The road show of Thomas Cook (India) Limited offering a wide array of travel offers and discounts will arrive in the city on January 24. Into its third edition, the annual road show was kicked off in Cochin. The 3-month road show is aimed at showcasing the viability of Thomas Cook’s business and a chance to plan perfect holiday for all.
According to TCIL Executive Director Rakshit Desai, the event would cover key destinations like Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Goa while various others such as Gurgaon, Noida, Kanpur, Guwahati and Bhopal were added.
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Showing posts with label Travel Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Guide. Show all posts
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Longer you stay at Taj, the more you'll pay
Saying "wah Taj" for too long is set to get more expensive.
Taj Mahal gets a minimum 15,000 visitors every day and the maximum ever recorded was almost 55,000 on December 29, 2009. Worried that such mammoth footfalls would put a huge strain on the world heritage site, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is switching to a `stay more, pay more' concept to dissuade visitors from staying for too long.
At present, an Indian visitor can stay inside Taj from sunrise to sunset for Rs 10. "We are going to introduce bar-coded magnetic strip tickets that will be printed at Nashik's Government Security Press (where currency notes are printed). A certain maximum number of hours' stay (most probably two to four) would be allowed for the basic entry fee of Rs 10 (for Indians) and Rs 750 for foreign visitors. Staying beyond that would mean a very high charge and we are working on that figure," said a top ASI official.
The magnetic ticket would register the visitor's entry time at the Taj. While exiting, the duration of the person's stay would be checked and he or she would then have to pay the extra fee for staying beyond the maximum permissible time of the basic price.
According to ASI, Taj gets 12-14,000 visitors daily. "The minimum visitors are close to 15,000 as this figure is just for tickets sold. Children below 15 don't have to buy tickets and so those visitors are not counted. We saw a new record of 40,000 tickets being sold on December 29, 2009, and adding children the number of visitors that day was about 55,000," said the official.
In fact, now the ASI is getting a scientific study to find the carrying capacity of Taj Mahal. This will be done along with another study to find the number of hours that should be allowed in base ticket prices.
UP administration levies a steep fee on Taj tickets in the form of Agra Development Authority charge on fee that's Rs 500 over the ASI ticket of Rs 250 for foreigners. "But in return, successive state governments have done precious little in terms of keeping surroundings of Taj, including its access points, clean. So we want to at least keep the precincts of Taj clean. At present, scores of photographers and guides buy the Rs 10 ticket and spend the day at Taj Mahal's main entry door inside the complex," said sources.
Now, they will be stationed at the visitor centre at Taj. A visitor wishing to engage them would have to buy entry ticket for them. And if they stay longer than allowed, the visitor will have to pay for their extra stay too.
Taj Mahal gets a minimum 15,000 visitors every day and the maximum ever recorded was almost 55,000 on December 29, 2009. Worried that such mammoth footfalls would put a huge strain on the world heritage site, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is switching to a `stay more, pay more' concept to dissuade visitors from staying for too long.
At present, an Indian visitor can stay inside Taj from sunrise to sunset for Rs 10. "We are going to introduce bar-coded magnetic strip tickets that will be printed at Nashik's Government Security Press (where currency notes are printed). A certain maximum number of hours' stay (most probably two to four) would be allowed for the basic entry fee of Rs 10 (for Indians) and Rs 750 for foreign visitors. Staying beyond that would mean a very high charge and we are working on that figure," said a top ASI official.
The magnetic ticket would register the visitor's entry time at the Taj. While exiting, the duration of the person's stay would be checked and he or she would then have to pay the extra fee for staying beyond the maximum permissible time of the basic price.
According to ASI, Taj gets 12-14,000 visitors daily. "The minimum visitors are close to 15,000 as this figure is just for tickets sold. Children below 15 don't have to buy tickets and so those visitors are not counted. We saw a new record of 40,000 tickets being sold on December 29, 2009, and adding children the number of visitors that day was about 55,000," said the official.
