Basic Minimum Standards for Adventure Tourism Activities in India

India is a land of varied topography including mountains, hills, rivers, lakes and wildlife. You can indulge yourself in a variety of adventure activities in India. For ensuring safety of people involving in such activities, the minimum acceptable standards have been set up in terms of equipment and human resources. Broadly the adventure activities in India have been divided into three categories namely Land Based, Water Based and Air Based.

(1) Land Based - (i) Mountaineering and (ii) Trekking
(2) Water Based - (i) River running
(3) Air Based - (i) Parasailing, (ii) Paragliding and (iii) Bungee Jumping

Basic Minimum Standards for Land Based Activities Mountaineering :

1. Application : These Basic Minimum Standards (BMS) will apply specifically to commercial operators attempting 6,000 mtr or other comparable peaks.

2. Information to Clients: A variety of organisations offer to take clients on 6,000 mtr or other comparable peaks. These BMS will supply clients with pointers to assist them to make an informed choice.

3. Danger awareness: Mountaineers climbing at very high altitude, especially above 6,000m are at considerable stress to their mental and physical powers and may not be capable of assisting others as has always been traditional in mountaineering.

4. General Guidelines for Mountaineering:

(a) All such operators will have to be registered with Adventure Tour Operators Association of India and Ministry of Tourism.

(b) The leader or chief guide and as many as possible of the guides should have high altitude experience appropriate to the altitude of the peak to be climbed. He must have been a member of three climbing expeditions above 6000 m and must have completed the Basic Mountaineering Course with an ‘A’ grade or an equivalent from abroad. He/She must be qualified on first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

(c) The guiding and porter staff on the mountain and the material supplied must be adequate for the aims of the party and stated level of service offered.

(d) An experienced doctor in the party is desirable but at the very least advance arrangements must be known for medical help. Advance arrangements must also be made for evacuation assistance in case of emergency.

(e) The minimum safety equipment available is recommended walkie-talkie radios and recommended medical supplies.

(f) Advertising must give a true picture of all the difficulties and dangers involved, and avoid promising the impossible. If an expedition is commercially launched by an operator, then the Biographical information about the guiding team should be included.

(g) The client must truthfully reveal his experience, supported by documentation/photograph, medical history etc to the organiser so that the organiser can make an informed choice about the potential client.

(h) Information supplied in advance will include a clear statement of the guiding, porterage and equipment which will be supplied by the organiser, together with details of the clothing and equipment to be supplied by the client. This is not in context of the operators assisting expeditions with logistics alone.

(i) All equipment on which life is dependent must be Union International de Alpine Association (UIAA) or European Union (EU) certified.

(j) Knowledge of low impact environmental expeditioning must be undertaken, pledging to environmental guidelines of Union International de Alpine Association (UIAA)/Himalayan Environment Trust (HET) etc.

General Guidelines for Trekking :

(a). The leader or chief guide and as many as possible of the guides should have experience appropriate to the difficulty of the route being attempted The trip leader must have completed at least two trekking trips in general and must have completed the Basic Mountaineering Course or equivalent with an ‘A’ grade. He/She must be qualified on first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.

(b). The guiding and porter staff for the trek and the material supplied must be adequate for the aims of the party and stated level of services offered.

(c). Adequate arrangements must be made known in advance for medical help available in the area. Advance information must also be made for evacuation assistance in case of emergency. Minimum first aid medical supplies must be carried on the trip. In case of a helicopter requirement for rescue operation, it is recommended that the Accreditation Committee be empowered to authorize the rescue.

(d). Information provided to clients must give a true picture of all the difficulties and dangers involved, and avoid promising the impossible. Biographical information about the guiding team should be included.

(e). The client must truthfully reveal his experience, medical history etc to the organiser so that the organiser can make an informed choice about the potential client.

(f). Information supplied in advance will include a clear statement of the guiding, porterage and equipment which will be supplied by the organiser, together with details of the clothing and equipment to be supplied by the client.

Note – Information has been taken from Incredible India Site (http://www.incredibleindia.org/). I have given information only for Basic Minimum Standards for Land Based Activities – in the next posts I will provide information about Water Based and Air Based Adventure Tourism Activities.

Weekend getaways from Hyderabad

Hyderabad the capital of South India state of Andhra Pradesh is popularly known as ‘City of Nizams’. A historical city, Hyderabad is known all over the country for its centuries old culture and traditions, which is visible in dressing and foods of city people. Hyderabad is home to a number of tourist attractions including the Chraminar, Hussain Sagar Lake, NTR Gardens, Salarganj Museum, Mecca Masjid and much more. From Hyderabad you take short excursion to a number of interesting places. Some of the famous getaways from Hyderabad are :

Golconda Fort (11 kms) : A massive fort, Golconda Fort is 11 kms west of old Hyderabad, noted for its heritage wealth. Set 122 m above the plain, Golconda Fort was the capital of the erstwhile Qutub Shahi Kings from 1518 to 1590 AD. One of the most impressive forts in India, Golconda Fort is in ruins now as many structures inside the citadel have destroyed due to battles or other reasons. Despite the severe damages, the ruins of the fort provides a fair idea of the original structure. Sound and Light held daily in the fort is the major attraction and provides good information about the fort history. Buses are offered at regular interval by the Hyderabad Tourist Office to the fort.

Ramoji Film City (35 kms, 1 hour) : India’s biggest film city, Ramoji Film City is just 35 kms away from Hyderabad. Set amidst the hills, Ramoji film city has a number of scenic locations and film sets. You will really get fascinated after entering the film city, as it looks like a fairy world. If you are lucky enough, you may also see the shooting of Tamil or Hindi films. Ramoji Film City offer shuttle services for visitors, which took you to every nook and corner of the film city. So, visit the film city to lose yourself in a dream world of cinema and glitz.

