Top Travel News- IBNLive.com

Allahabad: Countdown for Sangam Maha Kumbh begins

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:02:09 +0530

The countdown for Maha Kumbh 2013, beginning on Jan 14, has started, as hundreds of religious seers and followers of the Juna Akahada, Agni and Avahan Akahadas entered the Mela premises near the Sangam in Allahabad on Tuesday.

Will Shimla see a white Christmas this year?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:22:00 +0530

The capital of Himachal Pradesh is known for the grandeur of many of its buildings that once housed institutions of imperial power when Shimla served as the summer capital of British India. This year, after a gap of over two decades, there are hopes of a white Christmas here.

After erosion, encroachments haunt Goa's beaches

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 01:01:27 +0530

It is as if some evil eye has been cast on Goa's golden goose - its beaches - which year after year harvest tourists by the hundreds of thousands. If natural threats like erosion weren't serious enough, the latest threat for Goa's golden beaches comes from greedy land-hoggers who, the Goa government believes, are steadily encroaching on the beaches, all of which are state-owned.

Goa invites neighbour states to join its carnival

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:14:21 +0530

In a major break from tradition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has opened the carnival to participation by neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka as also Gujarat.

As mercury dips, it's skating season in Shimla

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:54:47 +0530

A red balloon was on Tuesday tethered to the roof of the British-era municipal corporation building for the first time this season, signalling as it has for decades that Asia's oldest ice skating rink in this hill town was open.

Kerala tourism pins hopes on Kochi biennale

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:05:55 +0530

The three-month-long Kochi-Muziris Biennale that opens on Dec 12 with an art and music gala will be playing to packed houses in this ancient Kerala city's tourism industry that is currently stagnating.

Hills near Shimla, Manali get season's first snow

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 02:08:13 +0530

Hills near the popular tourist destinations of Shimla and Manali on Thursday saw light snowfall - the season's first spell, a weather official said, triggering a rush of tourists.

London favourite tourist destination for Indians: Mayor

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:18:21 +0530

London, described as world's most visited city has become a favourite tourist attraction for Indians as visitors from the country grew by nearly 28 per cent from last year, Mayor of London Boris Johnson has said.

Not enough travel, wrong partner biggest lifetime regrets

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 04:21:29 +0530

People spend more than two hours a week dwelling on regrets, with not having travelled enough as the most common cause of remorse, a new UK study has found. More than half of those surveyed admitted wishing they had made a different life choice at some point, such as having a different career, living somewhere else or marrying someone different, according to research by the British Heart Foundation.

New railway project to link India and Bangladesh

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:47:04 +0530

India and Bangladesh would soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up a railway link between Tripura capital Agartala and Bangladesh's southeastern city of Akhaurah, officials here said on Friday.

Pink tourism: India now a hot spot for LGBT travellers

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:08:47 +0530

Thanks to Indian gay-tour operators, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community across the world is vying for India as the ultimate 'pink' tourist destination.

Agra tourists get their daily dose of cultural treat

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 10:00:38 +0530

Tourists to Agra will get a daily dose of cultural treat in an effort to showcase the "pristine art forms" of India to both Indians and foreigners.

India to ease visa rules to boost tourism: Chiranjeevi

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 10:25:24 +0530

India is attempting to liberalise visa procedures by adding nine countries to the the list of 11 nations whose citizens are entitled to the document on arrival, former southern star Chiranjeevi, who has been given independent charge of tourism as a minister of state, said on Friday.

Shillong to have India's first glass mosque

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 01:23:59 +0530

Madina Masjid, an imposing and resplendent structure of glass dome and glass minarets, will formally open doors to the devotees on Thursday in Meghalaya's capital.

Mountain biking picks speed in Himachal Pradesh

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:01:24 +0530

Cycling through the rugged mountain tracks of Himachal Pradesh is on a roll. And this time, the adventurous mountain bikers are not just foreigners. At a nine-day, 438-km long mountain biking (MTB) expedition here last week, 62 of the 75 cyclists were Indians - most of them with white collar jobs in big cities.

Illegal mining reports will put tourists off Goa: Cong MP

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 03:35:54 +0530

Constant reportage on illegal mining in Goa in the national and internationl media would drive tourism to Malaysia and Thailand from the popular beach destination, a Congress MP said on Monday.

Darjeeling: Abandoned man-made lake restored to glory

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 04:59:40 +0530

Few people know the existence of a once-beautiful lake off Darjeeling which lay hidden behind overgrown hyacinths and other wild weeds till the other day.

5 things to do for free in New Delhi

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 02:44:12 +0530

Many monuments and museums charge for entry, but there are still a few fascinating experiences visitors can have for free.

US eyes India, China, Brazil to boost its tourism sector

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 12:31:40 +0530

The US has stepped up its efforts to attract more foreign tourists, in particular those from countries like India, China and Brazil, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasising on the need for a hassle fee visa processing and entry programmes for tourists.

SC verdict on tiger tourism likely today

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:23:44 +0530

The Supreme Court is expected to give its final ruling on whether tourism should be permitted in core tiger reserves or not. The Centre had earlier filed an affidavit asking the court to lift the ban.

Buddhist destination Kushinagar promises tranquillity

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:23:53 +0530

Kushinagar - the place where Gautam Buddha breathed his last - is a place where you can pray in peace or simply soak in the beauty of the architectural marvels and the natural surrounding.

Jaipur: Tunnel between Amber Palace, Jaigarh Fort opens

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:39:32 +0530

An eighteenth century tunnel connecting Amber Palace and Jaigarh Fort, two major attractions in Rajasthan's capital city, was inaugurated on Sunday and thrown open for tourists.

On World Tourism Day, Taj city Agra a story of neglect

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 02:08:13 +0530

On World Tourism Day on Thursday, Taj city Agra has little to celebrate in spite of being a favourite tourist destination. This is because of the total lack of forward planning, industry stakeholders say.

Kerala to showcase new tourist destinations

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:56:41 +0530

Kerala will have new destinations across the state that will boost its tourism sector, an official said on Wednesday.

Foreign firms eye Indian lesbian, gay travel pie

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:03:18 +0530

Many international gay travel agencies are keen to open shop in India.

Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Park City, Utah

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:56:12 +0530

Park City ski resort in Utah is the access spot for some of America's best skiing.

AI opts for single code for better travel comfort

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:46:13 +0530

New ticket reservation system would be formally launched around mid-February.

Coming next: Carry-along basestation for travelers

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:51 +0530

Google unveils the world's first personal base station for international travelers.

Floating walkway to open up London's hidden past

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:59:00 +0530

A mile-long floating walkway will now allow views of the city's hidden alleys.

