December - 2002

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

AIRLINES UPDATE

AI HAS EDGE OVER OTHER INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES: Air-India has a competitive edge over other international airlines and has posted a profit or Rs 46 crore in the last six months. Air-India's in-flight services have always been the best and now have been enhanced with the provision of flatbed seats in the first class of all its Boeing 747-400 aircrafts deployed on the Mumbai - Delhi - London / Paris - New York, Newark / Chicago services. Along with the other facilities like DVD players for enhanced in-flight entertainment in the first class. The first consignment of flatbed seats arrived last month from France. Mumbai - New Jersey service started on 3 Dec and Frankfurt ones on 8 Dec. Also, the plan of disinvestment of Air-India and Indian Airlines has been postponed indefinitely.

 

New direct flights: New flights from Nagpur & Bodh Gaya to Mecca for Haj are planned, we shall let you know as soon as we have more details on this.   TOP

 

HOTELS NEWS

TAJ GROUP OF HOTELS GETS HERMES AWARD: The Taj group of hotels has been awarded the prestigious "Hermes 2002 International Hospitality Award" for the "Best Innovation in Human Resources" in hospitality industry worldwide, for its employee loyalty programme STARS. The final results were declared on Nov 4, 2002 at a glittering function at Hilton Paris Eiffel Ballroom by the French Minister for Tourism.

TAJ TAKES OVER THE GWALIOR HOTEL USHA KIRAN PALACE: In the city of culture and heritage, housing the 2000-year Gwalior Fort, Mansingh Palace, Scindia Museum, Guru Hargobind Saheb Gurudwara and the ancient temples, this famous hotel has been taken over by the Taj group on 16 Oct’02. Gwalior is also a city of musical heritage, Tansen's Tomb and Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan's Music School & Museum - Sarod Ghar are popular sites. The Son et Lumiere at Gwalior Fort is one of the best in the country.

Built by the Scindia family, originally as a Palace for the English Nobility, Usha Kiran Palace is a 100-year old Heritage property; spread over 9 acres of land. It is the city's only Palace Hotel. Located right next door to the Scindia Ancestral Palace - the most exquisite Jai Vilas Palace built in Victorian-Gothic style of architecture. 35 rooms have been turned into the 'Jivaji Rao Scindia Museum'. The Indian Hotels Co Ltd has signed a 30-year management lease with effect from October 16, 2002.

Luxurious Accommodation: There are 28 rooms (including suites). All rooms and bathrooms are large and have the Old-World Charm. 08 rooms have been recently renovated. All rooms have unit AC, TV, and mini bar. There are 03 Banquet Rooms, with a capacity of 20-150 people. There are two lawns within the premises. From now till October 2003, Taj plans to spruce up the property completely, add more rooms, making the total inventory 35-38 rooms. Existing rooms will undergo complete/partial renovation, to create a royal palace ambience in every room of the hotel. A swimming pool and Health Spa will be added.

TREE TOP HOTEL IN PERIYAR: Situated at 2500 feet above mean sea level, Tree Top is pleasantly cool throughout the year. The area is also a birdwatcher's delight with over 60 species of birds. The cottages with sit-outs gives you a chance to see wild fowls, Flying Squirrels, primates, Sambars and wild boars just a few feet away. There is also an independent bungalow with a self-contained kitchen, living room and bedrooms that can accommodate four families.  The restaurant is stylishly laid out and offers various cuisines apart form Kerala fare. A separate kitchen serves 100% vegetarian dishes including authentic Jain food. The large open-air terrace, which also doubles up as an open-air restaurant, is ideal for hosting private parties. 

