INDIA TRAVEL DEALS

Travel India and Tours

2008-09-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

As the summer heats up, Intrepid Travel has decided to announce their top trips to India. Tour India in style and absorb the rich culture on one of Intrepid's top trips. India is vibrant, intoxicating, inspiring and dramatic. Intrepid Travel's top India trip, Unforgettable India, takes travelers from the Mughal splendor of Delhi and Agra to the reminders of the Hindu epics in Khajuraho. From tiger-spotting in Panna National Park to seeing the pilgrims undertake their daily rituals on the banks of the Ganges, this top India trip is truly unforgettable. Travelers will uncover the secrets of freedom fighters in Allahabad and soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi. Unforgettable IndiaExplorers will wander the streets of Delhi before experiencing rural life in tiny Chanderi. They will explore the peaceful countryside of Orchha and marvel at Kama Sutra carvings in Khajuraho. Travelers will track tigers in Panna National Park and will witness pilgrim traditions in Chitrakoot. $905 for 15 days (plus local payment INR Rs10000).http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HSUThe Golden Triangle is a perfect introduction to India's three most popular destinations - Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Explore both the icons and secrets of India on this exciting and compact trip.The starting point for an adventure, Delhi, is a chaotic medley of bazaars, museums, temples, mosques and colonial buildings. Travelers then take a fast train to Agra. This former Mughal capital is home to the romantic Taj Mahal and massive Red Fort, which dominate the skyline. After a search for silk, hand painted textiles or folk art in the Jaipur bazaars, explorers then head back to Delhi for a final taste of the bustling city. Pehaps they will indulge in a traditional aloo gobi, or will seek out some of India's famous sweet treats from a food stall. Golden TriangleTravelers will experience Indian culture on this top trip. They will see the sights of Old Delhi and will explore the Red Fort of Agra. They will go bird watching in a rickshaw and will discover a ghost town in Bharatpur before taking a stroll through the streets of pink Jaipur. $665 for 7 days (plus local payment INR Rs5000). http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HSNIntrepid Travel's top India trips are a chance to have real life experiences in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. To learn more about Intrepid Travel's top India trips please visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/About Intrepid TravelWith over 19 years of experience, Intrepid Travel is one of the world's leading small group adventure tour operators. Intrepid offers over 400 adventure itineraries in more than 90 destinations worldwide. Intrepid trips are designed to go off the beaten track, meet the locals and travel in an unconventional way, joining locals on their transport, in their

PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR

2008-08-22T23:30:00.001-07:00

For travelers with a desire to feel the sun on their face and the sand beneath their feet, Intrepid Travel is announcing their India adventure trips that take passengers to the Pushkar Camel Fair. The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the biggest livestock fairs in India. Featuring thousands of people, camels, horses, and shops full of handmade items, buyers and sellers come from all over India to purchase and sell their animals. Held in Pushkar, a town surrounded by myths and legends, visitors of the fair can also enjoy the only Brahma Temple in the world. The festival lasts from November 10th to the 13th, 2008.One of Intrepid's India adventure trips visiting the Pushkar Camel Fair takes passengers from Delhi to Kathmandu. From reminders of the Mughal dynasty to the snow-capped Himalayas of Nepal, this journey will inspire travelers. They will witness the color and contrast from the plains of central India to the sacred River Ganges. From across the grasslands of the Terai to the foothills of the Himalayas, Intrepid's India adventure brings travelers face to face with pilgrims, villagers, sadhus and shopkeepers.Delhi to KathmanduTravelers will see the sights of Old Delhi, and will be romanced by the beauty of the Taj Mahal. They will explore ruins in Orchha, sail down the River Ganges, and will see the pilgrims of Varanasi. Explorers will go on safari in Chitwan National Park, and experience Himalayan panoramas, before they discover the sights and sounds of Kathmandu. $995 for 15 days (plus a local payment INR Rs10000.)http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/HSK/USPR

Medical Tourism

2008-08-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

RNCOS has released a report on the Asian medical tourism industry – “Asian Medical Tourism Analysis (2008-2012)”- which says that Asia represents the world’s most potential medical tourism market. The region accounted for nearly 12.7% of the global market and generated US$ 3.4 Billion revenues in 2007. The market is anticipated to remain strong in future too, registering a CAGR growth of 17.6% during 2007-2012.According to the report, the medical tourism market has been hitting it big due to improving healthcare infrastructure in the region. Countries, particularly India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, are successfully meeting the demand for quality healthcare through world-class medical infrastructure and trained medical professionals, including tertiary hospital care. Most of the medical professionals in these countries are trained in world-class institutions abroad. Hence, hospitals provide foreign patients highly qualified, board-certified physicians, medical technicians, and top-tier nursing staff, together with highly personalized care. As a result, the success rate of complicated surgeries and patient satisfaction is very high.

2008-08-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

Morden India

The modern India got its independence from Britain in 1947 after a long struggle led mostly by Mahatma Gandhi. However, the country was divided into two countries,in the process of becoming independent। Post independence, India has made huge progress inspite of great problems, and has developed its industry and its agriculture, and has maintained a system of government which makes it the largest democracy in the world.

2008-07-31T01:59:00.000-07:00

Delli the heart of Country

Both Old and New Delhi exert a beguiling charm on visitors। Lose yourself unwinding the secrets of the city's Mughal past in the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi before emerging into the wide open spaces of imperial New Delhi, with its ordered governmental vistas and generous leafy avenues.

