| Timely Yours -
February 2014 |
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Dear Partners,
This month, we bring to you
" Cultural & Historical North India with Nepal" , as the
itinerary of the month. This gives a glimpse of the culture
and heritage of India and Nepal, which is second to none.
Entire India presently is blessed with excellent weather and is
perfect time to be in India for tourists from all over the world.
Rgds: Sanjeev Joshi
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| India to
roll-out global visa-on-arrival system |
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180 countries to be offered streamlined
visa process under major new policy
India will soon offer visa-on-arrival (VOA) to citizens of
almost every country in the world, authorities have revealed.
The country’s much-maligned tourist visa processing system will
be completely overhauled, in an effort to allow the country to
achieve a greater share of global visitor arrivals.
Announcing the decision in Delhi late on Wednesday, planning
minister Rajiv Shukla told reporters; “We have decided to extend
the visa-on-arrival facility to tourists from 180 nations.”
MoT welcomes relaxation of visa norms
The new visa system to roll out by October 2014
The Union Tourism Minister, Dr K Chiranjeevi has thanked the
Prime Minster, Manmohan Singh; Congress Vice President, Rahul
Gandhi; External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid; Union Home
Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde; Minister of State in the Ministry
of Parliamentary Affairs, Rajeev Shukla and Deputy Chairman of
Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
The new system of Tourist Visa-on-Arrival (TVoA) and Electronic
Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be rolled out by October 2014.
The new scheme will be extended to all the countries except
eight countries of Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria.
The prospective visitors will apply online for ETA by filling up
a two-page visa application to the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
online. The application will be examined and within three day
the applicant will be informed whether or not he/she can travel
to India. BOI agreed to extend the ETA to all countries expect
the above mentioned eight countries.
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Delhi-Jaipur Expressway gets priority
status |
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India’s
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has put the development of
Delhi-Jaipur Expressway as priority project for the government.
As on date, there is no expressway built by the Central
government and the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway will be the first
project undertaken.
The Ministry is looking at signing the State Support Agreement
by the end of February with the project awarded by September
2014 after completing all the intermediate steps.
The new expressway with a total road length of 272km will reduce
travel time between the two cities. Delhi and Jaipur are the two
major cities which form the popular Golden Triangle for foreign
visitors in India.
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VoA grows 12% in January 2014
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Delhi Airport issues maximum visas
India’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) recorded a 12.60% growth in
January 2014, as compared to January 2013.
A total number of 1,903 VoAs have been issued during the period,
with 465 visas approved to nationals of New Zealand. Japan stood
second with 427 visas, followed by the Philippines (290),
Singapore (273), Indonesia (257), Finland (124), Cambodia (20),
Myanmar (20), Vietnam (15), Luxembourg (12) and Laos (0).
During January 2014, the highest number of VoAs were issued at
New Delhi airport (783) followed by Mumbai (440), Chennai (282),
Kolkata (126), Bangalore (116), Kochi (68), Hyderabad (62) and
Trivandrum (26).
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Mumbai’s T2 commences international
operations
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New Terminal to handle 40 million passengers
annually
The transition of all international flights from the existing
terminal to the T2 began with the arrival of the Air India
flight from Singapore AI343 scheduled at 1300 hours. The first
departing flight from T2 will be the Jet Airways 9W118 to London
Heathrow at 1320 hours.
The new integrated Terminal 2 comprises four levels:
Departure Level 4: Comprises common check-in facilities,
international security & immigration, International departures
retail, duty free, F&B. International departure gates are
located at this level.
Level 3: Comprises security for domestic passengers, domestic
departures retail, F&B and the domestic departure gates.
Arrival Level 2: Comprises Arrivals corridor, Arrivals duty
free, Customs & Immigration, Baggage reclaim and Arrivals
forecourt.
Level 1: Comprises Ground services, ground transportation lobby,
Arrival bus gate lounges and Baggage handling systems.
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Vaccination must for visitors from
polio-hit nations
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From March 1,
polio vaccination will be mandatory for all international
travelers coming to India from polio-infected countries. The
Health Ministry has also made OPV (oral polio vaccine)
compulsory for those travelling from India to polio-endemic
countries and countries with poliovirus circulation to prevent
virus importation.
The polio-endemic countries are Afghanistan, Nigeria and
Pakistan. Countries with poliovirus circulation are Ethiopia,
Kenya, Somalia and Syria.
OPV vaccination certificates, valid for one year, will be issued
by the government.
