Sunday January 29, 2012
Lingraj Temple, Orissa.
Wikimedia Commons.
It's quite common knowledge that many of the major Hindu temples in India don't allow non-Hindus, particularly foreigners, to enter. The main reasons are because they may do something disrespectful or because of their personal habits (for example, eating beef). Basically non-Hindus are considered impure.
However, I was shocked to learn that a friend of mine got turned away from the Lingraj Temple in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, yesterday because she didn't look or sound Indian (and thus Hindu) enough. Read More...
Saturday January 28, 2012
A few months ago, I wrote about the possibility of the frustrating two month gap rule on Indian tourist visas being removed. Since then, a number of people have asked me when it's likely to occur.
According to this recent newspaper report in The Times of India (refer to second last paragraph), it could be within the next month. Apparently, the Prime Minister's Office has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to resolve the confusion around restrictions on re-entry for tourists. The visa rule is likely to be relaxed.
Let's hope it happens. However, it's important to keep in mind that we are dealing with Indian time frames here!
More About Indian Visas:
Friday January 27, 2012
It had been a while since I'd been to Bonobo, one of Mumbai's most popular bars, so I was rapt to try the yummy new food menu there earlier this week. Recently introduced because the owner thought it was time for a change, it keeps the staples (such as pastas, risottos, and mini burgers) but adds some enticing new dishes.
So, what's on offer? Appealingly, there's cuisine from all around the world, including Mexican, Arabian, French, and Italian. Yet, in creating the dishes, the owner has made it a point to use local ingredients as much as possible.
Read More...
Wednesday January 25, 2012
Pushkar Lake.
Sharell Cook
It's been 10 years in the making and cost just over 100 crore rupees, but the train line from Ajmer to Pushkar is finally up and running. Yes, it's now possible to get from Ajmer to Pushkar by train, and for less than half the price of the bus!
The train (which doesn't seem to have a name and number yet) was inaugurated on Monday, and will run every day except Tuesdays and Fridays. Departure time from Ajmer is 9.15 a.m. and arrival time in Pushkar is 10.40 a.m. Returning, the train departs Pushkar at 3.40 p.m. and reaches Ajmer at 5 p.m.
The fare is only 5 rupees.
More About Pushkar Travel:
