Bhutan has made it mandatory for tourists visiting from neighbouring countries including India, Bangladesh and Maldives to pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1000. According to the news reports, the fee has been levied considering instances of some tourists disobeying the local law and order and also showing disrespect towards local customs and traditions.
Meanwhile, the Bhutanese kingdom wants to control the flow of travellers from India and more such South Asian countries.
Up till now, tourists from three countries did not have to pay a visa or any entry fee to enter Bhutan. On the other hand, tourists from other nations have to pay a USD 250 charge per day to the Bhutanese government, which also includes a USD 65 sustainable development fee.Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji had discussed the country’s decision to implement the entry fee during a visit to India in the month of November.
The Director General of Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), Dorji Dhradhul, told TOI that the idea to extend the visa fee to India and other nations in line with Bhutan’s high-value-low-impact tourism policy. The policy draft has been prepared for four years. As for the USD 250 fee, which amounts to INR 17700 approximately, if applied, it may hurt the pockets of many Indian tourists for whom Bhutan was an affordable international destination until now.
Tamhini Ghat is a mountain passage which cuts across the Sahyadri range to join Pune and the Kokan region. Located on the crest of the Sahyadris, it is famous for its natural beautywith high mountains, green valleys, lakes and waterfalls.
One drawback for anyone going to Tamhini from Magarpatta is that, unlike Varandha Ghat which is accessible via Katraj, the route to Tamhini requires one to make a full round of Pune city, over to Chandani Chowk and then to the Ghats. The road is too narrow and though we did not feel it in the morning, while coming back there was a huge traffic jam.
From Chandani chowk we went towards Mulshi Dam and continued on our course. The road was quite bad for a large part of the journey and was almost non-existent at some places. The view started getting increasingly good, with towering mountains crowned with thick clouds and lush greenery all around with just the right amount of mist, to make it look beautiful without obscuring things. At one point we came across a wall-like cliff of mountain from which many waterfalls were cascading down, making it an incredible sight.
We stopped at a place where a huge waterfall opened out right on to the road, making a loud gushing sound. There were not too many people around, so we strolled about a little, got a great view of the valley below, and took photos till it started raining again.
The journey back was a little difficult as the visibility became very poor with the combination of rain and fog, but by the time we reached Lavale, the rain had stopped so we decided to go to Lavasa—which was 30 km further.
Lavasa is a privately managed and planned hill city which, upon completion, will consist of a number of towns spread across seven hills of the Sahyadris. While the ecological impact is a controversial question, the town is nonetheless beautiful.
The road from Lavale to Lavasa is beautiful and better maintained than the one to Tamhini. We passed through stretches of greenery, and a few small villages before reaching the dam from where the ascent started. The road got steeper and was ridiculously vertical at some places, so much so that our humble Indica started coughing and sputtering. When we reached the gate of Lavasa, the fog was so thick that it looked like late evening during afternoon. It was drizzling and visibility was quite poor.
Lavasa is going to be an impressive city once it’s completed. The town hall area, a beautiful promenade along the lake, and the colourful houses look like they’re straight out of a town in Europe. There are even a number of shops and good restaurants, which offer a refreshing change from the surrounding wilderness.
Ayodhya is all geared up to get a brand new makeover. Reports suggest that after the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute on November 9, the Uttar Pradesh Government has been planning to turn this place into one of the major religious tourist destinations in North India.
Also, to promote it as an international tourist destination, the UP Government is all pepped up to ensure fast development of the holy city. As per the sources in the Culture and Tourism Department, a 13-km long corridor depicting the life of Lord Ram will be built, and a cruise on River Saryu on lines similar to that of Varanasi will enable visitors in enjoying the scenic and panoramic view of the Rama Temple.
A senior official in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat stated that there are also plans to get all states build their own buildings like Maharashtra Bhawan, Karnataka Bhawan, and Uttarakhand Bhawan in Ayodhya. Reportedly, a new township will also come up alongside the construction of the Rama Temple to attract tourists from all over the world. If everything goes as planned, Ayodhya will soon be home to the replicas of the famous Somnath Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Tirupati Temple, and Konark Temple.
