Indian Vacation Within Budget

If you are among those 36 percent of American workers who do not plan to spend their paid vacation leaves, then think twice.  Employers are actually encouraging their workers to get vacations because they get more productive after having one.  Getting an Indian vacation would surely be ideal, especially for a tourist who will be leaving the country for the first time.

The question is, how do you plan a vacation with a meager budget and at the same time, while in the midst of an economic recession.  The key is in your planning.  When preparing to go in a vacation, you should start planning early.  This would give you enough time to research about affordable deals, accommodations and airfares.   There are discounts that are offered, depends on the season and the location.

Airfare Discounts

The reason why a person saves on airfares, is to allocate the extra fund into other aspects of the trip.   Extra funds would mean you will be able to add  to the hotel reservations, activities, and food.  There are different things to remember that would help you get the affordable flights going to India.

When planning for any vacation, research is very important to know the places that you would like to visit and things you would like to do on your vacation.  Aside from making the vacation go smoothly, research would also help you look or stumble on really affordable airline tickets.  There are different websites that you could check for affordable flight tickets.

Aside from research, it is important to be flexible with your departure and  return dates.  Airfares are less expensive during off-peak seasons, weekdays rather than weekends and red-eye flights.  Red-eye flights refer to those flight schedules which would be leaving at around 12 midnight to 2 in the morning and are called as such because travellers would be flying with red, sleepy eyes.

If you have already planned or prepared for the vacation months ahead and you are already sure that it will be the final date, then book your flight early.  Airfares tend to increase in prices as the departure date comes closer.  But there are also some airlines that would give last-minute discounts.

Accommodations

What is good about India is that there are many places to visit.  Alas, to little time!  There are different hotels and resorts that you could chose from which can fit whatever kind of traveller you are, on a honeymoon, business, family or backpacking trip.  There are different kinds of hotels that offer decent rooms and services for a low price.

Just like in airfares, research is the key.  You could get an Indian travel guide or agent to book or look for affordable hotels.  You just have to define which region in India you would staying in and they could choose or provide you with the appropriate hotel information.  If you do not want to pay for travel agents, then you could book on your own through the internet.  If you are also reserving a car, then check if the hotel you would like to stay in are giving discounts.  Some hotels are giving discounts if you would be booking a hotel and a car together.

Aside from hotels, there are also apartments in India which you could rent for short and long term stays. You just have to make sure that you will be staying in a decent one.  You could always check the reviews of a particular hotel, there are Indian travelogues  and hotel columns which offer honest evaluation of hotels and apartments in India. You could always check the traveller or former customer’s feedback in different hotel websites about a particular hotel you would like to stay in.

Food and Others

There are hotels in India that would offer you special or buffet meals along with your reservation, so you could take advantage of that.  There are also hotels that are adjacent to affordable restaurants.  You can plan for your meal so that you will stay within your budget.  If you plan to cook, then you should book a room with a kitchenette, but it will be more expensive.  Some tourists would just opt for a refrigerator so they could store snacks and drinks.

You could also try saving or eating inexpensively for a meal so that you would be able to splurge on, perhaps, your evening meal.  There are street restaurants which offer good food, just be cautious of the cleanliness of the place you will be eating in.

With car rentals, most hotels offer them.  There are some tourists that actually survived without getting a car for their entire vacation.  In India, there are different kinds of transportation like the train and the buses which you can take to get around town.

Overall, you could travel and have a wonderful time with you Indian vacation without spending too much.  It is just a matter of planning and preparing for it.

Indian Vacation With Love

Every now and then you feel like its time to get some time off from the long hours of hard work in the office or even take a sabbatical away from the thick books and readings your professors require you to finish. There’s one click and then the light bulb pops the idea of a well-deserved vacation. For the many times that you’ve made your way around your locality, provinces, or even remote areas in your homeland you then tend to crave for something more global. Look no further it’s time to set foot on foreign lands. One good way to start is to get off to an Indian vacation.

There are a lot of good places that you can pick if you plan to go to India. But usually the first thing that goes into thought when the country is mentioned is one of its historic landmarks, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal or simply referred to as the Taj is one great example of an architectural system that is produced via the mixing of Islamic, Persian, and of course Indian expertise. It is commonly associated with the Mughal architecture. 1983 was a glorious year for this momentous creation as is was named as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along with merits of being a one of a kind Muslim art that represents man’s creativity and genius.

