World Tour

Your Travel Companion For INDIA

2012-03-21T12:36:00.000+05:30

Travel Torch is monthly travel guide. Travel torch was launched with the prime objective of expressing the true nature and soul of India. And the inspiration behind its launching was to develop it as a great expedition for domestic as well as foreign tourists. This online magazine provides travel related news and events that keep travel enthusiasts updated with the latest development of India's tourism. Not only that at travel torch you will find the various aspects associated with travel like fairs, festivals, adventure as well as pilgrim travel, wildlife, National Parks, Indian heritage and many more. Torch understands this fact very well and accordingly helps the tourists.

Travel Torch Magazine

Gujarat Tourism Hub

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Tourism Hub of Gujarat :

1. Junagadh

Junagadh remained important as a regional capital until the 5th century. Then under the Rajputs and Solankis it was less important, as power centers shifted to near Bhavnagar (until the 10th century), later to Patan (until the 15th century), where it stayed when the whole of Gujarat became a province of the Delhi Sultanate, and then to Ahmedabad when Gujarat again became an independent Sultanate. The Mughals took over in the early 16th century, and continued to rule from Ahmedabad, so it was not until the mid 18th century as Mughal rule was in decline that Junagadh once again became an independent princely state, established by an Afghan named Sher Khan Babi, with its capital here.

2. Somnath

The first historical temple at Somnath is believed to have been built between 320 and 500 AD. As it grew in importance due to the stories above, pilgrims converged at the temple to offer whatever they could, kings bestowed riches upon it, and the town and temple flourished with great wealth.

By road: Junagadh is 327 km from Ahmedabad, 102 km from Rajkot, and 113 km from Porbandar, and is accessible by ST bus

3. Gir National Park

Many come to Gir because, outside of Africa, it is the only place with wild lions. But to truly experience Gir and the lions, you must explore their natural habitat, with everything from tiny wild birds, not easily seen, but heard singing in the forest canopy, to crocodiles floating in the marsh waters. While Gir is most famous for its lions, the park is one of the most diverse places in Gujarat, both in flora and fauna.

4. Porbandar

The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti Mandir, has been converted into a small museum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice. The room where his mother gave birth to him has, as expectable, nothing special about it. It was the family home.

Travel Tips for Kerala Tour

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Money
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks
Banks are open for transaction from 10:00 - 15:30 hrs on weekdays and from 10:00 - 12:00 hrs on Saturdays.

Credit Cards
Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centres honour major credit cards.

Time
(Hours fast (+), slow (-) on IST)
USA: -10.30, Germany: - 4.30, Canada: - 10.30, France: - 4.30, Australia: + 4.30, Spain: - 4.30, UAE: - 1.30, UK: - 5:30.

Best time to Visit
High season: September-May
Monsoon Rejuvenation programmes: June-August

Travel Kit
Cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.

Drugs
Heavy penalties including imprisonment for possession of narcotic drugs.

Ayurveda
Go only to those Ayurveda centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism. Click here to see the list

Food
All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian and typical Kerala fare.

Water
Tap water is purified and quite safe to drink. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Bottled water is also available.

Emergency Numbers
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 102, 108

Police Helpline
While traveling on Highways (Highway Alert Number): 9846 100 100
While traveling in Trains (Railway Alert Number): 9846 200 100

Temple Codes
Some temples do not permit entry to non-Hindus. Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises.

Nudity
Nudity is not allowed in any Kerala beach.

Smoking
Smoking is banned in public places.

Footwear in Houses
Visitors to most Kerala houses leave their footwear outside before entering the house.

Demonstrativeness in Public
Behaviour, demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.

Wildlife Sanctuaries
To visit a wildlife sanctuary, prior permission has to be taken from the authority concerned of the sanctuary.

For further enquiries, contact: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram 695 014, Tel: + 91 471 2322217

Official website
To know more about Kerala, visit the website of the Government of Kerala www.kerala.gov.in

Can you imagine your India trip without visiting the Taj Mahal

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What are the visiting hours of the Taj Mahal and when it remain closed?
Visiting hours of the Taj Mahal are 6 AM to 7 PM & it remains closed on Friday. You can visit other monuments of Agra from sunrise to sunset.

What are the dates for night viewing of the Taj Mahal?
Detail of Full Moon days is as follows

January 08
February 07
March 07
April 06
May 05
June 03
July 03
August 01/30
September 29
October 29
November 27
December 27

What are the charges of night viewing of the Taj Mahal?
Charges for an Indian citizen is Rs 510/- and for an foreigner, it is Rs 750/-.

Are there any timings for night viewing of the Taj Mahal?
Yes, night view is allowed between 20:30 to 00:30 hour only and the duration of visit is 30 minutes.

Where can I get the tickets from?
Tickets are available at Archeological Survey of India, 22 Mall Road, Agra. Ph: 0562-2227263. You can buy tickets 24 hours in advance.

What is the limit of batch allowed to view the Taj Mahal?
The maximum no. of people allowed are 400, divided in 8 batches of 50 people each.

Websites of Indian Tourism by States

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Detail of the tourism departments is as follows:

S. No.	Department of Tourism	Website
1.	Department of Tourism	www.indiatourism.com www.tourismindia.com www.incredibleindia.org
2.	Department of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh	www.up- tourism.com
3.	Department of Tourism, Karnataka	www.karnatakatourism.org
4.	Department of Tourism, Uttranchal	www.uttranchaltourism.gov.in
5.	Rajasthan Tourism Promotion Council	www.rtpc.org
6.	Department of Tourism, Rajasthan	www.rajasthantourism.gov.in
7.	Department of Tourism, Tamilnadu	www.tamilnadutourism.org
8.	Department of Tourism, Goa	www.goatourism.org
9.	Department of Tourism, Sikkim	www.discoversikkim.com
10.	Department of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh	www.mptourism.com
11.	Tourism Board, Chhatisgarh	www.fullofsurprises.org
12.	Department of Tourism, Kerala	www.keralatourism.org
13.	Department of Tourism, Orissa	www.orissatourism.gov.in
14.	Department of Tourism, Himachal	www.himachaltourism.nic.in
15.	Department of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir	www.jktourism.org
16.	Maharashtra Tourism Dev. Corpn., Maharashtra	www.mtdc.india.com
17.	Department of Tourism, Arunachal	www.arunachaltourism.com
18.	Department of Tourism, Gujrat	www.gujarattourism.com
19.	Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh	www.aptourism.in
20.	Department of Tourism, Delhi	www.delhitourism.com
21.	Department of Tourism, Pondicherry	www.tourism.pondicherry.gov.in
22.	Punjab Tourism, Dev. Corpn., Punjab	www.ptdc.nic.in
23.	Department of Tourism, Haryana	www.htc.nic.in
24.	Department of Tourism, Bihar	www.bihar.nic.in
25.	Department of Tourism, Jharkhand	www.jharkhand.nic.in/tourism/tour.htm
26.	Department of Tourism, West Bengal	www.wbtourism.com
27.	Department of Tourism, Andaman Nicobar	www.tourism.andaman.nic.in
28.	Department of Tourism, Assam	www.assamtourism.org
29.	Department of Tourism, Meghalaya	www.nerdatabank.nic.in/EKhasi.htm
30.	Department of Tourism, Nagaland	www.nagaland.nic.in/potential/tourism.htm
31.	Department of Tourism, Mizoram	www.mizotourism.nic.in
32.	Department of Tourism, Tripura	www.tripura.nic.in/ttourism1.htm
33.	Department of Tourism, Manipur	www.manipur.nic.in/tourism.htm
34.	Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corpn.	www.irctc.co.in

