My-India Tourism

Indo-China tourism all set to develop at "amazing speed: Indian envoy to China

2008-02-01T22:18:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Feb 1 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to China Nirupama Rao has said that the tourism between India and China is all set to develop at an "amazing speed."

With the ending of the year 2007 came a new chapter of the communications between the two countries, Rao said at the closing ceremony of the "China-India year of friendship through tourism-2007."

Shao Qiwei, head of China's National Tourism Administration, said: "The year 2007 is just a beginning. The Sino-India exchanges mechanism will improve further with the promotion of tourism."

Rao further said that cooperation with many Chinese airline companies has helped in the promotion of the tourism interaction between India and China.

"Further connections are needed between cities of the two countries," the Xinhua quoted her, as saying.

"I hope in the near future, India will become the No.1 tourist destination for the Chinese people, and vise versa," Rao added.

Thanks to a series of tourism promotion campaigns last year, over 530,000 tourists travelled between the two countries.

In 2007, a total of 70,000 Chinese tourists visited India, a year-on-year 14 percent increase, and 460,000 Indian tourists came to China, up by 48 percent. (ANI)
--MP

Muttukadu Boat House near Chennai offers an unforgettable joy

2008-01-29T20:58:00.001+05:30

Chennai, Jan.29 (ANI): Located 36 kilometers off Chennai, Muttukadu Boat House is an unusual spot in backwaters for tourists and holidaying families.

Also, Muttukadu is a paradise for anglers since prawns and jelly fish are in abundance here. For those who relish seafood being here could prove to be a memorable experience.

Hundreds of holiday-makers visit Muttukadu Boat House daily to enjoy boat rides. It costs just rupees 50 per person for a three kilometer ride around the vast expanse of water that may be of 45 minutes duration.

Developed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), Muttukadu Boat House captivates a large number of domestic as well as international tourists and especially the honeymooners visiting South India.

"This particular boat house is really very great and we have enjoyed here a lot. We have never enjoyed before like this anywhere else. In Bangalore, we don't have any such big lake over there but this was a great experience," said Pranamya, a tourist from Bangalore.

The backwaters at Muttukadu are also favourable for a couple of adventure water sports like wind-surfing. Last year, in July, four 8-seater speed boats were inducted here.

The State tourism department TTDC has deployed a fleet of 25 boats that are motor-operated as well as the oaring ones for tourists.

"This is the Muttukudu boat house and it has been an extremely good experience for us. This is the first time that I am actually boating. I want to come back to Chennai only for this," said Vaishnavi, another tourist from Mangalore (Karnataka).

What thrills the visitors the most is the stunning effects caused by a rocking bridge over the backwaters. Every year a windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu in February.

Apart from regular competitions, training camps for passionate water sports lovers are some of the other features that make this place an unforgettable pleasure. (ANI)
--MP

Chuthuni festival celebrated in Nagaland

2008-01-28T20:03:00.001+05:30

Kohima, Jan.28 (ANI): Blending hues of Naga culture with unity, people of Nagaland celebrated Chüthuni, the premier festival of Mao Naga. It is the festival of purification, invoking God's blessing and merry-making.

Chüthuni, the post harvest festival of Mao Nagas, is described to be an occasion to celebrate success and victory over death and destruction.

Organised by Mao Union of Kohima, the festival is marked with cultural songs, dances, indigenous games, and display of Mao traditional attire at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

The year the fesitval's motto was "Unity, the need of the hour".

A.Daili, the convener of Mao festival, said: "So many people have come for this festival. They belong not only to Kohima town but also different villages and communities and different NGOs. So, we are really enjoying this important occasion. I am sure we will be conducting this festival in future also."

Hundreds of visitors from different parts of the country and abroad attended the festival. The main attraction, however, was Lerü Kaphre, a mock war.

Lokho, a resident of Punanamci Village, said: "Those were the days, when our forefathers used to face the war, today we are facing the war within. We want peace. There is no doubt about it and we have to find it."

"We want that everyone should live in peace just like we once used to or the way we enjoy peace during festival time. That is the importance of such festival," he added.

A fashion show was organized on the ocassion. Various traditional as well as modern costumes and outfits of the Mao tribe were used by models Nagas love their tradition, and they also welcome an element of modernity in their function.

Nelia, one of the visitors, said: "I am really enjoying the celebration of this festival. Everyone is happy to be here."

Nagaland is promoting its cultural heritage to promote tourism in the State. The initiative is paying off as the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the State have gone up considerably. (ANI)
--MP

Darjeeling receives heavy snowfall

2008-01-28T19:55:00.001+05:30

Darjeeling, Jan 28 (ANI): The cold wave sweeping north India made a dramatic arrival in Darjeeling covering the entire hill station under thick snow.

