Wednesday, 29 February 2012

Vintage Kenya Safari


Tour Summary:
Places to visit: Nairobi, Aberdares, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. This safari takes you through three very different game viewing experiences: Aberdares, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.

In the Aberdares you find icy rivers, spectacular waterfalls and rain forests. Here elephants, buffaloes and other animals visit you at the floodlit waterholes of The Ark.

Lake Nakuru’s claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo’s and the over 400 species of birds found here. This soda lake on the floor of the Rift Valley is host to millions of flamingos and an important refuge for endangered species- particularly Rothschild Giraffe and black and white rhino.

You then head to Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous and finest game sanctuary. The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see the Big Five- lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant. The famous Masai tribesmen live within the dispersal area of the game reserve.

Saturday, 25 February 2012

Online Travel Insurance: Types of Coverage


Fortunately, there is travel insurance for that and it’s called trip cancellation service. Although this is one of the most expensive types of travel insurance at about $4 per $100 of the cost of your trip, it has quickly become the most popular option for travel insurance.

Trip cancellation insurance has changed a lot in recent years and you are no longer required to have a specific type of emergency in order to collect on this insurance. For example, if you are on vacation and your work calls you and tells you that they need you to come back immediately to meet with a client, your insurance will cover that. It doesn’t have to be a medical emergency to qualify for reimbursement. There are other types of travel insurance too.

Another type of insurance that would be considered coverage for a liability is lost luggage insurance. The cost is about $1 for every $100 you claim in luggage and it will cover anything that you take with you when you travel with the exception of money, gold, Berra bonds or other “money” items. These types of things will require their own type of insurance.

Airlines do provide a certain amount of lost luggage coverage, however, the provision is minimal and doesn’t cover replacement value for your items, only current market value. In addition, airlines don’t cover any electronic items, including things that can be used in electronics, such as CDs, DVDs and memory cards.

Often lost luggage insurance also covers delayed luggage as well. Delayed luggage insurance basically provides you with a change of clothing, toothbrush, soap, etc. to tide you over until your luggage arrives. If purchased separately it literally only costs a couple of dollars and is well worth considering if you are heading to a business meeting or wedding right after you land that may require an immediate change of clothing.

The downside to most of these coverage types is that you have to pay for everything out of pocket and submit them for reimbursement. If you don’t pay for them, you will not receive the money from your insurance.

A few travel insurance companies will allow airlines, hotels and insurance companies to bill them directly for any extra fees. However, most of these companies won’t actually file the paperwork, there is simply too much administrative work at the back end and these entities simply don’t have the trained personal to handle these types of things.

The exception is trip cancellation, in this case, you submit the appropriate paperwork and you are reimbursed directly. Just make sure you follow the filing instructions to the letter and submit the paperwork before your time frame expires.

Monday, 20 February 2012

Amarnath travels online booking


Amarnath cave are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.Inside the main Amarnat cave lies an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter.

This lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati.

The AmarnathCave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary Forces maintain a strong presence in the region due to security concerns. Try below links for Amarnath yatra travels online booking.

Saturday, 18 February 2012

Classical India with Kerala Backwater


Classical India with Kerala Backwaters tour, one of the memorable journey of the lifetime offers the glimpse of the classical India built by the Mughal rulers which was then worked upon by the British with style and elegance. Well-designed monuments of the Delhi are the evidence of the rich culture and elegance which resides in it. Agra is often remembered only for the most visited place i.e. Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal built by Shah Jehan is still one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Religious importance associated with the Varanasi adds an extra spiritual energy to the Classical India with Kerala Backwaters tour organised by the Visit India Travel.

Moving from Varanasi to Khajuraho, we again are trapped in the hands of the Indian culture which dates back to the old times. Khajuraho Temples are the temples which are the evidence behind the famous love story between a God and a girl. The sculptures which are the main attraction in the Varanasi describes perfectly describes lust, love and passion along with the elegant and rare works. Kerala backwaters tour has been one of the most enjoyable and prime tours when you are in the South India. The green vegetation, silent water and the rich flora and fauna makes it the must visit tour in the tours organised by the Visit India Travel.

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Buddist Pilgrimage Tours India


Siddharth Gautam, born the son of a king, grew up in Kapilvastu amidst luxury and splendour. At the age of 29 he left earthly distraction behind, to begin his quest for the true meaning of life -a search that took him to the land of Magadha. At Bodhgaya, after years of penance and deprivation, he attained "Enlightenment" under the sacred Bodhi tree to become Buddha. In the fabled deer park at Sarnath, the Buddha preached his first sermon. He then travelled widely preaching his philosophy. At the age of 80, in the forest of Kushinagar, he entered perfect tranquillity- the state of "Parinirvana". Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sravasti, Vaishali and Kapilvastu - these sacred places of Buddha continue the legacy of this remarkable being who practiced and preached peace, purity and love. We invite you now to this special world one not just of spectacular temples, monasteries and stupas but where you may actually walk in the footsteps of "The Enlightened One" the man, who changed the world.

