatobi in South East Sulawesi.
Wakatobi with the amazing underwater beauty of around 25 clusters of coral reefs and 750 species of sea biota is a potential site for surfing , snorkeling and fishing activities.

Rambu Solo
This is the burial ceremony that could be considered as the spectacular one and of course can spend up to hundreds of million rupiah. In this ceremony the family comes to pay their respect to the dead by bringing their offerings such as buffalo and pig. One of their offering is stripe buffalo( Tedong Bonga) that has price of up to 360 million rupiah. WOW! one of the highlights of Rambu Solo ceremony is the mappasilaga tedong : buffalo race.

Tompaso , North Sulawesi is the place where you could see all wood musical instrument.
Kolintang and the largest trumpet in the world as recorded in the Guinness World of Record.

Indonesia - Did you know NUSA TENGGARA ?

From Bali you could sail eastward to Nusa Tenggara, a region divided to 2 provinces, West Nusa Tenggara and east Nusa Tenggara. Visiting Sumba Island in East Nusa Tenggara, between the months of February and March would give you the opportunity to witness traditional Pasola jousting ceremony, a most exciting ritual of the local people.

Pasola which in the local language means lance battle game, is a mock war performed as part of a thanksgiving event. Hundreds of colorfully arrayed horsemen riding horses flinging blunt spears at each other. The rumble of horses tramping their hoofs on the battle field, the neighing of the horses and the ferocious screaming of their riders form natural background music of the ritual.

The islands in West Nusa Tenggara may be considered the paradise for water spot lovers providing the right spots for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. Amazing scenery can be enjoyed at Gili Trawangan , Gili Air and Sengigi beaches. A special attraction at beach between Gili Meno and Gili Air is the existence of blue reefs that are only found here and in the Caribbean Sea.
Blue reefs can only found at 2 locations in the world: a beach between Gili Meno and Gili Air, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara and the Caribbean Sea.

In addition to its seaside attractions, Nusa Tenggara is also the destination of mountain  climbers and trekkers. One of the popular trekking sites on the region is Mount Rinjani. The second highest volcanic mountain in Indonesia after Mount Kerinci in Sumtra , it offers spectacular scenery of the blue water of Segara Anak Lake formed in the crater of the mountain. Due to beauty of the lake, in 2004 the mountain was granted with " World Legacy Award" (WLA) . The award presented by the National Geographic Society and Conservation International places Bali as the best location under " destination stewardship" category.

The mountain tourism sites in the East Nusa Tenggara province include Mount Kelimutu with exotic views seen from the peak. This mountain has 3 crater lakes known as Three Color Lakes, displaying 3 different colors: red, blue and white. Uniquely , the colors of the lakes keep changing with the course of time. A special excitement offered by the region is encounter with the prehistoric reptile, Komodo , at the Komodo National Park . Existing exclusively in the Komodo Island, this prehistoric species is declared as a world heritage protected species. In addition to the prehistoric reptile , the island also prides its unique pink sandy beach . What an amazing sight!

Komodo dragon ( Varanus Komodoensis ) is an ancient lizard species in the world's largest naturally only in Indonesia. " Ora" so this island natives call it. Because it is on the verge of extinction and endangered  animals,dragons are protected  under Indonesian law and a national park, namely Komodo National Park . We must be careful when close to the animals of prey, because he could run chase at speeds up to 20km/h. With a keen sense of smell, Komodo can find their prey from a distance of up to 9.5 kilometers. Komodo , a prehistoric animal alive today can only witnessed on the Komodo island, East Nusa  Tenggara. The Komodo island boasts its pink sandy beach.

Indonesia - Did you know BALI?

Bali is the best world spa destination.
The majority of population in Bali comprises Hindu believers.
Bali is renowned for its phenomenal beaches.
Bali is a  favorite destination among world surfers.

This island is a popular destination for local and international tourists. You may have visited this island. Nevertheless, Bali with all its splendors seems to lure visitors to keep coming back.

Bali can be said to be one stop tourist destination for seaside , mountain, art and culture , and even religious tours.

Let us start our tour around Bali to appreciate the tourist attractions. our first destination is Ubud renowned as the center of arts and culture on the island. exotic scene of green shady trees among stretches of terraced paddy fields is a typical characteristics of the Ubud Village . No  wonder world class painters such as Walter spies from Germany and Rudolf Bonnet from Holland were attracted to see the village in 1930s and decided to spend their life there. Their works of art can be seen at Museum Puri Lukisan . There is  also Rudana Museum  that you can visit to see the collection of more than 400 paintings and statues made by Balinese as well as overseas artists. On both sides of the roads in Ubud you can find shops, art galleries , cafes and restaurants as well as temples. Aside from being a place of worship , temples in Bali also serve as theaters for typical Balinese performances. An example is the Kecak dance. The dances sit in a circle raising their hands  while humming repetitive chants. The movements describe the Ramanyana story as the monkey troops assist Rama to fight off the evil King, Rahwana. The dancers' rhythmical gestures and their magic yells alternating with the chants create a memorable Balinese atmosphere.

NGABEN 
Yes. This cremation ceremony performed by Hindus in Bali that intended to deliver the spirit of the burned bodies to its eternal life. The body will be placed in the coffin and then it will be placed again in to a wood that shaped like cow or temple that made of wood and paper. Then it is carried with  a special procession to the appointed place. this procession is not passing a straight road; it is intended to confuse and keep the evil spirit away from the body. The highlight of Ngaben is burning the body that has been placed in the cow and temple statue.       

Having enjoyed the fascinating arts in Ubud, let us continue our journey to Kintamani.
At Penelokan area you can see the combination of Mount Batur and the spread of black rocks around it and the blue crescent Lake Batur in one of its calderas. Such an awe- inspiring sight! From here you could pay a visit to one of the major temples in Bali  known as Pura Batur. Included in other locations with comparable tourist attractions is Beratan Lake in Bedugul in the prximity of the Eka Karya Botanical Garden. Similar spots to visit in East bali  comprise: Tirtagangga water park and Soekasada Ujung Park, also known as Ujung Water Park.It would also be good idea to visit the traditional village of Tenganan where you could interact with traditional Balinese people in their daily life. In the western part of Bali you can visit Menjangan (deer) Island famous for it underwater beauty befitting for snorkeling and diving activities. true to its name, the island is inhabited by a special species of deer that has resemblance to cows. The island is included in the regency of Buleleng. Still in the proximity of Buleleng, you have the luxury of the tranquil beach of Pemuteran.


Ubud is dotted with numerous art galleries. Including the studio of Spanish painter,Antonio Blanco.
World class painter from Germany , Walter Spies and Dutch painter , Rudolf Bonnet , came to Ubud, Bali, in the 30s and made it their home.
Trunyan is a traditional village in Bali where corpses are placed unburied under the trees  of a cemetery ground and yet do not exert any pungent odour.

Dreamland
Located in the village of Pecatu, badung regency , lies the beautiful beach with soft white sand between the steep rock walls perfect for enjoying the sunset. dreamland Beach can be achieved from Kuta Beach about 30 minutes towards Jimbaran . Because the waves are high and large , the beach is also popular surf sports enthusiast.

A visit to Bali would not be complete without enjoying the alluring gorgeous beaches. Just to name a few : Kuta , Sanur, Seminyak , Nusa Dua and Uluwatu  are considered favourite relaxing seaside resorts and beach attractions. Several beaches considered dive spots are Kuta and Uluwatu.

With some luck, you could witness the grand and elaborate cremation ritual, Ngaben. the ritual is performed to send the dead to life hereafter. The Remains is laid as if in a sleep, as the bereaved family hope to remember the deceased by.
No tears are shed during the ritual as it is believed that death is temporary and the deceased would   reincarnate or find the ultimate rest in heaven or Moksha ( a state of freedom from the wheel of death and reincarnation). This spectacular ritual is performed by the Balinese for the deceased members of their family or ancestors. However , not all Hindi Balinese people perform cremation rituals for the dead.
In the village of Trunyan, corpses are placed unburied above the ground in the cemetery without exerting any pungent odour thanks to the sweet fragrant sandalwood trees growing around the place. It is an old village considered by the local people as the place of origin of the indigenous  Balinese, the Bali Aga. Trunyan is a traditional village in Bali where corpses are placed unburied under the trees  of a cemetery ground and yet do not exert any pungent odour.

Indonesia - Did you know KALIMANTAN ?

nearly extinct ORANG UTAN live in their natural habitat at Tanjung Puting National Park, Pangkalan Bun , Central Kalimantan.

Erau cultural ceremony is held annually at the Sultanate of Kutai Kartanegara , East Kalimantan . Kutai was the oldest Hindu kingdom in Indonesia. 

Rumah Betang is the typical house of the Dayak people, a renowned tribe of Kalimantan. 

Kalimantan is a large island crossed by wide and long rivers. 

Challenging adventures also await you in Kalimantan or also known as Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Tracing rivers that cross the island is a pleasant and at the same time exciting activity.

