Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Kerala Tour Operators: 5 questions you must ask

It has been quite some time now that the virgin beaches and lush mountains and backwaters of Kerala in India have caught tourist attention. Kerala is now a hot potato in the tourism map of India and the international tourists- backpackers, honeymooners, as well as those traveling with families are increasingly opting for tours to Kerala with Kerala tour operators.

Now this is one more very important aspect of tours to Kerala - the tour operators. To begin with, it is always advisable to visit Kerala under some tour operator since much of the major beaches or sanctuaries in Kerala are located in regions with very less habitation and for a person without any knowledge of the local norms or language the situation might get slippery on occasions. Tour operators in Kerala are available in plenty, including the government owned machinery of Kerala Tourism. You can contact these travel agents over the internet which provides all details like telephone numbers and address.

However, whenever you are getting in touch with Kerala tour operators you should and must ask him a few questions. To begin with, the best time to travel to Kerala. The best time to travel to Kerala might vary according to your specific interests. If you are interested in the country boat race, you must visit the place in July-August. It is the time when the Nehru Trophy takes place in the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. On the other hand, if you are interested in the Nilgiri Tahr that can be seen in the forests of the Nilgiri Mountains, you must not visit in February. February is the breeding season for this goat and the Eravikulam National Park which is a shelter for the tahr, remains closed for 45 days beginning from the 1st of February.

The backwater cruises in Kerala are most popular with the tourists. Now backwater cruises come in different types of packages. Some offer daylong trips, some offer night stays while others offer several days long trips. You must ask your agent what kind of a trip he has in mind for you and also remember to ask your agent before jumping into the water whether that is a swimming zone or not.

To come to clothing; Kerala is located in the southern parts of India and remains quite hot in summer (April to September). Winter brings mild climate and the hill stations like Munnar demand light woolens during winter. The beaches and backwaters can be best enjoyed in soft cotton clothing.

Temple entry norms in Kerala are also very strict in Kerala and if you are not of Hindu origin, you would not be allowed to enter most of the Kerala temples. Adhere very closely to your travel agent´s advice regarding temples, else you might face trouble.

Since you would be traveling with your agent, you would not have to bother about the booking formalities to the hotels in Kerala, but you must not forget to make yourself clear on the kind of accommodation you want in terms of budget, hotel type, and more. There are various types of hotels in Kerala like beach resorts, eco tourism resorts, treetop cottages and much more.

Last but not the least, while you are free to sport bikinis on the beaches, avoid getting too cozy with your partner. Kissing and necking in public is considered bad behavior in India and Kerala is no exception.


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

With love...A marvel



When one looks at the Taj Mahal, in Agra, the glowing marble white standing on the square plinth, with its gardens, arched doorways, minarets and more- it envelopes you.

But it’s not only the architecture that draws you. An unfathomable feeling of love and loss engulfs the soul.

12 years into the making of, what the world calls, a wonder.

Love finds its way into the eyes, in different manifestations.

Even after life ends, it never ends. Taj Mahal is such a manifestation.

A King’s offer to his Queen.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Eco Tourism

Eco-tourism is more than a catch phrase for nature loving travel and recreation. Eco-tourism is consecrated for preserving and sustaining the diversity of the world's natural and cultural environments. It accommodates and entertains visitors in a way that is minimally intrusive or destructive to the environment and sustains & supports the native cultures in the locations it is operating in. Responsibility of both travellers and service providers is the genuine meaning for eco-tourism.

Eco-tourism also endeavours to encourage and support the diversity of local economies for which the tourism-related income is important. With support from tourists, local services and producers can compete with larger, foreign companies and local families can support themselves. Besides all these, the revenue produced from tourism helps and encourages governments to fund conservation projects and training programs.

Saving the environment around you and preserving the natural luxuries and forest life, that's what eco-tourism is all about. Whether it's about a nature camp or organizing trekking trips towards the unspoilt and inaccessible regions, one should always keep in mind not to create any mishap or disturbance in the life cycle of nature.

Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible Eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water reuse, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of Eco-tourism.

Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism. Many professionals have been involved in formulating and developing eco-tourism policies. They come from the fields of Geographic Information Systems, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Photography, Marine Biology and Oceanography, National and State Park Management, Environmental Sciences, Women in Development, Historians and Archaeologists, etc.

Eco-tourism is considered the fastest growing market in the tourism industry, according to the World Tourism Organization with an annual growth rate of 5% worldwide and representing 6% of the world gross domestic product, 11.4% of all consumer spending - not a market to be taken lightly.


What is Eco-tourism?

Fundamentally, eco-tourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. This is responsible form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development.

The International Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This means that those who implement and participate in Eco-tourism activities should follow the following principles:

Minimize impact
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation
Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate
Support international human rights and labour agreements

Aware of the Environment - Today the "Green Laws" of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and eco-tourism is the only way to maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had.

In India too the movement is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisation's are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-tourism in the country. Some basic do's and don'ts of eco-tourism are listed below:

Do's

Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles, tins, plastic bags etc. These must not
litter the environment or be buried. They must be disposed in municipal dustbins only.
Observe the sanctity of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
Cut noise pollution. Do not blare aloud radios, tape recorders or other electronic entertainment
equipment in nature resorts, sanctuaries and wildlife parks.
In case temporary toilets are set-up near campsites, after defecation, cover with mud or sand. Make
sure that the spot is at least 30 meters away from the water source.
Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a
photograph.

Don'ts

Do not take away flora and fauna in the forms of cuttings, seeds or roots. It is illegal, especially in
the Himalayas. The environment is really delicate in this region and the bio-diversity of the region
has to be protected at all costs.
Do not use pollutants such as detergent, in streams or springs while washing and bathing.
Do not use wood as fuel to cook food at the campsite.
Do not leave cigarettes butts or make open fires in the forests.
Do not consume aerated drinks, alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicant and throw bottles in the wild.
Do not tempt the locals, especially children by offering them foodstuff or sweets. Respect local
traditions.
Polythene and plastics are non biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be
used and littered.

As a traveller, you will have an impact on the environment and culture of the place you are visiting. Here are some rules of thumb to make this impact positive!

Golden Rules When You Travel

Learn about your destination before you get there. Read guidebooks, travel articles, histories,
and/or novels by local authors and pay particular attention to customs such as greetings,
appropriate dress, eating behaviours, etc. Being sensitive to these customs will increase local
acceptance of you as a tourist and enrich your trip.
Follow established guidelines. Ask your eco-tour operator, guide and/or the local authorities what
their guidelines are for limiting tourism's impact on the environment and local culture. Staying on
trails, packing up your trash, and remaining set distances away from wildlife are a few ways to
minimize your impact in sensitive areas.
Seek out and support locally owned businesses. Support local businesses during your eco-travels to
ensure maximum community and conservation benefit from your spending.

Eco-Tourism in India is still at a very nascent stage, but there are for sure conscious efforts to save the fragile Himalayan Eco System and culture and heritage of the indigenous people, which is probably the largest concentration in the world.

Holiday Camping vis a vis Hotel accommodation are gathering momentum amongst the metropolis traveller. A plethora of holiday camping options are available in the Himalayan belt, where soft adventure tourism is packaged with holiday camping to create an acceptable eco-tourism product. Resorts tucked deep inside jungles of Karnataka, House-boats of Kerala, Tree Houses at Vythiri combine to make India one of the most diverse eco-tourism destinations on the planet.

Some of these are given below

Eco-Tourism Pioneers in Kerala
Jungle Lodges and Resorts - (Eco-Tourism Pioneers in South India)
The Camp RapidFire - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
The Camp BodhiSatva - Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh
The Himalayan Trout House - Tirthan, Himachal Pradesh
The Camp Purple - Mukteshwar
The Camp Kyari (one of the finest models of Eco-tourism in the country)-Village Kyari, Ramnagar
Camp Silver Sands - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
Camp Lunagarh - Mori, Uttaranchal
The Himalayan River Runner Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
The OAI Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
The Leopard Beach Camp - Rishikesh, Uttaranchal


Tuesday, June 30, 2009

India Tours & Tourism – Experience of Lifetime

India is a globally famous tourism destination deserving attentions of tourists from all over the world. It is known for its unique cultural and geographical features. There is something for every tourist in the country. There are lots of tourism options to enjoy in the country. There are various options to do and see in the country. Heritage tourism, Cultural tours, Wildlife expedition, Adventure tours, Honeymoon tours, Monument tourism, Pilgrimage tours, Nature & green tourism, Eco tourism, Monsoon tourism, Medical tourism, Cultural heritage tours, Goa beach tours, Kerala backwater tours, hill station tourism, etc are prime elements of India tours and tourism.