Apart from all this, the government is also planning to make air connectivity better in Ayodhya, and an international airport will likely be inaugurated on Rama Navami next year. Referring to all this, Ayodhya Mayor Rakesh Upadhyay stated that the government is in the process of finalising development programs for Ayodhya on a large scale. He also mentioned that all those plans will be made public very soon once they are finalised.
India’s super luxurious Golden Chariot train will begin its operations from March 2020, as per the announcement made by the Indian Railways on Tuesday.
According to the reports, the information was announced after a memorandum of understanding was signed by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) with the IRCTC to promote and run the Golden Chariot train.
While addressing a gathering, Suresh Angadi, Minister of State for Railways, shared that the luxury train will encourage tourism in Karnataka and its sister southern states.
The minister also asked the IRCTC and the KSTDC to scheduled departure dates of the Golden Chariot train to be suitable for everyone to plan a trip through the train. According to Angadi, the Golden Chariot is made to accomplish the objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of linking 15 tourism destinations in India. It is the only luxury train run in South India so far. However, due to the large amount of losses incurred by the train, its operations were suspended for some time by the Karnataka state government.
The Golden Chariot went on track in 2008 as a joint initiative of the Indian Railways and the Karnataka government. The train has 18 coaches and 44 guest rooms, and it can accommodate 84 passengers at a time.
The Golden Chariot will make a journey to destinations in Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry and other neighbouring destinations like Mysuru, Bandipur, Halebid, Hampi, Chikmagalur, Bijapur and Goa in its itinerary.
Other luxury trains running in India are the Maharaja Express train, Palace On Wheels (Rajasthan), and the Deccan Queen (Maharashtra).
Delhi is a melting pot of art, cuisine, architecture, culture, and performing arts, and is always buzzing with something. As the year 2019 is nearing its end, the capital is also gearing up with several festivals to give you more than one reason to welcome the new year in Delhi. So, if you want to enjoy some quality time and chill this winter, here are five festivals that you can be a part of. Read on.
Delhi Comic Con 2019
Touted as the biggest pop-culture event of the year, the Comic Con has Delhi gearing up to host this event. Fans from across the country gather here to explore, engage, and be a part of the highly-charged ambience, i.e., bustling with exhibitions, modern pop culture literature, and merchandise. It’s during this time that TV, graphic novels, comics, and anime lovers come together to experience #thebestweekendoftheyear.
Venue: NSIC Okhla
Date: December 20 – 22, 2019
Zomaland
After a successful debut season, Zomaland has now become India’s biggest food and entertainment carnival. Zomaland 2.0 promises to be bigger, better, and grander this time, which will be replete with world-class chefs and mixologists, set in electrifying vibe, and great food curated all under one roof. Think about games, music, and entertainment, and Zomaland will give it all. It surely will be a spectacle that you would not want to give a miss.
Venue: JLN Stadium
Date: December 13-15, 2019
New Delhi World Book Fair
This fair is every bibliophile’s dreams, and it attracts tons of visitors from across the world every year. Showcasing an array of sections from classics, to fiction and school textbooks and second-hand book bonanza, this fair gets an overwhelming response from all the quarters every year. If you have been waiting for this, check out the details here.
Venue: Pragati Maidan
Date: January 4-12, 2020
“There shall be no Taj Mahal replica”. This would have been the resolve of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, when he, without any trace of guilt, chopped off the hands of all those masons who laboured to give shape to this wonderful monument.
Taj Mahal, the iconic marble monument, housing the graves of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz, was supposed to have no parallel in the world.
Cut to 2017, India which is now full of magical hidden wonders that are no less beautiful than the Taj Mahal, literally. Need proof? Take a look at the fascinating and lesser known replicas of the Taj Mahal in India you may have never heard of before.