Dominated by tropical rain forests, it is a treasure chest in terms of breath taking nature's beauty. Divided in 5 provinces : West Kalimantan , Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan , east kalimantan and North Kalimantan, this island is a paradise for flora and fauna lovers that offers a vast range of potentials for adventurous travelers who are keen on Eco travel activities. 

Kalimantan is well endowed not only the scenic splendor , but also by a wealth of fascinating traditions , arts and cultures. Erau traditional ritual serves as an excellent example.Held annually by the Sultanate of Kutai Kartanegara in East Kalimantan , it is marked by Mengulur Naga and Belimbur water splashing rituals by the local people throughout the city as a conclusion to the whole series of ceremony.

You may start the adventurous trip from West Kalimantan with a visit to Lake Sentarum National Park. Crusing along the 132000 hectare fresh water lake is surely a pleasant trip. More than 220 species of fresh water fish inhabit this lake, the most renowned being Super Red Arrowana or locally known as "Ikan Silok". The main tourist attraction of Central Kalimantan is the increasingly  extinct orangutan. a location that allows a close look at this species is Tanjung Puting National park in Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan.  It takes an interesting and at the same time challenging journey to get to the location, also known as Camp Leakey, cruising the river by motor boat in the midst of virgin tropical rain forests.

What an amazing experience ! Along the way, you may encounter various species of birds in the wild. You could also catch a glimpse of Bekantan, the golden fur monkey with large nose often referred to by the local people as the " white monkey " that inhabit the banks of the river.

Floating Market Kuin is a traditional  floating market on Barito river at the estuary of Kuin river, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.
This market is unique because both vendors and buyer use jukung ( boat in Banjar language). after solat at dawn this market starts to wriggle and increasingly crowded as the morning  sun rise up to 7 o'clock. The transactions of various merchandise  and garden produce from the villagers along the river Barito enliven the atmosphere above the river in the morning. uniquely , sometimes barter transactions occur between merchants on the boat , or bapanduk in Banjar language .

The trip gets more interesting as you make direct interaction with the local people in the midst of the floating market along Barito River of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. Communication between buyers and sellers happen from boat to boat. How interesting!

Other Eco tourism spots in the region encompass Bukit Bangkirai park in East Kalimantan. The main attraction is a canopy bridge made of ropes of around 30 metres high that connects 6 giant trees in the midst of the jungle. What a pretty sight!  From the bridge you could enjoy the vast spread of rain forest with wild birds flying around and chirping melodiously accompanied by other sounds of the wild life in the background, all in perfect harmony with the nature as we stand on the canopy bridge. East Kalimantan also holds precious underwater treasure around Derawan Island.

The local indigenous Dayak tribe from Kalimantan is renowned for their colorful arts and culture. The tribe is divided in six big groups, namely Kenyah- Kayan -Bahau , Ot Danum, Iban , Murut , Klemantan and Punan. Typical characteristics of this tribe include the long common house or locally known as Betang House, the local traditional crafts comprising pottery , Mandau ( local knife), blow pipe, traditional axe, Beliong , in addition to the local people's dances, typical views of nature and source of living.

Indonesia - Did you know JAVA ?

This island consists of 6 provinces : Special Capital City Region of Jakarta , Banten, West Java, East Java and special Region of Yogjakarta . Let us start our trip from Banten by visiting the Ujung Kulon National Park constituting the largest low land tropical rain forest ecosystem in West Java. The national park is also home to the nearly extinct one horned rhinoceros. Not far from this location stands majestically Mount Anak Krakatau. UNESCO declares the Ujung Kulon National Park and Krakatau Nature Reserve as World Heritage sites.

From Ujung Kulon you could continue your trip to reach the top of Mount Tangkuban Perahu in Lembang, West Java, 20 kilometers north from the downtown area of Bandung, the capital city of West Java province. Plant lovers may visit the Bogor Botanical Garden located around 80 kilometres from Jakarta. It was built in early 1800s and developed further by the British origin Governor General of the East Indies government, Thomas Stamford Raffles. It covers an area of 80 hectares and houses a collection of around 15,000 species of plants and trees.
among them is Raflesia Arnoldii , a distinctly rare flower that can grow up to 2 metres high. Gedepangrango Mountains National Park in Cianjur, Situ Patenggang and Kawah Putih in Ciwidey , as well as Pelabuhan Ratu beach in Sukabumi are a few of other popular travel spots in West Java.

Borobudur Temple in Central Java is the largest Buddhist temple in the world that is recognised by UNESCO as one of the world heritage sites.
Borobudur Temple has 2672 hand carved relief panels that would stretch into 6 kilometres when displayed side by side! Ujung Kulon National Park and Krakatau Nature Reserve have been recognised as world heritage sites by UNESCO>

Borobudur temple ever included in the Seven wonders of the world; it is the world's largest Buddhist temple that built by King Samaratungga in 824 AD. It is located about 40 kilometres from Yogyakarta . The Building was shaped like punden staircase that consists of 10 levels. It has 42 meters height before the renovation and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level is used as the buffer. 6 levels of the square bottom shaped like square, the upper 3 has circular form and the highest peak of Buddhist stupa face to the west and each level is a symbol stage of human life.

Do not miss the opportunity to take good shots of the Central Javanese pretty landscape. Equipped with a camera , you would be ready to document the travel wonder of Central Java. Magic tranquility would envelope the place as you step on the 6 terraces of Borobudur temple , a large scale of Buddhist worship place. Exploring through the impressive reliefed corridors of this hundreds year old temple would gives you a rare memorable experience. The top of the temple gives you a magnificent view of the surrounding  scenery, particularly as the sun rises. In addition to Borobudur temple, Central Java also prides several other temples such as Prambanan, Kalasan and Pandawa temples situated on the highland of Dieng plateau as well as some other beautiful temples.

After spending some time admiring the beauty of Borobudur temple, let us proceed with a unique ride on an old train passing along pretty landscapes of mountains, plantations and local village. You could take pictures of the scenery as the old 1902 made in German steam locomotive train chuffs along leisurely powered by the local teakwood. This train is showcased at the Train Museum in Ambarawa , central Java.

Yogyakarta can be reached in around one and a half hour from Ambarawa. It is a city of arts , crafts and culture . Numerous handicraft centers dot throughout the city , including the silversmith center of Kotagede. To be more familiar with traditional Javanese high culture, let us pay a visit to the Palace of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. The Javanese architecture style palace built in 1755 is well preserved and is popular tourist attraction housing vast collection of royal heritage relics.

Concluding the trip on Java Island is a challenging adventure of riding a horse across the scenic sand sea in the chill of the majestic Mount Bromo. the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is located in east Java, one of its kind with its unique 5,250 hectare sand sea. Visiting the park between December and January would allow you to see the traditional ritual of Kasodo held on full moon by indigenous people of the Tengger tribe to ask for abundant harvest or to ward off evil spirit and for recovery from various illness, by throwing offerings to the crater of Mount Bromo.

Keris ( typical traditional Javanese dagger) and angklung ( traditional musical instrument made of bamboo played by the Sundanese people in West Java) receive UNESCO' recognition as world heritage. 

Indonesia - Did you know Sumatra?

1. Have you heard of or seen Saman Dance performance? The traditional dance from the Aceh Special Region is particularly exquisite and astonishing to watch.  The Saman dance from Aceh displays  the fastest hand movement in dances in the entire world. It demonstrates full concentration and accuracy of highly energetic movements and distinctly marked by incredibly rapid hand movements and uniformity. It is a dance not to be missed when you visit Aceh special Region. You could also witness remnants of the tsunami impacts on this region. Tsunami Museum is a memorial of those who lost their lives in the staggering disaster. Other marks of the disaster is a ship wreck found on top of the village people's house in Gampong Lampulo, and a life boat dashed down onto the local people's house in the 2004 Tsunami.

The island prides its while sandy beaches with splashing green blue water such as Iboih, Gapang , Sumur Tiga, Kasih and pasir Putih beaches. Sabang is also a divers'paradise. the coral reefs and numerous species of sea biota here and simply amazing. More than 17 dive spots surround the island, including SSS house Reef , Twin Rock, Pipefish Island,Rubiah Sea Garden  and Seulako Island.
Do not be surprised to meet sharks, stingrays , dolphins or even whales in several spots here.

2. Still on the island of Sumatra, let us continue our trip to the cool city of Berastagi.  Berastagi in North Sumatra houses a replica of Shwedagan Pagoda of Myanmar which is the second highest among other replicas of its kind outside Birma. The city os situated on a plateau of approximately 1300 mdpl with a temperature of 17 to 19 degree Celcius, about 10 kilometers north from the city of Kabanjahe, the district capital of Karo and 78 kilometers from Medan, the provincial capital city of North Sumatra. The cool and fertile city flanked by 2 volcanic mountains , Mount Sibayak and Mount Sinabung , preserves  many stories of the early  20th century East Indies Dutch colonial time. The city used to be renowned for its vegetable and fruit produce as a result of the Dutch colonial government policies of the time. In the 20s  Berastagi was a center of plantation operated by the Dutch. Supply of vegetables and fruits to Medan and other big cities in North Sumatra come from this city.