Facilities & Recreation: Multi cuisine restaurant, 24-hr International direct dial / fax, valet parking, room service, tour and travel desk, baby-sitting on request, safe deposit and 24-hour money changer, Cable TV, 24- hour laundry, Internet access, library, boating on Lake Periyar, forest trekking, spice plantation tour. All major credit cards are accepted and Ayurvedic massages given on request. Madurai is the nearest airport, 135 km away and Cochin is the nearest international airport, Nedumbaserri, about 185 km away.  TOP

FESTIVALS / MARTS & EVENTS

 

Konark Dance Festival 01-05 Dec, 2002: Described as a poem in stone, the Sun temple at Konark is the crowning glory of the temple architecture of Orissa. As a fitting tribute to the majestic monument, eminent classical dancers of India get together during the Konark Dance Festival every year from 1st to 5th December to present live performances of their art. When the sun sets in the horizon and the stars appear in the sky, the open-air auditorium against the backdrop of the floodlit temple reverberates with the beats of Raga and Tala to fill the air. The classical extravaganza is a journey through ecstasy. Much admired Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow dances - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears were the highlights. Moreover, the famous Beach Festival at Puri just got over and was studded with a lot of cultural extravaganza. These two are the regular annual features and you may please write in to us for more information.

 

DEVDIWALI IN VARANASI: Devdiwali means Diwali of the Gods and is celebrated 15 days after Diwali, the festival of lights, on the first full moon of the Hindu calendar. This day is considered auspicious and it coincides with the Pushkar fair, Rajasthan and the Sonepur fair, Bihar. This year too, lots of pilgrims thronged in Varanasi. The river Ganges on the night of 19^th November presented an amazing sight. Hundreds of boats filled with avid spectators, vied with each other for a spot as close to the ghats (river bank) as possible. The prayers for Mother Ganga (Goddess Ganges), who, according to legend was one of the consorts of Lord Shiva, began with the offering of 1,000 pink lotuses. Then, 1,000 diyas (lighted oil lamps) were set afloat on the river – an awe inspiring sight indeed.  

 

GLOBAL TEA CONVENTION AT KOLKATA IN MARCH’03: The who's who of the world of tea will be in Kolkata next year for the India International Tea Convention to be held at Hotel Taj Bengal from 6th - 8th March, 2003. The mega convention jointly organised by the Tea Board of India and the International Merchant Tea Exporters Forum will bring together the entire global tea fraternity and will focus on emphasising India as the one-stop-shop for tea. This convention will give tea producers, exporters, blenders, distributors, packaging companies and all connoisseurs yet another opportunity to interact with each other. It will hold five special sessions focusing on international and Indian markets & the tea and health with a participation of 700 plus delegates. An exposition of various products from a wide range of companies; convention lunches & dinners offering opportunities for networking and building trade partnerships; an experience of Kolkata - the city of Joy; post tours to the tea estates of Assam, Darjeeling and South India are only a few of the highlights.

 

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE IN GOA IN FEB'2003: The world famous food festival has been announced already to be held in Goa at the Colva beach area in Feb'03.

 

CHENNAI FESTIVAL DEC’2002: Currently the Chennai festival is going on in full swing in the South Eastern shores of India! All along the 58 km stretch between Chennai & the temple & beach town of Mamallapuram, tourists are getting to enjoy the colourful folk and cultural dances and related programmes.

 

KITE FESTIVAL AT MANY PLACES IN JAN’03: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which falls on 14 Jan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra and Ahmedabad. On this date, the sun makes a transit into the Northern Hemisphere. This is one festival that connects people from all religions! This is also a fertility and rejuvenating festival.

 

In fact Goa would organize its first ever International Kite Festival on 18 & 19 Jan’03. It would not only give Goa a new face of sports oriented tourism but in the process revive the age old traditional Indian culture.