Government of India Tourist Offices outside India

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Australia (Sydney)	Level 2, Piccadilly 210, Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. Tel: 0011-61-2-92644855 Fax :0011-61-2-92644860. e-mail: indtour@ozemail.com
Toronto (Canada)	60 Bloor Street (West), Suite 1003, Toronto, Ontario M4 W3 B8 Tel: 001-416-9623787/9623788 Fax: 01-416-962-6279 e-mail: indiatourism@bellnet.ca , india@istar.co
Paris (France)	11-13, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris. Tel: 00331-45233045 Fax: 00331-45233345. e-mail: indtourparis@aol.com
Frankfurt (Germany)	Govt. Of India Tourist Office, (INDISCHES FRENDENVERKEHSAMT) Basolar St. 48, 60329, Frankfurt. Main-I Federal Republic of Germany Tel: 0049-69-2429490 Fax: 0049-69-24294977. e-mail: info@india-tourism.com
Milan (Italy)	Via-Albricci, Milan 20122. Tel: 0039-02- 8053506 fax: 0039-02-72021681. e-mail: info@indiatourismmilan.com , director@indiatourismmilan.com
Tokyo (Japan)	Art Masters Ginza Building, 6-9 Floor, 6-15-12, Ginza Chuo-ku-Tokyo 104-0061 Tel: 0081 -03-35715062 / 63, Fax; 0081-03-3571-5235. e-mail: indtourt@blue.ocn.ne.jp
Amsterdam (Netherlands)	Rokin 9-15, 1012 KK, Amsterdam. Tel: 0031-20--6208991 Fax: 0031-20-6383059. e-mail: info.nl@india-tourism.com , director.nl@india-tourism.com
Singapore	20 Kramat lane, #01-01A, United House, Singapore-228773. Tel: 0065-6235-3800 Fax: 0065-6235-8877 e-mail: indtour.sing@pacific.net.sg
Dubai (UAE)	Post Box 12856, NASA Building, A1 Maktoum Road, Deira, Dubai. Tel: 00971-4-2274199, 2274848 Fax: 00971-4-2274013. e-mail: goirto@emirates.net.ae
London (UK)	7, Cork Street, London WIS 3LH. Tel: 00-44-207-437-3677 Fax: 0044-207- 494 -1048. e-mail: info@indiatouristoffice.org
Los Angels/USA New York/USA	3550 (Wilshire Boulevard) Suite 204, Los Angeles, California 900102485. Tel: 001-213-380-8855 Fax: 001-213 -380-6111.1270, Avenve of Americans, Suite 1808, 18th Floor, New York, 10020-1700 USA Tel: 001-212-5864901/4902/4903 Fax: 001-212-582-3274 e-mail: goitola@aol.com
Johannesburg (South Africa)	P.O. Box. - 412452, Craig Hall 2024, Johannesburg - 2000, South Africa. Tel: +27-11-3250880, Fax: +27-11-3250882 e-mail: goito@global.co.za

Government of India Tourist Offices in India

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Agra	191, The Mall, Agra-282001, U.P. Tel: 0562-2226378 Tele Fax:0562-2226368 e-mail: goitogar@bsnl.com
Aurangabad	Krishna Vilas, Station Road, Aurangabad-431005, Maharashtra. Tel:0240 2364999 Telefax: 0240-2331217 e-mail: indiatourism@bsnl.com
Bangalore	KFC Building, 48, Church Street, Bangalore-560001, Karnataka. Tel: 080 - 25583030 Fax: 25585417 e-mail: indtour@kar.nic.in
Bhubaneshwar	B-21, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneshwar 751014, Orissa. Tel: 0674-2432203,2435487. e-mail: itobbs@ori.nic.in
Mumbai	123, M. Karve Road, Opp. Church gate, Mumbai-400020, Maharashtra. Tel: 022- 22083263 Fax: 022-22014496. e-mail: indiatourism@vsnl.com
Kolkata	'Embassy', 4, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata-700071, West Bengal. Tel: 033 -22825813 (Gram)-"INDTOUR") Fax: 033-22823521. e-mail: indtour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Guwahati	Amarawati Path, Christian Basti, G.S. Road, B.K. Kakati Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781006, Assam. Tel: 0361- 2341603 Telefax: 0361-2547407 e-mail: indtour@asm.nic.in
Hyderabad	3-60-140, 2nd Floor, 26, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad-500026. Tel: 040 - 23260770 , Fax: 040-23261362. e-mail: indtour@hd2.dot.net.in
Imphal	Old Lambulane, Jail Road, Imphal-795006, Manipur. Telefax: 03852 -2221131.
Jaipur	State Hotel, Khasa Kothi, Jaipur-302001, Rajasthan. Tel: 0141 - 2203370. Telefax: 0141-2372200.
Khajuraho	Near Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho-471606, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 07686-272347, Fax : 07686 - 272348 e-mail: goito@bsnl.com
Kochi (Cochin)	Willingdon Island, Kochi-682009, Kerala. Telefax: 0484 - 2668352 e-mail: indtourismkochi@sify.com
Chennai	154, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002, Tamil Nadu. Tel: 044 - 28461459, 28460285. Fax: 044-28460193. e-mail: indtour@vsnl.com , goitochn@tn.nic.in
Naharlagvn	Barapani Police Point, Sector 'C', Naharlagun-791110, Anunachal Pradesh. Tel: 0360 - 22244328.
New Delhi	88, Janpath, New Delhi-110001. Tel: 011-23320005, 23320008, Fax 011 - 23320109 e-mail : uptsmnd@bol.net.in , goitodelhi@tourism.nic.in
Panaji (Goa)	Communidade Building, Church Square, Panaji-403001 Goa. Tel: 0832-2223412 Telefax: 0832-5641653 e-mail: goitogoa@goatelecom.com
Patna	Sudama Palace, Kankar Road, Patna-800020, Bihar. Telefax: 0612-2345776 e-mail: goitopat@bih.nic.in
Port Blair (Andaman Nicobar)	VIP Road, 189, II Floor, Junglighat P.O., Port Blair-744103, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Tel: 03192 - 236348, Fax: 233006 e-mail: goitopb@hotmail.com
Shillong	Tirot Singh Sylem Road, Police Bazar, Shillong,-793001 Meghalaya. Tel: 0364 - 2225632. e-mail: goitoslg@shillong.meg.nic.in
Varanasi	15-B, The Mall, Varanasi-221002 U.P. Telefax: 0542-2501784. e-mail: goitovns@satyam.net.in