The states like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, etc are very rich in aspect of tours and tourism in the country. Cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Pushkar, Manali, Sri Nagar, Rajgir, Leh, Agra, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Kolkata, Darjeeling, Amritsar, Lucknow, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Ooty, Panji, Hyderabad, Mysore, Munnar, Trivandrum, Cochin, etc are prime tourism destinations in the country. These destinations are very popular among tourists and vacationers from all over the world. There is wide range of options to do and see in these famous tourist destinations of the country.







Unique geographical feature of the country never fail to deserve the attentions of tourists and vacationers. The diverse and unique geographical feature of the country can be explored in its several beautiful hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, mountain ranges, dense forests, enchanting rivers, breathtaking backwaters, lush green & gorgeous valleys, beautiful meadows, breathtaking beaches, vast Thar Desert, etc. Shimla, Manali, Kashmir, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgaun, Leh, Dharamshala, Kasauli, Darjeeling, Ranikhet, Mussoorie, Nanital, Dehradun, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Khandala, Lonavala, Mount Abu, Munnar, Wayanad, etc are famous hill stations of India. These hill stations are blessed with exceptionally nature beauty and very ideal for family vacation and honeymoon vacation. For honeymooners these destinations are like paradise and provide truly sheer romantic and agreeable ambiance for perfect honeymoon experience.





There are several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the county. Wildlife expedition can be one of the best options to enjoy while on India tours and travels. Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary & National Park, Gir National Park, Corbett National Park, Pench National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Hazaribagh National Park, etc are worth visiting attractions of wildlife expeditions in the country. There are several beautiful beaches in the country. Goa and Kerala are very popular beach destinations in the country. Beaches are breathtakingly beautiful and nature blessed. Both, Kerala and Goa, are very popular among honeymooners. If couples think Honeymoon Tours India, then they should plan their vacation in Goa and Kerala. Definitely they will have delightful experience of lifetime. Goa honeymoon vacations also give couples opportunity to explore several magnificent monuments like churches, temples, forts, palaces, colonial homes, etc.





Despite geographical features India tourism is very popular for cultural heritage tourism. Tourists and travellers can witness the rich heritage of Indian culture at Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Khajuraho, Konark, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Mandawa, Delhi, Agra, etc.









Varanasi, Khajuraho, Konark, Puri, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya, Ajmer, Amritsar Pushkar, Jammu, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tirupati, Deoghar, Badrinath, etc are religious sites in the country. Exploring these destinations gives travellers rich cultural and spiritual experience. In fact, India is a unique tourism destination in the world and never fails to lure travellers and vacationers from all over the world.





There are several tours & travel packages which make enable tourists to explore the famous tourism destinations of the country conveniently. But people should choose a right package according to their desire and preferences. Tourists should choose their package carefully and do not go with only attractive advertisement. Before book a tour package tourists should do some research to find out best tourism package of India. And yes tourists should not forget their desire and preferences before choosing any India tours package.



































Monday, June 1, 2009

India Tours – Embark on Memorable Journey



India
is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world. It is a country of vibrant hues and colors. It is a country of amazing contrast. It is a country where tradition and modernity mingle together perfectly. It is a country where unique cultural and geographical features never fail to steal your heart and grab your attention. It is country where all seasons make their attendance. If you are planning to visit beautiful country of India, you are in for multicolored experiences, it is sure.



There is a wide range to options for tourism available in the country. Tourists and vacationers have brilliant opportunity to enjoy several tours and travels options. Tourists can embark on several fascinating tour & holiday options like a fun-filled holiday, medical tour, spiritual tour, adventure tour, wildlife expedition, trekking tour, monument & heritage tour, culture tour, fun-filled beach vacation, luxury stay at heritage hotels, hill station tour, Himalayan expedition, desert expedition, sand dunes tour, etc. In fact, various vibrant options of India tours are going to steal your heart, it is sure. No matter where your interests lie, tours to India are sure to sweep you with amazing tourism charm.



Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, etc are some of much loved tourism destinations in the country. These destinations appeals tourists through out the entire globe and offer them opportunity for amazing tourism and mesmerizing vacations. Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are very popular for abundant nature beauty, scenic creations, and cool & delightful climate. Due to superb scenic beauty and agreeable climate they are also very popular among honeymooners and newly wedded couples. Nature has endowed them with extraordinary beauty. It is said that if there is any paradise on the earth, then it is Kashmir. It is also referred as the “Switzerland of India”. Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, etc are some of beautiful hill stations in the state of Himachal Pradesh. If you have interest in nature creations and scenic beauty, you should not forget to explore Kashmir and Himachal on your India tours and travels.



Kerala and Goa very popular among tourists and vacationers for opportunity of beach tourism, backwater tourism, fun-filled beach vacations and houseboat cruise. A visit to Kerala gives tourists amazing opportunity of several tourism options together like beach tourism, backwater tourism, medical tourism, eco tourism, village tourism, hill station tourism, and cultural tourism. Goa is very famous destinations of international tourists. Goa and Kerala have some of finest beaches in the world which are very popular among international tourists as well as domestic tourist. A visit to Goa also provides tourists wonderful opportunity to explore some of magnificent monuments like forts, palaces, churches, temples, colonial homes, etc. A well-designed Kerala or Goa tour package can fulfill your desire of beach tourism in India.



Rajasthan is a globally famous tourism destination in the country. A visit to Rajasthan provides tourists wonderful opportunity to explore rich cultural heritages of the country. There are several magnificent monuments in the royal state of Rajasthan like forts, palaces, temples, havelis, etc. The state has some of splendid heritage hotels offering world-class accommodation facilities and opportunity to experience royal treat and great Indian hospitality. If you planning for India luxury tours, then it is sure that Rajasthan is your perfect destinations. There are many more which can be explored on tours to India. So visit India and embark on memorable journey.



World's Happiest Countries

No. 1: Denmark



Population: 5.5 million
Life Expectancy: 77.8 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,600



With a high standard of living, negligible poverty, and a broad range of public and social services, it's easy to see why Denmark tops the happiness map. There's a high level of education; public schools are top-quality and private ones are affordable. The low population gives the nation a strong sense of identity. And Denmark's physical beauty forms a great backdrop to daily life. The weather is a bit tough, though.

No. 2: Switzerland



Population: 7.5 million
Life Expectancy: 80.5 years
GDP Per Capita: $32,300



Smack in the middle of Europe and surrounded by picture-postcard scenery, Switzerland ranks second among the world's happiest countries. It has a low crime rate, good infrastructure, and a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing in the Alps to boating on Lake Geneva. Home to the International Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and parts of the U.N., it's not surprising that the Swiss devote a large portion of private and public money to health care — spending an average of $3,445 per person. It's pretty peaceful, too: years of political neutrality have sheltered the Swiss from the conflicts of their neighbors.

No. 3: Austria



Population: 8.2 million
Life Expectancy: 79 years
GDP Per Capita: $32,700



Another Alpine hotbed of happiness, Austria also boasts beautiful scenery and a surprisingly rich cultural scene. Like many of the world's happiest countries, it boasts a strong health-care system, as evidenced by the long average life expectancy of its citizens. Strict environmental regulations are starting to pay dividends, says Oskar Hinteregger, of the Austrian National Tourist Office. He credits the country's happy mood to its relaxed atmosphere, efficient public transport system, and general cleanliness. Austria does have some poverty, though: nearly 6%.

No. 4: Iceland



Population: 300,000
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $35,600



There's more to Iceland than hot springs and Björk. The tiny country's extensive welfare system plays a big part in its citizens' happiness. The Icelandic government offers a broad range of services, such as generous housing subsidies, and with very little poverty, wealth is evenly distributed among Icelandic society. Literacy is high and unemployment, at 2.1%, is low.

