Timely Yours - June 2015

Dear Partners,

An idyllic destination for the vacationing and business traveler, Wayanad is a quaint hill District in north western Kerala, in a region of immense beauty and a dazzling variety of wildlife and fauna. The majestic landscape is strewn with lofty ridges, dense tropical forests, spectacular waterfalls and gurgling mountain streams. Numerous trekking trails snake through the forests, with numerous spots ideal for adventure sports.

This month we bring to you Wayanad, as the destination of the month.

Rgds: Sanjeev Joshi

 

         
         

Tourism Development
Modi may flag off 160 kmph Delhi-Agra train by end of June

There was a time when going to Agra from Delhi to see the Taj Mahal was a daunting task. But with the advent of high-tech trains, a visit to this world wonder doesn't seem taxing anymore. By coming up with the Gatimaan Express, a semi-high speed train that will run between New Delhi and Agra, the Indian Railways has added another feather to its cap.
The sixth and final trial for Gatimaan Express, the first semi high-speed train service between Delhi and Agra, was completed on 16th June, during which the train covered the 195-km journey in 115 minutes, clocking a maximum speed of 160-plus kmph. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the train, touted to be the country's fastest, in the third-fourth week of June.
Initially, this train will run between India’s two biggest tourist destinations: Delhi and Agra. As per various reports, after Delhi-Agra corridor, Gatimaan Express will soon be launched in these routes: Chandigarh-New Delhi; Kanpur-New Delhi; Hyderabad-Chennai; Goa-Mumbai; Nagpur-Bilaspur and Nagpur-Secunderabad.
                          

                         

IRCTC offers competitive airfare to unconfirmed ticket-holders
IRCTC has tied up with Go Air and Spicejet airlines for the benefit of its patrons. Courtesy an initiative of IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), passengers unable to travel in a train because their waitlisted ticket could not get confirmed now have the option to fly to their destination at a competitive fare.
Under the arrangement, IRCTC sends a mail to all waitlisted passengers booked through its website after the reservation chart of a train has been prepared. For availing the facility, the date of ticket booking has to be three days prior to the date of journey.
Explaining, an IRCTC official said the name of the passenger has to be same while the date of flight booking has to be the same day (date of original train journey or the day after),” he pointed out.
“The passenger may cancel the train ticket and try for air ticket through www.air.irctc.co.in for a sector in which the flight and seats are available. The facility is available on only those train routes that are also served by airlines,” he added.
The official said the price of flight ticket is lower than the dynamically priced air fare of the day for the particular airlines. “Go Air has tied up with us while Spicejet is yet to pass on its inventory. Talks are on with other airlines as well,” he added.

 

UP govt to add 17 viewing points for the Taj Mahal
According to Amita Verma for The Asian Age, the Akhilesh Yadav government has decided to set up 17 more viewing points for the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP) in order to enable tourists to view the monument of love from different angles. The additional viewing points are expected to boost tourist interest in the Taj Mahal, especially on days the monument is closed to public.
The Taj Mahal, it may be recalled, is closed for tourists on Fridays when Juma prayers are held inside. The new viewing points will allow tourists to view the Taj Mahal from different angles even on these days.
According to Pankaj Kumar, District Magistrate, Agra, the first lot of five benches that will be installed at these viewing points will be delivered within one month and installed at various vantage points on the Taj Nature Walk, the Chandra Shekhar Park, and inside the government forest guest house. “The remaining benches — each of them is being handcrafted — will be delivered later,” he said.
The official said that though this initiative was not designed to increase footfall in the Taj Mahal, it definitely aimed at avoiding inconvenience to tourists.

 

 

Travel With TIME

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.

