Combining Shimla and Manali in a great travel idea. Here’s a plan that will make your journey more exciting:
Day 1 and 2 in Chail. Nice place to start off with.
Day 3 and 4 in Shimla. Head from Shimla to Manali taking the Shimla - Narkanda - Manali route. You could also take the normal Shimla - Bilaspur-Manali route without any night stoppage, but that would be a boring six-seven-hour drive!
Day 5 - Stop at Narkanda.
Day 6-7 in Kullu. Travel to Kullu on day 6 and visit Manikaran on day 7.
Depending upon the weather conditions, you can enjoy rafting on the way to Manikaran.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
'Indian religion is such an untouchable subject'
India has probably just one Punjabi Scotsman. Writer and historian William Dalrymple lives in eccentric, oddball-style outside Delhi in a rambling bungalow in Mehrauli.
He shares his home with two goats, a few stray dogs, roosters (whose sharp trill punctuates his dialogue), cockatoos, various other exotic birds and on a visit in October a few orange-robed Bauls, Bengali minstrels, were staying too.
An Indian-style tent was anchored in the backyard. His tow-haired troupe of young sons rocketed about the home (he also has a 14-year-old daughter).
Cups of Chai, soft drinks and Indian hospitality flowed as his wife and illustrator Olivia Fraser moved around the home making sure all was well. "Boys, do you need anything?" she asked of the pair of smiling Bauls, who were disappearing into the kitchen to cook either for themselves or for all.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said Friday the local travel market is showing initial signs of a rebound
"We are definitely beginning to see a pickup in the market," Madhavan Menon, managing director for Thomas Cook India, told Dow Jones Newswires by phone.
"However, it is too early to say (if the recovery has begun) since the inbound traffic picks up around October while the outbound season starts from November."
Fall in local hotel tariff will help to boost demand for travel, he said, but declined to give any earnings forecast for its next quarter or the full year ending Dec. 31.
Thomas Cook India, which offers travel and foreign exchange services, saw its consolidated net profit for the half year ended June 30 more than halve to 106.3 million ($2.1 million) rupees from 218.63 million rupees a year earlier.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Shimla registers 100 per cent hotel occupancy
Shimla has been witnessing large number of tourist arrivals resulting in 100 per cent hotel occupancy. The rising mercury and extension of holidays in schools of Delhi and Punjab coupled with power cuts are making people travel to cooler places like Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie or even McLeodganj. Confirming this, Ajit Butail, Chairman of CII Tourism Cell, Himachal Pradesh said that on an average about 50000 plus tourists are coming to Shimla every day, which has a bed capacity of about 35000. A positive sign is that the forest department has given their rest houses on lease and opened Ecotourism camps at various places, as well as the home stay scheme of tourism department, whereby visitors are diverted to rural areas in the vicinity, preventing de-congestion of known tourist destinations.
According to a report in Times of India, lauding the effort of people of Sangla Valley in Kinnaur district who had formed the House Owners Association last year and treated tourists to festival of local cuisine, culture and folklore, he said that it had the desired effect and this year over 5000 tourists visited the tribal destination.
According to a report in Times of India, lauding the effort of people of Sangla Valley in Kinnaur district who had formed the House Owners Association last year and treated tourists to festival of local cuisine, culture and folklore, he said that it had the desired effect and this year over 5000 tourists visited the tribal destination.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
TAAI to hold 58th Indian Travel Congress in
Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) will hold its 58th Indian Travel Congress (annual convention) in Dubai, this year. The convention will be held in the last week of September and first week of October 2009, however the exact dates for the convention were not disclosed.
Confirming the same to TravelBiz Monitor, Iqbal Mulla, Treasurer, TAAI said, “The Managing Committee has decided to hold the convention in Dubai this year. This was agreed upon at a meeting conducted in New Delhi on June 18, 2009. We are still working out the convention details like the venue, cost and the FAM tours; however, we will make an official announcement with the confirmed dates in a week's time.” The Association was considering international destinations like Korea, China and also domestic destinations like Mumbai to hold the 58th Indian Travel Congress this year.
Confirming the same to TravelBiz Monitor, Iqbal Mulla, Treasurer, TAAI said, “The Managing Committee has decided to hold the convention in Dubai this year. This was agreed upon at a meeting conducted in New Delhi on June 18, 2009. We are still working out the convention details like the venue, cost and the FAM tours; however, we will make an official announcement with the confirmed dates in a week's time.” The Association was considering international destinations like Korea, China and also domestic destinations like Mumbai to hold the 58th Indian Travel Congress this year.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tourism industry to get infrastructure status
This will be a great relief for the tourism industry that recently saw a downside due to global meltdown and terrorist attacks in Mumbai. However, the international tourism experts present on the occasion felt that more can be done to accelerate growth of tourism. According to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) India chairperson, Raymond Bickson, apart from the infrastructure status and lack of infrastructure, the Indian tourism products face challenges due to absence of facilities like visa-on-arrival facility and single-window clearance for tourism projects. He also mentioned that taxation has also been an issue of concern.
The three-day travel bazaar is being jointly organized by Rajasthan state tourism department, Central ministry of tourism and FICCI. Nearly 180 foreign tour operators from around 40 countries are expected to hold over 3,500 meetings with over 1,500 tourism professionals of the state. The department of tourism, GoR and FICCI also signed an MOU to hold GITB every alternate year in April till 2017.
