Srinagar -- the magnificent Lake City
Srinagar- The Valley of Houseboats is the capital city of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Mughals aptly called Kashmir and it was the peculiar beauty of the valley that attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it. It is the
largest town in Kashmir and is unique because of the Dal, Nagin and Anchar lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.
Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience, at first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it.
Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming
gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday.
Major Tourist Attractions in Srinagar
The Dal Lake
The Dal Lake is a prime tourist attraction of Srinagar. It is located on the eastern end of the city. The Dal Lake consists of a series of lakes, including the Nagin Lake
some 8 km from the city center. One can enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding Srinagar from this lake. Tourists coming to this place can enjoy taking a ride on traditional Kashmiri boats or the Shikaras to explore the intricate maze of waterways of this lake.The Mughal Gardens
The well laid Mughal gardens are another major attractions of Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir. The Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh are beautiful gardens located to the far eastern side of the Dal Lake. One can take a stroll through these green and attractive gardens and enjoy the beautiful waterworks within them.
The Temple of Shankaracharya
The temple of Shankaracharya is another important place to visit in Srinagar. Jaluka,
the son of emperor Ashoka, built this temple in the 3rd century BC.
Sharika Devi Temple
To the west of the city is the hill of Hari Parbat, on which is the temple of Sharika Devi, believed to be a form of Durga Mata or Shakti. The hill is considered sacred to the Hindus.
Kheer Bhavani
The Goddess Ragnya Devi symbolised as a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 kms from Srinagar. It is believed that the goddess changes the color of the waters. The temple-spring complex is affectionately known as Kheer Bhavani. Devotees offer milk and kheer at this Durga mata temple, to the sacred spring that is said to change
colour when warning of disaster.Getting There
Air : Srinagar is well connected by air with Delhi. There is a daily flight to Delhi via Jammu by Indian airlines. There are weekly flights operated by Indian Airlines for Leh from Srinagar.
Rail : Srinagar does not have a railway station and the nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is 305 km from Srinagar.
Road : Srinagar is well connected by road to important places like Chandigarh (630 km), Delhi (876 km), Jammu (298 km), Leh, Kargil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam.
Tourist Reception Centre (TRC)
The Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar is a unique, all-inclusive service, providing various tourist facilities within one complex. Besides housing the offices
of the State Department of Tourism and those of the J&K Tourism Development Corporation (J&K TDC), it has information counters on almost every activity connected with tourism. These include hotel and houseboat booking counters, Indian Airlines City booking office, booking of J&K TDC accommodation, transport, etc. Also located within the complex are the offices of the Fisheries Department from where fishing permits can be obtained. Next-door are the J&K Transport Corporation (J&KSRTC) booking offices from where bus tickets can be purchased, both for long distance travel and sightseeing trips. The State Bank of India and J&K Bank has a branch each within the TRC where foreign exchange transactions are also made. A post office and a Telecom Centre also function within the TRC for the benefit of the tourists.
Labels: Lakes, Northern India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 5:26 AM,
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The Magnificent Maharashtra : Golden Glory of The Marathas
Maharashtra nestles on the west coast of India, in the arms of the Arabian Sea. Providing more than 20 percent of the value of India's industrial output, it is among the most commercially important states. Caressing an ancient history that goes back nearly 2,500 years, the cordial land of Maharashtra is trimmed with exquisite sculptures and world-renowned frescoes that line the forlorn rock-cut caves of this great state.
In more recent times, Maharashtra was the dominion of the valiant Marathas, whose legendary hero, Shivaji, challenged the prestige of the Mughals in the 17th century.