As the news spread, domestic and foreign tourists arrived in droves to enjoy the weather.

"Normally, Darjeeling does not witness such a heavy snowfall. But this time snowfall is quite heavy. We are really happy and enjoying," said Losam Sona, a resident.

Cradled in the hills of West Bengal, Darjeeling has always been a favourite destination for tourists because of the snow-capped mountains, including a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga peak and the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.

Famous world over for its 'Darjeeling Tea', the hill town is the epicentre of country's most celebrated tea-growing district.

Situated at a height of 2,134 meters, Darjeeling is also famous for its 125-year-old railway, a UNESCO world heritage site, that attracts thousands of tourists to the picturesque hill station. (ANI)
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Three Indian trains in world list of 25 greatest rail adventures

2008-01-23T20:47:00.001+05:30

Sydney, Jan.23 (ANI): Three heritage trains in India are among the world's top 25 iconic rail adventures.

According to the US-based Society of International Railway Travelers published the list in a special edition of its magazine to celebrate its 25th anniversary, these Indian trains are the Palace on Wheels, which comprises of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities to enhance the pleasure of traveling.

The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together. The train travels between New Delhi and most states of Rajasthan.

The second Indian train to figure on the global list is the Toy Train or The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a two feett (610 mm) gauge narrow-gauge railway that runs from Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal. The train was built between 1879 and 1881 and the journey is about 86 km long. The elevation level is from about 100 m at Siliguri to about 2,200 m at Darjeeling. It is still powered by a steam engine. A modern diesel engine is used for Darjeeling's mail. Since 1999 the train has been a World Heritage Site as listed by UNESCO.

The third train from India that has made the global list is the Deccan Odysse, a luxury train that travels through the heart of Central India over a period of eight days, and has stopovers in Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Sawantwadi, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad and Nasik.

This train has 21 coaches out of which 11 are passenger cars with four coupes each. There are two presidential suite cars with 2 coupes each car. The train also has a conference car (can be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two restaurant cars. There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car.

Society of International Railway Travelers president Eleanor Hardy said the 25 trains chosen represented the group's best-loved railway journeys.

"The World's Top 25 Trains are based on our own experience and that of our writers, editors, members and staff. The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted her, as saying.

The world's top 25 trains as named by the Society of International Railway Travellers:

North America:
- Canadian (Canada)
- Royal Canadian Pacific (Canada)
- Canadian Rockies Steam Express (Canada)
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
- GrandLuxe Express (US)
- Sierra Madre Express (Mexico)

South America:
- Andean Explorer (Peru)
- Hiram Bingham (Peru)

Africa:
- Blue Train (South Africa)
- Pride of Africa (Rovos Rail) (South Africa)

Asia/Indian Subcontinent:
- Palace on Wheels (India)
- Eastern & Oriental Express (SE Asia)
- Shangri-La Express (China/Tibet)
- Toy Train (India)
- Deccan Odyssey (India)

Europe:
- Danube Express (Central Europe, Turkey)
- Al Andalus Express (Spain)
- El Transcantabrico (Spain)
- Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (Russia)
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (Europe)
- Glacier Express (Switzerland)
- Royal Scotsman (Scotland)

Australia:
- The Ghan
- The Indian Pacific
- The Sunlander (ANI)
--MP

No Taj visit for Sarkozy's "gal" Carla!

2008-01-23T20:32:00.001+05:30

Paris, Jan 22 (ANI): The famous seat in front of the epitome of love -
the Taj Mahal - would have been be lucky to have visiting French
President Nicolas Sarkozy being seated with his new lady love, Carla
Bruni, but according to reports the latter has announced that she
would not be accompanying Sarkozy as she is not married to him.

Earlier, the Indian media was in a tizzy about how Carla Bruni would
be accomodated at the official level, given that she has already
travelled with Sarkozy to Egypt and created quite a buzz.

Carla Bruni would have been the cynosure of attention at the Republic
Day parade, where the 'salute' was to be taken by another lady for the
first time in the history of Indian Republic, President of India
Pratibha Devi Singh Patil.

It was also being speculated that the former supermodel, an Italian,
had she accompanied President Sarkozy, would have animatedly
interacted with our own Sonia Gandhi, an Italian herself, both before
and during the Republic Day celebrations.

