August 2003

LATEST UPDATES ON INDIAN TOURISM, HOTELS, AIRLINES, DESTINATIONS, ETC

 

AIRLINES UPDATE

AIR-INDIA TO INCREASE US FLIGHTS TO 20 PER WEEK: Air-India is planning to increase its flights to USA from 15 per week to 20 per week before the end of the year. Newark, New Jersey will offer a daily service to India from October this year (instead of five flights per week currently). Chicago will get another three flights via Frankfurt to India in addition to the three flights it has currently. Air-India also has a daily service from JFK airport in New York to India.

 

AI WILL FLY TO CHINA: India’s flag carrier Air-India is planning to start flights to Shanghai, the commercial capital of China from December. The route will be Bombay - New Delhi – Bangkok - Shanghai and back. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Indian Industries is setting up an India Club to act as facilitator for Indian companies doing business with China. The Department of Tourism will also open an India Tourism Promotion Center to cash in on China’s decision to put India on the approved list of Chinese travel. The CII is holding an India Week at Shanghai and Beijing between October 16 and 22 to promote India as a brand among the Chinese youth. Bollywood stars, fashion designers, Indian culinary experts and entrepreneurs will be flown to China for a week-long business, cultural and food extravaganza.

 

AIR-CANADA TO START DIRECT FLIGHTS TO DELHI: Effective October 26, 2003, Air Canada will commence daily non-stop service between Toronto and Delhi. Flights will be operated using state-of-the-art 282-seat Airbus A340 aircraft featuring Air Canada`s recently redesigned premium Executive First service. To promote its new non-stop flights Air Canada is offering a special introductory fare until July 17, 2003 for travel until November 30, 2003 starting as low as $1,599. This new route will create the only non-stop air link between North America and India providing our customers with the fastest elapsed time between Toronto and Delhi. Air Canada flight AC051 will leave Toronto at 17.15 and arrive in Delhi at 17.45 the next day with convenient connections to Mumbai (Bombay), Calcutta, Chennai (Madras), Bangalore and Colombo. From Delhi, AC052 will leave at 01.10 and arrive in Toronto at 06.10 the same day.

JET AIRWAYS DELHI – JODHPUR FLIGHTS: Jet Airways is commencing operations to Jodhpur effective 15th of OCT 03. Details are as follows

Flight No      Dep          Arrival

9W 3311 DEL 1240 hrs JDH 1400hrs
9W 3312 JDH 1430 hrs DEL 1550hrs

The flight would be operated by the next generation Turbo Prop ATR-72500 which has a capacity of 62 seats and the configuration would be all economy. The fares for economy class INR are Rs.4345 gross and the USD fare would be $105. The timings of this luncheon flight have also been kept at a leisurely afternoon departure so as to ensure that the passenger does not have to rush from the International airport to the Domestic terminal.

SAHARA & JET FLY TO RAIPUR: Jet Airways has started services between Raipur and Bombay, Hyderabad and Chennai following the reduction in sales tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) by the Chhattisgarh government. Air Sahara started Raipur-Kolkata and Raipur-Delhi flights on July 23. Indian Airlines increased its frequency to Delhi and Mumbai from the state capital after the sales tax reduction to 4 per cent from 25 per cent on May 1.  TOP

 

HOTELS NEWS

 

Pench Jungle Camp opened:  A 12 Km metalloid road from Khwasa check post (located 81 kms. from Nagpur- Jabalpur National Highway No. 7 or 92 km from Nagpur) leads to the Reserve and the camp. There are 12 deluxe safari style canvas tents housed on permanent foundation with equipped with showers and tiled bathrooms. Each spacious tent can easily accommodate an extra bed. In addition we have 4 Air-Conditioned rooms with luxurious bathrooms.

Each Tent has a spacious and elegantly furnished living room with private tea coffee making facility. Private and spacious en suite bathroom has running hot and cold water, flush toilet, space for shower and a vanity counter. Each tent has 220 V electricity connection with battery recharging facility.

Food & Dinning Facility: Inspired by the ethnic architecture, a centrally located apartment structure houses, an open and spacious dinning hall and modern kitchen serving vegetarian and non- vegetarian Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. The dinning area has a fire- place to keep warm in the cool evenings while you enjoy your dinner. Open bar "Chaupal" located at the campfire place has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is an ideal place to relax after a day of sight seeing.