The most important tourist sites of Uttar Pradesh are

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Important tourist sites

Taj Mahal,
Agra Fort,
Fatehpur Sikri,
Ghats, Sarnath (Varanasi),
Sangam at Prayag (Allahabad),
forts at Allahabad,
Jhansi,
Bithoor

Buddhist destinations -

Piprahwa
Kaushambi
Shravasti
Kushinagar

Best time to visit:
October to March

Major railway stations: Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Agra, Mathura, Jhansi, Ghaziabad Airports: Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Kanpur and Allahabad
Uttar Pradesh is a land of unending histories and charms. This state is a land gifted with rich natural wealth. Both international and national tourists get attracted to this place as there are several aspects worth exploring. The beauty of Uttar Pradesh is a myth that is never ending.

Two most venerated rivers of India – Ganga and Yamuna – flow through Uttar Pradesh.

Tourist Offices

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Within INDIA

Outside INDIA (Overseas)

Travel Distance for INDIA

2012-03-17T23:24:00.000+05:30

Travel Distance Calculator :

Worldwide%20Distance%20Calculator

Travel Distance from India

In our guide below, you can see flying distances between Delhi and other international city airports, calculated in both miles and kilometres. It also calculates the time difference in the countries you are travelling to...

England (UK)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to London Heathrow, England (UK): 4182 miles or 6730 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to London Heathrow: -5.5 hours.

USA (New York)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to New York, USA (New York): 7307 miles or 11759 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to New York: -10.5 hours.

Argentina
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Buenos Aires, Argentina: 9811 miles or 15789 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Buenos Aires: -8.5 hours.

Australia
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Sydney, Australia: 6487 miles or 10439 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Sydney: +4.5 hours.

Bahamas
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Nassau, Bahamas: 8364 miles or 13460 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Nassau: -10.5 hours.

Barbados (Caribbean)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Christ Church, Barbados (Caribbean): 8351 miles or 13439 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Christ Church: -9.5 hours.

Belgium
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Brussels, Belgium: 3976 miles or 6398 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Brussels: -4.5 hours.

Brasil
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Sao Paulo, Brasil: 8948 miles or 14400 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Sao Paulo: -8.5 hours.

Canada
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Toronto, Canada: 7233 miles or 11640 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Toronto: -10.5 hours.

China
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Beijing, China: 2368 miles or 3810 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Beijing: +2.5 hours.

Cyprus
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Paphos, Cyprus: 2637 miles or 4243 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Paphos: -3.5 hours.

England (UK)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Manchester, England (UK): 4235 miles or 6815 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Manchester: -5.5 hours.

Fiji
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Nadi, Fiji: 7407 miles or 11920 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Nadi: +6.5 hours.

Finland
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Lapland, Finland: 3380 miles or 5439 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Lapland: -3.5 hours.

France
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Paris, France: 4079 miles or 6564 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Paris: -4.5 hours.

Germany
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Berlin, Germany: 3595 miles or 5785 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Berlin: -4.5 hours.

Greece
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Athens, Greece: 3097 miles or 4984 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Athens: -3.5 hours.

Indonesia
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Jakarta, Indonesia: 3101 miles or 4990 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Jakarta: +1.5 hours.

Ireland
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Dublin, Ireland: 4394 miles or 7071 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Dublin: -5.5 hours.

Italy
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Rome, Italy: 3685 miles or 5930 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Rome: -4.5 hours.

Japan
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Tokyo, Japan: 3672 miles or 5909 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Tokyo: +3.5 hours.

Kenya
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Nairobi, Kenya: 3365 miles or 5415 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Nairobi: -4.5 hours.

Malta
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Luqa, Malta: 3634 miles or 5848 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Luqa: -4.5 hours.

Mauritius
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Plaisance, Mauritius: 3624 miles or 5832 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Plaisance: -1.5 hours.

Mexico
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Cancun, Mexico: 8848 miles or 14239 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Cancun: -11.5 hours.

Netherlands
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Amsterdam, Netherlands: 3954 miles or 6363 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Amsterdam: -4.5 hours.

Poland
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Warsaw, Poland: 3270 miles or 5262 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Warsaw: -4.5 hours.

Portugal
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Lisbon, Portugal: 4826 miles or 7766 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Lisbon: -5.5 hours.

Russia
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Moscow, Russia: 2677 miles or 4308 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Moscow: -2.5 hours.

Scotland (UK)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Edinburgh, Scotland (UK): 4247 miles or 6834 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Edinburgh: -5.5 hours.

Seychelles
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Mahé, Seychelles: 2707 miles or 4356 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Mahé: -1.5 hours.

Singapore
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Singapore, Singapore: 2584 miles or 4158 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Singapore: +2.5 hours.

South Africa
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Johannesburg, South Africa: 4978 miles or 8011 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Johannesburg: -3.5 hours.

Spain
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Madrid, Spain: 4507 miles or 7253 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Madrid: -4.5 hours.

Sweden
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Stockholm, Sweden: 3469 miles or 5582 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Stockholm: -4.5 hours.

Switzerland
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Zurich, Switzerland: 3820 miles or 6147 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Zurich: -4.5 hours.

Thailand
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Bangkok, Thailand: 1832 miles or 2948 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Bangkok: +1.5 hours.

Turkey
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Istanbul, Turkey: 2832 miles or 4557 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Istanbul: -3.5 hours.

UAE
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Dubai, UAE: 1355 miles or 2180 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Dubai: -1.5 hours.

USA (Hawaii)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Honolulu, USA (Hawaii): 7407 miles or 11920 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Honolulu: -15.5 hours.

USA (Nevada)
Flying distance from Delhi, India to Las Vegas, USA (Nevada): 7898 miles or 12710 kilometres.
Time difference from Delhi to Las Vegas: -13.5 hours.

Make your India holiday memorable by train

2012-03-17T23:17:00.001+05:30

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.

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.

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.

Major Trains to Mettupalayam

The Nilgiri Express connects Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the nearest city is 90 km away and linked to all the major cities by rail . Mettupalayam is easily accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train services.

Matheran

The 77 year old line, connecting Neral (on main line of Central Railway) to Matheran , is the main way to reach the tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai. As the little train wheezes up into the clear mountain air one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat.

Access to Matheran

The toy train to Matheran commences from Neral (Mumbai Pune line), which is connected from Mumbai by local train. The journey up to Matheran from Neral takes about 1 1/2 hours. The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.

Darjeeling

The most famous of the little trains, is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With a 2 ft gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a 'toy train' being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny centuryold engine is connoisseur's delight. The 86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels, thus allowing the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. The 7 1/2 hour ride is a journey especially for rail buffs.

Access to Darjeeling

New Jalpaiguri , the starting point of the hill train to Darjeeling, has direct connections to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India.

The Deccan Odyssey

The Fairy Queen

The Palace on Wheels

Golden Chariot

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Orissa : A small world

2010-07-15T23:29:00.002+05:30

Each morning the sun breaks over the Konark temple, bringing to life one of the most beautiful states of India- Orissa. The Sun Temple, also known as the black pagoda, was constructed in the 13th century AD. It was conceived as a celestial chariot of the Sun God, drawn on 12 pairs of elaborately ornated wheels, driven by seven spirited horses.

The temple, in its exceptional sense of proportion and its near perfect execution of postures of the icons, reflects the aesthetic and architectural vision of the people of the land. Blessed with the creativity of thousands of artists who have given expression to the miles of unspoilt coastline, lakes, ancient monuments, temples through their artisanship, Orissa is a land of plenty.

The beauty of Orissa unravels like a story through its monuments, landscape and the history. Kalinga, as Orissa was known in ancient times, remained unconquered till King Ashoka captured this state. Shattered by the bloodshed, he denounced the world to follow the path of Buddhism. Today, a sense of calmness and peace winds through the air, like the notes of a flute, filling one with joy.

Orissa has preserved its past in about 500 exquisitely carved temples and monuments. Pilgrims looking for peace and happiness throng Bhubaneshwar and Puri. The annual rath yatra has for years attracted devotees from India and abroad. Konark or the Black Pagoda, with its gorgeous Sun temple, is famous for the beautiful and quite explicit erotic imagery. Lake Chilika is an attraction not only to the tourists but also to the migratory birds. This lake is a treasure house of aquatic flora and fauna.

Odissi, the dance tradition with its origins in Orissa is well known for its beauty, elegance and grace. The intricate mime and rhythm blend giving birth to numerous graceful expressions.

The fabulous handicrafts and paintings add colour to simple life style of people in Orissa. The most popular crafts Patta-Chitra and palm-leaf etching serve as souvenirs from the state. The silver filigree and Applique are distinct art forms of great detail holding the onlooker in awe. The artists of Orissa still live and work in remote tribal habitations, small villages, and traditional pilgrimage towns throughout the state. It is in these little nooks and corners of the state that traditions thrives and flourishes to its full extent.

Places to visit:

Puri - Other than the attraction of its glorious beach, this city by the sea is a major pilgrim centre in India. Adi Shankara founded one of the Peethas here. Puri’s beach, a major draw, is ideal for swimming and surfing.
Jagannath temple - The temple has contributed the word ‘Juggernaut’ to the English language. The fame of Puri is mainly due to this 12th century temple. The annual Rath Yatra is a considerable tourist attraction. Within its precincts are the smaller temples of Vimala, Lakshmi, Vishnu and of innumerable gods and goddesses.
Sun Temple - The Temple Chariot at Konarak of the Sun God (Black Pagoda is a 13th century architectural marvel. Designed as a celestial chariot of the Sun God, it sits on twelve pairs of wheels and is ‘drawn’ by seven horses. The main sanctum is in ruins, but the Dance Hall and Audience Hall are intact. This legendary temple has sculptures of great beauty, covering all aspects of life.
Mukteswara Temple - was built in the 10th century. It is well known for its stone arch at the entrance and is richly sculpted. With tales from the Panchatantra carved on it, the temple is a magnificent example of Orissan architecture.
Rock-Cut Caves - are also seen on the hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri which are about 8 km from Bhubaneswar. The double-storeyed Rani Gumpha (Queen’s Cave) is the largest cave with ornate carvings.
Chilka Lake - is the country’s largest inland lake. One of the many rocky islands inside the lake is Kalijai, with a temple for Goddess Kalijai. A Naval Training Centre is also situated here. Dotted with islands, it is rich in aquatic fauna and is a bird watcher’s paradise when migratory birds arrive in winter. Sunset and Sunrise are memorable experiences here. Boating and fishing facilities are also on offer. One can view the dolphins cavorting at Chilka mouth near Satpara. The Sakhi Gopal temple with a life-size image of Lord Krishna and the Artists' Village, Raghurajpur, are also nearby.
Simlipal National Park - is to the north-east of the state. Threre are tigers, elephants and various species of deer here. The scenery is beautiful and varied with hills, waterfalls and stretches of undisturbed forest. The Simlipal National Park is also a part of Project Tiger.
Chandipur - 16 km away on the coast is a beach resort where the beach extends 5 km at low tide and the sea can be very shallow. It is beautiful spot and is a favourite among picknickers, especially from the surrounding states.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary : This 130 sq. km forest has wild elephants, leopards, bisons, black panthers and many more species of animals and birds. There are watch-towers for visitors for viewing the animals. The sanctuary is 48 km east of Sambalpur on N. H. No. 6.