Nagarjunakonda (150 kms,5 Hours) : A holy place for Buddhists, Nagarjunakonda is 150 kms south-east of Hyderabad. Nagarjunakonda is an ancient place having religious importance. It is said that around the 2nd century BC, the Buddhist sage Nagarjuna lived here and spread the philosophy of Shunyata (the void). In 1920s the excavations unearthed the ruins of Buddist stupas and chaityas. At the original site of Nagarjunakonda you can see monasteries, stupas and an Aswamedha sacrificial altar.

Other major attractions are a 14th century fort, medieval temples and a museum looking like a Buddhist vihara. The museum has a fine collection of Buddhist relics, friezes, jewellery, coins and statues, including a partially ruined statue of the Buddha. A tooth and an ear-ring that belonged to the Sakyamunni are major highlights of the museum. From the viewpoint near the dam, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and feel the soothing spray from the Ethipothala waterfalls. Also visit Anupu, which is home to ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and Viharas. During your Nagarjunakonda tour, make an excursion to Srisailam wildlife sanctuary, a Project Tiger reserve the sanctuary provides shelter to diverse reptiles, birds and animals.

Warangal (157kms, 4 hours) : If you are interested in historical sites, then Warangal is a must visit place for you from Hyderabad. Once the capital of Kakatiyas in the 12th to 14th centuries,Warangal is home to a number of stone temples and forts. The Warangal Fort now mostly in ruin was erected by Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. There are four massive stone gateways to enter the fort and move inside the fort to see a number of ruined structures including the crumbling Swayambhu temple, a shrine dedicated to Shiva. Next visit the Thousand Pillared Temple an excellent example of ornate Kakatiya architecture, while the Bhadrakali Temple is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali. From Warangal you can also visit the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary (50 kms) which is a reserve for tigers, panthers, sambhars and other wildlife. Palampet, 60 km from Warangal, is home to the magnificent Ramappa Temple and the Ramappa Cheruvu lake.

Srisailam (232 kms, 6 hours) : A famous getaway from Hyderabad, Srisailam offers a unique combination of a pilgrimage centre and wildlife sanctuary. Situated on the banks of the river Krishna amidst the Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is an interesting place having immense historical and religious importance. Srisailam in home to a Shiva temple that is considered to be one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. The Shiva temple is open for people of all religion and everyone is allowed to pray here and touch the Lord's feet. Srisailam wildlife sanctuary, India's largest tiger reserve, spreads over an area of 3568 sq km. Here you can see blackbuck, chinkara, spotted deer, nilgai, pangolins, panthers,tigers, leopards, soft-shelled turtles, porcupines, crocodiles, and a variety of animal and avian species.

Weekend Getaways from Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular tourist destinations of South India. Earlier known as ‘Madras’, Chennai is home to a number of old and new attractions, including some magnificent old structures. Of course, Chennai offers almost everything to please the tourists, but you may get exhausted due to hustle and bustle across the ctiy. Hence, while you are vacationing in Chennai, make sure to take excursions to nearby tourists places. Set at a close distance from Chennai, these weekend getaways provide a welcome break to you.

Covelong : Just 40 km from Chennai, Covelong offers a welcome break from maddening crowds of Chennai. Covelong is famous for its adventure sports activities like windsurfing, swimming, fishing and other water sports. A fishing village, Covelong has beautiful palm fringed beach which attracts people from far and wide. The tranquil environs and the infrastructure of the Covelong beach, make it one of the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast. Besides beaches, Covelong is dotted with the historical monuments likes forts, churches, mosques etc. Dutch fort and Catholic Church are other important attractions of Covelong.

Mammalapuram : A small coastal town, Mammalapuram lies 58 kms away from Chennai. From Chennai you can go to Mammalapuram by rail via Chengalpattu. A good motorable road links Chennai with Mammalapuram. You can reach Mammalapuram by driving on your own or catching buses. An ancient place, Mammalapuram was the second capital of the Pallava dynasty during the 7th century. One of the most beautiful towns in South India, Mammalapuram is known for its ancient temples and boulder studded beaches.

Mammalapuram is popular for its rath temples (chariot temples), each carved out for a single monolith representing one of the Pandava heroes of Mahabharata, having the characteristic Dravidian-style gopurams (towers), a pillared hall and sculpted friezes on the walls. Meenakshi Temple, Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance are other highlights of the town. An annual festival, Mammalapuram Dance Festival is held here between mid-Jan and mid-Feb. During the festival the Indian Classical Dance forms of Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathakali dance forms are presented. Puppet shows and tribal dances, folk and classical music concerts are the highlight of Pongal celebrated in the same month.

Kanchipuram : One of the seven holy cities of the Hindus, Kanchipuram is situated at a distance of 75 kms from Chennai. Kanchipuram was the capital of the great Cholas, Pallavas and the Vijaynagar dynasties, who altogether built thousands temples in the town. Once the ‘City of Thousand Temples,’ Kanchipuram now houses 126 intricately carved temples. Ekambareswar Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Varadaraja Temple, Kailasnatha Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple are some of the prominent temples of Kanchipuram.

Besides temples, Kanchipuram is known for famous Kanjeevaram silk. While visit Kanchipuram, check out silk sarees and other silk made clothes spectacularly shot through with gold zari threads. You may visit a silk weaving center such as the Handloom Weavers' Service Centre on Railway Station Road or walk down the dusty lanes to see around 5000 families involved in this ancient craft.