 

The Namche Conference, NEPAL FROM May 24-26, 2003: HMG Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation of Nepal, Bridges-PRTD, and Dr. Teiji Watanabe (Laboratory of Geo-ecology, Hokkaido University, Japan) jointly announced a global conference on mountain ecotourism to be held in Namche Bazar, Nepal, on May 24-26, 2003. The Namche Conference is to coincide with the events marking the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 28, 1953. Namche Bazar (3450 m, 11,319') is the gateway to Sagarmatha [Mt. Everest] National Park in the Khumbu district of Nepal. This park, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a World Heritage Site, and arguably the most important mountaineering and mountain ecotourism destination in the world. The venue itself will offer a point of reference for the conference; furthermore, the conference itself may be regarded as a variety of "mountain ecotourism" worth examining in its own right.

 

Presentations and workshops will cover a range of topics, according to the interests of participants. These may range from high altitude waste disposal to the viability of introducing South American camelid (llamas and alpacas) in the Himalayas. However, special attention will be given to the role of parks in mountain ecotourism.     TOP

NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)

 

TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF INDIA CHANGING ON A BIG SCALE: The MTNL & BSNL, the Indian telephone departments, have decided to change all the telephone numbers of the country to 8 digits. To begin with, in Mumbai & Delhi, most of the numbers have been changed from 7 to 8 digits by prefixing them with 2. Likewise, all the 6 digits numbers in smaller places like Goa have been changed to 7 digits by prefixing 2. That is not all, the numbers would change once again after a couple of year, when India plans to have all its telephone numbers to be of 10 digits!

 

STEAM HERITAGE TOURISM TO ATTRACT VISITORS TO INDIA: Steam heritage tourism will get a big boost with the Railways now deciding to introduce steam locomotives on all hill railways and various tourism circuits. A Conference on Steam Heritage Tourism was held in New Delhi amidst a gathering of “steam” enthusiasts ranging from Sir Mark Tully (of BBC fame) to Bill Aitken (writer/conservationist) to David Barrie, President of the Darjeeling Hill Railway Society. The focus in India as well as overseas is set to be the Heritage Hill Railways of India led by UNSECO declared World Heritage Darjeeling Hill Railway – “the most famous narrow gauge railway in the world”. This Railway (called the DHR) has a society in the UK called the DHRS, which is anxious to see this train retain its original charm so that it can keep enthralling steam tourists for years to come.  (Source: India Travel Online)

ENCOURAGING ARRIVAL FIGURES FOR INDIA: India envisaged an impressive tourist arrivals growth of 16% over the last year’s figures in November. The Department of Tourism plans to open new overseas India Tourism offices at Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta & Kuala Lumpur.

Special Kerala Evenings for cultural treats:  With the objective of encouraging events highlighting the traditional art forms, the Department of Tourism has chalked out cultural evenings to be staged in the cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode from December 15 to January 15.

Kovalam to become waste-free zone: Kovalam will soon become the first waste-free village in Kerala. Plans are afoot that the next season Kovalam would be spruced up. The illumination of the walkway on the beach was inaugurated recently. The first phase of the project includes the initiation of ‘Zero Waste Kovalam Project,’ construction of a boardwalk on the beach, improvement of the road between Kovalam Jn. and ITDC Jn. and improvement of the road between Harbour Jn. and Light House. (Source: Kerala Tourism)

BILL GATES CHARMS AND GETS CHARMED BY INDIA:  Microsoft chief Mr. Bill Gates was the “flavor of the month” and India pulled out all the stops to make his visit a memorable one. He visited New Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore and Hyderabad pledging a US $ 400 Million investment in software development in India, the largest such commitment outside the US. He also donated US $ 100 million to help fight AIDs in India from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Bill Gates stayed for the third time in the signature suite of ITC Maurya Sheraton, New Delhi named after him (“Bill Gates Suite”). In between his 45 meetings held in two days, in New Delhi he spared time to eat “samosas” specially prepared for him by ITC Maurya Sheraton’s chefs. (source – India Travel Online).