'Rubbish hotel' booked up for Spain tourism fair

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 04:43:59 +0530

German sculptor HA Shult used 12 tonnes of recycled junk to build the hotel in central Madrid's Callao Square and draw attention to the amount of flotsam spoiling Europe's beaches.

Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Riyadh

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:06:25 +0530

Riyadh is a growing city, combining modernisation with Muslim traditions.

Travel Picks: Top 10 ski destinations

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 11:59:02 +0530

Winter is a time to take advantage of all the fresh powder on the ski slopes

Tamil Nadu is No.1 destination for foreigners

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:05:24 +0530

Tamil Nadu has attracted the largest number of overseas visitors in the past four years.

Tips for travel in the snowing Himachal hills

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:30:29 +0530

Here are a few travel tips for adventure in the Himachal Pradesh hills.

Travel postcard: 48 hours in wintry Ottawa

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:59:03 +0530

Canada's compact capital is ideal for those who enjoy an active winter break.

Top 10 places to celebrate New Year's eve

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:29:09 +0530

Break out the party favors and the bubbly it's almost time to ring in the New Year.

Travel Picks: Top 10 places to celebrate New Year's eve

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 04:50:29 +0530

Break out the party favors. It's almost time to ring in the New Year.

Now travel 'cuddle class' on Air NZ flights!

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:54:32 +0530

If you are planning to take a long flight with your loved one but do not have the funds to travel business class, Air New Zealand may have just the thing for you.

Rent an apartment @ $ 285 a night at Burj

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:44:16 +0530

For those who would like to spend a night at the world's tallest tower, an online company in the UAE is offering a lucrative deal.

Travel Postcard: 48 Hours in Cape Town

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 06:08:36 +0530

Bright sunshine and balmy evenings are alluring aspects for discerning travelers to explore Africa's southernmost city in springtime.

Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Lisbon

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:48:50 +0530

Full of elegantly decadent charm, the compact, cosy Portuguese capital is an ideal place to explore on a weekend getaway.

Top 10 ways to improve business trips

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:27:45 +0530

Men's website AskMen.com (www.askmen.com) offers 10 easy tips to help you get through those difficult one to three days away for work.

CWG: Delhi hotels see a drop in bookings

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 09:12:48 +0530

Just a few days left for the Games and hotels have received very few bookings and hoteliers fear that they may incur huge losses.

Mumbai airport to go for revamp soon

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:40:31 +0530

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport runway will go under repair soon. The renovated airport will ensure timely arrival and departure mandatory for all airlines.

48 hours in Johannesburg, a city of gold

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:32:40 +0530

A city of migrants and a host for the 2010 soccer World Cup, Johannesburg boasts a mix of African and European cultures.

Travel Picks: World's top 10 nightclubs

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 05:17:12 +0530

Life's a party, and website Askmen.com has come up with a list of the top 10 nightclubs around the world to drink and dance the night away.

Indians hit back, give Australia the miss

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:15:11 +0530

A spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia last year has rattled travellers from the subcontinent, with up to 30 percent fewer tourists opting to take the trip Down Under. Indian tour operators say there has been a sharp drop in tourist traffic to Australia's holiday and business sectors in the last seven months.

Free Nepal visas for Mount Everest climbers

Thu, 13 May 2010 11:25:33 +0530

Foreign mountaineers who have climbed Mount Everest and another peak will get free Nepali visas for two years, part of a scheme to boost tourism in the Himalayan nation, a senior government official said.

Europe flights resume but millions stranded

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:24:58 +0530

Air traffic to Europe has slowly resumed, but the backlog is huge and could take weeks to clear up.

India-Europe air traffic resumed after a week

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:58:16 +0530

Air traffic between India and Europe resumed on Wednesday after a week of disruption caused by volcanic ashes, with Air India and Jet Airways operating flights in both directions to fly home stranded passengers.

Pressure on airlines to get Europe flying

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:53:39 +0530

Officials hope to significantly increase flights at the start of Europe's new working week on Monday and EU ministers will hold talks as pressure builds for a solution to the five-day-old air travel crisis.

Volcanic ash stays but Europe may fly soon

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:21:45 +0530

Air travel across much of Europe was paralysed for a fourth day on Sunday by a huge cloud of volcanic ash, but Dutch and German test flights carried out without apparent damage seemed to offer some hope of respite.

Forbes India: Goa's missing foreigners, business

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:34:38 +0530

Tourists from sun-starved European countries escaped to Goa to avoid the brutal winter. Sipping beer, smoking marijuana or just playing a game of beach cricket, they bankrolled Goa's tourism economy. But today it has all spun out of control. Goa is seeing a sharp drop in foreign tourist arrivals.

Vancouver ranked world's most liveable city

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:07:12 +0530

Vancouver has again topped a list of the top 10 most liveable cities in the world, giving the Canadian west coast city an extra boost as it opens the 2010 Winter Olympics.In the annual survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vancouver scored 98 percent on a combination of stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure -- a score unchanged from last year.

Forbes India: Istanbul, crossroad of the world

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:58:36 +0530

"If the city speaks of defeat, destruction, deprivation, melancholy and poverty, the Bosphorus sings of life, pleasure and happiness." Watching the passing ferries and the loud hungry seagulls, it's easy to understand Orhan Pamuk's fondness for this river and Istanbul.

Too many tourists may make must-see sites vanish

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:23:41 +0530

Travellers yearning to explore prehistoric Stonehenge or Machu Piccu's Inca ruins better start packing, as both are on a list of endangered destinations, according to a British travel magazine.

Travel Picks: Top 10 islands off the beaten track

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:10:48 +0530

After a frenzy of family activities over the holidays, peace and solitude is a dream for many people. Upscale travel website Jetsetter (http://www.jetsetter.com) has come up with a list of the world's top 10 islands off the beaten track.

World's top 10 places to enjoy a cup of tea

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:43:29 +0530

Fancy a cuppa? From highbrow salons to highland plantations, Lonely Planet lists the world's best places to have a cup of tea in its "1000 Ultimate Experiences" guide.

Travel Picks: Top 10 cities to party the night away

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:32:37 +0530

Looking to tread terrain still untouched by foreign stag expeditions? Want to unwind in luxury or drink up the sun? Lonely Planet lists the world's top 10 party cities in its new guide, the 1000 Ultimate Experiences.

Hair it's: top 10 moustache-dense nations

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:03:55 +0530

In a growing campaign to refer to November as Movember, men around the world are being encouraged to grow a moustache for 30 days to raise awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer.

