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Beach Honeymoon

Lazying out in the endless coastlines, soaking in the clear turquoise waters and a sunset dinner cruise is your perfect honeymoon destinations, then here are some beaches that will make you so “AWW”.

Glacier Express – A train to fall in love with

Some of the most spectacular train journeys one can make is in Switzerland. Topping the list is the “Glacier Express”. During this 7 ½ journey, expect to see gorgeous villages, soaring steeples, red sloped roofed houses, brown cows munching away the lush green grass, ice melting into little water falls, green forests and wild meadows. This St. Moritz/Davos - Zermatt panoramic train journey, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass which is 2033 meter above the sea level.

Hong Kong Highlights

Hong Kong is a vibrant never-say-sleep city. Neon-lit skyscrapers, tightly packed sidewalk, molasses-slow traffic, steam-filled eat outs identifies this overwhelming harbor city. In addition to the Cantonese Chinese and British influence, one can notice a diverse influence from Vietnam to Vancouver making Hong Kong a unique destination

Paris Highlights

Paris, the city of lights and city of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. History, art, culture, food or fashion, one can have a variety of attraction to see in this city.

Adventure Sport: Zorbing down the hill

For Adventure Sports enthusiast, Zorbing is a must do. Simply saying, Zorbing is a recreation activity of rolling down a hill inside a inflated ball. The experience is more like throw inside a washing machine. Though you might think with all the movement inside the zorb, you would end up black and blue, but Zorb is incredibly safe. The Zorbing site was first established in Rotoura, New Zealand.

World Famous Cuisines

The history, climate, geography, religion and culture have a deep impact on any cuisine in the world. The origin and migration of food have in turn influenced the history, culture and culture. For any traveler, tasting the world famous cuisine with its authenticity is indeed a great opportunity. Here are some of the world famous cuisines in no particular order: Lebanese Cuisine, Greek Cuisine, Spanish Cuisine, Japanese Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Thai Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, French Cuisine, Italian Cuise...

Showing posts with label Visa Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Visa Information. Show all posts

ICC World Cup 2011 Special - Kandy, Sri Lanka

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 3:04 PM TOIP
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Generally recognized as the cultural capital of Sri lanka, Kandy is a major tourist destination and one of the cities hosting matches for ICC World Cup 2011. This scared Buddhist site, popularly known as the city of Senkadagalapura was the last royal capital of the Sinhala Kings whose patronage enabled the Dinahala culture to flourish for more than 2,500 years until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815. Kandy, a UNESCO world heritage site is a must visit in Sri Lanka.
Photo credits: www.outboundholidays.com
Facts:
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) [1 Indian Rupee = 2.45 Sri Lankan Rupee]
Language: Sinhala and Tamil
Time Difference: Same as Indian Standard Time
Best time to Visit: November to April

Get in:
Visa: Indian nationals are eligible for Visa-on-arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism purpose. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended to 2 more months by the Immigration Department of Sri Lanka. The documents required for visa on arrival is a return ticket, passport valid for at least 6 months, photo graph and fund to support travel (not less than $30 per day).
Flights: Kandy does not have air transport. Colombo is the major hub and has a good connectivity with all the major cities in India.
Train (from Colombo): The Intercity Express train are the hassle free and scenic way to get to Kandy. There are other trains as well. Train tickets can be purchased in advance or before departure.
Taxi: If you are directly heading to Kandy from Colombo airport, Taxi is a good option. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs about R6000 [14700 INR]
Intercity air-conditioned bus (from Colombo): Second best option to train. Reservations can be booked through travel agencies.
Hired Mini-vans: Travel agencies and hotels can arrange mini-vans with drivers.