Resident nationals of the seven infected countries are required
to receive an OPV dose, regardless of age and vaccination
status, at least four weeks prior to departure for India. The
vaccination certificate will have to be produced while applying
for visa and during travel in India.
However, OPV is not mandatory for foreign nationals residing in
the seven infected countries or India before their travel.
Travellers can contact local health authorities in their
countries for vaccination and certificates.
Travellers from India to countries with poliovirus transmission
should receive a dose of OPV at least four weeks prior to
departure.
Each district has designated at least one centre where OPV
vaccination will be given and certificate issued. The District
Immunisation Officer is the designated official for issue of
certificates.
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Indian Railways to introduce premium AC
trains
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17 new trains to ply on busy routes
The Indian Railways has decided to run 17 more premium
AC-special trains between Delhi and Mumbai.
These additional new trains will ply on busy routes, while the
railways will also explore the possibility of running semi-high
speed trains trains between 160-200kmph to Chandigarh and Agra.
The premium train to Mumbai, to handle the extra rush during
Christmas and New Year, had fetched an increased earnings of
about 48% as compared to Mumbai Rajdhani. The fares for this
train were charged under dynamic fare mechanism scheme much like
airlines. “Such dynamic pricing was widely appreciated by users
and media and gave increased earnings of about 48% as compared
to Rajdhani services on the same sector. We are considering
operation of this scheme on a larger scale,” Railway Minister
Mallikarjun Kharge said in his Interim Budget speech 2014-15.
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In today’s world where man and machine are synonyms due to fast growing technology, a holiday has become must for us to relax and rejuvenate. The tourism industry therefore has become one of the fast growing industries and is changing its dimensions every minute. We at TIME understand the changing time and demands of travelers and therefore aim to provide all our clients with an experience, which is unparalleled. TIME was established in 1998 with the sole aim of providing quality services viz a viz value for money. The Indian sub-continent being one of the most challenging destinations requires lot of expertise and dedication, therefore we at TIME ensure to provide all our Travel Partners services which not only make their clients happy but gives us a repeat value. Our motto, “The Company that cares”, says it all.
If one had to describe India in just one word, it would have to be Cornucopia – a cornucopia of people, traditions, culture, climate and even topography. It is referred to as the largest democracy in the world, by virtue of the fact that it has the largest electing population among democratic countries. The echo of her heroes and her freedom fighters is felt not just in India but also all over the world. It is the land of “Ahimsa” the land of Mahatma Gandhi. India occupies its own niche in the world. The Himalayas surround it from the north acting as a wall on one side, the Thar Desert acts as a barrier towards the northwest and the rest is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. We at TIME welcome you to experience the arid grandeur of Rajasthani kingdoms to the exquisite serenity of Kerala – each shines with its own uniqueness. Our personalized services with an eye for your comfort at each point of your travel will truly make your trip a memorable one. |
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Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
(A world Heritage Site)
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Drukair opens route to Mumbai |
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To operate two times a week service
between Mumbai and Paro
The airline will commence commercial operations between Paro and
Mumbai from 1 May 2014. The three-hour flight will operate two times a
week, on Thursdays and Sundays, leaving Paro at 0730 and reaching
Mumbai at 1010. On the Mumbai-Paro sector, the flight will depart
Mumbai at 1110 and touch into Paro at 1440.
AI set to become first to offer
Wi-Fi on aircraft
In a first for Indian aviation, you may soon be able to surf the net
while flying. Air India is planning to introduce Wi-Fi on both its
wide-body and narrow-body planes that are used for international and
domestic flights, respectively, for a fee. AI chairman Rohit Nandan
has set up a panel of top officials to examine the technical aspects
and ensure that onboard Wi-Fi connectivity happens in a cost-neutral
way and, in fact, helps the Maharaja earn some money. The world’s
leading in-flight entertainment and connectivity company, Thales of
France, has been asked to make a presentation at the earliest.
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| Hotel News Go To Top |
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Vayalar awarded ‘Most promising luxury resort in Kerala’
 Vasundhara
Sarovar Premiere, Vayalar was awarded the ‘Most promising luxury
resort in Kerala’ by World Travel Brands at New Delhi. These awards
are amongst world’s most coveted travel awards given to brands who
have contributed immensely in transforming the face of the global
travel industry. The award was received by the resort's promoter, Dr.