Getaway: Best locations for vacations in 2010

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:37:05 +0530

Next year, it may be worth a visit to El Salvador, Lake Baikal or Cork, with these destinations featuring in a new Lonely Planet travel guide for the top places to go to in 2010.

First hotel in space on schedule, to open in 2012

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:34:16 +0530

Galactic Suite, the company behind plans to open the first hotel in space, says they are still on target to accept the first paying guests in 2012.

Indians take a break, holiday abroad

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:36:50 +0530

The just-concluded ITB Asia 2009 in Singapore, Asia's largest tourism fair, provided pointers suggesting that outbound tourism traffic from India would surpass the inbound traffic.India's hotel prices compare unfavourably even with top destinations such as the US and Britain, not to mention other destinations such as Thailand, Singapore or Malaysia.

Want prosperity? Index ranks Finland as place to be

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:21:28 +0530

For those who value their freedom of expression as much as health, wealth, and prosperity, then Finland is the place to be, with an index ranking the Nordic nation the best in the world.

Kashmir's famed houseboats hit by conservation rules

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:39:43 +0530

For nearly a century, hand-carved houseboats bobbing on a placid lake drew millions of visitors to the stunningly beautiful Himalayan region of Kashmir. But today a grand houseboat where Beatle George Harrison once stayed sits rotting and half-submerged in the mirror calm Dal lake, one of Kashmir's main tourist attractions.

Global tourism expo 2010 to be held in Mumbai

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:12:10 +0530

To provide an integrated business platform for domestic and international players in travel trade, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation will organise a Global tourism expo in Mumbai next year.

Smelly, fat, seat-kickers worst plane commuters: poll

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:52:44 +0530

Smelly people, fat people and people who cough and sneeze are the most disliked passengers to be seated next to on an airplane, according to a survey. Almost half of the people polled by a travel website said passengers with poor hygiene are the worst, while 30 per cent dislike people who cough and sneeze and 15 per cent don't like sitting next to fat passengers.

Skydivers claim highest landing ever near Everest

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:35:09 +0530

Three skydivers, including one Indian, made the highest parachute landing ever at a drop zone near Mount Everest, Nepal officials said on Thursday.

Book that holiday: Poll shows hotel prices down

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:28:24 +0530

Don't put off those plans to travel around the world much longer - a new survey shows hotel prices are at their lowest in over five years, thanks, in part, to the economic downturn.

India tourism receipts down 14.8 pc in Jan-Aug

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:56:38 +0530

India saw a 14.8 per cent decline in gross tourism receipts to $6.9 billion in January-August as the global economic slump and fears of rising cases of H1N1 infection discouraged visitors, data showed on Wednesday. The data released by the federal tourism ministry said arrivals to India tumbled 8.6 per cent in August to 0.36 million as compared with the same period last year.

Welcome to tropical destination, China?

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:39:33 +0530

When one thinks China, they think the Great Wall or the Tiaanan-men square but never a tropical island. The Chinese want to change that now. They are attracting tourists from world over to their beaches. Sanya, in the south China sea, wants to give Goa a run for its money.

Must visit: Top 10 fantasy holidays to explore

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 01:18:56 +0530

From authentic Indian palaces fit for maharajas to Wild West-style cowboy ranches for would-be John Waynes, travel companies and hotels are offering luxury packages to help people live out their fantasies for real.

Travel luxury: World's tallest, coldest, greenest hotels

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:14:51 +0530

For travellers who like a hotel with a superlative attached, online hotel specialist hotels.com has come with a list of record-breaking hotels. The hotels featured by Hotels.com (http://www.hotels.com/), part of the Expedia Inc group, all have the "-est" factor.

Navy officer charts course for around the world trip

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:48:59 +0530

Indian Naval officer Commander Dilip Donde could just become the first Indian and the first Mumbaikar to navigate the globe solo in a state-of-the-art yacht.

Travelocity Global acquires Travelguru

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:20:24 +0530

US-based online travel firm Travelocity Global said on Tuesday it has acquired Indian hotel distribution network, Travelguru. The firm did not disclose financial details of the deal.

World of wonders: Top 10 beach holidays for families

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:46:18 +0530

Sun, sea, sand - beaches are a natural holiday destination for many families where everybody, big and small, can have fun. Lonely Planet's Travel With Children book lists what it believes are the world's most child-friendly beaches.

I-Day, Janmashthami weekend pushes tourist traffic to HP

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:31:18 +0530

Most hotels in various tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh are totally booked ahead of the three-day extended weekend that starts with the Janmasthami festival on August 14.

Travel Picks: Top 10 overlooked stunning structures

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:32:23 +0530

Lists of beautiful buildings laud the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and at least one token Frank Gehry building, but there are dozens of other equally beautiful choices that somehow always seem to remain unnoticed.

India, Singapore sign deal to boost tourism

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:19:40 +0530

India and Singapore on Tuesday signed a joint action plan which, officials said, would help both countries to attract more tourists.

LTTE vanquished, tourism to open up in Sri Lanka's north

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:00:36 +0530

The pristine beaches in Sri Lanka's north, where a 25-year ethnic conflict came to an end two months ago following the crushing defeat of the Tamil Tigers, are getting ready to open up to tourism in a big way. This is a region where tourism was practically non-existent while the tigers ruled the roost.

J-K tourism picks up after Shopian protests

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 04:59:38 +0530

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department says that the Shopian double rape and murder case slowed the tourist rush briefly. But the industry is once again showing signs of fast revival.

Eclipse chasers make beeline for flight of lifetime

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:03:48 +0530

It's the opportunity of a lifetime and many Indians are not about to miss it. They are making a beeline for a special flight to watch a total solar eclipse next week from 41,000 feet above ground - even if it means shelling out Rs 70,000 for a window seat!

Himachal plans 'cemetery tourism' for foreigners

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:42:25 +0530

With many foreigners having been buried in Himachal Pradesh when Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj, the government is planning 'cemetery tourism' to attract their kin to the hill state.

AI faces criminal charges for overloading aircraft

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:33:58 +0530

On May 5, an Air India flight from Mumbai to Mangalore took off with three extra passengers on board. One of the passengers was accommodated in the cockpit while the other two were made to sit on where the cabin crew sits during takeoff and landing. The breach of security and the freeloading hasn't gone down well with the DGCA, which is now planning to frame criminal charges against the airline. Air India, while admitting to the lapse, alleges it gets unfairly targeted.

Guide to travelling with kids and having fun too

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:32:34 +0530

They're probably the most high-maintenance companions any traveller will ever have, but a new guide aims to take the pain out of vacationing with children and giving their parents a break, too.

Have kids? Go travel the world, new guide says

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:41:11 +0530

They're probably the most high-maintenance companions any traveller will ever have, but a new guide aims to take the pain out of vacationing with children and giving their parents a break, too.