3.  if you interested in surfing , then Nias Island could be just the right spot for you. The Sorake beach with its renowned waves would be a challenge for professional surfers.What about admiring the more than 120 meter high Sipisopiso waterfall? Just come over to tanah Karo. to learn about tropical rain forest ecosystem, several national parks can be visited on this island, such as Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Aceh, and Kerinci Seblat National Park stretching from West Sumatra , Jambi , Bengkulu, to South Sumatra.One of the main attractions of the island is the Sumatran Orang Utan observatory center in the Bukit Lawang ecotourism area in North Sumatra.Lingga Village in Tanah Karo , North Sumatera  is a hundred years old and succeeds in maintaining the original traditions.

4. Lake  Toba in North Sumatra is the largest lake in South east Asia and the second largest lake in the world after Lake Victoria in Africa.This  us the largest lake in South East asia with a water surface area of approximately 1145 square kilometers with a depth of over 450 meters and there are middle island.It is a volcanic lake formed by volcanic explosions are very large. ( Supervolcano), known as the Mount Toba around 73000-75000 years ago was indeed very fascinating. To reach the lake from the city of Medan to Parapat , we could use the car takes about 4-5 hours to Medan route -Berastagi Lake Toba Medan or can also route  Siantar- Parapat.

5. Travelling around Sumatra Island is not complete before you sample the typical Padang mouth watering Rendang which is now included in the list of 50 most dishes in the world according to CNNGo. You could also visit Mentawai Island off the western coast of Sumtra to explore the well preserved indigenous people's traditional customs. The Bangka Belitung  province south of Sumatera offers attractive diving and snorkelling spots. Overland tour in the Bengkulu province also allows you to see Rafflesia Arnoldii, the largest flower in the world.

Not to missed is the uniqueness of Muara Takus Temple. The oldest Buddhist site in Sumatra is situated in the Sub District XIII Koto, the District of Kampar, Riau province  , around 135 kilometers  from the city of Pekanbaru. This temple is made of sand stones , river rocks and bricks . Unlike other temples in Java that  are mostly made of andecit stones taken from mountains, the clay used for this temple originates from a village known as Pongkai, approximately 6 kilometer off the northern part of Muara Takus temple site.

Let us complete the sumatran enchantment trip with a visit to the Way Kambas national Park in the province of Lampung. Playing with elephants living freely in their natural habitat would be an exciting experience. A special facility can be found in this National park that trains wild elephants and provides them with the skills to be adorable performers.  

Indonesia - Did you know Jakarta?

Jakarta as the capital city of Indonesia and serves as one of the main entrance gates for visitors to the country.

There are more than 50 museums housing variety of crafts and historical artefacts from throughout the country. Jakarta during the Dutch colonial era used to be referred to as Batavia.

The indigenous people of Jakarta are the Betawi ethnic group .

Jakarta serves as the capital city of Indonesia.

One of the typical dishes of the Betawi people is Kerak Telor.

One of the icons of the metropolitan city is the National Monument or more popularly known as Tugu Monas. The 132 meter high monument is decked with a gold leaf covered flame on top. Build in 1961 during the reign of the first president of Indonesia , Soekarno, the monument is encircled by a shady city of park where you can see people sit around at sunset and in the evening , and enjoy the day particularly during holidays or weekends. The base of the monument houses a series of diorama that depict the independence struggle of the Indonesians. A lift may also take you to the viewing area at the top part of the monument where you could have a bird eye view of the capital city dominated by skyscrapers.

It is only one of the many attractions of Jakarta. Jakarta which used to be called Batavia during the Dutch colonial period  preserves many historical relics. One of them is the Old city Tour area. Some
of the old buildings in the area are used as museums, including the Jakarta Historical Museum ( Museum Fatahillah) and the Puppet Show Museum ( Museum Wayang). An old building across the Historical Building is presently used as cafe that retains the original architecture.

Within the old city area you can also drop by Sunda Kelapa harbor that displays numerous local traditional boats that includes the renowned Phinisi. You could also visit the nearby Maritime Museum that houses the Indonesian Maritime Museum that houses the Indonesian maritime history as well as Dutch colonial heritage. Alternatively , strolling along the shipyard location of the former Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) and other formerly VOC- owned construction at the southern part of the harbor would be an impressive experience. Included in other museums worth visiting is the National Museum or also known as Museum Gajah located at the heart of the city, which houses the most complete collection of relics that represent the Indonesian history and culture.

If you do not have the luxury of the time to acquaint yourself with the whole Indonesian culture, you could visit Taman Mini Indonesia  Indah ,a cultural park where you could visit various Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a cultural park where you could see various samples of the arts and cultures of all the provinces of the Indonesia archipelago, each of which is represented by the respective traditional abode .

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol is a modern theme park considered as an icon of tourism in Jakarta. In this park , you could enjoy colorful selections of entertainment. The Phantasy World offers variety of high technology games. The Sea World houses a wealth of enchanting sea biota collection comprising around 126 species of fish , 5 species of reptile and 26 species of sea biota, 13 species of vertebrata and 1 species of mammal. For you who love marine travel , you could take  a cruise ashore to Thousand Islands. The cluster of small islands off the coast of Jakarta offers seaside beauty that fits the need for swimming , snorkeling and diving.




  

INDONESIA

Indonesia has been renowned for the hospitality of the people who live up to lofty values of tradition and culture. these norms have been socially binding and passed on through generations. This local people live up to the everlasting norms of mutual respect and support regardless of difference. hence, they openly welcome any visitor, and certainly including you. the warmth of the local people makes the archipelago a comfortable place like home for foreign tourist.
Sincere and amicable smiles of your hosts will memorable impression to you as you trace along the fascinating beauty of Indonesia accompanied by friendly, welcoming and sincere warmth of the people.

you will be greeted by elegant smiles of ladies donning their elegant traditional costumes. they will welcome you to appreciate the charm of the Indonesian landscape that stretches out from the west to the east, and from the north to the south.
Local attractions spawn the whole archipelago ,such as
1. the Karo traditional house in Lingga Villahe , North Sumatera
2.the renowned Jam gadang that serves a landmark of the city of Bukit Tinggi , West Sumatera
3. the Sumatran elephants at Way Kambas National Park, lampung , South Sumatera
4. the largest flower in the world , Rafflesia arnoldii, in Bengkulu Province , South Sumatera
5. the breath taking coral reef at Bunaken national park , North Sulawesi
6. the marine attraction of Raja Ampat, Papua
7. the amusing caprice of the nearly extinct orang utan
8. The whole fanfare of the local culture of Indonesia waiting for you to wonder at.

They represent only  a nutshell of what lay awaiting you when you visit the largest archipelagic country in the world with clusters of 13,466 small and large islands.
Just imagine the countless options for unforgettable experience offered to you by this country encompassing the scenic beauty of the beaches, the impressive underwater natural treasure, and the mountains and forests with exotic flora and fauna.

Not only that, the people inhabiting every corner of the country keep their highly varied distinct traditions and cultures as well as local languages.

Like a cluster of emerald gems radiating splendid green sparkle along the equator, would be an appropriate way to describe the beauty of the Indonesia archipelago, worth to be  placed on the top of your travel itinerary list. Perhaps many of you are only exposed to the island of Bali as tourist destination in Indonesia? Bali is onlu a tiny part of the whole treasure of Indonesia tourism magnificence.To get to know Indonesia and its exotic charm, let us go on a tour that present you with a galore of fascination adorned with the hospitable smiles of the local people.

Portugal Tomar - Column of King D.João I Or Round Padrao

Next to the chapel of S. Lourenco, a column commemorating the gathering of the Portuguese hosts on the way to Aljubarrota. It is a smoooth round column resting on a Tuscan base with a capital adorned with angles with open wings and the Portuguese coat of arms. 

Portugal Tomar - Chapel Of S. Lourenco

The chapel of S. Lourenco was built in the first quarter of 5 hundred by Aires de Quental. This chapel has a rectangular plant preceded by a galilee. Its interior is composed of a wooden ceiling and a high altar decorated by a set of Hispanoarabic tiles of the period. according to tradition, the patronage of this chapel was attributed to S. Lourenco because in the grounds where the temple was built the hosts of King D. João I and D Nuno Alvares Pereira joined on August 10, 1385 ( St Lourenco's day), 4 days before the battle of Aljubarrota. In one of the side facades was placed in 1948 a panel of tiles  evoking the event.

Portugal Tomar- Manuel Guimarães House

This is the house where the famous architect Joã o de Castilho lived while doing the works of the Convent of Christ, the remodelling of the Chapel  of santa Iria and construction of the Chapel of Miguel do Vale ( 1533- 1537 start date ).
A Renaissance style house , it was built in the 116th century , XVI of special note is the fabulous corner window with colonnades. 

