INDIAN RAILWAY

Break FAQ?

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Q1 Tell me something about the job in Railways in India?
Q2 What is the nature of work ?
Q3.What is the aptitude needed for a job in Railways ?
Q4. What is the remuneration ?

Q1 Tell me something about the job in Railways in India?
A1. The Indian railway system is the largest in Asia and ranks second in the world. The total route length is over 62.3 thousand kilometres. The Indian railways had a modest beginning in April 1853, when the first train journeyed from Bombay to Thane - a total of 35 kilometres. Now, as mentioned earlier, it ranks second largest in the world. The Indian railways have made a remarkable progress in attaining self-sufficiency in equipment. At the beginning of the planning era, the railways were importing 23 per cent of their equipment. Imports of railway equipment have now been brought down considerably. A reorganisation of the geographical jurisdictions of zones and divisions was done in 1996. This reorganisation was done after taking into account the quantum of workload handled by each zone, the traffic flows and easy accessibility to various activity centres. Now the Indian Railway network comprises of nine zones that are directly controlled by the Railway Board, which is at the helm of all the operations. Each zone is headed by a General Manager. The nine zones are: ¨ Central Zone with headquarters in Mumbai ¨ Eastern Zone with headquarters in Calcutta ¨ Northern Zone with headquarters in New Delhi ¨ North Eastern Zone with headquarters in Gorakhpur ¨ North-East frontier Zone with headquarters in Guwahati ¨ Southern Zone with headquarters in Chennai ¨ South-Central Zone with headquarters in Secundrabad ¨ South-Eastern Zone with headquarters in Calcutta ¨ Western Zone with headquarters in Mumbai

Q2 What is the nature of work ?
A2.The Indian Railway Traffic Service This branch of the Indian Railways looks after transportation and commercial matters pertaining to transportation. The branch is therefore divided into two divisions:

* The commercial division: This division handles all commercial responsibilities like ticket checking, catering, administration and management of stations, reservation, announcements on the platforms, etc.
* The operations division: This division deals with controlling movement of trains. Keeping a check on incoming and outgoing trains, detachment or attachment of wagons, etc., are the responsibilities of this division. The posts and promotions differ slightly as per the selection grade. When an officer reaches the senior administrative grade, he or she is given the post of Chief Commercial/Operations Superintendent.
* India Railway Accounts Service This branch of the Railway Services is engaged in handling the accounting and finance operations of the Indian Railways. Working in this branch would entail dealing with financial transactions and hence a thorough knowledge of accounting procedures and related practices would prove an asset for officers who opt for this branch of the Indian Railways. An officer in the senior grade is given the charge of a zone and the post of a Financial Advisor-cum-Chief Accounts Officer. At this post, the officer carries the overall responsibility for accounts for the whole zone.
* Indian Railway Personnel Service As the name indicates, officers in this division handle all matters related to the personnel section like selection, promotions, training, welfare activities, transfers, increments, disciplinary actions and the like.
* Railway Protection Service/ Railway Protection Force This branch of the Indian Railway Services is entrusted with the task of maintenance of law and order on trains and on premises owned and used by the Indian Railways.
* Railway Engineering Services This is the technical side of the Railway Services and is engaged in activities like construction and planning of railway tracks, bridges and buildings. There are branches in this division like the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers and the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers.

Training for recruits for the Railway Engineering Services is provided at five centralised training institutes. For the selection of mechanical engineers, a Special Class Railway Apprenticeship Examination is held. The chosen candidates are given a four-year probationary training.

Q3.What is the aptitude needed for a job in Railways ?
A3.As in the case of any other government service, a person chosen to work in this field should have the willingness to work in a predetermined hierarchy. Unlike the private sector, hierarchy is adhered to quite closely in the government sector. As the railways are always on the move so are many of its employees. So a person should be prepared to spend time away from home and family. The railways carry an innumerable number of passengers every day. The railway employees are responsible for the safety of the passengers and their belongings. This sense of responsibility should govern each and every action of a railway employee. They should be careful that they do not compromise passenger safety in any manner. In the course of duty, railway employees will have to interact with many people, they should be flexible enough to be able to adapt to different situations and different people. But while doing that they should be governed by an inner discipline, which will ensure that they stick to their responsibility towards railway users and the department.

Q4. What is the remuneration ?
A4.The varied operations of the Indian Railways provide openings in many areas and can accommodate persons of various capabilities. However, despite having so many divisions, cadres, etc., the prospects, promotions and remuneration are at par in all the divisions. Remuneration for railway officers is fixed by the Government and follows the pattern of all other civil services. Other benefits attached to the railways are facilities like travel allowances, educational facilities, housing facilities, pension, health care, free railway passes and so on.

Indian Constitution

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The term preamble refers to preface, preliminary statement or introduction. In the Indian Constitution, the Preamble deals with the aims and objectives, the targets and ideals and the basis and foundation of the Indian Constitution. It is correlated with the Objective Resolution passed by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.

The preamble states that "We, the People Of India, have solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and to ensure to all its citizens: Justice-social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.

Indian Constitution

Significant Features
The significant features of the Indian Constitution are of two types. There are some features which exist only in the Indian constitution, while there are other features which even though can exist in other Constitution, are distinctively important.

Unique Features

Framed By The People Of India
The Constitution has been framed by the representatives of the people of India through a Constitution Assembly during 1946-49.