Travel tips that you must keep in mind while traveling to INDIA

2010-07-07T17:39:00.001+05:30

It is perfectly safe to travel to India at any time during the year.
As far as your India Travel itinerary is concerned the best thing to do is zero in some of the important places of interest instead of crowding your travel plan with too may destination tours.
It is advisable to read up on the destinations you are planning to tour while on an India travel.
Almost every destination in India boasts of a variety of five star and deluxe hotels that feature facilities comparable with international standards. Besides these there are a number of heritage hotels that were in the past palace hotels.
There are many budget hotels and guesthouses apart from a variety of government approved hotels located in different parts of India.
There is something to suit everyone’s budget in India. You can also stay at the YWCA and YMCA hostels during your India Travel with Tourism-of-India
The best period for India travel is during the May – June or October-March months as tourism is at its peak during these months.
It is advisable to ask your agent to arrange for train and road travel while you’re coursing destinations in India. This is perhaps the best way to explore rural India and its many charms.
English is a very commonly spoken and understood languages in India. But in case you do have trouble getting your message across to locals you can book guides and interpreters from authorized India Tourist Offices.
It is advisable to drink bottled water or packaged mineral water while on tours to India destinations.
You must carry your medications if any while traveling to India.
It is advisable not to eat very spicy food on your India travel in fact you may request the hotel staff where you’re staying to take care not top garnish your dishes with a lot of chilli and spices.
Please do not feel ill at ease on being stared at by locals. They are generally very helpful though a little curious about tourist who travel to India from different parts of the world.
In case you are planning to tour restricted areas such as Arunachal Pradesh you must procure the requisite permit from an India Tourist office. You may ask your tour agent to arrange for the same.
Most of the Banks in India function from Monday to Friday from 1000 hours to 1230 hours.
All the post offices in India work from Monday to Friday from 1000 hours to 1630 hours.
All the government and administrative offices in India function from 0930 to 1700 hours on weekdays.
Some important do’s and don’ts while on an India Travel
You must carry your passport and other important travel documents with you.
You must keep the attested Photostat copies in person while stow away the originals in some safe place.
It is advisable not to buy air / rail or travel tickets from unauthorized persons who present themselves as travel agents.
Foreign nationals must pay all their bills through credit cards, traveler’s cheques or foreign currency. Indian rupees will only be accepted if you can furnish proof of having exchanged money at an authorized currency exchange center.
It is advisable not to hire cars or vehicles from unauthorized personnel or travel operators. The best thing to do if need of transport would be to ask your Tourism-of-India tour operator to arrange for the vehicle(s).

Information on Custom / Immigration / Visas

On arrival in India tourists are required to obtain a Currency Declaration Form and must fill up the Disembarkation Card. Tourists must also ensure that they make an oral declaration of the baggage they’ve brought along.
Tourists who do not have articles that needs to go through custom clearance can comfortably go through the Green Channel.
Tourists who must get custom clearance for goods need to go through the Red Channel
For those who have a visa permit for 180 days must acquire a Registration certificate and a residential permit. Four passport size photographs need to be furnished at the time of registration.
While leaving the country foreign nationals are required to submit the Certificate of registration at the concerned office.
Foreign nationals are required to have a Yellow fever vaccination certificate while traveling to India.
Tourism-of-India offers online reservation for India Travel Tips. For details please fill up the form given below.

HIMACHAL PRADESH : A Great Indian Honeymoon Place

2010-07-07T17:35:00.000+05:30

Himachal Pradesh is an enchanting part of the Indian Himalayas and is often referred to as the magical showcase of nature's splendors. Verdant green meadows and wide valleys set against imposing snow-clad mountains; limpid lakes, torrential rivers and gushing streams; fruit laden orchards and gentle terraces of corn and tea all characterize this state. Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh are great places to stay. Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh offer a luxurious stay with the lap of Mother Nature. Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh are romantic owing to their ideal setting. So, the next time you are planning to spend the golden time of your life in Himachal check out the Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh. During the peak season Honeymoon Resorts in Himachal Pradesh are pre-occupied and advance booking is advisable.

After India became free in 1947, a number of princely hilly states were integrated into a single unit to be administered by the Government of India through a Chief Commissioner. As a result, Himachal Pradesh came into being as a part C state of the India Union on April 15, 1948, by integrating 31 big and small hill states of the region. In 1956, following the recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission, it was converted into a Union Territory. Subsequently, some more hill areas of the erstwhile Punjab state were added to this Union Territory and it was made into a full-fledged state, the status that it continues to have now.

Best time to Visit

The climate of Himachal Pradesh, depending on the altitude, varies at different places from semi tropical to semi arctic. Winters (October to February) are very severe and heavy snowfall is recorded during this season. April to June is delightful and comfortable at the higher altitudes, though on the lower hills, this season can have more humidity than usual. July to September is the time for rainfall and the entire region becomes green and fresh with streams swelling and springs replenished.

Location :

Kolkata : Many Things To Many People

2010-07-07T17:26:00.000+05:30

Kolkata, a city that means many things to many people. For some, Kolkata is the city of joy, while for others it is dirty, crowded, and noisy. Once the greatest colonial city in the Orient, Kolkata was later reviled as a cauldron of poverty, dirt, and disease. Today, it ranks among the four major metropolis of India along with Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. A mere village in the 17th century, Kolkata is not an ancient city like Delhi. Like Mumbai and Chennai, it originated largely due to the expansionist ambitions of the European powers, especially the British Raj. Little wonder, Kolkata has some of the finest Raj edifices built in a variety of styles.

Location

The metropolitan city of Kolkata in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal extends between the latitude 22°82' N and longitude 88°20' E. The city is well connected to the other cities of India through train, bus, and air services. Most of the countries in the Asia have flight links to the city.

Best Time to Visit

As Kolkata is near the sea, the city has uniform temperature throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 12-27°C in the winter and 24-38°C in the summer. Annual rainfall is around 160 cm. Humidity level can be very high in the summers and can make one's life difficult.

Bangalore To Be Renamed As Bengaluru

2010-07-05T13:45:00.000+05:30

Bangalore is the capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is the seventh largest city in India. It is also known as the Garden City because of its many beautiful gardens and parks. The nandi hills in Bangalore is not to be missed by the pious. Though the origin of Bangalore is ancient, the present-day city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be an important administrative center. Because of the high concentration of IT industry, it also called the Silicon Valley of India. There are a number of good hotels in Bangalore like the Ashoka Hotel in Bangalore that make your stay in the Garden city comfortable.

History of Bangalore

Legend has it that the city is named after an old woman, who lived in this area and offered a humble meal of boiled beans to a lost Hoysala ruler. The origin of the present-day city of Bangalore can be traced to the early 16th century, when Kempegowda, a local chief, built a small mud fort here. Bangalore gained prominence in the 18th century, when it became an important fort city, under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. This area witnessed the struggle between Tipu Sultan and the British. The British defeated Tipu Sultan and took over Bangalore city. In 1831, the British made it the regional administrative city and established a big cantonment here.

Tourists Attractions in Bangalore

Bangalore city has a number of tourist places. Apart from the numerous gardens, it also has some historical sites and other places of interest. The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, built in 1954, is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles. Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings. The Government Museum of Bangalore (one of India's oldest museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum are important museums within the city. The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, which holds a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the southern fringes of the city.