Portugal Tomar - Cine - Theatre Paraiso

where today stands the Cine - Theatre  Paraiso, in 1800 was erected the first space dedicated to entertainment in the city of Tomar . In 1876, the place was renovated and became known as Theatre Nabantino. It was there that the inhabitants of Tomar first saw a motion -picture in 1901.

In the 1920's began the renovation of the Nabantino Theatre. The project involved the demolition of the old theatre and the construction of the futureTheatre Paraiso. The works started in 1920 under the supervision of the architect Deolindo Vieira who had designed an " Italian theatre" for that purpose. The offical inauguration would take place on March 24 , 1924.

In the 40's, the theatre was renovated once more, this time by the architect Ernesto Korrodi. he undertook a  total transformation of the interiors and added a ballroom and bar. the exterior facades designed by Deolindo  Vieira were maintained.
In 1991, almost half a century later, the Cine- Theatre closed definitely to the public .
In 1997, it was acquired by the Municipality of Tomar.The current Cine -Theatre Paraiso opened again to the public in 2002. 

Portugal Tomar- The commission of Initiative and tourism house

Designed by Jose Vilaca, this building was built from the ground up in 1933 to host the Tourism Office, thus being the oldest tourism office in the country. With evident neo- renaissance and traditional Estado Novo traits, the structure also integrates sculptural, architectural and tile elements of old buildings of the city from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. among them the stained glass of Ricardo Leone, tiles and faience of Leopoldo Battistini and beautiful neo- Renaissance works of the Sousa Braga house. 

Portugal Tomar- The Arches

From the original construction only a few isolated arches survived and the remaining arches were     incorporated in the adjacent buildings. The buildings were ordered by Prince Henrique " O Navagador"  in the first quarter of the fifteenth century on the main street of Tomar to provide accommodations for merchants and other outsiders. By the mid nineteenth century, some of its porches were still used by farriers. 

Portugal Tomar - Vieira Guimaraes House

Built in the early twenties of last century, facing the Old Bridge, this house belonged to Jose Vieira da Silva Guomaraes, doctor and researcher in the history of Tomar. 

Portugal Tomar - The Pillory

The pillory was built in the XVII century to replace the pillory of Kind D. Manuel I. Its current location and design are a replica dated from 1939-40, since the original monument was demolished in 1870. In the reconstruction of the replica it was possible to gather all the original elements, except the pedestal. It consists on a bulb form base and shaft , topped by an armillary sphere of great dimensions , in iron , upon a rustic spire.

Attraction In Jakarta

1. Merdeka square
In the middle of a large square located in the center of Jakarta lies the greatest legacy of Indonesia's first president Ir Soekarno; the impressive 132m ( 433ft) National Monument ( Monas) . Resembling a phallus, the glittering flame at the top symbolizes the Indonesian people's determination to achieve freedom and the nation's independence. The official construction of the marble and gold project started in 1961 and the tower was officially opened to the public in 1975. at the basement , there is National History Museum that has a display of 51 dioramas, presenting the scenes from Indonesian History, which sometimes overstated. You can take life to reach the top of the monument and enjoy the dramatic views of Jakarta.

2. Sunda Kelapa
Just a kilometer north of Taman Fatahillah in Old Batavia, you can find the old port of the famous Sunda kelapa in which magnificent Makassar schooners are lining up as far as the eyes can see. 450 years ago, the port was created as a result of the local trade in pepper. Now, the port still plays an important role in transporting cargo between the capital and the outer islands and offers you one of the most outstanding sceneries of the past of Jakarta. Hire an old man in row boat to take you out for a closer look at the ships and see the activities of sailors and workers there. You can get out as far as the Pulau Seribu ( Thousand Islands)  in the Bay of Jakarta. Don't forget to also visit Maritime Museum that is located not too far from the port.

3. Jakarta History Museum
Also knows as Fatahillah Museum , this museum is located in the former Dutch colonial Stadhuis ( town hall) of Batavia and is probably the most solid reminder of Dutch rule anywhere in Indonesia. At that time, the building hid some cells that were used as filthy dungeons for Dutch and Indonesian rebels, including Indonesia's freedom fighter Javanese Prince Diponegoro. Nowadays , the museum showcases heavy carved and furniture and other memorabilia from the Dutch period.

 4. Old Batavia
The old town of Batavia is the finest reminder of the Dutch presence in Jakarta . The colonial culture can be seen around the area , with numerous Dutch style  buildings and classic architectures and objects although much of the unhealthy city was destroyed by the government the the early 19th century to freshen things up a bit.

In the centre, there is a cobblestone square known as Taman Fatahillah where it is actively used for many holiday events , such as the celebration of Chinese New Year, Independence Day of Indonesia and many more . Around the square , there is the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum that showcases various paintings of Indonesian maestros, including Raden Saleh and Affandi. Walk around a little bit and you can Wayang Museum that has the best collection of Indonesian and international puppets. Meanwhile , in the vicinity lies the Sion Protestant Church, Fish Market, Kota Intan Drawbridge and the old but still running - Jakarta Kota Station.

5. Ancol
Located in the northern part of Jakarta , Ancol offers not only a gateway to Jakarta's major beaches, but also a great place to taste seafood dishes  and enjoy remarkable attractions overlooking the sea. Inside the area, there are Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, a recreation and amusement park that offers family friendly activities for thrill seekers and Sea World , a marine park that will take you to the wonders beyond the oceans. The Sea World has an oceanarium and is home to 4000 fishes and sharks of more that 300 species. You are able to dive in the sea world or swim with the sharks if you want to. since 2011, there is also Ecovention Building - Ecopark inside Ancol area that is designed for various events such as concert , festival and rave parties.

6. Ragunan Zoo
Ragunan Zoo is a combination of Zoo and Park . It is home to more that 260 kinds of animals, including the almost extinct animals from Indonesia and other parts of the world and over 20,000 plants from 250 different kind of species.

Formerly named Taman Margasatwa Jakarta ( animal Park of Jakarta), Ragunan Zoo was first established by a Dutch flora and fauna lovers organization. The 135 hectare area is usually very crowded on weekends and holidays with visitors from all parts of the Capital and nearby cities, including Bogor and Bandung.

Inside the zoo, there is Schmutzer primate Center, an artificial habitat of primates such as gorilla , chimpanzee , orangutan and others which was built  in 2000 using a grant from the late Pauline Antoinette Adeline Schmutzer in order to increase Indonesian people's awareness of wildlife preservation . with a large parking area , decent animal display  and cheap entrance. ragunan Zoo is perfect for a weekend getaway with family or loved ones.

7. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Want to catch a  glimpse of the beauty of Indonesia? just go to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a culture  based park that showcases the diverse culture and biodiversity of Indonesia. Popularly known as Taman Mini , the park that is  located in east Jakarta has a man made lake representing a miniature version of the major islands in Indonesia. The lake is surrounded by traditional style houses from each province. On special occasions, some of the provinces sometimes showcase traditional music and dance also.

The park also has several museums worth visiting such as philately museum , transportation museum and arts and craft museum, a 4D Opera House and a bird park that showcases more than 160 species of Indonesia'rarest birds.

8 Golf in Jakarta
Golf courses in Jakarta represent some of the most beautiful, challenging and exciting layouts of any course to be found in Asia, at a reasonable price too. The prime golf region is alongside the Jagorawi  toll road that stretches some 45 kilometers from Jakarta all way south past the Sentul Highlands to the "green" city of Bogor and Puncak area. Some of the most popular are Gunung Geulis Country Club , Rancamaya Golf & Country Estate, Jagorawi Golf & Country Club and Palm Hill Golf Club. 

Unlike in some other Asian Countries, golfers in jakarta don't have to travel faraway to play golf at good quality area because you can find many golf courses with world class quality in and around Jakarta, at a reasonable price as well.

the city has 3 major golf regions. The best quality of golf region is alongside the Jagorawi toll road that stretches some 45 kilometres from Jakarta all the way south past the Sentul Highlands  to the green city of Bogor and Puncak. Some of the most famous golf courses in those area are Gunung Geulis Country Club , Rancamaya Golf & Country Estate, Jagorawi Golf & Country Club  and Palm Hill Golf Club.

The second best quality of golf region in Tangerang, which can be reached through Jakarta- Merak toll road. Search for Cengkareng Golf Club within the Soewarna Business Park  near the Soekarno-Hatta Airport and enjoy yourself. Last , the third best quality of the golf region is located inside of Jakarta , such as Senayan Golf Club and the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.

India Ahmedabad - Klhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club

The first golf course in the country designed by the American golfer, Jack Nicklaus , Kalhaar Blues and Greens is acknowledged to be one of the toughest and indeed the longest golf course in India, The 175 acre course has 14 water bodies with as many beach bunkers spread over a lush green landscape . Situated on the outskirts of Ahmedabad,the golf course is located in the middle of a realty project developed by the Navratna Group and has an in house golf academy. The academy conducts training programmes for guest lasting one month or 3 months for both adults and children.

