September - 2003

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

 

AIRLINES UPDATE

AIR SAHARA ADDS 24 NEW FLIGHTS: After the induction of two additional Boeing 737’s and a regional aircraft, taking its fleet size to 16, the expansion enables the airline to hike its total number of daily flights from 79 to 103, and adding 3,000 more seats, taking the total tally to about 11,300. This launch is the biggest-ever done by anybody in the history of India aviation. It will include two new destinations of Jaipur and Ahmedabad and increase flight frequencies on Major routes. For more information, write in to us or check out www.airsahara.net  

 

NEW REGIONAL AIRLINE AIR DECCAN WILL SERVE SOUTH INDIA: Air-Deccan, a low-cost regional airline, will cater to the southern states and has been launched already. This Bangalore headquartered airline’s tickets would be 50 per cent cheaper than rates offered by the existing airlines. The cities covered by Air Deccan include Hubli, Belgoum, Mangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), Hyderabad, Chennai (Madras), Coimbatore and Madurai. The airline will offer a no frills service. Air Deccan has tied up with Thomas Cook India for ticketing. Passengers can book tickets through the Internet by using their credit cards, or through the call centers set up in five states with toll-free numbers. (The inaugural flight on 24 Sep caught fire, though there was no casualty.) For more information, please check www.airdeccan.net

 

AIR LANKA RE INTRODUCES FLIGHT TO BODH GAYA: Sri Lankan Airlines recently resumed its direct flight from Colombo to India’s famous Buddhist pilgrimage place Bodhgaya. The flight UL 195 operates once a week, every Monday from Colombo and connects Delhi on its return. Thai Airways is also scheduled to commence its flights soon. Indian Airlines already has once a week flight from Bodh Gaya to Bangkok.  TOP

 

HOTELS NEWS

 

YET ANOTHER PROPERTY `BAGH VAN’ OPENS AT PENCH NATIONAL PARK: This scenic reserve covered in prime teak forest and grassland nestles in the undulating terrain of the Satpura Range, drained by the Pench and Wainganga rivers. The wildlife found here includes gaur, barking deer, chowsingha, wild dog, wolf, hyena, sloth bear, leopard and tiger apart from exciting small mammals like flying squirrels, common and ruddy mongoose and over 200 species of birds.

Bagh Van is hidden away amongst the thickly wooded banks of a seasonal stream, which in the dry season serves as a pathway for tiger, leopard and other animals inhabiting the fringe of the forest.

The charm of the old forest rest houses has been blended with modern conveniences in our picturesque and comfortable cottages. Each unit in the cottage is completely independent with bedroom, bathroom and verandah designed to blend into the environment and enhance one’s sense of being in the wilderness. Yet the entire design as also the operation of the lodge is focused around eco-friendly practices – harvesting of rainwater, recycling liquid waste, minimum use of organic fuels maximum use of recycled and degradable materials and close association of the local community in our operations.

The main dining and lounge area is a pleasant blend of open and enclosed spaces, admitting light and air into an atmosphere of warmth and conviviality. Our friendly and efficient staff will round off the perfect wilderness experience.

BAGH VAN is designed as the perfect base from which to explore the jungles and learn about its inhabitants. Enjoy all that this area has to offer – game drives, elephant rides, boat-rides on the Pench reservoir to observe birds and wildlife along the banks, guided nature walks in the reserve forest, picnics in quiet and lovely locations, visits to the local villages and colourful haat bazaars. The knowledge and infectious zest for the area of our trained and enthusiastic naturalists will make it all come alive for the visitor and make a stay here unforgettable. Please write to us for more details or check out the website www.wildindiacamps.com

TAJ JOINS HANDS WITH MUTHOOT GROUP FOR KERALA BEACH RESORT: The Taj Group of Hotels has signed a management contract for a 10-year period with the Muthoot (Pappachan) Group for a 75-room luxury beach resort at Kovalam, which is due for a soft launch in December 2003. The Taj group also plans to look at expansions at Munnar, Kumarakom and Kasargod with international-class resorts like plantation, golfing, luxury spa and beach resort. Confirming the Kovalam move, a Taj group official said the group would also continue its plans of strategic alliances with well-located hotels / resorts in the state.

 

The Oberoi Group of Hotels and Hilton sign agreement for collaborations: The Oberoi Towers, Bombay will be re-christened Hilton Towers. Nine properties of Trident Hotels of the Oberoi Group in Agra, Bhubaneshwar, Cochin, Jaipur, Madras and Udaipur and two to come up in Gurgaon and North Bombay will be collaboration as Trident Hilton. An agreement to this effect was signed by Mr. P. R. S. Oberoi, Chairman, East India Hotels Ltd and Mr. David Michaels Group Chief Executive of Hilton Group Plc.

 

RCI ADDS FORT CHANWA LUNI TO ITS AFFILIATION: After Ajit Bhawan of Jodhpur, now this fort property has been added to the Resorts Condominiums International India fold, being the second with the Heritage Hotels property.

 

SIX SENSES SPAS JOIN HANDS WITH THE IMPERIAL DELHI: Imperial has joined hands with Six Senses for developing a one-of-its-kind spa that has not been seen or experienced before in India.  TOP

FESTIVALS / MARTS & EVENTS

 

THE FESTIVAL OF HERITAGE IN UTTARANCHAL Viràsät: as the name suggests, is a festival of Indian folk art and wisdom to be held in Dehra Dun, the gateway to Himalayas from 19th September to 30th September, 2003. Held annually, the festival is organised by REACH (Rural Entrepreneurship for Art & Cultural Heritage) with support from the Department of Tourism, Government of India and Uttaranchal Tourism, the festival seeks to explore new paradigms in eco-cultural tourism in the new state of Uttaranchal. This multi-arts festival is truly a collective mass celebration, evolved on the lines of the Theban celebrations of ancient Greece, the Festival involves a truly mass celebration of about 4 lac people over a period of 10 days, out of which about 50,000 are students. Virasat is the only national folk life festival of the Uttaranchal Himalaya.

 

The festival takes place in a Kutchi Village, replete with Bhungs, traditional Gujarati mirror-work huts designed by Chinmay Mehta, the renowned designer of Chokhi Dhani Complex in Jaipur.

 

Viràsät focuses on the vital arts, crafts and the environment through an interactive and festive format. It seeks to present all aspects of Indian heritage to the urban visitor and focusing specially on the youth. Crafts – including the handlooms and woolen 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.  The highlight of the Festival is the presentation of Viràsät Samman, honoring the unsung bearers of our unique heritage.

 

Besides, the festival presents Indian culture in the form of field exhibitions set up by National Museum, New Delhi, Mathura Museum, Museum of Man in Bhopal, Crafts Museum, Anthropological Survey of India. Rare specimens of Garhwal School of Painting shall be on display. Food Courts serving authentic Kutchi and Uttaranchali food shall be set up. 

The India International Boat Show 2003 (IIBS 2003):  This is being held at the International Convention Centre, Cochin, Kerala, India between 26-28 September 2003. IIBS 2003 is a boat show that will bring together on a single platform, the entire aquamarine industry from India and nearby countries and create an environment that is most conducive for exhibitors and buyers to do business. More information about the show is available on the website: www.indiaboatshow.com  

 

'Locations 2003’, MUMBAI: 'Locations 2003' offered Enhanced Business Opportunities for Tourism Organisations through the unique Indian perspective of Film Tourism. It is a well-established fact that the Indian Outbound Tourist follows a 'FILM TRAIL' and several Countries & Regions have benefited from the huge increase in tourism traffic of the Indian Tourist through exposure to the millions of viewers of Indian films.

 

The India outbound tourism market is one of the fastest growing ones. Indians traveling abroad spent 70 billion Rupees in 1999, which is forecast to grow to 192 billion rupees in 2004. The outbound tourism market saw a growth of 12% in the recent past and it is projected that about 10 million Indians will be outbound travelers by 2004. With the middle class incomes growing it is estimated that over 25 million Indians can afford overseas travel.

