Tourist Visas on Arrival issued increase by 28.9 percent in September, 2014 over September, 2013

Largest TVAs issued to tourists from South Korea & Japan in September, 2014 

As a facilitative measure to attract more foreign tourists to India, the Government launched the “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) Scheme in January 2010 for citizens of five countries, viz. Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore, visiting India for tourism purposes. The Government extended this Scheme to the citizens of six more countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar in January 2011. Recently Govt of India extended Visa on Arrival (VoA) Scheme for South Korea for which Ministry has started receiving data w.e.f 15th April 2014. The following are the important highlights of VoAs issued during September, 2014. 

(i) During the month of September 2014, a total of 2,170 VoAs were issued under this Scheme as compared to 1,683 VoAs during the month of September 2013, showing an increase of 28.9%. 

(ii) During January-September 2014, a total number of 19,290 VoAs were issued as compared to 13,859 VoA during corresponding period of 2013 showing an increase of 39.2%. 

(iii) The number of VoAs issued under this scheme during September 2014 for nationals of the twelve countries were South Korea (530), Japan (496), Singapore (310), New Zealand (300), the Philippines (201), Indonesia (200), Finland (68), Vietnam (27), Myanmar (27), Cambodia (6) Laos (3) and Luxembourg (2) . 

(iv) The number of VoAs issued under the Scheme, during January-September 2014 were Japan (3,950), South Korea (3,560), New Zealand (2,890), Singapore (2,682), the Philippines (2,527), Indonesia (2,225), Finland (760), Myanmar (293), Vietnam (196), Cambodia (99), Luxembourg (91) and Laos (17). 
(v) During January-September 2014, the highest number of VoAs were issued at New Delhi airport (9,114) followed by Mumbai (3,636), Chennai (2,664), Bangalore (1,324), Kolkata (1,254), Kochi (614), Hyderabad (490) and Trivandrum (194).

Source: Government of India Ministry of Tourism

India to launch e-Visa by the end of October - Government’s gift to tourists

Tourists from about 30 countries, including the US, Japan and South Korea, may get the benefit of  e-visa from October-end.

Government's gift to tourists — electronic visa — is likely to be launched by October-end. There are about 30 countries including the US, Japan and South Korea where the facility will be extended first while Germany, Israel and Russia are under consideration.

Sources said countries already being given visa-on-arrival including New Zealand, Luxembourg, Finland and Singapore besides Japan, South Korea and the US will be able to apply for electronic travel authorization (ETA) or e-visa. There are at least a couple of countries from the African continent that are also in consideration. Sources said Germany, Israel and Russia were also being actively considered.

Once implemented, ETA will allow foreign travelers to apply for a visa and receive an online confirmation within three to five working days. ETA will be available for a 30-day period from the date of the tourist's arrival in India. The government plans to establish a separate website to extend the facility to foreigners intending to visit India as tourists. To get the visa, they would need to apply through the designated website along with the required fees.

The e-visa scheme received PMO nod in June and is expected to be implemented in time for the country's tourist season.

The countries that are unlikely to be on the list include Saarc nations and countries that are on "prior reference'' list which include Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

This is the first time that electronic visas will be implemented in the country. Officials said plans were afoot to include all 109 countries in a phased manner.

The government has been encouraged by the good response to the visa on arrival scheme to extend ETA to the 12 countries. Between January and September 2014, 19,290 visas on arrival were issued compared to 13,859 during the same time last year, reflecting an increase of 39.2%. The countries that already have visa on arrival scheme include Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Finland, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Luxembourg.

Source: timesofindia

Explore Rajasthan During the Festival of Colors - HOLI

We brings a bonanza for its travellers during the eve of color festival. The company has introduced a new package known as Holi festival with Rajasthan. India is a country which is known for its cultural heritance. The best way to experience this is through fairs and festivals where you get to explore the rich traditions of India.

Now you can beautifully avail the opportunity to explore the rich heritance of the country by opting for the Holi Festival tour package which is being offered by us. Holi is a festival of colors which is celebrated in the month of March and is one of the important festivals of the country. This festival marks the onset of the spring season in the country. The festival of colors starts with a holika bonfire on the night before holi and next day is celebrated with the carnival of colors. The best place to experience this festival is the Pink city of the country, Jaipur. 

Holi festival with Rajasthan is one of the best way to explore rich Indian Traditions and they even told us that this colorful trip would begin from the capital city Delhi which has multi-faceted history in the country which is followed by the visit to the desert state of India, Rajasthan where travellers would explore rich, exotic and beautiful cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. 