1. Taj Mahal, Kota
Rajasthan’s Kota city takes pride in being home to the Seven Wonders of the World. Ask how? There’s a mind-blowing tourist park featuring the Seven Wonders. Naturally, the Taj Mahal replica also has a space of its own in that park.
2. Mini Taj Mahal, Bulandshahr
It was not just Shah Jahan who could build a Taj Mahal for his deceased wife, but a retired post master of Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr city too loved his wife enough to do the same. Faizul Hasan Qadri spent whatever he saved in his lifetime to construct a Taj Mahal model to commemorate his beloved spouse. For this reason, this monument earned the nickname—Mini Taj Mahal.
3. Shahzadi ka Maqbara, Lucknow
This one’s quite popular, and in all likelihood, you have seen it if you have been to Lucknow. It lies in the Chota Imambara complex, and it is quite a look-alike of the Taj Mahal. Inside the tomb are the buried remains of Princess Zinat Asiya, daughter of King Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur, the third emperor of Awadh.
4. Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad
While the original Taj Mahal of Agra was built as a symbol of husbandly love, the Taj Mahal replica of Aurangabad, known as Bibi ka Maqbara, has been built by Aurangzeb’s son Prince Azam Khan in memory of his empress-mother Dilras Banu Begum. According to historical records, Dilras Banu Begum was Aurangzeb’s first wife and chief empress. Ata-Ullah, the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, chief architect of the Taj Mahal, built Bibi ka Maqbara. For the obvious reason, this monument has the sobriquet – Taj of the Deccan.
5. Taj Mahal of Bangalore
There is a replica of Taj Mahal in Bangalore too, and the place where you can find it happens to be the well-known Bannerghetta road. Created by Malaysian artist Sekar in 2015, this monument stands 40 ft tall and 70 x 70 ft wide. It looks very much similar to the original mausoleum, a job well done indeed.
Aren’t these really mind-blowing spots that every Taj Mahal lover should visit? Your thoughts?
Virasat-e-Khalsa, the state-of-the-art museum in Punjab, has now added yet another feather in its cap. It got listed in the annual reference book, World Book of Records, for registering massive footfall of visitors in a single day. As per reports, March 20 witnessed a footfall of 20569 visitors at the museum.
Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Charanjit Singh Channi received the award from the delegates of the World Book of Records, and the delegates specially travelled to attend the Inaugural Day ceremony that was being held here on Monday.
Attending the ceremony, Channi said that this is the fourth back to back award that has been bestowed on Virasat-e-Khalsa this year for the record footfall, coming close on the heels of its listing in the Limca Book of Records, India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and the award of Certificate of Excellence announced by a popular travel website.
He also mentioned that the museum celebrated the double delight in collaboration with schools, colleges, and the public by organising multiple events like the 2nd half-marathon, cultural programs, educational competitions, and by planting 550 saplings in its lawns and backyards and lawns under the tag 550 Rukh Guru Nanak de Naam.
The museum is one of the world’s largest historical and cultural museum dedicated to a single community. As you wander across the campus, you would get to see how the museum transports you to the riveting journey of 550 years of Sikh history via its 27 galleries.
Open for six days a week, you can plan to visit the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
If we have you reading, here is some dope news about destinations where you can use your Indian driving license.
Travelling to different shores is a delightful opportunity that life presents, especially if you want to gather new experiences to enrich your mind, and explore the far reaches of this world. But imagine how it would be if your host country lets you enjoy a good drive as well. Sure, a flat tire mid-way may set you back, but there is nothing like a road trip on foreign roads.
We have put together a list of 11 countries across the world that are good with your Indian driving license, from the United States of America to the United Kingdom, and even the Aussie land. And while we picked these places because they’re relatively popular, the memories are bound to be priceless because you will be allowed to drive easily on your Indian license.