 

India has the World's Second Largest Film Industry. This industry produces close to 800 films a year. Producers of Indian Films & Television serials are actively seeking new locations for their films Indian film ticket sales were 3.6 Billion compared to 2.6 Billion in Hollywood. 'Locations 2003' - 'for a unique experience of the Power of Film Tourism' – was held on 13 & 14 September 2003 at the J.W. Marriott in Mumbai, India. For more information or visit www.locationsworld.com

 

100 year old Nanda Devi fair HELD from 1^st September, 2003: The city of lakes, Nainital celebrated the centenary of the week-long Nanda Devi fair, symbol of Uttaranchal's vibrant folk culture. It was first organised in 1903. The show this time not only showcased the folk traditions of Uttaranchal but the tourists also got to enjoy glimpses of Punjabi and Rajasthani folk dances. Deepdaan, by lighting and floating of ceremonial lamps on the water of the Naini lake took place on this occasion. This fair is also an occasion to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs. Source Uttaranchal Tourism

 

SECOND IIPT   AFRICAN CONFERENCE ON PEACE THROUGH TOURISM Dar es Salaam, Tanzania December 7-12, 2003: Hon. Zakia Hamdani Meghji, MP, Tanzania's Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, and President, Africa Travel Association together with IIPT Founder and President Louis D'Amore as they make joint announcement of IIPT 2nd African Conference on Peace through Tourism at the Annual Africa Travel Association (ATA) Congress held in Zambia, May 11-16, 2003. The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is pleased to announce the  IIPT 2^nd African Conference on Peace through Tourism to be held in Dar-es Salaam, Tanzania, 7-12 December, 2003  The Conference theme is "Community Tourism - Gateway to Poverty Reduction"is the theme. The Conference is being organized in partnership with the African Travel Association (ATA) and hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), Tanzania. For more information, please check www.iipt.org.  TOP

NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (India)

 

INDIA IS CHOSEN AS THE THEME COUNTRY IN BERLIN AT THE ASIA PACIFIC WEEK: India has been chosen as theme country for the upcoming Asia-Pacific fair for two weeks from September 15, 2003. The Indian extravaganza of music and dance will continue till November 16. The Berlin city government has invited India to show case itself at a two-week event beginning September 15The fair is held in Berlin every two years. China was the focus country in 2001 and Japan in 1999.

 

KALARIPAYATTU REGULAR SHOWS INTRODUCED FOR OUR GUESTS IN COCHIN: Daily Kalarippayat Demonstration from 7.15 - 8.15 pm demonstrating both Northern and Southern styles of Kalarippayat is being introduced by us for our guests while in Cochin (Kochi, Kerala).

·         Demonstration includes several sequences of body control exercises

·         Amazing fights with wooden and metallic weapons

·         An unarmed combatant fights with an armed enemy

·         Live announcement and demonstration with traditional music

·         Demonstration in the background of traditional oil lamps

·         Programme for photography.

·         Performance for television channel.

·         Traditional oil massage

·         Treatment massage courses

·         Kalarippayat certificate courses

·         Kalarippayat VCD,Weapons,Kalari books and post card are available

 

TONGA (horse carriage) RIDE IN MYSORE LIKE A MAHARAJA: Not only it is an added attraction for the tourists visiting Mysore during dasara celebrations, efforts of authorities to give a traditional and regal touch to the festival has come as a relief to the Tongawallas who are struggling hard to eke out their livelihood.

 

Now the tourists, especially the foreigners who are fond of travelling horse driven carriages will now have a chance to go round the city and enjoy it's scenic and historic beauty by having a ride in tongas. Tourists who go round in the city in Tongas will not only enjoy the ride, but they can also visit 15 heritage structures and spots selected and decked up for the occasion.

 

From here the Tonga ride will take a move towards Chamaraja double Road to reach the Mysore City Corporation building before ending the ride again at palace. All these buildings will be illuminated during night time to make the ride more attractive and beautiful.

Already more than 15 tongas have been selected for the purpose and given a new look by painting these traditional carriages and changing the upholstery.

TAJ MAHAL TOLL-TAX HALVED: Foreign tourists may take a sigh of relief now with the toll-tax levied on the entry in the Taj Mahal being halved by the Uttar Pradesh Government. Foreign tourists now may be able to view eight Agra monuments including the Taj Mahal in a package of Just Rs. 500 as toll-tax (plus the monument entrance fees). Adding Rs. 250 charged by the Archaeological Survey of India, the foreign tourist may now pay just Rs. 500, instead of Rs. 750 for entry in the Taj Mahal.

