Inbound Travel News - VISA Tug of War

 India Reinstates E-Visa

When India asked British visa applicants to appear in person at Indian High Commission in London there was chaos among those who had already planned the trip. Most of the people had booked VISA through middlemen to tour companies in the UK as there was no need to be at Indian High Commission in person. 

The new term came as a jolt for UK travelers who had already planned the trip.  Most of the had very little time to make the trip and no time to visit Indian High Commission. A lot of journeys were canceled this was a sad happening by India is not solely to blame for this.  

Thankfully as per news dated December 5 in travel weekly, the e-visa has been reinstated with doorstep service available. Of the total percentage of inbound travelers to India, UK travelers from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland constitute as much as 50%. The reason is not only familiarity with our country. The familiarity is anyway is decreasing among next-gen travelers. The main reasons are the proximity distance wise, and the prevalence of the English language pan India that invites the British. 

The urge to travel may be due to colonial instinct the exploratory zeal is well known among the British. But then inbound tourists visit India from many countries. They come from Western Europe like France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Holland, and some more.  Russians also visit India from the Eastern Bloc in good numbers. These are tourists who are interested in tiger safaris and sightseeing while most of the travelers from Buddhist countries in Asia come to visit the holy sites. The traveler from AFPAC visits India for medical tourism. 

VISA Tug of War

In order to balance host country travel restrictions tit for tat steps are taken by other countries as well. Although interim disruption is a regular norm between two countries, the loss to both exchequers is significant. The impact hurts the travel services and tour operators the most. 

A lot of hotel bookings and tour operator packages were canceled in India. This was a significant loss to the hospitality industry as well as the exchequer. India depends heavily on its inbound tourism sector for foreign exchange, employment to locals, and the health of its hospitality industry that caters to inbound travelers.  

The Indian hospitality industry is expected to have a warm winter to the expected arrival of a large number of UK travelers. After the pandemic, this is like a flow of fresh air not only for the hotel industry, the news is good for small service providers like guides, naturalists, taxi services, and the man selling chana on the street corner.  

Tea Time India - Tea & Snacks

Tea and Snacks go hand in hand in India. You can describe them as fritters or pakoras but there are many more to relish.  Snacks are something which is part of life here, in between meals you can call them. They are had with tea, with drinks and cocktails, or just any time any moment.   

India is a diverse country and probably all things are steeped deep in diversity. So are the yummy snacks and min boggling variety of tea blends. From chai stall snacks of samosas, aloo bondas, and pakoras the choice extends to sophisticated home finger foods that are churned by elite restaurants with some phoren recipes.

One of the snacks that have a Western origin is the sandwich which is followed by burgers and whatnot. Cutlet is another popular snack especially available in Indian Coffee Houses and Tea Lounges. This delicacy is not known to Westerners...before you get the notion.

Tea in India comes in thousands of blends some as masala chai or spiced tea. The variety of leaves available offers the common mind-boggling flavors of the tea. Chai, as it is called in the country, is consumed not only in the morning, and with high tea, it is drunk the whole day long. 

Photo Courtesy:   Wagh Bakri Tea Company

Tea & Snacks

Cardamom Chai

Darjeeling Green Tea

Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge

   

Some of the snacks can also be consumed as full meals. These Dahi Vada, Idli, Vada, and Dosai are part of a meal be it lunch or dinner. In some big towns, people snack late at the night a habit that has a disastrous effect on health.  

In the images below you will find chai and snacks appealing enough for you to head for the kitchen. 

Sev Usal

Dosai

Idli

Dahi Vada

Photo Courtsey: Nandita Amin

Indian Railway - Garib Rath Express

The cool confines of the vestibule look inviting as I climb onto the rail with reservation status in RAC. Garib Rath which means Chariot of the poor is a long-distance rail that begins from Jabalpur City Station in Madhya Pradesh. The destination station is Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. The train stops at many stations on its journey towards Mumbai at the Arabian Sea. 