To dilate the turmoil of his guerrilla warfare, Maratha women modified the 'sari' to nine yards from the traditional six, wearing it to look like 'dhoti'. You can still see the distinctive and unique style, cheerfully retained in its vibrant culture. Be a part of the extravagant 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival, a 10 day celebration in respect of Elephant God, Ganesh. Another thing that you cannot forget after a vacation trip to this magical land is its magnificent fast food cuisine. Offering a multicultural medley of a multi-dimensional menu, the fast food joints, ubiquitous in Maharashtra, is a must visit for every tourist. The state has a 720-km coastline dotted by rugs standing as mute witnesses down the ages to the march of warrior kings, foreign trading vessels and invaders from across the seas. Maharashtra - Tourist Destinations
Maharashtra, one of the largest industrialized states of India, attracts thousands of
tourists from across the globe every year. Situated in the western and central parts of the country, Maharashtra extends over the Sahayadri mountain ranges and a vast coastline of 720 kms of the Arabian Sea. A land of rich art & culture and traditions, Maharashtra is known for its outstanding architecture, serene beaches, imposing forts and monuments, museums and picturesque temples.Maharashtra - Temples
Maharashtra, renowned as a major centre of Indian Temple architecture, has a wealth of venerable pilgrimage centres. The region soaked in the tales of valour of Marathas, is home to several exquisite temples. Some of the popular temples are Elephanta Cave Temple Kailashnatha Temple, Ajanta Caves Temple, Ellora Caves Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbadevi Temple, Balaji Temple, Bhimshankar Temple, Grishneshwar Temple, Tryambakeshwar Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple and Bhivani Temple.
Maharashtra - Cuisine
For Maharashtrians food means God, so they believe in offering their food first to
the God as a thanksgiving ritual. In Maharashtra you can savour a wide range of delicious cuisine, which give distinctive flavours. Maharashtra cuisine can be broadly divided into two types such as Konkani and Varadi. Although these cuisines are quite different from each other, but both extensively use seafood and coconut. Almost all the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in Maharashtra is served with cooked rice and soft breads. Vada or Amboli, is a special rice-puri served as a part of the main meal in Maharashtra. Some other specialties of Maharashtra include Chaat, Pani Puri, Bhelpuri, Paw Bhaji Dosai, Kebabs, Baida Roti, Tandoori Chicken and Fish Koliwada. Maharashtra - Hills
Blessed with natural beauty, Maharashtra also shows evidence of a divine hand in its mountains and hills. The Western Ghat range running parallel to its coast from north to south, at an average height of 1,200 metres. With its foothills sometimes approaching the sea-coast and sometimes moving 50 to 60 kms away, Maharashtra Hills seem to be playing the hide and seek game with the beautiful Arabian Sea. Within
these mountains, lies the hill stations of Maharashtra. Popular hill stations of Maharashtra include Mahabaleshwar, Khandala, Panchgani, Amboli, Bhandardara, Chikhaldara Hills, Jawahar, Lonavala and Karla, Malshej Ghat Matheran, Panhala and Toranmal. Maharashtra - Caves
Built artistically several centuries ago, some dating to the 2nd B.C, the Caves of Maharashtra offer an exceptional appeal and aura. Situated amidst the formidable Sahayadri ranges, the caves housed the monks of different religions in olden days. Known for their excellent paintings and sculpture, the Maharashtra Caves will leave you spellbound. While you visit Maharashtra don’t forget to pay a visit to these caves. Most popular caves are Karla Caves, Kanheri Caves, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Junnar Caves, Bhaja Caves and Aurangabad Caves.
Maharashtra - Shopping
Although Maharashtra has several places for shopping, but Mumbai is the ultimate shopper’s paradise. Mumbai offers exciting shopping opportunities under the sun as well as under the moon. In Mumbai, Chor Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Breach Candy, Kemps Corner, Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street are the famous shopping areas. In these bustling markets, you can shop a wide range of products. Maharashtra has also a rich heritage of handicrafts, while shopping you can buy handicraft items in the shopping centres of the state. Apart from Mumbai, Aurangabad is also a good destination for doing some shopping. Aurangabad region is renowned for 2000-year-old craft of weaving Paithani Sarees. Popular items which you can check out in Maharashtra are Paithani
and Himroo Sarees, Narayan Pethsaris sarees, Lacquer ware, Bidri Ware, Warli Tribal Paintings and Kolhapuri Chappals. How To Reach
Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in India, always bustling with enthusiasm. The international and domestic airports are located to the north of the city, Sahar, at a distance of 30 km from downtown. Mumbai handles flights from 37 airlines, which fly to the major cities in asia, the far and the middle East, major destinations in Europe - such as London and Paris - and New York and Chicago. Both the terminals are furnished with world class facilities to satisfy an international traveller. On arrival at Sahar International Airport, the immigration, baggage retrival and customs
counters precede the remaining of the services. Exchange can be obtained at bank counters just outside the customs area. Tourists will also get innumerable taxis and autorickshaws just outside the airport premises. Mumbai is well connected to the rest of the country by central and western railway lines. Trains to Mumbai for most central, southern and eastern regions arrive at CST which is located at the heart of the city. Trains from Northern India arrive at Bombay Central. Both stations are centrally located and taxis are readily available.