Derived From Various Sources
It has been derived from various sources. The various provisions derived are Fundamental Rights and Supreme Court from the USA, Directive Principles Of State Policy from Ireland, Emergency from Germany, Distribution of Legislative powers from Canada and Parliamentary Institutions from United Kingdom.

Sovereignty Of The People
The Constitution propagates the people of India to be the supreme authority. It means the people of India are not secondary to any other external agency.

Republican Polity
The Constitution proclaims India to be a republic.

Secular Polity
The Constitution declares India as a secular nation. It clearly specifies there should not be any discrimination on the basis of religion and all religion should be treated equally.

Fundamental Rights And Duties
The Constitution provides for Fundamental rights and duties. The fundamental duties were included into the constitution through an amendment in 1976.

Other Features

Comprehensive Document
The Constitution is a comprehensive document with 395 articles and twelve schedules.

Parliamentary Democracy
It advocates India to have a Parliamentary form of government. In parliamentary democracy, members are selected b the way of elections.

Federal Form Of Polity
It advocates a federal form of government. But even after the setting up of a federal form of government, some critics have expressed dissatisfaction, calling it a Unitary Constitution.

Fundamental Rights

* Right to Equality
* Right to Freedom
* Right against Exploitation
* Right to Freedom of Religion
* Cultural and Educational Right
* Right to Constitutional Remedies
* Saving of Certain Laws

Fundamental Duties

* To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem
* To cherish and follow the noble ideas which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
* To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
* To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
* To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
* To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
* To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
* To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform
* To safeguard public property and to abjure violence
* To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.

Directive Principles of State Policy

* State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people.
* Certain principles of policy to be followed by the state.
* Organization of village panchayats.
* Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases.
* Provision for just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
* Living wage, etc., for workers.
* Uniform civil code for the citizens.
* Provision of free and compulsory education for children.
* Promotion of education and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections.
* Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health;
* Organization of agriculture and animal husbandry.
* Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life.
* Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance.
* Separation of judiciary from executive.
* Promotion of international peace and security.

Indian Agriculture

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Before Independence
Mr. R.Strachey who headed the 1880 Famine Commission, suggested the setting up of a department of agriculture in every province. Thus a new secretariat was formed in the centre in 1881.Following which some prominent provinces like Bombay, Madras, UP, Bengal, Assam and Punjab paid greater attention to agriculture and other related fields. The agriculture sector was backward and lacked scientific approach. To improve the condition of the agricultural sector the centre appointed Mr. JA Voeleker in 1889 as agricultural chemist. Years of extensive research resulted in the setting up of Agricultural Research Institute at Pursa, Bihar (in 1903).

In spite of the best efforts by the government, the productivity remained low. So the government set up the Royal Commission on Agriculture in 1926.Based on their findings the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was formed and during the period agricultural flourished. But during the period from World War II to Independence agricultural suffered setbacks. The famine of 1943 resulted in the death of millions.

After Independence
The partition of the country in 1947 had a negative impact on Indian agriculture. But the formation of Planning Commission in 1950 and the ad vocation of economic planning through five year plans, gave greater importance to agricultural growth and the agricultural sector gained in prominence. The government backed the agricultural sector by the way of research and by setting up Commodity Committees. The first agricultural university was set up in 1961 at Pantnagar in UP.

In the 1950' and 1960's improved agricultural practices, better seeds and use of fertilizer, soil and water conservation, land development, land consolidation, agricultural credit and marketing and price incentive resulted in improved agricultural productivity.

Green Revolution
The Green Revolution is referred to the period between 1967 to 1978.The population was growing faster than the rate of food grain production at that period. The government realized the need for dramatic improvement in food grain production. This resulted in the Green Revolution. The Green Revolution concentrated on:

* Continuous Increase Of Farming Areas.
* Double Cropping Existing Farmland.
* Using genetically modified seeds.

During the 1980's in spite of three years of scanty rainfall and a drought during the middle of the decade, India managed without large scale food imports, because of the increase in food grain production and the existence of a large buffer stock insulating against any agricultural crisis. By the 1990's India had attained self sufficiency in food grain production, because the rate of increase in food grain production has kept pace with the increase in population. This is directly the result of Green Revolution, improved seeds and fertilizers, better irrigation and increased awareness among the farmers. But on the flip side the Indian agriculture is still dependant on the monsoon and the fortunes of the agriculture sector vary according to the monsoon.

Prior To Independence

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The first proposal for a rail system was initiated in 1832 in Madras, but due to financial constraint it never saw the daylight. The East India Company then decided to assist private entrepreneurs who wished to establish a railway system in India, even if it was not commercially feasible. In 1845, two companies the East Indian Railway Company operating from Calcutta and the Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR) operating from Bombay were formed. The first train to be commissioned to service was on December 22, 1851 for hauling of construction material in Rourkee. But the first passenger train started operations on April 16, 1853 between Bori Bunder, Bombay and Thana covering a distance of 34 km. It marked the beginning of railways in India. The British government then inspired private entrepreneurs to set up rail link under a plan that would provide them with an assured return of 5% during the initial years of operation. But once the rail link was completed, the ownership would pass on to the government, though the concerned company could operate the rail link.

In 1901 the British constituted the Railway Board. It worked under the department of Commerce and Industry. For the first time after the railway board was constituted the railway started making profit. By 1907 all the railway company was taken over by the Government. By 1920 the network of Indian railway had increased to 61,220 km. Realizing a need for a central management, the government took over the functioning of the railways and detached the finances of the railways from other governmental revenues. Between1920 to 1929 the railways witnessed enormous growth, but were severely crippled afterwards by the great depression and Second World War. By 1946 all rail links were taken over by the government.