Garib Rath belongs to the express category which means fewer stoppages or is it? At the station, there is as much chaos as it is inside. Passengers are in a Hurry as always..there is much time, so I struggle to reach my seat, put my bag under it - in a constricted space and relax. The commotion continues, a journey that only offers the comfort of temperature control and nothing else. Five people to leave one passenger.   

The coaches are nice and clean and the toilets are hygienic. This by all means is a bounty. Indian rails contain the dirtiest toilets as at other public places. But there is a continuous effort from the department to maintain all things well. The problem lies in the sheer number of travelers.  

The windows are large enough and I love to watch my India. Beautiful India! The familiar landscape passes by, and I travel often on this route. But soon darkness takes over and I am confined to the inner reality of the coach. The stark reality of inner chaos is far apart from the magical scape outside. 

The rail offers cheaper fares than most temperature-controlled accommodations. It offers a chance to those not lucky enough to travel in AC. The cool comfort makes them extra chirpy and restless the commotion goes on well past sleeping hours. This is a characteristic of many travelers in India minus the upper class. Noise, spicy food, a large number of baggage, slippers, rugs, plastic bags, and mineral water all get cramped in a minimalist compartment. The situation is worsened by continuous to and fro of vendors selling tea, snacks, and, "Very Tasty Quality Food Sir! Garama Garm". The food, if you have no other source is all but palatable.         

In the cramped confinement, the World becomes oblivious and you feel like traveling in a spacecraft through the mysterious celestial space. But there is no vacuum here, it is literally a bazaar on the move. Perhaps we Indians are the most carefree travelers. In this confinement, I experience India from close. The emergence of clutter and chaos. Simply too many people! But within this extreme lies an amazing colorful tapestry, an admixture of diverse profiles that never cease to surprise me.

Travelers chomp all around..bananas, bhajiyas, samosa, chips Haldiram, the kids are very noisy and restless. As dinner time arrives people settle down for the big chomp. Family and friends gather around oblivious to the terribly constricted space. The passage is completely blocked by the time boxes open and the pungent aroma of spices fills the whole vestibule. The aroma lingers for hours in the AC compartment. The chomp is noisy and a fine example of gluttony...a train ride creates insatiable hunger, discomfort or not. By the time the chomp is over it is time to sleep or is it? The kids continue with their antics energized by loads of food...they become more troublesome. The women have a truckload of chatting to do. They are apologetic, this is a precious instance of complete freedom for them. I smile and mean to say carry on. The bed rolls begin to roll out as time proceeds, the event is as noisy as a frantic discussion of who will sleep where?

The Ticket Checker has not yet arrived, sitting with my laptop I try to ignore the milieu. I frequently check my Current Pnr status in hope of getting a birth to sleep. I am lucky now, and I have a confirmed birth in the next coach. My neighbors are upper-class English-speaking Indians. Tight-lipped, high society snobs by fate dipped into Garib Rath. The ambiance is dull, silent, and devoid of life...the silence is the only welcoming note.   

I take out my dinner, carefully wrapped in a foil, it is...spicy...pungent...aromatic..Blah! blah!. It is mind-bogglingly tasty, I have made it myself. The heavy aroma lingers in the air as I sit crossed legged chomping freshly made aloo ke sabji, oily Paratha, achar, and papad. Lots of nasty eyebrows are raised but I am at work, who cares. Aren't we all Indians? Live Life King Size!                                 

Wildlife Tourism in India

India is a vast country with interesting zoo geography. This has resulted from diverse climatic conditions, varying altitudes, and local situations. Diverse life forms exist in the country. The wildlife of India is unique, interesting, and worth experiencing. 

There are more than 300 species of mammals among which the tiger and lion are tertiary carnivores and prime predators. The lion is restricted to Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat, but the tiger inhabits many regions.    