Punjabi upsurge in UK hoteliering: There's nothing new about successful Indian entrepreneurs in the hospitality business. Earlier it was the Gujarati story along American highways. Now Indian hoteliers are also making their presence felt in UK. And not surprisingly it is the Punjabi community, which is leading there. Source: 8th September 2003, Economic Times

BOOKING THE TRAIN TICKETS THROUGH INTERNET OR BY CALLING THE BANK: Long queues at reservation counters will be a thing of the past once the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) starts offering tickets through call centres and internet banking sites of major nationalised and private banks.

“We have received the green signal to start testing the facility. If the trial run is successful, we will launch the service in the next couple of months,” IRCTC officials said. “The software has to run smoothly as there will be no manual intervention in the entire operation,” they added. The trial run will start with customers of State Bank of India (SBI) through the bank’s internet banking site.

The organisation offers reservations through its website, a facility currently limited to credit card holders. The new service will allow the organisation to reach out to a larger number of people.

IRCTC is optimistic about the returns from the new initiative. “On an average, 2200 bookings were made on the internet in September,” sources said. “This is much higher than our peak season average of 1800 reservations. Through banks, we expect to reach out to a wider user-base,” they added. Private sector banks like Citibank, IDBI Bank, HDFC Bank, UTI Bank and ICICI Bank are already part of the network. Source: The Telegraph, Calcutta

NEW TRAIN BETWEEN UDAIPUR & JAIPUR: We are Glad to inform you that a New Daily perational Train on meter guage named Lake City Express has been started in between Udaipur (city of Lakes) & Jaipur (Pink city). Details are as under:

 

FROM UDAIPUR:

Number of Train             :  9766 Up

Departure from Udaipur  :  20.50 Hrs ( 8:50 P.M )

Arrival at Jaipur              :  07.15 A.M

Operational Days            :  Daily

 

FROM JAIPUR :

Number of Train             : 9765 Down

Departure from Jaipur   :  20.00 Hrs ( 8.00 P.M )

Arrival at Udaipur          :  07.00 A.M

Operational Days           :  Daily

 

For booking, please contact us or check out the railway site (www.indianrail.gov.in) for the availability.

 

PONDICHERRY DOING WELL IN TOURISM: The steady influx of domestic and international tourists all through the year has brought some cheer to the tourism industry since a major part of the revenue for the government also comes from this sunrise industry. Pondicherry is now turning into a showville with lots of Indian movies in different languages being shot in various local. Rs. 5.5 crores would be spent for beautification of the beach.  A sandy beach would be developed into a tourist spot in a couple of months.  Yacht marina is our new project currently taking shape, a modern lighthouse, a science park and entertainment centre have also been planned. A sound and light show will be the special attraction for the tourists soon.  ITDC has agreed to do the project.  The next target for improvement is the area surrounding the Shaneeswara temple in Tirunallar where we have lot of tourist potential. The Hindu, New Delhi, August 16, 2003

 

AGARTALA - DHAKA BUS SERVICE STARTED ON 19 SEP: Finally the much awaited bus service between India and Bangladesh was launched recently. This remarkable event took place just a couple of months after India re launched its regular bus service to Lahore in Pakistan.

 

RAIL LINK PROPOSED BETWEEN NEW DELHI AND HANOI: After starting work on a trilateral highway project to link Thailand and Myanmar with India’s Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee he said government was considering establishing a rail-link to connect New Delhi and Hanoi. He said, “Work has started on a trilateral highway project linking Thailand, Myanmar and India under the Mekong-Ganga co-operation; we are also looking at New Delhi to Hanoi rail link.” Mekong-Ganga co-operation provides a framework for closer cultural and people-to-people links between the people of ancient land bound by these two great Asian rivers.

 

ORISSA PROMOTES TRIBAL TOURISM: This form of tourism is really picking up well in the tribal belts of Orissa.  The state tourism department is trying to really promote it well. Tourists can be seen participating in their festivals.

