Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala

Quick Facts
Situated in : Kerala, 218 kms, south of Kochi
Major Attractions: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Vizhinjam, Bhagawathy Temple
Ideal Time to Visit: October to February

Earlier known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram lies towards the southern end of the state on the low lying hills of the Western Coast of India, interspersed by ridges and lanes. Trivandrum is an ancient city the traces of which can be found as early as 1000 B.C. Even then the city was an established trade and commerce centre. The city was made the capital of Travancore in the year 1745 during the reign of Marthanda Varma. Presently, the city is one of the primary commercial and industrial areas located in the state of Kerala.

Trivandrum is dotted with a range of hotels. Budget hotels are most in number and located throughout the city. Some known hotels of Trivandrum are Muthoot Plaza Hotel, South Park Hotel, Hotel Saj Lucia, Hotel Residency Tower, Hotel Mascot and Hotel Pankaj. Trivandrum is connected with other city and states by all major means of transport. There are buses, trains and airways providing the services in the city.

Major Attractions of Trivandrum
Shree Padhmanabhaswamy Temple: Situated in the heart of the city, Shree Padhmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to 'Padmanabhaswamy', an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is built in a typical Dravidian style, which is unusual for a temple in Kerala and features a tall gopuram. It happens to be one of the most revered places of Hindus and every year thousands of them reach the site to pay the homage and for offerings.

Bhagawathy Temple: One of the popular worshipping places in Kerala, Bhagawathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathy. The temple site is a great attraction during the festival days of Ponal Utsavam, which is celebrated for 10 days.

Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: The palace was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. The architecture of the palace represents typical Travancore style with incredible wood carving. The palace also features paintings and valuable articles belonging to the royal family, that have been preserved here.

Government Art Museum: The Government Art Museum or Napier Museum as it is popularly called has been built in the year 1880 in the honour of Lord Napier. The museum houses great archaeological and historical artifacts.

Vizhinjam: The place used to be a popular site for the Dutch and Portuguese traders. It is located south of Kovalam beach and represents a modern fishing harbour.

M.G.Road: The road is a popular shopping area located in the city. Sandalwood, brass and oil lamps are extensively sold in the markets here. A lot of general stores and arts, antiquities shops are located at M.G.Road. The Connemara Market is great shopping place here.

Kovalam Beach: Just 16 kms from the city is the popular Kovalam Beach. The beach comprises of a series of beaches, the best one being the southern most. The beach area has emerged as a great tourist place and is lined up with resorts and tourist cottages.

Baggage Rules of India

Introduction to Baggage Rules of India
Travelling has is one of the essential and favourite activity for people living worldwide. Usually people moving from one place to another place carry essential belongings with themselves. These personal belongings of immediate use that one carries while travelling in general, are termed as 'Baggage'. However, almost all nations of the world have fixed some special rules for ‘Baggage’.

Like other countries of the world, India has its own set of Baggage laws that are meant for people who are travelling to or from India. The Government of India has carved out certain baggage rules keeping in mind the liberty of the foreign tourists. Most importnatly Indian Government also ensure that the same rules and the associated freedom of carrying the genuine baggage shouldn't be misused by the International passengers, thereby not causing any injury to the commercial and economic interest of the country.

The Baggage Rules of India
The import and export of goods in India come under Exchange Management and Regulation Act 1992. According to the Regulation Act of 1992, one is liable to have an import or export license for the purpose of exporting and importing goods. Each article that is carried to or from India is also subject to the payment of custom duties at certain prescribed rates. The passengers also need to take a clearance from the concerned custom official before leaving or reaching the country. For this a declaration needs to be made by the owner describing about his possessions. This process is to be done on a prescribed form, according to which the rates of duty and tariff evaluation are determined.

The Baggage rules in India vary in different situations according to the number of days a passenger is to stay in the country, the country he/ she is travelling from and importantly the age of the passengers. Every traveller receives a duty free allowance by which they can bring various goods to the country without parting with any amount. However if the value of goods exceed the duty the allowance then a flat customs duty needs to be paid on the value exceeded.

Prohibited and Restricted Goods According to Indian Rules
Certain goods are prohibited and restricted for import/ export. Some of the goods are:
- Antiquities
- Counterfeit and pirated goods
- Firearms and ammunition
- Gold, silver and other ornaments
- Indian and Foreign currency in excess of prescribed limit. Indian currency should not exceed more than Rs.1,000
- Narcotic Drugs
- Pornographic Material
- Pet animals and birds
- Plants and their produce
- Radio Transmitters

For more information visit

http://www.cbec.gov.in/customs/cs-act/formatted-htmls/cs-rulef.htm

Kozhikode

Quick Facts

Popularly Known As: Calicut
Major Attractions: Kappad, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Suitable Time to Visit: September to February

Previously known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a beautiful town in Kerala State. Kozhikode is typically a coastal town sandwiched between the districts of Kannur and Malappuram. Set along the cool blue Arabian Sea, the town is renowned for important historic sites, serene beaches, beautiful hills, tranquil backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and many other attractions. Kozhikode is easily accessible by air, rail and road transport. For accommodation there are budget, luxury and star category hotels.

Major Attractions in Kozhikode
Kozhikode Beach: A fun beach Kozhikode Beach is home to a number of attractions that include amusement parks, lighthouse and two very old piers. Also enjoy the astonishing sunset view from the beach.

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery: The museum has a great collection of arts and antiquities. You can see exhibits like ancient murals, ancient bronze articles, coins, models of temples and some megalithic monuments.