The three-day travel bazaar is being jointly organized by Rajasthan state tourism department, Central ministry of tourism and FICCI. Nearly 180 foreign tour operators from around 40 countries are expected to hold over 3,500 meetings with over 1,500 tourism professionals of the state. The department of tourism, GoR and FICCI also signed an MOU to hold GITB every alternate year in April till 2017.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tourism and Northeast India
A moderately welcome development in international tourism in India in last five years has been the increase in business travel with its spin-off effects in upgradation of accommodation and introduction of new technology in communication and other services. Different travel agencies functioning as the conductors of tours are adding fuel to the rapid growth of tourism with different motives.
The number tourists in Assam has increased in recent days due to the fact that the tourism department in Assam has been trying to enhance its performance with the support from the both state and the central government.
Thus the sinequonon for tourism development in north east region and India at large is the political will and commitment on the part of leadership at the central, state and district level and association of the local people with a view of assuring them that tourism will in no way harm their interests. Far from it, tourism can be an instrument for improving the quality of life by protecting environment and providing gainful employment to the disadvantaged.
The number tourists in Assam has increased in recent days due to the fact that the tourism department in Assam has been trying to enhance its performance with the support from the both state and the central government.
Thus the sinequonon for tourism development in north east region and India at large is the political will and commitment on the part of leadership at the central, state and district level and association of the local people with a view of assuring them that tourism will in no way harm their interests. Far from it, tourism can be an instrument for improving the quality of life by protecting environment and providing gainful employment to the disadvantaged.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
India deal with summer
Himachal and Uttranchal are the favourite destinations for the domestic traveller, while Europe and the Far East are hot spots for those looking out of the country.”
But holiday-makers, who had planned ahead of time, know what to expect. Shobhana Sachidanand and her family did their homework and planned their trip for this summer much in advance. “Since we finalised everything in December, we got a good deal,” she says. Shobhana is off to the US mid-April. “We have already chalked out our travel plans there and the accommodation too, all online. Since this was done during the off-season, we were quite lucky,” she says.
Flyn Thomas, Branch Manager, Akbar Travels, informs that there has been a drastic cut in the travelling public, at least 30 per cent compared to previous years. “This in spite of the reduced accommodation fares. Bangaloreans, this time, are looking for low budget travel. They are going for smaller hotels. As visa is free in Thailand, it has become the popular single destination, apart from other Far East countries,” adds Flyn.
But holiday-makers, who had planned ahead of time, know what to expect. Shobhana Sachidanand and her family did their homework and planned their trip for this summer much in advance. “Since we finalised everything in December, we got a good deal,” she says. Shobhana is off to the US mid-April. “We have already chalked out our travel plans there and the accommodation too, all online. Since this was done during the off-season, we were quite lucky,” she says.
Flyn Thomas, Branch Manager, Akbar Travels, informs that there has been a drastic cut in the travelling public, at least 30 per cent compared to previous years. “This in spite of the reduced accommodation fares. Bangaloreans, this time, are looking for low budget travel. They are going for smaller hotels. As visa is free in Thailand, it has become the popular single destination, apart from other Far East countries,” adds Flyn.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Truck accident kills 24 Indian pilgrims
At least 24 pilgrims were killed and 75 injured
when a truck carrying them from a Hindu shrine overturned on a road in India's northern state of Punjab on Tuesday, a news report says.
The accident occurred near the Anandpur Sahib town early on Tuesday when the truck was returning from the Hindu shrine of Naina Devi in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh state, the IANS news agency reported.
While 21 people were killed on the scene, three succumbed to injuries on way to the hospital, the PTI news agency said in its report.
when a truck carrying them from a Hindu shrine overturned on a road in India's northern state of Punjab on Tuesday, a news report says.
The accident occurred near the Anandpur Sahib town early on Tuesday when the truck was returning from the Hindu shrine of Naina Devi in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh state, the IANS news agency reported.
While 21 people were killed on the scene, three succumbed to injuries on way to the hospital, the PTI news agency said in its report.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Air India extends 10% commission offer through March 31
Air India announced that it is extending its 10% commission offer to travel agents for another month, to March 31, 2009. The offer originally expired February 28th, and applies to all Executive and First Class bookings to India from New York’s JFK and Newark Airports and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. The 10% commission replaces Air India’s standard 4% commission, which is available for all other bookings.
The 10% commission to travel agents coincides with Air India current Companion Fare offering for Executive and First Class passengers. Travelers who purchase a roundtrip ticket to Mumbai or Delhi in either of these two classes at the regular fare can get a 50% discount on a second, same-class ticket for a companion. This offer cannot be combined with other offers and is good for travel on all Air India flights from New York’s JFK and Newark Airports, and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Tickets must be purchased by March 31, 2009 and both passengers must travel together on all flights.