Germany
(Right Lane) If you are on a short trip to Germany, your driving license will be accepted by the authorities, no matter which car or two-wheeler you drive. While it is not mandatory to get an International Driving Permit (IDP), it is still advisable to keep it along because the document bears the translation and will be helpful for the local authorities to scrutinize your credentials. If getting an IDP is not possible for you, get a translation of your driving license from any German diplomatic mission.
Great Britain
(Left Lane) The trio of England, Scotland and Wales lets Indian tourists drive for a period of one year on the roads, provided you have a valid license. The only downside is that you can only drive the class of vehicle your license mentions.
Australia
(Left Lane) While you can freely drive around in Australia with a valid Indian driving license, the Northern Territory debars Indian tourists from doing so. And although you get permit to drive on a valid license, you can only get around in the class of vehicles stated in the license.
New Zealand
(Left Lane) Have a license with words printed in English? If your answer is in affirmative, good news because it can let you can drive in the Kiwi Land for twelve good months. If, however, your license is not in English, head to an approved translator to get the needful done for you, and get it stamped by the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Switzerland
(Right Lane) You can easily fulfil your dream of exploring the beatific Swiss Alps by taking the steering in your hands for up to one year if you possess a valid Indian driving license.
South Africa
(Left Lane) Yes, you can explore South Africa’s beautiful towns and countryside by driving around on your Indian license. The key is to ensure the license is valid (obviously), is printed in English, and bears your photo and signature. Even car rental companies ask for an IDP before renting out their vehicle. So, be sure you are carrying one.
Sweden
(Right Lane) You are travelling to Sweden, but do not have your driving license printed in English, German or French, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian. The simple solution is to carry a translated version in any of the above languages along with a photograph or an authorised ID proof with a picture on it.
Singapore
(Left Lane) If you are visiting for a shorter duration, you don’t need a separate license to drive around in Singapore. But make sure you still have an IDP issued by an authorised body in India. Get in touch with the RTO for the purpose. Also, if your license is not in English, carry an official translation together with a valid driving license.
Hong Kong
(Left Lane) Hong Kong allows foreign tourists to drive on its roads for a period of 12 months. Carry your driving license or IDP for the purpose.
Malaysia
(Left Lane) In case your driving license is not printed in English, tourists are required to carry a translation of the original in English or Malay language, and it should be confirmed by the Indian embassy based in Malaysia or by the issuing authority. As an alternative, use an IDP.
Earlier this year, IRCTC took another leap to improve railway infrastructure in the country by linking its locomotives to ISRO satellites. This move allowed ISRO to monitor and even live track Indian Railways trains. It also let ISRO record and update control charts for the trains and thus track their arrival as well as departure details.
ISRO collaborated with the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) for the same. The system was put into place on January 8, and was used to live track a number of passenger and goods trains, including trains on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra-Bandra Terminus, New Delhi-Patna, New Delhi-Amritsar and Delhi-Jammu routes.
There is a chance that ISRO will track Indian Railways’ turn even after pilot project and the possibility of the same is under consideration. Apart from cutting down on the manual effort of updating the feeding charts, the system will also improve security measures on track. The system developed by ISRO gives updates on train speed and location updates every 30 seconds, and is expected to warn of any obstacles or such on tracks.
Currently, around 12000 locomotives are tracked by ISRO, enabled with Real-time Train Information System (RTIS). It has cost IRCTC around INR 120 till now. It is expected that the system would soon be extended to all the Indian Railways’ trains in the country
5 Creative Ways to Save for Your Next Family Vacation
One of the biggest challenges for families looking to travel can be saving up for that big trip. However, establishing your travel budget by saving is critical and the tips you’ll find here ensure less stress before, during and after your trip. Despite what society touts, going into debt for a family trip is not ideal, but saving is often painful. Here, you’ll find the top 5 creative ways to save for your next family vacation – and it won’t hurt a bit.