In fact, now the ASI is getting a scientific study to find the carrying capacity of Taj Mahal. This will be done along with another study to find the number of hours that should be allowed in base ticket prices.
UP administration levies a steep fee on Taj tickets in the form of Agra Development Authority charge on fee that's Rs 500 over the ASI ticket of Rs 250 for foreigners. "But in return, successive state governments have done precious little in terms of keeping surroundings of Taj, including its access points, clean. So we want to at least keep the precincts of Taj clean. At present, scores of photographers and guides buy the Rs 10 ticket and spend the day at Taj Mahal's main entry door inside the complex," said sources.
Now, they will be stationed at the visitor centre at Taj. A visitor wishing to engage them would have to buy entry ticket for them. And if they stay longer than allowed, the visitor will have to pay for their extra stay too.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Special flight package tours to Hampi
Addressing presspersons here on Sunday, Tourism Minister G. Janardhan Reddy, who is also chairman of the Cabinet sub-committee to organise the event, said that special flight package tours would be organised from Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Goa to enable the tourists, both domestic and foreign, to visit Hampi. The flights, with private-public participation, would start operating from January 15 for a fortnight.“It will be a two-day package tour, inclusive of all — transport, boarding, lodging and sight-seeing. The tourists will be taken round Hampi to be shown the rich culture, tradition, their engineering expertise and mastery over the art and architecture. The Tourism Department has launched a campaign to publicise the event, which is also clubbed with the annual Hampi Utsav — a three-day mega cultural festival of dance, drama and music — in major cities for which Rs. 3 crore has been earmarked,” Mr. Reddy.
The Minister said the State Government had earmarked Rs. 30 crore for the celebrations of the event, of which about Rs. 15 crore would be utilised for the three-day mega cultural festival to be held at Hampi from January 27 to 29.
A skywalk would be erected temporarily, from the vehicle parking area to the main venue, keeping in view the large public participation.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Pilgrimage centres turning into sex hotspots: Study
The search for the divine has ended at more earthly pleasures. Two independent studies have pointed to a disturbing trend that Alarmingly, it is children that are the most vulnerable.
A nationwide study by NGO Gram Niyojan Kendra commissioned by the ministry for women and child development — that studied 68 places of tourist interest — found that after major cities and places for sightseeing, pilgrim centres were a growing hub.
Incidentally, the report said that domestic tourists were “overwhelmingly involved” in sex with commercial sex workers while foreign tourists were “engaged” in paedophilia and sex with minors through short-term marriages. The study, however, clarified that foreign tourists visiting India for sex were restricted to a few places rather than the entire country.
A study by Bangalore-based NGO Equations earlier this year has said that increasing number of cases of child abuse were being reported from pilgrim sites like Tirupati, Guruvayoor and Puri. The study — ‘Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism: The Indian Context’ — looked into exploitation of male children, but pointed out that the same was true for women as well.
Both reports have also pointed to the lack of legislation at the state level or detrimental measures to control sex offenders from revisiting sites. Troubled by reports of such blatant violations, the Union tourism ministry is now working on a code of conduct for ethical tourism.
A nationwide study by NGO Gram Niyojan Kendra commissioned by the ministry for women and child development — that studied 68 places of tourist interest — found that after major cities and places for sightseeing, pilgrim centres were a growing hub.
Incidentally, the report said that domestic tourists were “overwhelmingly involved” in sex with commercial sex workers while foreign tourists were “engaged” in paedophilia and sex with minors through short-term marriages. The study, however, clarified that foreign tourists visiting India for sex were restricted to a few places rather than the entire country.
A study by Bangalore-based NGO Equations earlier this year has said that increasing number of cases of child abuse were being reported from pilgrim sites like Tirupati, Guruvayoor and Puri. The study — ‘Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism: The Indian Context’ — looked into exploitation of male children, but pointed out that the same was true for women as well.