Tirupati : Tirupati is located at a distance of 152 km from Chennai, in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. One of the most popular Hindu shrines of the country, Tirupati is the abode of the legendary Lord of the Seven Hills. It is said that an uninterrupted worship of the Lord had been carried out hare over thirteen centuries. Tirupati is dotted with a number of temples which draw thousands of people throughout the year. Some of the main attractions of the town are the Pratima Mandapam and Tirumalanayaka Mandapam.

Pondicherry : Situated 162 km south of Chennai, Pondicherry is well-connected by rail and bus. Pondicherry is a lovely place, here the last vestiges of French influence in India flourishes with traditional South Indian culture. On one side of the canal you will find European influence, while on the other side a typical South Indian town lies.

Pondicherry houses a number of churches such as the the 300 year old Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception; the church to Our Lady of Angels and the gothic Sacred Heart Church. The town has numerous temples dedicated to Ganesh and the Vinaynagar Manakula temple. Pondicherry is well-known for the Aurobindo Ashram set up by the Mother, a disciple of Shree Aurobindo and Auroville. Botanical Gardens, Jawahar Toy Museum and Pondicherry Museum are other must visit places at Pondicherry.

Kodaikanal : Kodaikanal is 520 km from Chennai and the drive takes around 12 hours. One of the most picturesque hill stations of South India, Kodaikanal is set an elevation of 2,133 m above sea level. Kodaikanal is situated in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats and is bestowed with pleasant weather round the year. Lush green hill slopes, shimmering waterfalls, dense forests, fruit orchards and a lovely lake made Kodaikanal a picture perfect spot.

Kody Lake lies at the heart of hill station and you may splash across the lake on pedal boats and rowboats. Angling is allowed in the lake with prior permits from the concerned authority. You may also go on long walks along the lakeside, into the surrounding forests or beautiful hills. Priest’s Walk or Coaker’s Walk are some of the famous walking trails at Kodiakanal. Bryant Gardens and Chettiar Park are interesting parks at Kodiakanal which remain flooded with seasonal flowers. Chettiar Park's is well-known for the rare Kurinji plant which flowers once in 12 years.

Visit the Flora and Fauna Museum which has a nice collection of orchids. Fairy Falls and Glen Falls are ideal place for picnic. For adventure seekers Kodaikanal offers a number of exciting trekking options. For the energetic people, Perumal Peak is an exciting trek route. Dolphin's Nose-Vallagavi-Kumbakkarai, Kukkal-Kudiraiyar Dam, Vilpatti - Ganesapuram - Puliamarathope - Palani are other thrilling trek routes at Kodaikanal.

Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

Once the capital of India Kolkata is one of the four metros of India. Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. During the British regime Kolkata was one of their important centres and they built a number building here. Victoria Memorial is one of the treasures of British East India Company. Besides, the city has a number of museums, colonial buildings, metro railway and many other attractions. Kolkata also makes an ideal base for visiting the nearby places like Sunderbans, Shanti Niketan etc. So, when visit Kolkata, don’t forget to pay to places located close to the city.

Bakkhali (130 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : One of India’s most secluded beach, Bakkhali boasts of a beautiful casurina tree lined white sand beachfront. Visit Bakkhali during your Kolkata trip. When you are at Bakkhali sit quietly on the beach and enjoy the various moods of the sea. Also catch a spectacular sunset at Bakkhali that will be a long lasting treasure for you. If you like seafood, then Bakkhali is your paradise because here you can find a variety of sea-fish. If you are traveling Bakkhali in winter, you can also see hordes of migratory birds.

Sunderbans (131 kms, Driving time +4 hours ) : If you have a long dream of seeing the Royal Bengal Tiger moving freely in the natural habitat, than Sunderbans is a perfect place for you. Originally the Sunderbans is an estuarine mangrove forest that was turned into a tiger reserve. Besides Royal Bengal tiger, you can see wildanimals like barking deer and spotted deer, monkeys, civet cats, monitor lizards and otters. Sunderbans is also home to aquatic wildlife such as olive ridley turtles, estuarine crocodiles, river terrapins, gangetic dolphins, black finless porpoises, catfish, mudskippers, crabs, shrimps and lobsters.

Bishnupur (151 kms, Driving time +4 hours ) : After experiencing Kolkata’s scorching heat and inhaling dust particles, visit the peaceful town of Bishnupur which is like a breath of fresh air. Surrounded by verdant fields all round, Bishnupur beckons you to a quick getaway with a difference. Here you will see the unique terracotta temples built by the Malla kings to celebrate their love for Krishna, the Blue God.

Digha (187 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : An ideal beach for a fun-filled holiday Digha offers a fine combination of sun, sea and sand. Once called the "Brighton of the East" by Warren Hastings, Digha is a perfect place for a great weekend or honeymoon. You may visit Digha almost all through the year because it never remains much crowded and it will surely mesmerize you with its serene beauty.

Murshidabad (211 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : A place of historic importance, Murshidabad was once the last capital of independent Bengal. Established by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, Murshidabad witnessed the last days of the Mughal rule in India before it became part of the British Empire. Even today Murshidabad is dotted with several beautiful monuments of 18th century.

Shantiniketan (213 kms, Driving time +7 hours ) : Far from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a quiet place and provides you a welcome break. Shantiniketan is known for nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s dream Vishva Bharati University.

Chandipur (240 kms, Driving time +7 hours ) : Chandipur is a beautiful, peaceful seaside resort having a fine silvery beach. Everyday at low lite the sea in Chandipur recedes for 5 km, coming back to original position only when the high tide comes in. Due to this unusual phenomena at Chandipur you will find miles of fine silvery sandy beach, littered with shells and driftwood.

Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

One of the biggest cities of India,Bangalore is popularly known as the IT (Information Technology) city. Situated in the southern part of India, Bangalore is home to world’s largest IT companies. Apart from a commercial city, Bangalore is equally famous as a tourist destination. Nightlife of Bangalore is very much entertaining and you will large number of pubs across the city. In addition, Bangalore’s pleasant climate, well-laid out gardens, massive colonial buildings make it a favoured destination for global tourists. Bangalore also makes an ideal base for visiting nearby famous tourist spots. Some of the important getaways in and around Bangalore are :

Bheemeshwari (100 kms, Driving time +2 hours ) : Situated on the bank of Caurvery river, Bheemeshwari offers a perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty and pleasant relaxing ambiance. Bheemeshwari is an ideal place to for enjoying a relaxing holiday with family or friends. You can also enjoy the angling here and capture some wonderful pics of nature.

Shivanasamudram (120 kms, Driving time +3 hours ): Shivanasamudram is famous for its spectacular waterfall and picturesque vistas. Here the water falls from a big height and it refreshes the visitors with fine spray of water. Don’t forget to enjoy the coracle ride in the pool situated at the bottom of the Barachikki fall. It is really an unforgettable experience.

Srirangapatnam (127 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : Srirangapatnam is an island and known for its historic importance. Once the capital of Mysore king Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatnam is also known for famous ancient temples.

Hassan (196 kms, Driving time +4 hours ) : A historical town, Hassan was the seat of power from Hoysala Empire during 11th – 13th century and now it is an important pilgrimage destination for the Jains. During their reign the Hoysala rulers had built a number of temples in Hassan and it houses a number of important heritage structures. Hassan is named after the presiding deity, Goddess Hasanamba and there is a famous temple of the Goddess in the heart of the town.


Mudumalai (224 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : Spread over an area of 321 sq.km the park provides shelter to a wide variety of wildlife and habitat like swamps, evergreen forest and grassland. Mudumalai has one of the highest concentrations of elephant in South India. Apart from elephants, here you can see other wildanimals like tiger, panther, wild dogs, gaur, sambhar, deer, wild boar, civets, macaques and monitor lizard. Mudumalai is also famous for its birdlife, the park is filled with exotic birds like parakeets, barbets, hornbill, crested hawk eagle, woodpecker etc.

Kemmanagundi (240 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : Kemmanagundi is a God gifted place and you can visit it at any time of the year, but during monsoon it looks more beautiful. The picturesque landscape is dotted with lush forests and waterfalls that gushing down the rock face. While driving upto Kemmanagundi you will be surely greeted by spectacular mountain scenery.

Kakkabe (248 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : If you are fond of outdoors and have the spirit of adventure, then Kakkabe may be a place for you. Kakkabe is situated amidst the densely wooden rain forest and coffee plantations, overlooked by the Thadiyendamol peak. You will be certainly amazed by the lush green forests, coffee plantations and natural beauty of Kakkabe. You can also see a variety of wildlife here.

Madekeri (260 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : Madekeri is an evergreen hillstation, located in the Coorg district of Karnataka. Set amidst lofty hills and dense lush forests, tea garden and coffee plantations, Madekeri offer excellent environs for a relaxing holiday. Madekeri is home to 19 th century fort which narrates the tales of rich past.

Ooty (290 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Ooty or Ootacamund is Tamil Nadu’s one of the most popular holiday destination. Nestled amids the Nilgiri Hills and enveloped in blue mist, the beautiful hill station of Ooty has its own distinct charm. On the hill slopes you can see colourful attractive wild flowers. Just outside the town the tea and cardamom plantations and eucalyptus forests add more to its beauty. Ooty was developed as a hill station by British, even today you can see old British style cottages and bungalows, many with fireplaces and pretty gardens; and stone walled churches with stained-glass windows.

Kukke Subrahmanya (290 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Of course, Kukke Subrahmanya is a place of religious important but even you are not much religiously inclined, you can enjoy nature’s beauty and treks through lush green forests and lofty hills. Subrahmanya Temple is the main temple here, other temples located in the complex are Adi Subrahmanya temple, Vedavyasa Samputa Narasimha Temple, Shringeri Mutt, Raktheshwari Temple and Kashi-Katte Ganapati temple.

Coonoor (300 kms, Driving time +7 hours ) : Coonoor is an unspoilt small hill station in the Nilgiris. With lush tea gardens and beautiful flowers, serene atmosphere, Coonoor provides a perfect environs for a peaceful sojourn.

Mangalore (347 kms, Driving time +7 hours ) : Basically a port city, Mangalore is situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Mangalore has a number of fine beaches which offer excellent opportunities to pass some relaxing time. Swimming is not safe here due to the presence of sharp edged rocks and rough water. Mangalore is also home to numerous temples, shrines, dargahs and churches.

Kudremukh (351 kms, Driving time +8 hours ) : The biggest Wildlife Protected Area in the Western Ghats, Kudremukh National Park comes under the Global Tiger Conservation Priority. Kudremukh will amaze you with verdant coffee and tea plantations and evergreen forests. In the thick forests of Kudremukh you can see a variety if wildanimals.

Weekend getaways from Mumbai

India’s commercial capital Mumbai is a very fast city and here people always remain in hurry. Of course, Mumbai is not having much options for providing some peaceful retreat to residents or visitors, but there are a number of place around Mumbai where one spend some good time. Close to Mumbai there are a number of places which offers excellent holidaying options. Some of the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai include :

Karjat (88 kms, Driving time +2 hours ) : Just 88 kms away from Mumbai, Karjat makes a perfect getaway. Set on the banks of the Ulhas river, Karjat is a beautiful place with the gushing river, verdant field and green-topped hills all around. Karjat is also famous for adventure sports, you can hop, skip and jump here.