 

U.P. PLANS A BIG BUDGET BUDDHIST PROJECT: The Uttar Pradesh government has prepared a Rs. 1,062 crore plan to develop the Buddhist circuit of the state as part of its attempt to promote religious tourism. AF Fergueson had developed the master plan for the Buddhist circuit and the investment figure had been suggested for the first phase only. The project would link all the Buddhist sites of the state and meet a long-standing need of the international religious tourists to the region, he said. A grand martyr memorial would be constructed in the memory of the freedom fighters at Shahjahanpur, which was an important centre during the freedom struggle. Business Standard, Kolkata, August 15, 2003

 

DATES FOR ROYAL ORIENT TRAIN ANNOUNCED: The Royal Orient starts operation on every Wednesday w.e.f. 24th September 2003 onwards from Delhi Cantonment. Itinerary is as follows.

Day 1 - Departure from Delhi Cantonment

Day 2 - Arrival Jaipur and departure for Agra by surface. Sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort. Night halt a Hotel, Agra

Day 3 - Departure by surface to Jaipur. Sightseeing of Jaipur. Departure by The Royal Orient.
Day 4 - Sightseeing of Chittaurgarh and Udaipur. Departure by The Royal Orient

Day5 - Sightseeing of Modhera, Rani ki vav and Patan by surface (Station Mehsana). Departure by The Royal Orient.

Day 6 - Sightseeing of Ahmedabad. Departure by The Royal Orient

Day 7 - Sightseeing of Devigarh (Station - Udaipur). Departure by the Royal Orient

Day 8 - Arrival at Delhi Cantonment.

For tariff and other details, please visit our website www.indiainvites.com (the Exotic Trains column). Also the Palace On Wheels has started its operation for this season. Latest details are available on the same website.

 

PROPOSAL TO OPEN UP MORE ANDAMAN ISLANDS FOR TOURISM: To improve tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands the tourism department submitted a proposal to the Central Government requesting the opening up of more islands. Of a total of 583 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group, about 52 are inhabited.  The rest have been declared as “reserved forests”. With the help of the National Institute of Research, the Tourism Department had identified 45 hectares of land in these islands for promotion.  The plots would be leased out to tourists for a fixed period. The Hindu, Chennai, August 18, 2003

 

SIKKIM PLANS RS. 1,000 CRORE PUSH TO DEVELOP SILK ROUTE: Sikkim plans to set up support infrastructure at a cost of Rs.1,000 crore to facilitate border trade with China through the Nathu La pass. Roads will be widened and strengthened, while a number of large warehouses will be built on the border so that trade through the historic 'silk route' - grounded since 1982 - is revived following the recent agreement between India and China. It is estimated that it will take at least a year before the border route is actually opened up. Sikkim wants the route through Nathu La pass to be opened for tourists as well as trade. The Economic Times, Mumbai, August 7, 2003

 

PARA GLIDING PRE-WORLD CUP TO GIVE TOURISM A FILLIP: Beginning October 30, all eyes in Bir-Billing in Kangra district will be riveted to the sky with the town set to host a four day Para Gliding Pre-World Cup for second year in a row.  The event besides giving up a fillip to tourism in the state, will strengthen Himachal Tourism Department’s bid for the Para Gliding World Cup scheduled for next year. Pradesh, which already had a very good tourism season this year, is further fillip by holding the competition. During this, sky diving shows by Indian Air Force would the main attraction. The Indian Express, Chandigarh, August 18, 2003  TOP

 

  NEWS MEANS GOOD NEWS (International)

 

Timor-Leste President to Open PATA Travel Mart 2003: The President of Timor-Leste, H.E. President Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, will deliver a 15-minute speech to welcome delegates to PATA Travel Mart 2003 on October 1. "To have the head of state of the world's newest nation open our travel mart is indeed an honour for PATA," said Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) President and CEO, Mr. Peter de Jong.

 

Formerly known as East Timor, the sovereign state of Timor-Leste will exhibit at a travel trade event for the first time when it sets up its booth at the Mart. "Timor-Leste is embracing travel and tourism as a major component in its economic development," said Mr. de Jong. "The Mart is their first foray in actively promoting the nation's many unique tourism assets."

In April, Timor-Leste joined PATA as a government member. "Timor Leste has world-class beaches and scuba diving plus numerous land-based attractions," Mr. Semone said. "The destination needs investment and has a very bright tourism future ahead of it." Source: PATA

 

Tickets ON sale for the final flights on Concorde before it is retired from service: The supersonic jet will bid farewell in October with a round-Britain tour and final flights to New York on British Airways. Tickets for the London to New York trips will cost £4,350 one-way and up to £8,292 for a return trip.

 

Twenty flights will cross the Atlantic during its last week before the final commercial flight, BA001 to New York's JFK airport, takes off from Heathrow on Thursday, 23 October The luxury airline is being grounded after 27 years' service because of falling tickets sales coupled with increasing maintenance costs. Courtesy: BBC

 

Tourists have never been the victims of insurgency activities in Nepal: The situation in Nepal has always been tourist friendly. Due to some sporadic reporting of Maoist activities in some parts of the Kingdom, extra measures for security were adopted which has indeed improved the law and order situation. Major tourist places continue to welcome tourists in large numbers.

 

Tourists have never been directly targeted by the Maoists. Moreover, the Maoist leaders have categorically stated time and again that, they would not disturb the tourism sanctity neither target the tourist in future. Hence, tourists have never been the victims of insurgency activities in Nepal.

 

Travel to and within Nepal is a safe and enjoyable experience provided sensible precaution is taken. Tourists are advised to use the services of registered and reputed travel/trekking companies and hotels only. By using the services of government registered service providers, you will be ensuring the most comfortable and reliable holiday possible.

 

Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal, as in other parts of the world and they may occur on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. Compiled from different sources by NTB Media Center     TOP

SPECIAL FEATURE

PARMARTH NIKETAN: This famous Ashram is located in Rishikesh, known as “City of the Divine.” This is a spiritual center to which sages, saints and pilgrims flocked for millennia. There are about

1000 residential rooms that retain the simplicity of ashram living and yet are equipped with the necessary modern amenities. Apart from running regular yoga classes for groups and individuals, they also run a hospital. To top it all, they have a Gurukul ashram, wherein hundreds of resident children, most of them orphans, abandoned or impoverished ones, are being imparted the education besides the training in yoga, karate and spiritualism. We do organize the customized yoga & meditation programme in association with them. Please write in to us for more information.  TOP

 DESTINATION/S OF THE MONTH

KISHANGARH (near Ajmer, Rajasthan): The Mughal affiliation yielded something unique to Kishangarh besides the battle honours and the flag of Kabul - miniature paintings. In ancient India, paintings were done on cave walls, palm leaf and buildings. The Mughals introduced the miniature style of paintings on paper, originally from Persia. The Rajput schools of paintings flourished under the Mughals and the most prominent among them was the Kishangarh School.

Kishangarh ateliers developed unique characteristics to adorn their subjects - long necks, large almond-shaped sloping eyes, thin lips and long fingers. The verdant greenery of the region forms the backdrop, with lush groves, lakes and the palaces.

The Radha of Kishangarh is the most recognised painting of this school, also commemorated as a stamp by the Indian Postal Department. Her face is delicate and refined, the eyebrows curved like a bow. Her face is framed in cleverly arranged curls of ebony hair. Her dreamy almond eyes, shapely nose and fastidious lips are the envy of every woman. Her neck is adorned with necklaces of pearls and precious stones. Her head is draped with a transparent muslin odhni. She holds two lotus buds in her hand.

Sawant Singh, the seventh ruler of this former Rajput state, was the greatest patron of the miniature style. A poet and painter in his own right, he wrote under the pseudonym of Nagari Das. It is said that he had fallen under the spell of a beautiful courtesan and singer known as Bani Thani who also professed an interest in poetry. Radha is believed to be painted in her likeness by the artists, so they say in Kishangarh. Which is why the Kishangarh Radha looks more like a courtesan than a cowherdess. Apparently, Sawant Singh abdicated the throne in 1757 and retired to Vrindavan with Bani Thani.

