Status of Indian Visa on Arrival Scheme
A few people have written to me recently, asking about the status of the Indian Visa on Arrival scheme. So, I thought I'd give a quick update.
Two years have now passed since the scheme was introduced on a trial basis, for citizens of five countries in January 2010. Not only is it still in effect for those countries, it's in the process of being expanded to include more countries.
In January 2011, the Indian government extended the scheme to an additional five countries. This has resulted in the number of visas on arrival almost doubling. During January 2012, a total of 1,359 visas were issued, compared to 790 visas in January 2011. The majority were to citizens of New Zealand (360), Japan (263), Indonesia (220), Philippines (206), Singapore (173), Finland (95).
Now, according to this news report, the government is currently looking at providing visas on arrival to 13 more countries. Read More...
Now Make Indian Railways Reservations 4 Months in Advance
Indian Railways train.
Sharell Cook
From March 10, 2012, Indian Railways will allow passengers to book tickets up to four months in advance. Currently, foreign tourists can book tickets up to a year in advance under the foreign tourist quota. For everyone else, the limit is 90 days.
However, the reservation period for some short distance trains (such as the Taj Express and Gomti Express) will remain as 15 days in advance.
Interestingly, the change hasn't been welcomed. Read More...
How to Explore the Jaipur Old City
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.
Getty Images/Martin Harvey.
Jaipur is a wonderful city to explore on foot, as the attractions of the Old City are in close proximity to each other. If you like shopping, you'll be able to pick up some bargains in the bazaars of the Old City along the way. This walking tour of the Jaipur Old City will guide you.
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2012 Kala Ghoda Festival Photos and Program
Kala Ghoda at the festival.
Sharell Cook.
The famed Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is on again in Mumbai's Kala Ghoda arts precinct, and last night I dropped by to have a look. With hardly any room to move, it felt like the whole of the city was out and about! There were some weird and wonderful street performers, along with the usual array of arts and crafts stalls from all over India.
Have a look in this 2012 Kala Ghoda Festival Photo Album.
However, to get the most out of the Festival, instead of wandering around aimlessly, it's best to plan your visit so you that you can take part in the fabulous free courses and events on offer -- everything from heritage walks to writing workshops. You can download the schedules here: Read More...
Nadi Astrology at Vaitheeswaran Koli - Real or Fake?
Nadi astrology palm leaves.Recently, I had a reader get in touch with me about Nadi astrology. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Nadi astrology is based on predictions that ancient sages were believed to have written on palm leaves. Apparently, there's a palm leaf that corresponds to everyone. If you find your leaf, you'll get to know your future.
I actually visited a Nadi astrologer in Mumbai last year because I was curious about the practice. It's too early to know if his predictions will come true or not. However, I'm really not convinced that he had my leaf, so am not expecting too much.
2012 Khajuraho Dance Festival Program and Tickets
Traditional Indian dancer.
www.flickr.com user euthman.
The annual Khajuraho Dance Festival gets underway tomorrow at the Khajuraho erotic temples, one of India's most popular historical destinations. For the next week, visitors to the temples will be entertained by traditional dancers from all over India, who have come to perform there.
The festival is one of India's oldest and most well known cultural events -- it's been running since 1975. The dances are performed in the Western group of temples, mainly at the Chitragupta Temple (dedicated to Surya the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).
What's really appealing about the festival this year is that entry is free for all!
You can download a full program of events here.
Besides dance, there will be traditional arts and crafts by local villagers on display.
Visiting Khajuraho and wondering where to stay? Check out these 5 Best Khajuraho Hotels for All Budgets.
Not Hindu Looking Enough to Enter Major Hindu Temples in India
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...
When Will the 2 Month Gap on Indian Tourist Visas be Removed?
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!
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Yummy New Food Menu at Bonobo Mumbai
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.
Ajmer to Pushkar by Train
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.
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