Buddist Pilgrimage Tours Highlights :

Visit the grove of Lumbini where the Enlightened one was born, Bodhgaya where He attained enlightenment: Sarnath where the wheel of law was set into motion and Kushinagar where He passed into Mahaparinirvana. Also included in this journey is sightseeing of Delhi, the holiest city of Hindu Varanasi, also visit to the city of the world famous Taj Mahal, Agra.

Saturday, 4 February 2012

Classical India with Rajasthan Royalty


DELHI, the capital of kingdoms and empires is now a sprawling metropolis with a fascinating blend of the past and the present. Delhi is a perfect introduction to the composite culture of an ancient land and a window to the kaleidoscope - that is India.

Start with the sightseeing of Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaws, one of Asia’s largest mosques. The magnificent Red Fort, overlooking the river Jamuna was built during the years 1638 - 48 when the Moghul Empire was at its peak. The tour continues to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside.

People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

Imperial Delhi will include the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.


CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Tours to Mount Abu


Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and nestles at an altitude of 1220 meters in the Aravalli Range. Mount Abu in Rajasthan is situated at a distance of 180 kilometers from Jodhpur andjavascript:void(0) 509 kilometers from Jaipur. Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and in the north western part of India. Mount Abu is a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Jain and is visited by a large number of pilgrims from all over the world. The place is also noted for its spellbinding natural beauty. Mount Abu is also referred to as “An Oasis in the Desert”, for the fact that it is the point from where several streams, waterfalls and lakes originate.

The pleasant weather of the place, the natural beauty and the numerous temples make this place an interesting tourist destination. Mount Abu is visited by tourists also because of the huge number of Hindu and Jain temples. The Dilwara Temple is considered as the most important and holy temple by the Jains. This temple is built of white marble and was built between the 11th and 13th century.

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Pushkar Fair 2011


When it comes to celebrate fairs and festivals in India, there is no comparison to Pushkar Fair.This is one of the most famous fairs held at Pushkar town which is located just 11Km from Ajmer, Rajasthan. This town situated along the bank of the picturesque Pushkar Lake comes alive during Pushkar fair. Today it is considered as one of the most popular and colorful fairs and festivals in India that attracts numerous tourists from every corner of the world. In fact, this is one of its own kinds cultural cum trade fair that provides ample of opportunities for vacationers to enjoy the attractive and lively spectacle of Rajasthan.

Friday, 27 January 2012

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels


Taste a slice of royalty onboard the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels! The grandeur and magnificence of the 'land of the kings' - Rajasthan and also the ‘temple towns’ - Varanasi and Khajuraho have been fantastically captured and reflected through the luxury train tours. Visit the magical destinations of Jaipur, Udaipur and Agra and unfold the romantic legacies of Chittorgarh. Travel across Jodhpur and do not miss out on the spiritual experiences waiting to be offered you in Varanasi! Discover the dramatic ambiance of Bharatpur and Sawai Madhopur and the contemporary heritage of New Delhi. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels tour wait to treat you to a regal feast. Besides being enticed by the destinations, be prepared to be enthralled by the interesting amenities onboard this luxury train.

Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Places to visit in Kolkata


Indian Museum:
Indian Museum KolkataThe Indian Museum is the biggest museum and has very rare collections of fossils, antiques, ornaments, armor and paintings. This museum has 6 sections which consist of Geology, Zoology, Art, Archeology, Anthropology and botany. This museum is founded by Dr.Nathaniel Wallich in 1814. This museum has a very wide variety exhibits like fossils or skeletons of dinosaurs, Collections of meteorites, Palm leaves paintings, miniature paintings, Buddhist stupa, Ashoka pillar and other remains of ancient civilization. Currently this is the ninth oldest museum in the world. People who are having lot of interest on arts and artifacts, then this place is the must see place in the city of Kolkata. If you get into this museum once then you will not know how the day has passed. Every items presented in this museum is unique and has its own heritage and culture.


Marble Palace:
Marble Palace KolkataMarble Palace is an impressive building and well preserved elegant house of 19th century in Northern Kolkata. The building is completely constructed from the marbles thus the building has got that name. This mansion was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in the year 1835 who was a very rich merchant and had a very craze of collecting art works. The house is basically constructed in the style of Neoclassic whereas the plan is purely of the traditional Bengali. Adjacent to the court-yard there is a place for worship which can be accessible only from the people of the family. This is a three storey building having a tall pillars and verandas which is having sloping roof which is completely built in the style of Chinese pavilion. The premises of the palace also contain a rock garden, a small zoo where you can find few rare birds and lawn garden with lake. The collections present in this building includes the western sculpture, paintings by Indian and European artists, Victorian furniture, two famous paintings of Ruben and rarely fund stones and sculptures. This is the place which will be liked by all category of people and the must see place in the city of Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial KolkataLocated in Central Kolkata, the stunning Victoria Memorial is the official landmark of this city – by far the pride and joy of Kolkata and the most famous monument in the area. The majestic architecture is elegant and regal, and stands out gallantly in its white, marble form. The memorial was made in dedication to Queen Victoria, who also held the title of “Empress of India.” The building is surrounded by a beautiful display of gardens which compliments the scenery pristinely. Built to offer respects and honor the Queen, the memorial was established four years after her death – and has continued to reach its goal to this very day, a total of eighty-eight years later. Inside the Victoria Memorial you will find an astonishing display of artifacts, with twenty-five impressive galleries located in the central hall. Upon visiting the Victoria Memorial, you’ll undoubtedly feel the power behind its great, majestic devotion.


Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
Howrah Bridge KolkataThe symbol of Kolkata, this cantilever bridge has a history dating back to 1874 when it was a Floating Pontoon Bridge was built using timber. The sixth longest bridge of its kind in the world the Howrah bridge connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata. Howrah railway station is one of the busiest in the world and would be your gateway to Kolkata if your are arriving or departing by rail. The view of Ganges (Hoogly) from the bridge is an experience one must undertake when in Kolkata. The breeze and rhythmic vibrations of vehicles crossing the bridge give you a feeling of euphoria. You could also check out the flower market right at the Kolkata end of Rabindra setu.

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Missing India, Reverse Culture Shock and a Little Bit of Seasonal Blues

When I returned to Europe in 2009 from a trip that lasted more than three years and included lots of travel around India, studying yoga in Mysore and long trips to nearby countries including Thailand, Singapore and Nepal, I was more than ready to leave Asia. Europe was, in my mind, a paradise where everything is clean and efficient and functions perfectly. Europe was the dreamland with no
The Belur Temple in Karnataka South India


.

cheating rickshaw drivers and no bureaucracy that has been created to extract bribes from foreigners by driving us so mad that we’d be happy to pay anything just so we would not have to fill in another inexplicable piece of paper. Europe was a place that had decent bread (and that means bread that is baked in an oven and is not flat), non-spicy food, cheese that actually tastes like cheese. My Dream Europe had cold crispy winter mornings and people who would get things done in three working days without asking for a “present”.

The disappointment was so great that I am still not sure if I am going through a reverse culture shock that has lasted over two years, or if my mind had simply created an illusion of Europe that never existed in reality.

Monday, 23 January 2012

5 tips for India first-timers



1. Choose your route wisely

Think about what interests you, what you like doing, and tailor your trip accordingly. The itineraries section at the front of Lonely Planet India can be a great help here.

The most popular India tour is the all-time classic Golden Triangle. Clichéd, yes, but if time is short this is a fantastic introduction to three of India’s very best destinations. Start in Delhi (Hamayun’s Tomb, Old Fort) before hitting Agra (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri) then Jaipur (Pink City, fort at Amber). Head back to Delhi’s wonderful bazaars for a final shopping spree before you fly home.

And if you have more specific interests:

Shopping - Delhi
Beaches - Goa
Trekking - Himachal Pradesh
Yoga - Rishikesh
Food – everywhere!
Tigers - Madhya Pradesh
Thrill-seekers - Manali
Religious fervour - Varanasi
Just chilling - Kerala

2. Slow down

Too many people try to cram too much into a visit to India. Don’t be one of them. Seeing one place slowly is so much more rewarding than seeing many places in a flash. You’ll be less stressed, gain a deeper understanding of where you are and have more time to build relationships with the people you meet.

3. Avoid the crowds

One billion locals gets a bit too much for some travellers, but India also has plenty of quiet retreats. If you need to escape the crowds in the sprawling cities, consider heading south to the backwaters of Kerala, north to Tibetan-influenced mountainous regions such as Ladakh or paying a visit to one of India’s many hill stations.

4. Stay healthy

Avoid tap water, and any food that may have been washed in it, at all times. No ice, no salads and no fruit you haven’t just peeled yourself.

Many travellers go veggie whilst in India. It’s not a bad idea. A dodgy bit of meat will do you a lot more harm than slightly undercooked vegetables. Plus, many Indians are vegetarian, so there’s a fabulous choice of vegetarian food. If you do eat meat, make sure it’s well cooked. If in doubt, eat at a place that’s packed with locals.

Toilets are notoriously bad in India, but they don’t have to be health hazards. Consider using the left-hand-and-water-jug method preferred by many locals (it is, after all, so much more hygienic than using dry paper), but don’t forget to carry soap with you so you can wash your hands properly afterwards.

5. Keep cool

India is renowned for its touts and scams, for its in-yer-face hassles and for being generally bloody hectic. There are various ways you can reduce the chances of being overcharged or just plain cheated (see scams in India), but there’s no way you can avoid them altogether, so the single most important piece of advice for any India first-timer is to try to remain calm, no matter what. Frustrations boil over easily in India, and being able to control them, take a deep breath and move on, is key to enjoying your overall experience.

Friday, 20 January 2012

Royal Rajasthan


Rajasthan, the regal state known for its stately grandeur and intricately carved 'havelis', beckons you on a journey through its enchanting landscape, exploring majestic forts and colorful culture on the way. On a holiday in Rajasthan, enjoy comfortable accommodation, efficient travel arrangements and engrossing sightseeing tours with our range of Rajasthan holiday packages. So book now and make your vacation special!