Matheran (100 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : A quiet and un-spoilt hill station, Matheran is located very close to Mumbai. You should remember that vehicles are not allowed in the hill station and you have to either walk or ride a horse or take a buggy ride to reach there.

Khandala-Lonavala (104 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : The twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala are a excellent choice as weekend getaways from Mumbai. Bestowed with picturesque vistas and romantic aura, the twin hill resorts make a favoured destination for honeymooners and common travellers. Lonavala is set at a height of 625 m above sea level and Khandala is a little lower. You will really like the journey to Lonavala and Khandala as you have to reach by winding roads around the Western Ghats.

Alibag (108 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : One of the most popular getaways of Mumbai, Alibag attracts large number of people. Those who are looking for some peace, Alibag is the perfect place. With its lush tropical beauty, palm fringed beaches, lush mango orchards, chikoo-wadis and paddy fields Alibag offers a pleasantly retreat. During the monsoons, Alibag becomes more beautiful it offers a romantic setting for honeymooners and common travellers as well.

Kamshet (110 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : Kamshet is a picturesque destination and located very close to Mumbai. Nestled amidst fields and villages, with a beautiful lake in the vicinity, Kamshet offers a perfect getaway for tourists visiting Mumbai.Kamshet is also considered as one of the best places in India to undertake the adventure sport of para gliding in India. So during your Mumbai trip go for a holiday or honeymoon with a difference at Kamshet.

Malshej Ghat (150 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : For those who want to experience nature at its best and looking for a memorable holiday, Malshej Ghat is a perfect place. Malshej Ghat has shimmering waterfalls, splendid green hillsides and amazing rock formations. Every year between July and September, the flamingoes come to Malshej Ghat all the way from Europe and add to the scenic vistas of the place.

Murud-Janjira (165 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : A peaceful fishing village with a beautiful seashore, Murud-Janjira make a perfect getaway from Mumbai. In fact, Murud-Janjira is a holiday and honeymoon destination with a difference and it will surely mesmerize you. See the wooden cottages and relax at lovely beach edged with swaying betel palms, coconut fronds and groves of casuarinas. Also visit the temple of Dattatreya which provides commanding view of the entire bay.

Bhandardara (185 kms, Driving time +4 hours ) : If you are looking for an un-spoiled place, where you can connect directly to the nature, then Bhandardara may be a place for you. The pristine Arthur lake and the lush-green forests of the Sahyadrai hills add more to the beauty of Bhandardara. You will also get mesmerized by seeing the 150 m high Wilson dam which is not just an engineering marvel but is also the lifeblood for the paddy fields nearby. The ancient Agastya Rishi Ashram set on the banks of the Pravara River is another attraction of Bhandardara. It is said that the ashram is mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the spot where Ram met Agastya Rishi.


Shirdi (250 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : A major pilgrimage centre, Shirdi is located close to Nasik and offers an aura of spiritual sanctity. Shirdi was the home of the saint Sai Baba who lived here for 80 years. People believe that Sai Baba himself calls his devotees to Shirdi and that his blessings can heal even the deepest wound.

Mahabaleshwar (290 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station popular with couples on their honeymoon as well as families with kids in tow. Set at an altitude of 4,500 ft in the Sahyadri Mountains, Mahabaleshwar offers spectacular view of the lush valleys of the Deccan and the Konkan coast.

Panchgani (268 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Set amidst the five hills, Panchgani is a favourite getaway for those weary of Mumbai’s fast life. Blessed with the pristine natural beauty, Panchgani is a favourite destination for honeymooners and vacationers.

Weekend Getaways from Delhi

It is true that Delhi itself offers a number of options where you can enjoy your weekend to fullest. Delhi is home to adventure and water sports parks, lakes where you can enjoy boating and several other leisure options. However, the crowds and hustle and bustle of city, do not give you sufficient time to relax. For those who are looking for a perfect weekend, Delhi has a number of interesting getaways.

Some of the famous getaways from Delhi are :

Surajkund (11 kms) : Surajkund is situated at a distance of 11 km from Qutab Minar on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road. Here you will see a perennial lake flanked by rock-cut steps. Another attraction of the place is the Sun temple built by Surajpal, a Tomar chieftain during AD 1000, the remains of which can still be seen. Eeryear the Surajkund Crafts Mela is organized here which provides a glimpse of the centuries-old crafts traditions of India.

Badhkal Lake (30 kms) : A popular picnic spot, Badhkal Lake lies just 30 kms away from Delhi in the Faridabad district of Haryana. Badhkal Lake is a natural pool surrounded by vast lawns and lush greenery. The lake also offers boating facilities to tourists.

Sultanpur (46 kms) : Sultanpur is a small bird sanctuary, located 46 kms from Delhi in Haryana state. Around the bird sanctuary there is a shallow lake with reeds and other waterside plants. During the winter months of November-December the bird sanctuary becomes a hub of activity. Every year northern migratory birds arrive in Sultanpur bird sanctuary. The lake inside the sanctuary is also home to the only indigenous Indian crane - Sarus.

Pataudi Palace (60 kms) : A great weekend destination, Pataudi Palace is situated at a distance of 60 km from Delhi. Pataudi Palace is the home of the former Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore. Pataudi Palace is a perfect destination to spend good time with family and friends or celebrating a special event together. Take a drive from Delhi to reach Pataudi Palace and create some wonderful memories.

Tilyar Lake (70 kms) : A favourite getaway for tourists visiting to Delhi, Tilyar Lake lies 70 kms away from Delhi in Rohtak district of Harayana. Tilyar Lake offers facilities of accommodation, restaurants and bar. You can enjoy boating in Tilyar Lake. The lake also has children's park and a mini zoo.