After Independence
In the initial years after Independence, India faced a huge challenge in terms of rail network. It received a dilapidated rail network. Around 40 per cent of the rail link went to Pakistan, a large no of rail lines had to be rerouted through Indian territory. A majority of the rail line available today were laid by the British. Insufficient investment and inefficient management and maintenance have greatly restricted growth in route length. The former Indian princely states had a total of forty two separate railway systems, including thirty two lines amounting to 55,000 km. They were brought under the purview of the Indian Railways.

In 1951 the government mooted the idea of forming zones and a total of six zones were initiated. As the Indian economy developed, railway production took place within the country. By 1985 steam locomotives were phased out. In 1987, computerisation of reservation was carried out starting with Bombay.

Railways Post Reforms
Post reforms in the 1990's the progress of the railways was not satisfactory. The Rakesh Mohan Committee report suggested that the railways needed a complete overhaul if any progress had to be made. Since it was not that easy from a political point of view, it was not given due importance by the inner circle in the railways. But with the appointment of Mr. Lalu Prasad in 2004 as railway minister, things changed dramatically. In the next five years the minister and his team worked out a strategy to bring about a complete turnaround in the working of the railway.

The turnaround was possible due to

* Higher freight volumes.
* Increased occupancy in passenger trains.
* Monitor costs and reduce tariffs.

The railways have managed to improve their market share and operating margins. The government has been credited with pursuing inclusive reforms, without comprising on the social obligation. The railways have been applauded for improved customer service and for reducing passenger fares.

Some of the salient features of the reform are:

* A well planned strategy to build around capacity generation through optimization of the existing infrastructure and assets.
* Adopting a different approach to the social and commercial segment of the traffic.
* Increasing the passenger carrying capacity of important trains. Improved operational efficiency meant the unit cost of operation reduced.
* Dynamic and market driven tariff policy linked to seasonality and price elasticity of demand.
* The policy of overhaul increase in freight rates has been replaced by a system of differential tariff based on market conditions.
* Tremendous growth in traffic volumes, revenues and surpluses has proven the fact that the process of globalization has brought positive results for everyone concerned.

Growth In The Future

* The railways have devised a planned strategy to remove bottlenecks and increase capacity to meet the demand. The key areas of focus would be up gradation of infrastructure, modernization of wagons technology, advanced signaling and telecommunication, induction of high horse power locomotives, grade separation and usage of information technology to decrease transit times and reduce unit operational cost. The railways also propose to construct state of the art passenger and freight terminals bench.
* Over the next 5 to 10 year the government plans to give utmost priority to low cost, rapid pay back and high return investments with the view of speeding up works on doubling railway line, port connectivity, gauge conversion, signaling and telecom, renewal of assets and modernization of passenger terminals.
* The government has initiated private investments in major stations to create world class passenger amenities and services.
* There is an increase in demand for coaches. The government has proposed to meet the increase in demand partly through increase in the capacity in the existing production units and partly by setting up a new manufacturing unit through a joint venture under Public Private Partnership (PPP).
* The railways are also planning to build a super specialty hospital in Patna. If successful, the concept would be extended to other parts of the country.

Budget 2009-10

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Indian Railway Budget: A Brief Summary
The Indian railways have one of the largest networks of trains in the world and since the first rail from Bombay to Thane stated in 1853, Indian railways has come a long way. Indian railways carry millions of passengers daily from one place to another place. The ministry of railways controls the Indian railways. Every year the ministry of railways presents the Indian railway budget in the parliament. The Budget is presented two days before the general budget. It has to be passed by the Lok Sabha before it is accepted. The rail budget deals with the improvement in the existing trains and contains details of the new trains. It also gives details about the passenger fares and tarries to be levied.

Highlights of Railway Budget 2009-10 are as follows:-

Reduced Tariffs

* For ordinary passenger trains there is reduction in passenger fares by Rupee 1 for fares costing up to Rs 50 per passenger for journey above 10 km.
* For all mail/express and ordinary passenger trains, second class and sleeper class fares are to be reduced by 2 per cent for tickets costing Rs 50 and more per passenger.
* Also there is to be a fare Reduction of 2 per cent for AC First Class, AC II tier, AC III tier and AC Chair Car.

New Passenger Services

* 43 new train services to be started in 2009-10.
* Extension of 14 trains envisaged.
* Frequency of 14 trains is to be increased.

Indian Railways' Financial Health During The Year 2008-09

* Freight loading target was retained at 850 mt.
* Ordinary Working Expenses (OWE) increased to Rs 55,000 crore (Rs 550 billion) in the R.E and the appropriation to Pension Fund to Rs 10,500 crore (Rs 105 billion). This is done keeping in view the increased financial burden due to implementation of VI Central Pay Commission.
* Revised plan outlay kept at Rs 36,773 crore (Rs 367.73 billion).
* Cash surplus before dividend projected at Rs 19,320 crore (Rs 193.20 billion) and the Operating Ratio at 88.3% despite implementation of the VI CPC.
* Appropriation to DRF retained at Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 70 billion).
* Dividend payable to General Revenues kept at Rs 4,711 crore (Rs 47.11 billion).