 

MEDICAL TOURISM TO INDIA GROWS 30% A YEAR: The trend of medical tourism is catching on in the country and Indian private hospitals are the beneficiaries. According to a McKinsey study commissioned by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on healthcare, medical tourism alone will soon account for 3-5 per cent of the total healthcare market. Treatments cost a fraction of what they do in the West and the quality of doctors and medical equipment is comparable to the best in the world. Apollo Hospitals is planning a specialty – cum- resort hospital in Goa. A holistic healing tradition drawn from the country’s ancient Vedic culture (5000 years old) will be marketed by Kerala to restore body and mind to their natural state of equilibrium. (source – India Travel Online).

 

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE, GENEVA TO HELP INDIAN COTTAGE INDUSTRIES: The Geneva based organization has announced it would help create and popularize a website for Indian cottage industries and handicrafts to facilitate better market access for the famed items based on traditional craft.

 

INDIA ACCORDED AUTHORISED DESTINATION BY CHINA: In a very significant development to boosting tourism, China has accorded India this status and thus removed restrictions on its citizens traveling in groups to the country. This would help create one-to-one contacts. Under this agreement, now both countries would be opening their tourist offices in Beijing & Delhi within a year.  TOP

 

 NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International)

Turkey gains number one rank among fastest growing travel & tourism economies: India which held the top rank among the list in the world in 2000 has yielded the position to Turkey this year with China surging ahead to take the top spot in 2003, as announced by WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten.

NEWS FROM PATA: Sri Lanka saw a 5.9 percent increase in visitor arrivals for January-October 2002, over same period last year. With a 108 percent surge, India became Sri Lanka's number one source market ahead of the UK and Germany. Hong Kong SAR leisure travellers are now buying travel insurance, even for short breaks. There has been a 10 percent increase in travel insurance packages for the coming holiday season. Hong Kong SAR travellers are opting more for cold weather winter destinations such as China (PRC), Japan and Korea (ROK).

2003 AS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FRESH WATER: The year 2003 has been declared as the International Year of Freshwater, which is being jointly coordinated by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The official launch took place on 12 December. The special website for the Year, at www.wateryear2003.org, will provide extensive links to information materials, reports and planned activities and events around the world, by United Nations agencies, governments, and non-governmental and private sector partners.

 

EIFFEL TOWER VISITED BY 200 MILLION PEOPLE: A ceremony at the Eiffel Tower was celebrated as the 200 millionth visitor to one of the world's most famous landmarks visited it. The iron-laced tower, which is more than 1,000 feet high, draws 6 million visitors a year -- ranking it among the world's most popular tourist attractions, according to Paris officials.

 

Though no single individual was identified as the 200 millionth visitor, the mark was recently passed, said Isabelle Esnous, a City Hall spokeswoman.  It was built by Gustav Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair. ``We didn't want to symbolically pick somebody out of the crowd,'' Paris deputy mayor Jean-Bernard Bros told daily Le Parisien. ``We prefer to celebrate the event collectively, and thank all those in the tourism industry that made it possible.''

 

It took 94 years to reach the 100 million visitor mark, but just 19 more years to double that tally. City Hall said it also plans to re-equip the tower with 20,000 lights by June next year. (Source: ETN)

MOUNTAIN TOURISM TO RISE IN Nepal: Since His Majesty’s Government (HMG) of Nepal opened up a total of 103 Himalayan other peaks in the Kingdom of Nepal for mountaineering with effect from March 1, 2002, the total number of peaks opened for mountaineering reached to 263. Therefore, in due course, in the context of celebrating Destination Nepal Year 2002-2003, International Year of Mountains 2002 and Golden Jubilee Celebration Year on the successful ascent of Mount Everest 2003 will help develop Nepal as a premier event, especially in the mountain tourism in the international arena. This step is also expected to contribute to develop the deprived and backward sectors from the viewpoint of Nepal’s mountain tourism development.    TOP

 DESTINATION/S OF THE MONTH

SANCHI: Sanchi is a serene hill crowned by a group of stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from 3rd Century BC to the 12th Century AD. The glory that was Sanchi, an ancient seat of Buddhist learning and place of pilgrimage, can still be experienced in its complex structures where many Buddhist legends found expression in the rich sculpture.