Tiger is the main interest of tourists in India and Internationally. In recent times interest in Lion safari has become popular. The Asiatic lion is the sole representative of its race in the World. The Asiatic lion survives only at Gir National Park in India. In Gujarat Asiatic Wild Ass in Little Rann of Kutch and Black Buck at Velavadar are also of tourist interest.

In Eastern India in Assam, the Indian Rhino safari attracts thousands of tourists to Kaziranga National Park. The one-horned rhino is now found only in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and some regions of Nepal. The Indian wild elephant and Asiatic wild buffalo also make Kaziranga their home. Manas tiger reserve is also a habitat for tigers and rhinos in Assam besides the Golden Langur. Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh is home to the red panda, hoolock gibbon, and clouded leopards besides many endemic species.   

The best place to see the tiger are Kanha, Pench & Bandhavgarh National Park in Central India. They are the finest habitat of the Bengal tigers in the country.  A large number of tourists come here for tiger safaris, birding, and wildlife watching. Other places to see tigers in India are Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttranchal and Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan. The tigers inhabit many reserves in India but are not easily sighted.     

Many tiger reserves in the South are also popular tourist destinations because of the diversity in flora and fauna they harbor. There live many endemic mammals and birds in Southern India which are found nowhere else.

The best mode of travel to India is on package tours. The top-rated Indian wildlife tour operators offer packages for wildlife safaris in India. These are professional companies and make your safaris very successful. Organized tours do away with the hassles of frequent travel bookings and transport arrangements etc. Hence this form of travel is preferred all over the World.      

Festival Time: Colors & Sparkling Lights

Hinduism is one of the most colorful religion, liberal, gregarious and open. The practice entwines itself with spirituality in ritualistic manner that unifies mind and body for inner peace. The exemplary myths are what makes and ideology peaceful an benevolent. The rites and rituals may appear to be indigestible to many but they are actually personification of soul and inner self. The apparently unscientific and irrational envelopes the truth and teachings of a civilization thousands of years old. Hidden deep with the spiral maze of invisible quagmire coexist the expression of science and spiritual quest.

The great events and auspicious happenings are celebrated as festivals. The celebrations are celebration of life and the World around us. The celebration of belief in God and his limitless creation. The festival of lights or Diwali is a follow up of series of events some related to Holy Ramayana.    

Navratri/Durgautsav: Dance & Music: This is the beginning of the harvest season whence Goddess  Durga is invoked as thanksgiving. Durga is representation of Shakti (Cosmic Power & Strength) as consort of Lord Shiva is blessed with constructive and potent destructive power. Navratri is celebration of her victory over Mahisasur the demon.  A nine day long ritualistic prayer sessions follow up with lot of fun and gaiety in brightly decorated and illuminated pandals or temporary fabricated structures. This is also the time for culture to manifest itself in traditional dance forms like Garba of Gujarat State. Commercial life except shopping comes to a stop in some states especially Bengal where Durga Puja is celebrated with religious fervor.  Finally the idols of Durga are immersed in the rivers and large water bodies with offerings of prayers.

Dusshera/Vijayadashmi: End of The Battle: It is celebrated for the victory of truth over evil.  This is the day whence Lord Ram killed Ravana the personification of evil. Ram is the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu the preserver in holy trinity. The 10th day is marked as Dusshera whence Ravana was killed by Ram along with his ten heads he!he!. The ten heads are nothing but representative of destructive and evil might of Ravana the King of Lanka. Effigy of the devil king is set to fire for ultimate demise and to signify victory of good over evil.

This event is celebrated with full gusto in many places in India especially in the erstwhile kingdom of Mysore. The palace is the center of attraction decorated with dazzling lights for full 10 days. The royals perform the ritualistic prayers at Chamunda Devi Temple. The festivities galore with the beginning of the precession of Goddess Chamundeswari on elephant back in the streets. The spectacle of singing, dancing and ritualistic fervor is amazing and attracts thousands of tourists to Mysore. The procession is a conglomeration of local audience, tourists, dance groups, live bands, tableaux, decorated elephants, camels and horses.              