Neemrana (122 kms) : Neemrana lies 122 kms away from Delhi, just atop a rocky outcrop above a quiet village. Neemrana is the site of a massive fort built by Prithiviraj Chauhan III in 1464. Few years back the Neemrana Fort has been converted into a heritage resort.



Mud Fort (80 kms) : For those who are looking for some peaceful moment, Mud Fort of Kuchesar is perfect destination. Set 80 kms away from Delhi, the Mud Fort was constructed in the mid-18th century by the Jat rulers. The Mud fort was built with seven turrets so as to withstand the attacks of enemies. Over the centuries the fort has bravely withstood the attacks of the Marathas, Sikhs, Rohillas, and Rajputs, as well as the French and the East India Company.

Kesroli (150 kms) : Take a three-hour drive from Delhi to reach Kesroli in Rajasthan. Kesroli is the site of the 16 th century seven-turreted fort. Perhaps built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, the ruined fort provides breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Bharatpur (176 kms) : Located at a distance of about 176 kms from Delhi, Bharatpur is famous for its birds sanctuary. A UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. One of India's premier wildlife sanctuaries, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful tree-shaded wonderland of water-bodies and marshes. Here you can see a variety of avian species including migratory birds as well.

Haridwar (200 kms) : One of the most important religious centres for the Hindus, Haridwar is situated at a distance of 200 kms from Delhi. Every year millions of devotees visit Haridwar to take bath in Holy Ganges to cleanse themselves of sins. Many people also reach the town to perform the last of the post funeral rites. Haridwar is dotted with innumerable ashrams and temples. Here you can see sadhus in saffron and white performing various rites or meditating by the river. Besides, the brightly lit temples, the river shimmering with thousand of diyas at night and the air filled with sound of temple bells and hymns make the town more lively. The Maha Kumbh will take place at Haridwar in 2010.

Agra (201 kms) : Situated at a distance of 201 kms from Delhi, Agra was the capital of mighty Mughals during 16th and 17th centuries. During their rule the Mughals constructed a number of interesting structures in Agra that include forts, palaces and tombs. Even today the forts and monuments of Agra draw tourists from all over the world. Mughal Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort which still stands and tells the story of the bygone era through its grand palaces, mosques, entrances etc.

Just one km ahead of Agra Fort, is Taj Mahal which has been declared one of the seven wonders recently. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra – 10 kms) and deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri (35 kms) are other interesting places related to Mughals. Agra also offers excellent opportunities for shopping. You may buy leather items, handicrafts marble items in Agra markets. For a weekend trip to Agra you may hire a taxi or cab. You may also reach Agra by bus or train.

Other Famous Weekend Getaways from Delhi :
Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Lansdowne (Uttaranchal), Mussoorie (Uttaranchal), Naukuchiatal (Uttaranchal), Rajaji National Park (Uttaranchal), Rishikesh (Uttaranchal), Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan), Ajmer (Rajasthan), Bikaner (Rajasthan), Nainital (Uttaranchal),Ranikhet (Uttaranchal) Ranthambhore (Rajasthan), Samode (Rajasthan) and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).

Bed and Breakfast scheme by Ministry of Tourism India

India is a God gifted land boasts of a thousands of tourists attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Today India is one of the world’s most visited tourist destination that have brought a unprecented boom in country’s tourism industry. Since the beginning of this decade the Indian tourism industry is rapidly growing and it always mover towards a new high. A number of important factors were behind such growth in tourism industry, but the Indian government has also contributed a lot to promote tourism globally. At the same time the hotels, resorts, lodges and other accomodation options deserves some plaudits as the world class services offered by them make tourists trip to India pleasant and memorable.

For attracting the tourists from world over and making their travel hassle-free the Indian government introduce new-new attractive plans. Bed and Breakfast scheme is a new scheme launched by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. With the moto of providing comfortable accommodation facilties and standardized world clas services to the global tourists, and to supplement the availability of accommodation in the Metros and tourist destinations, Ministry of Tourism will classify fully operational rooms of Home Stay Facilities as "Incredible India Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Establishments". Basic idea behind the ‘Bed and Breakfast scheme’ is to provide clean and affordabl accommodation place for foreigners and demestic tourists as well. Besides, the foreign tourists will also get an excellent opportunity to stay with an Indian family to experience Indian customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian
cuisine.

According to present plan the Bed and Breakfast facilities will be categorized into two categories namely (a) Siver (b) Gold). Bed and Breakfast establishments will have to apply for approval from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The Regional Classification Committee, as specified in the guidelines, will inspect and assess such establishments based on facilities and services offered. For approval of Bed and Breakfast establishments the details of the standards, facilities, services and the documents required will be as per these guidelines.

Once approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Bed & Breakfast Establishments will be duly publicized. Further a directory of all such approved Bed & Breakfast establishments will also be prepared, so as to enable domestic as well as foreign tourists to live in a homely environment and to take advantage of the scheme. Efforts will also be made to organize short term training in hospitality trade to those who would opt for such training.

Where to apply
Bed & Breakfast Establishments can send their applications along with the requisite fees to:-
1. Regional Director (North), Indiatourism,

88 Janpath, New Delhi
-110001.Tel: 011-23320005/8 (for States of Jammu &
Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttranchal, NCT
of Delhi, UT of Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh except Agra and
Varanasi).

2. Regional Director (West), Indiatourism,

123 M. Karve Road,
Mumbai -400020.Tel: 022-22033144 (for States of Gujarat,
Chattisgarh, UT of Daman & Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli and
Maharashtra except Aurangabad).

