India, Australia sign MoU to cooperate on enhancing tourism

India and Australia on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use the field of tourism to enhance bilateral cooperation and to further strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two nations.

The MoU was signed between Ministry of External Affairs, Secretary (East), Anil Wadhwa and Minister of Trade and Investment Andrew Robb.

It will encourage cooperation in tourism policy, information exchange, interaction between tourism stakeholders, training and investments in hospitality sector and promote the importance of the tourism sector in economic development and employment generation.

The idea is to use the field of tourism to enhance bilateral cooperation and to further strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two nations.

Recently, IATO President Subhash Goyal voiced the sentiments of Indian travel trade when he called for visa-on-arrival facility to be extended to Indian tourists. Requesting the Australian Government he told Business Insider, “A lot of Indians visit Australia every year and hence, we should be extended visa-on-arrival facility by the Australian government.”

India is the 10th largest source market for Australian tourism and the official board has initiated a number of promotional and educative programs in recent times to increase the number of Indian tourists visiting the country. 

Prime Minister Modi, who was in Canberra today, has now left for Melbourne after which he will depart for Fiji for the third leg of his three-nation, 10 day trip.

Most Famous Indian Folk and Tribal Dances

Ghoomar: Rajasthani Folk Dance

Folk dance in India is a term broadly used to describe all forms of folk and tribal dances in regions across India. WhileIndian classical dance is considered a higher form of art and was practiced in courts, temples and on special occasions, folk dance forms are practiced in groups in rural areas as an expression of their daily work and rituals. They are performed on religious or seasonal festivals. Some of the popular folk dances that are performed across villages and cities are Bhangra,Garba and Lavani.

Punjab Folk Dance

Bhangra

Bhangra: World famous Punjabi Folk Dance

Bhangra is a traditional and lively form of folk dance which originated from Punjab. People in Punjab traditionally perform Bhangra while celebrating the harvest. During Bhangra, people sing Punjabi Boliyaan lyrics, at least one person plays the the dhol drum, and other people may play the flute, dholak drum, or other musical instruments. While Bhangra began as a part of harvest festival celebrations, it eventually became a part of such diverse occasions as weddings and New Year celebrations.

Gujrat Folk Dance

Garba

Garbha: Gujarati Folk Dance

Garba is the popular dance from Gujarat and is being performed not only all over India but all over the world by the Gujaratis. Garba is an Indian form which has originated in the Gujarat region. It is more similar to the classical Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam and Odissi. The name garba comes from the Sanskrit term Garba which means "belly" and Deep which means "a small earthen lamp" while many traditional sheaves are performed around a central lighted lamp. Garbha is a circular form of dance performed by ladies on the Navaratri days which are auspicious days of Goddess Durga in the Winter Months, during Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami, Holi and other festive occasions.

Maharashtra Folk Dance

Lavani

Lavani: Marathi Folk Dance

Lavani Originating from the state of Maharashtra the word Lavanya meaning Beauty which tries to put the various social aspects in an entertaining form. The Lavani Dance form is a combination of traditional songs and dances. It worked as a morale booster for the war soldiers in the 18th century.

Usually Lavani Dance form is performed by Dhangars or shepherds of Sholapur district of Maharashtra. Lavani is the poetry written by Dhangras who gets the inspiration by nature. The Lavani dance from contains the tales of Birth of their Diety called Biruba. In general in the Lavani Songs there are meaningless chants which are used to fill the gaps within the musical sounds. Lavani the musical drama goes on for the entire night and at the end of the Lavani performance, a replica of Manmathas mount is burnt.

Explore Nepal and Its Spectacular Beauty

Wedged between the two titans India and China, Nepal is a relatively small country with geographic icons, breathtaking mountain landscape and myriad treasures. With its ancient culture and the mighty Himalayas as a backdrop, this birth place of Lord Buddha has truly earned the title as the roof of the world.

It comes as no surprise that Nepal has been voted as travellers' first choice in Asia for upcoming destinations and third choice globally. This enchanting land has always promised an exhilarating experience for all adventure lovers and legions of trekkers and spiritual seekers are drawn to the Himalaya’s most iconic and rugged trails of the world’s highest mountain, the colossal Mount Everest.

There are diverse options for the non –trekkers or those who prefer to see a different facet of Nepal on a gentler pace. He further elaborated that the itinerary of all the tours as well as the India with Nepal Tour is completely focused and specially designed according to the personal style ,pace and interests of the clients ensuring security, comfort and luxury at all times.

A sample itinerary of 15 days that begins in India ,for instance could include a captivating and invigorating tour of the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi,admiring the Red Fort, a red stone wonder which truly exemplifies the prowess of the Mughal architects, continuing on route to visit the India Gate and the Qutub Minar.