2008-07-23T03:40:00.000-07:00

Indira Gandhi International Airport
The International Terminal is three miles (5km) from the Domestic Terminal; a free bus connects the two, leaving every 30 minutes. Taxis are the easiest way to get to central Delhi, especially for those not familiar with the city. Metered taxis are available but it is best to use pre-paid taxis (via the taxi counter in Arrivals), to eliminate any uncertainty over fares. Airport buses also leave for central Delhi 24 hours a day. Travel time to the city is around 30 minutes by taxi and 45 minutes by bus. ATMs are available at Terminal 1A (Domestic) and in the Arrival Visitors Area of the International Terminal. Banks and bureaux de change are also available. Passengers should be prepared for a certain amount of chaos at the airport; customs are slow, the queues for the x-ray machines are long and the staff at the endless security checks are rude. There are no shops or restaurants of note.

2008-07-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

Food Travel

You can travel to various places in India to learn the finer aspects of Indian cooking. Kashmir Wazwaan cuisine is very famous for its non vegetarian delicacies. It is influenced by the Afghani style of cooking. The meat is cooked in milk cream and fat and seasoned lightly with aromatic spices like fennel, Kashmiri chillies and cardamoms and so on। Rogan Josh is a renowned meat recipe of Kashmir Dum Aloo is a famous vegetarian dish.

2008-07-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Agra is teeming with thousands of pilgrims returning from the Ajmer Urs of Khwaja Sahab eager to see the Taj Mahal and other historical monuments। The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for their stay at the Kothi Meena Bazar ground, opening ration shops and medical help booths. Traders selling petha, a sweetmeat which is an Agra speciality, are doing brisk business.

2008-07-11T03:30:00.000-07:00

Travel Health

While a visit to your local general practitioner is sufficient, you may want to check in with a doctor who specializes in travel हैल्थ. Start by visiting the International Society of Travel Medicine ( www.istm.org) for a list of member travel health specialists.

2008-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

UNESCO inspects Shimla Toy Train
Shimla: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) team of officials has completed the evaluation of Kalka-Shimla 'toy train' to include it in the World Heritage list. The officials said they were impressed by the British colonial-era train system, considered the greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in the country. "The railway is in excellent condition. It is quite an engineering achievement.

2008-06-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

Golden Triangle Tour
Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi (03 Nights/04 Days) By Car
www.indiagoldtours.com

2008-06-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

Kerala Tourism Online
Thiruvananthapuram, June 23: Kerala Tourism website www।keralatourism।org presents more than 500 tour packages online as part of its dream season campaign। Kerala, one of the most sought after destinations of India, is all set to offer value for money packages during the Monsoon Season.

2008-06-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Gorkhaland agitation effect onn the Indian Travel
Kolkata, West Bengal's tourism industry has been hit badly due to the flare-up in the Darjeeling Hills over the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state। More than 100 hotels are lying vacant as tourists are leaving the pretty mountain resort in the wake of the violence। The verdant hills and the Himalayan toy train service are a prime tourist attraction, particularly during the summer. 'The loss due to the ongoing .

2008-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

United Nations World Tourism Organisation

New Delhi, Less than a week after announcing that she was cancelling her trip to the US in response to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's call for austerity measures, Tourism Minister Ambika Soni has left for South Korea to attend the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) meet. Soni, who leads the Indian delegation, is attending the UNWTO executive meeting being held at Jeju island in South Korea .

2008-06-13T22:50:00.000-07:00

Advisories

NEW DELHI: India on Friday urged foreign governments not to issue advisories cautioning their nationals against travelling to areas affected by terror attacks and crime as such incidents "are unpredictable in any region". "Travel advisories by major source countries would have an adverse impact on the livelihood of the local populations in countries whose economies are wholly dependent on tourism", Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said while addressing the executive council meeting of United Nations World Tourism Organisation at Jeju Islands in South Korea.

Indian main International airfort

2008-06-12T02:17:00.000-07:00

Major Airports in India:
(Mumbai) Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
(New Delhi) Indira Gandhi International Airport
Ahmedabad Airport (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
Bangalore International Airport
Chennai Madras (Meenambakkam) International Airport
Goa International Airport
Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Trivandrum International Airport

Air Cargo bitween mumbai and munich

2008-06-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: German air-carrier, Lufthansa, plans to launch a direct daily flight between Mumbai and Munich from the coming winter, a top official said here . The airlines currently run a daily non-stop flight between Mumbai and Frankfurt, in addition to a thrice-weekly Mumbai-Munich flight.

Indian Tourest attrect for Singapore Tourism

2008-05-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

With India being the fourth largest country in terms of number of visitors to Singapore every year, after Indonesia, China and Australia, the Singapore Tourism Board is all set to promote the country as a unique destination, even for weekends, according to Area Director, Southern India, Sri Lanka and Maldives of Singapore Tourism Board Kiran Bhandari

Indian railway Phone Ticket

2008-05-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

Fittingly named as "dial-a-ticket", the soon-to-be launched service of Railways is currently on trial.A senior Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) official, "A trial is going on experimental basis as we want to make it a fool-proof arrangement by addressing the loopholes, if any, before launching the service finally."

Train between Agra and Khajuraho

2008-05-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Agra, March The tourism industry here is elated over the announcement of a tri-weekly train linking Khajuraho. Rakesh Chauhan, president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurant Association, said: “It would now be possible for tourists from Delhi to halt at Agra for the night and go to Khajuraho by train. Earlier one had to go by road.”Khajuraho, in Madhya Pradesh, has the largest group of medieval temples famous for their erotic sculptures.

