Goa most expensive tourist destination in India

Goa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, is also becoming the most expensive destination in the country. Rising inflation, hike in aviation fuel prices and increase in insurance premiums have led to an escalation in the rates of tour packages, offered by charter and scheduled tour operators to up to 100 per cent.

Bush Miranda, a representative of scheduled flight operator Condor said that tickets which cost $700 last year, have now shot up to $1,300. "The season this year will be expensive, but the number of travellers to Goa hasn't shrunk much," Miranda said.

Condor is scheduled to fly 52 flights to Goa this season. Goa will attract a total of 700 chartered and scheduled flights this season, which ranges from October to March. "There is hope that the number may grow. Last year, the count was 758," he said.

Goa, according to Miranda, has not only been treated as the fifth best destination by tour organisers worldwide, but also the costliest one this year. Condor's first flight from Frankfurt to Goa, scheduled for Oct 9, will be carrying over 300 passengers.

Martin Joseph, who represents Goa-based charter operator Freedom Holidays, said adverse advisories published by several countries about others, have resulted in a steep hike in insurance premiums.

"The moment a country makes an adverse remark about another on its travel advisory, insurance companies hike their premiums to tourists travelling there," Joseph said, adding that European tourists invariably insured themselves before travelling to India.

Although Goa continues to be one of the favourite destinations for European travellers, it now has competition on the European continent itself. "Countries like Romania and Bulgaria are opening up and have realised their tourism potential. Obviously, a European traveller would save a lot of money in air fare as well as in-flight time if he chooses to travel to these new tourism havens," Joseph said.

Subhash Hegde of Thomson charters said Goa would see a spurt in the number of tourists from Russia this year also. "Almost 40 percent of the charter tourists received by Goa are from the UK," he said, adding that while the Russian market was unpredictable, the flow of tourist from UK has been stable for the last several years.

source:http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?

Top seven tourist destinations of Rajasthan

Rajasthan the land of kings – is the largest state of India. It has global distinction for its wealth of tourism and rich culture and tradition. The state is rich in its culture and tradition. People are generous and ready to help guests. Colourful costumes of people delight tourists. Exotic cuisine smacks your lips. Fairs and festivals of the state give you a cultural insight. Forts and palaces enchant visitors with their unique and superb architecture.

Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks provide you delightful, thrilling and sensational experience of India tourism. Camel safari provides you wonderful opportunity to see the charisma of rippling sand dunes. At sand dunes, you can watch one of the world’s best sunset views. Heritage and palace hotels provide your royal and luxurious experience. In fact, each and every destination of the state is worth visiting, worth exploring and worth praising.

There are several destinations in Rajasthan known for their delightful charm. Given below is information about top seven destinations of the state. Surley exploring these destinations will be delightful experience of Rajasthan tours India.

Jaipur – The Pink City
Popularly described as the Pink City of India, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It is 260 km from national capital Delhi and 240 km from Agra – the home of India’s star attraction Taj Mahal. Delhi, Jaipur and Agra tours form one of the most tours of India, known as Golden Triangle Tour. The major attractions of the city are City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Birla Temple, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Tal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Gaitore, Statue Circle, and colourful and bustling bazaars laden with exquisite handicrafts. Jaipur is one of the best planned cities of India and presents unique synthesis of culture, tradition and modernisation.