Vasudevan along with his son Prashanth Vasudevan. Commenting on the
award, Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels and Resorts
said, “To receive an award from World Travel Brands is very
encouraging and this is the second award from them.
We are glad that they have recognized our efforts to offer guests a
premium hospitality experience in Kerala.” Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere
is a premium 5 star resort located on the tranquil and unexplored
backwaters of Vayalar in the Alleppey district of Kerala. The hotel
offers 60 luxurious accommodations including tastefully appointed
floating cottages and houseboats, complemented with elaborate on-site
dining options, recreational and wellness facilities including a Spa.
Eastin Hotel Ahmedabad
announces opening date
Absolute Hotels Services has announced the opening date of its Eastin
Hotel in Ahmedabad.
The Eastin Hotel Ahmedabad will open to public on 15 March 2014 with
156 rooms, comprising 96 superior rooms, 56 deluxe rooms and six
luxury suites. The hotel will offer a special offer from 15 Feburary
with rooms priced at US$48 (INR3,000) per person per night, including
free Wi-Fi, daily extended breakfast hour, 48 hour room guarantee and
family floors.
Other leisure facilities include swimming pool with a juice bar on
terrace, Spa with three treatment rooms, a fitness center, special
dedicated family floor having facilities of play area for children and
conference and banquet facilities to cater large meeting groups,
corporate and social events.
Conrad Hotels to debut in
India
Hilton's luxury brand to launch in Pune next year
Hilton Worldwide has signed a new agreement that will see the luxury
Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand debut in India.
The US hotel giant has penned a management contract with Palm Grove
Beach Hotels for the Conrad Pune, which is expected to open next year
in the state of Maharashtra.
In doing so, it will become the first ever Conrad hotel in India and
marks the arrival of Hilton’s fifth brand in the country, following
Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and
Hampton by Hilton.
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Cultural
and
Historical
India/Nepal
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(9
Nights
/ 10
Days)
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Day 1- Arrive Delhi
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon half day combined sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid. Drive past India Gate, Secretariat and other Government Buildings and Red Fort. Overnight at the Hotel
Day 2 – Delhi/Jaipur (260 Kms)
Depart by surface and upon arrival check-in at the Hotel. Balance day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3 – Jaipur
Morning half day excursion to Amber Fort visiting Jagmandir or the Hall of Mirrors, Temple of Goddess Kali etc. Ascend on elephant back a top the hill on which the fort is situated. Afternoon half day city tour visiting City Palace (famous for its armoury and clothes museum). Observatory, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and drive past Albert Hall. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 – Jaipur/Agra (233 Kms)
Depart by surface for Agra enroute visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Agra check in at the hotel. Afternoon half day city tour of Agra visiting the world famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Overnight at the hotel. (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays).
Day 5 – Agra / Jhansi / Khajuraho
Depart by Shatabdi Express for Jhansi ex-Agra (Dep. : 0820 hrs., Arr.:1030 hrs.). Proceed to Khajuraho by surface (172 Kms), enroute visiting the Medieval Orchha. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 6 – Khajuraho / Varanasi
Morning half day tour of the world famous Khajuraho Temples. Afternoon depart for Varanasi by air. Transfer to hotel en-route visiting the famous Sarnath – where Buddha gave his first sermon. Overnight at the Hotel.
 Day 7 – Varanasi / Kathmandu
Early morning boat ride on the holy river Ganges to see the bathing Ghats and the cremation sites. Later city tour of Varanasi visiting the Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Durga Temple and drive past Benaras Hindu University. In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Kathmandu. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Balance day free for walking through the local bazaars. Overnight at the Hotel .
Day 8 – Kathmandu
 Morning half day city tour of Kathmandu visiting the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient Royal Residential Quarter and the Mahadev and Parvati Temple. Afternoon excursion to Swayambhunath and Patan – the old Newar City. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9 – Kathmandu
Morning half day excursion to Bhadgaon, Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the Hotel.
 Day 10 – Kathmandu / Delhi
Morning at leisure. Later in time transfer to airport to connect afternoon flight to Delhi. Assistance on arrival to connect flight for onward destination. An overnight stay can be envisaged in Delhi depending on onward flight departure at an additional cost.
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TOURISM INDIA MANAGEMENT ENTERPRISES PVT.LTD
Plot No. 78, Sector - 44,Gurgaon-122002,Haryana India
Phone :0091-124-4932450 Fax :0091-124-4932499
E-MAIL: timepl@tourismindiamanagement.com |
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