About.com India Travel

5 Appealing Agra Hotels

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:11:24 +0000

ITC Mughal Hotel, Agra.
Leonardo Media

I remember back to 2000, when I visited the Taj Mahal in Agra. I stayed at a nondescript hotel that was quite a disappointment, especially when the Taj Mahal seemed so exotic.

The reality is that Agra is not a very inspiring city. It's dirty and characterless. However, there are some decent enough places to stay that will help make your trip memorable. Check out these 5 Appealing Agra Hotels. There's something to suit all budgets. If money is no object, you can even have a view of the Taj Mahal from your bedroom!

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5 Appealing Agra Hotels originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 00:11:24.

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Turtuk in Ladakh Now Open to Foriegn Tourists

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:23:35 +0000

Nubra Valley.
www.flickr.com user

Want to go where no foreigner has gone before? Visit Turtuk, in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. In a move to boost tourism, the Indian government has relaxed the Protected Area Permit Regime to allow foreign tourists to travel to Turtuk. This area was previously off limits to foreigners, who can now visit there in twos.

The border village of Turtuk, which forms part of the famed Silk Route, has an interesting history. It used to belong to Pakistan, until it was recaptured by the Indian Army in 1971.

A large number of foreign tourists are already visiting the Nubra Valley for Bactrain camel safaris, and the hot sulphur springs of Paramik. Now tourists will be able to travel along the banks of Pangong Lake, which lies on the India-China border, right up to the villages of Man and Merak. Further routes may also be opened once sufficient tourist infrastructure is developed.

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Turtuk in Ladakh Now Open to Foriegn Tourists originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 01:23:35.

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Photo of the Week - Swayambhunath Nepal

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:36:11 +0000

About.com India Travel is expanding to include the neighboring countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka! This magnetic pair of eyes can be found on the Swayambhunath Stupa, near Kathmandu in Nepal. They represent the eyes of the Buddha. Similar eyes can be seen all over Nepal, including on t-shirts and souvenirs.

Check out more pictures of the fascinating old city of Kathmandu, and surrounding villages, in this Kathmandu photo gallery.

Do you have a photo of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or Sri Lanka that you'd like to share? Submit your photo here along with a brief description and it may be featured as Photo of the Week.

Photo copyright Sharell Cook.

Photo of the Week - Swayambhunath Nepal originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 00:36:11.

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Shisha Reincarnated Redefines Kolkata Nightlife

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:20:48 +0000

Main bar.
Shisha Reincarnated

Shisha, Kolkata's popular hookah bar, has been reborn as Shisha Reincarnated. After seeing the photos, all I can say is, "WOW!". Shisha Reincarnated really takes nightlife to a new level in Kolkata. It is one stunning venue!

Located a level up in the same building at 22 Camac Street, Shisha Reincarnated incorporates main bar, lounge, private booths, and outdoor deck into its substantial 7,000 square foot space. The decor and tones are warm and inviting. If you want an exclusive night out, this is the place!

So, what has become of the space that the old Shisha occupied? It's being turned into a fine dining restaurant.

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Shisha Reincarnated Redefines Kolkata Nightlife originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 00:20:48.

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Shop for Handicrafts in Delhi at MESH

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:42:22 +0000

Cushion cover.
MESH

One of my readers recently wrote me with a wonderful tip about where to buy handicrafts in Delhi. She recommended a shop in Uday Park that's run by an NGO called MESH.

MESH works with groups of disabled artisans, and they produce beautiful high quality handicrafts. I had a look at the MESH website and the items are really attractive. They include bags, bed covers, cushion covers, hair accessories, home decor, toys, and cards. You can see them for yourself in this MESH gallery.

The address of the MESH shop is 5 Local Shopping Centre, Uday Park. It's located only three minutes from South Extension, in New Delhi.

The best thing is that your purchases will help a worthy cause. What a great excuse to shop!

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Shop for Handicrafts in Delhi at MESH originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 02:42:22.

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Uttarakhand: India's Hottest New Tourist Destination?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:41:50 +0000

Valley of Flowers National Park
commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/User:Kdhenrik

If you want to enjoy India's natural beauty, Uttarakhand is fast being discovered as a destination with much to offer. The number of domestic tourists visiting the state, from January to October this year, increased by 30% over last year. The number of foreign tourists grew by 15%.

To further draw visitors, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) is developing a range of adventure activities, including trekking, rafting, mountaineering and skiing. Over 120 trekking routes have been identified, and infrastructure is to be developed in these areas.

