The Ministry of Tourism, with a view to develop niche tourism and to invite potential tourists, domestic as well as, foreign, has been providing financial support to the new concept ie, luxury trains which take the tourists through different tourist destinations of the states.

Apart from promoting the ‘Palace on Wheels’ and ‘Heritage on Wheels’ in Rajasthan, Deccan Odyssey in Maharashtra and Golden Chariot in Karnataka, Ministry of Tourism has now provided grant to luxury train of Punjab.

The Union Ministry of Tourism, Indian Railways and Government of Punjab have agreed to launch and promote as a part of the Incredible India campaign, a luxury tourist train to cover popular destinations in Northern India.

A Memorandum of Understanding for the proposed train was signed here today between Ministry of Railways and Government of Punjab in the presence of Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni, Minister of Railways, Lalu Prasad and Chief Minister of Punjab, Prakash Singh Badal.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Tourism & Culture, Ambika soni said the Indian Railways have a critical role in the promotion of tourism in India. If offers safe, affordable and convenient mode of travel for hundreds of millions of tourists.

Last year the estimated numbers of domestic travelers was nearly 450 million. She said, “…safely assume that a large number of these domestic tourists used the Indian Railways to travel within the country. Given the importance of Indian Railways in promotion tourism, we, in the Ministry of Tourism, expect a substantial support from the Indian Railways to increase the number of tourists in the future.”

“The process of establishing world class stations, opening of new routes, provision of additional trains to popular destinations and the creation of budget accommodations at Railway stations are steps in the right direction, which will promote tourism,” the Minister added.

Soni said that the Indian Railways have developed niche products which have created opportunities to travel in India at the desired level of luxury or economy.

She said, she appreciate the range of tourism products provided by the Indian Railways beginning from the Bharat Darshan trains, which enable the average income person to travel in comfort to the internationally renowned luxurious Palace on Wheels. Specialized services like Mahaparinirvana Train which connects destinations linked to Lord Buddha, have become major tools of internationally marketing the Buddhist Circuit.

Soni said, “The Ministry of Tourism has provided support, through its overseas offices across the world, to promote the Train to the media and travel trade in various countries. We have promoted the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation in ITB Berlin and other international trade fairs. The Ministry of Tourism has also provided air-passages to the international tour operators and media representatives for marketing the Mahaparinirvana Train.”

The proposed tourist train will have all the elements of luxury and comfort on board for the tourists with well trained staff to offer hospitality to the tourists. With an assistance of Rs. 7.25 crore from the Ministry of Tourism, the luxury train will cover popular destinations like Amritsar, Dharamshala, Anandpur Sahib, Patiala, Kurukshetra, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi in the itinerary of seven days.

The project is expected to be ready for operation within two years. A Management Committee comprising members from the Union Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Railways and Government of Punjab will be constituted to oversee the implementation of the project.

The tourism promotion material of Ministry of Tourism will be made available in the train free of cost and posters of Incredible India will be displayed in all coaches of the train. In addition, familiarization tours will be allowed for tour operators and media persons, by the promoters of the project based on the recommendations from the Union Ministry of Tourism.

Indian Railways will share the capital cost of the rake and undertake its operation and maintenance. Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board will undertake the overall management of the project including provision of on board and off board facilities and its marketing in India and abroad.

The rake comprises saloons, restaurant cars, multiple cuisines, lounge bars, observation cars with a viewing gallery, gym, spa, beauty saloon, library, games room and a computer center.

Goa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, 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.

Bush Miranda, a representative of scheduled flight operator Condor said that tickets which cost $700 last year, have now shot up to $1,300.

“The season this year will be expensive, but the number of travellers to Goa hasn’t shrunk much,” Miranda said.

Condor is scheduled to fly 52 flights to Goa this season. Goa will attract a total of 700 chartered and scheduled flights this season, which ranges from October to March. “There is hope that the number may grow. Last year, the count was 758,” he said.