Other Camp Facilities  include the resident naturalists to make your park visits most informative; State of the informative "Wildlife Research Centre"; Recreation room for informative slide shows and wildlife discussions; Games room with a host of indoor games like chess and carom; Billiard table, Volleyball, badminton courts; A 9 hole putting green within the campus sprawling next to the forest; Medicinal Plant nursery in the vicinity of 2 large water bodies, a haven for bird watchers; Rafting/Boating can be organised in Pench River; Excellent facilities for small meetings and conferences; Swimming Pool to be ready shortly; User friendly to physically challenged  Check out their website for more information www.naturesafariindia.com; or contact us.

 

SERENA SPA AT VYTHIRI RESORT IN WAYANAD: A Spa of international standards, in collaboration with the Serena Spa, equipped with health rejuvenation therapies was recently opened at the Vythiri Resort. This nature resort is situated at the lush forest of the verdant Wayanad hills in the Malabar region.

 

Welcome Heritage Resort in Mussoorie & AT MANALI:  India's largest heritage chain Welcome Heritage, a joint venture between ITC Hotels Limited and Marudhar Hotels Limited, has signed a deal adding Kasmanda Palace of Mussoorie as its latest property.

 

It is notable that they also opened their property near Manali, called Solang Valley Resort. Built in the Swiss chalet style with sloping roof and extensive use of wood, the resort offers 20 rooms and 20 tents.

 

LE MERIDIEN TAKES OVER ITDC HOTEL IN KOVALAM: The first five star hotel, earlier owned by ITDC, has now been taken over by the Le Meridien chain. It has got a complete facelift. This beautiful property at the beach destination of Kovalam has got the best location and view. Le Meridien has now about 140 hotels all over the world.

 

TAJ GROUP TAKES OVER A VADODARA HOTEL: As part of the expansion strategy, the Taj group has taken over the Tropicana Hotel & Convention Center in Vadodara and it has been renamed as Taj Residency.

 

UPDATE ON SOME OTHER HOTELS: Sariska Palace was been closed since June 01 this year due to some dispute related to financial matter.  There is no time frame fixed to reopen it. In fact even the Sariska tiger sanctuary was closed due to heavy rainfalls for sometime.

  

è Ram Bagh Palace (Taj Property) in Jaipur 38 rooms are under renovation and some of them will be operational from Sep and some will be operational from     January.

 

è Jai Mahal Palace (Taj Property in Jaipur) 40 Room were under renovation and will be operational from 1 September’03.

 

è Rajputana Sherton (Welcomgroup property) 88 Rooms are under renovation out of 122. Same will be operational from October last week.

 

Park Inn opens new hotel in Goa, India: Park Inn hotels, part of Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, announced that India-based partner , Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels, has opened a new Park Inn in Goa, India. Located at the popular Candolim beach of North Goa, the Phoenix Park Inn Resort is 45 km (28 miles) from the airport, 48 km (30 miles) from Margao station and a 30-minute drive from the state capital, Panaji. With golden sands, tall swaying fresh green palms, and enticing blue seas, Goa is a favorite holiday destination for both international and domestic vacationers who travel to India.

The Phoenix Park Inn Resort includes 58 well-appointed superior rooms (some with kitchenettes and balconies) spread over four blocks around a shimmering swimming pool. The hotel amenities are coupled with highly efficient and personalized service to allow guests to ample opportunity for rest and relaxation.

Guests can enjoy an array of assorted cocktails, exciting western fare and authentic Goan cuisine at Geoffrey`s. Conceived as a typical English Pub, Geoffrey`s is rated as one of the best watering holes in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur and Delhi. Its success story now continues to rock the spirits in Goa.

The seasonal Poolside Bar rustles up delectable fresh seafood and barbeque. Along with the exquisite food and service, it also provides the perfect ambience in which to put your feet up and relax.

Other amenities at the Phoenix Park Inn Resort include conference facilities for up to 150 people, fitness center, swimming pool, ayurvedic massage therapy and a host of indoor games that will help guests unwind and relax.

Goa is renowned for its marvelous, unspoiled expanses of palm-fringed beaches, local hospitality and tantalizing cuisine. The city’s relaxed lifestyle enlivened by the love of music and dance makes a heady mixture too good to resist. More than 450 years of Portuguese rule preceded by Hindu and Muslim supremacy have made "Sunny Goa" an exciting amalgam of cultures.

Imposing churches, forts perched on high promontories, delightful old mansions and villas and picturesque whitewashed villages set amidst velvety paddy fields are all a part of this exciting heritage.