Both reports have also pointed to the lack of legislation at the state level or detrimental measures to control sex offenders from revisiting sites. Troubled by reports of such blatant violations, the Union tourism ministry is now working on a code of conduct for ethical tourism.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Special trains
South Western Railway will run special trains to cater to the extra rush. Accordingly, Hubli-Yeshvanthpur-Kochuveli-Hubli weekly special (2777-A) will leave Hubli at 1.45 p.m. on October 20 and reach Yeshvanthpur at 9.20 p.m. and depart at 9.40 p.m. to reach Kochuveli at 4.30 a.m. on Wednesday.
In the return direction, Kochuveli-Yeshvanthpur-Hubli (2778-A) will leave Kochuveli at 12.45 p.m. on October 22 and reach Yeshvanthpur at 4.30 a.m. and depart at 4.50 a.m. on Friday to reach Hubli at 1.50 p.m. on the same day, according to a press release.
Travel Guide,
In the return direction, Kochuveli-Yeshvanthpur-Hubli (2778-A) will leave Kochuveli at 12.45 p.m. on October 22 and reach Yeshvanthpur at 4.30 a.m. and depart at 4.50 a.m. on Friday to reach Hubli at 1.50 p.m. on the same day, according to a press release.
Travel Guide,
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Names fly: BIA is KIA
“We are landing at Kempe Gowda International Airport. This is the pilot speaking. The outside temperature is 23 degree Celsius. Have a pleasant stay in Bengaluru...”
A year and a half since it began operations, Bengaluru International Airport is set to be officially re-named after Kempe Gowda, who founded Bendakaluru — the city of beans — in 1537. A formal inauguration and installation of the 16th century chieftain’s statue at the entrance of the terminal building is expected
soon.
soon.
The move comes after an unofficial survey by the government found the name had overwhelming popular appeal, somewhat forcing Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa's hand, despite it being a half-nod towards the powerful Vokkaliga community, traditionally ranged against the ruling party.
Some of the names that didn't make the cut? Tipu Sultan, M. Visveswaraya, S. Nijalinagappa, Basaveshwara and B.R. Ambedkar.
The Vokkaligara Sangha is ready with the 13-feet, 3,550-kg bronze statue of Kempe Gowda, currently housed at sculptor B.C. Shivakumar’s workshop in Rajarajeshwarinagar. The sculptor with the assistance of five others worked on the statue for over two years. All that is needed now is for the cabinet to clear the proposal, and a final nod from the ministry of civil aviation.
Patna-Bangalore special train to clear extra rush
A weekly super fast special train between Patna and Bangalore city via Vijayawada is being operated from September 29 till October 30 for clearing extra rush of passengers.
A press release issued by the South Central Railway here on Wednesday said train no.2296 A will leave Patna on October 6, 13, 20 and 27(every Tuesday) at 8.10 p.m. and reach Bangalore city at 8.10 p.m. the second day (Thursday). In the return direction train no.2295 A will depart from Bangalore city on October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (Friday) at 9.30 a.m. and reach Patna at 9.50 a.m. the second day (Sunday).
En route the trains will stop at Mughalsarai, Chhewki, Satna, Kutni, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Nagpur, Balharsha, Vijayawada, Gudur, Chennai, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpet and Bangalore Cantonment in both the directions. The trains will have 19 coaches in all.
A press release issued by the South Central Railway here on Wednesday said train no.2296 A will leave Patna on October 6, 13, 20 and 27(every Tuesday) at 8.10 p.m. and reach Bangalore city at 8.10 p.m. the second day (Thursday). In the return direction train no.2295 A will depart from Bangalore city on October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 (Friday) at 9.30 a.m. and reach Patna at 9.50 a.m. the second day (Sunday).
En route the trains will stop at Mughalsarai, Chhewki, Satna, Kutni, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Nagpur, Balharsha, Vijayawada, Gudur, Chennai, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpet and Bangalore Cantonment in both the directions. The trains will have 19 coaches in all.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Flyers to pay more for second check-in bag
Flying is all set to get more expensive with the concept of pay for check-in baggage arriving in India this week. One of US' biggest
carriers, American Airlines, has from Monday discontinued the earlier practice of allowing economy passengers to check in two bags of up to 23 kg each for no charge. The airline, which flies between Delhi and Chicago, will now charge $50 for the second bag and $150 for the third one, said the airline's call centre.