Why like travel to India

2008-05-02T20:49:00.000-07:00

India is a country of contrasts. Visitors will find that in some areas India is rich in prosperity and poor in culture, but in others the reverse is true. India evokes a sensual and exotic experience for some, but it is also plagued by poverty. Your India flight could be filled with tourists, diplomats and ambassadors. On either side of a busy tourist street in Delhi, travelers will find themselves surrounded by turbaned shepherds and politicians of India’s parliament.

India and uae increase services

2008-04-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, April 24: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have revised their air services agreement that would allow both countries to fly more aircraft. The agreement would also allow UAE to operate flight services to Calicut, Kerala, an official statement said here .

India Tourism

2008-04-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

With India's economic boom generating more foreign and domestic travel in the country, room rates have shot up in New Delhi and Mumbai, where a night at a central five-star hotel can cost more than $500. The Ministry of Tourism predicts India's room shortfall will increase by more than 50% to about 150,000 rooms by 2010 because of the increasing demand.
Indian and international hotel chains are seizing the opportunity. Marriott International Inc. has 24 hotels in its pipeline to open by 2011.

For Traveller purpuse India's Climate

2008-04-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

India's climate varies greatly from region to region. In general, there are four regular seasons. Winter falls from December through February and is relatively dry and cool. The summer months fall between March and May, and travelers to India will find summer is usually hot and dry. Cheap flights to India can usually be purchased during the Southwest Monsoon season (June through September) when most of the country gets rain. Northeast, or Retreating, Monsoon is October and November.When searching for flights to India, take into consideration the climate during the time of year you’re traveling

Free ticket of Go Air for Children in summer

2008-04-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, Apr 14: In the first initiative of its kind in the country, private airline company GoAir today announced its offer to provide free tickets to children of upto 12 years in the entire summer holiday period this year. The offer is valid on bookings made across the entire network of the airline, a company release quoting GoAir Chief Executive Officer Edgardo Badiali said. GoAir currently operates in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jammu, Jaipur, Chennai and Srinagar.

Tourist and religious Place is Kali Ka tibba

2008-04-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

Chail is one of the famous tourist spot, an agreeable Hindu religious destination at an extreme height. With a temple of Kali Devi presiding as the main deity over the area, the place has attracted both the tourists and locals. Located on the apex of the mountain named after the Rajmata’s cottage-Blossom, the place gives a panoramic view of the venerable Shivalik Range and the mighty Choor Chandni peak. One can always trek up to the temple, as the way up offers some good sights.

Air India started launch to Kualalumpur and abuu dhabi

2008-04-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Air India has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Air India Express, will soon be launching new services from Tiruchirapalli to Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi, reported the Press Trust of India, citing company officials. The company reportedly intends to start the operations with 737-800 aircraft, according to R Nadarajan, manager of National Aviation Company of India, Tiruchi. Six additional flights to Dubai will be added simultaneously.

Travel www

2008-04-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

Websites
www.indiatravelinfo.com
www.india-travel.com
www.wanderlustindia.com

Sikkim good destenation for Tourist

2008-03-31T00:02:00.000-07:00

KOCHI: An eight-member team of Sikkim Tourism Cooperative Society reached here as part of their efforts to woo tourists from various parts of the country to their state. The team is undertaking a 101-day All India Overland Cross Country Expedition by road, which was was flagged off by Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling at Jorethang on Jan 14. Speaking to reporters here, Vice President of the Society, Praneet Pradhan said their primary objective is to familarise Sikkim, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Himalayan range, to the people across the country.

Hyndai to supply travel bus kits to india

2008-03-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. said Monday it will supply 5,100 luxury bus assembly kits to an Indian auto parts maker, marking its entry into the country's rapidly growing market for premium buses.

Special Tourist Train

2008-03-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Kannur, : A special tourist train, the first such from Kerala, will depart from here next month, covering various tourist destinations across the country.Leaving here on April two, the special train will cover New Delhi,Chandigarh, Kalka, Shimla, Jhansi and Hyderabad where the travellers could visit different tourist spots.
The reservation capacity was fixed at 864 tourists. The fare was Rs 6,900 per head, including food and accommodation, according to Gangan Vaikalassery of Keyees Tours and Travels which was arranging the tour. The train will return to Kannur on April 12.

Airfor user fee not cut B'lor % H'bad

2008-03-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, March 16 : The government may consider a reduction in user development fees (UDF), to be charged by developers of the Bangalore and Hyderabad greenfield airports, only six months after the operations commence, a top civil aviation ministry official said here.Under the concession agreement, the developers of the two airports are legally permitted to charge UDF from the international and domestic passengers on their own for a period of six months

indiagoldentours.com

2008-03-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

Vaishno Devi (06 Nights)
Delhi - Jammu - Katra- Jammu - Delhi (06 Nights/ 07 Days

Indo-B'desh friendship rail from next april

2008-03-12T00:27:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, March 11: The friendship train between India and Bangladesh, called Maitree Express and linking Kolkata and Dhaka, will commence its run from the Bengali New Year Day April 14, Railway minister Lalu Prasad announced here Tuesday.
"The Maitree Express will start operating between Kolkata and Dhaka to improve friendly relations between India and Bangaldesh," lalu prasad announced in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, while replying to the debate on the railway budget he presented last month.