The fact that rumours were doing the rounds that she would be
accompanying Sarkozy to New Delhi as his girlfriend later this week,
had the Indian protocol anxiously waiting for some word from the
French Government and the Elysee (the official residence of the French
President) about what kind of protocol was to be extended to her to
avoid a possible faux pas.

Sarkozy is scheduled to be in India on Friday and Saturday as the
chief guest of this year's Republic Day parade on January 26.

Earlier, during the day, a French daily "Liberation" reported that
Carla would not be accompanying the President to India this week
because they "are not married".

The former supermodel was quoted as saying by the newspaper that as
she was "not yet married so she cannot go on an official visit with
the President".

The other "reason" mentioned by Carla for not accompanying Sarkozy was
that she had to shoot her new album in February and was busy with her
preparations for the same.

For the media in India, the announcement that Carla Bruni may not come
to Delhi has been an anti-climax! (ANI)

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MP

Ships of the desert 'sail' in Bikaner

2008-01-22T20:34:00.001+05:30

Bikaner, Jan 22 (ANI): Bikaner came alive to the entertaining acts of the 'ships of the desert' as the three-day annual camel festival was kicked off here.

The festival started with the procession of beautifully decorated camels heading towards the open sand on the outskirts of the city.

Organised by the state tourism department, the festival is expected to boost tourism in the state.

"Only through this festival, we are able to propagate our values and culture to other parts of the country and the whole world," said Alok Gupta, District Collector.

These camels fascinate tourists from all over the world with their movements, charm and grace.

"I like it very much. I think the tradition is nice and it's something special. You can feel it when you're here," said Melina, a tourist from Denmark.

The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their drivers. Colourful bridles, bejewelled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands, cast a magical spell.

"Everything is very good. Its very colourful, the camels are very beautiful with their clothes. People were dressed up as well," said Andy, a foreign tourist.

A variety of events involving camel, like camel dance, camel decoration competitions and camel fur cutting competitions will be presented during the fair.

Bikaner is situated around 320 kilometers from Jaipur and was recognised as a major trade hub in the 16th century. It boasts of a number of places of tourist attraction including forts, palaces, temples and museums apart from the Center of Camel Research. (ANI)
--MP

A marine park in Gujarat on its way to become hot tourist spot

2008-01-19T20:01:00.001+05:30

Jamnagar (Gujarat), Jan 19 (ANI): A marine National park at Narara Bet in Gujarat is attracting a large number of tourists, as diverse aquatic species are available here.

Various species like live coral, live shell, algae plants, live oyster, prawns and crabs can easily be seen floating and unwinding in the shallow waters of the park.

"The sea in Gujarat is specifically different from other seas of the country because marine life here can be seen simply walking in low tide. You can experience something like this in very few places in the world. One has to go underwater even in the Great Barrier Reef, where a variety of corals and marine life is found," said B K Shilu, Forest Officer, Narara Range.

Due to its rich marine life and easy accessibility, this park is proving to be an ideal place for school children to understand marine life.

"The marine species like starfish, jellyfish which are mentioned in books, are caught here and shown to children. They learn in a better way here," said Keshubhai Ghetia, a Science teacher who visited the park with his students.

The park is one of the 42 islands in the Arabian Sea which is covered by coral reefs and mangrove swamps which promise to be a paradise for marine life lovers.

This island boasts of diverse flora and fauna including algae, coral, fishes, prawns, turtles, sea snakes, sea birds.

"We saw octopus, which was very slippery and puffer fish. It has very small teeth and it is very long. I am feeling very nice. Even the accommodation facilities are available here," said Kishore Singh Jadeja, a student. (ANI)
--MP

Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed

2008-01-19T19:52:00.001+05:30

Srinagar, Jan 19 (ANI): The 300-km-long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the fourth consecutive day today following heavy snowfall.

A portion of the road at Panthal, 140 kms from Srinagar, was rendered unsafe due to incessant snowfall.

No vehicles, either from Jammu or Srinagar, were allowed on the arterial road.

Heavy and light motor vehicles were stuck at different points on the highway since its closure, on January 16, due to landslides and shooting stones.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to clear the blockades.

Authorities have set up a disaster management control rooms at all the district headquarters in the Valley to tackle any eventually. Over 15 persons were killed in avalanches last week. (ANI)
--MP

India, Egypt to sign agreement on abolition of visa requirement

2008-01-17T22:11:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for signing of the agreement between India and Egypt on the abolition of visa requirement for diplomatic and official/service passport holders.

This agreement will facilitate visa-free travel between India and Egypt for diplomatic and official/service passport holders while entering, transiting through and exiting from the territory of the other country.