Goa, according to Miranda, has not only been treated as the fifth best destination by tour organisers worldwide, but also the costliest one this year.

Condor’s first flight from Frankfurt to Goa, scheduled for Oct 9, will be carrying over 300 passengers.

Martin Joseph, who represents Goa-based charter operator Freedom Holidays, said adverse advisories published by several countries about others, have resulted in a steep hike in insurance premiums.

“The moment a country makes an adverse remark about another on its travel advisory, insurance companies hike their premiums to tourists travelling there,” Joseph said, adding that European tourists invariably insured themselves before travelling to India.

Although Goa continues to be one of the favourite destinations for European travellers, it now has competition on the European continent itself.

“Countries like Romania and Bulgaria are opening up and have realised their tourism potential. Obviously, a European traveller would save a lot of money in air fare as well as in-flight time if he chooses to travel to these new tourism havens,” Joseph said.

Subhash Hegde of Thomson charters said Goa would see a spurt in the number of tourists from Russia this year also.

“Almost 40 percent of the charter tourists received by Goa are from the UK,” he said, adding that while the Russian market was unpredictable, the flow of tourist from UK has been stable for the last several years.

While the population of Goa is pegged at 1.3 million, the state attracts more than 1.5 million tourists in its five-month tourism season from October to March. Roughly 12 percent of the tourists are foreigners.

Manali situated at an altitude of 1,950 metres (6,398 feet) in the Beas River valley, is an important hill station in the Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley.

In and around the friendly people of Manali has opened their doors to tourists who want to get a taste of the local flavour. No only the cuisine, but also the culture of the people of Manali have made home stays the best option to stay there.

Manali homestays provide an unique opportunity to get up close and personal with mother nature.

The small town was the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh and from there over the Karakoram Pass on to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. Manali and its surrounding areas are of great significance to the Indian culture and heritage as it was the home and abode of the Saptarshi or seven sages. The ancient cave temple, Hidimba Devi Temple, is not far from town.

Manali is named after the Brahmin lawgiver Manu. The word Manali literally means “the abode of Manu.” Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world. Manali is known as the “Valley of the Gods”. The Old Manali village has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu.

HISTORY:
In ancient times, the valley was sparsely populated by nomadic hunters known as “rakshas”. The next arrivals were the shepherds who arrived from the Kangra valley and settled to take up agriculture. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the region are the ‘naur’ or ‘nar’ which is a caste unique to the Kullu valley. Only a few naur families are known to exist now. A naur family in the village Soyal near Haripur on the west bank of Manali was famous for the vast land they owned and their practice of having ‘rakshas’ as their labourers.

The British were responsible for introducing apples and trout which were not native to Manali. It is said that when apple trees were first planted the fruits were so plentiful that often branches, unable to bear the weight would collapse. To this day apple along with plum and pear remains the best source of income for the majority of its inhabitants.

Tourism in Manali has received a real boost in the last couple of years and this once quiet village has been transformed into a bustling town with hundreds of hotels and restaurants.

TRAVELING TO MANALI:
By road: Manali is well connected by road to Delhi via National Highway 21 (NH-21) which goes on the Leh and is the world’s highest motorable road. Leading up to Manali from New Delhi are the towns of Panipat and Ambala in Haryana, Chandigarh (Union Territory), Ropar in Punjab, and Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Mandi in Himachal.

By Rail: Manali is not easily approachable by rail. The nearest broad gauge rail heads are at Chandigarh (315 km), Pathankot (325 km) and Kalka (310 km). The nearest narrow gauge rail head is at Joginder Nagar (135 km).

By air: The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is about 50 km from Manali. The only private airline in the region is Jagson Airlines. Of late services have been started by Air Deccan as well as Indian Airlines who fly daily to Bhuntar Airport.

PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST (TOURIST ATTRACTIONS):
Manali is a popular Himalayan tourist destination and accounts for nearly a quarter of all tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh. It is visited by many trekkers who follow the hashish trail. Manali’s charas is considered to be the best in India. The valleys provide natural U.V lights as fields are high up the mountain and high grade grows directly from the sunlight.