Nepal Travel with IATA

2008-03-07T04:37:00.000-08:00

Manager for International Air Transport Association (IATA) of India, Sunil Chopra ruled out the involvement of his association in choking up the Global Distribution System (GDS) through which most Nepalese travel and tour operators sell air and traveling tickets to their customers. “There is nothing to gain by blocking GDS system to Nepalese tours and travel operators but only tried to establish Billing and Settlement Plan in a systematic way," quoted media as Chopra at the orientation programme of IATA organised by Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) on Friday saying. “BSP is a system designed to facilitate and simplifying the selling reporting and remitting procedures of IATA accredited Passengers Sales Agents as well as improving financial control and cash flow for BSP Airlines," according to the official website of IA ( cu NepalM.N.)

Punjab & Sigapur hotel co.plan for tourism train

2008-03-05T04:39:00.000-08:00

Chandigarh, March 4: The Punjab government Tuesday gave "in principle" approval to the RS.400 million ($10 million) train tourism project to be implemented in collaboration with the Singapore-based Orient Express Hotels Ltd . The approval came at a meeting between Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and an official team of OEHL, led by Tom Evers Swindell, the company's Asia regional director.The train will be on the lines of the Palace on Wheels run in Rajasthan.OEHL is operating 50 luxury hotels, restaurants, tourist trains and river cruise operations in 25 countries including Britain, the US, Russia, Australia, France, Argentina and South Africa.

India Wood Show

2008-03-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

-08 to 04-MAR-08Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC)Bangalore- India Wood 2008 is the premier woodworking show for India as well as for the rest of Asia. This is the most definitive meeting ground for Professionals from the woodworking industry to meet, source the latest products and to gather information on the most updated developments on the industry.

ST Microelectronics Travels in india

2008-02-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

STMicroelectronics travels further into India European chipmaker STMicroelectronics opened its third design and development center in India. The new center, an extension of the company's existing facility in Noida, near New Delhi, will house approximately 550 engineers, who will be working on embedded software. The company also expects to hire as many as 100 designers for a new design center in Bangalore.Geneva-based STMicroelectronics is one of the largest semiconductor companies to develop integrated circuits and software in India. Texas Instruments was the first to open operations in Bangalore, followed by Motorola Intel, Cadence Design Systems and several others. curt.jdnews

Travel India

2008-02-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Traveling to India can be a life changing experience for the first-time visitor. For tourists seeking peace and tranquility, India is a spiritual destination that provides insight and enlightenment. For others, travel to India means visiting the Taj Mahal or walking the picturesque beaches in the resort town of Goa. Whatever the reason travelers book flights to India, you can be sure to leave with a lasting impression of this country.India is a country of contrasts. Visitors will find that in some areas India is rich in prosperity and poor in culture, but in others the reverse is true. India evokes a sensual and exotic experience for some, but it is also plagued by poverty. Your India flight could be filled with tourists, diplomats and ambassadors. On either side of a busy tourist street in Delhi, travelers will find themselves surrounded by turbaned shepherds and politicians of India’s parliament.

AIR TRAVEL

2008-02-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

New Delhi, - Air travel in India would be faster, and possibly cheaper, as soon as the civil aviation and defence ministries work out ways for civilian aircraft to fly over the country's restricted airspace. Aircraft would then be able to fly at higher altitudes, resulting in faster travel and lower fuel consumption. Air is thinner at higher altitudes, offering lower resistance to a plane's passage, thus increasing its speed.'We have already initiated a pilot project in southern India called the Chennai Flights Information Region. We will soon extend this project in other regions. Once complete, we can fly civilian aircraft at higher altitudes,' civil aviation secretary Ashok Chawla told IANS.

Record Hong Kong tourist Year

2008-02-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

'Record year' for Hong Kong tourismHong Kong attracted a record number of visitors from the UK last year, new figures show.Statistics released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) indicate that more than 600,000 people travelled from the UK to the Chinese region in 2007 - an increase of more than 16 per cent on the year before, Travelmole reports.People travelling from the UK helped Hong Kong achieve an overall record for the number of people experiencing its unique attractions and atmosphere, with a total of 28.1 million people visiting in 2007.Speaking to the website, Anthony Lau, executive director of the HKTB, said: "2007 was an exceptional year for the UK market to Hong Kong, and we are confident of building on this success in the coming 12 months."

2008-02-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

Good monsoons have the rivers in Karnataka flowing to full capacity. All the waterfalls in the state are flowing with plenty of water and are a great site to see. This is the best time to head to waterfall watching all over Karnataka. Here is a compilation of some of the major waterfalls in Karnataka. Jog Falls. Jog Falls is also the tallest and most well known waterfall in India. A series of dams built upstream have rendered this fall into a trickle for most of the year, but this monsoon is different. The dams are overflowing and there is an unbelievable amount of water falling down more than 900 feet into the gorge.

Egypt and India to visa-free deals

2008-02-02T02:57:00.000-08:00

India's government agreed to signing an agreement with Egypt on the abolition of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, according to the Indo-Asian News Service. It will also facilitate the issuance of residence visa valid for the duration of the assignment to members of diplomatic or consular missions. The agreement will allow a citizen of either country to stay in the other country for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa. India has similar agreements with 35 other countries.

NRI died at Mumbai International Airport

2008-01-31T04:36:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, Jan 24: An elderly NRI passenger died at the city airport soon after arriving here on a Malaysian Airlines flight, officials said . The 69-year-old passenger, identified as Girdharimal Jagjivan, arrived here last night and had cleared immigration when he collapsed, a spokesperson for the Mumbai International Airport limited said. Family members alleged medical negligence on part of the airport, a charge that was denied by the airport authorities, who said all possible treatment had been provided to the passenger. However, custom officials said that they called a doctor present at the airport at about 11:15 pm and also a co-passenger, who was a doctor, to provide him treatment.

