australians love india

AUSTRALIA's Test captain Ricky Ponting yesterday defended a decision to tour India despite recent terrorist bomb attacks, saying players had been given the green light by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and independent security experts.

Speaking in Canberra to promote Cricket Australia's in2cricket game to encourage more children to leave their computers and wield the willow, Ponting said the decision was not taken lightly.

His comments followed an outburst from Pakistan alleging favouritism by Cricket Australia in proceeding with a tour of India after twice refusing to tour Pakistan this year because of safety and security concerns.

"Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have obviously been in very close contact with Cricket Australia over the last few days," Ponting said. "As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and Cricket Australia has made that very clear.

"As captain of the side and as a player, right at the moment I am very comfortable to go on the advice of Cricket Australia and the players' association."

While troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds will not be flying out with the team on Sunday after being sent home from a one-day series in Darwin a fortnight ago for another breach of team discipline, Ponting was encouraged by news his star player was keen to return.

"I actually think there were some really positive signs over the last couple of days with Andrew," Ponting said.

"He's fronted the media and admitted that there's some room for improvement in certain parts of his life."tp://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24362352-5001505,00.html

this could happen to you

SCAMS:  Major airports, train stations and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction.  Taxi drivers and others, including train porters, may solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels.  Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," and even threats to the traveler when the tourists try to decline to pay.  There have been several disturbing reports of tourists being held hostage on houseboats in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, and forced to pay thousands of dollars in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

Travelers should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips.  Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport.  Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and during the distraction to rob them of their valuables.  Individual tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations.  Even food or drink purchased in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.  To protect against robbery of personal belongings, it is best not to accept food or drink from strangers.

Some vendors sell rugs or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised.  Travelers should deal only with reputable businesses and should not hand over credit cards or money unless they are certain that goods being shipped to them are the goods they purchased.  If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided.  Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle travelers' complaints.

Travelers should be aware of a number of other scams that have been perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra.  The scams generally target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties.  The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.  The items are always fake, and if they were real, the traveler could be subject to arrest.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1139.html

disclaimer: the writer is a tourism graduate with great experience in tourism and hospitality industry.

delhi rocked by serial blasts

i am writing this on a sad note.today 13th september 2008,at 6:15pm,delhi rocked by serial blasts.the group claiminig the blasts,is called indian mujahaideen.blasts were of low intensity and up till now 5 people are dead and more than 50 injuried.

i stay near cp and was going to take a walk in connaught place for my evening walk.but changed my plan and stayed in the house for a change .

suddenly a cousin called telling about the blasts.what a shame for these bastards,taking innocent lives and killing people.

the blasts took place in three places connaught place,greater kailash and gaffar market of karol bagh.

but we indains are very strong and our spirits cant be defeated by these bastards.delhi police has warned people not to go near dustbins,coz the bombs have been planted in dustbins and autorickshaws.

see real india

"Why India" can either have many answers or you can stick to one. It completely holds to you why you want to discover it.

Some find its Indian civilization interesting with its foundation layed more than 5000 year ago and some give it’s due to the ambiance which they receive.
Today, India is perpetual mix of modern and traditions. This more or less gives it a unique USP which visitors love to explore.

Since the days of yore, many travelers were impressed by India. What made them come to India lies in the enigma attached. Here comprehending the FAMOUS 10 for India could be a bit difficult but then "'THEY" make this land popular.

Taj Mahal:
I call Taj Mahal an epic in white. The exuberant monument was created by Shahjahan in commemoration of his beloved wife. This history still remembers each phase of this era when a Mughal ruler created a masterpiece. At that time, he may not have realized that he is creating one of the SEVEN wonders of the world.



Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan:
If Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal rulers, there are innummerable forts and palaces which dots the western landscape of India - Rajasthan. The artistary done are eye tonic and is a paradise for those who love exquisite craftsmanship. The famous one which que travellers are Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Ranthambore Fort... The list seems to be endless.


Camel Safari:
Once you are in Rajasthan, safari is one this which you are bound to do.
Navigating Thar desert while holding the hump of camel is impressive enough. Watching traditional villages on the way, could add cherry on the cake as it would give you a brief picture of Rajasthan culture and lifestyle. Unlike the cities, the villages carries the essence of the traditions followed by people over the ages.


Khajuraho Temples:
Included in World Heritage Site, Khajuraho temples is supposed to be one of its kind in the world. Erotic sculptures beautifully ornate the walls of the temples and reflects the ideology of the famous book " Kamsutra".


Palace on Wheels:
Chugging this train on Delhi -Rajasthan highway could be an experience in itself.The royalty it exudes with ideal hospitality make it popular amongst the foreign travellers. This is one of the most popular and expensive way of travelling throughtr ain as the locomotive dresses itself in luxury and style exhibiting the traditional rajasthani culture.


Ayurveda:
As old as Indian civilization itself, Ayurveda is not taken as a medicinal therapy but as holistic science which rejuvenates mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is simply uses the most basic herbs and exercises. Kerala and Rishikesh are amongst the top rated ayurvedic destinations in India.


Himalayas:
Himalayas shadows India, it protects India and is indispensible part from its landscape. The region gives a major boost to tourism which includes many adventure activities which you need to explore.


Kerala Backwaters
Transport yourself to another zone - an abode of blue waters, with quaint coconut trees lined up to make picture postcard look. Experience the intoxicating beauty of Kerala backwaters on your visit to one of the most interesting places of Southern zone.


Jim Corbett National Park:
This is one of the popular national parks of India. Based in Uttranchal, it comes under Project Tiger Scheme and is a World Heritage Site as well. Corbett is a paradise for birdwatcher too with around 580 different species of birds.


there is a lot more to see,discover and feel in india.


so time to go bingo,pls gimme your comment.

see real india

My dear friends this is my personal blog.
My name is bhavesh kumar,i am a tourism graduate with good experience in tourism and hospitality sectors.Now i work as freelance tour operator.I only do personal tours,i am not interested in mass tourism or monotonous kind of tours,i don't believe in normal sightseeing stuff,if you wanna travel to a country ,discover the places by your own,stay with local people,eat local food,dress local,don't just see things,feel things,absorb them,write your diary,

i have been travelling around India from the age of ten ,when the first time i ran from my house,yeah i was ten.i wanted to see the hills,go into the desert,eat all kinda find,i wanted to touch the see,i wanted to see everything.

i travelled and travelled,travelling is my passion,if i had a million dollars in my account i would have spent it all on travelling.now i invite you to come and travel with me,see my world,feel my world,become a part of it.

Some people come to see Indian culture,some for mere sightseeing,some for business,everybody has got his own reasons.India has got everything to offer.

• the thrill of an adventure
• the mystery of a dream
  
• the love that is unseen.

but majority of you guys come through mass tourism

i would tell you travel secrets,which would make your trip an enjoyable and remeberable experience.

now come see India through my eyes.come see the real India,welcome to Indian reality tours.

take a tour with me,i would plan your trip,i would come with you and be your friend ,philosopher and guide during the whole trip.this would be like coming to home.

So get ready and get going,pack your bags,get a copy of your lonely planet,write down what you wanna see and do in India,the best way to feel a place is to go unorganised,but here in India you need to be organised.

make list what you wanna buy in India,India is famous for clothes,spices,tea,bangles and lot of stuff.

• study a bit of history
• Google it out on the net
• make plan
• what date you wanna travel
• check your bookings
• go to the local embassy and collect some brouchers
• get your visa in place
• check the expiry date on your passport.
• make bookings in the hotel of your choice and budget.
• keep in touch with me,keep an eye on my post.

watch some of the videos about India.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me.