3 Regional Director (South), Indiatourism,

154 Anna Sallai,
Chennai -600002. Tel: 044- 28460193 (for States of Tamil
Nadu and UT of Lakshwadweep).

4 Regional Director (East), Indiatourism,

"Embassy", 4
Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata -700071. Tel: 033 -22825813
(for States of West Bengal and Jharkhand).

5 Regional Director (North- East), Indiatourism,

Amravati Path,
Christian Basti, G.S. Road, Guwahati -781007. Tel: 0361-
2341603 (for States of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland,
and Sikkim).

6. Director, Indiatourism,

KFC Building, 48 Church Street,
Bangalore -560001, Karnataka. Tel: 080-25585417 (for the
State of Karnataka).

7. Director, Indiatourism,

State Hotel, Khasa Kothi, Jaipur-
302001. Tel: 0141- 2372200 (for the State of Rajasthan).

8. Director, Indiatourism,

Sudama Palace, Kankar Bagh Road,
Patna-800020, Bihar. Tel: 0612-2345776 (for the State of
Bihar).

9. Manager, Indiatourism,

191, The Mall, Agra- 282001, Uttar
Pradesh. Tel: 0562-2226378 (for the city of Agra).

10. Manager, Indiatourism,

15-B, The Mall, Varanasi –
221001, Uttar Pradesh. Tel: 0542-2501784 (for the city of
Varanasi).

11. Manager, Indiatourism,

B/21B.J.B. Nagar,
Bhubaneshwar -751014, Orissa. Tel: 0674-2432203 (for the
State of Orissa).

12. Manager, Indiatourism,

Near Western Group of Temples,
Khajuraho -471606, Madhya Pradesh. Tel: 07686-
242347 (for the State of Madhya Pradesh).

13. Manager, Indiatourism,

VIP Road, 189, IInd Floor, Port
Blair-744103, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Tel: 03192-
236348 (for the UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

14. Manager, Indiatourism,

3-60-140, IInd floor, Netaji Bhawan,
Liberty Road, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad -500029, Andhra
Pradesh. Tel: 040-23261360 (for the State of Andhra
Pradesh).

15. Manager, Indiatourism,

Willingdon Island, Kochi -682009,
Kerala. Tel: 0484-2668352 (for the State of Kerala).
16. Manager, Indiatourism, Communidade Building, Church
Square, Panaji -403001, Goa. Tel: 0832-2223412 (for the
State of Goa).

17. Manager, Indiatourism,

‘Krishna Vilas’, Station
Road, Aurangabad -431005, Maharashtra. Tel: 0240-
2364999 (for the city of Aurangabad).

18. Manager, Indiatourism,

U Tirot Singh Syiem Road, Police
Bazaar, Shillong -793001, Meghalaya. Tel: 0364-225632
(for the State of Meghalaya).

19. Manager, Indiatourism,

Sector ‘C’, Barapani Police Point,
Naharlagun -791110, Arunachal Pradesh. Tel: 0360-2244328
(for the State of Arunachal Pradesh).

20. Manager, Indiatourism,

Old Lambu Lane, Jail Road, Imphal -
795001, Manipur. Tel: 03852-221131 (for the State
of Manipur).

For guidelines and other info visit : http://incredibleindia.org/pdf/Incredible_India_Bed_Breakfast_Scheme.pdf

Searching for a right travel agent in India

Before travelling to a new destination you should have a brief idea about the city and its nearby areas. But the fact is that, by reading about the destination in books, magazines or Internet you would not be able to get the complete information. Hence, for your safe and pleasant journey it is advised to consult a travel agent and tour operator of that destination. But getting the right travel agent is an important thing and you should always look for them, before booking a tour. Usually the travel agent and tour operators make tall claims, but in reality their offer very poor service and spoil your whole trip.


Very recently me and my family members visited Rajasthan to see the various marvelous forts, monuments and temples. As expected the attractions of the Rajasthan were stunning and we enjoyed the camel safari across the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. However our experience during Rajasthan trip was spoilt due to the poor quality of services offered by our travel agent. All the staff including the driver was rude. Our driver was very terrible and often going missing for almost an hour. The hotels arranged for us were lacking basic hygiene causing us to have stomach upsets and indigestion problems. In short, Rajasthan was full of adventure and innumerable interesting tourists spots, but our travel agent made our vacation an unpleasant affair.

Hence, for a good and enjoyable trip to India, I always suggest you people to look for right travel agent. Of course, for first timers getting the authentic tour operator and travel agent in not an easy job. For your assistance I am giving a list of some of India’s authentic tour operator and travel agents.

A La -carte tours Pvt.Ltd - http://www.allindia-tours.com/
Anglo Indiago Travels Ltd. - http://www.angloindiago.com/
Beckon Tours Private Limited - http://www.beckontours.com/
Beyond Boundaries - http://www.beyondboundariesindia.com/
Capital City Travel and Tours - http://www.tourism-india.com/
Cox & Kings - http://www.coxandkings.com/
Caretaker Tours and Travels - http://www.caretakertours.com/
Dolphin Travels - http://dolphinindia.com/
Erco Travels - http://www.ercotravels.com/
Flo Travels - http://www.flotravels.com/
Highland Travels - http://www.highlandtravels-tours-india.com/
Indian Travel Consultant - http://www.indiantravelconsultant.com/
Kapil Tours and Travel - http://www.indiantravelinfo.com/
Max Holidays - http://www.allindiatravelinfo.com/
Minar Travels - http://www.minartravels.net/
Namaste Tours - http://www.namastetoursindia.com/
Pooja Tours and Travel - http://www.visitsouthindia.com/
Pearls Tours and Travels - http://www.pearlsindiatour.com/
Pk Tours and Travels - http://www.discoverindiatravel.com/
Royal Tours and Travels - http://www.adventuretraveltime.com/
Sita World Travels - http://www.sitatours.com/
Siddhartha Tour - http://www.siddharthatours.com/
SP Holidays Pvt. Limited - http://www.tours-packages-india.com/
Southern Travels Pvt. Ltd - http://www.southerntravelsindia.com/
SLS Tour Company - http://www.slstour.com/
Travel House - http://www.travelhouseindia.com/
Vasco Travel - http://www.vascotravel.net/
Zutsi Travel World Service - http://www.india-tours-operator.com/