In.com presents Fantastic Five

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:35:40 +0530

Network 18's In.com has brought out the Fantastic Five - an interactive online travel series that chronicles the journey of five young travelers set out on an adventure to a dream destination - South Africa! This unique travel reality show is brought by In.com in association with South African Tourism.

Hazard of Oz: Aus falling off Indian tourists' map

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:52:01 +0530

From a preferred destination to a most-avoided holiday spot - the downslide in the Indo-Australian tourism sector has come rather fast in the wake of the alleged racist attacks on Indians there.

Jet Airways reduces capacity by 20 pc

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:56:17 +0530

India's private air-carrier Jet Airways on Monday said it has reduced its capacity by 20 per cent. The action was taken to survive the global economic crisis that has hit the airline industry hard.

Tripura, the tourism hotspot for the devout

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:09:42 +0530

Hidden from the view of travellers for centuries, exquisite images of 15th century Hindu gods and goddesses carved on a hill at Devtamura in Tripura's south district are now attracting tourists in droves.

Himachal Pradesh gears up to promote health tourism

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:32:05 +0530

Himachal Pradesh, one of India's popular tourist destinations, will now promote ancient systems of nature cure on the pattern of Kerala to lure health-conscious affluent visitors, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said.

Luxurious adventure, the new buzzword in tourism

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:58:02 +0530

An adventure sojourn during the day and the evenings filled with luxury and indulgence. Yes, that's the new mantra travel operators across the country are offering to woo domestic as well as international travellers.

Now, two trains a day to tourist hotspot Digha

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:48:35 +0530

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced two pairs of daily trains between Howrah and Digha. Digha is a coastal hotspot in West Bengal that the Railway Minister aims to transform into a major tourist destination.

Credible India! Govt tries PR to woo panicky tourists

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:18:36 +0530

United States' travel advisory to its citizens against travel to India and Pakistan has worried the Indian Ministry of Tourism. The Government feels that the warning is unwarranted and has already swung into damage control with a widespread PR exercise.

Karnataka rolls out Golden Chariot to woo tourists

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:26:31 +0530

Hit by the economic downturn, the Karnataka Tourism Corporation that runs the luxury Golden Chariot train is now eyeing domestic travellers for the royal odyssey at a hefty tariff of Rs 1,25,000.

Hotel Ashok, Samrat and Janpath to host 2010 games

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:21:10 +0530

With 486 days left for the Commonwealth Games, three hotels were named that will play host to top VIPs who would be in the national capital. The three hotels include Hotel Ashok, Samrat and Janpath, all under the India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, a government of India undertaking would also fill the need for hotel rooms in the capital.

Minister's message: Don't go Goa

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:09:11 +0530

Following Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik's call to assess the quality of foreign tourists coming to Goa, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Churchill Alemao has now raised fears about the quantity of tourists that Goa attracts. Alemao said to the reporters on Thursday that he was against an increase in the number of tourists coming to the state.

Hot now! Offbeat honeymoon destinations

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:21:22 +0530

So you are different... You find the idea of going to Goa or Singapore or Seychelles for a romantic escapade is, well, a path trodden too often. Why not explore some offbeat and yet very romantic locations for your honeymoon or even a romantic holiday with your better half? The novelty of the location can add to the adventure and romance of the place.

Vacation mood sets in, hotels back in business

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:54:05 +0530

Hotels are slowly, but surely back in business. After a sluggish six months, travellers seem to be more willing to open their wallets. And this is reflecting in hotel bookings which have risen 5-10 per cent from January.

Indian hotels gear up for common Wealth Games

Tue, 26 May 2009 01:29:16 +0530

The financial losses due to economic meltdown and Mumbai terror attack notwithstanding,the Indian hotel industry is gearing up for the Commonwealth Games next year to make the most of the likely spurt in tourist traffic.

Mauritius expects 10 pc Indian tourists growth

Tue, 26 May 2009 01:13:43 +0530

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority on Monday said it expects 10 per cent growth in the number of Indian tourists arrival in the island nation during the current year.

Foreign airlines lure passengers, slash airfares

Sat, 23 May 2009 09:19:25 +0530

Even as domestic airfares have been skyrocketing Indian globetrotters have never had it better. The airfare to Singapore and back is now just Rs 11,000 thanks to huge discounts being offered by international airlines. While these are promotional fares to increase air traffic hit by financial crunch but no one seems to be complaining. International airlines are wooing Indian holiday makers with rock bottom fares and have slashed airfares by almost half.

Indian out, Briton bags the best job in the world

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:01:31 +0530

British charity fundraiser Ben Southall on Wednesday bagged the caretaker's job on an island in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. There were 34,000 applications for the job and 16 people were called to be interviewed. The Australian tourism authorities had described it as "the best job in the world".

Swine flu plays spoilsport for vacationers, tourism

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:30:23 +0530

It's vacation time again and just when one thought that the tourism sector was recovering from its slump, it's been hit by travel advisories on the dreaded swine flu. The already bleeding tourism industry is now cringing from another painful attack. Experts estimate the Swine Flu scare to cost the tourism sector up to 30 per cent of its revenues. Airlines may also not be spared. Load factor on direct Indian Airlines flights to the US and Canada could fall 10-12 per cent.

Yatra.com launches next generation website interface

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:25:35 +0530

Yatra is pleased to announce the launch of its next generation travel website. We at Yatra believe that customer is the king and that our web site should reflect our caring attitude and efficacy.

Hotels feel the heat, report shows business dips

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:46:15 +0530

The hotel industry is being pushed into a corner. A Citigroup report says a sharp decline in hotel occupancy and room rates is hurting earnings. The report says January saw average occupancy levels falling 58 per cent and a 14 percent fall in room rates.

Taste of India: Delhi homes turn hotels for 2010 Games

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 01:51:34 +0530

The Tourism Ministry has launched a Bed and Breakfast Scheme. Delhiites and those living in the National Capital Region can now rent out rooms in their house to tourists during the Commonwealth Games.

Meltdown, Mumbai attacks hit foreign tourist arrivals

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:46:44 +0530

The global meltdown, coupled with the Mumbai terror attacks, considerably impacted the foreign tourist arrivals in India and their number rose only 5.56 per cent last year against the expected growth of 14.56 per cent, the Rajya Sabha was informed Tuesday.

Meltdown, Mumbai attacks hit foreign tourist arrivals

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:46:44 +0530

Slumdog Millionaire boosts Mumbai's slum tourism

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 07:54:03 +0530

Mumbai's Dharavi which is Asia's largest shantytown - 175-acre and is home to more than 6,00,000 people has recently gained popularity thanks to Danny Bolye's Slumdog Millionaire.