Virgin Group will launch domestic airline in country

2008-01-31T04:18:00.000-08:00

The U.K.'s Virgin Group is seeking permission from the Indian government to launch a domestic airline in the country, its chairman said Monday."As a foreigner I'm not allowed to own a domestic airline ... I'm still lobbying to get permission to launch a domestic airline in India," Richard Branson told reporters on the sidelines of a business meeting on a visit with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties with the emerging economic power.

Chhattisgarh artist good earned at Madgaon

2008-01-29T05:37:00.001-08:00

unknown wrote an interesting post today on Here’s a quick excerpt A group of 22 artisans from Bastar in Chhattisgarh has sold indigenous handicrafts worth Rs.1 million at an eight-day crafts exhibition in Goa’s Madgaon city earlier this month.

Chhattisgarh artist good earned at Madgaon

2008-01-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

Indira Gandhi International Airport

2008-01-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

Indira Gandhi International Airport is a major gateway to India. Located in the national capital, Delhi, it is a vital link between India and rest of the globe. The International Terminal (Terminal II) has 35 airlines flying to major cities across the world.
The Domestic Airport has three terminals, i.e. Terminal 1A & Terminal 1B and Domestic Arrival terminal. Terminal 1A caters to domestic flights of the national Indian Airlines and its subsidiary, Alliance Air. Flights of other scheduled private airlines viz. Jet Airways and Air Sahara operate from terminal 1B, along with other executive aircraft/private aviation activities. The road distance between the two terminals is eight kilometers.The Airport is equipped with state-of-the-art category - IIIA landing system making it operational even during dense foggy weather. The Airport currently handles 13100 domestic and 9500 International passengers daily on an average.Indira Gandhi International Airport is stated to be privatised through the route of Joint Venture, as part of Government's plan to privatise the four metro airports for providing world class terminals and other facilities to the passengers

Jet Airways to fly Mumbai to San Francisco soon

2008-01-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

Private carrier 'Jet Airways' will launch its Mumbai-Shanghai-San Francisco flight by the end of February or early March this year as part of its ambitious overseas expansion plan. Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal said the government had already given approval for the proposed daily flight, the first by a private airliner to the US.The necessary travel permit from Chinese authroties was expected soon, he said.The airlines also proposed to expand its operations to Beijing and Bangkok in the near future, he added.

India won Most Travel Awards

2008-01-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

LONDON: India won four awards, including the 'Best Asian Destination' prize, at the 2006 World Travel Market here, Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said.Besides the 'Best Asian Destination' honour, India Tourism also won the awards for 'Best TV Commercial', 'Best Responsible Tourism' and the 'Best MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition) Destination', Soni said.The Minister said there has been a nearly two-fold increase in the tourist traffic to India, from 2.38 million in 2002 to 3.92 million in 2005.

The foreign exchange earning through tourism has gone up from USD 2.923 billion in 2002 to USD 5.731 billion in 2005, she added.She expressed confidence that the number of tourists would touch 10 million by 2010.The rural tourism initiative has been recognised at the World Travel Market as one of the best projects, Soni said adding that it was established as a joint programme between the Ministry of Tourism and the UNDP and is currently spread over 20 states in the country.Soni said the Taj Mahal continued to be the most visited monument in the world.
Medical tourism was being developed in the country with the assistance of the Ministry of Health and efforts are on to provide a secure package to the patients which includes both treatment and relaxation, the Minister added.

Freight Corridor in First Phase- Lalu Prasad

2008-01-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

Puri, Jan 17: The Ludhaina-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai freight corridor will be laid in the first phase, while the Mumbai-Chennai- Howrah freight corridor will be taken up in the second phase, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said here today Mr Yadav, who was on a three-day visit to the holy city, told newspersons here that the dedicated freight corridor for the movement of goods across the country would be laid at a cost of Rs23,000 crore.
The Union Minister said Konark, famous all over the world for the majestic Sun temple, could be linked through rail network if the state agreed to share 50 per cent of the cost of the project. He said the Railway Ministry was considering the demand for development of railway network and other facilities in Orissa. The Railway Minister said the Puri railway station would be revamped at a cost of Rs100 crore.

The projects included raising of platform heights to provide trouble-free access to commuters to board trains, electrification, illumination and expansion of rail washing facility and other infrastructures.Stating that railway played a major role in steady growth of the country, Mr Yadav said the Railways had registered a steady growth of over eleven per cent since the sixth five year plan.He flayed the state government for misutilisation of Central fund meant for poverty amelioration, corruption in mid-day meal and issue of BPL cards. The Union Minister, who arrived in this pilgrim city along with his family members last night, is scheduled to leave for New Delhi tomorrow.

Air India special Flight for Haj Yatri

2008-01-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

Mumbai, Jan 14: Air India today said that it would operate three special flights between Jeddah and Kozhikode tomorrow and Wednesday to clear the backlog of Haj pilgrims. These flights will be in addition to the scheduled Haj charters that Air India operates on this sector and to other points in India, said an Air India spokesperson Meanwhile, Air India's Delhi-New York-London flight A111, slated for tomorrow, has been combined with the Wednesday flight, and it will take off at 0720 hrs on Wednesday, the spokesperson added.