Manali’s cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. It is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. It also offers hot springs, spectacular religious shrines and temples, Tibetan Buddhist temples, and trekking in the surrounding mountains.

Naggar Fort: Th fort situated south of Manali is a reminder of the 1500 year old Pal Dynasty. Made from rocks, stones, and elaborate wood carvings, it is an ensemble of the rich and elegant artworks of Himachal. The castle was later converted to a rest house and luxury hotel. Tourists often stop at the castle to see the small shrine located in the building’s courtyard, a fine example of architecture and design from the Pal Dynasty.

Dhungri or Hadimba Temple: The often visited site in Manali is the Dhungri or Hadimba Temple. Erected in 1533, this temple is dedicated to the local deity Hadimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. A major festival is held here in the month of May. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings.

Buddhist monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. With the highest concentration of Tibetan refugees in the entire Kullu valley, it is famous for its Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop

The smaller and more modern Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa stands nearer the bazaar, in a garden blooming with sunflowers. Its main shrine, lit by dozens of electric bulbs and fragrant with Tibetan incense, houses a colossal gold-faced Buddha, best viewed from the small room on the first floor.

Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture: The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture, near the Hadimba temple, is worth a visit, which houses artifacts of folk art of the entire Kullu valley.

PLACES AROUND MANALI:
Rohtang Pass: At an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.

Rahala waterfalls: About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Rani Nala: About 46 km from Manali, it is the glacier point where snow is available throughout the year.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple: Around 3 km from Manali, across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses,now closed, due to a conflict with the elders of the village and Manali council. Vasistha a sage narrated Yoga Vasishtha an ancient scripture to Rama. A unique and an extremely profound discourse, that provides innumerable insights and secrets to the inner world of consciousness.

Solang valley: Popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.

Old Manali: At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.

Manikaran: Around 85 km from Manali and 45 km from Kullu, lies in the Parvati Valley. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exist with hot-water springs side-by-side. The springs are known for their healing properties.

ADVENTURE SPORTS IN MANALI:
Skiing is a major pastime in Manali. Facilities for skiing are available at Solang Nullah (January-March) and Rohtang La (during summer). The Mountaineering Institute at Solang Nullah is a good training institute. Heli skiing is possible at the deep snowfields.

The Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports is about 3 km from the Mall and offers mountaineering and kayaking courses. Kayaking is possible on the Beas River.

There are several good hikes from Manali. The 12 km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy. Lama Dugh meadow is a 6 km hike up to the Manalsu Nala, west of Manali town.

For the best trekking expedition, take a trek from Solang Valley, on to Dhundhi and from there to Dussar lake and then onwards to Manali. This stretch will take you to places you would have only dreamt of. Pure, unadulterated adventure and fun. Be sure to have a good guide at your disposal who knows this area otherwise you would be lost forever. The trek would typically last for 5 days.

In the summers, several travel agencies organize paragliding on the slopes of the Solang Nullah. The charges generally include accommodation, food, equipment, and a guide, but not transport.

From May to July and, depending on the monsoons, from mid-September to mid-October, some basic rafting is possible on the Beas. The trips generally begin at Pirdi and continue 16 km down to Jhiri.

The HPTDC provides day permits for fishing. Permits can be obtained also at Patlikhul. Angling in the Kullu valley is possible at Larji, Katrain and Kasol.

Beas Kund is the lake from which the River Beas originates. It is considered holy and sacred. Besides being a holy pilgrimage place, it is a popular destination for trekking.

Manali is among the most popular adventure sports destinations in India. Manali offers opportunities for mountaineering, skiing, trekking, paragliding, white water rafting, river crossing and mountain biking. Yak skiing is a sport unique to this area. Manali also featured in Time magazine’s “Best of Asia” for its “Extreme Yak Sports.”

So if you have decided on Manali as your next holiday trip, try to stay in the homestays that don the mountains. The people of Manali are very friendly and a homestay trip can make your holiday absolutely memorable.