Udaipur – The White City
Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities of the state. It is popularly described with several nicknames viz ’the City of Lakes’, ’the City of Palaces’, ’the City of Sunrise’, and ’the Venice of the East’. It is one of the most visited and preferred travel destinations of the state. Major attractions of the city are City Palace Complex, Lake Palace now a world famous heritage hotel, Pichola Lake, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jag Mandir, Nehru Park, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir, Fateh Prakash Palace, Sajjan Garh Palace with excellent views of surrounding hills, lakes, and snow-white palaces, Gulab Bagh, etc. Lake Palace is one of the most popular attractions of city. It is situated on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of picturesque Pichola Lake. It is the finest example of architectural and cultural explosion. Udaipur is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Jodhpur – The Blue City
Popularly described as the Blue City of India, Jodhpur is one of the most preferred travel destinations of the state. It is also described as the Sun City because it enjoys sunny weather all year around. Dotted with magnificent monuments, terrific temples, royal cenotaphs and ruins, the Blue City of Jodhpur offers you the ultimate experience of royal Rajasthan tour. The major attractions of Jodhpur city are the mammoth Mehrangarh Fort, the elegant Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, the royal cenotaph of Jaswant Thada, etc. There are several beautiful palaces inside the Mehrangarh Fort complex like Phool Mahal (the Palace of Flowers), Sheesh Mahal (the Palace of Mirrors), Moti Mahal (the Palace of Pearls), Daulat Khana, and Sileh Khana. Truly Jodhpur is worth visiting, worth exploring and delightful tour experience.

Jaisalmer – The Golden City
Popularly described as the Golden City of India, Jaisalmer has several fascinating and enchanting attractions to offer its visitors from all over the world. The city provides wonderful opportunity to see magnificent forts, stunning havelis, ancient Jain temples, and rippling sand dunes. The city also provides delightful experience of camel rides to the nearby villages and rippling sand dunes. The prime attractions of the city are Sonar Kila (also known as Jaisalmer Fort and Golden Fort), Desert National Park, Havelis, Jain Temples inside the Fort Complex, and Sam Sand Dunes. Truly, a must visit destination of the state.

Ajmer – A Sacred Medieval Town
Ajmer is a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It is one of the most important Muslim pilgrimage centres in India. The prime attractions of the town are Dargah Sharif, Adhai-Din-Ka-Johpra, Nasiyan Jain Temple, Ana Sagar Lake, Taragarh Fort, government museum, etc. Dargarh Sharif is the most popular attraction of the city. It is predominately a Muslim pilgrimage destination but it is revered by people of both faiths – Muslim and Hindus.

Pushkar – The Sacred City
Pushkar is a small but beautiful town of Rajasthan. It is one of the most scared pilgrim centres of India. The town is so sacred that no meat, egg and alcohol are allowed here. It is home to Lord Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma. Other major attractions of the city are Pushkar Lake, Savitri Temple, Varah Temple, Mahadeo Temple, Ramvaikunth Temple, Holy Ghats, etc. Pushkar is also globally known for the annual Pushkar Fair and Festival. Exploring the attractions of Pushkar is truly a spiritual experience.

Mount Abu - The only hill station
Mount Abu is the only hill station of the state. It is known for cool and delightful ambiance. Nature has blessed this hill town uniquely. Beautiful landscapes delight you. Due to pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes, the city is very popular among honeymoon couples. Besides, exceptional beauty, the town is also famous for ancient Hindu and Jain temples. The prime attractions of Mount Abu are Dilwara Jain Temple, scenic Nakki Lake, Adhar Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, Sunset Point, Honeymooner Point, Guru Shikhar offering panoramic views of hills, and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary rich in its flora and fauna. Truly, a must visit destination of Rajasthan.

There are several tour packages in Rajasthan available to explore these prime destinations of the state. Some of travel agents or tour operators also provide car rental services that enable you to explore these destinations in a more convenient way. Well, get ready to experience the ultimate charm of Rajasthan tourism by exploring above mentioned prime travel destinations of the state.
source:http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=143903

The top five wedding destinations of Rajasthan

There are several regal wedding destinations in the state where every year several couples from all over the world bond in eternal love. Tourists from all over the world visit this state for its magnificent forts, fairy-tale palaces, terrific temples, the rippling and rolling sand dunes, flora, fauna, etc. In fact, these are amongst the numerous reasons to tour this vibrant and colourful state. The following are some important wedding destinations of the state.

