Travel to India with Shannon in 2024
If you follow me on my blog or in the media, you probably know that India is a destination that has captured my heart. India continues to beckon me to further explore its geography, culture, people and cuisine, and I would love to share this beautiful and fascinating country with you.
I am planning to organize a trip to India for a group of women in September 2024.
More details will be announced soon.
If you are interested in finding out more, email me at: info (@) shannonskinner.com.
Stay tuned!
In the meantime, here are a few photos from past trips to inspire you.
Much love xo
Shannon
Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Me at The City Palace, Jaipur, India
My favourite boutique hotel, Samode Haveli
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV host/producer, writer and speaker, covering travel, wellness and wine for women.
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Check out some of my past posts about my travels to India.
Tasting the world’s first black turmeric latte from Shunya India
This week, I attended an event “What’s Brewing in the Himalayas,” hosted by Consulate General of India in Toronto featuring a tasting of organic, herbal, caffeine-free beverages from Shunya India, an India-based company located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The company’s products are soon to be launched in Canada.
Consul General Apoorva Srivastava
Tasting of Shunya India’s beverages
Shunya India’s products are based on ancient Ayurveda medicine and all their herbs are mountain-harvested and organic. Many of the farmers are women.
We tasted four of Shunya India’s products, including the world’s first black turmeric latte. Black turmeric is known to have medicinal properties such as gut health and pain relief
“The name ‘Shunya’ is an ode to fresh beginnings, the immense potential, awareness, energy, and transformative powers that are associated with Shunyatha or Nothingness, from which wondrous creations are born.”
Tasting the world’s first black turmeric latte (the yellow beverage in the cup)
Another product, Himalayan Ashwagandha, has the ingredient Ashwagandha, which is anti-inflammatory and supports your immunity.
My favourite product of the ones we tried is the Damask Rose, a healthy alternative to tea and coffee. I drink a lot of tea and need to stop.
A take-away gift from Shunya India for all guests
An interesting fact about this company is many of the farmers are women who work hard to grow and harvest the herbs used to make these products.
Also attending the event was an Ayurvedic medicine expert from India, Dr. Tanuja Mano J. Nesari, who talked briefly about the health benefits of black turmeric and ashwagandha, as well as Ayruveda in general. There were also executives from Canada India Foundation in attendance.
Toronto-based Ravi Kumar, Eximpro, who imports Shunya India in Canada
Representatives from the Consulate General of India in Toronto and Canada India Foundation
I appreciate my friends at the Consulate General of India in Toronto. Meet Ratna.
Dr. Tanuja Mano J. Nesari, an expert and professor of Ayurveda at the University of Delhi
Lastly, we also said farewell to Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava, who is leaving for her new post in Slovakia.
I am inspired to learn more about the herbs and the ancient Indian medical system, Ayurveda. It is a natural approach to physical and mental health. I really enjoyed these and I will incorporate into my daily life.
Shunyal India is imported in Canada by Eximpro, specialists in international trade and trade services.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational writer, broadcaster and speaker, writing about travel, wellness and wine.
India Consulate General in Toronto hosts media event
On February 10th, 2023, I attended an event for media hosted by the India Consulate General in Toronto.
I had the honour of chatting with Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava and all the other staff from the consulate. Ms. Srivastava provided highlights of this past year of achievements and updates regarding the important Canada-India relationship.
Watch for upcoming articles for more information.
Here are some photos from the event. I usually take photos of the food, but unfortunately this time I didn’t capture any because I had such a lovely time mingling that I forgot to take some snaps. Drat.
Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava
Pictured with Shuban Krishen, India Consulate General in Toronto, Com/Pol & CSO
Gursharan Mann, TV Host and Actor
Ms. Srivastava speaking to the group of media in attendance
Photo credit: Nisarg Lakhmani. Next to Ms. Srivastava, I might be the only non-Punjabi in this photo 🙂
Making new friends
Shannon Skinner is an author, international speaker, travel writer, and host and producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. She is also a travel expert on India as a destination. Read about her journeys to Incredible India .
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India Republic Day in Toronto
On January 26th, we celebrated India Republic Day at the India Consulate in Toronto, hosted by the Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava. In India, January 26th is considered the day the constitution was adopted, making India a republic. It was adopted in 1950. And so, every year, on January 26th, it is commemorated in India and abroad.