Diwali: Lord Returns to Ayodhya: Ram, Wife Sita & Brother Laxman return to Ayodhya from fourteen years of exile after victory over Sita's abductor  Ravana. The return is celebrated as Diwali the festival of light. Illumination of structures by traditional clay lamps or diyas and modern lightening takes place during Diwali. Bursting fire crackers are a way of celebration that can be used for days especially on the Diwali Night.       

The rows and rows of houses and commercial complexes are illuminated with dazzling lights. The night is lit up in urban centers with diyas and modern methods.After the evening prayers the scene erupts and crackers and rockets take to the sky. It is an event of social gathering,  fooding, and night long of fire crackers till exhaustion takes place.

Travel in India during the festival season is a spectacle of huge unmanageable rush. All travel services are fully booked hence travelers to India and holiday makers should book transportation and accommodations in advance. 

India Travel Specific - Paan (India Travel Blog )

Paan Wallah!

India Travel Specific - Paan (India Travel Blog )

Indian Railway - Traveling tips

Indian Railway is one the of the most popular mode of transportation in India. It is unavoidable mode of transportation as well. Unavoidable Yes! Thanks to its fantastic reach. You may be an elite traveler used to plane travel and luxury cars but be prepared for train travel if you are going to move extensively in India.     

To few train travel is a frightening spectacle especially if you cannot afford to travel in AC class. The dirt, squabble and chaos of second class travel is by no means palatable especially if you are traveling for a long distance. Anyway here are few this to remember:

Book you ticket in advance. Reservations start forty five day before travel date.

Booking can be done online as well through booking counters on stations. 

Tour & Travel operators also book tickets through booking counter.

Book in AC Class if not on budget travel. Ist, 2nd & 3rd.

Keep tab of your reservation if in waiting. 

Book by Tatkal reservation system if seat availability is not there.

Tatkal reservation is available three day before travel date. 

Do not eat from unregistered eateries and porters. IRCTC catering is safe. 

Carry mineral water, colas and packed fruit juices.

Do not eat food offered by suspicious elements in fact avoid totally. Carry you own food.

Buy fruits with peel.

Keep tab on your luggage.  Best use chain lock.

Keep tab on personal valuables. Keep your ticket safe.

Do not alight at the station en route if necessary do it for short time. Ask a fellow traveler that you trust to keep a tab on your luggage albeit it is no guarantee.  Do not blindly trust anyone. 

Know your rail route before hand. 

Know your train particulars name number and timings. 

Reach station before hand and make sure of the platform it is arriving at.

There is an inquiry counter on every station for information. Do not trust anyone for information. The porters can be of assistance. Check for registration number plate on shoulder.   

Indian Railway travel is safe and enjoyable as it offer you sight of vast cross section of the country. Basic precautions have to be taken like in case of any mode of travel. Since number of passengers is so high it can be a bit chaotic. Travel by AC class if you need more privacy and comfort. 

IRCTC website offers online reservation facility. You can buy I-ticket and E-ticket online. If the ticket is in waiting list then you can check online. Railway reservation status is checked using the 10 digit PNR number on your ticket. You can find reservation status using pnr number online at IRCTC website. The site provides pnr status enquiry tool to find your reservation.

Other means to check pnr status is through mobile phone sms service. IRCTC has made it possible to check reservation status using SMS pnr enquiry number assigned. This is done through mobile messaging utility. You should keep a tab of your reservation status. If your train berth or seat is confirmed than note down you coach and berth number to avoid last minute finding about.

Find the arrival platform early and then see the coach number mentioned on the plates hanging from the station roof. The platform number is also shown in this manner. Stand with your luggage in less crowded portion of the platform. As the train arrives confirm the train number as well as the coach number mentioned on the coach. Confirm your berth on chart next to the door if  posted. Or seek the TTC help who is normally available few minutes before the arrival of train near the coach.  