Jaipur, the Pink City of India

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It has several places of tourist interest. City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, etc are amongst the few. The city is one of the most romantic places to bond in eternal love. There are several heritage hotels in and around this city offering the royal ambience appropriate to wedding rituals and ceremonies. Oberoi Raj Vilas, Rambagh Palace, Samode Palace, Jai Mahal Palace, etc are amongst the said hotels. These royal wedding venues of Jaipur city are globally famous among couples. There are several wedding planners who offer wedding packages to these exotic wedding venues. Really an imperial wedding experience!

Jodhpur, the Blue City of India

Popularly described as the Blue City of India, Jodhpur is one of the most popular travel destinations of the state. Crowned by the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, this city is also globally famous as a regal wedding destination of India. There are several palace hotels offering perfect regal settings for arranging wedding rituals and ceremonies. Ajit Bhawan, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Taj Hari Mahal, etc are a few of them. Arranging wedding rituals and ceremonies at royal venues of the city are truly a regal wedding experience that will last a lifetime.

Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India

Popularly described as the golden city of India, Jaisalmer is also one of the most preferred regal wedding destinations of the state. There are several heritage and palace hotels in the city that offer regal wedding settings and banquet facilities which are admirable venues for a dream wedding in Rajasthan. Fort Rajwada, Taj Rawalkot, Gorbandh Palace, etc are some of the few.

Neemrana Fort and Palace

Situated 122 km on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway, it is one of India’s oldest heritage hotels. It is a place where the past comes alive in the present. It offers excellent regal experience from traditional wedding rituals to private parties. It is a perfect wedding destination for a royal wedding in Rajasthan.

Udaipur, the Romantic City of India

The city of lakes and fairy-tale palaces, Udaipur is one of the best and most charming wedding destinations of Rajasthan. Couples from all over the world prefer to get married in this romantic city of India. There are several regal wedding venues and heritagehotels in this city that offer the perfect setting for royal wedding. Lake Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Shiv Niwas Palace, Udai Vilas Palace, etc are amongst these hotels. Getting married in these fairy-tale palaces provides a truly royal Rajasthanweddingexperience.

Some other important wedding destinations in Rajasthan are the Gajner Palace in Bikaner, Devigarh Palace, Mandawa, etc. Uniting in eternal love in the backdrop of Rajasthan’s rich customs and traditions is an experience. Wedding rituals like Mehndi, Sangit, fireworks and procession of decorated elephants, camels, etc, are really a regal and memorable experience for anyone.

source:http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=143901

Top seven places to visit in India

INDIA IS a vast country and there are several places of tourist interests that can be explored for a delightful and enchanting experience. Travel and tourism in the country provides a delightful experience with a superb blend of culture, tradition, spirituality, natural beauty and modernisation.

In fact, the county is the land of amazing diversity and its diversity can be observed in all its realms. There are several enchanting travel destination in the country like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Mumbai, Golden Triangle, Taj Mahal (Agra), Delhi, Himalayan Region, Kashmir, Backwaters, Wildlife, etc. Exploring these globally acclaimed destinations of the country provides delightful experience of India tourism. Below is information about seven topmost travel destinations of the country. Often tourists plan to visit these destinations in India.

Taj Mahal: India’s star attraction

Taj Mahal is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world. It is located on the banks of River Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Built in white marble, it is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. It is the symbol of eternal love. This beautiful monument of love was built by great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Rani Mumtaz Mahal after her death. It is one of the must visit attractions of the country. Every year, a large gathering of tourists visit this exquisite love monument and do not forget to praise its architecture, beauty and of course to imagine the beauty of Mumtaz Mahal. Worth visiting!

Rajasthan: The land of forts and kings

Rajasthan is a widely acclaimed travel destination of India. It has a wide range of tourist options like heritage tourism, cultural tourism, wildlife tourism, camel safari of rippling sand dunes, etc. There are several magnificent forts and palaces in this state, showing the glorious past of its erstwhile rulers and kings. Some of forts and palaces of the state have now been converted into heritage hotels offering world class accommodation with luxury and unique Indian hospitality. Staying a few days at Rajasthan palace hotels is truly a delightful experience.