Sanchi is little more than a small village at the foot of the hill on which the site is located. The Buddhist sites of Sanchi were included on the World heritage List in 1989.  The Buddha is not represented through figures at Sanchi, but through symbols, as was the tradition in the early period of Buddhism. The lotus represents the Buddha's birth, the tree signifies his enlightenment, the wheel represents his first sermon and the stupa represents his nirvana or salvation. The footprints and the throne denote the Buddha's presence. 

ACCESSIBILITY: Nearest airport is at Bhopal which is connected with Delhi, Bombay, Gwalior and Indore. Sanchi lies on the Jhansi-ltarsi section of the Central Railways. However, the most convenient railhead is Vidisha (10 km). Also it is connected by the good, motorable with Bhopal, Indore, Sagar, Gwahor, Vidisha and Raisen.  TOP

NATURE DOES MATTER

TRADE IN MONGOOSE HAIR ILLEGAL FROM THIS MONTH: Trading in hair of all species of the mongoose has been declared to be illegal from 10 December. Ms Urvashi Dogra, Campaigns Manager, Wildlife Trust of India, said, “When an animal is given protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, a time period of a maximum 60 days is granted to people to declare articles made from the any part or derivative of the species.” The sixty-day-period ended yesterday (on 9 Dec). The punishment is imprisonment for a term not less than one year but can extend to six years or seven years if the charge is illegal trade. It was known for many years that the hair of mongoose was in a bloody trade – the hair was being used to manufacture paintbrushes. It was not documented how widespread the trade was, or what was the impact on the species. In April 2002, a study into the trade was initiated by filmmaker Syed Fayaz and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). Source: Wildlife Trust Of India

LOTS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS THRONG IN DIFFERENT LAKES OF KASHMIR: Already started from September, one can now see thousands of migratory birds making different lakes in Kashmir their temporary residence. They mostly come from Central Europe and Siberian regions. Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur (60 km from Agra) is actually the perfect feast to the eyes of a birder and it is only to be seen to believe how many varieties and large numbers you could find at one place!

TURTLE PROJECT AND BIRDWATCHING IN GOA: The turtle conservation project at Galgibaga, started in 1999, as so far succeeded in releasing 4263 young turtles in the sea. The project was started with the initiative of NGO volunteers Harvey D’Souza and Neil. The beaches of Morjim, Galgibaga and Agonda are the protected sites for this project. For more information on this, please contact us.

Also, not many know that Goa is a paradise for bird-watchers. The main concentration of the birds is at the Carambolim lake, just a stone’s throw distance from Old Goa; Chorao and Divar islands and the entire stretch of the Western Ghat Hills. Winter is the best time to see the varieties of exotic, resident and migratory birds.

A congregation of about 30,000 flamingoes: This has been reported from the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. They have bred profusely, making this a new breeding ground for the beautiful pink birds. Traditionally, the Great Rann of Kutch has been the world's largest breeding Ground of flamingoes.  TOP

SPECIAL FEATURE

Sound and Light show at the Old Fort in Delhi: This historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi’s rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the rise and fall of empires, is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show which brings alive the history of the capital. Amidst the tranquility of the splendidly panoramic environs of Purana Qila select episodes from the annals of Delhi’s historic and legendary past are brought to life. The viewer is transported centuries back in time to witness Draupadi being reduced to a dasi (maid) of Hastinapur, the gallant Prithviraj Chauhan galloping away with the beauteous Samyogita, Sher Shah Suri being blown to bits by misfired cannon, the clash of a sword wielded by the legendary Razia Sultan, Humanyun tragically tumbling down the steps of his library, Bahadur Shah Zafar surrendering to the British.This is the story of the city of cities.... DELHI; of the site where a great empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life force of India.   TOP

PERMANENT FEATURE -  GOA

BULLET TRAIN IN GOA TO START TRIAL RUNS END OF THIS MONTH: From 31 Dec, the fastest train in India would start its trial runs between Roha & Goa and once all the tests are cleared, the same would be put to regular services between Mumbai & Goa, most likely by March next year. Running at the maximum speed of 160 km per hour, it is likely to take 3 & half to 4 hours in covering this distance. The imported coaches have already arrived in Delhi. Currently, the Jan Shatabdi Express train is already a fast service which takes 7 hrs.