The Taj is most famous as a marvellous mausoleum highlighted by its domed form. Actually it’s more than just a dome. It has been noted as a combination of structures characterized by complexities and modern principles that is way ahead of its time. It took a lot of manpower to create this wonder. Thousands of workers, craftsmen, and artisans were employed when its building began in 1632 which rallied on until the end of 1653. Great names were involved in the construction of the Taj Mahal. These included architects such as Ustad Ahmad Lahauri who was chiefly responsible for the design, Adb ul-Karim Ma’mur Khan, and Makramat Khan.

The Taj Mahal is not only known for its grand and majestic form. More so, it entails a story of love that goes beyond the grave. It was in 1631 when Emperor Shah Jahan of the Mughal Empire lost his third wife Mumtaz Mahal during the birth of their child Gauhara Begum. The emperor was seriously in grief for he loved Mumtaz so much that is why he became so determined to fulfil his wife’s dying wish.

On her last gasp of air, Mumtaz Mahal wished that a mausoleum of great and global proportion was to be created in her memory. And so the construction began a year after the death of Mumtaz. The principal and main part of the mausoleum was actually finished in 1648 while the gardens that beautifully and elegantly enveloped it were completed five years after.

The construction and design of the Taj Mahal was basically patterned from a list of great Mughal and Timurid structures like the Gur-e Amir which is officially known as the tomb of Timur from the Mughal dynasty, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, and the tomb of Humayun. Shah Jahan also made sure that the Taj was distinctly above in material.

In those days it was common for buildings to be constructed using red sandstone but for his wife’s mausoleum he ordered the usage of white marble engraved with semi-precious stones and made sure that each detail was done and completed in full refinement.

Indian vacation is a good way to relax and unwind especially with that special someone in your life. You can bask in the beauty of the Taj as you further strengthen your love for each other.

Indian Vacation Travel Tips

An overseas vacation is a great experience, you would have a chance to have a cultural immersion and at the same time a chance to experience the wonderful sights.  But an overseas vacation is not always a perfect one, let’s take an example of an Indian vacation.

India is melting pot of different sights, activities and could be shocking for a first-time visitor.  It would surely leave an impression on every tourist.   It would be a question to make your vacation in India one of the wonderful experiences. There are some things that a tourist going to India should be conscious of.

Before Departure

Regardless of any country you will be going to, you have to know about the climate of that country.  For example, if you vacation would be in South India then climates are hotter and ideal if you would like to have a summer escapade.  However, if you prefer going to the north then be prepared for a cooler climate.  Make sure that you would be adopting the clothes you will be bringing to the climate you will be experiencing. Do a little research.

Another thing that you should prepare for is regarding your health.  Although, India does not have any immunization requirements from those who come from North America or any other country, it would be better to be prepared.  India is prone to disease like malaria, cholera, gastroenteritis and dengue.  It would also be for the best if you have polio, typhoid and tetanus vaccinations.

Be sure to include insect repellent like a mosquito cream or lotion.  There are modern hospitals in India, so there would be nothing to worry about hospitalization.  But you do not want to spend your vacation confined in a hospital, right?

Regarding passport and visa information, the passport should remain valid at least for the next six months after arrival in India.  For those who are part of a multiple entry tour, then multiple entry visa is recommended.  When packing, also pack light.  You do not have to bring everything since most things are already available in India.

Landing on India

Once you are in India, you will surely be bombarded with different things to see and different people.  Do not get surprised if everybody seems to be looking at you, there is no taboo about openly looking at a person.  You could dry dressing conservatively or with local outfit, this would lessen the attention, just a bit, you are getting.  Locals tend to be talkative and friendly, they would try to engage you in a conversation.  Answer politely, but they would respect your privacy and would not ask personal questions.

Homosexuality and associated acts are not well illegal in India, so do avoid these.  Aside from this, avoid public display of affection. There are foreigners who have a hard time with local officials because of a peck or kiss done in public.  But it is common for men or women to hold hands with the same sex.

If you want to enter a temple or a church, make sure that they allow people of not the same religion to go inside.  Aside from that, be sure to take of your shoes or footwear when entering a temple or religious building.