Kerala: God’s own country

Kerala is one of the most beautiful states of India. It is globally famous travel destination blessed with exceptional natural beauty. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking backwaters, luxurious houseboats, beautiful temples, verdant hill stations, beautiful landscapes, rich culture and tradition, exotic cuisine, etc are prime attractions of Kerala. Definitely exploring Kerala is an ecstatic experience.

Himalayan regions

Himalayan regions are very popular amongst tourists who like to enjoy adventure and sports, explore the beautiful landscapes, explore rich flora and fauna, and explore pilgrimage centres. This region covers the states of Kashmir (the paradise on the earth), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Exploring the Himalayan region Kashmir provides one of the best Indian tour experiences. Himalayan regions also provide opportunity to indulge in thrilling adventure and sports. Also you can visit several religious and pilgrimage sites like Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu, Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh and several ancient temples in Kullu and Manali. These religious spots are very popular destinations for India pilgrimage tour.

Goa: The land of sun, sand and surf

Goa is the smallest state of India but is extremely popular destination for international tourists. Beaches, Churches, culture, etc are prime attractions of Goa tours.

Khajuraho: The city of exotic temples

Khajuraho is a well-known travel destination of India. It is widely acclaimed for its beautiful architectural temples of love. You can see several beautifully engraved sculptures on the walls of the temples. The perfect balance between architecture and sculpture surely enchants you.

New Delhi: The capital of India

New Delhi, the capital of India is one of the major tourist destinations of the country. There are numerous attractions in this historic city like Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Rajghat, Birla Temple, ISKON temple, President’s House, Old Fort and many more.
source:http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID

Top five wildlife destinations of Rajasthan

RAJASTHAN, THE largest state of India, is a haven for wide spectrum wildlife. Besides its magnificent monuments and rich culture and tradition, the state is also known for its rich flora and fauna. There are several wildlife destinations in the state. Ranthambore National Park, Desert National Park, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Tal Chappar Sanctuary, Jaisamand Sanctuary, Darrah Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary, Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park, Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, etc are names to few.

Exploring wildlife destinations of the state provides wonderful opportunity to see wildlife, birdlife and nature from close quarters. These wildlife destinations of the state are ideal to enjoy nature tourism or green tourism. Tourists from all over the world visit Rajasthan and explore its rich flora and fauna at its several wildlife destinations. Below is some useful information about top five wildlife destinations of the state. Surely the information will be very helpful for your Rajasthan Tours for wildlife destinations.

Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in India. It is one of the globally famous wildlife destinations of India. It is rich in its flora, fauna, and avifauna. It is famous for its royal Bengal tigers. One can watch sensational activities of tigers amidst their natural wild habitat. Other wildlife attractions that can be seen in this park are jungle cats, toddy cats, desert cats, leopards, chinkara, chital, sambar, striped hyenas, squirrels, five-striped squirrels, sloth bears, nilgai, deer, foxes, Indian flying foxes, mole rats, mongoose, etc. Also several species of birdlife can be seen in this park. There are about 272 species of birds in this park. Also different species of reptiles can be seen in this park. They are lizards, monitor lizards, crocodiles, vipers, Indian pythons, tortoises, turtles, cobras, etc. Thrilling and sensational experience!

Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve

Not only Ranthambore, the one another tiger land in Rajasthan tour package is Sariska National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park is rich in its flora and fauna. The parks provides excellent haven for tigers and other wild animals and birdlife too. Almost 90 per cent of this wildlife sanctuary is dotted with dhok trees. Also trees of Khair, Ber, Tendu, etc are found this sanctuary. Wildlife attractions of the park are tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jungle cats, sambar, chinkara, chital, antelope, langoors, jackal, hyena, etc. Birdlife attractions of the park are peacocks, kingfishers, horned owls, red jungle fowl, peafowl, woodpeckers, quails, partridges, crested serpent eagles, sunbirds, spur fowls, golden backed woodpeckers, white breasted kingfishers, vultures etc. Delightful experience!