Across Mumbai Central Station is the terminus for interstate buses. Maharashtra State buses terminate at Asiad Bus Stand at Dadar. As an important junction on the National Highway network of India, it is limked to all major towns and cities of the country. NH 3 connects Mumbai to Indore and Gwalior, NH 4 to Pune, and NH 8 to Ahmedabad and Delhi. The port of Mumbai is located to the south of the city and handles around 1/6th of India's total inborne trade. A better route to Maharashtra may be to avail a ferry service. One can get ferry ships from the Ferry Wharf, near the Prince's Dock, as well as the Gateway of India. The Port of Mumbai operates its own railway, running between Ballard Pier and Wadala. This is linked to the Central and Western Railways at the interchange Railway Yard at Wadala.
More quality links below.
Labels: Forts, Western India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 12:50 AM,
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GOA the Tourist Paradise of India
Also Known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to
endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine. 40 lovely beaches, most of them pollution free, though not all of them as safe as swimmers would wish. The most developed beach segment is the Calangute - Baga - Anjuna belt in the Bardesh subdivision north of Panaji. The north Goa beaches in Pernem subdivision are delightfully primitive and untouched: Keri beach (with Tiracol and an ancient Portuguese fort on the other bank); Arambol (also known as Harmal); Mandrem (a toddy tappers' and palm distillers' hamlet with two little beaches: Lemos and Asvem) and Morji. The local people are friendly and un-interfering, the markets fairly well stocked and the public transportation system reasonably efficient. By way of accommodation there are somewhat Spartan cottages and thatched huts.
Highly recommended places to visit in GOA.
Mayem Lake
The picturesque Mayem Lake just 35 kms from Panaji, encircled by rolling lush green
hills, is an ideal picnic spot with paddle boating facilities. In fact, those interested in experiencing a bit of rural Goa, can stay in Mayem Lake View cottages, hidden in the wooded slopes overlooking a calm spread of water.
Arvalem Waterfalls
This waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 meters, is one of the most amazing spots and best viewed after the monsoons, when the ferocity of this waterfall is mind-blowing. Near the waterfall, is the temple of Shri Rudreshwar and this site is important for the religious rites to appease the souls of the departed. Hindu religion followers perform these rites on the 12th day after the death.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
With an area of 240 sq. kms, this sanctuary is Goa's largest wildlife preserve. Located close to the Molem village at the foot of the Western Ghats, this sanctuary lies on the eastern border of the state. It is 53 kms away from the state capital Panaji, with evergreen forests and deciduous trees encompassing this preserve.Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Literally meaning 'The Sea of Milk', these falls are situated on the Goa-Karnataka border, at a distance of 60 kms from Panaji and 10 kms from Colem railway station. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes, forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa. It is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers. The falls are best seen after monsoon, between October and December, but right up to April there is enough water to make a visit worthwhile.
Savoi Verem Plantation
The Savoi-Verem plantation, owned by the Shetye families of South Goa, is a great half-day excursion to make, and an opportunity to see traditional Goan methods of organic farming. The ascent to the plantation is staggeringly beautiful where one can walk through the plantation with a guide, identifying different spices and exotic fruits, crushing and smelling the leaves and watching the monkey-men gather betel-nuts in the trees. Once there, you can also have a traditional Goan lunch, served out of earthenware, on banana leaves on a verandah overlooking the natural lake.
