Visa Norms for Indian Inbound Tourists 2013

Visa on Arrival for 40 countries more. INDIA.Visa on Arrival Update 2013

Rameshwaram. Tamil Nadu. India

Sweet water well in the middle of the ocean. Rameshwaram

India from 1900 to 1950 Photographs

Vintage photos India 1900 to 1950

The Story of India : BBC

This is a BBC series on India. Other than part 12 and 15 the whole lot should be here.



Part 2


Part 3


Part 4


Part 5


Part 6



Part 7


Part 8


Part 9



Part 10


Part 11



Part 12

Part 13


Part 14

Part 15

Part 16


Part 17


Part 18

Part 19


Part 20


Part 21


Part 22


Part 23


Part 24


Part 25


Part 26


Part 27


Part 28


Part 29


Part 30


Part 31


Part 32


Part 33



Part 34


Part 35

GOA , Goa, Gone? India. Famous Indian Beach Destinations

Goa has probably some of the fines beaches in the country and is a preferred destination for many. This article, which appeared in the yahoo web site describes a frightening scenario that is emerging. If you are from that State, or are a regular visitor to the beaches of Goa, or interested in promoting tourism in this country, you will be alarmed.
http://in.news.yahoo.com/248/20101109/1582/tnl-goa-sex-mafia-on-cocaine-coast.html

WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS: The Heavenly Bed Promotion

Interesting way to promote a hotel. This is from Mumbai, India.
http://www.afaqs.com/news/story.html?sid=28571_Westin+Hotels+&+Resorts+unveils+campaign+for+its+signature+Heavenly+Bed+in+India

Bird Sanctuaries in India, Gujarat : Ganga goes bird watching.

 Gangadharan Menon is a communications professional. I had the good fortune to work with him at PSL McCann in the 90's. Ganga is an avid nature lover and nowadays travels a lot and writes about his travel.His family shares his passion and this article is about the feathered friends he found in two bird sanctuaries near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India.

http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2010/jul/290710-twin-bird-Nalsarovar-Thol-Europe-Tailed-Godwit.htm

FESTIVALS OF INDIA: GUDI PADWA, UGADI, CHETI CHAND,

Gudi Padwa falls in the first month of Chaitra and is the New Year of Maharashtrians. Maharashtra is a state in the Indian Republic and has Mumbai (previously Bombay) as its capital.
Some links about this spring festivals and the rituals involved. In this year 2010 it falls on the 16th of March heralding the arrival of spring.
http://www.indianholiday.com/best-of-india/festivals/gudi-pawda.html

In the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, this festival is called Ugadi. Sindhi's celebrate this as Cheti Chand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gudi_Padwa

INDIA TRAVEL AND TRADE EXPO 2010

TEMPLE TOURISM: INDIA, KERALA,TRISSUR - Elelphant race in Guruvayoor

Elephants are donated to the temple. This is referred to in local parlance as "nadakiruthal".The elephant is used in many rituals at the temples and often in festivals.The most famous of the elephants is "Guruvayoor Kesavan" about whom a movie has also been made!! Children, especially male, are often taken under the trunk and between the legs by a mahout, since the belief is that it cures the child of fear! A ring made of elephants hair, is considered a talisman(anavaal mothiram)!!



For the devotees, the elephant race is a big event and in spite of the pachyderms having a history of going amok, they seem to turn out with children in tow to watch this event. Guruvayoor so far has not had an elephant misbehaving.



The mahouts run from the temple carrying the bells that the elephant is to wear for the race and the race begins!
















TRAVEL TO GURUVAYOOR: Guruvayoor is located within driving distance of Trissur in Kerala, India. Guruvayoor temple authorities allow only practising Hindus to enter the temple and pray. Non-Hindu's pray outside the premises. Domestic tourism in India is largely driven by religious tourism. Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh is one of the most popular temples and attracts millions every year and makes Andhra Paradesh one of the top domestic tourism destinations. Guruvayoor in Kerala is fairly popular among South Indians.Sabarimala is another well known destination which is open only in the winter season. The season ends culminating in the Makara Vilakku(January 14th) prayers. Here you find only male devotees and there are abstinence rituals and disciplines to be followed prior to undertaking the pilgrimage.Men typically wear black clothes and do not shave till the visit to the temple is over.
Kerala Tourism Board has a web site which can be googled easily and will provide further details.


Photographs have been taken by SMEVINS PHOTOGRAPHY.For any queries regarding commercial use kindly write to smevinp@yahoo.com