Get Around:
Auto/Tuk-Tuk – Cheap and ever running way to see the city
Walk – the city is not large hence you can walk around.
Photo Credits: www.world66.com
Attractions:
The temple of Tooth: The most sacred Buddhist establishment in Sri Lankan, where one of Buddha's tooth is being kept.
The Old Royal Palace compound: Consists of old royal palace, quarters of the royal concubines, Queen's chambers, the Council chambers, the Armour and exhibits of Kandyan era.
The Royal Botanical Garden: Once a pleasure garden for Kandyan queen, this beautiful park host numerous tropical foliage.
Udawatta Forest: A small forest with tropical plants, wildlife and ponds
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage: Shelter for about 70 semi-tamed elephants. Feeding and bathing times are a must see.
The Tea Muesum: A Muesum dedicated to the history of Sri Lankan Tea
Lankatilaka Temple: A magnificent temple built on rock at a scenic location
Embekke Temples: A 14th century shrine famous for the wooden cravings on the entire structure decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds.
Temples: There are many other temples: Gadaladeniya, Dodanwala Devalaya, Degaldoruwa, hindagala Viharaya, Madawala Viharaya and Galmaduva Viharaya.

Do:
Trekking: There are many scenic routes in and around Kandy.
Kandyan dancing: The traditional form of dancing is a must see.
Asgiriya Stadium: Watch the ICC World Cup 2011, if its still on.
Perahera festival: It's an elephant paegent and a must see if you are in Kandy in August.

Get out:
Colombo: The Capital City of Sri Lanka.
Dambulla: 60 Km from Kandy and has a beautiful Cave temple.

Tokyo – A city of contrast

Monday, January 17, 2011 12:44 PM TOIP
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Tokyo, Japan, is a city of contrast, where future innovations in technology unfold in the center of old heritage and tradition. In this crowded city, shrine and temple stand side by side with tall and modern architecture. Advanced technology, craze for animation, youth culture, beautiful parks makes the city overwhelming. The land of rising sun is a great destination for anyone looking for everything during their vacation.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan. Photo-credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Quick Facts:
Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen 
(Exchange Rate: 100 INR = 183 YEN, at the time of the post)
Time Difference: 3 ½ hrs ahead of IST

Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) – The famous cherry blossom happens in March – April, when the cherry trees blossoms and turns into a shade of pink, making parks beautiful and picture perfect. The temperature is warm. There are many festivals during these months

Autumn (Sep - Nov) – The temperature and humidity is tolerable. The trees also change colors and it is as impressive as cheery blossom.

Get-in:
Visa:
Tourist Visa must be obtained from Japanese Embassy/Consulate prior to arrival. The Visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 30 days. Passport, Visa application, Photo, Flight ticket confirmations and Certificate of Income/ Certificate of Deposit balance to prove travel expense are required. Additional documents or sponsorship might also be required. Once in Japan, one must carry his passport at all times, if found without passport, one can be fined up to 2,00,000 YEN.
Flights:
Direct Flights: Air India has a direct flight from Delhi to Tokyo.
Transit Flights: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Beijing are some major transit points for Tokyo, Japan
Boat: There are ferries from Korea, China, Taiwan and Russia to the major ports of Japan

Getting around:
In Tokyo, train and subways are the most efficient means of transport. It is crowded and confusing at time. It’s best to analyze the Subway map before boarding. Passes and prepaid cards are available. Buses and ferries are also available in areas where subways are not present.
Photo credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Attractions:
Tokyo has a number of attractions parks, temples, shrines, markets etc. The below link has the attractions divided by area: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html. Most of the tourists spend 3 – 5 days in Tokyo. There is a must see list:
  1. Shinjuku – The area around the busiest railway station in Japan. Place to see cosmopolitan city.
  2. Shibuya - The trendy and fashionable shopping district
  3. Akihabara – The electronic device market
  4. Ueno Park – Has temples, shrines, museums and a large pond
  5. Imperial Palace and Garden – Residence of the imperial family of Japan
  6. Tsujiki Fish Market – Japan’s largest fish market
  7. Tokyo Towers – The symbol of Tokyo
  8. Asakusa(Sensoji temple & Nakamise)
Do:
  1. On a Sunday, head to Harajuku to witness the fashion and cosplay culture of Tokyo teens
  2. Try Sushi
  3. Get a great view of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for free
  4. Visit Ginza, the premier shopping district
  5. Stay in a capsule
  6. Visit the theme parks and enjoy some adrenal rushing rides
Tips:
  1. Japan Rail Pass is great option if traveling in whole of Japan
Side Trips:
  1. Kamakura – Small city with full of historic treasures
  2. Hakone – National Park with the view to Mount Fuji
  3. Nikko – A world Heritage Site