Travellers would also visit Agra the city of eternal love towards the end of the trip without which a tour to India would be incomplete. 

They even told us how enthusiast would be celebrating the festival of colors. They told us that travellers would be taken to Old Haveli where they would enjoy the carnival of colors. The enthusiast would enjoy in totally traditional way as it is celebrated. They would be celebrating with “gulaal” and other vibrant colors. 

Excellent opportunity to witness the colorful Camel Fair, India

Pushkar Fair

Have you ever heard about live stock or camel Fair that takes place annually in the country? You might have surely heard about Pushkar fair that takes place in the state of Rajasthan. We provides a Golden opportunity to explore India in its Fairs and Festivals. We introduces a new Tour package in the name of  Pushkar Fair tour package for the travellers to explore the country to its best in these five days.

Pushkar fair is an annual five day fair that is held in the city of Pushkar in Rajasthan. It is one of the largest camels fair that is held in the world. This festival has recently become one of the tourist hotspot in the country as there are various competitions that are conducted such as longest moustache, bridal competition, and ‘matka phod’ that allures a group of tourists in the country. This festival takes place near the Pushkar Lake and is celebrated on the full moon day. 

Most interesting aspect of the fair is that there is a football match as well as kabaddi match that are held between the locals and group of visitors. Tourist will also enjoy speculating the dance performances of camels and horses which can be witnessed on November.

This festival is basically celebrated to attract camels and cattle traders so that they can make some earning on this auspicious day and this festival is for those who want to explore the old traditional style of celebrating festivals.

They even told us that many a times when travellers arrive late at the Pushkar camel Fair in India and miss the main attraction of the fair. The camel attraction takes place in the first days of the festival where as in the last days of festival the main attraction is the huge religious celebrations.

Fabulous and Affordable India Tour

India’s Most Unique Luxury Tour Agency Reminds Us that India is both Fabulous and Affordable.

“People dream about coming to India, and western tourists don’t come halfway round the world to see things they can see equally well at home—a different world is what they long for. Our job is to convert their dreams into reality. We also recognize that part of that dream is the thrill of standing in the very place that since childhood they have seen only in photographs. The beauty of India is very real, yes, but it is also has a magical power. That magic is what calls to them. The magic of India that calls to people is bound up in its images, its mysteries. It’s a very romantic need we fulfill for people. At the same time, however, in combination with these experiences, once we have satisfied the traveler’s thirst for, say, a moonlit view of the Taj Mahal or a charming ride by train through the foothills of the Himalayas, THEN we can take their hand and lead them to a different place—we give them something unexpected.”

We love to show off India’s breathtaking vistas, its ancient monuments and temples. We wouldn’t dream of excluding the exciting things our western visitors long for—ah, but then comes the addition of those unique experiences.

Those ‘special touches’ might include anything from lessons on how to wrap a silk sari to visiting a rescue site where concerned volunteers work to save India’s elephants, tigers and other endangered wildlife, or a an ancient temple, with history and art, etc.). 



Our team also delights in seeking out cross-cultural opportunities. They may surprise a group of Eagle Scouts from Philadelphia by introducing them to the humble Bengali roots of American sound mogul Amar Bose, inventor and founder of the famous Bose Radio System®. (A little known fact is that Bose’s initial fascination with electronics sparked when he himself was a Boy Scout in Philadelphia.). 

“The members of our team are craftsmen, sweeping a closed-fingered, open hand gently forward. “One of the many reasons this company is a success is that we know our stuff. And no detail is overlooked. But,” he adds, “Our guests also teach us. Our guests are truly special. I am amazed almost daily at the marvelous things we learn from them. They have played a tremendous part in our company’s evolution. Why? because we listen.”

Among the countries with growing Tourism Industry, India ranks No.3. Our American visitors are always fascinated to learn that certain words they use in English come from the languages of India, We’re working on a little ‘mini-dictionary’ to include among our welcoming gifts. Now, tell me that isn’t fun!

Golden Triangle Tour to Experience the guests

We introduces Golden Triangle Tour to experience India as a country of the bygone era with unlimited natural resources. The country boasts itself with rich culture, flawlessly flowing rivers paving its way through the elevated mountains and lush green vegetation with exotic species, which makes the country an amazing destination for tourist to visit.
The country with different languages is a secular state where all the religions are residing in harmony with various forms of art, architecture, literature, music and dance, and several lifestyles from the different spheres of life, India is a melting pot of cultural diversity. To explore the enthralling culture and history of India, Golden triangle tour is the best option. It covers the three most fascinating cities of India which are evidences of pages written in the history.