Start Saving Now With These 5 Creative Saving Methods:
1. Review Your Household Budget
Our first tip on our ways to save is to identify areas in your budget that you can shave, even temporarily. Put EVERYTHING extra toward your savings goal for that trip. Yes, we mean everything. Anything “extra” you have left over from your budget that month, put it in savings. Getting used to the process is critical. Making it a habit will make this easier as time goes on.
WAYS TO SAVE TIP: It might hurt a little not having that Starbucks latte every morning for two months, but cutting out this small splurge can save you up to $300! (Yes, some people really stop at Starbucks every day…) What do you spend money on that is unnecessary? Cut it out with the goal of traveling!
2. Pay in Cash as Often as Possible.
Yes, it’s weird but this is #2 on our ways to save. So many of us no longer carry cash, but several studies have shown that this form of payment actually reduces the amount of money you spend. Believe it or not, paying in cash triggers a pain receptor causing you to think twice before buying. Credit cards don’t show this same psychological reaction and therefore, people tend to overspend. When you overspend, you can’t build your savings, and this is slowing your progress on that family trip.
WAYS TO SAVE TIP: After paying in cash, deposit all change into a savings jar/bank. Paying with a $10 for a $5 item? Put the $5 in change into your jar/bank. It’s surprising how quickly this adds up!
3. See What Options Your Bank Has for Savings Plans.
Many banks have a fun and creative tool to help you save without the pain. This option is like paying in cash and depositing your change as outlined above. But for those that need a bit more accountability, this option could be the one for you.TIP: Our bank, Wells Fargo, has a plan called Way2Save. Every time we use our debit card, they round the purchase up to the nearest dollar. The difference is put into a separate account. We also have a monthly automatic transfer to this account. At the end of the year, we’ve “saved” a pretty good amount without even realizing we’ve done so!
4. Do You Already Have Credit Card Points?
If you already have credit card points, these count as savings. (It is assumed you will use them toward your trip.) However, don’t start accruing points until you’ve completed your budget and are out of debt first.
WAYS TO SAVE TIP: Find a credit card with flexible travel points for the most options when it comes time to redeem for your trip. Often, your points can be used for cash back, hotels, airfare, and sometimes even tours/experiences depending upon the card!
5. Join a Survey Company
If you have some extra time on your hands (the average American adult watches 33 hours of television per week according to Nielsen statistics), join a survey company to earn some extra cash for your trip. There are many companies that will pay you for taking surveys and although you won’t get rich, you’ll add to your trip savings fund with minimal effort. TIP: Taking surveys requires responding honestly and does take time, but you can easily earn $100 or more per month depending upon the company you join.
Don’t forget, this is a family affair. You cannot save for the trip alone. If your entire family isn’t on board with the plan, it WILL NOT work. Having a shared goal really helps and creates accountability. Take a few minutes with your partner (and children if they are old enough to participate) and do the following to find ways to save for your next family vacation:
Review your budget and identify areas to trim unnecessary spending.
Next, adjust your budget based on these decisions and discuss your savings plan.
Set a savings goal so everyone knows what success is!
Write this goal down! Put it on the bulletin board, the family command station by the door you pass daily, on your bathroom mirror, at your computer or workstation (home or office) – somewhere where you will regularly see it. It will remind you of how much you want to save. In addition, this will also keep your focus front and center.
Tell someone your savings goal! This increases your chance of successfully reaching your goal to 78%!!!
Put everything you have left over at the end of each month into savings, in addition to the goal you set in your budget.
You’ll be really surprised at how quickly your savings adds up!
For additional ways to save and travel more often with your family, check out the e-book “Travel Deeper, Travel Wider, & Travel More Often – Together” by Cat Holladay. You’ll be on the road to successful trips that won’t break your budget in no time!
Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji had discussed the country’s decision to implement the entry fee during a visit to India in the month of November.
According to Angadi, the Golden Chariot is made to accomplish the objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of linking 15 tourism destinations in India. It is the only luxury train run in South India so far. However, due to the large amount of losses incurred by the train, its operations were suspended for some time by the Karnataka state government.