No tour of North India would be complete without a visit to the royal cities of Jaipur, Udaipur and the spectacular white marble marvel, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, further moving on to the UNESCO world heritage site Khajuraho to witness the exquisitely carved temples with its distinctive sculptures.

The tour then ventures to the exotic Nepalese capital of Kathmandu exploring its buzzing streets ,strolling through the famous temple-lined medieval city squares of Bhaktapur and Patan.From there moving on to Pokhara valley, the “Jewel of the mid-west” beneath the soaring snow-capped peaks and picturesque monasteries, soaking in the rural beauty around the villages and hiking through the wilderness of Chitwan National park tracking the endangered one –horned rhinoceros with the journey finally culminating with a view of the majestic Sagarmatha – or the Mount Everest leaving everyone mesmerized and asking for more.

Discover some of the most magnificent scenic routes, ancient shrines, fascinating historical sites, forts, grandiose palaces, vibrant colorful bazaars, and the legend of eternal love Taj Mahal with a tailor made India Nepal Tour package.

“Once you have travelled the voyage never ends the mind can never truly break away from the journey” And this India – Nepal tour promises to leave unbeatable memories and experiences that truly rejuvenate the mind body and soul.

Marriott opens first luxury JW Marriott resort in India in Mussoorie

Marriott International has recently opened its first luxury JW Marriott in India in Mussoorie. The JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is located in the foothills of the Himalayas with all its 115 rooms and suites featuring their own private balconies, overlooking the surrounding hills and gardens.

“The opening of the first JW Marriott resort in India is undoubtedly a milestone for the JW Marriott brand and Marriott International at large,” said Rajeev Menon, Area Vice President of South Asia, Marriott International. “JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa reflects the sophistication, style and exceptional service, attributes that have grown synonymous with the JW Marriott brand worldwide.”

Embark on a luxury retreat in the heart of India's Himalayan mountains. The new JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa welcomes you with 115 deluxe hotel rooms and suites, each boasting flat-screen televisions, high-speed Internet access and attached balcony. Spacious bathrooms include high-end bath amenities and bathrobes and slippers. Rejuvenate your senses at the Cedar Spa by L'Occitane or dine at one of our several onsite restaurants. Planning a family holiday? Our hotel also features Mussoorie's largest entertainment center- The Den comprising bowling alleys, gaming consoles, billiard room and more. Our 4,000 square feet of modern venue space is ideal for weddings, social gatherings and off site meetings. Finally, our location in Uttarakhand, India, enables you to fully appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the Himalayas. Refined luxury awaits you at the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa.

Top Reasons to Stay at Hotel The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur

Experience the uniqueness of The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur.

• Located on the banks of Lake Pichola
• 80 elegant and spacious rooms & suites
• 2 Restaurants and a Bar
• 2 Large banquets and 4 meeting rooms
• Single aisle Hotel with all rooms and public spaces overlooking the lake
• Internationally acclaimed Spa Brand ESPA
• Personalize your stay amenities
• French Chef

1. Location and View: Without exception every room at the Palace offers a lake view or lake and heritage view.

The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur

2. Arrival experience: As part of your journey to the palace, experience Lake Pichola with a scenic boat ride.

Royal Welcome - Leela Palace Udaipur

Leela Palace Udaipur

Meeting Room

Banquet - Leela Palace Udaipur

3. ESPA: World class tented SPA overlooking the lake with plunge pools and open air treatment facility.

The Grandeur of North India Is Being Celebrated this year

India is a vast country with 29 states and has been divided into different zones such as north, south, east and west. North India is that part of the country which is distinguished by its lush greenery of grasslands, snow peaked mountains, impressive forts, pacifying hill stations, religious shrines, and exotic flora and fauna. We are celebrating the grandeur of North India with the famous North India tour.

North India comprises of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttaranchal. This part of the country spreads its own charm through its culture, heritage, environment, architect and tradition and these aspects tend to allure a lot of tourists. Not only tourist, but also photographers are also allured by this charm. 

North India tour is a wise decision as jewels of India are discovered during this tour. The northern region of India welcomes its visitors with its myriad colors of its cultural diversity, geographical splendor, culinary delights and historical heritage.

This tour is also combined with photographic tour and forms the best tour known as North India Photo Tour. This would be great experience for the photographers as well as for the travelers as this region has been a witness of a great dynasty and cultures and they have left their imprints which have given birth to a rich cultural variety which is a rare masterpiece and impossible to be found anywhere. This is a great opportunity for all to capture it through the photographic lens. 

These tours can interweave countless breathtaking experiences such as speculating colorful live performances of art scenes, bowing at vintage temples to stone replicas of Gods and Goddess, trekking at the snowcapped peaks of the majestic Himalayas, enlivens oneself in soothing hill stations, gobbling upon the mouthwatering cuisines. 

This tour has enchanted everyone with its calm natural beauty and magnificent architecture which has gained a lot of fame over the years.

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