Aviation industry insiders say the concept had been prevalent in US and Europe for a while and it was only a matter of time before cash-strapped airlines here too start levying it. "It is a new trend that has come to India. So far only American has told us of this change. Very soon, other airlines, including domestic low cost carriers, could start levying it here too. Nothing will come for free to flyers," said Rajendra Rai, president of the Travel Agents Association of India.
American's website said: "Customers purchasing economy class tickets on or after September 14 (for travel between) India (some other countries) and US .... may check one bag for no charge and the second bag for $50." The airline's call centre said the first bag allowed to be cheked in for free should weigh up to 23 kg. "If that bag is over 23 kg and below 32 kg, a charge of $50 will be for being overweight. Similarly, if the second or third bags also weigh between 23 and 32 kg, then a similar fee of $50 will be levied on each in addition to the additional bag charge of $50 and $150," said the call centre for economy class passengers. People flying out of India can pay in rupees.
Foreign carriers, especially US airlines, had earlier this year started levying charge for both internal and international flights. Many even levy a charge of $20-30 for the first check-in bag. LCCs abroad, like Britain's Ryan Air, also make passengers pay for check-in baggage.
"Airlines have suffered huge losses in past two years and now are looking at every possible way of increasing revenue generation. Jet Airways chief Naresh Goyal always used to say that charging for food onboard is not possible as that's like charging for lunch and dinner that's served at home to guests. But he had to change that philosophy for his LCC when airlines flew into a financial bad weather. So nothing is impossible," said an airline CEO.
Which means, Indian passengers paying for food onboard LCCs should now get ready for a host of other levies like those on check-in bags and then, as an industry joke goes, for using the toilet.
carriers, American Airlines, has from Monday discontinued the earlier practice of allowing economy passengers to check in two bags of up to 23 kg each for no charge. The airline, which flies between Delhi and Chicago, will now charge $50 for the second bag and $150 for the third one, said the airline's call centre.
Aviation industry insiders say the concept had been prevalent in US and Europe for a while and it was only a matter of time before cash-strapped airlines here too start levying it. "It is a new trend that has come to India. So far only American has told us of this change. Very soon, other airlines, including domestic low cost carriers, could start levying it here too. Nothing will come for free to flyers," said Rajendra Rai, president of the Travel Agents Association of India.
American's website said: "Customers purchasing economy class tickets on or after September 14 (for travel between) India (some other countries) and US .... may check one bag for no charge and the second bag for $50." The airline's call centre said the first bag allowed to be cheked in for free should weigh up to 23 kg. "If that bag is over 23 kg and below 32 kg, a charge of $50 will be for being overweight. Similarly, if the second or third bags also weigh between 23 and 32 kg, then a similar fee of $50 will be levied on each in addition to the additional bag charge of $50 and $150," said the call centre for economy class passengers. People flying out of India can pay in rupees.
Foreign carriers, especially US airlines, had earlier this year started levying charge for both internal and international flights. Many even levy a charge of $20-30 for the first check-in bag. LCCs abroad, like Britain's Ryan Air, also make passengers pay for check-in baggage.
"Airlines have suffered huge losses in past two years and now are looking at every possible way of increasing revenue generation. Jet Airways chief Naresh Goyal always used to say that charging for food onboard is not possible as that's like charging for lunch and dinner that's served at home to guests. But he had to change that philosophy for his LCC when airlines flew into a financial bad weather. So nothing is impossible," said an airline CEO.
Which means, Indian passengers paying for food onboard LCCs should now get ready for a host of other levies like those on check-in bags and then, as an industry joke goes, for using the toilet.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Great Britain beckons Indian tourists with its hotspots
Showcasing the best of Great Britain to Bangaloreans, Britain and Ireland India Mission was in Bangalore to promote tourism destinations in Britain.