Mahindra Homestays is also putting significant effort into promoting homestay accommodations in Uttarakhand, and is in the process of adding some stunning places to its banner.

More about Uttarakhand attractions: Top Uttarakhand Travel Spots

Uttarakhand: India's Hottest New Tourist Destination? originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 04:41:50.

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Top India Hotels for 2009 According to Expedia

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:28:26 +0000

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.
Leonardo Media.

Could The Oberoi Grand hotel in Kolkata be the most popular luxury hotel in India? It certainly is a favorite. The hotel topped the list of TripAdvisor's 10 Best Luxury Hotels in India, and also occupies number one position in the 2009 Expedia Insiders' Select list of hotels in India. The Oberoi Amarvilas, in Agra, is another popular choice.

The other India hotels that top the Expedia Insiders' Select list include the The Oberoi in Mumbai, Shangri-La Hotel in New Delhi, and Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort in Goa. The Lemon Tree is only a three and a half star hotel, so it's doing a great job with competing against the luxury five stars.

The Gateway Hotel Ganges in holy Varanasi also gets a mention in the list. It's situated in the Varanasi city center, away from the river though. Personally, I'd prefer to stay at a hotel with a fascinating river view!

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Top India Hotels for 2009 According to Expedia originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 06:28:26.

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Taj Mahal Entry Tickets Now Available from Other Monuments in India

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:54:34 +0000

Taj Mahal, Agra.
Sharell Cook

If you're a foreign tourist who's planning on visiting the Taj Mahal, you might want to avoid the crowds and lines by buying your entry tickets in advance, from monuments elsewhere in India.

From November 16, 2009, entry tickets for the Taj Mahal will be available at other monuments across the country. It's hoped that this initiative will help overcome the problems that foreign tourists often face in buying tickets at the Taj Mahal.

According to the press release, the entry tickets will cost 1,000 rupees ($25). This is comprised of 250 rupees of Entry Tax (Archeological Society of India) and 750 rupees Toll Tax (Agra Development Authority).

The 750 rupees Toll Tax is higher than the 500 rupees Toll Tax usually charged, and listed on the Archeological Society website, though. It's unclear whether the price of tickets for the Taj Mahal has increased, or will only be more expensive if bought from other locations.

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Taj Mahal Entry Tickets Now Available from Other Monuments in India originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 07:54:34.

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Mumbai Safe from Cyclone Phyan

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:54:53 +0000

Lucky for Mumbai, Cyclone Phyan weakened considerably and was a no-show. It was a little disappointing after all the hype, but a very good thing for the city. Today, the sky is bright, clear, and sunny again in Mumbai. There's no hint of yesterday's looming threat at all.

Maharastra's Konkan coast, particularly Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, suffered the worst of the cyclone. A total of 1,500 houses were damaged, and four people killed. Fortunately, many missing fishermen managed to find their way safely back to shore, after the cyclone weakened in the sea.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department in Pune, the cyclone was the first one to pass through the region in 43 years!

Mumbai Safe from Cyclone Phyan originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 07:54:53.

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Awaiting Cyclone Phyan in Mumbai

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:10:49 +0000

Getty Images/StockTrek

There's nothing like India for unusual situations, and once again I'm finding myself in a situation I've never experienced before. I'm in Mumbai and waiting for a cyclone to hit the city.

According to the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Phyan will arrive in Mumbai late this evening. The cyclone is currently heading north east, and is expected to cross the South Gujarat and North Maharashtra coast, between Alibag (Maharashtra) and Valsad (Gujarat).

It's been raining in Mumbai for two days now. However, looking out my window, there's currently a break in the rain and certainly no signs of the cyclone's impending devastation. News reports paint a different picture though. Further down the Maharastran coast, strong winds and high waves have overturned boats. Many fishermen are missing.

The coastal areas of Mumbai, including Juhu, Versova, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, and Worli are expected to suffer the worst damage in the cyclone. If possible, these areas should be avoided during the next 24 hours. If you are in these areas, try to stay indoors. Some other areas of Mumbai are already waterlogged, and many flights have also been delayed.

The cyclone is very unseasonal and unexpected at this time of year. The monsoon has passed, and normally Mumbai experiences dry, hot, and sunny days during November.

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Awaiting Cyclone Phyan in Mumbai originally appeared on About.com India Travel on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 05:10:49.

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