Holiday Home (Cottages in Manali) which is one and half kilometers before Manali Mall Road.
Holiday cottages, Manali is located at the posh & pollution free area of Manali before downtown, right in the lap of Mother Nature facing snow-capped peaks all around and surrounded by Apple Orchards. Exquisitely done wooden work is more then enough to take your breath away and gives a feeling of stay in Majestic Himalayas. Holiday Cottages are equipped with 18 spacious rooms with all modern amenities with wooden theme along with esthetically done lobby/ drawing room that invites you to sit and explore the place for long hours with homely ambiance. All the rooms have spacious balcony towards the farmland/ snowcapped peaks.

Amongst the long list of facilities offered by Holiday Home (Cottages in Manali) are: rooms with attached bath rooms, ample parking space, 24 hours hot and cold running water, bonfire on demand, lush green garden with beautiful location, attached kitchen, room service, cook and bellboy facility, satellite TV, travel assistance, doctor on call and laundry service.

RNCOS has recently added a new Market Research Report titled, “Indian Tourism Industry Analysis” to its report gallery.

The report provides an insight into the Indian tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the Indian tourism market and discusses the key factors which are making India a potential tourism destination.

With focuses on different parameters of tourism industry, including inbound tourism, outbound tourism, expenditure by inbound tourists, medical tourism, and hotel industry, the report gives a thorough analysis on the tourism industry in India.

According to the report, India represents one of the most potential tourism markets in the world. It has expanded rapidly over the past few years and underpinned by the government support, rising income level and various international sports events, the Indian tourism industry will continue to grow at the fastest pace in the coming years.

However, the industry may have to cope up with several challenges which will limit its growth.

Key findings of the report:

1. India is expected to see an influx of 10 Million international tourists by 2010, up from just 5 Million in 2007.
2. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan are the leading tourism destinations in India in terms of total tourist arrivals.
3. India has been promoting its healthcare tourism by providing the visitors with private healthcare facilities. It is expected that the total market for medical tourism will reach US$ 2 Billion by 2012, representing a CAGR of 60.69%.
4. Personal disposable income during 2002-2007 grew at a CAGR of 14.16%, thereby driving domestic as well as outbound tourism.
5. Indian outbound tourist flow is expected to increase at a CAGR of 13.30% over the five-year period spanning from 2008 to 2012.
6. India’s share in the global tourism is expected to reach 1.5% by 2010.
7. The growth in India’s tourism market is expected to serve as a boon, driving the growth of several associated industries, including hotel industry, medical tourism industry and aviation industry.

The India Tourism, Tokyo, Union Ministry of Tourism, co-sponsored “Namaste India” campaign which began in Tokyo from September 27 came to an end recently.

It is a concept which started as a small event showcasing India in Japan but has over the years grown into a mega-carnival that celebrates the very best of India in the heart of Japan. Namaste India is a window to Indian culture and economy for the Japanese people - and is today one of the largest Indian festivals held overseas which celebrates Indian diversity and uniqueness through a vivid display of our culture, cuisine, entertainment and business.

The two day programme which included Dance, Music, Theatre, Workshops, Exhibitions and Indian Cuisine was attended by more than 1,00,000 Japanese. It was inaugurated by H. K. Singh, Ambassador of India to Japan.

The Raghu Dixit Performance which was sponsored by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations was well appreciated by an audience of thousands. The Indian cuisine varying from Jalebis to Chole Bhatura and Bhel Puri to Chilly Chicken were a hit and long queues could be seen outside Food stalls.

Incredible India branding was all over the exhibition ground and 10 Velo Taxis wrapped in images of India’s Tourism Products ferried visitors from the subway station to the exhibition grounds free of cost.

The tour operators indicated that they received various queries on the new packages launched to India as well as some confirmed bookings. The India Tourism stall was flocked throughout the day and the interest shown by the Japanese populace reflects that there will be an upward swing in tourist flow from this market.