During the conversation with travel expert they told us about the cities that are included in golden triangle tour package. The foremost city covered in this tour is the metropolitan city, Delhi. Delhi is the capital city of India. Having a look into the history of Delhi you would get an insight into the rich heritage of India’s culture and history. Each crumbling wall of the city has a story to tell due to its rich historic importance. The rich architecture of the city gives a deep insight into the glorious past of the country. Delhi is a metropolitan city where people are open to amazing new ideas and life style. Delhi has a vibrant nightlife with world class pubs and restaurants. You will even find mouthwatering delicacies for your taste buds.

Then is the visit to the city that is epitome of love, Agra. Agra is that city which boasts about the most marvelous monuments in the world, including world heritage monuments. The city is home to the world famous Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, which was constructed by Shahjahan for his beloved Queen Mumtaj Mahal. Taj Mahal made Agra to be world renowned. It is also acknowledged for the Agra Fort, which is an authentic paragon collection of the Mughal architecture in India. Agra is also known for its stupendous handicrafts, made of marble and soft stone inlay work.

Last but not the least is the visit to the pink city, Jaipur. This pink city of Jaipur is popular for the astounding forts and marvelous palaces. This royal town has marvelous architecture and in India it is the first planned city. The splendid monuments of Jaipur deserve a visit. The magnificent fortresses of Mughal and Rajput era, the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal perfectly describes the culture of the city. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur, the largest of all five similar monuments, which is indeed an architectural spectacle. Colorful outfits and unique jewelry are the part of their culture which is presented in a beautiful way. Jaipur has markets flooded with handicraft items. Carved silver jewelry, kundan as well as meenakari jewelry, ivory carved sculptures, wood work and leather goods, are all so finely made that they would undoubtedly catch your eye.

Bangladesh Pips US, UK in India Tourism Chart

Bangladesh has topped the tourist’s arrival chart in India, followed by the US and the UK. According to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism, 7,32,105 Bangladeshis visited India in September 2014, which is 14.79 per cent of the total foreign tourist arrivals of 4.95 lakh in September. It is followed by the US (11.88 per cent) and the UK (8.33 per cent).

In the past two years, tourists arrival from Bangladesh is on the rise. In 2012, about 4,87,397 tourists visited India and it rose to 5,24,923 in 2013. In both these years Bangladesh was third in the list of source countries for foreign tourist arrivals to India consisting of 7.41 and 7.63 per cent respectively. During the period, the US and the UK topped the chart. 

Tourism experts point out that this is an unusual trend and needs to be studied. The surge in number of tourists from Bangladesh will not have any monetary benefit to the tourism sector as they are not likely to spend more here.

“In all probability these people come either for medical treatment or pilgrimage. Even though the number is large, in terms of tourism benefit, it stands negated. The major tourism markets for India are the US and the European countries. 

Interestingly, in my knowledge, India had not done any tourism promotional activities in Bangladesh,” said Jose Dominic,Managing Director, Casino Group and a tourism expert. Foreign tourist arrivals during September 2014 was 4.95 lakh as compared to 4.54 lakh in September last year and 4.12 lakh in September 2012. Forex earnings from tourism in September 2014 were Rs 8,810 crore compared to Rs 7,811 crore in September last year and Rs 6,652 crore in September 2012. India earned Rs 86,160 crore in January-September 2014 against Rs 76,369 crore in the same period a year ago.

Source: TheNewIndianExpress

Modi government shifts Arvind Mayaram to tourism ministry

Modi govt shifts out finance secretary Mayaram to tourism

In a surprise development, Union finance secretary Arvind Mayaram has been shunted out of the finance ministry and given a low-profile ministry of tourism. In orders issued on Wednesday, Mayaram, a 1978-batch IAS officer belonging to Rajasthan cadre, was made the tourism secretary in place of Parvez Dewan on his retirement at month end. In his place, Rajiv Mehrishi, an IAS officer of the same batch as Mayaram and from the same state, was appointed secretary, department of economic affairs in the ministry of finance. Ministry of finance has four secretaries - Economic Affairs, Expenditure, Revenue and Financial Services. The seniormost among the four is designated Finance Secretary.

Finance secretary Arvind Mayaram shifted to tourism ministry

Currently, Ratan P Watal, a 1978 batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh is expenditure secretary while 1980-batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre Gurdial Singh Sandhu is the financial services secretary. Shaktikanta Das, an IAS officer of 1980 batch from Tamil Nadu cadre, is revenue secretary. Mayaram's transfer was part of the first major secretary-level reshuffle undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. In all, 20 senior officials were transferred on Wednesday, many at the level of secretary.

Source India Today