For more serious matters relating to any discomfort or service you can seek guidance from the top authority  - The Station Master.      

Happy Journey!

 

Indian Railway Travel

The biggest railway network is not necessarily the best. But whatever you feel about India trains, it does take you to your destination cheap. Indian rails are the cheapest transportation that anyone can find in the country.

The railway coverage in India is vast and hence offers the best reach any mode of transportation can offer.
The inter connectivity is amazing with more than eleven thousand trains plying all over the country. The system transports more than twenty million passengers and about two million tons of goods.

It is all about where you want to go or how you wish to go? If you are planning a holiday on the super luxury tourism trains than you need to shelve a lot of money. The holiday packages on luxury trains cost a lot.

If you are rich enough to travel by First AC or Second AC your journey would be in absolute privacy and comfort. Well as much as possible! Third AC delivers as well but there is a bit of a rush always. But it is okay since the climate control rarely fails.    

Second Class sleeper travel is hardly comfortable with what seems like whole India trying squeeze into your compartment. The comfort level depends upon the climate outside since there is no air conditioning. The only comfort that sleeper class offers is a berth to sit and sleep upon.

A big relief has been the online ticketing facility in recent years. One need not wait for a long time in sweaty queue for hours and hours. The Irctc website online conducts all the task of booking office. You can book or cancel your ticket in a jiffy, find information about seat availability or distance between stations. All railway information is at your finger tip.

The worst nightmare is availing a reserved berth if your ticket status is on waiting list. Those lazy enough not to book a journey ticket in advance are the one’s who visit the Indian Railway site the most.  They are constantly seeking pnr status online in order to find the position of their ticket on IRCTC site.

One can also seek status using sms or mobile messaging service. The sms pnr status check is quick and easy. Just type you pnr number on the ticket and send to 139 or whatever the number is. In few seconds you will get the status of your ticket as message.  

The online reservation offers much more information in a short time than a land based railway office does. Hence switch on your computer every time you wish to make a rail journey.  

Indian Railways - The PNR Saga

Unlike many developed countries, Indian Railway is the primary source of  travel and transportation in India. This is the preferred mode of traveling by the less privileged, the lower, middle as well as the upper class in India. (Pun unintentional!)   

Due to perpetual rush, rail reservation is the primary focus of any Indian planning to travel long distance. The obsession with train ticket and securing one's berth is an exasperating phenomena.

Though not surprising!

Long distance rail journey could be terribly uncomfortable for those traveling without a reserved seat. You  feel like an out caste and an intruder - unwanted and guilty of trespass. Does not matter if you are among the  privileged  in your town.  But things do not end here. Even short distance passengers or those who have traversed more than half the distance, chase the ticket collector (TT) in a futile effort to get a secured berth. This is to boost their bruised ego or get a last minute nap.

I have been into all this and so have you. He!He!

Agla ishtation aye ga tab dekhien gein? Seat Khali hone do! Arre Sahab!

With thousands of tickets on wait lists, reservations become the first priority with all sorts of connection seeking and what not. Getting an RAC berth is like a windfall.

Kya Mila?

Kya Hua?

Hai koi Jugad?

Quota Mein?
Tatkal?

TT se Milo ?

Kuch le lo yaar?

Kya peeche peeche ghoom rahe ho! Kahan na berth khali hogi tab dekhien gien! 

Well this may seem funny but it does not whence you do not have proper reservation on Indian train. The ticket reservation counter may show house full on the very first day of the opening of ticket booking. The tickets have been booked by early birds or online reservations have taken their toll. 

PNR stands for Public Name Record. It is designated by a number printed on the top left of the rail ticket. If you have bought a train ticket your particulars are noted down . This makes you eligible to  travel from one notified station to another  in general bogey, 2nd class, 3AC, 2AC and first AC if you pocket allows. 

It is a standard practice for would be passengers to buy the Indian Railway ticket on waiting list. Next  go online for Pnr status check almost everyday whence the Irctc website is refreshed. Finding Pnr status is like seeking exam results online. Same anxiety, same thrill and if ticket succeeds on the chart Hurray!Pass ho gayein!

Ho Gaya!Yaar!

The status becomes talk of the town - family, cousins, distant relatives, friends, neighbors and whoever who does not mind his own business.  

India is becoming live on the  Internet. Thanks to a search tool that helps check your reservation status using Pnr. In spite of server back log the tool popularity is growing in the same manner as that of blog sites. Rush or no rush the amazing Indian Railway works as it does......all the time!

Yatri Krupaya Dhyan Dein! Appki yatra safal ho!..........Chai Wala!         

    

Indian Handicrafts on Travel

Not only exports, handicrafts in India are a major attraction for tourists. All Indian states have their unique native skills that result in creation of exotic crafts. The traveler comes across works of art and crafts all over his route.

Those on tours to Kerala or Rajasthan states are likely to discover and be impressed by Indian handicrafts since these are popular destinations. In popular tourists states an infrastructure has been laid down in bringing forth all elements of tourist attractions.

But as rest of India opens up to tourism, more and more states are gearing up to display and promote the local talent which produces unique works of arts. Be it jewelry, wooden statues, brass works and designer dresses. Those on travel to India must read and know about before hand the craftsmanship popular in the parts of India they are visiting. Find out where to see and buy them.

There are many Government Agencies that promote handicraft trade in the country to assist local communities. These efforts provide economic assistance and empowerment to locals especially the women.  

The government has taken lot of steps forward to encourage exports and exposure on crafts from India. EPCH has been set up for this very purpose.

EPCH full form Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts under Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Textile Ministry GOI was set up under EXIM policy in yr 1986-87. It helps create infrastructure and encourages marketing by offering information to member exporters and importers.

It Offers professional advice in areas of technology up gradation, quality and designing in improving standards and specifications, development of products and encourages creativity.
• EPCH organizes visits of members to foreign countries to explore overseas marketing potential.
• Participating in International Trade Fairs of Handicrafts & Gift.
• Organizes Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fairs.
• Acts as intermediately between exporters and Govt. at Central and State level. It represents all the committees / panels of Central.
• EPCH creates awareness through Workshops on "Export Marketing, Procedures and Documentation", Packaging, Design Developments, Buyer Seller Meets, Open House and other such programs.
• EPCH disseminates notification, orders, information on trades etc issued by GOI.

Of late tour operators offering package tour to Kerala include visit to handicraft fairs. This is also done in package tours to Rajasthan in Western India. The villages in the states which produces handicrafts are unique in nature.

Travel in India - Winter

Though winter is the peak season in India for tourism the arrivals are year around. Most of the foreigners visit India in this season. But as I have seen many tourists from different parts of India and inbound travelers are not fully informed as to how bitter cold is North India and some part of Central India.

In some parts of Himalayan regions and its foothills the snow falls unannounced. This takes tourist by surprise. Cloud bursts and flash floods also create a risk factor for tourists to Northern India. Though the infrastructure and disaster management services are in place on rare occasions these calamities surface.     

The tourists come directly under the effect of cold. Those traveling to North India like Kashmir, Leh and Laddakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Utter Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh should be vary of cold. The season begins from November and carries on till February or March in some cases.

The requirement of warm clothing are fulfilled by the markets hence the trouble caused is minimal. Many lodges and resorts have heating systems and emergency arrangement. During snowfall and rains landslide can occur hence on prior warning the tourist should avoid such destinations.    

In case of travel to National Parks, Hill Stations and Resorts in higher reaches extra warm clothing is a must. Clothing such as sweater, jackets, mufflers, hand gloves, head gear are a perquisite. Warm inner wear is very useful. Due to extreme cold tourists suffering from lung ailments and age should not travel without proper assistance. The high reaches of the Himalayas create breathlessness as oxygen is low.