The present Maharaja of Kishangarh has the largest private collection of this school. Special viewing of the paintings can be organised for the guests staying at Phool Mahal Palace.

Collector's items: Even if you are not a collector, you can't say you have been to Kishangarh if you don't buy a painting for the walls of your home. Highly affordable, the paintings start from Rs 100 and go up as high as you can see. They are very adaptable and take to all surfaces - old handmade paper, cloth, silk and wood. The ateliers are a hive of activity. Using squirrel brushes, real gold and silver foil wherever required, the old and young artists ply their trade in small shops.

A new innovation is the gem painting, which uses crushed semi-precious stones to fill in the colours in the traditional Kishangarh style. Courtesy Prachi Macsuedon Vaidya      TOP

 NATURE DOES MATTER

CWRC’s FIRST ANNIVERSARY: On August 28, 2003, CWRC, India's only scientifically managed wildlife rehabilitation and re-introduction centre, based in the north east Indian state of Assam, completed its first successful year of operation, releasing a record 67 animals back into the wild. For more information, please check out http://www.wti.org.in/.

Kaziranga Park to open for tourists from 1 October: This park has been one of the top line destinations for the tourist, of the North East in Assam, this famed abode of one horned rhinoceros will be open from October, after the flood ravaged roads and bridges within the park are restored. Also the Corbett National Park, which was supposed to open earlier from 1 Nov, is declared to be open from 1 Oct now.

Wildlife census shows positive results: Recent wildlife census in Uttaranchal, carried out in May & June this year, have shown an increase in the wildlife. The number of leopards in the State increased from 1961 to 2090 and elephants also saw a near five per cent increase from 1507 in 2001 to 1582 this year. In the Jim Corbett National Park, the figure increased from 441 to 477 while the Rajaji National Park saw the number increase from 453 to 469. The ratio of adult male elephants to adult females stands at 1:1.99, the best in South Asia. One of the most endangered species in the country, the musk deer population in the State also saw a slight increase from 161 to 172 in the protected parks. Among the other species, there are 2024 Himalayan black bears, over 5500 Nilgais, 41076 Cheetals, 7138 Sambhars, over 9000 barking deer and a similar number of Ghoral, 513 pandas and 688 Himalayan thars are present in the State.12 percent of the State's land area is covered under the six national parks and an equal number of wildlife sanctuaries. There are 102 species of mammals, 600 types of birds, 19 kinds of amphibians, 70 species of reptiles and 70 types of fish in the State. Source Uttaranchal Tourism www.gmvn.com; www.kmvn.org  TOP

PERMANENT FEATURE -  GOA

GOA TOURISM MEET 06 – 08 OCT’03: In order to woo the top-notch quality tourists, both local as well as foreign, Goa is hosting a three-day Goa Tourism Meet from October 6. Developing backwaters and possibly setting up golf courses, could be the thrust areas to up Goa's infrastructure and consequently the quality of tourists that visit the State. Goa hosts some 1.5 million tourists annually, and, almost three-lakh of these are international tourists. But, the hospitality industry has for years now been lamenting the 'economy class' tourists that have been flocking to this essentially beach-tourism destination. The 'golden triangle' tourism model which links Goa to Hampi and Badami in Karnataka besides other important tourist sports in Maharashtra is being proposed to be speeded up. The negotiations were on to tie up with ONGC to set up a golf course on their Safety Institute property in South Goa. Preparations are underway for holding the 3-day Goa-centric event involving tour operators, international writers, travel agencies and other stakeholders. An exhibition showcasing Goa and its natural beauty is also planned as part of the three-day meet.

During the coming season, as many as 700 chartered flights are scheduled to touch down as against 490 last year.

EXPOSITION OF ST. FRANCIS RELICS NEXT YEAR: The 16^th solemn exposition of the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier will be held from 21^st Nov’04 – 2^nd Jan’05 at Old Goa. A decree announcing the holding of the sacred relics has been issued by the Archbishop of Goa and Daman. In conformity with a long standing practice, the same comes again after ten years. In the beginning, the `body’ was exposed every year on the occasion of his feast on December 3. From 1864, the exposition became less frequent. The first solemn exposition was held from February 10 – 12, 1782. A very big turnout of devotees and tourists alike is expected during this period next year.