Desert National Park

Established in 1980, it is a huge park spanning in the area of 3,162 square kilometre. It is the excellent example of eco system. It has shrubs and trees and rolling sand dunes as well. The major wildlife attractions of the park are foxes, desert cats, hares, sand fish, lizards, desert monitor lizards, desert cats, jungle cats, desert mongoose, etc. Here one can see also see different bird species like sparrows, imperial sand grouse, bustards, falcons, eagles, and some of migratory birds. Pleasant wildlife experience!

Keoladeo Ghana National Park and Bird Sanctuary

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the world. It is haven for birds. Its shallow, fresh water marsh attracts thousands of migratory birds. The park is excellent example of eco system. There are infinite varieties of birds including migratory birds in this park. The park has been designated as the world heritage site.
One of the popular ways to explore this world famous bird sanctuary is by a rickshaw ride. Also in the park wild animals are found such as sambar, chital, black buck, fishing cat, mongoose, etc. Wonder of natural world!

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary

Gajner is also famous wildlife destination of India tours among others. This sanctuary provides excellent ambiance for wildlife with lakes and forested hills. The prime attractions of this sanctuary are wild fowls, jungle cats, wild boar, desert foxes, deer, antelopes, blackbucks, blue bulls, etc. The lake at Gajner attracts water birds quite in good numbers. Delightful experience!

source:http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID

Rajasthan Tour: An experience to treasure

WELCOME TO Rajasthan, India Tour. Rajasthan – the largest state of India – is one of the most visited and popular travel destinations of India. It presents lots of options for tourism to its visitors. Rich culture and traditions, ancient & medieval forts & palaces, rich flora and fauna, incredible shopping, lip-smacking cuisine are prime features of boom in Rajasthan tourism. The state enjoys a large gathering of tourists coming here for wonderful holidays and tourism options.

There are several world famous travel destinations in this vibrant and colorful state of Rajasthan. Some popular travel destinations of the state are Jaipur – the Capital City, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Ranthambhore, Sariska, Mandawa, Samode, Bharatpur and Chittorgarh. All these destinations are very popular among tourists from all over the world. When you explore these exotic travel destinations, you surely have wonderful experience of life time.

The prime attraction of Rajasthan India tours, is rich culture and tradition of the state that can be seen in its various monuments like forts, palaces, havelis, temples, etc. Whatever part of the state you travel, you find several magnificent forts, stunning havelis and elegant palaces. While exploring forts and palaces of the state, you will be amazed by watching beautiful architecture of Rajasthan. Rightly, the state is described as the Land of Monuments.

City Palace Complex at Jaipur and Udaipur, invincible forts at Kumbhalgarh & Chittorgarh, elegant Lake Palace at Udaipur, mammoth Meharngarh Fort at Jodhpur, royal cenotaph of Jaswant Thad at Jodhpur, Golden Fort at Jaisalmer, Temples at Pushkar, Dilwara Jain Temples at Mount Abu, Ranakpur Jain Temples, grand Umaid Bhawan Palace & Museum at Jodhpur, stunning havelis of Jaisalmer & Mandawa are worth visiting. These are the unforgettable attractions of tour in Rajasthan, India.

Apart from monuments, there are several other attractions in this state of Rajasthan.
There are wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, adventure & sports destinations, lakes, trekking trails etc. Ranthambhore National Park & Tiger Reserve, Sariska Tiger Reserve & National Park, Bharatpur National Park & Bird Sanctuary are worth exploring. Hotels of Rajasthan and sand dunes are also very popular attractions. Rajasthan tour is incomplete without exploring rippling and glistering sand dunes of the state. One of the best and suitable ways to explore sand dunes is Camel Safari.

If you want to beat the heat of this desert state of Rajasthan, a visit to Mount Abu (the only hill station of Rajasthan) can be delightful and memorable experience. Cool and delightful ambiance, exceptional scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes make it perfect destination for holiday.
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