The 18th-century Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace are other important places of interest to the traveler. The 16th-century, Dravidian-styled temple dedicated to Nandi hills in Bangalore is an important place of worship. For all those religious visitors the nandi hills in Bangalore is not to be missed. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple are other important temple of this city. The Ulsoor Lake on the northeastern edge of the city is an important picnic spot. Bangalore city is famous for it's numerous Yoga centers, where fitness freaks can learn and practice this ancient art of keeping healthy. Most of the good hotels in Bangalore are located close to the tourist spots like the Ashoka hotel Bangalore.

DELHI : The Place of Heart

2010-07-04T20:00:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India.

Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj.

It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings.

New Delhi has expanded and now encompasses residential and commercial development to the west and south, plus the satellite towns of Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

Delhi has overtaken Mumbai & Kolkata in recent years to become the most vibrant creative art center in India. The city has more than twenty five galleries. Conducted tours, seminars, film shows and study classes on art appreciation, history and conservation are frequently organized. Most of the performing art centers are around Mandi House and Bhagwan Das Road.

There is an amazing range of activity from cultural walks, talks, theatre productions and art exhibitions to films by Indian and foreign directors. One can find an option at the Habitat World at Lodhi Road as well as Siri Fort at Khel Gaon.

Area : 1483 sq. Kms.

Altitude : 239 m above sea level

Population : 1,3782976 (2001 census)

Males : 51.21 million Females : 42.49 million

Literacy rate : 81.82%

Density : 9294 persons per sq. Km.

Languages : Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi

Climate : Extreme Hot in Summer and Cold in Winter

Maximum Temperature : 46 Degree Celcius

Minimum Temperature : 04 Degree Celcius

Winter : December - February

Spring : March to mid April

Summer : April end to August

Autumn : September to November

Best time to Visit : October to March

River : Yamuna

Immigration

Visa

There are three kinds of visas for tourists.

The 15- day single/ double entry transit visa. This visa is valid for 30 days from the date of its issue.

The 3-month multiple-entry transit visa. This visa is valid for 90 days from the date of first entry into India, which must be within 30 days from the date of its issue.

The 6-month multiple entry visa. This visa is valid for 180 days from the date of entry into India.

Visa Extension

It is virtually impossible to get the 15 day or 3 month visa extended. Only the 6 month tourist visa can be extended. It can be quite a bother to extent it beyond a 15 day period. Avoid it unless there is an emergency. A 15 day extension on the 6 month visa is issued by the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Hans Bhawan, 1st floor, Bhahadurshah Zafar Marg Tel: 3319781. It is open on weekdays, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and 2pm to 4pm. A 15 day extension is given only if confirmed air tickets are not available. No fee is charged. The 6- month visa can be extended for a maximum period of one month, but any extension beyond 15 days is a complicated matter.

Remember, it is a three-step procedure.

Step1	Collect the long term visa extension form from the Ministry of Home Affairs Office located on the 1st floor of the Lok Nayak Bhawan behind Khan Market Tel: 4697648 / 4697018.
Step 2	After filling up the form, take it, along with four passport-size photographs, to the FRRO for authorisation. A fee of Rs. 775 is levied on a 1- month visa extension.
Step 3	After authorisation for visa extension is stamped on the form by the FRRO, take it back to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lok Nayak Bhawan. Here you will receive the actual visa extension.

Jammu & Kashmir

2010-06-26T13:02:00.000+05:30

Jammu and Kashmir is very popular since the ancient time which became an important centre of Hinduism and later of Buddhism and because of its geographical importance as it is lying between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range bounded by Pakistan, Afghanistan and China from the West to the East, this region became the hub of Muslim Monarchs, Afghan Durranis, the Sikhs, the British until 1947. It is because of this continuous intermingling of diverse cultures, religions and languages, the region of Jammu and Kashmir is representing the unparalleled cultural cohesion which symbolize the Indian unity in diversity. However, the regions are broadly divided into three main regions that comprise of Kashmir – the jeweled crown on the map of India, Jammu - the winter capital of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - bounded by the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Karakoram and the Great Himalaya. The region of Jammu and Kashmir was so beautiful that the Mughals aptly called it as the “Paradise on Earth’ or “Heaven on Earth”.

The city of Jammu is popularly known as the ‘City of Temples’ with innumerable other places of worship and shrines of all faiths as well as other destinations to visit. Some of the famous attractions of Jammu are mountain ranges, Shivalik hills, Raghunath Temple, Trikuta hills, Portrait of a Dogra Ruler, the Pir Panjal Range, ruins of a fort in Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu districts, the temple skyline of Jammu city, Bawey Wali Mata Temple, the Peer Kho cave temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Lakshmi Narayan temple, Duda Dhari temple, Peer Baba Shrine at Satwari, shrine of Peer Mitha, St. Marry's Garrison Church, St. Paul’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, Jamia Masjid, Ibrahim Masjid, Sunder Singh Gurudwara, Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Singh Sabha Gurudwara, the Amar Mahal Palace, Ranbir Canal, Bahu Fort and Gardens, Peer Baba, Mubarak Mandi Palace etc.

For More Information Click Here

City that never sleeps !

2010-06-24T12:01:00.000+05:30

Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun -- this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to -- Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation.

Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.

Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values.

It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy!

Contact
Toll Free No.1800 - 2335050

Welcome To G O A

2010-06-23T22:26:00.000+05:30

‘The Coolest Place in India’

‘Now our road takes us to the magnificent kingdom of Goa…The people of this kingdom are strong, prudent and very hardworking… The kingdom of Goa is the most important in India…It is civilized, having famous orchards and water. It is the coolest place in India and it is the most plentiful in foodstuffs.

‘The white people make a practice of going to the kingdom of Goa to enjoy the shade and the groves of trees and to savour the sweet betel.’

These revealing remarks on Goa come not from the hippies or ‘flower power’ generation of the sixties and early seventies who thronged the beaches of Anjuna, Vagator and Arambol in search of salvation and ‘peace’. These remarks were made over five centuries ago by the Portuguese Ambassador to China who visited Goa around the year 1511. They serve as a vivid precursor to the generations that followed in our times to the fabled land of Goa.

In those tumultuous and rebellious times in the sixties, it was then not the ‘sweet betel’ that was the prime attraction but a different kind of ‘weed’. But Goa, since those days of the angry generation, has moved on to attract a multitudinous, peaceful and cosmopolitan school of visitors from all around the globe.

Down the corridors of time Goa has been different things to different people. To the Portuguese conquerors it was ‘Golden Goa’, the El Dorado, the ‘Rome of the East’. Such was its beauty and grandeur, that a traveller was moved to remark: ‘Whoever has seen Goa, need not visit Lisboa’—Lisbon, which was then the grand epicenter of the Portuguese dominions.