Indian Railway's Performance Review

* Tripura's capital Agartala is now connected by railway line.
* Kashmir Valley's first train service commenced between Anantnag and Rajwansher. This is to be followed by extension of rail services to Baramulla and Qazigund.
* The number of consequential accidents has come down to 194.
* Work on Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor commenced near Delhi on 10th February, 2009 while Work on Western DFC to commence this month.
* completion of successful trials for running electric locomotives with OHE at a height of about 7.5 mts in preparation for running double stack containers on electrified Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.

Indian Railway Budget Estimates For The Year 2009-10

* Freight loading targeted at 910 mt while number of passengers estimated to grow by around 7%.
* Budgeted Operating Ratio 89.9%.
* Plan outlay kept at Rs 37,905 crore (Rs 379.05 billion).
* Gross Traffic Receipts estimated at Rs 93,159 crore (Rs 931.59 billion) i.e. Rs 10,766 crore (Rs 107.66 billion) more than RE 2008-09.
* Ordinary Working Expenses (OWE) budgeted at Rs 62,900 crore (Rs 629 billion) to cover the full year impact of VI CPC and the payment of 60% arrears due in 2009-10.
* Dividend payable to General Revenues kept at Rs 5,304 crore (Rs 53.04 billion) at the current applicable rates.

Other Announcements Of Railway Budget 2009-10

* New railway divisions at Bhagalpur and Thawe will be set up to facilitate improved train operations.
* 25 surveys proposed comprising 14 for new lines, 3 for gauge conversion and 28 for doubling projects.
* For running high speed bullet trains, a pre-feasibility study is being pursued.
* Bharat Wagon Limited (Mokama & Muzaffarpur) is transferred to the Ministry of Railways; transfer of wagon units of Burn Standard at Burnpur and Howrah are also under consideration on the same lines.
* Construction of Rail Wheel Factory, Chapra is on in full swing.
* Work on diesel and electric locomotive factories at Marhoura and Madhepura will start soon.

History Of Railways In India-Important Years

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1832 Plans were proposed to introduce a rail network in India.
1844 Private entrepreneurs set up a private rail system in India.
1851 Trains became operational.
1853 Passenger trains were introduced.
1875 95 million pounds were invested into Indian railways by British companies.

1895 Indian locomotives began to operate in the country.
1901 A Railway Board was established.
1907 The government obtained total control over most of the rail companies.
1908 First electric locomotive was introduced.
1947 40% of the railway network came under Pakistan's possession.
1951 Nationalization of the rail system in India took place.
1952 Six railway zones were introduced.
1995 Steam locomotives became obsolete. Only diesel and electric locomotives were operational.
1987-1995 The Indian Railways reservation system was computerized.

India Railway Reservations

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Booking India Railway tickets over the Internet

Booking from abroad is a little difficult, if you are totally new to how India, and India railway systems in particular, work. Online seat availability checks and online train ticket booking though the Indian Railways website (http://www.irctc.co.in/) for most of the trains is available. You have two options when you book India Railway tickets over the internet:
Indian Railways I-Ticket Reservations

You make an I-Ticket India Railway booking on the internet, but you have it delivered to an address in India. Lists of cities and towns where this courier service is available to are published on the site. Unfortunately, the India railway booking office does not courier tickets to overseas locations. You will have to provide a local address to send these tickets. Possible suggestions for destinations are a friend currently located in India or the hotel you might be staying at in India. You should allow for about two to three days’ delivery time.
Indian Railways E-Ticket Reservations

You make your E-Ticket Indian Railway booking over the internet, but you print the ticket yourself on your home computer. This is a good idea if you have access to a printer and you don’t want to have them couriered somewhere.

NOTE: You can no longer pick tickets booked online at the Delhi train station.

You have to register online on the India railway website in order for the site to process your purchase. An extra service charge of 1.8% is levied on the total cost of the tickets for internet bookings. The site takes Visa and MasterCard. A refund is made on the card if you cancel the ticket later. Make sure you note down the 10 digit PNR and the Transaction ID... you will need this if you want to cancel.

You can make a maximum of four online bookings a month, and each ticket can be for a maximum of six passengers.

One option for India travelers who anticipate traveling on the India railway system a lot is the Indiarail pass, which is available to foreign tourists from abroad. However, if you are not planning on traveling a lot by train, this is not worth the expense.
Booking India Railway tickets in person

Passengers on Indian trains can reserve tickets in person at the India railway reservation counters in India - there are hundreds of them all over the country. Most cities have ticket counters located at multiple locations for the passengers’ convenience. There are special quotas for foreign tourists. Enquire about this at the reservation enquiry counter on your route. India railway ticket counters are open 8.00 a.m. till 8.00 p.m. on weekdays, and 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on Sundays.

You can use credit cards for booking tickets at the reservation counters - look for the special Credit Card counters at the reservation office. You need to pay an additional Rs. 30 as a service charge. But the credit card queues are generally shorter than the cash queues. Use your discretion.

Most large hotels in India offer travel services to their guests, and can arrange to get India railway tickets for you. For approximately Rs 30.00 per seat, they will get someone to stand in the queue for you and book the ticket. This is an easy way out for India travelers who choose not to experience the reservation counter experience personally.
Checking Seat Availability on the India Railway System

When searching for seat availability you will come across notations like "AVAILABLE- 0068", meaning that 68 seats are available for the day you have indicated. When searching for seat availability on particular Indian trains, you may also encounter notations like "WL 40/WL 10". This may look a bit confusing for a new user, but there’s a perfectly logical explanation and, once you understand it, this is a useful bit of information.