The 10% commission to travel agents coincides with Air India current Companion Fare offering for Executive and First Class passengers. Travelers who purchase a roundtrip ticket to Mumbai or Delhi in either of these two classes at the regular fare can get a 50% discount on a second, same-class ticket for a companion. This offer cannot be combined with other offers and is good for travel on all Air India flights from New York’s JFK and Newark Airports, and Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Tickets must be purchased by March 31, 2009 and both passengers must travel together on all flights.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
REASONABLE HOTEL ACCOMODATION IN DELHI
REASONABLE ACCOMODATION IN DELHI
The YMCA Tourist Hotel
(Phone 91-11-311915) on Jai Singh Rd and opposite the Jantar Mantar has rooms having hot and
cold water, and there are gardens, a swimming pool, lounge. It has a restaurant which serves Western, Indian and Mughlai cuisine. The hotel is open 24 hours, and credit cards are accepted. The rooms cost Rs 250/425 with common bath, and Rs 460/765 with air-con and attached bath. There's also a temporary membership charge of Rs 10, valid for one month.
The YWCA International Guest House
(Phone 91-11-311662) at 10 Sansad Marg (Parliament St) has singles/doubles for Rs 300/500 (plus 10% service charge ), and all rooms have bath and air-con. It's conveniently located near Connaught Place and has a restaurant, where a set breakfast costs Rs 45.
Lesser known YWCA Blue Triangle Family Hostel
(Phone 91-11-310133), on Ashoka Rd just off Sansad Marg (Parliament St). It's well run and has a restaurant. Rates, including breakfast, are Rs 405/740 with air-con and bathrooms. There's also a small temporary membership fee and a 5% service charge. This place is only about a 10 -minute walk from the heart of Connaught Place.
CONNAUGHT PLACE & JANPATH AREA
The Janpath Guest House
(Phone 91-11-3321935) is located close to the tourist office at 82-84 Janpath. It's popular with
travellers, well kept and clean. Singles/doubles with air - cooling cost Rs 220/250,
Rs 400/450 with air-con.
The Hotel 55
(Phone 91-11-3321244; Fax 91-11-3320769) at 55 H Block Connaught Circus is well designed with
air-con throughout. Rooms with balcony and bath are Rs 475/675.
The Alka Hotel
(Phone 91-11-344328; Fax 91-11-3372796) is also centrally located at 16 P Block Connaught Circus
and has air-con singles/doubles for Rs 850/1050.
OTHER AREAS
Master Paying Guest House
(Phone 91-11-5741089) at R-500 New Rajendra Nagar. This small and friendly place is in a quiet
residential area and the owner has worked hard to create a home-like atmosphere. It has large, airy
and beautifully furnished doubles from Rs 250 to Rs 550, and there's a 25% discount during summer.
Good meals are available, there's a pleasant roof terrace, and car hire for extended trips can also
be arranged.
Yatri House
(Phone 91-11-7525563) at 3/4 Rani Jhansi Rd, which is opposite the junction of Panchkuin Marg
(Radial No 3) and Mandir Marg, about one km west of Connaught Place. This moderately priced hotel
has a garden with trees a lawn and a small courtyard at the back. The good-sized rooms, all with
attached bath, are kept spotlessly clean and are good value of Rs 550/650 for a single/double, or Rs
700 with air-con. The owner is very friendly and helpful, there's car hire available for sightseeing trips,
and air tickets can be arranged. Advance bookings are advisable during the high season.
The Hotel Ashoka Palace
(Phone 91-11-677308) is the cheapest hotel near the airport (three km from the domestic terminal, 13
km from the international). Directions are easily available either from the tourist information desk at the
airport or from the taxi wallahs .
The B-57 Inn
(Phone 91-11-4694239) is at B-57 South Extension Part I, 200 metres north of the Ring Road.
Carpeted, air-cooled singles/doubles with colour TV, direct-dial ISD phone and attached bath cost Rs
495/595, or with air-con it's Rs 595/695, plus 10% tax. South Indian meals and snacks are available.
Bottom End Hotels
There are basically two areas for cheap accommodation in Delhi. The first is around Janpath at the southern side of Connaught Place in New Delhi. The second area, which is cheaper more popular and has a greater range of places than Connaught Places, is Paharganj near New Delhi railway station this is about midway between Old Delhi and New Delhi. There are also a number of rock-bottom hotels in Old Delhi itself. They're colourful but generally noisy and too far
away from New Delhi' agents, offices, airlines and other facilities for most travellers.
CAMPING
If you want to camp there are several possibilities in Delhi. The Tourist Camp (Phone 91-11-3272898)
is one of the cheapest places to stay and is very popular. Though at some distance from Connaught
place, it is well served by buses. You can camp with your own tent (Rs.25), or rent rooms with shared
bathrooms for Rs 90/130.
There is a second camping site, the Qudsia Gardens Tourist Camp (Phone 91-11-2523121), right
across the road from the Interstate bus station. Camping here costs Rs 30 per person, or there are
ordinary rooms for Rs. 80/100, and deluxe doubles for Rs. 150. It is especially convenient for an
early-morning bus departures.
PAHARGANJ
Kailash Guest House (Phone 91-11-7774993) at No 4469 . It's modern, clean and quite friendly
place. It's good value at Rs 75/125 with common bath, and Rs l150 for a double with attached bath.
Hot water is available free by the bucket. The Kiran Guest House (Phone 91-11-526104) next door is
virtually an identical twin to the Kailash, and prices are similar at Rs 85/150 with attached bath.