Some decades later, the early 17th century French traveller Francois Pyrard wrote: ‘Whoever has been in Goa may say that he has seen the choicest rarities of India, for it is the most famous and celebrated city, on account of its commercial intercourse with people of all nationalities of the East who bring there the products of their respective countries, articles of merchandize, necessaries of life and other commodities in great abundance because every year more than a thousand ships touch there laden with cargo.’

Pyrard continued with near prophetic veracity: ‘…as for the multitude of people, it is a marvel to see the number which come and go every day by sea and land on business of every kind…One would say that a fair was being held every day for the sale of all sorts of merchandise.’

While the contemporary traveller may not come to modern, thriving Goa ‘for the sale of all sorts of merchandise’, the ‘fair’ is still very much on. The traveller is here to find something different: a balm on the busy mind, to enjoy days of freedom on Goa’s magnificent beaches, to parasail or swim with the tide of fellow visitors from all around the globe, to savour its unique cuisine and imbibe its spirits, to take a long and invigorating trek in its unexplored interiors, to marvel at its majestic temples and churches, in short, to be at one with the most friendly people in the country.

In the sixties and seventies, it was, as we have remarked, a haven for the hippies. Since then Goa has moved on to fullfledged Statehood, its own Council of Ministers, a magnificent new Assembly complex, its citizens among the most literate in the country with a per capita income the highest in the land.. At the hub of this prosperity, is the Tourism industry. At the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), we take a humble bow in acknowledgement, in some small measure, of putting Goa on the tourist map of our country.

But we also acknowledge that Goa does not require a massive sales drive.

Goa is a multifaceted jewel in the crown of India.
It is a frame of mind and body, spirit and soul.
Goa is an unfading memory.
It is joy and nirvana.
Goa is India’s smallest State---with the largest heart.

Goa is Forever.

For More information

Travel Advice

2010-06-21T15:12:00.000+05:30

The world is a big place and more and more of us are exploring far-flung, remote and challenging destinations where travel insurance is paramount (see how it can all add up in the video above!), but advice prior to travel can also make a big difference to the overall enjoyment of your trip.

At Preferential, we provide PRE TRAVEL ADVICE before you travel plus PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES while you are abroad. Read on for further information or see your policy wording for full details.

PRE-TRAVEL ADVICE

Current visa and entry permit requirements for any country
Current vaccination and inoculation requirements
Climate
Local Languages
Time differences
Main bank opening hours – whether or not a Bank Holiday falls within your intended trip

Jaipur - What to See

2010-06-19T18:53:00.000+05:30

CITY PALACE

The City Palace is a historic landmark. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns studded with floral motifs in gold and coloured stones. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to serve as guides.

The palace interior houses a Museum containing select collection of various types of Rajasthani dresses, a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput weapons; swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent scabbards.

It also has an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.

JANTAR MANTAR

Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.

Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are: Small 'Samrat', 'Dhruva', 'Narivalya', The Observer's Seat, Small 'Kranti', 'Raj'

'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas', 'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta', Large 'Kranti'

HAWA MAHAL

Built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal is the most strikingly designed monument in Jaipur. What is seen from the Sireh Deorhi Bazaar is the multiniched five story high backside of the complex ( see it in photo gallery ). It was conceived to provide adequate vantage position behind delicate stone carved jali screens to the palace women for watching the royal processions passing through the bazaar below.

ALBERT HALL

It is situated in the beautiful garden of Jaipur city, Ram Niwas Bagh. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh in the year 1886 under the drought relief work of Rs 4 Lacs.

The design of the building was done by Sir Swinton Jaicob. Presently the hall is used for museum purpose.

JAL MAHALL

A tiny palace romantically located in the middle of a small lake, this was supposed to be a hunting lodge for the royal family. It can only be viewed from the banks of the lake

AMER FORT

For seven long centuries before Jaipur was built, Amer served as the capital as Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar.

Amer Fort is the complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples, which were built by Raja Man Singh, Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries.

The palace complex rising from the placid waters of the Mootha lake is approached through a steep path, now often traversed by tourists on elephant-back, to Singh palace and Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from one end to the chowk, one leading to the elegant temple of Shila Mata and other to the palace complex. The image of the Mother Goddess worshipped with reverence by thousands of devotees every day was brought from Jessore in East Bengal ( now in Bangladesh ) by raja Man Singh and installed here.

B.M. BIRLA PLANETARIUM

Equipped with modern computerized projection system, the planetarium offers unique audio-visual educational entertainment. A Science Museum is also a part of this one of the most modern planetarium in India.

GALTAJI

Beyond the gardens amidst the low hills guarding the city lies the old pilgrim centre of Galtaji. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds ( natural springs and reservoirs ) do the serene green landscape. The small temple of the Sun God, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak, is visible from all parts of the city.

LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE

In the southern horizon is a privately owned hilltop fort of Moti Doongari shaped like a scotish castle. At the foot of the hill, Laxmi Narayan Temple, beautifully built in sparking white marble, is located.

NAHARGARH FORT

Beyond the hills of Jaigarh stand the Fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful city. Much of the original structures are now in ruins, but the lovely building added by sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II still survive.

Sargasuli

GOVIND DEVJI TEMPLE

In the central pavilion of the sprawling Jai Niwas Garden to the north of the Chandra Mahal is the spire less temple of Lord Krishna. the image in the form of Govind Devji, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh-II as his family deity. this is the most famous and popular temple in Pink City attracting devotees from all over the country.

SISODIA RANI KA BAGH

Along the road to Agra through a narrow garge in the southern eastern corner of the walled city, several landscaped gardens were constructed by the Kings and important courtiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. The largest and the most famous ia a garden built by sawai jai Singh II for his Sisodia queen-the Sisodai Rani Ka Bagh. It consists of tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavillions.

JAIGARH FORT

The western skyline is dominated by the extensive parkotas (walls), watch-towers and gateways of jaigarh. It is one of the few military structures of the mediaeval India preserved almost intact containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban - the largest in the country.

GAITORE

Located off the Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitore is the final resting place for the maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a narrow valley, the cenotaphs of the former rulers consist of the somewhat typical chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorials. Of special mention is Jai Singh IT's chhatri because of the carvings that have been used to embellish it.

MOTI DOONGRI

A small palace, this is a replica of a Scottish castle, and perches on a hilltop. Once occupied by Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi.

RAM NIWAS BAGH

A garden planned by Maharaja Ram Singh in the 19th century as a famine relief project, this extensive park consists of a zoo, aviary, herbarium museum and sports complex. An added attraction is Albert Hall, designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect who created palaces for many of the rulers of Rajasthan, and whose experiments with Indo Saracenic architecture combined elements of English and north- Indian architecture. Albert Hall is a museum and houses many curiosities.