Menezes Braganza’s House
Menezes Braganza's House at Chandor belonged to Luis de Menezes Braganza, an
influential journalist and politician (1878-1938). The late 16th century mansion was later extended in the 18th and 19th century, which was divided between two families staying in separate wings.Mapusa Market
Mapusa is the administrative head quarters and the main town of the Bardez Taluka. Its main feature is the municipal market that is worth a visit as to get the feel of the Goan colour. The thrill of bargain hunting while you browse along the colourful and vibrant shops of textile and silk, jewellery, spices, fruits and vegetables and the fish market is also a beautiful experience.
Pottery Handicraft Workshop
Talking of original designs, it should be interesting to visit Kumbhar Pottery studio at Bicholim, that has some very interesting pieces. The eleven-year-old studio experiments with clay and earth to combine the many aesthetic sensibilities that Goa has developed over the years. One finds distinctive Portuguese influence amalgamated with Hindu traditional art resulting into beautiful objects and that is where Goan pottery stands out from the rest.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Ten kms northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north Goa lies the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the smallest preserves in Goa, it covers an area of merely 8 sq. kms. Animals such as the black-faced langur, Indian bison, jackal and wild boar are commonly found here. Various species of deer can also be spotted. Besides being home to animals, this preserve is also a treat for bird watchers and butterfly spotters.Handicraft Emporium
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC), a Government of Goa Undertaking, was set up in October 1980. Its main objective is to encourage, promote and market the myriad of Goan handicrafts by making these items available through its various outlets.
Shopping in GOA
For travellers to Goa, the visit is not complete unless they take back a souvenir of their memorable sojourn in this magnificent paradise. Naturally, shopping should be a priority on the itinerary of every tourist, along with the sightseeing attractions. The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are easily the most popular souvenir items and include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache, etc. These are available in the Government Emporia and also at shops and stalls near the popular tourist spots.
Getting to GOA
By Road
The Goa Transport Corporation, Kadamba, runs long-distance services throughout the state from their main stand at Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and from locations in the adjoining states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Private buses, serving everywhere else, including the coastal resorts, are affordable, frequent, and provide a relaxed mode of commuting.
By Rail
The Konkan Railway makes Goa easily accessible by rail from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mangalore, Ernakulam and Thiruvanantapuram. Goa is also linked to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune via Londa.
By Air
Dabolim Airport, 30-km from the state capital Panaji, has coach services operating to and from the airport. All the major hotels also arrange transport services for the guests and prepaid taxi services are also available. All the major airline services have daily flights to Goa from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune and twice a week from Chennai and Kochi. The International Service of airlines also connects Goa with Kuwait and Sharjah twice a week.
Labels: Beaches, Western India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 6:22 AM,
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Fascinating Heritage Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan.
INDIA a country so different from the rest in the world, a country which is blessed with Nature and a country which can boast of a lot of peace and tranquility entices every single individual in the world to pay a visit to this wonderful Mystical and
Mesmerizing place. And in this country, the state of Rajasthan is again a jewel in the necklace of this adventurous country India.Rajasthan is situated in the north part of the country and is most famous for its deserts. To the outer world, this state is basically famous for its vast deserts and rich cultural and traditional heritage and artifacts. Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance.
But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.
Here are some of the best Heritage Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan, a must visit tourist destinations
Bila Quila Fort, Alwar
This huge fort,constructed before the rise of the Mughal empire, stretchs 5 km from
north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, and stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level. This huge fort has 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
City Palace, Alwar
The City Palace was built in 1793 A.D. by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. It represents a
intermingling of Rajput and Mughal stvles. It has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases in the central courtyard.Fateh Prakash Palace, Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent to it. The road leads through seven gates to the main gate Rampol (meaning Gate of Ram). On the climb between the second and third gate you see two Chattris cenotaphs built to honour Jaimull and Kulla heroes of 1568 siege by Emperor Akbar.
City Palace, Jaipur
Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the far sightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art and craft structure in the city. Jai Singh built the outer walls but its many buildings were built later and some of them date in the twentieth century too.
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega structure
merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look.Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel.