The degree of difficulty and weather conditions should be highlighted by the tour organizers in India. But not many bother to emphasize upon the tourist to carry all sorts of warm garments. Though cold is not comparable with North America, Canada or Europe the trouble is there is no climate control in most of the places including in accommodations.

Traveling in India

Amazing

Does one need some expertise to travel long distances in this amazingly diverse country. There is uncertainty and surprise on every nook and corner and more pot holes than there are cars on the road. This is the state of India's travel infrastructure as well and (hic!) the heat and the dust. Uncertainty defines travel in India where inefficiencies are almost a certainty. Travel delays - missed bookings - strikes - riots - bombs - rallies - whatnot.

I do not think there ever has been a traveler who has not raised his or her eyebrows at things around. In moment of trouble the more experienced travelers spit on the pathway with local flavor and disdain, then get back to their traveling business non nonchalantly.

Hospitality

At every length and breadth of the country there is an inquisitive Indian preening into your affairs - beyond his means. The beggars harass, cows rule the roads and mangy curs reign over the alleys. Learn from the abusively incestuous and pedantic Indian who walks through the chaotic side walks negotiating tactfully the large bulk of humanity heading menacingly straight towards him...and dogs, cows, beggars and murderous pot holes.

Indian Bazaars

Experience the hustle and bustle of torturous urbanity acerbated by the loud raucous music blaring loud speakers and rattling vehicles and their HORNS! Shoo away the touts and English speaking tourist guides. Learn to inhale acrid smog laden air and the odor of open toilets and sewers. Eat at the ubiquitous dhabas, the epitome of Indian cuisine and then tackle the crippling Delhi belly.

India is amazing

In midst of chaos and consternation there is splendor and magnificence. In betwixt modern monoliths there are ancient marvels in marble and stone. Relish the site and smells of ancient esoteric India, read eras of history sketched on the walls. Admire the exquisite carvings and depictions that tell of India's rich past.

Mingle with the ethnic communities, rejoice in local color and flavors. India is a land of colorful festivities and warm hospitality. It is the land of spices and gastronomical delights that come as a savory surprise - hot and spicy. Land of peace, innocence and charming faces. A land where Budha preached, where Mahatma was born and where religion and traditional beliefs govern the masses.

India is the land of the majestic tiger, imposing mammals, mystic reptiles and colorful birds. It is the land of Himalayan mountains, rivers, forests, deserts, grasslands and enchanting valleys. It is the land of amazing biodiversity and enchanting scape. It is the land of beauty and grace.

India delights...Amazing India.

The best way to travel is on a India package tours that are tailor made. The customized tours offer you a chance to visit destinations of your choice.You can get all the required details from the package tour operator. The best operators should be able to guide you well.  

The best sightseeing option is traveling to less popular destinations that are unique. India exists in villages which are a must visit in your itinerary. Find all about tourism infrastructure and accommodation from your tour operator. In packaged tours all your travel arrangement are made in advance by the operator.

Indian states: Tourist Places

The states of India with much tourism potential are Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Rajasthan. Goa is another tourist which is very popular.

Madhya Pradesh is popular for Khajuraho Temples and Indian tiger reserves. Apart from these is Ranchi and places of interest near Ujjain, Bhopal and Indore. Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. Indian wildlife and tiger makes its last stronghold in this state.

Delhi and Agra offers historical places to visit. Taj Mahal and Delhi fort, Kutub Minar are well known. Delhi is capital of India and bustling metro with excellent cuisine, culture and hectic civic life.

Kerala is God's own country with unique landscape, culture and back water paradise which is responsible for the popularity of this state. It offers excellent festivities and public ceremonies.

Rajasthan is ful of desert kingdoms of Rajputs. It is well known for its forts, palaces of Maharajas and desert life. It is well known for wildlife as well, namely Ranthambhore and Sariska tiger reserves.

Goa a union territory is a beach paradise well known for its culture, cuisine and beaches. Beach parties are important events for vacation seekers from USA and UK and from the rest of Europe.