UK firm to conduct feasibility study of golf course: The Goa government today signed an agreement with the UK-based Professional Golfer Association (PGA) Design Consulting Ltd for preparing a feasibility study on the possibility of setting up a 18 holes golf course of international standard in the State.

More British tourists likely to visit Goa: The inflow of British tourists is likely to go up by almost 40 per cent, helping in the growth of tourism industry in Goa, stated the British Deputy High Commissioner, western region, Mr Howard Parkinson. While speaking to the press after inaugurating the new premises of the British tourist assistance office at Dempo Towers, Patto Plaza, Mr Parkinson said that a vast majority of the British tourists coming to Goa by charters should help in the growth of the state economy.

He further revealed that last year around 1 lakh British tourists visited Goa and the coming season looked good and expectations were that the inflow would go up by around 40 per cent. Consequently, he said that the frequency of charter flights would also increase. He also stated that Goa was seen as safe and good destination where the tourists got value for money.

Goa has potential as health tourism centre - Apollo chief: Goa has a vast potential to be developed as a health tourism centre, according to Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Group of hospitals - South-East Asia's largest health care provider." The opportunity is tremendous. If we don't exploit it, we'll miss a golden opportunity." One important advantage is the usage of English language. "This can attract the Europeans if proper marketing is done." Dr Reddy complimented Mr Victor Albuquerque for having the
foresight and coming up with his project with world-class equipment and facilities.

He said at the Apollo group which has 25 hospitals in the country and three abroad, nearly one lakh foreign patients have so far been treated at his hospitals in India.

He said with super specialities being available in several hospitals in the country, Indian health care has demolished White Man's phenomenon in this sector. "Indian doctors are recognised as one of the best in the world now." He however, said that there are certain myths which need to be decimated like infection rate is high and that post-operative care is below par. Apollo group and many others have proved these wrong. Apollo group has set up seven international information centres - in Africa, Far East, Nepal, Bangladesh and Burma.

Stressing that time was ticking for India, he said that China which was much behind India in health care facilities ten years ago, is moving at a fast pace and "may leap over" to stand in the reckoning, "we have to leap forward", he emphasised.

In another 5-6 days, Apollo will achieve a feat of conducting 50,000 open heart surgeries. The  success rate, he said, is 98.6 per cent - something which many hospitals abroad don't achieve.

Besides 10,000 heart transplants to its credit, Apollo, he claimed, has also done 135 bone marrow transplants and many liver transplants as well. All this was possible due to clinical expertise and professional management and accountability, he said. Source: DESC Goa TOP

 CONTEST

Just Answer Five Simple Questions:

 

1)      Famous Pushkar Fair held in Rajasthan is being celebrated on which dates in November this year?

a.      5 – 8 Nov         c. 10 – 12 Nov

b.      19 – 22 Nov     d. 3- 5 Nov

 

2)      Where would you find the Palamau Wildlife sanctuary famous for tigers?

a.      Chhattisgarh    c. Madhya Pradesh

b.      Kerala              d. Jharkhand

 

3)      Western Ghat hills of India have been adjudged as one of the 15 most bio-diverse zones in the world by which authority?

a.      National Geographic   

b.      United Nations

c.       Discovery Channel

d.      UNESCO

 

4)      Cherapunji in Meghalaya has distinction in what way?

a.      As it is well known for its tiger sanctuary

b.      As it rains over 2500 cm a year

c.       As it has the highest motorable road

d.      As it is ruled by Portuguese

 

5)      Where was the Kumbh fair held in India recently

a.      Allahabad         c. Pushkar

b.      Nasik                d. Haridwar

 

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

ANSWERS OF LAST CONTEST:

1        At what time India got the freedom in 1947? ANS: MIDNIGHT

 

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

 

3        Sunderbans delta is found at which river in India? ANS: THE GANGES

 

4        The famous Valley of Flowers in the Himalayas blooms in which months? ANS JUL - AUG

 

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

 

WINNER OF LAST CONTEST: The proud winner of the last contest is Mr. Chaitram Persaud, Director, American Inst. of Tourism, USA! 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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