Kozhikode Planetarium: The panetarium is located at Jaffarkhan colony. The planetarium reveals the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Daily shows are hosted at the place, at 12 o'clock, 02 p.m., 04 p.m. and 06 p.m.

Velliyamkallu: The massive rock on the shores is considered as dangerous place that navigators were often afraid of. The rock used to be employed by the Marakkars as a vantage point against the invading Portuguese.

Kalipoika: Just 2 km from Kozhikode, Kalipoika offers unique boating experience. Some other attractions located nearby include Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kirtads, , Payyoli, Kakkayam, Varakkal Devi Temple, Tusharagiri, St. Mary's Church, Buddha Vihar, Peruvannamuzhi, Vellari Mala, Wayanad Ghats, Kuttiyadi, Iringal, Mananchira Maidan, Kuttichira, Mishkal Masjid, Pishakarikavu, Lokanarkavu Temple, Mannur Temple, Ponmeri, etc.

Beypore Harbour: Beypore Harbour is situated on Chaliyar River, around10 km south of Kozhikode. The old port is a popular attraction and features a community that has been building vessels for more than one and a half millennia.

Kappad Beach: Set approximately 16 km away from Kozhikode, the beautiful beach is popular as the place where Vasco De Gama landed on 27th May 1498. A monument had been established on the beach that commemorates the event. From the beach you can enjoy great view of the stretched out sea. Also visit the temple built on the rocks that reach out for the sea.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Situated 25 km away from Kozhikode, the bird sanctuary homes hundreds of bird species including terns, sea gulls, herons, sandpipers, etc.

Srinagar - a paradise on earth

Quick Facts
Situated in: Jammu & Kashmir
Popular As: Summer Capital of Jammu and Kashmir
Major Attractions : Dal Lake, Hazratbal Mosque, Nagin Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chasma Shahi, Jama Masjid, Museum etc .
Suitable Time To Visit : March to October

One of the most beautiful cities in India, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state. Set along the beautil Dal Lake and Jhelum River, Srinagar thronged by discerning tourist and honeymooners in large numbers. Besides serving as a base for holidays in Kashmir Valley, the city is also the starting point for trips to Ladakh region. Lakes are major attractions of Srinagar is famous for lakes popular among them are Dal Lake and Nagin Lake. These lakes are studded with numerous beautiful houseboats offering luxurious accommodation.

A stay in the houseboat is a must do activity while on a holiday in Srinagar. The tranquil city is also renowned for traditional handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is a historic city and has it connection with numerous ancient rulers including the mighty Mughals. Any trip to Srinagar is incomplete without some shopping, don’t forget to buy traditional handicrafts and handloom items. On the whole, gear up for a thrilling vacation in Srinagar this vacation.

Srinagar is well-connected by air and road. Srinagar Airport is 13 km out of the city and connected to major cities of India. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Srinagar. National Highway 1 A connects Sringar with Jammu. For local transport auto-rickshaws and taxis are available in Srinagar.

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Srinagar, opt a hotel of your choice and enjoy a memorable vacation amidst natural surroundings. Also take excursions to nearby places like Pahalgam (45 km), Gulmarg (56 km) and Amarnath (145 km)

Major Attractions in Srinagar
Dal Lake: Dal Lake is a maze of intricate waterways and it contains vegetable gardens, lotus plantations, shops and narrow lanes of water, bordered with the willow trees. Within the lake there are two islands Silver Island (Sona Lank) and Gold Island (Rupa Lank). There is a third island, Nehru Park, at the end of the main stretch of the lake side Boulevard. Don’t miss a shikara ride around the lake and visits to the Mughal Gardens and many other places on the lake side.

Nagin Lake: A beautiful lake, Nagin Lake is ringed by a number of trees. You will find a number of houseboats on this quieter and cleaner lake.

Shalimar Bagh: Shalimar Bagh is considered the most beautiful Mughal gardens in Srinagar. Built by Jehangir in 1616 for her wife Nur Jahan, the garden has four terraces and gets water from Harwan Lake through canal. During spring and autumn season numerous varieties of colourful flowers blooms inside the garden.

Nishat Bagh: Nishat Bagh is one of the largest of Mughal gardens, designed in 1633 by Nur Jahan's brother Asaf Khan,. Situated on the banks of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan hills in the backdrop, Nishat Bagh provides magnificent view across the lake to the Pir Panjal Mountain.

Chasma Shahi: Chasma Shahi is the smallest Mughal gardens in Srinagar. The garden lies well up the hillside, above the Nehru Memorial Park. Chasma Shahi is set in picturesque surrounding having a cool water spring.

Pari Mahal: Just above the Chasma Shahi is Pari Mahal. Originally an astronomical observatory, built by Mughal Emperor Dara Shikho, the palace’s arched terraces have been turned into a beautiful garden.

Hazratbal Mosque: On the North West Shore of Dal Lake is Hazratbal Mosque. Built of white marble the masjid is surrounded by a dome and enshrines a single hair of Prophet Muhammad.

Nasim Bagh: Located ahead of Hazratbal Mosque is Nasim Bagh. The garden was built by Emperor Akbar in 1586 and nowadays used by an engineering college.

Other attractions of Srinagar: Harwan Lake, Hari Parbat Fort, Jama Masjid, Shankaracharya Hill, Shri Pratap Singh Museum and Shah Hamdan Mosque are other attractions in and around Srinagar.