NOVEMBER-2002

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

 

AIRLINES UPDATE

 

AIR-INDIA TO LAUNCH 2nd BANGALORE DUBAI SERVICE: Air-India is starting is second non-stop weekly service between Bangalore and Dubai in its winter schedule.

 

EMIRATES TO HAVE THRICE A WEEK SERVICE TO COCHIN: Meanwhile Emirates has announced it will start three services a week to Cochin from December.

 

AIR FRANCE TO INCREASE LONG HAUL FLIGHTS FROM INDIA: Encouraged by a steep rise in international tourists in India, Air France will introduce 3 weekly long haul flights from Chennai and Bangalore by this year end. At present, they operate 14 Paris bound flights every week from Delhi & Mumbai with Boeing 747 and Airbus 340 aircrafts.

 

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES INTRODUCES FIFTH FREQUENCY TO DELHI: Austrian Airlines has resumed 5 flights a week between Vienna and Delhi in its winter schedule. The aircraft used on this route are brand new Airbus A330 and A340. The airline had reduced capacity post September 11 last year. The airline has a code share with Air-India and provides convenient connections to European and American destinations.

 

AIR-INDIA CELEBRATED ITS 70^th ANNIVERSARY ON 18^th OCT: The Indian Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee felicitated Air India on its 70^th anniversary, “I learn with great pleasure that Air-India is celebrating its 70^th anniversary on October 18, 2002. I have also noted with satisfaction that Air-India has, after a gap of six year, registered profit in the last fiscal year.” He praised the pivotal role played by the airline in promoting tourism to India besides operating flights on several occasions to evacuate stranded Indians from various places in the world. Air-India has set a target of achieving US Dollars 20 million profits in the current fiscal.

 

SriLankan Airlines commences its maiden flight to Bodh Gaya: On Tuesday November 12th, adding a second destination in one year to its growing portfolio of flights to India, the airline started with its Bodhgaya operations. Flight UL 195, an Airbus A320 aircraft, departs Colombo every Tuesday at 1205 hours to arrive in Gaya at 1505 hours. The return flight UL 196 departs Gaya at 1605 hours and arrives in Colombo (via Delhi) at 2315 hours.

 

The flight to Gaya will travels onto Delhi before returning to Colombo. Therefore while the onward flight from Colombo travels non-stop to Gaya, the return flight operates via Delhi. SriLankan Airlines currently flies to six destinations in India - Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Trichy, Trivandrum, and the recently launched Bangalore. The introduction of the weekly Colombo-Gaya-Delhi- Colombo flight is essentially targeted at the large and growing number of Buddhist pilgrims who visit the sites hallowed by the Buddha in this Eastern Indian state of Bihar. The small town of Bodh Gaya, in Bihar's Gaya district, has attracted hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Buddhist world for centuries. This includes countries such as China, Tibet, Japan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

 

HELICOPTER SERVICE TO VAISHNO DEVI: Deccan Aviation, a private charter service company, is starting a helicopter service to ferry pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine. This service will be a boon for the old and infirm. Two helicopters will be deployed to undertake 15 trips each day between Katra and the Shanjhi Chat, helipad (about two km from the shrine). The seven to eight minute round trip flights will cost Rs. 4,000 (US $ 85 approximately) per person, including priority visit to the shrine.    TOP

 

HOTELS NEWS

TRAVANCORE HERITAGE, TRIVANDRUM: The Travancore Heritage is a sea side resort in 8 acres of lush green coconut garden and landscaped environs located at Chowara - south of Kovalam, near Trivandrum, Kerala. The resort stands on a high cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea and a long wide beach of powdery white sand. The Travancore Heritage is conceived and developed as a Heritage Property to bring to life the age-old traditional architectural splendor of the region with its typical timber houses and 'Nalukettus' with tiled roofing, which allow for living in communion with all the elements of Nature. Travancore Heritage is located just 23 km from Trivandrum, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala, known as 'God's own country' in the southern most part of India.  

 

Facilities include the Reception Lobby; Conference/Banquet Hall; Swimming Pool; Travel Desk & Shopping; Ayurveda Center & Yoga & Meditation.

 

Accommodation Type: Pool Mansions- The Travancore Heritage has 2 pool mansion suites with private pools set in independent villas, with air conditioned spacious bed room, a drawing room and sit-out or verandah with rich period furniture and all modern amenities of attached toilet with lavish fittings with 24 hours cold/hot water showers. It also has a private dip pool in open back-yard, completely walled in for privacy. These suites are ideal for VIP guests and honeymooners.