Basically, there are two types of reservations on Indian trains:

* Seats with berth are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.
* Once the seats with berths are allocated, all other requests are under the "Reservation against Cancellations" category, popularly known as RAC.

RAC is not a waiting list in the conventional sense. You can still board the train with a RAC ticket, and you do have a confirmed seat. However, a sleeping berth will be allotted based on availability due to cancellations.

Only after the "seat only " seats are also filled does the real concept of a "waiting list" come into the picture, and this is where the "WL 40/WL10" notation comes into play. This notation on your India railway ticket means that you were the 40th person on the waiting list, but due to cancellations you are currently 10th on the waiting list.

Now why, you may ask, would you need to know how many seats got cancelled? Good question. An experienced India railway traveler will know how many seats generally get cancelled on a particular train route, and can plan his trip accordingly. It’s definitely chancy, but to give you an idea, over 200 seats generally get cancelled for a Second Class Sleeper on an Indian train.

Make sure you check the status of your ticket just before boarding an Indian train, to see if you have an RAC or WL ticket. You can do this through the internet, at the reservation enquiry counter, or over the phone. The telephone number for the Interactive Voice Response System is on the reverse of the ticket. You will need the 10 digit PNR printed on the upper left hand corner of the ticket to check your ticket type.

You will not have a seat assigned to you if the status is WL. Contact the TTE to determine your chances of getting a berth. However you can still travel with this ticket in the General Compartment.
Cancellations and Lost Tickets

Passengers on the Indian Railway System can cancel a reserved ticket and get a refund through the reservation counter. Generally the cancellation charges vary from a little less than $0.25 USD to slightly more than $1.00 USD, depending on the class. If you cancel a reservation at least a day in advance of your journey, excluding the actual day of travel, this range of cancellation fee will apply. If you cancel between one day and 4 hours before train departure, 25% of ticket cost plus the above mentioned cancellation fee is charged as a fee. You can still cancel the reservation, though, actually even after the train has departed. But the refund amount will vary, although typically you will lose about 50% of the total ticket cost. For a wait-listed ticket, there is no cancellation fee if cancelled in advance. A chart of cancellation fees for the India railway system is displayed at all the reservation counters. It shows the refund % based on class, time of cancellation, distance, etc. Tickets reserved at one station can be cancelled at another station. If you have booked over the internet, or using a credit card, the refund will be credited directly to your card.

If you are not in a position to go to the reservation counters you cancel your ticket through the mail also. But I’m not sure if they send money abroad. The best way is to get it refunded directly over the counter. In case you are not in a position to cancel in person, you can deposit the tickets at the nearest major India railway station and obtain a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR). This can be done upto 30 days after the travel date. Then, an application for the refund needs to be sent to the Chief Commercial Manager-Refunds of the respective railway zone (southern, south-central, eastern, etc) where you have deposited the ticket. You need to attach the passenger’s foil of TDR as well. This can be done within 90 days of your scheduled journey. The format for this refund request and the address to which it has to be sent can be obtained from the station where you have deposited the ticket. You have the options of a Money Order or Crossed Cheque or Station Pay Order (encashable at railway stations).

You can even claim the refund for the unused part of the tickets. Let’s say you met a nice friend on the train and decided to leave the train with her before your final destination. Before getting carried away with your newfound excitement, make sure you go to the TTE/stationmaster and let him know that you are terminating your journey. He’ll scribble something on the ticket, even God doesn’t know what it is, and add his signature. This is the proof that you have terminated your journey midway. At the exit, don’t hand your ticket to the collector. Let her that you terminated journey midway, and that you need the ticket for a refund claim. She’ll verify the ticket and give it you back.For the rest follow the instructions given above.

You’ll receive a cheque long after you have forgotten about this. But I feel happy when I get a cheque when I’m least expecting one!! I’m not sure about tickets booked with a credit card. But in any case, ticket cancellation refunds are refunded to the card account. Generally this takes a little longer time than the conventional system.

If you are not planing to travel it is always better to cancel the ticket before the journey date and collect cash directly. This will save you a lot of money, time and hassle.

Lost ticket will not be refunded. You can get a duplicate for a lost or torn ticket, if you know the the 10 digit PNR and other details. A charge from 10% to 25% is collected based on the distance for the duplicate ticket. However, if you manage to find the original ticket, you can get a refund for the additional money you paid for the duplicate minus a 5% charge! Produce both the tickets at the reservation counter to process this refund.

For cancellation and reservation of tickets the same form can be used.
Tatkal Scheme

The Tatkal scheme is an emergency reservation scheme introduced on most train routes on the India railway system. Indian trains of this type used to be indicated with a T at the end of their train number, but no longer. Tatkal tickets can now be booked up to 5 days in advance not including date of journey, so 6 days’ advance really. These are in all other respects the same express trains with 2 or 3 such special reservation coaches attached to it. Tatkal tickets are only issued for the full length of the train’s journey, though you are still allowed to board the train at an intermediate station, and of course, there are exceptions to the rule.