A little further along on the right is the Bright Guest House (Phone 91-11-7525852) at No 1089-90 .
It's one of the cheapest places in Paharganj, and one of the best for the money, Clean rooms around a
small courtyard cost Rs 70-80 with common bath, Rs 100 for a double with bath or air-cooler,
and Rs 130 with both.
Down a narrow alley to the right, and close to the Bright Guest House, is the very popular Hotel
Namaskar (Phone 91-11-7521234 / 7522233), at 917 Chandiwalan. This is a very friendly place run
by two brothers, and they go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. All rooms have
windows and attached bath, and there's a geyser on each floor so there's filtered, cooled drinking water
available, and luggage is stored free of charge for guests. It's not the cheapest place, but is well worth
the extra. Rooms cost Rs 150/200 , and there are also rooms with three (Rs. 300) and four (Rs 400)
beds. There's also a couple of air-con rooms at Rs 400. It's an excellent place, and they can also
arrange cheap bus tickets, and car hire for trips further afield.
The Hotel Vivek (Phone 91-11-7777062) at No 1534-50 is a very popular place, partly because of the
restaurant on the ground floor. The rooms cost Rs 80/100 with common bath, and with attached bath
for Rs. 110/180. There are also air-con rooms for Rs 275/325 with bath.
The Ankush Guest House (Phone 91-11-7519000) at No 1558 is another place popular with
travellers. There are single rooms with common bath at Rs 60, or doubles / triples with attached bath
for Rs 120/150.
The Hare Krishna Guest House , next to the Vishal, is another place worth checking out. It has good,
clean rooms for Rs 125, and there are good views from the roof.
The Anoop Hotel (Phone 91-11-735219) at No 1566 is excellent value for money. The rooms, which
have attached bath and hot water, are a decent size and are marble-lined, which makes them
pleasantly cool. They're well worth the Rs 160/200 cost. The biggest attraction of this place, however,
is the roof terrace and snack bar. There is 24 hours Checkout.
Hotel Satyam (Phone 91-11-731155) has clean rooms for Rs 150/200 with attached bath and hot
water. The front rooms can be noisy, but that's true of all the places along Main Bazaar.
At the very of the range is the Metropolis Tourist Home (Phone 91-11-7535766) at 1634 Main
Bazaar. This place offers dorm beds with lockers in air-cooled, four-bed rooms for Rs 100, or there are
doubles for Rs 350 with attached bath, or Rs 700 with air-con.
Also in this range is the Hotel Kelson (Phone 91-11-7527070) on Rajguru Rd, just off Main Bazaar.
It's good value at Rs 200 with TV and attached bath, or Rs 300/350 with air-con.
Also recommended is Major's Den (Phone 91-111-752-9599) at 2314 Lakshmi Narain St. near the
Imperial Cinema, and the Delhi Guest House (Phone 91-11-7776864) just off Main Bazaar.
Pick of the bunch here is the friendly Hotel Ajanta (Phone 91-11-7520925) at 36 Arakashan Rd. This
clean and modern place is popular with travellers looking for a modicum of comfort and prepared to
pay a bit above rock bottom. All rooms have attached bath with hot water, and the deluxe rooms have
colour TV and phone with ISD facility. The charge is Rs. 355/445 for deluxe, and Rs 595 for deluxe
air-con. This hotel also has a taxi available for various trips, such as to the airport.
Also on the same road is the Hotel Crystal (Phone 91-11-7531639) at 8501 Arakashan. The rooms
are quite good, and it's bit cheaper than the Ajanta, charging Rs 245/325 with attached bath, and Rs
50 extra with TV
The Hotel Soma (Phone 91-11-7521002), close by at 33 Arakashan Rd, boasts a 'gay atmosphere'.
The clean and modern rooms are a good size , and cost Rs 200/250, or Rs 250/300 with air-cooler and
Rs 350/400 with air.-con. Also in this area is the Krishna Hotel (Phone 91-11-7510252) at 45
Arakashan Rd. This place offers standard facilities for Rs 225/250 with TV, attached bath and hot
water, and Rs 375 for an air-cooled double room. Another good one is the Hotel Kalgidhar (Phone
91-11-7537116) at 7967 Arakashan Rd. with rooms for Rs. 150.
The Rail Yatri Niwas (Phone 91-11-3313484) on the Ajmer Gate side of New Delhi railway station
has double rooms at Rs 210 with common bath, and Rs 250 with attached bath. It also has dorm beds
for Rs 70. To stay there you have to arrive in Delhi by train and have the tickets to prove it.
OLD DELHI
One of the best places in Old Delhi is the Hotel New City Palace (Phone 91-11-3279548) right
behind the Jama Masjid. The hotel is clean, modern and the management friendly. Double rooms
with attached bath with hot water cost Rs 200; with air-con it's Rs 300.
Also good, is the Hotel Bombay Orient (Phone 91-11-3286253) on Matya Mahal, not far from the
southern gate of the Jama Masjid. It's clean and well-kept, and singles/doubles with common bath are
Rs 75/150 , doubles with attached bath Rs. 200 or with air-con Rs 300.
Just across the road from the southern gate of the Fatehpuri Mosque is the Star Guest House at 186
Katra Baryan. It's a more modern place than the Bharat, and the Rooms cost Rs 80/140 with common
bath.