Pics: A train journey that'll cost you Rs 5 lakh

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:06:31 +0530

It's the latest in luxury from the Indian Railways. The Royal Rajasthan on wheels is a seven-day train ride through the Rajasthan desert that costs you nearly Rs 5 lakh in the deluxe and a whopping Rs 8 lakh in the super deluxe class.

Haven on Earth: 6 places secure from financial crisis

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:36:55 +0530

With no end in sight to the current downturn, countries are being forced on the back foot, and their heads are talking bail-out deals. Down and out, people are beginning to wonder whether there are any places left which might provide them with a safe haven. The good news is, yes, there are. We have cherry-picked six places which are relatively out of the danger zone. The rest of the world might be going through a trough, but these six hotspots offer a ray of hope.

Goa slips off No. 1 tourist spot for New Year | Pics

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:33:58 +0530

This year, not as many people heading to Goa as last year but there's a surprise entry in the list of top domestic new year destinations. The surprise entry at No. 1 is the land of sand dunes, Rajasthan. The rise of boutique hotels in the area is said to be the reason behind the state's ranking.

Air India slashes fares by 35 to 80 per cent

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 04:06:28 +0530

After private airlines Jet and Kingfisher announced a cut in their airfares, Air India on Tuesday too slashed ticket prices following a steep fall in fuel prices. The airline is cutting basic fares by 35 to 81 per cent in basic fares on 19 domestic sectors. Air India says the lower prices will come into effect from Tuesday, December 30. The reduction will be applicable to all domestic sectors.

Air India to reduce ticket fares from Jan 1

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:31:44 +0530

A day after Kingfisher Airlines announced a fare cut, national carrier Air India on Monday announced a similar fare reduction from January 1. "In view of the slackening demand in post-peak season and continued decline in fuel prices, Air India will be adjusting domestic fares downwards on various sectors shortly," an Air India spokesperson said.

Photogallery: Where you should be on Dec 31

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:51:31 +0530

The top 10 destinations to usher 2009 in.

Ban, no ban, ban again on Goa beach parties

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:07:03 +0530

The Goa government on Saturday banned parties on beaches and other open areas from December 23 to January 5. It had first come up with this ban two days back but then revoked it. "Taking into consideration all aspects, we have decided that beach parties would not be allowed from December 23 to January 5," Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat told reporters outside his official residence.

Goa, the party is almost over; tourism hurt

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:00:39 +0530

The party is slowly ending for Goa's tourism industry. A global economic crisis, followed by the horror of the attacks in Mumbai, could make this tourist season one of Goa's worst ever.

Govt to increase security at tourist centers

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:47:35 +0530

The government has decided to upgrade security at heritage buildings across the country, especially those buildings which attract a large number of tourists. Tourism Minister Ambika Soni says their top priority is the Taj Mahal in Agra which is India's most famous tourist attraction.

Yatra.com awarded best travel agency for 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:13:32 +0530

Yatra.com, one of India's largest and leading online travel companies, has been declared the 'Best Online Travel Agency' of the year 2008 at the Galileo Express Travel World's awards on December 10, 2008 in New Delhi.

Tourism min announces packages for frequent travellers

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:44:56 +0530

The Mumbai terror attack has had an impact on the otherwise booming tourism industry. The tourism ministry is doing everything it can to save the sector from a nosedive.

Incredible India in trouble, 26/11 hits tourism

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:18:39 +0530

The Mumbai terror attack has had an impact on the otherwise booming tourism industry. The tourism ministry is doing everything it can to save the sector from a nosedive.

Russian govt asks citizens to 'reconsider' Goa trip

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:19:09 +0530

Close on the heels of a travel advisory issued by Israel recommending to its nationals to avoid visiting Goa this season, the Russian government has also asked its citizens to reconsider their trips to the state. Nearly 45,000 Russian tourists visit Goa each season and the country stands second only to Britain when it comes to the maximum number of nationals holidaying on Goan shores.

Mumbai terror strike hurts Brit travel industry

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 06:02:08 +0530

The travel industry in the United Kingdom is beginning to feel the impact of the Mumbai’s terror attacks. Travel agents are reporting cancellations and postponements in what is the peak season for tourists travelling to India. Sharon Bamford heads the UK-India business council in London. She is a frequent business traveller to India as her work involves fostering business ties between the two countries. She says the Mumbai attacks will not deter her personally and she is all set to travel to India in January.

Strong dollar pounds London tourism to new low

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:26:24 +0530

The number of visitors to London are down this year. But that could be about to change. And as it's all thanks to the stock market collapse and the lure of the strong dollar.

British Airways to scrap Kolkata-London service

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:04:23 +0530

British Airways will suspend its flights between Kolkata and London from March 28 next year as it finds the route unprofitable, an airline officer said here Friday. "The decision to suspend flights between Kolkata and London has been a difficult one to make. However, the route is not making a profitable contribution to our business and we are unable to sustain it," said Amanda Amos, British Airways' area commercial manager South Asia.

RIP: World's 10 best places to die for

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:29:58 +0530

Above ground, or six feet under, "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009" guide lists the world's top 10 cemeteries, which are prime spots for both the living and the dead. Reuters has not endorsed this list.

Take a hike! Here are the top 10 trekking hotspots

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 12:00:16 +0530

For travellers who enjoy getting away from it all, online site for adventure travel iExplore has come up with a list of the world's top 10 hiking and trekking vacation spots.

Welcome to India's most expensive tourist destination

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:26:50 +0530

Goa, one of India's most popular tourist destinations, is also becoming the most expensive destination in the country, say tour operators. Rising inflation, hike in aviation fuel prices and increase in insurance premiums have led to an escalation in the rates of tour packages, offered by charter and scheduled tour operators to up to 100 percent.

November pain: One more fee on air tickets coming

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:29:41 +0530

Yet another airfare hike is in the offing from Nov 1 as airlines and travel agents have mutually decided to add a new component, transaction fee, which would be a minimum of Rs.350 for domestic and maximum of Rs.10,000 for international tickets, an industry official said here Monday. The zero-percent commission regime will be replaced by the transaction fee, which will be levied along with the airfare, the official said, adding that this will be reflected as "other charges" on the ticket.

Fare enough: Pay more to make up for $1.4-bn loss

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:09:45 +0530

India's airline sector has expanded in the last four years, placing a record $12 billion in aircraft orders. They are now deferring deliveries and cutting growth. But if fuel prices continue to climb, survival of a few will be difficult.