The Indian flag was unfurled by the Consul General, who gave a short speech, followed by lovely entertainment. Breakfast was provided by Chaska. They have several locations in Toronto and Mississauga (I love Indian food). Here are some highlights:
Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava.
Pictured with my friend Ajay Tandon, who I will be forever grateful for helping me get to India
– and fall in love with the country.
Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, unfurling the flag and singing the national anthem.
Punjabi media were on location as well as some celebrities.
Lovely entertainment
Young girl performer sings
The consulate was packed with members of the community
A breakfast box and mango lassi, provided by Chaska.com
Millet, paneer, samosa. I love Indian food.
Shannon Skinner is an author, host and producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, international speaker and travel writer.
India Independence Day Celebrations
Every year, August 15th is a holiday in India that marks the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule.
This year, it was the 75th celebration of India’s Independence Day and I was honoured to attend an event hosted by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Consul General of India in Toronto, Apoorva Srivastava
The event was held at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton. It featured remarks by the Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, entertainment by the highly-acclaimed Lata Pada’s Sampradaya Dance Creations and a premier performance by Malhargroup. Of course, no India event would be without delicious India cuisine.
It was terrific to see so many friends after the past two years, and other friendly faces I have seen at various events in the Indo-Canadian community. I am so grateful that the community has welcomed me with open arms.
Here are some snaps from the event.
Ajay Tandon, the man who got me to India in the first place and started my love affair with India, who I will be forever grateful for.
Gursharan Mann, TV Host/Actor.
Malhargroup presented a musical rendition of patriotic songs Azadika Amrit Mahotsav
Lata Pada’s Sampradaya Dance Creations performers
Spot Shannon 🙂 Photo credit: General Consulate of India in Toronto.
My love for India does not diminish. It grows. There is so much to discover.
Shannon Skinner is a writer, TV host/producer, author and international speaker. She writes on travel and wine.
Romantic cities for getaways (when we can travel again)
This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is a good time to start dreaming about that romantic place to whisk away to, by car or plane, once we can travel (safely) again.
Budapest, Hungary
I decided to put together this list after I was thinking about the line in the movie When Harry Met Sally, when Sally (Meg Ryan) tells Harry (Billy Crystal) about her and her ex-partner talking about flying off to Rome on a moment’s notice while they were still in their relationship. It was a fantasy that never transpired.
That lead me to think about one of the most memorable lines in film, from Casablanca, when Rick (Humphrey Bogart) says to his former lover, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), “We’ll always have Paris,” a reference to their romance on the eve of World War II.
Rome, Paris…so many places in the world for romance.
So I put together a list of my top 10 cities to consider for your next romantic getaway. Some will be expected and others might be a surprise.
Quebec City, Canada (photo: Allice Hunter, WikiMedia)
1) Quebec City, Canada: Canada’s predominantly French-speaking city with European flare, cobblestone streets, quaint alleys and bistros with delicious food (be sure to try the crepes). Rest assured, you don’t need to speak French to visit.
Paris, France (photo: Pierre Blache, WikiMedia Commons)
2) Paris, France: Cliché, maybe, but Paris is Paris, brimming with history, art and literature, museums, romantic strolls along the Seine, and so much more.
Vienna, Austria
3) Vienna, Austria: A city filled with music and cafes, and stunning architecture, palaces, and, of course, chocolate. I have visited Vienna a couple of times and want to explore more of this stylish city.
Viennese chocolate
4) Budapest, Hungary: It is a superb choice for travellers interested in wellness because besides the wonderful architecture and safe nightlife, Budapest is home to world-renowned spas. See my photo essay.
Budapest, Hungary
5) Jaipur, India: The Pink City is one of my favourite spots in the world, with its ancient palaces and forts, with some, such as the Samode Palace, being popular spots for weddings and honeymoons. It has many heritage boutique hotels that were once royal family residences, like the Samode Haveli.
Fort Amer, Jaipur, India
6) Cheyenne, USA: Not an obvious one, Wyoming’s capital city is filled with intriguing cowboy and cowgirl history. It is a terrific starting point for those wanting to go hiking or skiing in Wyoming’s vast parks.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
7) New York, USA: It’s almost too obvious to put on a list, but it’s New York and you can find anything you want to do and buy there.