Representatives of Wimbledon and Harrods, two favourite tourist destinations, joined the representatives of London, Yorkshire and Manchester.
A large number of tour operators were also part of the mission which visited Bangalore for the first time. Apart from being a destination for hardcore tennis fans during the Grand Slam matches, Wimbledon offers sports enthusiasts a museum thrown open throughout the year. It makes a visit to this tennis city compelling.
“Increasing wealth of people resulting in leisure travel, improvement in connectivity and a long history of association with the United Kingdom has increased the number of Indians travelling to Britain,” Visit Britain Chief Executive Officer Sandie Dawe told The Hindu. She said at present, Britain receives about four lakh tourists from India annually, and it wants to increase it to one million over the next seven to eight years.
Indians on an average stay in Britain for 21 days and spend about 700 pounds.
Tourist flow “Of the total Indians travelling to Britain, about 26 to 28 per cent are from the south, and Mumbai accounts for about 34 per cent.” Ms. Dawe said that India is among the growing markets for Britain, and expect the number to go up in future.
Representatives of Wimbledon and Harrods, two favourite tourist destinations, joined the representatives of London, Yorkshire and Manchester.
A large number of tour operators were also part of the mission which visited Bangalore for the first time. Apart from being a destination for hardcore tennis fans during the Grand Slam matches, Wimbledon offers sports enthusiasts a museum thrown open throughout the year. It makes a visit to this tennis city compelling.
Indians on an average stay in Britain for 21 days and spend about 700 pounds.
Tourist flow “Of the total Indians travelling to Britain, about 26 to 28 per cent are from the south, and Mumbai accounts for about 34 per cent.” Ms. Dawe said that India is among the growing markets for Britain, and expect the number to go up in future.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Travellers find ‘Hidden Gems’ in the hospitality sector
Hotels and restaurants across categories in Bangalore have been rated, based on popularity index, to benefit tourists visiting Bangalore.
The TripAdvisor, an online travel community, has rated the hotels based on the reviews received on over 400 hotels in Bangalore.
While St. Mark’s Hotel has notched the top slot, it is followed by The Taj West End and ITC Windsor. Savannah Sarovar Premiere has been selected as the top value hotel, while The Taj West End has been rated as the best luxury hotel.
The best
The Leela Palace Kempinski has been rated as the best business hotel. The Corner House has been rated as the best restaurant in Bangalore, followed by Jamavar at the Leela Palace and Barbeque Nation.
“The TripAdvisor Popularity Index is an invaluable tool, both to business and leisure travellers, to help them select a hotel or restaurant based on their budget.
Index
Based on the unbiased opinions of millions of travellers, the popularity index unearths the best hotels and restaurants in destination after destination with amazing regularity,” Sharat Dhall, Managing Director TripAdvisor India, told presspersons here on Wednesday.
The TripAdvisor hotel popularity index regularly features hotels which could be referred to as ‘Hidden Gems’, those which are not necessarily part of large recognised chains, but which make a lasting impression on their guests due to various factors such as providing excellent value for money, highly personalised service, or great attention to detail, a release said.
The release said that www.tripadvisor.in was launched in August 2008 and attracts over 1.5 million Indian visitors each month, with unbiased travel information on thousands of destinations and hotels in India and worldwide, which makes it one of India’s leading travel websites.
The TripAdvisor, an online travel community, has rated the hotels based on the reviews received on over 400 hotels in Bangalore.
While St. Mark’s Hotel has notched the top slot, it is followed by The Taj West End and ITC Windsor. Savannah Sarovar Premiere has been selected as the top value hotel, while The Taj West End has been rated as the best luxury hotel.
The best
The Leela Palace Kempinski has been rated as the best business hotel. The Corner House has been rated as the best restaurant in Bangalore, followed by Jamavar at the Leela Palace and Barbeque Nation.