How to Reach:
International Airport : Jaipur is the only International Airport in Rajasthan and only daily international flight of Indian Airlines from Dubai. The infrastructure at the airport is being upgraded so that more international airlines open Jaipur as their destination.
AIR
Rajasthan has airports at Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, while the airport at Jaisalmer opens from 1st October to 31st March. Government run airline Indian Airlines and private airline Jet Airways operate daily services to all airports in Rajasthan from New Delhi and Mumbai. The domestic airport at New Delhi and Mumbai are located near the international airport and flight to Rajasthan operates from domestic airports only.
TRAIN
India has one of the worlds biggest railway services network managing over 60,000 kms of track and transporting over 11 million passengers every day. Indian railways are an efficient service and reliable and cheap means of transport. A variety of services like the super fats, mail, express, inter city and country passenger services are offer to choose from. The services are also classified for comfort in travel like the most luxurious in air-conditioned first class. Most of the trains offer air-condition service in other classes also two tier, three tier and chair car.More Quality Links available below.
Labels: Forts, Heritage, Northern India, Palaces
posted by Rishil Babu @ 12:19 AM,
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Ooty, the queen of hill stations in India.
Udhagamandalam, this Queen of hill stations, otherwise known as Ooty, is in the Nilgiri mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu which is the southern most part of India. The best thing about Ooty is that it combines the peace and tranquility of a hill station with the comforts of urban life. Ooty’s colonial legacy extends to very nook & corner, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the Ooty club that is beyond compare.
Ooty is known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty. The weather is quite pleasant at a mean of 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F) year round, dropping to lows of 0 °C (32 °F) during winter. The landscape is quite unlike the rest of India, marked by rolling hills and plateaus covered with dense vegetation, tea gardens, and eucalyptus trees. Many portions of the hills are preserved as natural reserve forests, and special permits are needed to camp outside of campgrounds. Ooty is more of a focal point of attraction for tourists.
» Botanical Garden - Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which is the highest point in Ooty.
» Kandal Cross Shrine - Kandal cross, a Roman Catholic Shrine considered, as the Jerusalem of the East is located in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Catholics consider it as the "Calvary of Tamil Nadu".» Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary - 67 Km from Ooty enroute to Mysore, this Sanctuary lies at an elevation of 1140 mts. Extending over an area of about 320 sq.km it is located at the trijunction of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A variety of habitats ranging from tropical ever green forest, moist teak forest, secondary grass lands and swamps are found. Mudumalai has one of the largest populations of elephants in India.
» Mini Garden and Rose Garden - The Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is housed.
» Ooty Lake - The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favorite haunt of tourists. It was constructed in the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. This lake was built in order to provide an irrigation tank to the people.
Getting There : By Air - The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (100 km away) which is well connected by air from Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. The other gateway for Ooty, is Bangalore, 280 kms away.By Rail - Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge railway service from Mettupalayam which serves as the railhead for mainline trains. From Mettupalayam, the Hill Train takes you upto Ooty, affording the traveller superb views. The Nilgiri Express connects the railhead with Chennai daily.
By Road - Ooty can be reached conveniently via Bangalore (280 kms), Coimbatore (100 kms) and Mysore (170 kms).
Shopping Go for some antique Toda jewellery sold in the main bazaar and also at the Savoy Hotel. Ooty also has lovely embroidered Toda shawls, a variety of teas (eucalyptus, geranium, lemon grass, camphor) and Nilgiri honey. Maps and guidebooks can be purchased at the Higginbothams bookshop. Also try out the cheddar, Wenleydale cheese and Planter's Special cigars made of Indian tobacco, at Spencer's Store.