                                         

Mamallapuram Temples - Tamil Nadu

(A World Heritage Site)

Airline News                                                                                                                                                                       Go To Top
AirAsia moves into northeast India -New route links Guwahati with Imphal


The low-cost carrier has commenced services between Guwahati, the largest city in the state of Assam, and Imphal, the capital of Manipur state.
This marks the second venture into northeast India for AirAsia, following the recent launch of flights between Delhi and Guwahati.
Other Indian destinations served by the airline include Bengaluru, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Vishakhapatnam and Kochi.
All AirAsia India’s flights are operated using a fleet of 180-seat, all-economy class Airbus A320 aircraft.
                                                                            

Bengaluru becomes next destination for Vistara

Vistara introduces two daily flights connecting Bengaluru to New Delhi and Mumbai. Bengaluru is Vistara’s second destination in South India after Hyderabad and the tenth destination overall since it commenced operations in January this year. Vistara’s rapidly growing network now offers 237 weekly frequencies connecting Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bagdogra, Guwahati, Goa, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai and Pune.
                                                                               


Pawan Hans launches helicopter service in Nagaland

As per a Nagaland Post report, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL) has launched service at Dimapur airport. Senti Pongener, General Manager (NST), PHHL, formally launched the 11-seater ‘Dauphin’ helicopter service in the presence of Captain Ajay Srivastava, Deputy General Manager, Operations, PHHL.
Briefing the media, Pongener said Pawan Hans will be running the chopper services till October 31, 2015 as per the agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Government of Nagaland and the understanding with the Ministry of Civil aviation (MoCA), he said.

Captain Srivastava said that Pawan Hans has come to Nagaland to serve the state government and will schedule flights for the public and VIPs as in the past. He also said that Pawan Hans Ltd and MoCA wanted to provide safe and priority services to the state government.

                                                                        

                                                                      

 

Hotel News                                                                                                                 Go To Top

Taj Hotels offers ‘Room for More’ packages with added value for 'bleisure' travellers till July 31

Taj Group has launched a selection of ‘Room for More’ packages across its Taj, Vivanta by Taj, and Gateway brands worldwide in response to the ever-changing demands of travellers. With the ‘bleisure’ trend on the rise – a compromise between high-pressure business demands and the daily quest for personal well-being – Taj has designed a series of special offers for business travellers who value productivity as well as new travel experiences, a release stated.
Third millennium corporate travellers work hard and play harder, as an increasing number is reported to add leisure holidays to business trips. To allow these travellers to immerse themselves in newly discovered destinations, Taj has launched the ‘Stay a Bit Longer’ offer, which includes an extra complimentary night based on three – seven night stays inclusive of WiFi and breakfasts. Other benefits include: 15 per cent off the best available rate with a minimum three-night stay, max. four nights; 20 percent off the best available rate with a minimum five-night stay; 25 per cent off the best available rate with a minimum seven-night stay.
With baby-boomers and millennial travellers in mind, Taj has designed the ‘Suite Saver’ offer. Guests can enjoy Taj’s legendary hospitality in opulent suites, across exotic destinations such as Goa and Kerala as well as the Grand Palaces. The ‘Suite Saver’ includes 25 per cent off on one-night accommodation in a suite, a welcome drink on arrival, breakfast and WiFi.
One can treat oneself to a stay, gourmet experience, rejuvenating spa treatment or airport transfer on Taj, with up to Rs 2,000 worth of hotel credits that can be saved and used at a later date. These offers are valid until 31st July 2015.

Keys Hotels launches second property in Kerala 'Keys Kochi'

Keys Hotels & Resorts, a leading chain of mid-market hotels, recently announced the launch of Keys Kochi, its second hotel in Kerala and 16th hotel across India, a company release stated. Kochi is considered a preferred destination for international and domestic tourists and a recent survey conducted by Nielsen ranks it as the sixth best tourist destination in India.
Hotel Keys Kochi, located close to Kerala’s famous backwaters, offers breathtaking views and coupled with its proximity to M G Road, Fort Cochin and the Info Park is slated to be an ideal option for both business and leisure travellers and tourists.
Keys Kochi is a fully equipped hotel with banquet facilities for conferences and receptions. The hotel has 151 rooms, many of which offer scenic views of the backwaters. The rooms are designed with a prime focus on guests’ comfort and hence are furnished with a relaxing couch and comfortable beds with duvets. Mineral water and tea-coffee are complimentary in each room and guests can also enjoy the 24-hour room service and WIFI access.
                                                                                                                                                   