Me, in New York (thanks to my friend Andrea for taking photo)
8) Boston, USA: One of my favourite spots. Years ago, I worked on the Massachusetts tourism account representing the commonwealth in Canada, and had the privilege of experiencing Boston at its best. From delicious seafood to history to the Boston Pops, there is much to do and see.
Boston, USA (photo: Nelson48 Wikimedia Commons)
9) Geneva, Switzerland: One of my favourite European cities, Geneva is a walkable city where you can enjoy international cuisine, world-class wines, chocolate and cheese, and high-end fashion, plus quaint art shops.
Geneva, Switzerland
10) Toronto, Canada: I can’t not mention my hometown, Toronto. It can be best described as a smaller and friendlier version of New York. It has high-end shopping, museums galore, international cuisine, an entertainment scene, some of the finest hotels and many parks.
Toronto, Canada
While this is merely a short list, the world is a big place and there are many destinations to consider. Rome, however, is not included because, unfortunately, I have not yet been! Hopefully this has sparked some inspiration to pack your bags and go…when it’s safe to do so.
Shannon Skinner is a broadcaster, author, international speaker, and travel and wine writer and consultant.
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Canadian soldiers are buried in this War Cemetery in Assam, India
It is said a cemetery is filled with stories.
This Remembrance Day, I am transported to a land far, far away: the city of Guwahati, the state capital of Assam, in India’s northeast region. In Guwahati, which has a population of 1.1 million, there is a little-known cemetery where 5 Canadian military members are buried. In 2015, I had the privilege of visiting this cemetery.
The Guwahati War Cemetery holds about 500 graves for military service members who fought in both World Wars from several countries, including: Canada, India, UK, New Zealand and Australia. Since this region is off-the-beaten-path for international travellers, and the cemetery itself is not exactly easy to find, it doesn’t attract many foreign visitors. But it is certainly well maintained and has many benefits for those who are able to pay their respects.
As someone who has travelled across India, the Guwahati War Cemetery is the first cemetery I have visited in this country. As I walked around the grounds alone, with the exception of my guide who gave me space, I was taken by its natural, understated, simple beauty. Its peacefulness in the midst of a noisy and chaotic Indian city, was a pleasant reprieve, especially while trying to stay cool in the sweltering heat. While I strolled at a gentle pace and looked at the headstones, I wondered what it would have been like for the loved ones of those buried to come visit here, so far away from their homelands. I sought comfort in the knowledge that these sacred grounds held not just 500 graves, but 500 stories,
The cemetery is administered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, an intergovernmental organization that maintains the graves and memorials of Commonwealth of Nations military service members who died in the two World Wars. It includes the graves of 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth military forces and cemeteries at 23,000 locations across the globe.
What is unique about this particular cemetery is that, until 2012, it was the only Commonwealth cemetery to have burial sites of Japanese soldiers who died during the second world war. It is unusual to have soldiers that are allies and enemies buried together in one war cemetery. In 2012, the Japanese government had the remains of its soldiers sent back to Japan for burial there.
No war was fought in the area where the cemetery is located. Those military service members who are buried here are mostly patients from nearby war hospitals and some graves were brought in from other local cemeteries over time. (source: Indian Express).
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Atmantan Wellness Resort, Pune, India: review
It is late at night, it’s hot and rain is hammering our private coach as we wind up the hilly road of the Sahyadri mountains in Mulshi, a hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is June, the rainy season in India, and my first experience of a monsoon. The windows are so saturated with rain I can barely make out the trees in the darkness along the side of the road. One of the passengers is playing music, softly.
So to say I am relieved when we see the warming lights of the Atmantan Wellness Resort property would be an understatement. A staff member meets our coach to welcome us and direct us to check-in. It has been a long day of touring yoga ashrams and academies in the Pune area, after a day of attending International Yoga Day in Delhi, and I am looking forward to visiting one of the top luxury resorts in India.
Atmantan is an award-winning luxury, wellness resort that sits on a hill in the Sahyadri mountains of the Western Ghats range overlooking Mulshi Lake. Approximately 40 kms from the city of Pune, the resort spans 42 acres and is located in the Mulshi hill station (hill station is a quaint term for the holiday destinations in or near the mountains).