OTHER PLACES
Out at Chanakyapuri is the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra or International Youth Center (Phone
91-11-3013631) on Circular Road. The rooms are very good and cost Rs. 341, which includes
breakfast. There's also a dormitory with beds at Rs 50. There's a cafeteria with good food at low prices.
Youth hostel (Phone 91-11-3016285) in Chanakyapuri, at 5 Nyaya Marg. Dorm beds cost Rs 25,
including breakfast.
The YMCA Tourist Hotel
(Phone 91-11-311915) on Jai Singh Rd and opposite the Jantar Mantar has rooms having hot and
cold water, and there are gardens, a swimming pool, lounge. It has a restaurant which serves Western, Indian and Mughlai cuisine. The hotel is open 24 hours, and credit cards are accepted. The rooms cost Rs 250/425 with common bath, and Rs 460/765 with air-con and attached bath. There's also a temporary membership charge of Rs 10, valid for one month.
The YWCA International Guest House
(Phone 91-11-311662) at 10 Sansad Marg (Parliament St) has singles/doubles for Rs 300/500 (plus 10% service charge ), and all rooms have bath and air-con. It's conveniently located near Connaught Place and has a restaurant, where a set breakfast costs Rs 45.
Lesser known YWCA Blue Triangle Family Hostel
(Phone 91-11-310133), on Ashoka Rd just off Sansad Marg (Parliament St). It's well run and has a restaurant. Rates, including breakfast, are Rs 405/740 with air-con and bathrooms. There's also a small temporary membership fee and a 5% service charge. This place is only about a 10 -minute walk from the heart of Connaught Place.
CONNAUGHT PLACE & JANPATH AREA
The Janpath Guest House
(Phone 91-11-3321935) is located close to the tourist office at 82-84 Janpath. It's popular with
travellers, well kept and clean. Singles/doubles with air - cooling cost Rs 220/250,
Rs 400/450 with air-con.
The Hotel 55
(Phone 91-11-3321244; Fax 91-11-3320769) at 55 H Block Connaught Circus is well designed with
air-con throughout. Rooms with balcony and bath are Rs 475/675.
The Alka Hotel
(Phone 91-11-344328; Fax 91-11-3372796) is also centrally located at 16 P Block Connaught Circus
and has air-con singles/doubles for Rs 850/1050.
OTHER AREAS
Master Paying Guest House
(Phone 91-11-5741089) at R-500 New Rajendra Nagar. This small and friendly place is in a quiet
residential area and the owner has worked hard to create a home-like atmosphere. It has large, airy
and beautifully furnished doubles from Rs 250 to Rs 550, and there's a 25% discount during summer.
Good meals are available, there's a pleasant roof terrace, and car hire for extended trips can also
be arranged.
Yatri House
(Phone 91-11-7525563) at 3/4 Rani Jhansi Rd, which is opposite the junction of Panchkuin Marg
(Radial No 3) and Mandir Marg, about one km west of Connaught Place. This moderately priced hotel
has a garden with trees a lawn and a small courtyard at the back. The good-sized rooms, all with
attached bath, are kept spotlessly clean and are good value of Rs 550/650 for a single/double, or Rs
700 with air-con. The owner is very friendly and helpful, there's car hire available for sightseeing trips,
and air tickets can be arranged. Advance bookings are advisable during the high season.
The Hotel Ashoka Palace
(Phone 91-11-677308) is the cheapest hotel near the airport (three km from the domestic terminal, 13
km from the international). Directions are easily available either from the tourist information desk at the
airport or from the taxi wallahs .
The B-57 Inn
(Phone 91-11-4694239) is at B-57 South Extension Part I, 200 metres north of the Ring Road.
Carpeted, air-cooled singles/doubles with colour TV, direct-dial ISD phone and attached bath cost Rs
495/595, or with air-con it's Rs 595/695, plus 10% tax. South Indian meals and snacks are available.
Bottom End Hotels
There are basically two areas for cheap accommodation in Delhi. The first is around Janpath at the southern side of Connaught Place in New Delhi. The second area, which is cheaper more popular and has a greater range of places than Connaught Places, is Paharganj near New Delhi railway station this is about midway between Old Delhi and New Delhi. There are also a number of rock-bottom hotels in Old Delhi itself. They're colourful but generally noisy and too far
away from New Delhi' agents, offices, airlines and other facilities for most travellers.
CAMPING
If you want to camp there are several possibilities in Delhi. The Tourist Camp (Phone 91-11-3272898)
is one of the cheapest places to stay and is very popular. Though at some distance from Connaught
place, it is well served by buses. You can camp with your own tent (Rs.25), or rent rooms with shared
bathrooms for Rs 90/130.
There is a second camping site, the Qudsia Gardens Tourist Camp (Phone 91-11-2523121), right
across the road from the Interstate bus station. Camping here costs Rs 30 per person, or there are
ordinary rooms for Rs. 80/100, and deluxe doubles for Rs. 150. It is especially convenient for an
early-morning bus departures.
PAHARGANJ
Kailash Guest House (Phone 91-11-7774993) at No 4469 . It's modern, clean and quite friendly
place. It's good value at Rs 75/125 with common bath, and Rs l150 for a double with attached bath.