Travel Tips for India

India is one of world’s most visited tourist destination and draws tourists from all corner of globe. World’s one of the biggest country, India offers plethora of options for tourist. You may chose your vacation according to your choice that is available in various themes like adventure, culture, history, romance, beach etc. For enjoying this vacation options you have to visit different parts of this vast country. Hence, for safe and hassle free journey across India you need to be aware about some basic facts. For your convenience and memorable vacation I am providing some handy travel tips here.


What to Buy
Shopping in India is delightful experience. You will find everything from A to Z in markets of India. Some of the shopping specialties of India include the art and crafts items, handloom, leather items, shoes, sweets, cotton clothes etc. Apart from these, do not forget to check out locally made items. Shop as much as possible during your trip to any destination of India. Always remember that good bargain if offered in most of the street side shops and small markets.


Where to Shop
India is a shopper’s paradise, all the cities and small towns have defined shopping areas. From the big shopping malls to small street shops you will find everything in India. Besides permanent shopping centres, you will also find weekly market places in India. So rush to nearest shopping centre to buy items of your choice.


What to Wear
Nudity is not allowed in India and married women prefer complete veil. Respect the Indian culture and women are suggested to maintain the modesty. India is a big country and the weather differs in different regions. Enquire about the weather in advance and carry sufficient clothes according the climatic conditions. During winter months of November to February, the weather remains cold so carry woolen clothes, jackets and blankets. During summers and rainy season light weight cotton is best. For foot wear – shoes and comfortable sandals are suitable. Do not move bare foot because you may get infected by disease.


Driving License
You need an International Driving License that can be obtained through the assistance of automobile association. Even if you are not planning to drive on your in India, carry your driving license with photo for identification.

Documents to Carry
Carry the original as well as xerox copy of your passport, travel visas, airline tickets and essential travel documents. Also prepare a list of any charge or credit cards you are carrying during your trip to India.

Purchase Travel Insurance Plans
You are advised to purchase special Travel insurance and medical evaluation plan programmes.

Food and Drinking Water
Always take food from good hotels or restaurant. Wash fruits before eating them. Avoid foods which have been laid out in the open, avoid sweets and candies from local markets. Try to avoid drinking water from an unknown source it may be contaminated. Better you ask for packaged drinking water like Bisleri, Aqua Fina, Kinley, Rail Neer, Kingfisher etc. always check the seal. For more precaution carry water purifying tablets.

Safety
Take utmost care of your belongings, as there are chances of stealing. Use the lock boxes or bags to keep your belongings and travel documents safe. Always take care of your wallet, purse, bags, suitcases and other things. Never leave your luggage, briefcase or other belongings unattended.

Travelling
Indian Railways offer several superfast and mail trains for all the important places of India. Avoid travelling in the Second Class, because the bogies remain crowded. AC or Sleeper bogies are good to travel. Buses including Deluxe, Volvo, Coach etc. also ply all over India. Cars, Taxis and Auto Rickshaws are modes of local transport and they are available from all hotels, railway stations and bus stands. Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey. It is advised to use only authorized and properly identified taxis, auto rickshaws and buses. In case of complaints against taxi or auto-rickshaw driver for overcharging or cheating, note down the vehicle number and lodge a report with Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). You can get the important Contact Phone Numbers in Telephone Directory.

Voltage
In India the standard voltage used in 220 volts. If your appliances do not match this standard, you can buy a converter from any of the electric shops. Current Spikes are very common in India so use a spike buster.

Chemists / Pharmacies
Chemists are available at almost every place (city, town, village etc.) where you can buy medicines. In case you fell ill and need to see a doctor, ask for help from your hotel or your tour operator. In India the cost of visiting a doctor is fairly low in comparison to western countries. Most importantly, in some areas of India Malaria is still prevalent. So, prior to your departure, get a prescription from your doctor for some anti malarial tablets.

Essential Things You Should Carry

Do remember to carry some insect repellent, mosquito coils or even an electronic repellent, because mosquitos can be fierce in India. Carry sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat to avoid the sun burn and sun stork.

Respect Religious Shrines
Majority of the Indian people are religious and they have great respect for religious shrines and places of worship. Always respect the religious shrines and places of worship during your visit to India. You need a decent dress code for visiting some religious places. Always take care and do not try to violate any taboos in a mosque or a temple.

Money Exchange

Change currency only from authorized moneychangers in India. Do remember to keep the money exchange receipts after every transaction. You will need those receipts for re-exchange on departure.Offering TipTipping is a matter of your personal discretion. Usually bills include a service charge, it is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

Photography Rules
In India there are some rules regarding photography. Always look for notification before clicking the photos. Normally photography is prohibited in places of military importance, railway stations, bridges, airports etc.

What to do while in trouble
If you ever land in any kind of trouble, then immediately contact your Embassy and nearest police station. Always talk with the Senior Inspector in Charge of any police station, as he is the top officer.

Credit Cards Accepted in India
American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments of India including hotels, shops, and airlines.



For Any Help Contact : Ministry of Tourism Help Desk.