OBEROI HOTELS TO LAUNCH FIRST LUXURY CRUISER ON THE BACKWATERS OF KERALA: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts launching India’s first luxury cruiser – ‘M.V. Vrinda’, on the backwaters of Kerala from November 1, 2003. The vessel with elegant interiors and excellent facilities, offers eight tastefully appointed air-conditioned cabins with attached bathrooms. Each cabin is equipped with modern day amenities such as, digital video players and television sets. Both international and regional cuisine will be served to the guests in an air-conditioned dining room, which offers views of the serene backwaters. The package will be available from November 1, 2003 to April 30, 2004 at a price of US$ 1,150 for single occupancy and US$ 1,250 for double occupancy. The rate includes accommodation at the Trident Cochin for two nights in an executive room and accommodation on Vrinda for two nights including excursions.  TOP

FESTIVALS / MARTS & EVENTS

KUMBHA FAIR IN NASIK: Hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims have congregated for the Kumbh Mela festival on the banks of the Godavari river in western India.

Over half a million people took part in a colourful inaugural ceremony in the town of Nashik on 30 July. The Kumbh Mela (Grand Pitcher Festival) is held four times every twelve years alternately in four holy sites - Nashik, Ujjain, Hardwar and the main one at Allahabad.

Saffron clad priests and holy men mingled with ordinary devotees in the streets of Nashik on Wednesday, singing and dancing in procession towards the river.

There they plunged into the swollen waters of the river, after days of heavy rain. For many pilgrims it was a rare chance to take part in the Kumbh.

Southern 'Kumbh': But millions of Hindus are also gathering downstream for a parallel festival. The Godavari Pushkarma also known as the "Kumbh of the South" is being held at Rajahmundry in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. The photo on the right is of Allahabad after where the two rivers Ganga & Yamuna meet. (Source: AFP, BBC)

UPCOMING FESTIVALS IN UTTAR PRADESH: Below is the chart of some upcoming festivals in Uttar Pradesh. Please check out the column India Incredible (on our website), where you would get the date-list of festivals in different parts of India along with the full moon dates.

 

Name	Date	Place
Ayurveda-Janshi Mahotsava	03 Nov. 2003 - 07 Nov. 2003	Jhansi
Ganga Mahotsava	04 Nov. 2003 - 09 Nov. 2003	Varanasi
Lucknow Mahotsava	25 Nov 2003 - 05 Dec 2003	Lucknow
Buddha Mahotsava	03 Dec 2003 - 06 Dec 2003	Sarnath/ Kushinagar
One Day Buddha Mahotsava	03 December 2003	Sravasti
Water Sports Festival	08 Feb 2004 - 10 Feb 2004	Allahabad
Taj Mahotsava	18 Feb 2004 - 27 Feb 2004	Agra
International Yoga Week	22 Feb 2004 - 28 Feb 2004	Varanasi, Allahabad, Rishikesh

 

MYSTIQUES OF MALABAR 2003: “Mystiques of Malabar 2003”, a travel mart was held at the Convention Centre, Kadavu Resort, Kozhikode, Kerala from 14-16 August 2003. The show attempted to showcase the unexplored region of Malabar and tries to highlight the tourism products of Northern Kerala. The mart was also an international buyer-seller meet.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & TRAVEL MART ITTM 2003: Scheduled to be held during September 26 – 28 in New Delhi, coinciding with the World Tourism Day, the event is being organized by the Department of Tourism, Government Of India. This would have a participation from over 20 countries.

INDIA’S LARGEST TRAVEL SHOW IN BOMBAY IN FEBRUARY 2004: World Travel India (WTI) will be organized from February 5 to 8, 2004 in Mumbai. WTI 2004 is being organized by U.K.’s Kinex Log along with Express Travel and Tourism, a business publication division of The Indian Express group as the strategic partner. The event to be held at Bandra Kurla exhibition complex, will include an international exhibition, a cutting edge conference programme, business travel awards and a buyer-seller meet.

 

'Virasat', a folk-life festival to be held in Dehradun during September, 2003: A festival of Indian folk art and wisdom to be held in Dehradun, the gateway to Himalayas from 19 – 30^th September, 2003. The festival seeks to explore new paradigms in eco-cultural tourism in the new State of Uttaranchal. This multi-arts festival is a collective mass celebration, evolved on the lines of the Theban celebrations of ancient Greece. Crafts - including the handlooms and woollen craft of the hills, folk music and dance, classical music, literature, tourism and travel, painting rock art, cinema, all form a unique blend of this eleven-day celebration.