India Ahmedabad- Kensvile Golf and Country Club

Situated 66 kms away from the hustle bustle of Ahmedabad, the plush, european PGA- sanctioned Kensville Golf and Country Club was established in 2006. Codesigned by Colonel KD Bagga and the Indian golfer, Jeev Milkha Singh, the country Club is spread over a whopping 700 acre!

This championship course has narrow fairways with 11 water bodies , 42 bunkers and  2 hazards set on a nearly flat terrain. Complementing the lush greenery are visitors from the nearby Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary  and first timers often find these avian companions a bit distracting . The golf club is  a popular destination not only among professional golfers, but also among amateurs who come here to practice in the flood -lit range in Kensville Golf Academy

India Pune- Oxford Golf and Country

The fairly new Oxford Golf and Country Club was established in 2009 and spreads  across 136 acres. This golf course is one of the most luxurious golfing destinations in the country today. Shaped like a horseshoe , the course has 6 water bodies, 54 bunkers and 26 hazards and is by no means  an easy course to par on. as the course sists pretty in the bosom of the stunning Sahyadri hills, the tempestuous and moody Western Ghat winds and the change in elevation levels may cause  concern to amateur golfers.

The club has golf academy , provisions for playing tennis, squash and a swimming pool. The club also has an in house restaurant . Those who love camping may hire tents from the club house. Golfers can also stay at the luxurious O hotel , Part of the Oxford group.

India Pune - Poona Club Golf Course

spread over 94 acres of verdant landscape, Poona Club Golf Course was established by the British in 1918 and held its first major tournament in 1920. Located in the city's posh Yerawada Road, Poona  Golf Club has over 1000 members and conducts about 40 tournaments in a year.

Redesigned and renovated in 1992-83 by Phil Tyan of Pacific Coast Design , the golf club lies inside the vast premises of the prestigious Pooona club. Heavy vegetarian with more than 2000 varieties of trees dot the landscapes here.The course has 8 water bodies, 38 sand bunkers , 2 grass bunkers and 13 hazards to make things even more interesting! The golf course has practice facility that is flood -lit and stays open from 5pm to 9.30pm every day

India Lonavala - Aamby Valley Golf Course

the luxurious 250 acre fully flood -lit Aamby Valley Golf course, has since its inception in 1994 become one of the most sought after golf courses in the country. Situated in the rolling hills of the Western Chats, the course was designed by the legendary David Hemstock and later upgraded to host championships by PGA  DC, UK .

The Vast landscape which is cocooned in the Sahyadri mountain range is breathtaking . It is a thinking man's course with 84 bunkers, 16 hazards , 3 water bodies and accommodates all levels of play. The 18 hole course has 2 distinct characters with 9 holes dotting valleys and the rest between lakes.
Aamby Valley Golf Club also runs a golf academy with British PGA accredited professional trainers who provide individual as well as group sessions. The legends Bar in the club house, with its wooden interiors and cheerful ambiance , is popular 19th hole among golfers. There is a wellness centre , an international school , 2 man made lakes and accommodation styled after Swiss chalets and British bungalows, inside Aamby  valley City Complex. Aamby Valley has its own airport , though most take the 20 minute flight from Mumbai.

India Mumbai- Willingdon Sports Club

Built in 1933 by Lord Willingdon , the Governor of Bombay presidency , this was the first club in India to grant entry to both Indians and Europeans . The story goes that the Governor was once denied access to Bombay Gymkhana Club as he was accompanied by an Indian Maharaja. Annoyed and offended by this , the feisty Lord Willingdon Sports  initiated the building of the Willingdon sports Club.

Originally a 15 hole course, it was renovated and upgraded to an 18 hole course in 2011. although it has a relatively small fairway, the golf course here has 52 bunkers and 4 water bodies and this coupled with the sea breeze, makes for a fairly difficult course to par on.

The club house , which is built like a British summer bungalow with a sloping red  tiled roof and long , white colonnades also has 6 tennis courts , a swimming pool , badminton ,squash court and a well equipped gym. Located in the heart of the city , at a walking distance from the Haji Alo dargah and about 2kms from Mahalaxmi Racecourse, with skyscrapers glinting in the background, this club is an ideal oasis for sports enthusiasts.

India Mumbai - Bombay Presidency Golf Club

Bombay Presidency Golf Club (BPGC) , established in 1927, is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the country . Initially ,rather unimaginatively , called The New Club Ltd, BPGC is spread across 100 acres of land bought from the Bombay Port Trust. It was renovated in 2009 by Nelson& Haworth Redesign and its lush green expanse currently spreads over 90 acres  with 7 water bodies, 43 bunkers and 11 hazards . While the course itself might not present any major difficulties , as it is neither too long nor too narrow, but the temperamental sea breeze often proves to be a hindrance for even the most experienced golfers.

The club has a restaurant , although entry is restricted to members and their guests. The club also has a billiards room , a well -stocked pro shop , a practice putting range and a bar.

India Shillong - Shillong Golf Club

Nestled in the lap of nature , the rolling meadows of Shillong Golf Club are bordered with pine and rhododendron trees. The history of golf in Shillong goes a long way ; in 1898, a bunch of British civil servants established a 9 hole course in  Laban.  After World war I, Shilling's popularity as European golf resort increased and in 1924, the present course with its club house was inaugurated.

Designed by Capt Jackson and C K Rhodes, the course has tight fairways which are covered with a local species of grass, ensuring tough game for most golfers. The longest hole on the course is the sixth one, which is 594 yards. there are fast greens here surrounded by heavy sand bunkers. the game often tests your physical  strength as most tee pints are an uphill walk!

The climate is generally pleasant all year long , though rain could sometimes play spoilsport , with Shillong being just 56km from Cherrapunji- the wettest place on earth /

India Digboi -Digboi Golf Club Links

Digboi Golf Club Links is set amidst lush tea estates and thick forest . It is the first 18 hole golf course to be established in Assam , while the first oil well in Asia was drilled here in 1901. The club is surrounded by the Deihing Forest Reserve on 3 sides, so you need not be surprised if you see a wild boar, or a leopard cross the greens as you play!

Established in 1930 by the British , the course was shifted to its present location in 1943 as a par 70 course. The present course is par 72 and its longest hole measures 530 yards. Its shortest hole, measuring only 127 yards, is called "Stairway to Heaven"

The fifth hole has an airstrip, which was constructed during the World war II. The 11th hole has an oil well called " Captain 's Well 992". as the well was inaugurated by Golf Captain , while the 17th hole is named "Hornbill Haunt" , as hornbills are seen frequenting this hole. Also , do not miss a game at the 18th hole because it has one of the tallest trees on a golf course in India.

India Jorhat- Kaziranga Golf Resort

Kazuranga Golf Resort, nestled amidst the Sangsua and Gatoonga tea estates, is one of its kind. A well maintained property, this course with lush green fairways, smooth greens and roughs with a 2 sided driving range can accommodate 72 golfers at a time.

Designed by Ranjit Nanda, this course with undulating elevation and water bodies near several holes makes it a challenging game for even the most seasoned golfer. The shortest hole here measures 185 yards.

The climate here is ideal for playing golf all year round. Note that the monsoons are from May to August and there is heavy rain for about 15 days in a month.

The resort also has an academy , which provides training to aspiring golfers.

India Hyderabad - Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club

Situated within a realty project, Boulder Hills Golf and Country  Club is perhaps one of the most uniquely laid out golf courses in the country. Built by Emaar MGF and spread over 530 acres of lush green fairways, this golf course has several huge boulders lying at strategic positions, thereby giving the course its name . Located in Gachibowli , near the IT hub in Hyderabad, this 18 hole championship course was designed by Peter Harradine and has eight water bodies, 14 bunkers and 7 hazards.

The golf club here has the Bougainvillea Room for the fine dining and the Plus 4 Pub for those who wish to relax after an outing. the golf club also runs an academy , which is only open to the residents of Boulder Hills society.

India Kolkata - Royal Calcutta Golf Club

Founded in 1829, Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) is the oldest golf club in India, and the first golf course outside British Isles after The Royal Ancient , St Andrews in Scotland , which is hailed as the home of the sport. RCGC was originally located near Dum Dum airport ( now  Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport), moved to the Maiden in 1885 and finally to its present location at Tollygunge in 1910 ( the registered office of the club continues to be ar the Maidan )

King George V and Queen Mary conferred  the title "Royal" to the Club to commemorate their visit to the city in 1911, which is how the club is affectionately referred to today. The greens at Royal are quite large by modern standards. Laid over what were originally paddy fields, the course is undulating , making it both inviting and challenging for experiences golfers. Ponds dot the course and trees and shrubs bordering it add to the pristine landscape.

The first amateur Golf Championship of India was held at the Royal in December 1982 with players from Ceylon, Penang , Burma and Singapore taking part. It is the second oldest running golf tournament in the world after the British Open.Much of the memorabilia - cups , medals , trophies - connected with the history of the club , 1874 onward,is preserved in the club house.

Being the first golf club in India, the Royal is the founder of the sport in the country , producing some of the best golfers, a popular name now associated with RCGC is that of Shiv Shankar Prasad  Chowrasia. The son of a greenskeeper at the RCGC , Chowrasia worked as a caddie at the club for a few years before he entered professional golfing in 1997 and thereafter went on to win eight titles on the Indian Tour, the inaugural Indian  Masters in 2008 and Avantha Masters in 2011. The self - taught golfer is nicknamed "Chip -putt-sia" because of his short game.

India Kolkata - Tollygunge Golf Club

Nesteled in the heart of Kolkata's Bustling southern residential  district , right next to noisy tram station , are verdant greens of the Tollygunge Golf Club - an oasis of calm and quietude. The fairways of this 100 acre championship golf course , bordered with trees and wooded areas, presents a soothing sight in all seasons. These wide open stretches are an ideal foraging ground for a variety of birds that add to the charm.

The golf course is equipped with a floor -lit driving range and well lit golf stroke to allow for a good sport even after dusk. It offers an impressive practice range, putting green and private lessons making it ideal for both beginners and experts.

Tollygunge Club was founded in 1895 by a Scottish banker, William Dixon Cruickshank , to provide Britishers facilities for games , sports and pastimes in Kolkata. Today, it boasts of a range of facilities , rarely found under a single roof; from sporting facilities - golf, tennis squash , billiards , swimming , riding and amateur equestrian sports -to luxurious accommodation, restaurants, in house entertainment , as well as well equipped gym , library ,cyber cafe , unisex salon and a herbal ayurvedic centre.

Great care has been taken to lay out the club grounds with both exotic and indigenous plants , some rare enough to be found in a botanical garden , to the effect that tollygunge Club has the distinction of being the only country club of its kind in India and is ranked among the top 20 clubs of the world. In this and other respect,"Tolly " as it is affectionately referred , has few equals in India and indeed in the world.

India Ooty- Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club

Situated at an altitude of 2134m , Ootacamund among the most exciting because of its altitude , as well as one of the most picturesque golf course in this country.

Interspersed by woods of oak, fir, eucalyptus and the like , this 193 acre course is no child's play and first timers as well as older players are advised to play just 9 holes rather that the full 18 as that involves climbing up and down quite a few times. Designed by Ross Thompson in 1896, the course has 3 water bodies, 42 sand and seven grass bunkers. In spite of fencing all around the course, it is easy to spot a number of animal species along these hillocks , especially near the 13th hole, where fox hunts by club trained foxhounds are a common sight.

The Gymkhana Club provides accomodation with 10 rooms and additional facilities like billiards , table tennis and a cards room . The Golf club also has its own multi cuisine restaurant and bar.

India Coimbatore - Kovai Hills Golf and Country Club

Situated about 15 kms from Coimbatore, in the undulating confines of the Western Ghat off Perur town, is the vast 1000 acre township of Kovai Hills. The 200 acre 18 hole championship golf course, Kovai Hills Golf Club and Academy , is located inside the township and makes for an ideal weekend destination. Designed by David Hemstock in 2009, this course has 6 water bodies and 66 hazards, and is quite a challenging course to par on, especially when it's windy . It is not unusual for golfers to hit the ball and find it landing in an elephant footprint! The course also has a golf academy with trained instructor from the Golf academy of India and Indian Golf Union.

The Club house has cottages fashioned after Swiss chalets and has provisions for several sports, a multi cuisine restaurant and bar.

India Coimbatore - Coimbatore Golf Club

Founded in 1977, the Coinbatore Golf Club (CGC) nesteled in the Nilgiri hills is a beautiful golf township , located 16 kms from the city centre. The emerald green turf is lined with hundreds of tropical trees, making it delightful as well as challenging for golfers. The wide stretches of green host peacocks and other exotic birds -a treat for avid bird watchers and nature lovers.

CGC was established when a bunch of golf enthusiasts began playing golf in the grounds of the Coimbatore Jail. Initially , a 9 hole course was laid out , but later in 1985, Coimbatore's leading industrialist Late K. Rajagopal of Lakhmi Mills developed the course into an 18 hole facility . Known for its immaculate greens which are super quick ( 8 to 9.5 on the stimpmeter) especially during tournaments and located in a windy corridor that can turn an innocuous -looking 100 yard wedge shot into a challenging adventure , this is a course to be respected and enjoyed.

The club house boasts a restaurant and a bar , swimming pools, a practice range , bowling alleys and tennis courts which adds to the experience.

India Kodaikanal - Kodaikanal Golf Club

Spread over 150 acres, Kodaikanal Golf Club , located 6kms southwest of the main city , is nestled amidst dense forests, gurgling streams and wooded hills at an elevation of 2200m. 
This golf course abounds in wildlife, so do not be surprised if you are greeted by a wild board at the 4th hole or a barking deer bounding across the 8th fairway.

This club was founded in 1895, when 12 golf enthusiasts posing as hikers came across this verdant grassland and thought it best suited golf. The club still follows its age-old tradition of the new Captain , driving into office off the first tee. Earlier , the captains would rotate between an Indian , American or a Commonwealth citizen , but now only Indians are eligible for this post.

Each hole at this picturesque golf course teats your skill, especially the steep slopes and the strong breeze seasoned golfer too!

KGC has a conference hall, a bar and a dining hall, apart from accommodation for members.

India Chennai - Cosmopolitan Club

Located in the heart of the busy Mount road , overlooking the Adyar river, is Chennai's most popular golf course,Cosmopolitan Club. Built in the late 1930s, with the greens spread over an area of 80 acres, it was inaugurated by the Governor General of India , Hon'ble Victor Alexander Hope, 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow.

This is a relatively short course, but makes up for it with its clever design , bunkering and overhead cover. Some of the fairways are extremely narrow with heavy tree cover and strategic play often decides a good or a great game here.

the club house here has an excellent 19th hole . A must visit is the refreshment hut at the 8th -9th hole junction , which serves sumptuous South Indian fare.

It also has a well stocked pro shop with golf clubs on hire. 

India Madras - Madras Gymkhana Golf Course

The Madras Gymkhana Golf Course is a 6690 yard , par 72 course set whthin a horse race track. Known for its windy corridor and tricky roughs, it is part of the Madras Gymkhana Club at island Grounds , Anna Salai.

The Madras Golf Club was established in 1877, after Royal Calcutta Golf Club and the Bangalore Golf Club , were set up. The Golf Course was originally laid out at the Island Grounds in Annasalai, before it was shifted to Guindy in the 1880's. The golf course now referred to as Golf Course Annexe was originally 9 hole and became a 18 hole much later.
Originally played off the browns, the greens came about only in the 1880's.

Col Ross Thompson was the first Captain of this Golf Club and in the year 1878, the first inter club competition between Madras Gymkhana Club and Bangalore Golf Club teed off. This remains to date the world's oldest such continuing competition between two golf  club celebrated 125 years of golf, a feat very few golf clubs outside Great Britain can boast of.

India Coorg - Mercara Downs Golf Course

Located outside Madikeri town, Mercara Downs Golf Course is bleesed with a serene landscape and a colonial  history, Said to have been built sometime during the 1800s, it is difficult to ascertain the exact year as the club's original documents have been lost. This 80 acre golf course is situated at an altitude of 1097m and this combined with 3 water bodies , 53 bunkers and 5 hazards, makes it a challenging course for first timers. because of its rolling greens, the sweet smelling coffee plantations in the background , the hillocks  and the fresh nippy breeze , this golf course reminded British officers of their native countryside in Britain and was a much frequented haunt.

Nestled in the hills , the club house here is fairly new , and has been strategically built to protect against the chilly mountain breeze.

India Coorg - Coorg Golf Links

Situated at an elevation of 1067 m above sea level ,Coorg Golf Links is located in the lap of the minty green Western Ghats and makes for peaceful golfing destination.

The dream project of 2 friends, KK Aiyappa and Cs Nanjappa, Coorg Golf Links has a club house with 6 bedrooms, a restaurant , a bar and a cardroom for bridge and rummy. The golf course is located next to the luxurious Ambatty Greens Resort, thereby making it a popular corporate retreat.

This course, which lies amidst Coorg coffee plantations , is acknowledge to be one of the toughest to manoeuvre in the country, because of its varying altitudes and temperamental mountain breeze . with over 40 bunkers and 14 water bodies dotting the grounds here, this is but expected.

The club does not provide equipment or golf carts and this can prove to be a hindrance for senior citizens. but those up for a long walk with the hills for company and golf for sport will find Coorg Golf Links an unmatchable experience!

India MYSORE- Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club

A little outside the charming city of Mysore, with the exquisite Chamundi hills in the backdrop, is the 110 acre Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club. Named after a former Maharaja of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore, this course is situated inside Mysore Race Club premises and remains closed during racing season.

Once the haunt of the British , this club was established in 1906, and was recently redesigned by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design; it currently has the water bodies, 37 bunkers and two hazards.

India Bangalore -Prestige Golfshire Club

Built and developed by the Prestige Group, Prestige Golfshire Club is situated 45 kms from central Bangalore, and is a stone's throw away from Bengaluru International airport.

With the misty Nandi Hills rising in the backdrop and Lake Karehalli bordering it partially , this semi private resort cum golf club is spread over 275 acres of luxurious greens. Designed by Bob Hunt, this course started operations in 2011 and provides one of the finest golfing and residential facilities in India. The vast landscape is dotted with fourteen water bodies, 85 bunkers and a decent foliage cover.

The club also has a wellness zone, a squash court , billiards room , cards room ,gym , a multi cuisine restaurant and bar, Falcon Greens . Stylish , sleek , contemporary and convenient , this club house has everything one needs to rejuvenate on a holiday

India Bangalore- Eagleton Golf Village

Spread over 168 acres of lush green landscape , Eagleton Golf Village was established in 1999 and is set in the midst of a reality project. Located 33 kms outside Bangalore, Eagleton makes for an ideal weekend destination. Open throughout the year, Eagleton was designed by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design and has 7 water bodies, 63 bunkers and 2 hazards.

Eagleton also runs a golf academy which has provisions for long game driving range , practice putting and bunker areas and a digital game analysis laboratory with a trained expert. Eagleton Golf Village also has provisions for poolside volleyball , squash , indoor badminton , table tennis , billiards, cricket , lawn tennis , horse riding and even archery.

India Bangalore- Clover Greens Golf Course

Clover Greens Golf Course , which began operations in 2009, is designed to be eco friendly , where the fairway grass is all native and drought resistant, requiring water that is a fraction of conventional golf courses. This Course is situated inside Clover Greens with its luxury villas and houses  on Sarjapur Road and is barely an hou's drive from the heart of Bangalore . Conceived by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design , Australia, the course is spread over 100 acres of luxurious greens and has four water bodies, 64 bunkers and seven hazards.

The in house golf academy at Clover Greens Golf Course includes a double storeyed pratice range with 10 bays for as many golfers. Today, it has become a very popular destination for those in and around Bangalore.

India Kartanaka- Kartanaka Golf Association

The magnificent 117 acre Kartanaka Golf Association was established in 1973 and it is hard to believe that it was once a part of the Challaghatta swamp. Renovated and redesigned by professional golfer, Peter Thompson in 2008, the greens here are laid out around 14 water bodies, 78 bunkers and 6 hazards. The huge colonial style club house has a swimming pool , a gym , a health club , a pro shop and a restaurant.

The club also provides a panel of professional trainers for individual coaching.

The most well knows face associated with this club is Chinnaswamy Muniyappa , once a caddie lugging around heavy club sets, before he became a professional  golfer and went on to win the Indian Open in 2009.

INDIA BANGALORE -BANGALORE GOLF CLUB

One of the oldest golf courses in India, Bangalore Golf Club was on the itinerary of former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill , who was transferred to India in 1896 as a war correspondent .

Established in 1876 , this golf course was originally a 12 hole course and was redesigned and upgraded to an 18 hole course in 2002 by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast Design. The inter club matches between Madras Gymkhana Club  and Bangalore Golf Club , which began in 1978, are the world's oldest such continuing competition between two golf club. With 52 bunkers, 2 water bodies, flowering trees lining the tight fairways and a large raft of ducks wandering about, this 60 acre golf course located at the very centre of the busy city of Bangalore , stands out for its beautiful design and layout and is a difficult course to conquer!

The large club house boasts of the popular the Pudy's Bar and lounge, the Eagle's Nest which offers comfortable  standard , deluxe and family suits , a gym and spa , a well stocked library and billiards room. 

INDIA LUCKNOW - Lucknow Golf

Lucknow  Golf  Club, established in 1950, is located near the heart of Lucknow city  between Martinpurva( now an urban village named after the 18th century Frenchman , Claude Martin, founder of la Martiniere College) on one side, and Kalidas Marg on the other side.
The course spreads over 70 acres and has lush green fairways with big trees and lakes.

Before 1947, it was a part of the united Services Club and had its headquaters at the Chhatar Manzil. It is believed that the course originally had 9 to 12 greens and ropes were thrown around to ward off cattle that would stray into the course. after independence , the club shut down.

In 1958, some golfers came together and under the patronage of the then state governor Homi Mody, the Golf Club came to be known as Raj Bhawan Golf Course ( name after Raj Bhawan , the official residence of the Governor)

Today , the club has grown by leaps and bounds and offers golfing facilities at par with international norms. It also boasts of a club house with 2 multi cuisine restaurants, a bar and banquet facilities.

LGC has also hosted PGA tournaments , besides local competitors.

Srinagar Pahalgam -Lidder Valley Golf House

set in the picturesque town of Pahalgam with a stunning backdrop of fir -covered mountains is the Lidder Valley Golf Course. Designed by Ranjit Nanda, the scenic 19 hole course, situated at an altitude of 2209 m , is a challenging course especially with its narrow fairways and several water hazards.

This course needs you to be physically fit- several tee points will require an uphill walk. Championships are organised here by the state government and private hoteliers in the summers. If you require a golf cart , please book in advance , as there are onli a limited number of carts.

The course remain closed in winters due to heavy snow.

INDIA SRINAGAR GULMARG - GUMLARG GOLF COURSE

Gulmarg has the world's highest golf course , situated at an altitude of 2650m . The history Gulmarg Golf Club Golf Club was built in 1911 by the British , who used the place as a holiday resort . Redesigned in 2011, the 18 hole golf course welcomes golfing enthusiasts on a daily basis.

The origin of Gulmarg as the "Golfing Mecca" of India can be traced to the late 19th century , when a 6 hole course was established here by Colonel Neville Chamberlain. The first golf championship was played in Gulmarg in 1922 and it hosted the Northern India Championship until 1989.

The course remains closed from December to April , when it is covered with snow. A limited amount of golfing equipment is available for hire , so it is advised that you bring your own kit.

INDIA SRINAGAR - Royal Springs Golf Course

spread over an area of 300 acres , this picturesque course overlooking the serene Dal lake and the fir covered slopes of the Zabarwan Hills, was designed by the world renowned golf course architect , Robert Trent Jones Jr II. The expanse of vibrant green offers view of the 17th century Mughal garden , Chashme Shahi and was listed as India's number one golf course by Golf Digest in 2011. The view of the Dal Lake from the tee box of the fifth hole will put any golfer's attention to test . Those looking for a mid game break will appreciate the tea shelters conveniently located along the course's sidelines.

The golf course encloses a rare grove a cork oaks planted by Dogra ruler, Hari Singh , in 1947 . Cork was in great demand at the time for making wine bottle stoppers.

India Naldehra -Naldehra Golf Club

Only 22kms away from the hill resort of Shimla is Naldehra Golf Club , one of the oldest gold courses in India, perched at an altitude of 2200 m and draped in deodar trees. Its design is reminiscent of Scottish link courses. It was established in 1905 by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon , who was so mesmerized by the beauty of Naldehra that he would often camp here for days together. In fact, he named his third daughter Alexandra Naldehra , after this small town!

It was originally a 9 hole course, but the management felt the need to add more greens and offer a more challenging experience to visiting golfers. The course offers spectacular views of the Himalayas and is bordered the flowering shrubs and thick woods.

The course is divided into 2 parts by a road that serves as a link to Shimla and other neighbouring towns , so it is a common sight to see golfers hit across the road . The undulating landscape demands lofty and sure shots, as a stray ball  would tend to roll off the hillside into the " out-of -bounds" areas.

It is worth spending your time here in the lap of nature; make it a point to stay in the log huts nestled in the deodar forests of Naldehra. Birdwatchers can have the time of their lives spotting exotic species. Naldehra is much more than just a game of golf. 

INDIA PANCHKULA -Panchkula Golf Club (PGC)

Set against a backdrop of the rolling Shivalik hills and with the gurgling Ghaggar river for company , Panchkula Golf Club  is a very picturesque golf course. With vast swathes of greenery ,PGC regularly hosts premier golfing events and is also one of the venues during the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) .

Golfers can tee off at this exquisitely laid out 135 acre course with narrow fairways , varying elevation and difficult Par 3 's, which are the ingredients of a challenging game. The club also offers a children's putting green with training facility. The PGC is a public sports facility and part of a large sports complex run by the Haryana government.

It also boasts of a modern club house with a restaurant ,bar and a health club . The terrace offers panoramic views of the Shivalik hills a pretty sight.

INDIA CHANDIGARH - Chandigarh Golf Club

Tucked in a posh locality in Chandigarh , close to the picturesque, close to the picturesque Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh Golf Club is popularly called  the "Cradle of Indian Golf". Founded in 1962, the club spread over 132 acres was a hole course until the early 1980s, after which it was made into an 18 hole facility conforming to international  standards.

The fairway here is lined with mango , eucalyptus and jamun trees,making it challenging for golfers. The club also has one of the longest par-5s in the country - the seventh hole measures 613 yards. This golf course is one of the few that has a flood -lit driving range, which make it easier for a good game after dusk . It comes as no surprise that the club has produced Indian champions like Jeev Milkha Singh, Amandeep Johl , Harneet Kahlon and Irina Brar, among others. It offers training to aspiring golfers.

Chandigarh Golf Club boasts of a renovated club house with a swanky multi cuisine restaurant and bar . Besides, there's a solar powered all weather pool and a health club.

INDIA Jaipur - Rambagh Golf Club

The picturesque Rambagh golf Club, next to the Ambedkar Circle, overlooks the Moti Dungri Palace and Nahargarh Fort , transporting one to an era long gone. In fact the course itself  has its origin in royalty. Maharani Gayatri Devi, of the erstwhile princely state of Jaipur, was so taken up by the sport on her vacation to Gulmarg in 1943, that she requested Maharaja Man Singh II to get a golf course laid out in Jaipur and this course was thus established with the help of seasoned golfers.

A championship course, Rambagh Golf Club is today affiliated with Indian Golf Union . with 9 greens and  9 browns , its fairways pass through the  Rambagh Polo Grounds , while its lower course with 9 browns is spread over a rough undulating terrain.

INDIA GREATER NOIDA - JAYPEE GREENS GOLF RESORT

Spread over 452 acres of land, Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, opened in 2001, has India's first championship golf course designed by the legendary Greg  Norman. At 7343 yards, it is the longest course in the country and one of the longest in Asia.

As with other Norman's designs, the layout challenges the very best of the professionals and yet is enjoyable for amateurs. It has some of the best Bermuda greens in the country. Nine huge lakes, five small ponds, and 88 uniquely shaped bunkers are strewn over the course.
The Jaypee Greens Golf Academy offers state-of the-art facilities and innovative teaching methods. The club was awarded the "Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course" by Govt of  India, Ministry of Tourism in 2009-2010.

NOIDA - NOIDA GOLF COURSE

A 97 acre oasis of green in the modern township of Noida, the championship golf course is spectacularly laid out to suit both amateur and professional golfers. Set up by the Noida Authority in 1989, NGC is only a short drive from Delhi or can even be accessed by the metro Accessed by Indian Golf Union Technical Committee, the course has lush green fairways bound by bunkers, trees and water hazards. The 7th hole- a 365 yards par 4 is among the most testing on the course.

A historical monument can be seen in the precincts, commemorating the soldiers who died in the 1803 Battle of Delhi that was fought here between the British and the Marathas during the Second AngloMaratha War. The mound on which this monument stands serves as an elevated tee off for the 16th hole ( Championship Tee)

INDIA Manesar - ITC classic Golf Resort and Country Club

The first ever Jack Nicklaus course in South Asia , Classic Golf Resort is built on a 300 acre expanse at the foothills of the picturesque Aravallis, about 1.5 hours from Delhi.A subsidiary of ITC , a global chain of premier luxury hotels, the course , is designed to be a thinking man's golfing dream!

The tactfully -designed course comprises of 27 holes with a 9 hole Ridge Course ( 3, 542 yards) Valley Course ( 3,573 yards) and Canyon Course ( 3135 yards) , each with scattered bunkers and water hazards to make the game challenging. The Ridge and Valley course together form 7114 yards championship course which is regular 18 hole course. This was the first private club to host the Indian Open in 2000 and 2001.

The latest is a luxury hotel , ITC Grand Bharat open within the Golf Sanctuary

INDIA Gurgaon -Golden Greens Golf Club

Designed by Mr Martin Hawtree, the links style championship golf course at Golden Greens is set against the rugged Aravallis ,a  mere 30 min drive from the Delhi International Aiport.

" Golden Greens does not carve its way through the landscape as much as it melts into the desert " Peter Foster") .The course has windswept dunes and the native scrub found in the Aravallis , deep not bunkers and cleverly contoured greens that demand precise play and test the skills of all levels of golfers. It has been rated the second best golf course in the country.

Though relatively new, the club has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments successfully . It has a chalet style club house that offers fine dining and a bar and an academy manned by certified teaching professionals.

INDIA Gurgaon - DLF Golf and Country Club

A 142 acre expanse in the heart of Gurgaon , DLF Golf and Country Club was originally designed by Arnold Plamer and landscape by Bell Collins.

In 2013, it became an 18 hole course when a new layout came up adjoining the existing course, designed by Gary Player. work on a new 9 hole , also designed by Gary Player , has already commenced.Once it is completed this will world class 27 hole facility.

The manicured greens are completed by five sparkling man made lakes ( interconnected by under ground pipes) meandering   streams , variety of flowering plants  and trees and over 60 recorded species of birds that can be spotted here. This makes the experience of the game here exhilarating.

It is the only golf course in the country that offers 18 holes of night golf, thus making golfing pleasurable even in summers . Illuminated by 195 pole lighting across the course, night golf is played here from April to December on Wednesday , Fridays , Saturdays and Sundays.

It is no wonder then that DLF Golf Course was accorded the honour of being the most effective course in the Indian subcontinent by the Asian Golf Monthly in 2007 and 2008.

The club house has a charming colonial character  with a sun deck overlooking the lake. The complex boatsa of the DLF Golf Academy , India's first professional golf school.

INDIA New Delhi- Qutab Golf Course

Designed and developed in 2000 as a 9 hole course by the Delhi Development Authority, Qutab Golf Course was the first public golf course in India with a " pay and play " facility . In 2002, it was extended into an 18 hole course, with a state of the art driving range and training  facility . Remains of the Jahanpanah walls, the fourth city of Delhi , established by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the 14th century, border the course lending it an age old charm.

INDIA New Delhi - Delhi Golf Club

The Delhi Golf Club, DGC as it is better known , is barely a kilometer from India Gate. Built in 1931 , it was part of the new capital city of British had built for themselves in New Delhi. The course , was laid out around  numerous small, and some not so small, Tughlaq and Lodhi period monuments , a location chosen by then Chief of the Horticulture Department, who was also a keen excavator. The rich flora and fauna in the course give it a charming character, with occasional peacock sauntering across the greens or a nilgai seen disappearing behind the trees.

Originally known as the Lodhi Golf Course, it was patronized by viceroys , prince and generals and has a certain degree of nostalgia about it. Old members would recall golfers arriving on bicycles with their golf kits strapped on the back.

The course was redesigned by Peter Thompson in 1076-77 and a 9 hole Peacock course added to the existing 18 hole course.  Undulating ,narrow fairways and deep bunkers make it challenging, requiring accurate play. It is also one of the busiest courses in India, with over 100000 rounds of golf teed off in a year  and perhaps one of the busiest in Asia. DGC has seen the likes of Ernie Els and Darren Clarke on its fairways . Interestingly in 1923, the Nizammudin Railway Station was located on the present 13th fairway, known as the "Monkey Hole" because of the occasional presence of monkeys here.

 The charming course made headlines in February 2014 when the legendary golfer , Tiger Woods, played an exhibition match here on his maiden visit to India. He claimed that the narrow fairways of the course made it challenging and exciting.

While the course is open to visitors, one requires a handicap certificate ( certifying less that 18 handicaps ) to play on the 18 hole course here.

Golf in India

Golf was brough to India by British Colonisers making it the second golf playing nation in the world. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) , founded in 1829, is the oldest golf club outside Britain , and was followed  by Bangalore Golf Club in 1876 and Shillong Golf Club in 1886.

In 1892, the RCGC organised the country's first national level tournament, the All India Amateur Golf Championship. The second oldest tournament in the world , after the British Open (1860), it was initially dominated by British players until Mohinder Bal , and Indian won the title in 1949.

in 1958, it was decided that the Championship would be played by rotation at Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata . Soon after , in 1964, the Indian Open was inaugurated and Major Biloo Sethi was the first Indian to win it in 1965. Now called the Hero Indian Open, it is a leading tournament on the Asian Circuit. It was a matter of great pride when, in 1982, Delhi was chosen to host the first ever golf competition for the Asian Games.

Golfing in India has indeed come a long way. From about a dozen clubs  at the end of the 19th century, it now has about about 160 courses across the country. Several Indian golfers have made a name for themselves on the international circuit , including Ali Sher , Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal , Jyoti Randhawa , Shiv Chowrasia , Gaurav Ghei and Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Chowrasia, Gaurav Ghei  and Shiv Kapur. In 2014, the legendary Tiger Woods played his first ever game in India , an 18 hole exhibition match at the Delhi Golf Club.

With the diversityof course, each unique in its history and topography, offering fresh pleasures and challenges , India is an ideal destination for golf tourists. Besides grand old golfing institutions like the RCGC , Delhi Golf Club , or Bombay Presidency , India has the world's highest golf course, at Gulmarg ( 2700 m) in Kashmir and a host of others set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains, lakes, beaches and forests surrounded by tea estates  or located in old British cantonments.

The Indian Golf Union (IGU) was founded in 1955, as an apex body to promote and manage the game in India. It took over from the RCGC , which has been following the rules of St Andrews in Scotland. The Professional Golfers Association of India ( PGAI) was founded in 1988. It  has brought a flurry of golfing events to the country and made professional golfing a sought after career option.