No. 5: Bahamas



Population: 303,800
Life Expectancy: 65.6 years
GDP Per Capita: $20,200



Bahamanians know how to enjoy life. “Maybe it's our 'Bahama Mamas,' our sweet sea breeze, our conch salad, and fun loving people,” suggests Kendenique Campbell-Moss, a senior executive at the Bahamas Tourism Ministry. Although the poverty rate, at 9.3%, is relatively high, the beautiful weather and laid-back lifestyle keep Bahamas' citizens smiling. Campbell-Moss also reckons the fusion of African and European cultures, strong family values, and Christianity contribute to the happy vibe in the Caribbean country.

No. 6: Finland



Population: 5.2 million
Life Expectancy: 78.5 years
GDP Per Capita: $30,900



It's dark and cold in the winter and has some of the highest taxes in Europe. But that doesn't get in the way of Finns' overall happiness. High quality medical care — at little to no cost — contributes to the country's high average life expectancy. The country's free educational system is one of the best, resulting in a 100% literacy rate. Poverty is rare; so too, is extreme wealth. “Our beloved government makes sure that taxes are high enough to prevent easy ways to riches,” says Jaakko Lehtonen, director-general of the Finnish Tourism Board. “Finns think a good salary is two cents higher than your neighbor's; it's enough to make you feel wealthy and subsequently, happy,” he says.

No. 7: Sweden



Population: 9 million
Life Expectancy: 80.50 years
GDP Per Capita: $29,800



Taxes are high and the winter is trying. But social equality, one of the best welfare systems in Europe, and a great work/life balance keep Swedes smiling. Parents get extensive maternity and paternity leave, and child care is heavily subsidized and available to all. Sweden also has unusually transparent government and a strong emphasis on ensuring the freedom and equality of its people. “Ordinary citizens in Sweden have the right to see the prime minister's official mail, and they often exercise that right,” notes Susanna Wallgren, of the Swedish Tourism Board.

No. 8: Bhutan



Population: 2.3 million
Life Expectancy: 55 years
GDP Per Capita: $1,400



Here's a surprise: The small Asian nation of Bhutan ranks eighth in the world, despite relatively low life expectancy, a literacy rate of just 47%, and a very low GDP per capita. Why? Researchers credit an unusually strong sense of national identity. Plus, the country has beautiful scenery and a largely unspoiled culture, thanks to strict governmental limits on tourism, development, and immigration. Pretty counterintuitive, but Bhutan seems to have found a recipe for happiness.

No. 9: Brunei



Population: 380,000
Life Expectancy: 75
GDP Per Capita: $23,600



It helps to have oil. Wealthy and politically stable, Brunei's government plays a major role in its citizens' happiness. The same family has ruled the Southeast Asian nation for more than six centuries, providing free medical services and education. Even university-level education is paid for by the government, which also subsidizes rice and housing. That ensures virtually nonexistent poverty.

No. 10: Canada



Population: 33 million
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,000



Canada may sometimes feel overshadowed by its giant neighbor to the south, but a strong sense of national identity and abundant natural beauty help make the sprawling and sparsely populated country one of the world's happiest. Canada also punches above its weight economically, with a huge $1.1 trillion GDP and per-capita that ranks among the world's highest. It also has strong health care and a low crime rate.

No. 11: Ireland



Population: 4 million
Life Expectancy: 77.7 years
GDP Per Capita: $41,000



Once so poor that its citizens fled by the millions, the Celtic Tiger has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth over the past dozen years. Credit membership in the European Union and a can-do attitude has raised standards of living and even lured former immigrants back home. The excellent education system, open economy, and relaxed pace of life all contribute to the overall happiness of the Irish.

No. 12: Luxembourg



Population: 474,500
Life Expectancy: 79 years
GDP Per Capita: $55,600



Luxembourg's position proves that sometimes money can buy happiness. It has the highest GDP per capita in the world. And with great access to education, 100% of the population is literate. The people of Luxembourg should find comfort in their surroundings, too. Mercer Resource Human Consulting ranked the city-state as the safest in the world in 2005.