All the Tatkal (meaning "immediate") tickets come with a premium of approximately Rs. 50.00 to Rs. 200.00 extra, depending on the class, although they can be as high as Rs. 300. You need to produce a photo identity card (passport, drivers license, credit card, etc) at the reservation counter. The same will be asked for inside the train by the TTE. The ID number is noted on the ticket. This is basically to prevent the black-market sale of high demand Indian train tickets. If you are booking the Tatkal for a group of people (max 6 per ticket) any one member’s ID is sufficient. These tickets cannot be cancelled for a refund. The Tatkal system is a boon for emergency passengers.
India Railways - Some Facts

* 63,140 total kilometers covered.
* 8,702 passenger trains.
* 6,856 railway stations.
* 14 million passengers a day.

It is a huge cultural kaleidoscope on the move.... Salute to India railway for the amazing service they provide to the passengers!!

Vendors on the India Railway System

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Anything is available for sale inside an Indian train and at India railway stations - from safety pin to quiz books to bananas to shoe polishing services to dried fruits. You name it, and it is yours (for the right price)! Not all the vendors are approved by the India railway system, though.

A Indian train is a big bazaar on wheels, so be sure to carry a bunch of coins and small change during your India travel. The vendors are part and parcel of the India railway system. When a train reaches a station, the vendors swarm the windows like bees on a honeycomb, with everyone shouting out their fare for sale. All the goods sold are very thoughtfully suited to be exchanged through the 4-inch or so gap of the window grille. If you are sitting at the window seat, co-passengers may request to use your window to buy stuff they need.

Generally the train stops for two minutes at each station, but at major stations this can be up to 30 minutes. Make sure you shift your huge backpack close to the exit door when the train is about to reach your destination. All sorts of frenzied activities like buying, selling, and boarding takes place two minutes before the train leaves. Departure is announced by a long whistle, after which the train slowly begins its journey again.

Ticket Examiner

2009-11-05T11:17:00.001-08:00

The India Railways Traveling Ticket Examiner

Traveling Ticket Examiner on the India Railway SystemThe Traveling Ticket Examiner on the Indian railway system, or the TTE as he’s known, collects all the tickets on the Indian train. You have to show him your ticket on request. The TTE is usually dressed in a dark blazer with a name badge over his white shirt, and always carries a chart board with a huge clip over it. The TTE typically speaks fairly well, though in the Indian dialect of English. You will hoard of passengers around him towards the front on the India railway station, asking him questions all sorts of questions about the statuses of the waitlist.

The TTE is the best person to speak with about questions or concerns about your India train journey. Some common inquiries that the TTE will be able to address are:

* Swapping your berth,
* Arrival and departure timings,
* The train is best to reach your destination,
* Extending your journey on the same train,
* Upgrading your class, which is based on availability.
* Medical emergencies that arise during your journey. The TTE, and other train staff, is trained to give first aid, and will locate a doctor on the train if the situation is more serious. India railway encourages medical practitioners to identify themselves while making reservations. By the way, all the passengers are insured by the India railway system against accidents while at the station or on the trains.
* You can even ask him personal questions like how many children he has... the question will be appreciated!

Typically one TTE is in charge for about 4 coaches, and will travel along with the train. For long distance trains, a new TTE takes over every day. The TTE locks the coaches from inside during the nights. Many night running trains have a few policemen as night guards.

Guide 2

2009-11-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

The India Railway Trains

A typical long distance Indian train has the following coach configuration.
The Engine

Well, it’s in the front with the driver and his assistant! The guard at the tail end of the train is the person in charge of the train. Indian trains run on diesel or electricity, depending on the route.
Second Class (General Compartment)

2 to 4 coaches in a train, usually 2 just behind the engine and 2 at the end of the train. You need not have any reservations for traveling in second class. You can buy tickets from the counter at the railway station, even when the train is standing at the platform ready for departure.

Second class is the cheapest way to travel on the India railway system for me. For less than $10.00 USD, for example, you can travel about 3,000 kilometers (yes, three thousand!) from Trivandrum to New Delhi. The only catch is that there are no seat reservations. No sleeping berths either, so you would have to sleep sitting up for 2 nights.

If you do manage to get a seat, there is no guarantee that you can hold on to it. You need to keep your luggage, or any other personal object, on the seat when you go to toilet or walk around the train. An empty seat is open for anyone, including you, to occupy!

The facilities for second class on the India railway system are a bare minimum: food is available from the vendors; there are four squat-type toilets with water attached to each coach; fans are provided; two washbasins are also available at both the ends of the train.

Tip: bring a small chain and a padlock to secure your luggage beneath a seat or over the luggage rack.

Depending on the season or route, the second class on the Indian train may get overcrowded. I’ve traveled many times in this class during the peak India travel season, and a couple of times I had to breathe through my neighbor’s nose! The coaches get especially crowded during the Indian summer season, and there is a large passenger overflow into second class from other classes due to the overbooking of reservation.

You will see the poorest class of Indian people in these compartments, but if you want to get a feel for the "raw India", then traveling in the second class is the best bet. The people are generally accommodative, and are more than happy to talk to strangers. A foreigner will surely generate a lot of curiosity.

You take definitely the first step in striking up a conversation, but use your common sense and good judgment to assess the situation. You will know they are interested when they bombard with you with a lot of curious questions. Be prepared to answer a lot of personal questions! Some standard questions you will be asked on your India travel journey are "Where you are coming from? What is your profession? How much you earn a month?". Your answers will lead to additional questions! Don’t be offended by the personal nature of the questions. This is how people in India socialize. Surprisingly, they may not ask your name. They think this is too personal a question to be asked!