Apart from all these states whole of India has tremendous tourism to offer. It is for those traveling in India decide what to see and where to see...tiger safari..cultural tour...historical tour..religious tours or just to experience India sub continent.

Indian Road Travel

Driving on the Indian roads is the most challenging task during India tour. India has vast road network that stretches miles and miles across. From six lane expressways to two lane highways and main roads, roads in the interiors you ask for it and there is a road.

Roads made of bitumen or good ones made of cement and the usual cross country and jungle roads which are popularly know as metal roads...most primitive type of road in the country.

The roads are classified as good and bad roads and those which do not come in either category are referred to as "ok" roads. During preparation for a road trip the first travel tip that is considered is the road condition, weather and climate come much later perhaps after the details of roadside food joints, dhabas and tea stalls have been inquired about.

Well whatever the road may be it is assured for an enthusiastic traveler it is the way to an exciting unexplored destination of India for him. That is the fun of travel in India the real good roads lead to more or less homogenous globalized metro or capitals but the rough roads to lead exciting destinations like historical places, wildlife reserves and eco resorts.

And in extreme cases road or no road ...keep move ahead...India awaits you.

India travel basics

When traveling in India the following tips will come useful for inbound tourists from all over the globe.

Make your reservations in advance. Seek a good travel agent and go ahead. Fix your itinerary in and deliver to the travel agency for quick booking of accommodation in hotels and wildlife resorts and rail or air reservations and of course the ubiquitous taxi for road travel where ever required.

If you are planning for a temple and tiger tour which would include both historical monuments like “Taj Mahal” and tiger safari for Indian wildlife then find a travel agent online who specializes in eco tourism. These online travel agencies offer both tours in one package.

When you arrive in India take these precautions…

Drink only mineral water from trusted companies like Bisleri, Pepsi and Kinley…there are many more.

Eat fresh hot food at clean restaurants and totally avoid road side joints. You can safely consume fruits with cover. Try a hot tandoori in chicken or other curry dishes if you can stand it for it is going to tickle your palate like nothing else. India is an abundance of gastronomic delights so do not be surprised if you get addicted to Indian food.

The safest beverage is tea which is brewed at high temperature. India chai tea is unique drink and is available everywhere in wide range of flavor and taste which is unique to the regions in India. You get ample supply of tea in Indian railway to keep your spirits full of cheer during a long journey. Do not forget to drink ginger tea if you are a tea lover or that masala chai of which it is a part.

Keep cash at hand when you travel to interior where banking facilities may be limited. The urban localities have an advance infrastructure so traveling is not difficult at all if you have made your bookings in advance.

Keep tag on weather and the climate of the places you wish to travel to for this vast land has varied climate and somewhere you will need warm cloths to fight of freezing cold and other places might be warm and humid.

English is quite popular in India and Indians understand sign language very well, but learning bits and pieces of local dialect especially Hindi is going to make your trip more enjoyable. Keep medicine for any medical emergencies if you are traveling to rural areas of Indian jungles since modern medication might not be available there.

Above all stay in high spirits and enjoy either the ruggedness of economy class or luxury of traveling in amazing India premium package. You can travel on budget or travel in the luxurious five star class if you are rich.

For student and adults with a spirit of service and sacrifice, travel volunteer is the best option to experience India from close at grass root level. There are many Indian ngo or non profit organizations that offer volunteer opportunity and internship. India is a growing economy with multitudes of problems and complexities where in you can take part for the betterment of the country and its people.

India Travel Information

I have added important information web sites for India tour which I am sure those interested in traveling in India will find it very helpful.

The websites I have linked are for online travel bookings and information. Most of the sites are Indian government travel resource websites for providing authenticated guide and resource to India travel.

The links are useful help to make one's India trip a success. There are links to travel information and directory of Indian states that are popular travel destinations. Please do submit your suggestions and comments.