“The TripAdvisor Popularity Index is an invaluable tool, both to business and leisure travellers, to help them select a hotel or restaurant based on their budget.
Index
Based on the unbiased opinions of millions of travellers, the popularity index unearths the best hotels and restaurants in destination after destination with amazing regularity,” Sharat Dhall, Managing Director TripAdvisor India, told presspersons here on Wednesday.
The TripAdvisor hotel popularity index regularly features hotels which could be referred to as ‘Hidden Gems’, those which are not necessarily part of large recognised chains, but which make a lasting impression on their guests due to various factors such as providing excellent value for money, highly personalised service, or great attention to detail, a release said.
The release said that www.tripadvisor.in was launched in August 2008 and attracts over 1.5 million Indian visitors each month, with unbiased travel information on thousands of destinations and hotels in India and worldwide, which makes it one of India’s leading travel websites.
Haj applications
Aspiring Haj pilgrims who were not selected during 2006, 2007 and 2008 Haj seasons will be given an opportunity to perform the pilgrimage this year. They should submit the applications along with valid International passports and proof of previous cover numbers before September 5. Candidates can download forms from www.hajcommittee.com.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Longest solar eclipse: Travel cos line up exotic packages
This is like seeing the bright side of an eclipse. Travel companies in India are planning to cash in on the longest solar eclipse of Solar eclipse the 21st century on July 22. You can watch the eclipse from a Boeing flying above the clouds in Gaya, or learn about the phenomenon from experts on the ghats of Varanasi or even fly to China, ride the Maglev, attend a workshop and then get down to business in the city of Anqing.
Cox & Kings is offering a special flight to witness the spectacle from up close. For Rs 29,000-79,000 you can take up a plum window seat on a Boeing 737-700 and watch the eclipse from above the clouds. Says executive director Arup Sen, “This is the first time we have attempted this journey. We already have a number of bookings.”
The eclipse flight will last for three hours. It will take off from New Delhi, fly towards and hold over Gaya till the eclipse time. The aircraft will be intercepting the middle of the eclipse shadow at a height of 41,000 feet.
Another travel company, Vibgyor Travels is selling a package to inbound tourists for a visit to the holy city of Varanasi. Tour manager Anju Bali says the company is offering a 9 nights-10 days package, which includes eclipse observation with experts from the banks of the river Ganges. “Guides from the Indira Gandhi Planetarium will assist our visitors to understand and see the eclipse better. The package costs UKP 675.”
If one wants to have a glimpse of history from foreign shores, you needn’t be disappointed. Amit Verma of Space Technology and Education is organising an “eclipse package” to the Chinese town of Anqing.
“Anqing has been selected as our eclipse site. We have outlined several photographic experiments which can be accomplished by those going on this trip. Experienced eclipse chasers will be going along with the group to explain the eclipse phenomena,” he says. The China tour begins with a ride on the Maglev train, which runs at a high speed of 431 km an hour, and includes visits to Beijing, Sanghai and the Great Wall. But Space says its high-point will be the eclipse observation. “A multimedia enabled, two-hour workshop will be conducted for all tour participants.”
Eclipses have been a fancy of travellers in African and some western countries, but it has never been a tourist's delight of such measure in India before. The opportunity of drawing tourists with a six-and-a-half minutes once in a lifetime eclipse has been irresistible for travel firms, who are adding the spectacle to their regular tours.
Says Rajendra Singh, the director of Incredible Real India Tour, “We have clubbed the eclipse with our regular tour packages to make them more interesting and exciting. We never thought it will become such a hit.” The company is organising special viewing in Varanasi for which their regular travellers will not be charged anything extra.
In India, the eclipse can also be seen in other states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
Those who take the right side window seats will get to see the ‘sun side’, while those who take the left side window seats can see the ‘earth side’ and will witness the shadow on the earth, Sen adds.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
Cox & Kings is offering a special flight to witness the spectacle from up close. For Rs 29,000-79,000 you can take up a plum window seat on a Boeing 737-700 and watch the eclipse from above the clouds. Says executive director Arup Sen, “This is the first time we have attempted this journey. We already have a number of bookings.”