An average Indian has an infinite number of questions to ask. Don’t be offended. This is how the Indian culture is. Asking questions is not considered impolite. My advice is to roll with it, rather than fighting it or getting upset.

A poor Indian is of the impression that all western tourists are infinitely rich, and that they have more money they know what to do with it. Otherwise why would they travel around the country and waste a lot of good money? Even the well-to-do Indians share the same opinion.
Second Class Sleeper Compartment

Second Class Sleeper Compartment on the India Railway SystemThe sleeper class in the India railway system is the main chunk of a typical express train. Each coach holds about 72 passengers, with about 10 to 15 coaches per train.

You will need a reservation to travel in this class of the Indian train. Reservations can be made 60 days prior to your journey at the most. Once reserved, your name will be listed on the chart stuck next to your coach’s door outside. A copy of the same is displayed at the departing station “Reservation Chart” notice board about an hour before the departure. The coaches are indexed as S1,S2,S3, and so on. Lookout for a square white paper label stuck on the side of the door with the coach number marked on it. The same is also printed on your ticket. Most of the stations have a notice board indicating the position of the coaches from the engine. If this is not displayed, ask the staff at the railway station for your coach. Try to locate your coach prior to the arrival of your train so that you can avoid the mad-tourist dash up and down the length of the train with your huge backpack.

Bring your own bedroll for the II class sleeper travel. A thick blanket and an air pillow is not a bad idea.

The middleclass massed of India travel by this class. Next to your seat will, in all probability, be a newly married Tamil couple who will speak reasonably good English, an old lady who is not very happy with you to begin with, her middle-aged daughter who speaks Hindi only, and her inquisitive young boy who want to know everything about you.

For a budget traveler Second Class sleeper is THE most suitable mode of transport.

The seats in the second class sleeper are grouped into semi-private sections of 6 seats - 3+3 facing each other, with upper berths, middle berths, and lower berths. The lower berth is the primary seating for the passengers during daytime. Seats in the second class convert into sleeper berths at night. Don’t get offended if an older passenger asks you to exchange your lower berth with his upper berth. Generally, younger people consent to this as a courtesy to the senior passenger.

The upper berth on the Indian train is undisturbed and can be used for sleeping during the daytime as well. Lower berth passenger gets the window seats during the daytime, although generally you will see a lot of co-operation among the "6 member berth family" in berth-swapping.

On the other side of the walkway is a row of ‘’Side Berths”. These are twin seats facing each other. If you are taller than 5.5 feet, though, these side berths are going to be a little short for you to sleep on. But both of these seats are window seats and you won’t trouble the other passengers when getting up walking around, like the trouble created for the mid and aisle passengers sitting in a row during an airplane flight.

Try to avoid, if possible, the first and last 16 seats of the 72 seats in each coach on the Indian train, as they are close to the doors and toilets. You may be annoyed by the traffic near the door and toilets, just like the last row in an airplane. The light that stays on at night at these sections of the compartment might also annoy you.

Chains are provided by the India railway to secure your baggage, but bring your own padlock. Your luggage can be pushed under the seat.
AC 3-Tier Sleeper (3A)

3-Tier AC Sleeper on the India Railway SystemThis is the air-conditioned version of the Second Class Sleeper. Most of the express trains have about 2 to 3 coaches of this type. This class is more comfortable than the Second Class Sleeper and is also a bit more spacious. The windows are tinted glass and do not open. You might not be able to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the scenery as you pass by like you would in the Second Class Sleeper.

Ticket prices are fairly reasonable as well. For about $34 USD you can travel about 3,000 kilometer from Trivandrum to New Delhi in this class. I recommended this class if you wish to travel in a bit more comfort, and especially during the summer. Bedrolls are available inside the coach free of cost. Most of the facilities are comparable with the Sleeper Class, though.

Here again, you will find the Indian middle class as your co-passengers.

Don’t get upset if someone requests to share the magazine you have been reading. This is a very common practice in Indian trains. After reading a magazine, if you have kept it beside you, someone might just take it to have a look. And it will be passed from person to person in the compartment without your permission. The magazine will experience a trip around the compartment and be returned to you in due time.

With a newspaper, the story is even more dramatic. If you are reading the news headline, someone will hold the middle papers and pull it gently... you are expected to release your tight hold so that he can pull out the middle section of the newspaper easily. This, by the way, is treated as absolutely courtesy! Here too, the newspaper will travel in loose sections and comeback to you after a well read tour.

Generally people won’t request your books for reading. If you are a ‘selfish’ person, keep your magazine inside your bag immediately after you read it.
AC 2-Tier sleeper (2A)

2-Tier AC Sleeper class on the India Railway SystemYou will find the well-to-do Indian traveler in these coaches. This is a good place for those who don’t want to join the crowd, or prefer a more luxurious trip. All the facilities available in SL is available here also. At a cost of about $48 USD you can travel about 3000 kilometer from Trivandrum to New Delhi in this class.

Bedrolls are available inside the coach, free of cost. Like in any other air-conditioned coaches, you can’t enjoy the outside view due to the dark window glass. Tell that coach attendant to reduce the CHILL if you feel you are inside a freezer with berths and wheels!

The AC 2-Tier Sleeper is found on many of the express trains in the Indian Railway system, and is more luxurious than the 3A.

