Tag: India
Less walking for Mansarovar pilgrims
February 6 (TravelAndy): A Jeep service has been introduced for the 82km stretch between Garbyang and Nabhidang for pilgrims heading to Mansarovar, TOI said.
Introduction of four Jeeps would be decrease the walking distance by 27Km each way.
“We have got four Thar vehicles as per the decision by the state government of and had already sent a letter to the Union ministry of external affairs requesting airlifng of the vehicles from Dharchula to Garbyang, ” Trilok Singh Martolia, an official told TOI. Continue reading Less walking for Mansarovar pilgrims
Plan to turn parts of 350 forts into hotels
January 25 (TravelAndy): The Maharashtra government is planning to convert parts of its forts into heritage hotels and wedding destinations, said reports.
There are as many as 350 forts dotting Maharashtra, including the Murud-Janjira fort, Lohagad and Visapur forts, Harishchandragad, Arnala fort and Ajinkyatara fort. Most of them were built during the reign of the famous Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.
These 350 forts are being explored as potential heritage hotels. Continue reading Plan to turn parts of 350 forts into hotels
Karnataka: Copter-tourism on the cards
January 24 (TravelAndy): In a bid to attract international tourists, Karnataka is planning to launch helicopter tours for its visitors, TOI said.
The state government of Karnataka has already identified certain tourism circuits that have poor transport connectivity. These include Coastal, Heritage and Malnad circuits comprising major tourist and pilgrimage centres.
“With the increase in foreign and domestic tourists to Karnataka every year and analyzing the age and income profiles of tourists, there’s immense potential for helicopter tourism. With improvement in connectivity, we hope to see a rise in their visits,” Pradeep Singh Kharola, additional chief secretary of the tourism department told TOI. Continue reading Karnataka: Copter-tourism on the cards
First pilgrimage train chugs out of Amritsar
January 4 (TravelAndy): Punjab has flagged off its first Tirth Yatra train from Amritsar to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazoor Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra, said reports.
This special train has 18 coaches and can accommodate 1,080 passengers.
During the trip, the pilgrims will be provided with food, accommodation and transportation free of cost. Continue reading First pilgrimage train chugs out of Amritsar
The audio guide at Golkonda is a good idea
One day during my stay in Hyderabad when I was feeling particularly touristy, I decided to spend several hours at Golkonda Fort. I discovered that making use of the audio guide there is a great way to explore the historic site as a solo traveller on a budget.
Human guides cost around INR700 and that’s probably not a bad deal if you are in a group. But as a solo traveller on a budget, I thought that was a little too much.
I read the advertisement about the audio guide right next to the ticket counter. When I asked them where I could get it, they said it would be right at the main entrance of the fort. As soon as I got there, several guides approached me, but when I told them I was looking for the audio guide, they left. The place where they rent out the audio guides is bang opposite the main entrance. Continue reading The audio guide at Golkonda is a good idea
Water tourism starts at Hanumantiya
December 27 (TravelAndy): In a bid to develop water tourism in the state, Madhya Pradesh has constructed ten bamboo cottages and pine wood huts in Hanumantiya, Indore, The Times of India said.
Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation opened these cottages for tourists on December 26.
Hanumantiya, located near Indira Sagar dam and along the bank of river Narmada, will host anumber of water sport activities for tourists staying in the cottages. Continue reading Water tourism starts at Hanumantiya
What is AC First on Indian Railways about?
What is it about travelling AC First on Indian Railways? I mean, how different was it from say, 2AC (I had travelled 2AC)? That’s one thing I had always wondered about. So, when I realised I wasn’t in a hurry and the AC First fares were exactly the same as a flight to Hyderabad, I chose the slower option.
For the uninitiated, AC stands for air-conditioned. 2AC is the second-most luxurious options on long-distance Indian trains each cubicle has 2+2 berth configuration; apart from two more berths on the other side of the passage. (In 3AC and Second Class, the configuration is 3+3, plus two berths on the other side of the passage). Continue reading What is AC First on Indian Railways about?
Countdown to Trip #next
Which do you like more — the sea or the mountains?
That’s a question I hear often. Way too often. And I just cannot devise an answer to it.
To me, it doesn’t matter that much if it is a popular beach, a sleepy village, a snowy mountain peak or a vibrant city because what my heart craves the most is just to be on the move. Continue reading Countdown to Trip #next
Indonesia plans direct flights to India
November 29 (TravelAndy): Indonesia is planning to start direct flights to India.
Garuda, Indonesia’s flagship carrier, is chalking out these flights from next year, said reports, quoting the country’s consul-general Saut Siringoringo.
“Indonesia’s national-carrier Garuda plans to operate direct flights between Jakarta and Delhi, and Bali and Mumbai,” Siringoringo said. Continue reading Indonesia plans direct flights to India
Kerala to develop 150km tourism circuit
November 10 (TravelAndy): The state of Kerala in South India is set to develop one of the country’s first mega tourism circuits, said reports.
The 150km long circuit will be developed in the Pathanamthitta-Gavi-Vagamon-Thekkady region of central Kerala.
Adventure tourism activities including buggy walks, shooting arena, archery arena, pain ball arena, Burma bridge, trampoline walk, rock climbing, multi-line walk and earthquake walk will be available for tourists. A 6km nature trail along the pain valley forest will also be in place.
This project under the Centre’s ‘Swadesh Darshan’ programme intends to promote theme-based tourism.
This circuit will extend from Angamoozhy in Pathanamthitta to Vagamon covering about 150km.
Kerala tourism minister A.P. Anilkumar said, “The development of a mega tourism circuit will not only create tourism infrastructure of global standards, but also lead to creation of jobs.”
Sikkim to get airport in Dec 2016
October 20 (TravelAndy): The Himalayan state of Sikkim in India is set to get its first airport in December 2016.
The airport is being built at Pakyong, 35km from Gangtok, the state’s capital.
“Improving connectivity is the key to promoting tourism.” said India’s tourism minister Mahesh Sharma. Continue reading Sikkim to get airport in Dec 2016
Trichy-Penang direct flight starts
October 3 (TravelAndy): Malaysia-based low-cost airline Malindo Air has started direct flights between India’s Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) and Penang in Malaysia.
The bi-weekly flight is operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The flight will depart from Penang airport at 8.30pm and reach Trichy at 9.40pm. The return flight will leave Trichy at 10.30pm and reach Penang at 4.45am, the next day.
“We hope that this new air link will help to boost the tourism, encouraging Indian tourists to come more often and stay longer in the country,” said Tourism Malaysia director Noor Azman Samsudin in Chennai, reports said. Continue reading Trichy-Penang direct flight starts