Hot water is available free by the bucket. The Kiran Guest House (Phone 91-11-526104) next door is
virtually an identical twin to the Kailash, and prices are similar at Rs 85/150 with attached bath.
A little further along on the right is the Bright Guest House (Phone 91-11-7525852) at No 1089-90 .
It's one of the cheapest places in Paharganj, and one of the best for the money, Clean rooms around a
small courtyard cost Rs 70-80 with common bath, Rs 100 for a double with bath or air-cooler,
and Rs 130 with both.
Down a narrow alley to the right, and close to the Bright Guest House, is the very popular Hotel
Namaskar (Phone 91-11-7521234 / 7522233), at 917 Chandiwalan. This is a very friendly place run
by two brothers, and they go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable. All rooms have
windows and attached bath, and there's a geyser on each floor so there's filtered, cooled drinking water
available, and luggage is stored free of charge for guests. It's not the cheapest place, but is well worth
the extra. Rooms cost Rs 150/200 , and there are also rooms with three (Rs. 300) and four (Rs 400)
beds. There's also a couple of air-con rooms at Rs 400. It's an excellent place, and they can also
arrange cheap bus tickets, and car hire for trips further afield.
The Hotel Vivek (Phone 91-11-7777062) at No 1534-50 is a very popular place, partly because of the
restaurant on the ground floor. The rooms cost Rs 80/100 with common bath, and with attached bath
for Rs. 110/180. There are also air-con rooms for Rs 275/325 with bath.
The Ankush Guest House (Phone 91-11-7519000) at No 1558 is another place popular with
travellers. There are single rooms with common bath at Rs 60, or doubles / triples with attached bath
for Rs 120/150.
The Hare Krishna Guest House , next to the Vishal, is another place worth checking out. It has good,
clean rooms for Rs 125, and there are good views from the roof.
The Anoop Hotel (Phone 91-11-735219) at No 1566 is excellent value for money. The rooms, which
have attached bath and hot water, are a decent size and are marble-lined, which makes them
pleasantly cool. They're well worth the Rs 160/200 cost. The biggest attraction of this place, however,
is the roof terrace and snack bar. There is 24 hours Checkout.
Hotel Satyam (Phone 91-11-731155) has clean rooms for Rs 150/200 with attached bath and hot
water. The front rooms can be noisy, but that's true of all the places along Main Bazaar.
At the very of the range is the Metropolis Tourist Home (Phone 91-11-7535766) at 1634 Main
Bazaar. This place offers dorm beds with lockers in air-cooled, four-bed rooms for Rs 100, or there are
doubles for Rs 350 with attached bath, or Rs 700 with air-con.
Also in this range is the Hotel Kelson (Phone 91-11-7527070) on Rajguru Rd, just off Main Bazaar.
It's good value at Rs 200 with TV and attached bath, or Rs 300/350 with air-con.
Also recommended is Major's Den (Phone 91-111-752-9599) at 2314 Lakshmi Narain St. near the
Imperial Cinema, and the Delhi Guest House (Phone 91-11-7776864) just off Main Bazaar.
Pick of the bunch here is the friendly Hotel Ajanta (Phone 91-11-7520925) at 36 Arakashan Rd. This
clean and modern place is popular with travellers looking for a modicum of comfort and prepared to
pay a bit above rock bottom. All rooms have attached bath with hot water, and the deluxe rooms have
colour TV and phone with ISD facility. The charge is Rs. 355/445 for deluxe, and Rs 595 for deluxe
air-con. This hotel also has a taxi available for various trips, such as to the airport.
Also on the same road is the Hotel Crystal (Phone 91-11-7531639) at 8501 Arakashan. The rooms
are quite good, and it's bit cheaper than the Ajanta, charging Rs 245/325 with attached bath, and Rs
50 extra with TV
The Hotel Soma (Phone 91-11-7521002), close by at 33 Arakashan Rd, boasts a 'gay atmosphere'.
The clean and modern rooms are a good size , and cost Rs 200/250, or Rs 250/300 with air-cooler and
Rs 350/400 with air.-con. Also in this area is the Krishna Hotel (Phone 91-11-7510252) at 45
Arakashan Rd. This place offers standard facilities for Rs 225/250 with TV, attached bath and hot
water, and Rs 375 for an air-cooled double room. Another good one is the Hotel Kalgidhar (Phone
91-11-7537116) at 7967 Arakashan Rd. with rooms for Rs. 150.
The Rail Yatri Niwas (Phone 91-11-3313484) on the Ajmer Gate side of New Delhi railway station
has double rooms at Rs 210 with common bath, and Rs 250 with attached bath. It also has dorm beds
for Rs 70. To stay there you have to arrive in Delhi by train and have the tickets to prove it.
OLD DELHI
One of the best places in Old Delhi is the Hotel New City Palace (Phone 91-11-3279548) right
behind the Jama Masjid. The hotel is clean, modern and the management friendly. Double rooms
with attached bath with hot water cost Rs 200; with air-con it's Rs 300.
Also good, is the Hotel Bombay Orient (Phone 91-11-3286253) on Matya Mahal, not far from the
southern gate of the Jama Masjid. It's clean and well-kept, and singles/doubles with common bath are
Rs 75/150 , doubles with attached bath Rs. 200 or with air-con Rs 300.