 

TEEJ FESTIVAL, RAJASTHAN: The splendour of the rain festival of Teej was celebrated with great gusto in Rajasthan and was recreated at Dilli Haat in New Delhi by Delhi Tourism. Teej is a major festival celebrated on the third day of the waxing moon in July-August. In Rajasthan one can see decorated swings hung from trees and women dressed in new clothes sing, dance and play around them. This very monsoon magic came alive in Delhi. Delicious cuisine, colourful, swirling clothes, puppets, glittering bangles – all have brought a slice of Rajasthan to the capital.

India Tourism Festival, October 2nd - 5th, 2003 at Coimbatore: Adwise Events with the support of Government of Tamilnadu is organsing India Tourism Festival is organising India Tourism Festival from October 2nd to 5th 2003 at Coimbatore. Keraa Tourism is the key partner

 

MADE IN INDIA SHOW, BEIJING: 16-19 OCTOBER 2003: The Confederation of Indian Industries is going to organise “Made in India Show” in Beijing, China from 16-19 October, 2003. Various state governments would be participating.  TOP

NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)

 

Tourist arrival register 16 percent hike IN KERALA: The period January to February of this year showed excellent growth rate in tourist arrival compared to the same period last year (Source Kerala Tourism)

 

Dutch and the Russians to kick-off new season in kerala: The chartered flights bringing foreign nationals to Kerala will have up market tourists from Russia and Netherlands to mark the opening of this year’s tourist season TO Kerala. (Source Kerala Tourism)

 

TOURIST ARRIVALS IN INDIA SHOW HEALTHY GROWTH: India’s tourism sector is showing a healthy growth.  Arrivals have increased by 9.4% in the January-May period and foreign exchange earning has gone up by 12.5% in the same period as compared to last year. The global campaign Incredible India launched last October by Department of Tourism is showing good results.

In 2002, the total tourist arrivals in the first five months were 9,90,482 and in 2003 in the same period it has touched 1,08,3932. Foreign exchange earnings in 2003 for first five months were US $ 1326 million as compared to US $ 1180 million for the same period last year.

 

INDIAN CRUISE LINERS TO TAP UP MARKET TOURISTS: The Ministry of Shipping (Bangalore) is planning to start a domestic `cruise shipping' service along the west coast on the lines of `Palace On Wheels' to cater to foreign and up market domestic tourists. The cruise liner would link the Mumbai Port Trust, Goa and Kerala besides Tuticorin.

 

STEAM ENGINE TO BE BACK ON SHIMLA TRACK TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY: Steam train lovers have good news vintage steam engine will run once a week on the Shimla-Kalka narrow gauge after three decades as a tourist attraction from November 9, 2003 when the track completes 100 years. A postage stamp to commemorate the 100 years of the track considered one of the engineering marvels of its time will also be released. Simla (as it was spelt then) was the summer capital of British India.

 

ASIA’S HIGHEST ROPEWAY IN GULMARG: Asia’s highest ropeway will connect Gulmarg (Jammu and Kashmir) with the 13,500-feet high upper ranges of Apharwat by the year-end. This will open new vistas for tourism especially for skiing. Tourists would also be able to enjoy the scenic splendour of the Alpather Lake. Gulmarg currently attracts tourists both in summer and winter.

 

INDIAN Railways is to give its staff yoga lessons: In a bid to cut down on accidents and improve efficiency, the same is to be initiated.

And drivers, who currently sit on uncomfortable wooden seats in temperatures often as high as 56C (132F) are to get new air conditioned cabins. Authorities believed the uncomfortable conditions would keep drivers awake, but a string of accidents in recent months have prompted a rethink. Train drivers will soon have cushioned seats and walkie talkies. Ticket checkers, booking clerks, station masters and cabin staff will get yoga training before starting work each morning.

A spokesman said the aim of the yoga lessons is to "keep our staff physically fit and mentally alert". The rail network, which shuttles 13 million passengers through 7,000 stations every day, has been rattled by a number of crashes in recent months. India's rail system, one of the world's largest and backed by a 1.6 million-strong workforce, is saddled with infrastructure that dates back to the British colonial era before 1947.

Did you know about India...

