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Feliciano Lopez (L) and Martina Hingis (R)With the second season of the Champions Tennis League (CTL) about to begin, India is set to extend a warm welcome to some of the world’s top tennis stars once again. Come 23rd November, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Raipur and a sixth city yet to be announced will be bustling with activity as the CTL party hits the town.It’s 14 days of fun and excitement for the countless Indian tennis fans, as well as a grand opportunity for the players to soak in the spirit and grandeur that India has to offer.Here are some of the best ways in which the players can explore the host cities and their nearby places to get a real taste of India.
#1 Gorging on golgappas
Mumbai - the City of Dreams...and of golgappas! Well yes, it is a dream for any tourist in Mumbai to relish the spicy and tangy golgappas. One of India’s most-loved street foods, these round, crunchy and lip-smacking balls can evoke many an emotion and are always a hit with foreigners too.
The golgappa, together with the soft and succulent vada pao and the deliciously tangy pav bhaji, would give an unforgettable experience to the likes of Flavia Pennetta and Feliciano Lopez trying out street food in Mumbai for the first time.
To explore the history of the city further, an excursion to the spectacular Elephanta Caves by ferry off the Gateway of India is highly recommended. These unique cave sculptures, which are said to have been conceived between the 6th and the 8th century, are a true testament of how gloriously Indian art flourished in the medieval period.
#2 Rendezvous with the Royal Bengal Tiger
Coming to India and going back without meeting India’s prized Royal Bengal Tiger? That’s unpardonable!
The Tadoba National Park in Chandrapur is a must-visit for those who would be coming to Nagpur. Referred to as the ‘Jewel of Vidharba’, Maharashtra’s oldest national park is one of the best places in India to see the treasured Big Cat in all its glory.
Apart from the approximately 50 tigers that are housed here, a wide range of fauna including bisons, hyenas, barking deer and sloth bears are also part of this national park. Away from the din and bustle of the city, this is a great place to feel Mother Nature’s tranquility!
#3 Tasting the Hyderabadi biryani
A trip to Hyderabad is never complete without getting to taste the ever-so-delectable biryani. The famous rice-and-meat dish, which originated from the kitchens of the Nizam, would be apt royal treatment for anyone visiting India for the first time.
In addition, the city is a huge attraction for history enthusiasts. The collection of artefacts at Salar Jung Museum is particularly impressive.
With the world’s largest film studio complex – the Ramoji Film City – being located in the vicinity of Hyderabad, Ivo Karlovic and Co. can never really get bored here. From some of the world’s most well-known filming locations to live shows, it is the most happening place in the City of Pearls.
#4 Doing the bhangra
A Punjabi sojourn can only be enriched further if you become familiar with the heartbeat of the state – the bhangra. With the craze and the razzmatazz that the dance form brings about, it is perhaps one of the best ways to get acquainted with Indian culture.
A stay in Punjab would become a lot more memorable if one gets to learn a few steps of this native dance. Quite a few workshops are held in Chandigarh regularly to provide assistance to newcomers.
Wearing the traditional Indian costumes with rich, vibrant colours and indulging in this highly energetic dance would surely be something to cherish forever.
#5 Visiting the tribal villages
Bastar in the state of Chhattisgarh is the abode of the Bastar tribes, who constitute about 70% of the population. The district offers a superb chance to see India's tribal culture, art and the way of life of the indigenous people living in this part of the state.
For the players arriving in Raipur, it would be a gratifying experience to soak in the folk songs and dances of the tribes. Apart from that, the state is also a throbbing hotbed of the Dhokra ornaments and handicrafts – the traditional artifacts made out of bell metal.
A Dhokra craft purchase would be the perfect souvenir from the land which is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