More quality links below
Labels: Hill Station, Southern India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 11:48 PM,
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TOURISM OFFICES
EAST
Mrs. Rekha Khosla
Regional Director
INDIATOURISM KOLKATA ( West Bengal )
'Embassy', 4 Shakespeare Sarani
Kolkata-700 071, West Bengal
Tel : 033-2282 1402, 282 1475
Fax: 033-2282 3521
E-mail :indiatour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Airport Domestic Counter: 033-25118299
International Airport Counter: 033-25130495
WEST
Mr. S.P. Singh, Regional Director INDIATOURISM MUMBAI (Maharastra)
123, M Karve Road, Opp.Churchgate,
Mumbai-400 020, Maharashtra
Tel : 022-2203 3144 /45,2207 4333 /4
Fax: 022-2201 4496
E-mail : indiatourism@vsnl.com
Airport Domestic Counter: 022-2615 6920
Airport International Counter:022-2832 5331
SOUTH
Mr. D. Subhash, Regional Director
INDIATOURISM CHENNAI (Tamil Nadu)
154, Anna Salai,
Chennai-600002, Tamil Nadu
Tel : 044-2846 1459,2846 0285
Fax: 044-2846 0193
E-mail : indtour@vsnl.com , goitochn@tn.nic.in
Airport Domestic Counter: 044-2256 0386
NORTH
Shri M. Sadana, Regional Director INDIATOURISM NEW DELHI
88 Janpath, New Delhi-110 001
Tel : 011-2332 0342, 2332 0005/8
Fax: 011-2332 0109
E-mail : goitodelhi@nic.in
Domestic Airport Counter
Tel : 011-2567 5296
Intl Airport Counter Tel : 011-2569 1171
NORTH-EAST
Mr. S. L. Khyreim, Regional Director INDIATOURISM GUWAHATI ( Assam ) Amrawati Path, Christian Basti
G.S. Road ,Guwahati-781 005, Assam
Tel : 0361-2341603, Fax:2341598
E-mail : indiatour@sancharnet.in
Source: Incredibleindia
TOURISM OFFICES ABROAD
Labels: Travel Tools
posted by Rishil Babu @ 11:16 PM,
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VISA INFORMATION
Any foreigner who wants to enter India must have a valid visa affixed on his or her passport. This can be obtained from the Indian Consulate in your country. Foreign nationals of Indian origin, their spouses and children can obtain visas from the Consulate. Foreign nationals of Indian origin, their spouses and children can obtain Entry Visas valid upto 10 years.
Tourist Visas can be obtained for six months, one year and 10 years. Visas of the appropriate type should be obtained by students, businessmen, journalists and others who want to visit India for professional purposes.
Validity of visas : All types of visas are valid for the indicated period from the date of issue (and not repeat not from the date of first entry into India).Post-dated visas are not issued.
Application form and picture requirements : All applicants for Entry and Tourist visas are required to fill out an application form and provide one recent passport size photograph. Applicants for Business, Research, Journalist and some other types of visas are required to submit two forms duly filled in and two pictures.
Visas to non-residents : Visas can also be issued to persons who normally do not live in the jurisdiction of this Consulate (this also includes people holding Tourist / Business visas) after obtaining clearance from the Indian Mission under whose jurisdiction the applicant normally resides. This however takes a few weeks. The applicant may, however, pay an additional charge for clearance by fax or telex.
Restricted area permits : Persons desiring to go to a restricted area should fill in special forms and apply well in advance as clearances are required before a permit can be issued to travel to these places. It takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to receive the Government of India's clearances in such cases.
Requirements for student visas : Firm letters of admission from Universities, recognized Colleges or Educational Institutions in India are required for issuance of Regular Student Visas.
Applicants are also required to produce satisfactory evidence of financial support. In case of admission in a medical or a para-medical course, the applicant has also to produce a 'No Objection Certificate' from the Ministry of Health, Government of India, to obtain a Student Visa.
Applicants for Student Visas who want to pursue graduate or post-graduate studies in Engineering / Technology are required to produce a similar 'No Objection Certificate' from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (Department of Education). Provisional Student Visas for a period of 6 months can however be issued on production of a Provisional Admission Certificate issued by a University / recognized Educational Institution in India. It can be changed to a regular student visa in India itself subject to completion of the formalities listed above. However, no change of institute / purpose is allowed.
more information can be obtained from here.
Labels: Travel Tools
posted by Rishil Babu @ 8:51 PM,
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Currency Converter
Labels: Travel Tools
posted by Rishil Babu @ 8:46 PM,
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