No time for long vacations, try "flexi" holidays

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:22:31 +0530

Young, upwardly mobile professionals in India are hard-pressed for time, but that shouldn't stop them from indulging in "flexi-holidays" - short breaks that last for a day or even half and customised by tour operators.

Far away from the crowds, at a spa in the hills

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:40:53 +0530

With fast paced city life and the daily grind at work affecting us all, there is a constant search for options. Even a small break from the killing routines of the metros can be exhilarating, provided you go to the right place. CNN-IBN correspondent Varun Kumar comes back from Mussoorie and shares his experiences at an exotic rejuvenating spa.

Monsoon magic: Jog Falls, nature lovers' delight

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 05:06:00 +0530

The splendid beauty of Jog Falls has reappeared in it full glory. One of the five highest waterfalls in the world and India's highest is now attracting several lakh tourists and nature lovers from across the globe.

Costliest holiday package a treat for tycoons

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:04:05 +0530

Got a million dollars to splurge on a holiday? You stand to figure in the Guinness Book of World Records. A hotel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hoping to enter the book of records by offering what is being dubbed as the world's most expensive holiday package. Priced at $1 million, the package by the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi offers pure opulence for two guests to stay seven nights in a 680 sq m palace suite on an all-inclusive basis.

Swap house to cut vacation costs

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:23:16 +0530

All one needs is go to home-swapping websites and the entire world opens. For 20 years Lauren Kahn has been welcoming total strangers to her home. She's about to meet Ken and Shirley Bullock for the first time and hand over her house keys. The Bullocks are trading their home in Australia for Lauren's in Mclean, Virginia for a month.

World's best city: Bigger Bang-kok for your buck

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 01:19:41 +0530

An online poll by Travel+Leisure magazine puts Bangkok on top spot as world's best city 2008 trumping last year's winner Florence, Italy.

Take a bow, Japanese voted world's best tourists

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:55:32 +0530

Survey by online travel company Expedia.com asked more than 4,000 hoteliers from across the globe to list their best overall travellers. Japanese won top prize for being overall best tourists. Germans and Britons tied for second place, followed by the Canadians and Swiss. American tourists came in at number 11 overall.

Travel sector on downward trend, woos tourists

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:49:58 +0530

With inflation at a 13-year high and ATF prices continuing their upward trend, the already-struggling travel industry is facing the heat. Comparing the number of outbound tourists from India for April 2007 with April 2008, both Singapore and Hong Kong saw a fall of close to 50 per cent.

Best city poll: Swiss, the swish set; Baghdad bombs

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:53:35 +0530

Zurich in Switzerland has again come top of a list of 215 cities as the location with the best quality of living while Luxembourg was ranked the safest - and Baghdad, Iraq, came last on both counts.

Now Chennai's autos get tourist-friendly veneer

Sat, 31 May 2008 03:36:41 +0530

Chennai's auto-rickshaws are notorious for fleecing tourists and the city's residents. But now the state government has introduced 39 tourist-friendly auto-rickshaws, where the auto drivers are not just mere drivers but also act as guides. These auto rickshaws are trying to give Chennai's auto culture a much-needed face-lift.

US warns its citizens of Gurjar blockade

Thu, 29 May 2008 12:29:56 +0530

American govt asks citizens to maintain low profile in blockade region.

Airlines will have to refund tickets quick

Thu, 22 May 2008 02:37:06 +0530

Aviation Ministry acts on consumers’ complaints.

How to stretch the rupee in dollar-led tourism

Thu, 22 May 2008 02:38:52 +0530

The first and foremost worry on anyone's mind would be money. Can we Indians, earning in rupees, afford to see other countries and not feel much of a pinch? For that, first an understanding of the volatile rupee -dollar equation which must be developed. or the past few years the rupee has been getting stronger against the dollar but that trend has reversed in the last few weeks.

Minted, demanding: meet the new Indian Traveller

Tue, 20 May 2008 10:59:41 +0530

With India's spending power on the rise, more and more travellers are now on a lookout for exciting options. With the outbound tourist market growing at an annual growth of nearly 25 per cent per annum, tourists have developed unique fancies. But the demand does not end there. Experts believe that 2009 will see a revolution in the travel market.

India withdraws 46,000 passports under Z series

Sat, 03 May 2008 05:03:42 +0530

Consulate in Dubai issues statement, gives no reason for decision.

Spirits are low, Tourism Industry growth rate falls to 5%

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:45:12 +0530

The tourism industry has shown signs of a slow down in the last two months. Tourism has been growing at about 30 per cent annually. However in the last two months, the growth rate has fallen to just 5 per cent.

Want to stay in world's best hotels? Start saving!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:23:51 +0530

You may have bring in a few extra bucks if you are you looking for a place to stay on your next vacation. According to a new survey, prices are going up at the world's most desired vacation spots. Britain for example, is the most expensive country in Europe for hotels, and it's capital, London is the fifth costliest major city in the world for a one-night stay.

Sobering afterthought: Goa sets rules for partying

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:11:07 +0530

For tourists, golden beaches where the fun never stops were Goa’s USP. But now, party time in the state is going to be rationed. A series of attacks on tourists including Scarlett Keeling’s murder has forced the state police to crack down on late night revelry.

Goa, from simply tourism to 'moral tourism'

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:28:32 +0530

Once known for fish feni, football, hippies and tourists, Goa - after the mysterious murder of British teenager Scarlette Keeling – is trying hard to maintain its reputation. While the native conservative Goans never much cared for the laid-back hippies, Scarlette's murder has led to some moral arguments.

Now, camels exchange your currency in Jaisalmer

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 02:51:09 +0530

Enterprising Rajasthanis go to many lengths to ensure their state’s mainstay – tourism – goes on without any hitches. To that end, the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur had started mobile banks, which have been present at the desert festival in Jaisalmer since the past 20 years. These are true Godsends for many tourists who find themselves running out of Indian currency.

Love is in the air: GoAir plays Cupid this V-Day

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 01:25:12 +0530

GoAir has announced a unique marketing promotion aimed at combining Valentine’s Day and forthcoming holiday season. The airline is giving away one free ticket for each paid flier, which means the passenger pays for one ticket and his companion flies free.

In Pics: Heights of adventure with Hillary

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:53:20 +0530

When alive, he scaled new heights; in his death, he stands tall.

The big heroes who conquered new heights

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:07:35 +0530

The conquest of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary, who died on Friday, was one of mountaineering's greatest achievements.

Incredible costs do Incredible India in

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 08:09:13 +0530

The beaches of Thailand seem to be more attractive than the beaches of Goa – both for the experience and for the price. Industry players say there has been a marginal dip in domestic travel in the last few months primarily because India has become at least 30 per cent more expensive to travel than neighbouring countries like Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

Sun shines on Srinagar, ray of hope for tourism

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 03:22:30 +0530

According to the state Tourism Department, over four-and-a-half lakh tourists visited the city this winter.