 

GOA HERITAGE FESTIVAL 26 – 27 Nov’02: The first-ever Goa Heritage Festival was organized at Campal in Panjim, Goa and the aim of the festival was to generate better awareness on Goan heritage, its problems and solutions and to make heritage conservation a pleasurable activity shared by the entire Goan community. Artisans and craftspeople showcased their skills. The exhibition of Goan artifacts, cooking vessels and traditional utility took place. The live performances included the folk dances mando, phugdi and marcha da Fontainhas punctuated by recitation of poems in Konkani. The festival was a meeting ground for professionals, heritage homeowners and heritage lovers to discuss problems and solutions particular to heritage conservation in Goa.

 

GOA TO HOST INTERNATIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL CHAMIPONSHIP: Plans are afoot to host the International Challenger Beach Volleyball Championship in the mid April 2003 at Colva beach. Some of the world’s leading players drawn from USA, Brazil, Italy, Russia, Japan, Thailand and New Zealand will vie for the coveted honours. The Tourism & Sports Department of Goa is more than enthusiastic in making it a great success.

 

SPIRITUAL TOURISM MOOTED IN GOA: In what seems to be a novel concept, St. Michael’s church, Anjuna is contemplating on organizing retreats, meditations, discourses and other religious activities entitled Spiritual Tourism in the near future. These would be designed in such a manner that tourists would also be attracted.

 

SUNNY BOATING FACILITY IN PANJIM: A leading water sports equipment manufacturer, Sunny Water Sports, has started boating activities at Rua de Qurem Creek in Panjim. Besides family boat rides, facilities will also be provided for larger groups and honeymooning couples.

 

Mixed Reactions To Golf Course At Vanxim Isle: Vanxim, a tiny island hidden in the River Mandovi basin is destined to be in the limelight soon with the news of a proposed golf course to be set up by a private firm beginning to set the villagers aflutter. Sandwiched between the two biggest riverine islands of Chorao and Divar, Vanxim lies almost forsaken, except by the villagers, who return daily from work or elsewhere.   TOP

 CONTEST

Just Answer Five Simple Questions:

1)     Which are the famous spots in Goa for bird watching?

2)     Where is the world’s largest cattle fair is held every year in November?

3)     From which hill station in India can you view the Tiger Hill?

4)     In which state is the famous hill station Munnar, famous for tea, situated?

5)     Which is the famous hotel Tree House (literally made on the tree) located in India!

LAST DATE: 10 JAN’03 to send your entries at the email address pmaurya@vsnl.net

ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST: No All-Correct entries were received towards the last month’s contest.

1)    Where is the world’s oldest standing fort located in India? ANS: Bandhavgarh Tiger Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh

2)    Where in India is the only Jewish Synagogue located? ANS: Cochin

3)    How old is the engine of Fairy Queen train (Hint: it is the oldest functioning steam engine in the world)? ANS: Built in 1855

4)    Where in India would you find the monastery of Thiksey? ANS: Near Leh at Ladakh

5)    Where is the four headed lion’s statue kept in India from which it derives its national emblem? ANS: At the museum of Sarnath   TOP

Our Contacts:

 

Visit India Tours & Travels
Shop No 1, Coelho Apartments
Aquem Alto, Margao
GOA - 403601, INDIA

Telephone: ++91-832-2713421

Email:      pmaurya@vsnl.net

Website:  www.indiainvites.com & http://travel.vsnl.com/visit_india

 

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.