Here’s a double whammy. The longest solar eclipse of the century is due on July 22 and Cox & Kings India is holding out the chance to witness it. First, Cox & Kings and Space Technology and Education (a government organisation working to develop science and astronomy in India) is organising an eclipse flight under the guidance of Eclipse Chasers Athenaeum. A three-hour Jetlite flight will take off from New Delhi at 4.30am, fly towards and hold over Gaya till the eclipse time (the eclipse will be best viewed along this route). For Rs 79,000, the Sun Side seat will offer a great view of the eclipse, while the Earth Side seat, at Rs 29,000, will offer views of the lunar shadow moving over terra firma. Middle and aisle seats are cheaper at Rs 67,000 and Rs 59,000 respectively. There are just 126 tickets up for grabs, so hurry! Or you could head for Patna on a 3-day and 2-night package. At Rs 12,355 per person on twin sharing basis, it includes 4-star accommodation, all meals, guided sightseeing, and of course viewing of the eclipse from the Patna Planetarium terrace. The prices are valid for travel between July 21 and July 23. For more: call 1800 22 1235/1800 20 9040 or mail to solareclipse@coxandkings.com.

My favourite holiday

Vyshalee Desai,
Model-actor

My favourite holiday spot is New Zealand where we shot recently for my movie, Kal Kissne Dekha. We visited Queenstown, Christchurch, Omarama and Mt Cook. It is a beautiful and scenic place and is supposed to be the world’s laziest destination where everyone is always in a holiday mood. It is a delight for adventure lovers too. We did a lot of jet skiing, bungee jumping and para sailing. Given a chance, I would also like to do a Europe tour by train with my family some day.