It will also facilitate in issuing of residence visa valid for duration of the assignment to the members of diplomatic/consular Missions.

This agreement will allow a citizen of one country to stay in other country's territory for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa.

India has already entered into similar agreements with 35 other countries. (ANI)

--MP

Gauge conversion of Ratlam-Mhow-Khandwa-Akola railway line approved

2008-01-17T22:09:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval for gauge conversion of Ratlam-Mhow-Khandwa-Akola (472.64 km).

The cost of the gauge conversion would be about Rs.1421.25 crore.

There existed a meter gauge North South Link between Jaipur and Secunderabad covering 1469 kms.

The line connected major townships like Jaipur, Ajmer and Chhitaurgarh in Rajasthan, Ratlam, Indore, Mhow and Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, Akola, Purna and Mudkhed in Maharashtra and Manoharbad and Secunderabad in Andhra Pradesh.

Out of 1469 kms on this route, 805 kms from Jaipur to Ratlam and Secunderabad to Purna have already been converted to BG.

The work on Akola Purna section covering 210 kms is targeted for completion by March 2008. Thus section from Ratlam to Akola covering about 454 kms is approved for gauge conversion.

Ratlam-Akola conversion will restore shorter alternative North South route link connecting Secunderabad, Chennai with Jaipur, Ajmer, Ratlam, Indore, Khandwa, Akola and other towns in North West Rajasthan.

The route will provide broad gauge connectivity for carrying food grains / oil cakes, cement from Nimach / Chittaurgarh area and various products from Pithampur Special Economic Zones near Mhow to Southern States.

It will also facilitate movement of military personnel and equipment's from Mhow containment.

Work is likely to be completed in a period of five years. (ANI)
--MP

Tourism sector to generate over two lakh jobs by 2010: Ambika Soni

2008-01-09T22:53:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, Jan 9 (ANI): Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni today said that the tourism sector is likely to generate over two lakh plus jobs by 2010.

Addressing a group of budding air hostesses here, Soni said, "The country will witness tremendous employment generation in the skilled and semi-skilled sector viz. pilots, aviation engineers, air hostesses, stewards, ground handling staff, guides, travel agents, tour operators and freight agencies."

Soni also said that infrastructure and skilled man power have to be in right place in the next five years in the wake of boom in tourism sector and economic growth of the country.

"It is projected that by 2010 about 10 million foreign tourists will arrive in the country and the out bound tourism will also grow manifolds which currently stands at eight million tourists," she added.

Speaking on the modernisation and upgradation of international airports at Mumbai and Delhi, Soni said creation of about one lakh fifty thousand additional rooms in budget and star category hotels are the main challenges before all the stakeholders in civil aviation and tourism sector.

The Minister said tourism and civil aviation are inextircably linked, adding that she said, "These two sectors feed upon each other and support each other. A strategy to develop manpower resource should take into account the demands and the growth trajectories of both aviation and tourism."

"The phenomenal growth in these two sectors has far reaching implications," she added.

Soni further added that the Government is ready to have public private partnership both in tourism infrastructure development and training and upgradation of skills through specilized institutions. (ANI)
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-AA

Panchghagh waterfalls, a major tourist attraction near Ranchi

2008-01-08T23:54:00.001+05:30

By Girija Shankar Ojha

Panchghagh, Jan. 7 (ANI): Panchghagh Waterfalls, about 52 kilometres off Ranchi on the Chaibasa Road in Jharkhand, is a major attraction for thousands of domestic and international tourists.

Despite the presence of other falls like Dasham, Hundru and Jonha, the Panchghagh falls are a tourists' preference for being viewed as the safest of all. The water falls from a lesser height, making it safe for tourists to enjoy in the rapid flow of water.

Most of the people arrive here for picnic with family and friends.

"I have come here for a picnic along with my family. As compared to nearby picnic spots, we liked this one the most. The natural beauty of this place is spellbinding. Besides it is very safe, there is no danger of any sort," said Neeraj Kumar, a tourist.

Although water does not fall from great height as compared to other falls, still, one can almost hear the roar of the water going near to the waterfalls here since all the five branched-out and whirling streams hit the rocks in a very turbulent manner.

Tourists visit this place, particularly, during the autumn season. However, despite its significance for tourists, the place lacks proper management.

Tourists often complain about the non-existence of security in the entire area. The place lacks a clean and proper eatery. Visitors have to take along food items.

"I appeal to the Jharkhand Government that the natural regions like this one, which are favourite amongst the tourists, should be managed properly so that the inflow of tourists increases here. It will also benefit the Tourism Department of the Jharkhand Government," said Mohammed Warish Khan, another tourist.

Panchghagh literally means five streams. The river branches out in five different streams, giving birth to omnipresent melodious rivulets through the cluster of rocks. (ANI)
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A Five Star Train Tour through Goa and Maharashtra

2007-11-10T18:35:00.000+05:30

A Five Star Train Tour through Goa and Maharashtra!

Deccan Odyssey is a five star hotel on wheels, a joint venture of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways. The train itself was built at a cost of over Rs. 320 million (aprox US$ 100 million).

The train begin its journy from Mumbai and move all the way to Goa and travel through the hotspots of Goa and Maharashtra to return to Mumbai over a period of one week. The train tour is ideal for honeymooners as well as others who wish to explore the beaches, ancient shrines and churches as well as Forts. The train has 5 star facilities, with a presidential suite (US$ 750 per day) and the passenger saloon (approximately US$ 400 per day).

The train is equipped with a health spa, gym, beauty parlor, and massage center. A reading and meeting room is also available for the use of the guests.

The train pass through various hotspots in Pune such as Shaniwarwada, Daulatabad Fort, Ajanta and Ellora Caves along with guided tours to these spots and beaches in Panaji (Dona Paula and Ganapatipule beach). The food is served mostly on board which has 2 restaurants (Peshwa I and Peshwa II) and a bar which all are of five star standards.

The 7 day trip normally starts from Mumbai and in day-1, a bus trip from Bhoke station to nearby villages and Rai Bhatgaon jetty is arranged. The centuries old Jaigad fort is also visited along with Ganapatipule beach.

Second day will cover conducted tours to Lokmanya Tilak Samarak, Ratnagiri and Ratnadurg Fort.

The highlight of the third day is the visits to Sindhdurg, a cruise from malvan jetty to the 17th centaury fort, visit to tarkarli beach, Sawantwadi Bhonsles palace and its handicraft center, etc.

Forth day is touring old Goa from Karmali station and the major touristic attractions are the Church of St Francis of Assisi of 16 century, Basilica of Bom Jesus of 1642 (largest cathedral in Asia), St Augsutine Church, Dona Paula at Panaji, Benaulim beach at Margao, Goa.

The Fifth day will bring you back to the Pune and Shaniwarwada, the city of Peshwas along with the option to visit the Osho International Commune, tribal museum.

The sixth day will bring the train to Aurangabad where the Ellora caves are situated. Bus trips to the Fort of Daulatabad and the ellora caves presents the heritage dating back to 600AD with temples of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. There is a Shivaji Museum which displays cannons and other artifacts. Mausoleum of wife of Aurangazeb (Bibika-Maqbara) which is a replica of Taj Mahal is also a place of visit.

The seventh day starts from Jalgaon. A visit to the Ajanta caves is the highlight of this day. Later that day, visits to some winery in Nasik is arranged and the guest will return to the train for the return journey to Mumbai. The tour will conclude upon the arrival of the train back at the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai (Bombay) in the next day morning.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Guide

2007-11-10T18:32:00.000+05:30

Welcome to Madhya Pradesh! The Heritage Heartland of India!

"Al Khajuraho, the karanas that dancers spend years to perfect seem carved so effortlessly in stone"-Mallika Sarabhai, Classical Dancer

Madhya Pradesh is the very heart of India! Khajuraho is just one of the amazing destinations of Madhya Pradesh. Steeped in history, blessed by nature, sanctified by faith and alive with wildlife. Moments of valor and glory, etched in stone. Love, passion, feasting, divinity, arrested in the sensitive chisels of master craftsman. Meandering rivers, lush forests, hills and ravines. The roar of the tiger. It's the magic of a many-splendoured land. Come see it all yourself. Have a holiday of your life without going North, South, East or West. Make it Madhya Pradesh this time!

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Head Office in Bhopal: Tel: 0755 - 2778383, email: info@mptourism.com
Marketing office in Agra: Tel: 0562 - 2227646, 3957615 email: mpt_agra@sancharnet.in
Ahmedabad office: Tel: 079-26580449, 30939000 email: mptahd@sancharnet.in mptahd@icenet.co.in
Hyderabad office: Tel: 040-30939000 email: mpthyderabad@sancharnet.in
Kolkata office: Tel: 033-22875855 email: mptour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
Mumbai Office: Tel: 022-22187603, 39539000 email: tourmp_mumbai@hathway.com
Nagpur Tel: 0712-2442378, 3959000 email: mptourism@eth.net
New Delhi: Tel: 011-23341187, 23366528 email: mpstdc@vsnl.com