Rajasthan Night Safari

2008-01-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

Jaipur, :The tourists would now be able to enjoy night safaris in the buffer area of Rajasthan's Ranthambore national park The forest department has launched night safaris in Ranthambore in Sawai Madhopur district. And if the night safaris become popular, these would be launched in other wildlife parks and sanctuaries of the state."The safari has been launched in the buffer zone of the park, which is outside the boundary of the national park," .

The first trip of the five-km safari, from Jhumar Baori to Mirza Ghati in Ranthambore, is between 7 p.m. and 9.30 p.m., while the second trip starts from 9.30 p.m. to 11 p.m."The night safaris will give an opportunity for the tourists to see wildlife in the evening and at night," the official said. Each tourist would be charged Rs 300 per trip.

At present, morning and afternoon safaris are organised inside the national park. The Ranthambore national park was declared open in 1981. It covers an area of around 400 sq km. In 1974 it was included as part of the Project Tiger.According to a recent census, the park has 32 tigers - up from 26 in 2005.

Holey Karni Mata Temple

2008-01-11T03:21:00.000-08:00

Throughout history people have looked for someone or something to worship. Some worship gods or goddesses, deities, the earth, nature, or patron saints. Most of us, even if we don’t’ believe the same, can almost understand, patron saints watch over people, deities ensure good crops, health, happiness, the earth helps feed and provide for us. Some tribes believe that animals watch over them, their spirits tied, empowering them.

All relatively understood so far right? What if the animal in question was a rat? Most people will instinctively think, Ewww! A rat? Why would anyone want to worship a rat? Rats are known for harboring disease, pestilence, or plague. They are known for being dirty, crawling in sewers, under homes, causing destruction. But not everywhere, for some, rats are worshiped, holy vessels carrying the souls of storytellers, clansmen who have passed on, a haven until they can be reborn into another life.
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, India is one such place. The Temple is a holy place, visited by people from all over India, coming to worship, hoping to be touched by one of these rats. The temple itself was built in the 1900s, paying homage to the goddess Karni Mata, who is believed to be the reincarnation of the goddess of victory and power, Durga. The story of how this goddess became the rat goddess is interesting, and explains why these small furry creatures are considered holy. It is said that one of the children of Karni Mata’s clan died. After failing in an attempt at reincarnation, she visited the god of death, Yama, to find out why. Hearing that the child had already been brought back, Karni struck a deal with Yama. Not wanting to lose any of her clan to another, she asked that her clan, upon their death and until they were reincarnated in human form, inhabit the form of a rat. Yama agreed to the request, keeping Karni’s clan intact, though not always in human form. Knowing and believing the story, Maharaja Ganga Singh built the temple as a tribute to the goddess. The floors are inlaid with marble panels, as well as the entrance to the temple, intricate detailed patterns carved into the marble. Gold and silver decorations can be found through the temple, many of them rats, or kabbas placed as atonement by a visitor who has accidentally killed one of the inhabitants. There are over 20,000 rats that are said to live here, with their own holes and tunnels built into the construction to allow them to move freely from area to area within. A rat running over your bare feet, or the honor of eating after one, is said to be good luck, spotting a white one even better. The white are said to be a manifestation of Karni Mata, there are very few of them, and seeing one is rare.
Though the picture may make you uncomfortable, perhaps there is some truth to the story, and maybe these rats are holy. Unlike any other place where rats roam free, there have been no cases of disease reported from any of the numerous visitors to the temple, nor have there been any rat borne illness or disease outbreaks in the town that houses the temple.

Jet Airways flight to Kuwait Doha

2008-01-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

Jet's flight (9W 572), carrying 69 passengers, left for Kuwait from Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday morning after being flagged off by Director General Civil Aviation Kanu Gohain. Speaking about the future expansion plans of the airlines, Sinha said, Jet is going to launch two new flights to Mascut and Doha (Qatar) from Calicut from January 23. "Gulf is now growing as a tourist destination. As more and more Indian are preferring to go to these countries for holidays, there is huge demand for better connectivity which is still unmet," he said.

Delhi High Court stay for Go Air

2008-01-04T05:13:00.000-08:00

The Hon’ble Delhi High Court has granted stay order on the verdict passed by Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) against GoAir to award compensation of INR15,000 (USD379) to each passenger of a cancelled flight, by a Bench comprising Hon’ble Justice Pradeep Nandrajog. It should be noted that GoAir had taken all necessary steps to inform the passenger about the flight cancellation through the travel agent with whom the complainant had booked the tickets. This is because the passenger had given the travel agent’s contact number as the contact number on which the complainant should be contacted.

Happy New Year 2008

2007-12-31T23:25:00.000-08:00

Travel and Tourism Fair at Banglore

Travel & Tourism Fair-Bangalore12-JAN-08 to 14-JAN-08Sree Kanteerava Indoor StadiumBangalore- IndiaTravel & Tourism Fair is India's leading exhibition for the travel & tourism industry. Since 1989,it provides an annual opportunity for organisations from India and abroad to showcase their products and services to a large cross section of the travel trade and consumers across major markets in India.

Air India New Schemes Announced

2007-12-31T22:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2008

On the eve of the New Year, the newly-merged Air India on Monday announced three new schemes, including one in which a passenger can get a free return ticket to a foreign destination if he or she flies 25 times by the airline between six metros between January and March.The 'Touch 25' scheme, which is applicable to those travelling 25 times between January one and March 31 between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, would be entitled to a free return ticket for self or nominee in economy class to New York or London or Shanghai from Delhi and Mumbai, an Air India spokesperson said.