Paris Highlights

Sunday, December 19, 2010 9:04 AM TOIP
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Paris, the city of lights and city of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. History, art, culture, food or fashion, one can have a variety of attraction to see in this city.

Quick Facts:
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Time Difference: 41/2 hrs behind IST

Best Time to Visit:
Best time is April – June (spring) and Sep – Nov (Summer & Autumn)
Avoid – July and August. July is generally packed with tourist and during August, Partisan desert the city for their tours
For discounted airfares and hotels, End of March is ideal.

Events:
Paris Fashion Week – Feb and March
Sports – Six Nation Rugby Tournament (Feb), French Tennis Open (two weeks starting on the last Sunday in May), le Tour de France (Cycling Race - July)
Festivals:
Rendez-vous au Jardin (Garden Festival) – June
Fête de la Musique (Lively street music festival) – 21st June
Gay Parade – 26th June
Bastille Day (French National Holiday for storming of the infamous Bastille during French revolution) – July 14th [Beautiful Parades and fireworks]
Rock en Seine (a world-class music Festival) – last weekend in August
Jazz à la Villette (Jazz Festival) – mid- September
Le Beaujolais Nouveau (marking the beginning of the Christmas season) – third Thursday in November
Christmas and New Year in Paris is well known for its lights and celebration.

Photo Credits: http://www.afn.org
 Get-in:
Visa:
Schengen Visa allows entry into the schengen zone (which includes France) for 90 days with a validity of 6 months.
Airport:
Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Roissy) – The major international airport hub.
Orly International Airport – The old international airport used by Air France flights for domestic and some Europe carriers for international flights
Beauvais (Aéroport de Beauvais Tillé) – Regional airport used by low-cost carriers
Flights:
Direct Flights: ex-Bangalore (Air France), ex-Delhi (Air India, Air France), ex-Mumbai (Air France)
Transit Flights: There are many transit flights via cities in middle-east or Europe.
Trains:
If arriving from any other parts of Europe, train is a good option. There any various kinds of high speed and normal trains. The train fare various according to class and journey time. If you are on budget, the slower trains and overnight trains cost about half the fare of high-speed trains
Buses:
If arriving from nearby Paris, buses, Euroline, is a good option.

Get Around:
Trains/Buses/Car/Taxi/Boats can be used to get around the city. For independent travelers, bicycle + foot + train/boats are the best option. Avoid car or Taxi, since traffic is too heavy.
The Velib (Freedom bike) rental allows you to subscribe for 1 day or 7 days by paying a security for the bike. It’s a pick & drop service, you can pick up the bike anywhere and drop it off at the next bike station. For first 30 minutes, it’s free and the every following 30 min, it will cost you 1 Euro in addition to the per day rental of 1 Euro.
Trains: There is a 16 line metro and RER trains (suburb trains). Metro ply within the central part whereas RER trains goes further outside.

Attractions:
There is a never ending list of attraction in Paris. It’s best to prepare in advance. Paris has 20 Arrondissement/district and every arrondissement has some attraction. Visiting arrondissement 1 by 1 and covering the attractions there is an option, but it would take a long time. If you are short of time use the many itineraries available online, this would help you cover the best of Paris depending on the duration of stay.
Suggestions:
Frommer’s Paris Itinerary – Has 1, 2 and 3 day’s itinerary with map.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/0062020766.html
1 week itinerary - http://www.parisvacationshotels.com/one-week-itinerary-in-paris.html
Tourist Passes:
There is a long list of passes available in Paris for travel and sight-seeing. For the complete list: http://paris.conciergerie.com/all_paris_passes.php
Paris Museum pass + Carte Orange are the best bet.
Paris pass adds up much costlier than buying separate museum pass and Carte Orange, but provides few extra things like boat cruise, opera tour, wine tasting etc.