 

Heritage Villas: The Travancore Heritage has 43 elegant air conditioned rooms in heritage villas with all modern amenities like spacious toilets including garden baths with cold/hot water showers, with comfortable furniture and smooth interior lights. A few rooms with closed baths are also available. The amenities provided in all the bedrooms include satellite TV, telephone (ISD), mini bar and coffee maker. Almost all the rooms provide a view of the sea and the beach and the lovely green lawns and have spacious sit outs with built in elegant reclining benches and antique planters' chairs. TOP

 

FESTIVALS / MARTS & EVENTS

 

CHHATH FESTIVAL, BIHAR & UP (5 - 11 NOV): Relatively lesser known than many a festival, this very special festival is celebrated by the people of Bihar, some parts of Madhya Pradesh & Eastern UP regions. It starts from the next day of Diwali and continues for six days! Early in the morning, much before the sunrise, the devotees get up and dip themselves into the river. They pray to the God to fulfill their wish! They keep fast for their children, for their own health and wealth. They continue doing it until the wishes have been granted!

 

PUSHKAR FAIR (16 – 19 NOV): During the week before full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, this holy town whose population is only 11,000, gets invaded by over 2,00,000 buyers, sellers and hawkers. This is the most chaotic convention of camels you will ever witness – the Pushkar camel fair! It’s a kind of mayhem that can “happen only in India”. The camel fair began as a religious pilgrimage initially. However, the other useful animals, cows, bulls, etc are also sold and bought. With camel races, cattle sales and acrobats, jugglers, snake charmers and fire-eaters thrown in good measure, every minute of the day is packed with action. To top it all, the unique experience of staying in tents of desert-like landscape combined with the warm hospitality of Rajasthan – make you come back to the place! Pushkar is also the place, which houses the only Brahma temple in the world. All day long, thousands of devotees can be seen taking a dip in the holy lake. In the evening the entire town reverberates with the ringing of bells, as hundred of oil lamps light the banks of the lake.

 

SONEPUR ANIMAL FAIR (November): More or less during the same period as the Pushkar fair, the Sonepur cattle fair (26 Km from Patna) in Bihar is held. Cattle, sheep, horses are all there but the major attraction is the elephant. They are bought and sold anywhere between Rs 100000 – 1000000 (Usd 2175 – $21750)!

 

FESTIVALS IN UTTAR PRADESH DURING COMING MONTHS:

 

S.No.	Name	Date	Place
1	Ayurveda Mahotsava	23 Oct 2002 - 27 Oct 2002	Jhansi
2	Lucknow Festival	25 Nov 2002 - 5 Dec 2002	Lucknow
3	Ganga Mahotsava	15 Nov 2002 - 20 Nov 2002	Varanasi
4	Buddha Mahotsava	3 Dec 2002 - 6 Dec 2002	Sarnath/ Kushinagar
5	Water Sports Festival	8-10 Feb 2003	Allahabad
6	International Yoga Week	22-28 Feb 2003	Varanasi, Allahabad
7	Taj Mahotsava	18-27 Feb 2003	Agra

 

WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL IN FEBRUARY 2003: The first World Science festival will be held from February 12-28, 2003 in New Delhi. It is likely to attract about 400-500 delegates including 100 well-known scientists from overseas. At least four Nobel Laureates will deliver lectures in a run-up to the festival in the next few months. The theme of the festival will be “What is life?” and is being organized by Centre for Philosophy and Foundation for Science.  TOP

NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)

 

‘INDIA OFFERS BEST VALUE FOR MONEY TO TOURISTS’: Conde Nast Traveler has chosen India as the number 11 holiday destination in the world, ranking it above otherwise popular bets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Switzerland in the category “best value for money.”

India scored an impressive 96.73 out of a maximum 100, in a poll conducted among the magazine’s readers worldwide. India and South Africa (a close second to India) give you the best value for money, the readers find.

RAJASTHAN’S NAGAUR FORT BAGS UNESCO CONSERVATION AWARD: The Ahichhataragarh Fort at Nagaur is the second property in Rajasthan to get such an award which is given for the cultural heritage conservation. This fort is being restored through the efforts of Mehrangarh Museum Trust and it stands on the edge of the Thar desert between Jodhpur and Bikaner. The original fort was built in mud in the 4^th century and thereafter it was rebuilt in 12^th century using stones. Traditional building material is being used for the restoration work and it was initiated by former ruler of Jodhpur Maharaj Gaj Singh who owns the fort as well.

UTTARANCHAL STATE ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR TOURISTS: ‘Abode of the Gods’ – Uttaranchal, the state, which is often referred to as the Switzerland of India, is putting its best foot forward to attract more tourists. The state government and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) held a ‘Festival of Uttaranchal.” The magic of the hills came alive at the Hotel Ashok end of October. The festival was a delightful way of showcasing the best from the culture and cuisine of Uttaranchal. Known for the exotic beauty of the Himalayas and the religious significance attached to its various places, each year, lakhs of tourists come here for char dham yatra, Kailash Mansarover Yatra, hiking, trekking and other adventure sports. Some come to explore the Himalayas and others to escape the heat of the plains & visit Mussoorie, Nainital, Almora, etc.

 

JAPANESE CULTURAL BONANZA IN NEW DELHI: A Japanese cultural Festival was held in New Delhi to mark 50 years of Japan-India diplomatic relations. “Drums of destiny” – The Honoo Taiko had all women drummers who were dressed in black and white. The petite performers moved with fluid grace whilst presenting a concert of very powerful and energetic drumming. The Aichi 21^st Century artists group presented a Japanese Arts Exhibition of works of the 21^st century. Demonstrations of various arts such as calligraphy, fabric dyeing, craft work, paper making, rattan basket making and Ikebana demonstration by Akihiro Kasuya, head of Japanese Ichiyo School of Ikebana. Also Koto music performance in addition to painting, pottery, doll making and origami formed part of the entire show. A Japanese tea ceremony and kimono show gave an insight into traditional Japan. Eight Japanese films were presented including Tokyo Marigold, Okaasan, Sonachine and Hush. Some of these were by unknown directors who were of the standing of Kurusawa and Ozu. Friendship between Rabindernath Tagore and the Japanese thinker Tenshin Okakura led to a breed of Japanese painters being influenced by Indian Schools of Art.

 

WORLD CLASS AIRPORT TO COME UP AT AJMER: India’s first world class terminal with steel and glass structure will come up near Ajmer, keeping in view the inflow of several heads of States, pilgrims and other international tourists. The twin cities of Ajmer & Pushkar are a confluence of Hindu-Muslim unity.

 

AN INDIAN STUDENT GETS A PLANET NAMED AFTER HIS: Akshat Singhal, a 17-year old class XII student of Jaipur’s St. Anselm’s School has become the first Indian to have a planet named after him by none other than the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory in USA. This is one of the largest MIT’s labs and rewards selected students by naming a minor planet after their name. 12599 Singhal is a minor planet between Jupiter and Mars and the rare honour for teenager came when his project - a software for web-based document management was selected as the best entry in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Kentucky. Out of over a million students who participated, 1200 students from 40 countries were short listed by 50 scientists jury.

 

THE FAIRY QUEEN RECOMMENCES SERVICES FOR THE WINTER:  The Fairy Queen a steam engine built in 1855 recommences services on Delhi / Alwar / Delhi route for this tourist season from October 26, 2002 to February 22, 2003. It will have only nine departures; on October 26, November 9 and 23 December 14 and 28 January 11 and 25 February 8 and 22, 2003. The package for Rs. 10,000 (approximately US Dollars 210) ex - Delhi includes all meals and other expenses on Board, overnight stay at Hotel Sariska Palace and a jeep safari to the Tiger sanctuary. Also included are cultural performance and theme dinners. For more information, please write in to us.

 

CHHATISGARH TO BUILD ELWIN MUSEUM: The recently created stated of Chhatisgarh is to honour an Englishman, Verrier Elwin. A well-known anthropologist Elwin spent his lifetime studying tribes of India and had spent a major time in the Baster district of the state. The tourism authorities are hoping this would attract tourists to the state who can see not only natural beauty like the nearby Chitrakoot waterfalls but also the lifestyle and culture of the tribes. TOP

 

 NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International)

EASIER TRAVEL WITHIN ASEAN COUNTRIES: Travelling within Asean has been made easier with the phasing out of travel levies and taxes for the grouping's citizens and the extension of visa exemption arrangements. The new arrangements were made following the signing of a tourism agreement by the 10 Asean leaders, who were in the Cambodian capital for their annual summit. The agreement was to facilitate travel both into Asean and within member countries and to make the tourism industry more efficient and competitive. The agreement also aimed to develop, upgrade and expand facilities and services while creating favourable trade and investment conditions for the public and private sectors. It also encouraged the use of "smart cards" for business and frequent travellers from Asean countries as well as universal symbols and multilingual signs for international travellers.