Just across the road from the southern gate of the Fatehpuri Mosque is the Star Guest House at 186
Katra Baryan. It's a more modern place than the Bharat, and the Rooms cost Rs 80/140 with common
bath.
OTHER PLACES
Out at Chanakyapuri is the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra or International Youth Center (Phone
91-11-3013631) on Circular Road. The rooms are very good and cost Rs. 341, which includes
breakfast. There's also a dormitory with beds at Rs 50. There's a cafeteria with good food at low prices.
Youth hostel (Phone 91-11-3016285) in Chanakyapuri, at 5 Nyaya Marg. Dorm beds cost Rs 25,
including breakfast.
Friday, February 27, 2009
A new travel destination in India?
Anything come to mind when you think of traveling to India? The Taj Mahal, perhaps? Wildlife sanctuaries, yoga retreats, samosa stands, beach filled coastline? How about a tour of an authentic Indian slum? That’s right, a slum. This seems to be a viable tourist option now, and gaining speed due to Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire. You can sign up for a merry jaunt through the poorest sections of Mumbai. To take in the poverty and sorrow?
A few weeks ago, while speaking to a student from India about Slumdog Millionaire, I was told this is a new tour for travelers to put on their To-do list. And indeed it is. I was nonplussed to say the least. Times Online does its best to paint a foul picture of these areas. Travelers can pay a fee to tour through.
A few weeks ago, while speaking to a student from India about Slumdog Millionaire, I was told this is a new tour for travelers to put on their To-do list. And indeed it is. I was nonplussed to say the least. Times Online does its best to paint a foul picture of these areas. Travelers can pay a fee to tour through.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
48 hours along Chennai's Coromandel Coast
10.30 a.m . - For the quintessential south Indian experience, drive 25 kms (15 miles) south of Chennai on the East Coast Road to Dakshin Chitra, a "living" museum that recreates traditional villages from the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The sights, sounds, smells and even the unique vegetation of each state are there. You can also find ethnic handicrafts.
2 p.m. - A late lunch at Bayview Point, the sea-side restaurant at the Taj Fishermen's Cove resort on Cove Long or Kovalam as the local fishing community calls it. The fresh catch is prepared to suit all palates and the bar is well stocked.
4 p.m . - The clear and cool Bay of Bengal water is inviting. Enjoy a swim but be wary of the strong winds coming in from the east. Most lifeguards will have one tale or other from the 2004 tsunami. There's a treasure trove of sea shells during low tide.
2 p.m. - A late lunch at Bayview Point, the sea-side restaurant at the Taj Fishermen's Cove resort on Cove Long or Kovalam as the local fishing community calls it. The fresh catch is prepared to suit all palates and the bar is well stocked.
4 p.m . - The clear and cool Bay of Bengal water is inviting. Enjoy a swim but be wary of the strong winds coming in from the east. Most lifeguards will have one tale or other from the 2004 tsunami. There's a treasure trove of sea shells during low tide.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ski slopes of Himachal devoid of snow this year
Manali (Himachal Pradesh), Feb 1 (IANS) For years a thick blanket of snow in Himachal Pradesh’s popular Solang slopes in Kullu district in north India has been attracting skiers from across the globe. But this year, this seems to be a thing of the past.Members of the tourism industry say erratic snow and rising temperature have taken a toll on ski tourism.
“This year the snowfall in Solang slopes is too scanty and erratic. You see, most of the slopes are devoid of good ice cover during this period,” Manali’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports Deputy Director Mahavir Thakur told IANS. The institute is conducting skiing courses on Solang slopes.
“It (rising temperature) is slowly taking its toll on skiing. Now the snow falls but melts quickly (as the average temperature has gone up considerably). The ski slopes, which normally used to have four to five feet of snow during these days, are totally bare.”
“This year the snowfall in Solang slopes is too scanty and erratic. You see, most of the slopes are devoid of good ice cover during this period,” Manali’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports Deputy Director Mahavir Thakur told IANS. The institute is conducting skiing courses on Solang slopes.
“It (rising temperature) is slowly taking its toll on skiing. Now the snow falls but melts quickly (as the average temperature has gone up considerably). The ski slopes, which normally used to have four to five feet of snow during these days, are totally bare.”
Saturday, January 24, 2009
To India with my eight-year-old son
They enjoyed playing in the parks of Delhi, running among the tombs, watching children hit cricket balls with pieces of wood and eating ice cream despite being told that they would probably get Delhi belly. In Udaipur they loved the small details among the heat and noise, the family of five balanced on a bicycle, elephants' backsides disappearing into the market place.
Riding through the Rajasthan countryside one day they waved at the women in the fields and berated the men for lying under the trees. They played with the children swimming by a lotus lake, skimmed stones with them, and followed them to their secret caves.
They became obsessed by the Hindu gods, reeling off the names of Shiva, Brahma and Hanuman, their stories and their transport. They lay on the marble floors of the temples sketching the paintings, fed the squirrels under the banyan trees and found Ganesh's mouse hidden among the carvings on the pillars.