Atmantan:
Atma = soul | mana = mind | tann = body
For any traveller seeking personal wellness transformation, Atmantan has wellness offerings that are holistic, integrated and can be tailored to the individual. Their wellness offering include: detox, relax and rejuvenation with Ayurvedic Panchkarma, treating conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, improving cardio and overall fitness, weight loss, pain management, rehab, emotional wellness programs, and more.
Founded by Nikhil Kapur, a former ironman tri-athlete, and his wife, Sharmilee Agrawal Kapur, a pranic healing practitioner, the couple dreamed of creating a holistic spa resort, with a focus on mind-body-spirit. In 2016, their dream became a reality. It is a stunning property.
After checking-in, an employee drives me in a golf cart to my room, only to later return, thankfully, to hand me my passport that I forget at the check-in counter. It is too late to eat anything, so I shower and snuggle into bed. My room is luxurious, the air conditioning is welcoming and the bed is super comfortable. The rain doesn’t let up all night.
When I wake in the morning, the rain has stopped. I step out onto my private terrace and inhale the view of the mountains — and exhale joy. It is serene. The early morning fog is lifting off the mountains. The colours in nature are deep and vivid from the monsoon. It is so quiet I can hear my heart beating.
Breakfast is delightful. The food is fresh with plenty of healthy choices – and the main restaurant’s view of the mountains and lake is awesome. I am joined by a local gentleman, looking mighty fit, who tells me, at 80 years of age, he comes here regularly for the fitness and wellness programs. He takes me for a walk through the sprawling property to show me a big Buddha sculpture in a garden next to the lake.
Finally, I meet my group at our bus and we leave for a day of touring more yoga ashrams. When we return late in the evening, the restaurant is officially closed, but the staff has prepared ahead of time a delicous buffet of healthy Indian fare for us, served in the cool Chantara room. In the morning, I tour the state-of-the-art wellness centre and fabulous spa facilities before we have to depart for the airport in Mumbai. I only wish I could stay longer and most definitely would come back.
If you go….
Getting there? You can reach Atmantan by road or air. I flew from Toronto to Delhi for a short stay and then flew with a group from Delhi to Pune via Air India (2 hours). From Pune, we were driven by private coach to the resort (2 hrs). For guests, private helicopter service and chauffeur-driven vehicles are available. Nearest airports are Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (approx. 175 km/3.5 hrs) and Pune Airport (approx. 60 km/2 hrs).
DETAILS:
Price From: $ 220-280+ Cdn (pax). Inquire about rates and specials. Includes breakfast and access to facilities.
Who Goes? It is a one-of-a-kind in India, so it attracts locals, as well as international guests; business travellers, couples, singles and families (adult only; young children under 14 yrs. not allowed).
Style/Character: A luxury hotel resort, 5-star, modern, with mountains and lake views.
Service/Staff: Good service. Courteous, helpful and professional staff, who will gladly taxi guests around in golf carts. The food in the restaurant was delicious.
Rooms: 106 rooms and villas; all contemporary, luxurious and comfortable. All rooms (range from standard to suites) have a balcony or terrace, and offer lovely views of the mountains and lake. Includes large, bright bathrooms with bathrobe and aromatherapy products, free WiFi in the rooms, air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, fridge, and a flat screen/satellite TV. All rooms non-smoking. Of special note, the exclusive, luxury Mango Tree Villa (140 sq. meters) features a private infinity pool, fitness studio, massage room, sauna, outdoor rainfall shower, walk-in wardrobes and pagoda, with breath-taking views.
Food/Drink: There are 3 food and beverage venues. Main restaurant is Vistara (“spectacular view”), bbq lounge Chantara (“moon and stars” in Sanskrit) for relaxed evenings with music and interactive dining experiences, and bistro Té-Jus (juice bar), with a 360° panoramic view. For meals, Atmantan takes a farm-to-table approach for their “spa cuisine” by using fresh ingredients and organic produce to make meals that are a fusion of Asian, Ayurvedic, macrobiotic and Mediterranean healthy dishes; and excluding refined flour, sugar and dairy. Any dietary need can be met, including gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan, etc.
Amenities. The wellness and spa centre — over 60,000 square feet of wellness facility — is run by an Ayurveda doctor, and has several doctors and therapists available, and 23 treatment rooms. Fitness centre with everything from spinning to yoga to zumba and meditation – and mini-golf. There is a chemical-free indoor and outdoor saltwater swimming pool; business centre and conference centre. Lovely garden and walking paths.