 

MORE FLIGHT CONNECTIONS BETWEEN INDIA & THAILAND: The leaders of Thailand and India agreed in principle to expand air routes between the two countries and broaden economic ties to eventually include a bilateral Free Trade Area (FTA), a Thai official said. Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee made a brief stopover in Bangkok on the way home from his first Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) summit of regional leaders, held this week in Phnom Penh. The expansion of air routes "aims to increase trade and tourism between the two countries," Thai Airways already operates 13 flights weekly from Bangkok to Indian cities Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai, while Air India operates 10 flights per week to Bangkok.

The two leaders also confirmed cooperation on the tri-nation highway that is due to link India, Myanmar and Thailand over the next two years as agreed last April in Yangon. The 1,400 kilometre road would run from Moreh in Manipur, and stretch to Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan before reaching Thailand at Mae Sot.   TOP

DESTINATION/S OF THE MONTH

Sikkim: Sikkim is best known for its untouched beauty and the orchids. The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (125 km / 4 hrs drive from Gangtok – the capital of Sikkim) or the closest airport is Bagdogra (124 km / 4 hrs drive).

For Sikkim, foreign tourists require a special permit which is easily available at all Indian missions abroad who are authorized to issue a 15-days permit. The same can also be obtained from any of the Sikkim Tourism Offices. Also at the border town of Rangpo, the tourist officer is authorized to issue a permit for 2 days which can be used to enter and then acquire entire 15 days permit.

 

The statistics says, area of Sikkim is 7096 sq. km, altitude 1520 m (Gangtok), the languages spoken are Bengali, Bhutanese, Nepali, Hindi, and English and the best time to visit is March-May and September-December.

 

Introduction: The enchanting little state of Sikkim lies in the eastern end of the mighty Himalayas flanked by Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. It lies nestled under the protective shadow of its guardian deity, Mt. Kanchendzonga (8598 m), the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim gets its incomparable range of flora and fauna due to its varying height i.e. from 224 m up to 8590 m above the sea level. The majestic mountain peaks, the dense foothill forests, the frothing rivers and the lush paddy fields make this state a hotbed of bio-diversity not found any where else. Different ethnic groups are found here like Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. Sikkim is mainly divided into four districts.

Sightseeing: With the capital district of Gangtok situated at the East District, this is the hub of all administrative activity. Among others, Rumtek monastery, the Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa is also located here. Besides the usual shopping for mementos and artifacts in Gangtok, the East District offers a great many interesting places to visit such as the alpine Tsomgo (lake) and the Nathula Pass.

 

Perhaps the most beautiful of all districts, the North District offers an exquisite experience for the lover of Nature and alpine scenery. Yumthang alone is enough to satiate the most demanding, with its panoramic Valley of Flowers. During springtime, the lush meadows abound with delicate wildflowers that carpet the Valley floor in a rich riot of colours. A must-see here are the Hot Springs and the vibrant Sikkimese tribal culture and customs.

 

West District offers more of adventure being wild and free as it is the base from where all treks into the wilds of the majestic Himalayas begin. Whether it is white water rafting down the frothing waters of Teesta and Rangeet rivers or trekking through the beautiful and dense Rhododendron forests, the West Dirstrict has it all.

 

Some of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim are located in South District. Adventure trekking is being promoted here in a big way. You can indulge in the mountain biking and mountain trails here.

Excursions: About a 45 minutes drive away on the hill opposite Gangtok is the Rumtek Monastery, the Dharma Chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa. Half a kilometer ahead of the Rumtek Monastery is the Nehru Botanical Gardens. Another spectacular monastery is Lingdum Monastery. The serene lake of Tsomgo is a 2-hour drive (about 40 km) from Gangtok. The lake derives its water from the melting snows off the surrounding mountains. En route to the lake lies the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, home of the Red Panda and the Blood Pheasant, which are the state animal and bird respectively. Pemyangtse Monastery is one of the premier institutions of Sikkim, housing the incredible Sangtok_palri, a wooden carving depicting the various realms of Buddhism.

 

ORCHIDS: Sikkim is world famous for its over 450 varieties of colourful exotic orchids. These include Cymbidiums, Vandas, Amoneum, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums,   Hooheriana, Farmeri and the state flower Nobile! Apart from these, there are about 36 varieties of Rhododendrons found at the height of 10000 feet and above.   TOP

 

NATURE DOES MATTER

Painted storks rescued and rehabilitated in South India: Eighteen painted stork chicks have been rehabilitated near Bangalore after a flash storm swept their nests away in May. The last bird joined its brethren in the wild in October ending a precedent setting rescue operation that was supported by the Wildlife Trust of India.

 

It all began with a frantic call on May 10, 2002 made at the Save Our Wildlife (SOWL) shelter in Bangalore from the village of Veerapura. Heavy winds and rains had swept through Veerapura and neighbouring villages the previous night – and the worst-hit were several painted stork chicks. Twenty five had died and five grievously injured chicks needed immediate medical attention.