The eclipse flight will last for three hours. It will take off from New Delhi, fly towards and hold over Gaya till the eclipse time. The aircraft will be intercepting the middle of the eclipse shadow at a height of 41,000 feet.
Another travel company, Vibgyor Travels is selling a package to inbound tourists for a visit to the holy city of Varanasi. Tour manager Anju Bali says the company is offering a 9 nights-10 days package, which includes eclipse observation with experts from the banks of the river Ganges. “Guides from the Indira Gandhi Planetarium will assist our visitors to understand and see the eclipse better. The package costs UKP 675.”
If one wants to have a glimpse of history from foreign shores, you needn’t be disappointed. Amit Verma of Space Technology and Education is organising an “eclipse package” to the Chinese town of Anqing.
“Anqing has been selected as our eclipse site. We have outlined several photographic experiments which can be accomplished by those going on this trip. Experienced eclipse chasers will be going along with the group to explain the eclipse phenomena,” he says. The China tour begins with a ride on the Maglev train, which runs at a high speed of 431 km an hour, and includes visits to Beijing, Sanghai and the Great Wall. But Space says its high-point will be the eclipse observation. “A multimedia enabled, two-hour workshop will be conducted for all tour participants.”
Eclipses have been a fancy of travellers in African and some western countries, but it has never been a tourist's delight of such measure in India before. The opportunity of drawing tourists with a six-and-a-half minutes once in a lifetime eclipse has been irresistible for travel firms, who are adding the spectacle to their regular tours.
Says Rajendra Singh, the director of Incredible Real India Tour, “We have clubbed the eclipse with our regular tour packages to make them more interesting and exciting. We never thought it will become such a hit.” The company is organising special viewing in Varanasi for which their regular travellers will not be charged anything extra.
In India, the eclipse can also be seen in other states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
Those who take the right side window seats will get to see the ‘sun side’, while those who take the left side window seats can see the ‘earth side’ and will witness the shadow on the earth, Sen adds.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Vizag-Shirdi special trains to be extended
The East Coast Railway is extending the Visakhapatnam-Shirdi-Visakhapatnam bi-weekly special trains up to July 30, to clear extra rush of passengers.
A press release from the South Central Railway said here on Monday that the train no.0867 will leave Visakhapatnam on Wednesdays and Saturdays on July 1, 4, 8,11,15,18, 22, 25 and 29 at 5.30 a.m. It will reach Shirdi at 11 a.m. the next day. In the return direction, the train no.0868 will leave Shirdi on Thursdays and Sundays at 6.20 p.m. on July 2, 5, 9,12, 16,19, 23,26, 30. It will reach Visakhapatnam at 10.45 p.m. the next day. The trains will stop at Duvvada, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Secunderabad, Bolarum, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Basar, Nanded, Puma, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Nagarsol, Manmad, Kopargaon and Puntamba. They will have 18 coaches---one AC two tier, one AC three tier, eight sleeper class, six general second class and two second class luggage-cum-brake van coaches.
A press release from the South Central Railway said here on Monday that the train no.0867 will leave Visakhapatnam on Wednesdays and Saturdays on July 1, 4, 8,11,15,18, 22, 25 and 29 at 5.30 a.m. It will reach Shirdi at 11 a.m. the next day. In the return direction, the train no.0868 will leave Shirdi on Thursdays and Sundays at 6.20 p.m. on July 2, 5, 9,12, 16,19, 23,26, 30. It will reach Visakhapatnam at 10.45 p.m. the next day. The trains will stop at Duvvada, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Secunderabad, Bolarum, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Basar, Nanded, Puma, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Nagarsol, Manmad, Kopargaon and Puntamba. They will have 18 coaches---one AC two tier, one AC three tier, eight sleeper class, six general second class and two second class luggage-cum-brake van coaches.
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