• Tipped as the world’s fastest growth market for tourism (The World Travel and Tourism Council)
• India has the 6th largest economy in the world
• 2.5 Million Inbound visitors per year
• 234 Million Domestic tourists per year
• 4 Million Indians travel abroad each year
• 30% of population with substantial monthly disposable income
• Tourism declared a priority sector for development by Government of India
• Government tourism promotion budget rose to US$62 Million
• US$2 Billion pledged
• US$29 Billion per year generated by tourism
• US$90 Billion per year projected income from tourism by 2012
• Booming Leisure and Entertainments Industry
• Leisure and Entertainments industry expected to be worth US$400 Million by 2005
• Amusement Park industry to be worth US$300 Million by 2003

Total capital investment in tourism in India is predicted to be US$28 Billion by 2012 (The World Travel and Tourism Council)   TOP

  NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International)

 

NEPAL WAIVES VISA FEES: At the time when the country is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first accent to the Mount Everest, His Majesty's Government of Nepal has announced a new policy of waiving visa fee for any tourist visiting the country for a period of 3 days. Similarly tourists coming from South Asian countries (SAARC) as well as neighboring People's Republic of China will also get free visa to Nepal. Likewise arrangements have been made to provide free visa for any national for re-entry to Nepal provided those tourists have stayed at least for 15 days in the country in a visa year (Jan-Dec).

 

Earlier the government had taken a series of steps to boost up the tourism industry by opening up more mountain peaks for climbing, new rivers for rafting and relaxed restrictions to pristine and protected areas of the country. The provision of liaison officer has also been revoked in many of the trekking areas. Now the total number of peaks open for climbing has reached 326, out of which expedition to 121 peaks do not require liaison officer.

FASTEST CLIMBER TO THE MT. EVEREST: The Nepalese Government has confirmed that Lakpa Gelu Sherpa is the fastest person to climb Mount Everest, dismissing a rival claim to the title.

Lakpa Gelu Sherpa made his record-breaking ascent of the world's highest peak in 10 hours and 56 minutes on 26 May during Everest's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

But his claim was challenged by Pemba Dorje Sherpa who had himself set a new record of 12 hours and 45 minutes three days earlier.

Appa Sherpa reached the Everest summit for a record 13th time on the same day that Lakpa Gelu made his ascent. Ministry officials said that Lakpa Gelu's claim was also corroborated by a member of their field staff who had heard about his record-making ascent from base camp.     TOP

SPECIAL FEATURE

WHAT INDIA MEANS TO THE US AMBASSADOR ROBERT BLACKWILL: The following is an extract of US Ambassador Robert D Blackwill’s farewell speech at Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi: “Ten days ago I gave my final policy speech as US ambassador to India. Today, I shall share with you personal thoughts about how this country has shaped me during these past two years. Unlike Siddhartha, my meditations while preparing this address have not produced total Enlightenment. Unfortunately, Brahma and Saraswati, because of my own limitations, will not adequately inspire my remarks on this occasion with regard to my spiritual and intellectual advancement. I clearly need to spend more time at Brahma’s temple in Pushkar. And, despite my continuing contemplations, I am not always able to follow Krishna’s wise words, “ Be thou of even mind.” He might have added, including at your Round Tables at Roosevelt House.

 

He ended his speech by saying “I will return to India. How could it be other wise. And, thank you India for every single thing that I have discovered here. Mother India has changed my life---forever”. TOP

 DESTINATION/S OF THE MONTH

PENCH NATIONAL PARK, NEAR NAGPUR: (Closed during monsoons, opens in November) Nestled in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hills, the park is named after Pench river which flows from North to South through the National Park. Located on the southern boundary of Madhya Pradesh which houses the one-third Tiger population of India, it is a very different Park compared to Kanha and Bandhavgarh. A total of 760sq km of land, and core area being 292 sq km, it is a mix of moist deciduous and dry deciduous Teak forest. The forest is crossed by various water streams, The Pench Reservoir at the centre of the park is a major water source.

Distances: Nagpur 92kms, 2 hours drive
Jabalpur: 190kms, around 3.5 hours of drive
Seoni: 45kms, About 45 mts drive.
Bandhavgarh: 380kms, 7 hours by road
Kanha: 180kms. 4 hours by road

Area: 760sq km, core: 292 sq km, Altitude: 580m to 675 m above sea level, Rainfall: 1397 mm average, Temperature: Minimum 3 degrees Celsius till maximum 47 degrees Celsius

Main Flora: Teak and its associates Moyan, Mahua, Mokha, Skiras, Tendu, Bija, Achar, Garari, Aonla, Bhaman, Baranga, Amaltas, Bhirra, Palas,. Bamboo occurs sparsely restricted to some valleys.