 

Painted storks (Mycteria leucocephala) nest in large numbers at Veerapura, a village in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh which is close to the inter-state border with Karnataka. This breeding colony at Veerapura is the largest known congregation of painted storks in Asia. Due to the arrival of a large number of birds in the 2001-02 winter numbering over 3,000 at the roosting site in Veerapura, these birds had to perforce build precariously placed nests atop the trees. The nesting and breeding season for these birds is the November-March period; April onwards the chicks hatch out. On the night of the storm in May, most of the delicately placed nests were damaged and many chicks fell off the trees. (Source Wildlife Association of India)

RHINO SANCTUARY RE-OPENS: Kaziranga sanctuary opened on 30 Oct as after many floods, it was closed for past 6 months.  TOP

PERMANENT FEATURE -  GOA

GOA HERITAGE FESTIVAL, HERITAGE PRECINCT, CAMPAL 26-27 Nov’2002: The Festival will include academic discussions and lectures, demonstrations by ten Goan architectural craftspeople, a food stall with traditional Goan dishes, a book stall with books on Goa and an exhibition of Goan artifacts, cooking vessels and traditional utility items. The Heritage Action Group is also bringing out a publication titled Parmal (Fragrance) on the occasion and will be launching its own website at the inaugural ceremony. The evening will see live performances on a stage especially erected in the precinct punctuated by recitation of poems in Konkani by three Goan poets and traditional songs.

The aim of the Festival is 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. Please write in to us for more details and the itinerary of events.

 

16TH CENTURY GOA CHAPEL TO HOST CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount – one of Goa’s earliest churches and hermitage constructed by Afonso de Albuquerque – will be the venue for the Monte Music Festival – a two-day event of classical Indian and Western Music. The setting lends itself to such a concert: a 16^th century restored chapel, a shimmering river winding in the distance through thick woods and lush coconut groves, and a hillock steeped in history. If this experiment succeeds then more world heritage sites at Old Goa would be used as they are seen as ideal and spectacular locations for classical music concerts. A concert is also being planned at the St. Francis d’Assisi church in December.

 

DANCE, MUSIC SHOWS EVERY TUESDAY AT KERKAR ART COMPLEX: Kerkar Art complex has started Indian classical dance and music concerts every Tuesday beginning from 12^th November from 6:45 – 8:30 pm. The first concert featured Kathak dance performance by Mamta Husain and Sitar & Tabla by Manas Das.

 

GOA PLANS A PANEL FOR TOURISM GROWTH: The Goa government plans to have a commission to implement a masterplan on the lines of California Tourism Development Commission. According to sources, it was suggested that projects like airport development, golf course at Kapao Island, development of artisan village, water park, floating restaurant, hotel and travel management institute, and sea resort in South Goa be left for the private sector.

 

Sources, who studied the tourism scenario, felt that by the end of 2021, the tourism industry will be able to generate 1.2 lakh jobs directly or indirectly. The masterplan, if implemented, is expected to generate an average cost benefit ratio of 6.74. ``Give due consideration to `monsoon tourism','' the government says. According to experts, the Compound Annual Rate of Growth (CARG) works out to 2.65 per cent for domestic tourists' arrivals and 5.79 per cent for foreign tourists. Sources said a foreign tourist, on an average, spends Rs 4,000 a day in Goa, while a domestic tourist spends Rs 800. A foreign tourist stays for an average number of 12 days, while a domestic tourist prefers to stay five days.  TOP

 CONTEST

Just Answer Five Simple Questions:

1)    Where is the world’s oldest standing fort located in India? (Hint: at one of the wildlife sanctuaries)

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

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

4)    Where in India would you find the monastery of Thiksey?

5)    Where is the four headed lion’s statue kept in India from which it derives its national emblem?

ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST: We received three All-Correct entries towards the last month’s quiz and the following are their names:

Ms. Eva Gasser, Switzerland (Winner)

 

Ms. Minakshi Deerpalsing from Mauritius

Mr. Gerhard Mueller, Germany

 

The correct answers are:

1)    Which is called the Lutyen’s city in India? New Delhi         

2)    Which is the capital in-exile for Tibetans in India? Dharamshala

3)    The festival of lights i.e. Diwali is associated with which God? Lord Rama

4)    Where do you find the cave paintings of thousands of years ago near Bhopal – please name the place. Bhimbetka

5)    Where did the Lord Buddha get his enlightenment? Bodhgaya in Bihar

               

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