Riding through the Rajasthan countryside one day they waved at the women in the fields and berated the men for lying under the trees. They played with the children swimming by a lotus lake, skimmed stones with them, and followed them to their secret caves.
They became obsessed by the Hindu gods, reeling off the names of Shiva, Brahma and Hanuman, their stories and their transport. They lay on the marble floors of the temples sketching the paintings, fed the squirrels under the banyan trees and found Ganesh's mouse hidden among the carvings on the pillars.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
MakeMyTrip offers largest Bus Tickets Inventory in India
MakeMyTrip, India’s leading Online Travel Agency now has the largest bus inventory in India with over 8,000 buses, 500 bus operators, and over 5000 routes across 14 states in the country. This inventory covers major regions of the country allowing consumers to book tickets for travel in South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh), West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa), North and Central India (Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh) and East India (West Bengal and Orissa).
Travelers across the country now have the convenience of accessing bus tickets online. MakeMyTrip offers customers the opportunity to book tickets for destinations across the largest network quickly, safely and with the option of selecting their seats. As a special offer, MakeMyTrip is also offering a 20% cash-back to travellers on all bus tickets booked on the website.
Travelers across the country now have the convenience of accessing bus tickets online. MakeMyTrip offers customers the opportunity to book tickets for destinations across the largest network quickly, safely and with the option of selecting their seats. As a special offer, MakeMyTrip is also offering a 20% cash-back to travellers on all bus tickets booked on the website.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tourists cancel trips to India after attacks
Many travellers are cancelling plans to visit India because of safety concerns following the Mumbai attacks. The US Department of State has issued a travel alert for India, and it's unclear how long it will take for tourism to the region to bounce back.
The US was the No. 1 source of foreign tourists to India in 2007, according to the Government of India's Bureau of Immigration, followed by visitors from the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Canada and France. Last year, India was the 11th most visited international destination by US residents.
Pradip Kothari, president of Quick Travel Inc. in New Jersey, which has tours to several cities in India, said he has had some cancellations, mostly from leisure travellers. But others who were planning to see family and friends seem to be going ahead with their trips, he said.
The US was the No. 1 source of foreign tourists to India in 2007, according to the Government of India's Bureau of Immigration, followed by visitors from the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Canada and France. Last year, India was the 11th most visited international destination by US residents.
Pradip Kothari, president of Quick Travel Inc. in New Jersey, which has tours to several cities in India, said he has had some cancellations, mostly from leisure travellers. But others who were planning to see family and friends seem to be going ahead with their trips, he said.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Traveling in India Hot Designations
In middle of anarchy and concern there is splendor and magnificence. In contemporary monoliths there are antique marvels in limestone. Enjoy the site and smells of antique mysterious India, read eras of history sketched on the walls. Think a lot of the beautiful carvings and depictions that tell of India's rich past.
Intermingle with the cultural communities; celebrate in limited color and flavors. India is a territory of colorful celebrations and humid hospitality. It is the land of spices and gastronomical delights that come as a savory surprise - hot and spicy. A land where Buddha preached, where Mahatma was born and where religion and traditional beliefs govern the masses.
I’ve now been in India for almost three months. It’s always been a preferred country of excavation, a place that’s always been very good for the ‘WOW’ factor, always full of surprises. Even in the centre of the cities you can see people on the streets that looked like they’ve just walked out of the Old evidence or immediately come down from the hills of the North West leading edge. I was last here nine years ago and my first visit was in 1999, and what is really amazing is how little has changed over that time.
Intermingle with the cultural communities; celebrate in limited color and flavors. India is a territory of colorful celebrations and humid hospitality. It is the land of spices and gastronomical delights that come as a savory surprise - hot and spicy. A land where Buddha preached, where Mahatma was born and where religion and traditional beliefs govern the masses.
I’ve now been in India for almost three months. It’s always been a preferred country of excavation, a place that’s always been very good for the ‘WOW’ factor, always full of surprises. Even in the centre of the cities you can see people on the streets that looked like they’ve just walked out of the Old evidence or immediately come down from the hills of the North West leading edge. I was last here nine years ago and my first visit was in 1999, and what is really amazing is how little has changed over that time.
Monday, December 8, 2008
PATA offers Support to India Travel Sector
Mrs Antonson wrote: On behalf of the Directors, staff and members of the Pacific Asia Travel Association I extend to you our very sincere condolences for the appalling loss of life in Mumbai. I would also like to extend, through your offices, our sympathies to the friends and families of those killed and injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very distressing time. I know you have much to consider in the wake of these attacks but I just wanted to reassure you that PATA is ready, willing and able to offer knowledge, support and expertise to your travel and tourism industry colleagues.
If there is any way that we can help your industry in such areas as crisis management and online communications I know that our full-time staff and our members will join hands willingly to provide the support you need.
With the memories of our very successful PATA Travel Mart in Hyderabad still so fresh in all our minds we can only wish you well as you seek to recover and rebuild. Once again please accept our deepest sympathies.
If there is any way that we can help your industry in such areas as crisis management and online communications I know that our full-time staff and our members will join hands willingly to provide the support you need.
With the memories of our very successful PATA Travel Mart in Hyderabad still so fresh in all our minds we can only wish you well as you seek to recover and rebuild. Once again please accept our deepest sympathies.
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