Main Fauna

Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Striped Hyenas, Wild Dog, Wolf, Jackals, Sloth Bear, Pangolin, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Gaur, Blue Bull, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barking Deer, Porcupine etc

Reptiles: Fresh Water crocodiles, Indian Chameleon, Common Krait, Indian Rock Python, Cobra, Indian Flap Shell turtle, Peninsular Black turtle etc.

Fish: Padhan, Jhunda, Sanbal, Chalar, Dadai. Mahur, Kunda, Mrigal, Rohu, Calbasu, and Mahasir etc.

Birds: Malabar Pied Hornbills, Grey Hornbills, Crested Serpent Eagle, Vultures, Paradise Fly Catchers, Drongos, Minivets, Golden Orioles, and around 250 more species of birds are commonly seen.      TOP

 NATURE DOES MATTER

CWRC, ASSAM: The Centre for Wildlife Conservation and Rehabilitation (CWRC) is a joint venture of the Assam forest department, the Wildlife Trust of India and its partner IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) and was created as a rescue facility for the animals of the region especially during the floods. CWRC in Assam receives injured animals often especially during the rainy season.

 

They received a severely injured hog deer one afternoon that had been run over on the highway and it is a pity they had to euthanise it. The CWRC has so far received 19 animals of which 16 were hog deer, two pythons and one bird identified as a cuckoo. They treated and released seven animals. Three were kept under observation while five arrived dead and four animals died at the Centre.

The flood is an annual phenomenon, that sustains the grasslands of the Kaziranga national park (KNP), however, has not caused as much havoc this year as it was capable of. In 1988 and 1998 we suffered so many casualties because the embankments broke and the water came in a surge.  Source: Wildlife Trust Of India  TOP

PERMANENT FEATURE -  GOA

GOA TO RECEIVE CHARTER FLIGHTS EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK: Famous beach destination of India, now has no more restriction on the landing of direct international tourist charter flights (as instead of three days a week earlier). The tourism department expects about 600 flights this tourist season (for more information with tourist arrival data, please check out the same news on our website). The very first charter flight is scheduled to land on 1 Oct for the coming season. The Airports Authority of India and the Naval authorities have approved of it. Moreover, the arrival can take place from 0430 hrs onward than the 0630 hrs earlier. With the new Russian charter flights coming in, the season looks really upbeat and every one is looking forward to welcoming the tourists.  

DATA ON TOURIST ARRIVALS IN DIFFERENT YEARS AND ALSO BY CHARTER FLIGHTS:

 

 

TOP

 CONTEST

Just Answer Five Simple Questions:

1)      At what time India got the freedom in 1947?

a.      Noon             b. 1600 hrs

c.  Midnight        d.  0600 hrs

 

2)      In which state of India, the festival Navaratri is celebrated with maximum enthusiasm?

a.      Bihar             b. West Bengal

c.   Delhi            d. Gujarat

 

3)      Sunderbans delta is found at which river in India?

a.      The Ganges    b. Mandovi

c.   Bhagirathi     d. Mahanadi

 

4)      The famous Valley of Flowers in the Himalayas blooms in which months?

a.      Feb-Mar        b. Jul-Aug

c.      Oct-Nov        d. May-Jun

 

5)      The original four headed lion stone structure, national emblem of India, is kept at which museum?

a.      Sarnath         b. Delhi

c.  Calcutta        d. London

LAST DATE: 15 Sep’03 to send your entries at the email address pmaurya@vsnl.net

ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST:

·         Apart from Bangalore, which is the other city in India compared with the Silicon Valley? ANS: Hyderabad

·         Near which city in India are caves of Ajanta & Ellora situated? ANS: Aurangabad

·         Where did Lord Buddha receive the enlightenment? ANS: Bodhgaya

·         Where is the famous rock garden situated: ANS: Chandigarh

·         The snake boat races are celebrated in which part of Kerala in August? ANS: Alleppey

WINNER OF LAST CONTEST: The proud winner of the last contest is Mr. Suya Dev of Dhesu Travel from Malaysia! He is being sent a book on India! TOP

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NOTE: This newsletter is currently being sent to about 1000 select tour operators, individuals, friends, tourist offices, and other organizations. The news contents of this are compiled through various resources, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, books, etc and are being customized to suit our needs of balanced information in tourism and its related field. The newsletter itself does not carry any commercial value and the sole purpose is to increase the awareness and disseminate the available information in a fast manner to the people concerned in the trade. We try to provide the news as authentic and correct as possible, however, there might be errors sometimes.   TOP

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