VIDYADHARJI KA BAGH

The exquisite, tiered garden laid for the private pleasure of the architect of the city, it has delicated pavilions bordered by water channels, and a larger pavilion overlooking the whole complex. Located at Ghat Ki Guni, it is now let out for private picnics.

Jaipur - The PinkCity

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This famous city is the capital of Rajasthan and has earned universal renown as the " Pink City ", and pink it is, with beautiful constructed palaces, havelis and forts. Tall, rugged men with handle-bar whiskers sport bright pink turbans. Jaipur which means the city of victory was built exactly 273 years back and is 262 km by road from Delhi ( Capital of India ). A strong wall encircles the old city and even today has a suggestion of formidable strength, its function of protecting all within is obvious.

The plains of Rajasthan of which Jaipur is the capital once thundered and echoed with clash of swords and the drums of wars.Built in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh-II, Jaipur was the first planned city of its time ( the earlier planned city in northern India having been built near Taxila sometime in the 2nd century BC ).

Jaipur was planned by Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect, in a grid system with wide straight avenues, roads, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of the main bazaars, all arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (chokris). The city itself is an attractive creation worthy of universal admiration.

There is a feast in store for tourists. Attractive monuments where one can breathe the fragrance of history. Comfortable and luxurious hotels, once the proud of kings, parks, gardens, and excursions of nearby places of interest, make Jaipur a tourist's paradise.

General Information

Area : 11117.8 sq.km.
Altitude: 431 metres
Climate: 45 max. 25 min. ( summer ) / 22 max. 05 min. ( winter )
Languages: English, Hindi, राजस्थानी

FIFA 2010 World Cup City Guide

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World Cup City Guide, we explore South Africa’s lesser-known host cities, which despite being off the well-beaten tourist routes, offer a wealth of things to see and do.

Nelspruit

Misconception: A dull agricultural supply centre.

Word on the street: Despite being in a major fruit growing region, Nelspruit is the gateway to fantastic game lodges. It's also close to the land-locked Kingdom of Swaziland and beautiful Mozambique.

Before kick off: 10 on Russell, in the Central Business District, delivers excellent food and service from the oldest building in town. Be sure to try the trout at Chez Vincent on Ferreira Street. The Hillside Tavern Steak House and Pub in the Village Centre is good for rowdier evenings.

The final whistle: Use Nelspruit as a base to go on a safari in Kruger National Park; eat mopane worms at Shangana Cultural Village just outside the town Hazyview, 45km (28 miles) north of Nelspruit; see stalactites and stalagmites in two-million-year-old Sudwala Caves, the world's oldest caves; take in incredible views of the Blyde River Canyon from God's Window viewpoint near Graskop; do a spot of fly-fishing in quaint Dullstroom.

Red card: Consider the region's private game reserves carefully before you part with your cash - you may well have a much better experience at the state-run Kruger National Park.

Insider tip: Soak up wild South Africa from the deck of Makulu Manzi (Big Water) Restaurant overlooking the Crocodile River in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. The gardens also have a great collection of cycads and baobab trees.

Pretoria

Misconception: The home of conservative Afrikanerdom.

Word on the street: Since political change, Pretoria has become a fast-paced, cosmopolitan capital city and is now associated with rock bands like Desmond and the Tutus, Wonderboom, and the maverick, anti-establishment Afrikaner musicians Johannes Kerkorrel and Koos Kombuis.

Before kick off: Hatfield and Brooklyn are the suburbs for eating and drinking - try Tings and Times and News Café. Closer to the stadium, the Eastwood Tavern is great for a pre- or post-match pint. Order excellent grills from family-friendly The Godfather, on the corner of Heuwel and Mike Crawford Streets, or try the ostrich kebabs at the Blue Crane on Melk Street.

The final whistle: The Herbert Baker-designed seat of government, the Union Buildings, offer a fantastic view of the city. Church Square in the city centre has a monument to Boer leader and one-time president, Paul Kruger, but within spitting distance is the Palace of Justice, where Nelson Mandela was tried for treason. Don't miss the Correctional Services Museum at Pretoria Central Prison where political prisoners were incarcerated and often executed.

Red card: As with Johannesburg, be sensible but not paranoid about crime. Avoid walking alone at night, lock car doors, and keep handbags and expensive equipment out of sight.

Insider tip: If the football gets too much, one of the best places to relax in Pretoria are the Botanical Gardens, which accommodate 198 bird species and paved nature trails. Most of the plants are South African natives. Find the gardens on Cussonia Avenue in the suburb of Brummeria.

Polokwane

Misconception: Sorry, Polo-what?

Word on the street: Once called Pietersburg, Polokwane is the busy capital of Limpopo province, in the far north of the country.

Before kick off: Old Joe's Bar at the Ranch Hotel (also a lion reserve), just out of town will help you put the world to rights; closer to home, you'll find almost everything you need at the Savannah Mall, which houses a range of reliable restaurant chains. The Pebbles Café on Mandela Street serves dinner, tea and lunch.

The final whistle: See the first five years of the city in pictures at the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum.The Polokwane Game Reserve, with 52 species of game, is a 10-minute drive from the city. On the outskirts, the Bakone Malapa Museum highlights the lifestyle of traditional Venda indigenous tribes.

Red card: Although Polokwane is malaria-free, some parts of the Limpopo province are malarial zones. Check before you leave the UK, and seek advice from your GP.

Insider tip: You can see some of the world's oldest fossils at Makapan's Cave between Polokwane and Mokopane.

Rustenberg

Misconception: The site of a world-famous platinum mine and not much else.

Word on the street: Rustenburg is just over an hour from Pretoria and Johannesburg, with the Magaliesberg mountains and excellent game reserves on its doorstep.

Before kick off: Apart from chains like Cape Town Fish Market and News Café, you can eat steak, steak and more steak at the Porterhouse in the Biblio Plaza, on the corner of Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela Drives. Nearby, the Flying Dutchman and the Castle Corner are good for a few pints.

The final whistle: If you can't get to Kruger, spot the Big Five at the Pilanesberg National Park or Madikwe Game Reserve. Head to nearby Sun City offering over-the-top glamour, with a casino, the Palace of the Lost City Hotel, and an artificial wave house for homesick surfers. Or slow down the pace and visit the Magaliesberg Meander craft route.

Red card: Don't be tempted to drive back to Johannesburg late at night, especially after a few pints. Spend the night in Rustenburg instead.

Insider tip: If you're lucky you can spot black eagles and Cape vultures while cycling or doing a day hike through the magnificent Kgaswane Moutain Reserve, just 4km (2.5 miles) from the town centre.