Safety and Security

There are recent bombings and terrorists in India that made some people wary about going to India for a vacation.  But actually, you just have to maintain some common sense to keep you safe from these kinds of acts. If you are a woman , avoid walking the streets late at night alone.  There are some cases of foreign rape and abduction, so make sure that you have a companion if you would have to leave.

Never accept things from a stranger, even if they sound they meant well.  You will never know if the drink or candy is drugged.  For example, there are cases that tourists would report being robbed of their belongings after they felt dizzy or disoriented after accepting food or beverage from a stranger.

There are many instances of pickpockets so make sure you keep your things safe.  Avoid visiting areas that have high political tension, pay attention to local news.  Aside from that avoid places that are totally dangerous, like Jammu and Kashmir which have long history of discord with Palestine.

Going Home

When you are ready to wrap up you Indian vacation, there are some last minute reminders.  If you would like to buy souvenirs, then bargaining is the key. Do not accept gifts from people who are asking you to bring something for them, it might cause you trouble. Also, it is best to avoid items that would came from or made of animals like elephant tusks.  If you would be taking home an item which is more than 100 years old, it is already an antique and you would need to get a permit for that.

Indian Vacation Destination Guide: Places to Go

India is quite a large country with regions and provinces that are unique from each other and full of multi cultural surprises. If you would like to experience a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions then an Indian vacation destination is pretty much the getaway you are looking for. But do relax a bit for you need to think some things over before you head for India.

If you’re a frequent traveler you probably know by now mostly through experience that going on vacation needs some sort of planning. Gong to a country without knowing the specifics and the best set of circumstances is pretty much like allowing the wind to blow all your vacation money, not to mention your time and efforts away. India is indeed a very beautiful country and by simply visiting any part of it you will experience different culture, festivals and various customs and traditions. But with our limited resources we just can go hopping province by province. We have to know and prioritize the best place to visit to experience that “Indian” feel.

Among the more popular trekkers’ destination are the Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and Pushkar deserts. India has one of the most majestic deserts in the world. The harsh environment definitely has its appeal and with desert festivals during the early and last few months of the year, visitors are surely one for a treat. Rajasthan for one has lots more treasures other than its deserts. It is riddled with monuments, forts, scenic lakes and even exotic wildlife sanctuaries.

In fact the place is so popular that it has traditionally been considered as the more preferred tourist destination in all of India. But the title can be contested, however, the beauty of place, the richness of its culture are not. Other destinations include Jaipur city, Samode which famous for the Haveli and Place hotel, and the religious sites of Ajmer and Pushkar. Pushkar is one of the most scared cities of the India, famous for holy lakes as well as ancient temples. In fact it is so sacred that meat, fish, eggs, and alcohol are forbidden within the city limits.

Another quite popular destination is Kashmir. The place has come to be known as the “Paradise on Earth” due to the picturesque and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Among its natural attractions are the snow capped mountain peaks, scenic vistas, rich vegetation and a various adventure spots for the out going and sports enthusiasts. However, mountaineering or trekking is not limited to this area. Places like the Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and the destination for trekkers in Kullu Valley and the Kodaikanal which is located in Tamil Nadu, another popular trekking ground.

But of course, there’s the all popular tour which most often begins in Delhi where tourists are treated to the buzzing capital’s literally thousands of shops that sells almost everything one can imagine. The capital is a treat for both the eyes and palates with a whole array of food, especially the spicy ones, to choose from.

Agra would be the next destination being the location of the world famous Taj Mahal. One might find the area crowded since there are thousands of tourists who visit the temple on a daily basis. The Taj Mahal has become one of India’s notable landmarks and it is often the case that people do not consider their visit to the country complete without getting their pictures taken with the temple in the background.

Having an Indian destination guide is fairly important otherwise you will most likely get overwhelmed by the things to do and places to go and you will end up resting in your hotel room in the middle of the afternoon. For most of us who probably consider their trip to India their first and last, maximizing their time there is a must.