Tips:
  1. If possible avoid Paris on Monday and Tuesday, since many museums are closed either one of the day.
  2. Never eat at places near the attraction, they are quiet expensive
  3. For  budget accommodation: http://www.suite101.com/content/tips-on-paris-budget-accommodation-a268864
 Get out:
1. Versailles

Everything about Visas

Monday, October 25, 2010 4:38 PM TOIP
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Lets admit it. Its not a cake walk for Indians nationals, when it comes to traveling the globe. We can't just pack the bags, book the tickets and fly to many destinations. A visa may be required to many destination. When an international trip is planned, it is necessary to understand the visa procedures in the country.

Wikipedia Definition for Visa is an indication that a person is authorized to enter the territory for which it was "issued", subject to permission of an immigration official at the time of actual entry. Obtaining a visa is not an uniform procedures in all countries or for all nationalities. Each nationality can be treated differently and each country has a different procedure. So Lets get it straight.

1.Transit Visa can be obtained while on transit, i.e., When traveling to New York, if a stopover is in Paris, a transit visa for France can be obtained in this case.

2.On-Arrival Visa can be obtained while entering the country at the immigration. Not all countries issue On-Arrival visa to all nationalities. For Indian Nationalities, Thailand provides On-Arrival visa facilities but Singapore does not.

3.Tourist Visa can be obtained prior to the travel by apply to the Embassy of intended country.

4.Working Holiday Visa permits tourist to take-up temporary jobs while visiting the country.

5.Visit Visa can be obtained when visiting an resident/citizen of the country.

This was a brief about the types of visas for tourist purpose. In addition to these visas, there are many other types of visa, depending on the purpose of travel. There are also countries it permit visa-free travel.



Lets now get the basics of visa.
  • Every visa has a validity, duration of stay and number of entries.
  • Validity/Duration of stay can be in the form of hours, days, months or years depending upon the type of visa.
  • Overstaying or staying with an expired validity is an offense and can be prosecuted for the same.
  • Duration of stay can be extended, which is in turn at the discretion of the immigration office.
  • Visa can be a single entry visa or multiple entry visa.
  • With a single entry visa, one can enter the country only once and can stay for the duration permitted. For the next entry a new visa has to be obtained.
  • With multiple entry visa, one can enter the country any number of times till the validity expires but duration of stay still holds good for each entry.
  • Visa comes with a fee.
  • Mandatory documents for visa – passport size photographs, valid passport (must have empty sheets and should be valid for at least 6 months), confirmed accommodation voucher, ticket to confirm leaving the country.
  • Optionally one might also be requested to submit proof for financing the trip in the form of IT Returns, Fixed deposit, Salary slip, Bank statement etc.
  • Transit Visa needs a minimum stopover time to be fulfilled as per the transiting country.
  • Tourist Visa needs processing time which may take 1 – 10 working days or even more.
  • While applying for tourist/visit visa, consider the processing time and the validity of the visa. Applying too early or too late can jeopardize the plan.
  • As on October 2010, India is not participating in any working holiday program.
  • Common Visa can be obtained for certain regions which permits a single visa for all the countries in that region. The regions are formed by the countries under signed agreements. For instance, Schengen Visa permits travel into schengen region for a period with a single visa. Even though it is a common visa for the area, duration of stay, validity and number of entries hold good.
  • E-visa or the electronic visa is electronic form of visa and can be obtained by applying in the official internet websites of the country.
Finally, there are some visa free countries which permits India nationals without any visa. But that does not mean no passport. Passport is a mandate for any international travel.

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