Lost worlds: 10 sites to visit before they disappear

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:08:29 +0530

Two places in India which have been adjudged as among the top 10 ancient and treasured sites destinations one must visit before they disapear due to environmental causes, over-tourism or conflict. The list was compiled by the men’s lifestyle website, askmen.com.

No dollars please, India tells tourists

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:59:33 +0530

After international supermodels, it’s the Indian tourism ministry. They don't want to be paid in dollars anymore. They are now telling tourists to pay in rupees to see any monument or heritage site.

Party is on! Goa gets breather from protests

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:41:29 +0530

Seems like tourists can party this year-end in Goa after all. The BJP, which had been spearheading the anti-SEZ movement along with a group of NGOs, has decided to suspend the agitation till January 1.

Activists spoil Goa New Year party for tourists

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:23:27 +0530

Celebrate Christmas in Goa but pack up before New Year eve. That's the message to tourists from the activists and political parties opposing commercial development in the state. Thousands of tourists who have already reached the state for the last “happening” event of the season have been given a December 28 deadline by the anti-SEZ organisations.

UK bound? New visa rules could be a dampner

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:50:19 +0530

If you are planning a visit to the UK on a tourist visa, you could now only get to spend three months there instead of six.

Legacy of the last Mughal lives on in Yangon

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 12:12:48 +0530

While history best remembers Bahadur Shah Zafar as the last Mughal king of India and the leader of the 1857 revolt. In his final resting place in Yangon, the former emperor is revered in an entirely different way. CNN-IBN's Deborshi Chaki visited his dargah and has this story.

Avoid unpleasant surprises if the holiday bug bit you

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:14:07 +0530

Italy is a great place to go on a holiday, however a confused holidaymaker usually finds it difficult to decide between a planned package tour or an independent travel.

Vacation time? Don't forget to budget

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:33:15 +0530

The holiday season is just around the corner and most of us are dreaming of a prime destination. Whether we make it or not this time, one sure fire way of guaranteeing a great holiday is to plan your finances way in advance. Here's how to manage your budget while on a vacation.

Spain’s nightlife rocks the world

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:02:21 +0530

Spain has been listed as the number one country in the world for nightlife in a recent survey. It is making a concerted bid to increase tourist arrivals from India.

Chinese dressing for Indian tourism

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 02:06:49 +0530

Whatever the history of Sino-Indian relations may have been, as far as tourism is concerned, it is working very well. In a hard-to-come-by gesture of generosity, Beijing has made India as the Guest of Honour country in its prime international trade and travel mart and is permitting advertising among tourists who throng China at this time of the year.

Cool off in Swiss Alps with hot new offers

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 04:35:45 +0530

Wanted: Indian tourists, especially in the 60 years of Indo-Swiss Friendship Year in 2008. Indians are being courted in a big way and a new offering from the Swiss hosts is to come and celebrate winter in the Swiss Alps. So if you want to make this winter different for yourself and toast Christmas and the New Year to now capped mountains in Switzerland, this is an offer you must not miss.

In Pic: The adventure to sub-zero Siachen

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:48:26 +0530

A civilian expedition to the Siachen Glacier after 30 years. CNN-IBN's Rasika Tyagi was part of it and became the first woman journalist to reach 16,000 feet. She takes you through her 23-day adventure up the mountains, to the frozen frontier.

Low-cost party over? Air travel demand hits new low

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:11:12 +0530

Low-cost airlines have seen a dip of over five per cent in demand.

Goa plays party pooper, no bashes after 10 pm

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:18:54 +0530

Tourist hotspot likely to be hit, industry not filling to face the music.

A journey to the top of the world, by train!

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:17:41 +0530

It's a journey to the roof of the world on a rail line that is raising trade, tourism and several questions. Suhasini Haidar got on board the train from Beijing to Lhasa.

Stay in India for free via blogger website

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:53:19 +0530

Hotel rooms in India tend to be expensive and hard to find, but a new website is helping visitors find a bed, with a warm conversation thrown in, all for free.

'World traveller' Malaika on how to holiday right

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:09:57 +0530

At the launch of a coffee table book on Italy, Malaika Arora Khan gets candid.

From Ground Zero: Conquering Siachen, trekker style

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:24:06 +0530

CNN-IBN's Rasika Tyagi accompanies trekkers to Siachen, reports.

No takers for Gandhi's tryst with destiny in Durban

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:57:29 +0530

The railway station where Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off a train, an incident that changed the destiny of two big countries, is today reduced to an edifice that very few people care to visit. This town on the outskirts of the port city of Durban was where India's 'Father of the Nation' suffered that ignominy for being a non-white.

Like gambling in casinos? Head to Macau

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:21:02 +0530

Macau is a tourist city that was once ruled by Portugal. The oldest European colony in the history of East Asia now attracts tourists from across the globe. And now this city has another reason to pull in more tourists. The charm of Venice and the glamour of Las Vegas came together in Macau with launch of the hotel, Venetian Maco last week.

Dubai eyes Indian tourists

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:23:00 +0530

Dubai is eyeing Indian tourists, especially those from second rung cities like Chandigarh, Nagpur and Coimbatore, and intends to push up the number of visitors from India by 32,000 this year.

Go Himachal! Lake to be linked by chopper

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:12:37 +0530

The Manimahesh lake, one of Himachal Pradesh's most popular pilgrimage centres and tourist spots, will be connected by helicopter services from next week.

Kerala's tigers out on streets, tourists loving it!

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 07:41:52 +0530

The great festival of Onam is nearing and tourists are flocking Kerala. The festivities have already begun and a huge attraction is the regional Pullikali or the tiger dance. Men dress up in animal prints clothes and paint their faces like a tiger while performing this dance.

In Pics: Whole world is enjoying water sports!

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 02:58:41 +0530

From the Kerala's snake boat race to yatch sailing week in Washington lake, people across the globe are splashing waters for some mind-blowing water sports.

Air India to start non-stop flights to US

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 10:19:54 +0530

Air India, the only Indian carrier to fly on the US-India route until now, has less than a fifth of this sector's market share. But now it's gearing up to face growing competition, both from American and Indian carriers, with its first non-stop service, starting on the first of August, offering daily flights between Mumbai and New York's John F Kennedy airport.

141-storey Dubai tower is world's tallest building

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 02:11:05 +0530

The Burj Dubai in UAE became the tallest building in the world on Saturday night after the construction of its 141st floor was completed. The under construction tower will use up 39,000 tonnes of steel and 1,42,000 square metres of glass. It will also have 56 lifts travelling between two to 10 metres per second.