Another scheme allows travel from March one to April 15 on a major part of the airline's domestic route network at a price of Rs 999 plus taxes and levies, totalling Rs 1,875. The tickets at this rate have to be bought between January five and January 20, the spokesperson said. The third scheme, called 'Touch West', is aimed at the frequent fliers. Three round trips on Air India between India and the UK, Europe, US or Canada in First or Business Class between January one and March 31 will fetch a passenger a week's unlimited travel in Business Class domestic sectors. The seven-day travel period would begin from the day of the first flight and end seven days thereon. During the week, the passenger may fly on any domestic sector.

These schemes are the first three announced by the national carrier after its merger. The merged entity now operates nearly 400 flights daily with a 140 aircraft-fleet, covering 120 destinations and 39 countries. Air India recently became the first airline from India to be invited to join the major global grouping, Star Alliance.

Online Bus Ticketing Business in India

2007-12-22T05:40:00.000-08:00

Happy x-mas
Online travel agent (OTA) Travelocity has introduced domestic and international flight booking for its India portal, covering 80 Indian cities, reports Internet Travel News. Been a while coming, albeit not surprising. So far, Travelocity has been focusing on hotel bookings. Travelocity India MD Himanshu Singh mentioned plans to launch ticketing last month, in an interview with eyefortravel.com. Singh mentioned in that interview, that cash-back offers of as high as 50 percent is putting pressure on existing travel players - there’s high competition in the OTA space.

Travelocity India also has plans to offer real-time bookings for 77,000 hotels, globally. He mentioned that in India, growth in hote bookings in exected to be dramatic, “from 35% (2005) distribution via OTAs today, to 57% by 2010.” More in the interview here Eyefortravel also has an interview with Expedia India head Sharat Dhall

The online bus ticketing business in India is still in its infancy, but here’s some reason for the likes of Seedfund funded Redbus (tie-ups with 250 bus operators)and Footprint Ventures funded Ticketvala (tie-ups with 50 bus operators) to rejoice: MakeMyTripCMO Sachin Bhatia has told ET that the OTA major is planning to introduce bus ticketing, and is in talks with some of the ‘budding online bus-ticketing portals’. Competitor Yatra.com already has bus ticketing. More at ET. There appear to be a whole bunch of online bus ticketing sites, apart from those mentioned earlier: Abhibus.com Indiabusticket.com and Checkouttrip.com Obviously still much smaller than the airline ticketing space, but just as crowded.

International Travel atract to Kolkata

2007-12-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

International flights from Kolkata are going choc-a-bloc, say travel industry sources. According to them, there is about 12 per cent year-on-year growth this December over last year. “There is enough reason for the travel industry here to be upbeat. Recently- launched flights by Air-India Express (with three times a week to Singapore and Bangkok each) and China Eastern Airlines (five times a week to Kunming) are also going almost full,” said Anil Punjabi, chief of the eastern region of the Travel Agents Federation of India (Tafi).
What’s more, rumours are going around that Air France-KLM as well as Malaysia Airlines have been sending out feelers where Kolkata is concerned. It seems, gone are the days when carriers withdrew from Kolkata due to a poor load factor.
Despite the Infys and ITCs of the world voicing concern over the investment climate in West Bengal, thanks to Nandigram, the aviation industry seems to be putting its money on Kolkata. Lufthansa, resumed its Frankfurt-Kolkata-Frankfurt services after 35 years and the carrier is planning to increase its three flights a week to daily while Emirates is looking to increase its six flights a week to a daily affair on the Dubai-Kolkata-Dubai sector.
Qatar Airways, too, is exploring options for starting operations from Kolkata by March next year. Devendra Parekh, eastern region chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (Taai), says: “There has been an increase of about 3,500 seats per week on the international sector over the last one year. These are winds of change.”

INDIAN CULTURE AND VISITORS

2007-09-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

India is a crucible of cultures - a confluence of ancient, medieval and modern, the East and the West, Asian and European - all the streams. Urban cultural centres are the metropolitan towns and New Delhi, the Capital. Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) on the west coast, Chennai (Madras) on the east coast, Kolkata (Calcutta) up north along the same coastline hold scores of cultural events every day. They are centres of neighbourhood regional cultures as well as India's classical traditions. The myriad performances are representations of the great artistic diversity of India. The rich aesthetic experience - music, dances, choreography theatre and mime - are bound to dazzle and enamour overseas visitors.

INDIA SYSTEM

2007-09-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

Few countries in the world have a tradition, culture and variety as diverse as this multi-faceted land called India. Enriched by successive waves of migration and marauders from distant lands, every one of them left an indelible imprint which was absorbed into the Indian way of life. It is this variety which provides a breathtaking ensemble for experiences that is uniquely Indian. Its physical, religious and racial variety is as varied as its linguistic diversity. Underneath this diversity lies the continuity of Indian civilization and social structure from the very earliest times until the present day. Modern day India represents the largest democracy in the world with a seamless picture of unity in diversity unparalleled anywhere else.Here we have attempted to catalogue everything Indian be it religions, festivals, rituals, artefacts, monuments, different attires, music and dance, language and literature. Come and let us help you discover a little more of fascinating India.Facts at a GlanceFull country name : Republic of IndiaArea : 3,287,590 sq km (1,229,737 sq mi)Population : 1 billionCapital city : New DelhiPeople : 72% Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% otherLanguage : Hindi Religion : 80% Hindu, 14% Muslim, 2.4% Christian, 2% Sikh, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.5% Jains, 0.4% otherGovernment : Federal RepublicGDP : US$1.7 trillionGDP per head : US$1,720Annual growth : 5.4%Inflation : 14%Major industries : Textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, poultry, fish Major trading partners : US, Hong Kong, UK, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Saudi ArabiaCulture : Religion seeps into every facet of Indian life. Despite being a secular democracy, India is one of the few countries on earth in which the social and religious structures that define the nation's identity remain intact, and have continued to do so for at least 4000 years despite invasions, persecution, European colonialism and political upheaval.The Indian Flag : is made up of three horizontal bands of colour; they are, (top to bottom), saffron yellow, white and green. The saffron yellow symbolizes the spiritual nature of India, as saffron is the colour worn by sadhus or Hindu holy men. The white bar symbolizes peace, while green symbolizes wealth through agriculture. In the middle of the flag is a blue wheel, symbolizing the importance of truth and honesty.

Indian culture , life, Religion & Caste system

2007-08-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

Religion & CasteMost Indians (83%) practice Hinduism, 12% are Muslims, and the rest comprise Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsees and other faiths. There are thousands of castes in India (social classes to which people belong at birth). People generally marry within their own caste. There are no particular castes linked to the modern professions of bank clerk, postal worker, teacher, and lawyer.CultureA majority of marriages in India are arranged, and almost all arranged marriages occur between people of the same caste. Only a few young people select their partners (called ?love marriage?) across caste lines, and many suffer socially when they do so.The life of Indians is centered around the family. Two or more adult generations often live together, what they call the extended family. The children are expected to live along with their parents and look after them in their old age. ClothingThe basic clothing for most Indians, men and women, is still a simple draped cloth. (By the way, the pajama came from India). Men in northern India may wear a pants-and-shirt outfit called the pajama-kurta. While his Southern Indian counterpart wears a white wraparound cloth called Mundu and angavastram, a shawl. Women wear the sari. In Punjab, women wear a baggy pants-and-shirt outfit known as the salwar-kameez, and in the south, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra it is Davani, a piece of sheer cloth tucked into a long-skirt.Western-style clothing has almost replaced traditional dress for men, especially in urban India.CustomsWhen you enter temples or private houses it is a custom to take your footwear off. There is another custom of handing or accepting something with the right hand only. The left hand is considered to be not clean. It?s also bad manners there to touch your face with the left hand.Women usually don?t shake hands with men. Instead they greet you with folded hands. Hello in India is "Namaste" or "Namskaram".

. Medical Tourism India

2007-07-25T05:05:00.000-07:00

It turns out that India's top-notch educational system is not only bringing forth computer programmers and engineers, but a lot of doctors as well. In fact, it has been estimated that India produces as much as 20,000 to 30,000 doctors and nurses annually. This shows that it has the potential to welcome over a million medical tourists each year, according to a CII study. As predicted by the report, "By 2012, if medical tourism were to reach 25 per cent of revenues of private up-market players, up to Rs 10,000 crore will be added to the revenues of these players." Medical tourism in India is growing at a whopping rate of 30 percent on an annual basis.
What makes India stand out from the others? Firstly, price advantage. In some instances, the prices are as low as a sixteenth of what the West has to offer. While open-heart surgery could cost as much as $70,000 in Britain and $150,000 in The US, in India, it only costs about Rs. 350,000, that is, US $7,700. Dental, eye and cosmetic surgeries in Western countries cost three to four times as much as in India.

Countdown starts for new seven wonders

2007-07-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Just seven days before the world learns the names of the new seven wonders, suspense is growing over the Taj Mahal making the final cut as India remains in the fourth spot in voting percentage despite a sustained campaign to garner support for the marble monument.

The New 7 Wonders Foundation, a Swiss non-profit group that launched the global online, phone and SMS poll to select the top seven marvels, does not plan to release the latest ranking before the official announcement in Lisbon on 7th July, but the Taj retains its position among the top ten.

"Last week, eight per cent of all votes came from India, but now it has increased to 13 per cent. However, to make it into the top seven, we should aim at 23 per cent," said R D Bhatnagar of the "Indian Unites for the Taj" campaign, which is mobilizing people to vote for the architectural splendour.

According to the voting percentage, India is in the fourth place, while Peru, rooting for the Inca city of Machu Picchu, leads with 20 per cent votes.

The publicity campaign has already gathered steam and will reach a crescendo in the next six days, Bhatnagar said, hoping that with so many organisations and individuals appealing to vote for the Taj, the 17th century monument has a fair chance of making it to the list.

Union Culture Minister Ambika Soni cast her vote in favour of the monument of love on 22nd June and appealed to Indians to do the same.

Members of the Federation of Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and the Hot Air Ballooning Community too have agreed to vote for the Taj Mahal.(DDN)

HERITAGE TRAIN IN INDIA OF TOURIST INTREST

2007-06-30T22:11:00.000-07:00

If you have some time to spare, take a slow toy train up to the hill resort of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran. There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills, past little hamlets and terraced fields, making your way through tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its leisurely pace offers you a panoramic view of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of scenic hill resort provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.Shimla - The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entertaining with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way - Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan all add up to an exhilarating experience.Access to Shimla - A broad gauge line up to Kalka connects Shimla. 'The Toy Train' covers the distance of 96 km between the two stations within six hours.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam) - The Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the town of Mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort at Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour this 'toy train' treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way along with the breathtaking view make this toy train journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!Access to Ooty - Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains.Major Trains to Mettupalayam - The Nilgiri Express conncets Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the nearest city is 90 kms away and linked to all the major cities by rail . Mettupalayam is easily accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train services. (II)