Holistic and Spiritual Activities You Can Do On Your Indian Vacation

If you are looking for a spiritual renewal on your Indian vacation, India offers a wide array of meditation and yoga activity opportunities. After all, it is the country of world meditation, massage and mantras, Meditation, Ayurveda, and yoga have gained respect all over India. The book India by Joe Bindloss, Sarina Singh, James Bainbridge, Lindsay Brown, Mark Elliot, and Stuart Butler suggests these places to sart your spiritual and wellness quest:

Ayurveda uses mainly animal and vegetable medicines and teaches a broad range of therapies including diet, enemas, massage, bloodletting, leeching, ointments, douches, sweating, and surgery. There are clinics all over India that teaches Ayurvedic techniques like Ayurvedic Natural Health Center near Calangute, Ayurvedic University in Jamnagar, Naturopathy classes and Ayurvedic theraphies in Bengaluru and Mysore, Ayurvedic theraphies in Verkala, and Ayurvedic courses in Puducherry (massage).

The following are India's best spas as written in Outlook Traveller Magazine (September 2008) issue:

1. Kaya Kalp - they offer massage, Ayurvedic rituals, chakra balancing and gemstone massage, beauty elixirs, and hair and scalp treatments. The existing treatment rooms of Kaya Kalp are sensory and visually delightful. Exotic Pomegranate, one of the spa's signature "journeys" starts with a ritual scrub made of sticky, sweet-smelling concoction of brown sugar lime, ginger and pomegranate.

2. Divya Spa, The Leela, Kovalum - They has two spas - Divya, a specialty Ayurvedic spa, and the Spa and Health Centre, an international spa. A therapy called Chavutti Thirummu is especially made for men where the therapist uses his feet to massage the body. For women, one massage is called Abhyanga Snana handled by two therapists in tandem.

3. Ista Spa - This spa is a junior version of the legendary Ananda in Rishikesh and Bangalore Hotel. The atmosphere in Ista spa is a ritualistic indulgement. Aside from massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, Swedish/Thai massage, jet lag massage, exfoliation, body wraps, facials and rituals, they also offer a fully equiped gym and "wet area."

4. Decleor Spa in Bangalore - They offer couples massages, facials, Vichy shower, firming, cellulite, whitening and body wraps, apart from salon services such as pedicure and manicure. Decleor spa specializes in aromatherapy like the Aroma Body Envelopment Detox which starts with the application of vitamin-rich paste, followed by nice-smelling balm made of grapefruit, shea butter, basil and pepper. A yummy smoothness in the skin!

5. Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh - The nerve center of Ananda is the first and only world-class destination spa in India. Ayurveda is the specialty of Ananda along with other 79 body and beauty treatments offered like Swedish massage, aromatherapy, Thai massage, reflexology, couple's massage, water therapy body treaments, exfoliation, body wraps, and skin care treatments. Recommended must-try is the classic Abyanga massage which involves vigorous sweeping moves to prime the body, stimulates its natural energy and process like a wake-up call to make you more receptive to own energies.

6. Aura at the Park, Delhi - Must-try in this spa is the Aura massage, a 90-minute massage employing skin softening oils and using the entire palm to release toxins and also the face massage, a 60-minute combination of face and head massage to relieve the body of negative energy.

7. Svaasa Spa in Ranjit's Svaasa, Amritsar - Treatments offer are Ayurveda, salt baths, fruit scrubs, body wraps, milk baths, hair therapy and nutritional counseling. The in-house Ayurvedic specialist treats ailments like arthritis and depression.

8. Taj Spa - This spa is tucked into a corner of the sprawling lawns behind the original 120-year-old palace. Their signature treatments are often a mix and match of other specific ones like Indian Aromatherapy, Scrubs and Wraps, and the list goes on.

9. Oberoi Spa in Udaivilas, Udaipur - Udaivilas was ranked as the number one hotel in the world in 2007 by the Conde Nast Traveler. They offer eight kinds of full body massage including hot stone, aromatic, Balinese, Thai and Hawaiian.

10. Sereno Spa in Park Hyatt, Goa - This spa covers over 36,000 2q. ft. - the largest spa in the resort-ridden state. It has 16 therapy rooms with views of the beach and equipped with steam rooms and outdoor plunge pools. The Sereno Spa operates differently and many tourists on Indian vacation (India) who haven't tried spa treatment found themselves loving it because treatments are decided after consultation with the physician.