Passengers on US flights may get to carry lighters

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:00:49 +0530

Passengers on US flights will be able to bring many types of cigarette lighters on board flights again starting next month, as federal authorities found a two-year-old ban on the devices did little to make flying safer, a newspaper reported on Friday.

Travel now, pay later: websites play a new card

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:03:03 +0530

Online travel companies are making life easier for frequent travellers who don’t have credit cards by giving them the option of paying cash on ticket delivery.

UK to India: A long road home

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:58:02 +0530

Three months, 18 countries and 20,000 kms later an Indian doctor couple from UK has much to celebrate and talk about. After all, it was A Long Road Home. Thirty-five of their best photographs are on display in the Capital at The Academy of Fine Art and Literature for the next few days. The couple shares some of their best moments with IBNlive.com.

Luxury resorts look to carbon-neutral getaways

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 11:31:49 +0530

Where do you go nowadays if you're a millionaire looking for an island getaway but you don't want your vacation dampened by global warming guilt? You might try the Six Senses Resorts and Spas, a Bangkok-based luxury hotel that has started to specialise in carbon-cutting getaways for the rich and famous.

Is 'adventure' your middle name? Hop on!

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:05:33 +0530

Pack your bags and holiday in any of the 80 exotic properties of Club Med.

Two hot reasons to head to Himachal

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 01:53:29 +0530

The govt may open its quaint forest rest houses to visitors.

Tourists in Tamil Nadu will get wings

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 11:59:41 +0530

All tourist places in Tamil Nadu will in three months be just two hours from Madurai. Whether it’s green hills of Ooty and Kodaikanal, the temples of Rameswaram, the beaches of Kanyakumari or Chennai, choppers from Madurai will transport tourists cheap and fast. The ticket per person is Rs 5,800 on a five-seater helicopter.

Wait, please: more ID checks at 10 US airports

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:41:14 +0530

A program being launched at 10 US airports this year will expand existing identification checks for visitors, including requiring 10 digital fingerprints, but still operate under strict privacy rules, a senior US official has said.

Golf tourism tees off in Kashmir

Sun, 06 May 2007 07:03:23 +0530

Though Kashmir boasts of four golf courses Corporate Golf Tourism is still in its nascent stages. And those who participated in a recent tourney think that with a bit of publicity, a turnaround can be managed in spite of the so-called security concerns.

Govt strikes gold in Brit era graves

Thu, 03 May 2007 09:23:35 +0530

The graves of the British officers killed in 1857 are becoming tourist hotspots as India celebrates 150 years of the Sepoy Mutiny.

India wants free travel in S Asia

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 12:35:04 +0530

Following the Pakistan’s move to deny visas for a nine-member cycling team from Mumbai, India said it favoured a free travel across South Asia and would work with other countries in this regard.

Top 5 travel accessories for you

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 03:05:56 +0530

You have a long haul flight to catch that will confine you for long hours. We suggest you should use a little bit of technology to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel. Here’s a list of the top five accessories that are designed to make your life easier on board or at the airport.

Boom time for online travel agencies

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 01:56:29 +0530

Online travel agencies are all set to triple their market share in the tourism market, while traditional travel agencies dramatically lose share from 32 per cent in 2005 to a mere 10 per cent in 2008.

India's all over the place in Berlin

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:52:12 +0530

It's India everywhere in Berlin everywhere as India Tourism makes a big pitch at the ongoing ITB fair.

Why fee air travellers for congestion?

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 09:39:25 +0530

The government is not planning to "double" peak hour airport charges, as was earlier stated by the aviation secretary Ashok Chawla. However, he says that there will be a hike in charges.

Plan your travel this budget year

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:20:02 +0530

Will airfares go up, is rail travel better? Here is what you should consider when planning your travel budget.

Protests handicap Karnataka tourism

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 08:59:28 +0530

K'taka's booming tourism industry is in tears with cancelled flights and delayed trains due to frequent protests.

How taxing are your family holidays?

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:16:20 +0530

The children of Rajagopal, who works as a Deputy Manager at HTL, are at an age when television and the lure of new places are dictating their desire to travel.

Indian tourism gets earthen flavour

Thu, 28 Dec 2006 04:11:31 +0530

Indian tourism ministry has decided to cash the most mundane of the Indian identity—its village life.

India experiments with graveyard tourism

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:56:12 +0530

The project is expected to bring in 1 million tourists when Indian celebrates 150 years of the mutiny of 1857.

Malaysia cleans loos to lure tourists

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:49:52 +0530

Malaysia unveiled high-tech public toilets on Tuesday as part of a campaign to wash away bad toilet habits ahead of a major tourism drive next year.

Around the world in a little pedal boat

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 11:42:24 +0530

Jason Lewis is an adventurer following in the footsteps of the last great adventurer to circumnavigate the world, Ferdinand Magellan, but of course, being British, Jason has to be different.

Malaysia cashes in on golf tourism

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:02:30 +0530

After spending a lot of effort on developing golf properties, Malaysia has finally started to cash in on Golf Tourism.

Kerala takes health route to wealth

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 08:11:41 +0530

The state government seems to have cracked the winning combination of fun and wellness.

SL travel could be dangerous: US

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:17:36 +0530

Americans in Sri Lanka should be alert to the possibility of violence throughout the South Asian island state.

J&K tourism pins hopes on golf

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 09:15:05 +0530

People from tourism industry in Kashmir are trying hard to link golf and nature to endorse Kashmir as a golfing destination.

US group wants medical tourists barred

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 05:21:22 +0530

United Steel Workers' Union wants to stop Americans from visiting India and low-cost countries for medical treatment.

Get onboard for Adventure Desert

Sat, 14 Oct 2006 09:06:54 +0530

The new age tour packages in Rajasthan are now hard-selling a peek into the life of the desert.

Sikkim: It's not just about Nirvana

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 06:19:28 +0530

Traditionally known for its spiritual way of life and age-old monasteries, Sikkim is now a vibrant tourism destination. While this Northeastern state retains it's grandeur and culture, many other attractions are fast sprouting up and tourists are loving it. While Sikkim retains it's grandeur and culture, many attractions are fast sprouting up and tourists are loving it.

Exploring untouched beauty of Goa

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 08:28:57 +0530

Lush greenery, sparkling waterfalls and the calm of the countryside is the other face of Goa.

Tourists stay put in Srinagar

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 10:00:07 +0530

Day after grenade attack on bus, tourists say terrorists can’t scare them. Shopkeepers close business to protest attack.