                                                               
                                                                 
                                                                                                                      
                                                             
                                            

Recommended Tour of the Month                                                                                                                                 Go To Top

 

Wayanad


A discreet hill station located in north western Kerala, Wayanad is set along the higher slopes of the Nilagiri Biosphere on the southern fringe of the Deccan Plateau. The region is a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in India and Wyanad's evergreen forests mark the transition zone between the northern and southern eco regions of the Western Ghats. This is the most species-rich eco region in peninsular India with eighty percent of the flowering plant species of the entire mountain range found here.

Wayanad is ideal for travelers with a passion for the outdoors. The landscape is majestic, composed of rugged, lofty ridges interspersed with dense forests, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls and mountain streams. Numerous outback trails and trekking routes snake through the forests with many spots ideal for adventure sports. Visitors will also find delight in the dazzling profusion of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Wayanad is home to many ancient, indigenous nomadic tribes who still practice their age-old customs and rituals. The forests also contain the fascinating Edakkal Caves, a Neolithic cave dwelling with Petroglyphs, the only known example in South India and a protected UNESCO Heritage Site.


History
According to archaeological evidence, the Wayanad forests have been inhabited for more than 3,000 years. Historians are of the view that human settlement existed in these parts for at least ten centuries before Christ. Much evidences of New Stone Age civilization can be seen in the hills throughout the present day Wayanad district. The two caves of Ampukuthimala, with pictures on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of a bygone civilization. The recorded history of this district exists only from the 18th century onward.

Activities

The distinctive environs of Wyanad offer a host of options that make the area ideal for trekking, to visit a village of indigenous tribals who still follow an ancient way of life, to go on plantation tours nearby, take part in Yoga and meditation sessions or visit the many other attractions in Wayanad.

Pookot Lake
Set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by evergreen forests and wooded hills, Pookote is one of Wayanad's top visitor draws.

Soojipara Waterfalls
It is a thundering three-tiered waterfall. These falls capture nature at her best. This place is also famous for rock climbing. Best season is from June till January. Distance-38 Kms.

Kuruva Islands
The Kuruva Island with 950 acres of evergreen forest lies on one of the tributaries of the Kabini. The island is home to various species of rare birds, orchids and herbs.

Kuruva Dweep
These are little islets in the river Kabini. This is an ideal picnic spot for people to just spend one whole day with nature.


Thirunelli Temple
The temple is on the banks of the beautiful Papanasi River. It is believed that people can wash out their sins by immersing themselves here in the water.


Chembra Peak

At 2100 meters, the spectacular Chembra Peak located towards the southern part of Wayanad is the tallest summit in the region. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavor and would take a full day.
The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo opportunities. Camping on the peak is a unforgettable experience.



Chain Tree
Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman (and thus, the name). (9kms - 20mins drive) Edakkal Caves 1000mts above sea level, this ancient natural cave exhibits ancient carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the stone ages.
 


Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wayanad abounds in wildlife sanctuaries. Elephants, spotted deer, sloth bear, samba and gaur are just some of the species you can spot. The distances of the various sanctuaries from the resort are as follows: Muthanga - 55kms, Nagarhole - 70kms, Bandipur - 75kms, Muthumala - 100kms, Tholpatti - 70kms.



Muthanga
Spread over a vast area Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. Located 18 kms East of Sultan Bathery, it is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.


Banasura Sagar Dam
Considered to be the second largest earth dam in Asia, the Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak. An interesting feature is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas. Speed boating facility is available in this place.

 

 

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