Women traveling solo-friendly: Yes.
Family-friendly: Adult only. Children from 14 years and older are welcomed; children are not allowed in the wellness centre.
Disabled Access: TBD
Pet-Friendly: TBD
Local shopping: Not a shopping destination. Consider Pune or Mumbai for shopping.
What not to miss: the Buddha statue in the garden.
Nightlife: If you are seeking an exciting nightlife, you will need to find another spot.
Value for Money: At a minimum room cost of approximately $ 220 Cdn, you get excellent services, luxurious comfort, spa and fitness services, in a new and unique facility, and a peaceful setting with a breathtaking view.
Reservations: http://reservations@atmantan.com
Location: In the Mulshi hill station, 170 km from Mumbai and 60 km from Pune, and close to Lonavala. Address: Palse Vasti, Mulshi Taluka, Pune 412108 India | +91 20 66766666
Resources: India Tourism.
I was a guest of Atmantan Hotel and India Tourism. Opinions are my own.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning broadcaster, international speaker, author and travel writer. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
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TIFF: The Wedding Guest, a love letter to India
I saw my first TIFF film of the year. Here are my thoughts.
Director Michael Winterbottom and cast, along with TIFF’s Cameron Bailey at TIFF
Quick Plot Summary:
A British muslim man travels to Pakistan to attend a wedding. When in Pakistan, he rents a car, buys some guns and finds himself at the doorstep of the wedding party. The story and his relationship with the bride-to-be, unfolds on a road trip across India, from hotels to restaurants to shops and beaches.
Directed by Michael Winterbottom, and staring the British actor Dev Patel and Indian actor Radhika Apte, The Wedding Guest is a thriller, since is has twists and turns that keeps you at the edge of your seat, but is it also a romance and a road trip movie. Filmed primarily in Punjab, Delhi, Jaipur and Goa, some of the most beautiful areas of India, it is a love letter to India, a country I love so much.
I don’t want to write too much more so I don’t give away then entire plot. But if you love to discover different cultures, if you have wanderlust, if you wish to see more of the world, and like a good thriller/romance, this movie is for you. I have seem many of these places where this movie was shot, and they have been captured beautifully.
An interesting production note, at TIFF, Winterbottom explains the he filmed the movie using no lights, quite a risk for a $5 million film. He told the audience it is meant to make us feel as though we are on the journey with the characters. It worked for me.
The one thing about this film that was a disappointment for me was I felt unsatisfied with the ending. It left me wanting more and felt incomplete somehow. But other than that, it is a superb film.
A girl on the bus in Pune, India, thought me the importance of being present
The bus is moving fast toward me. Too fast.
I’m in Pune, India, on the western side of the country; India’s answer to Silicon Valley. At 40C, it’s boiling outside and I can’t seem to stop the perspiration from trickling down my brow.
I just left the famous ashram of legendary BKS Iyengar, the father of modern yoga, and my mind is filled with his extraordinary life.
Outside on the street, vehicle horns are blasting. Traffic is nuts. But, hey, that’s India.
Now, standing on the sidewalk, the bus that comes into focus has a few school girls smiling and shouting as the bus, caked with mud (it’s monsoon season), whizzes past me. I am fiddling with my Canon, frantically trying to capture the photograph. Then, the bus disappears.
Now, fast-forward …
Yesterday, I took a look at this photo that I had taken of the girls on the bus and realized that I missed out on something.
Something important.
……Oh, hello there!
There is a girl waving at me. But, I did not have the chance to wave back. No, I missed that important moment.
That precious moment of human connection.
All too often we are so busy with our cameras memorializing snapshots in time rather than being present. I mean fully present. In these moments – when we are so focused on our digital world of Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook – we are missing out on human connection. That is, connecting with another human being.
We are not appreciating the moment for what it is.
It reminds me of when I last visited the Louvre in Paris, the throngs of visitors swarmed like bees around the exhibitions, armed with cameras. What I noticed is that many of them didn’t even look at the art: they were too busy memorializing it with their cameras for… later use? They missed out in something important.
Being present and enjoying the moment.
.
On this Sunday, I am reflecting on our real world and our digital world, and thinking about how important it is to put the camera down and be present with our loved ones, with nature, with ourselves.
Shannon Skinner is the creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, speaker author and travel writer. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
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