First Class AC (1A)

First Class Air Conditioned Car on the India Railway SystemThe First Class air-conditioned class is the highest luxury class in the India railway system for the regular routes. The cost is roughly comparable with the economy class airfare. For about $150.00 USD, you can travel from Trivandrum to Delhi on the India railway system in this class. A number of the important long-distance routes along the Indian railways have these coaches. You’ll find the elite class of Indians and business executives traveling in this class.

On a side note, I once met a businessman on this class on a train, who informed me that he was afraid of flying, and therefore traveled only by train. Being a private compartment, you can travel days without even making eye contact with your other co-passengers. India travelers tend to mind their own business on these coaches, busy with the usual stuff - the newspaper reading, staring at the laptop screen, acting sleepy, etc. I have noticed this contrast between the First and Second or Third class on the Indian train in almost all of my India train journeys. Someone explained this to me as it being the product of the physical distances in the luxury classes. In a Sleeper class you are more physically close to the co-passengers and this increases the drive to interact with others.

AC Chair Car (CC)

Air Conditioned Car Class on the India Railway SystemThe AC Chair Car is generally attached only to the day-running trains on the India railway system. They look more like an economy-class seat on a plane, although with a little wider seat seating. It cost slightly less than the 3A. It’s alright for a decent day’s travel. Many express trains that run day routes on the India railway system have this class.

First Class (FC)

First Class non air-conditioned car on the India Railway SystemThis is the legacy first class coach. Only a few meter gauge express trains on the Indian railways have this class . This is similar to the First Class AC, except that it’s not air-conditioned! The cost for a ticket is between the cost for a Second Class AC and Third Class AC ticket. It’s spacious, although you will need to inform the station in charge prior to boarding the train for a bedroll. The bedrolls go for approximately Rs 20.00 per bedroll.

There are a number of special trains called the Rajdhani (meaning "capital") and the Shatabdi (meaning "centenary") Express, which are among the fastest passenger trains on the India railway system. These trains only have the luxury class coaches. The Rajdhani Express runs between Delhi and many important cities. The Shatabdi Express runs between most important cities. The Shatabdi is a day running train with no sleeping berths. The India domestic flights and airlines are their main rivals.

Break Van - Luggage on the India Railway System

India Railway Train StationThese are the luggage vans that are attached at the ends of each trains. If you have any oversized luggage, like a bicycle, motorbike, or camping equipment, you can store it away in this compartment.

Luggage does not have to be booked while making your reservation on the India railway system. Just make sure you arrive at the boarding station a bit earlier than the departure time states, and book your luggage in the break van. The Luggage Office is located near the train platform. You will need to show your ticket as proof that you are traveling on the same train. Make sure you go personally to the break van to supervise the loading and unloading of your luggage. This will help you avoid any missing luggage.

You are given a free allowance of 35kg for second class, 40kg for Second Class Sleeper and Third Class AC Sleeper, 50kg for Second Class AC Sleeper, and 70kg for First Class AC. You can usually go over by 10kg or so before they charge you for the extra.

Note: You will need to pay the additional charge if your luggage amount is more than the free allowance, whether or not you store it in the luggage van.
Pantry Car

Most of the long distance trains on the India railway system have this facility. The pantry car serves meals, snacks, coffee, tea (chai), and cool drinks. "Room service" is available, where the wait staff brings your order to your seat, although you can go the pantry car and order your meals directly. You will need to pay for what you buy.

The menu is basically vegetarian, although egg omelets are served. Chicken curry and other non-vegetarian dished are available at the stations for about a $1 per person. Prices are slightly higher for food than the local restaurants charge, but the food is pretty decent on an express train.

The India Railway toilets

Toilets on the India Railway SystemThe toilets on the India railway system are more or less similar for all the classes. Each coach is typically equipped with 4 toilets - 1 western style toilet, and 3 squat-style Indian toilets. Carry your toilet paper, though. Interestingly, the squat-type is more hygienic on a train, but using one of them on a running train requires some experience. The squat-style toilet in an Indian train is basically a stainless steel basin installed on the floor, with footrests on either side. Be careful with small articles like spectacles, purses, toiletries, etc, as these can easily fall down the drain if accidentally dropped on to the toilet floor. Once, I’ve lost a bunch of keys when they accidentally fell from my pocket. Also, don’t forget to collect all your items if you choose to leave them over the small shelf fitted inside the toilet near the mirror. Unlike in the west you can use the toilet even when the train is at the stations. No one locks up them while the train is at the station.

There are two latches for the toilet. One is a twin latch that can be opened and closed from both inside and outside. The other can be operated only from the inside. Lock this one when you are inside and leave the other one open. This gives the indication from outside that it is occupied. The toilets with the twin latch in the closed position are the unoccupied ones.

Early mornings are a bit crowded at the toilets. You use the washbasin located outside the toilet for brushing your teeth and washing your face.

Guide 1 India Railway System and the Indian Train

2009-11-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

I’m sharing my practical knowledge about the India railway system, the Indian train, and the India travel ‘culture’. The information in this article covers what to expect when traveling on the India Railway system (as well as what not to expect), types of Indian train classes, India railway facilities, cost of travel on Indian trains, and instructions on making offline and online India Railway reservations.

It is practically impossible to fully explain the India railway system in one article. Even for an experienced traveler, there are many unknown though useful aspects of train travel in India. I hope this article will enlighten anybody who is keen to know about the India train and the India railway system. This article is not meant to be the sort of guide you’d see at the www.indianrailway.gov.in info site, guides etc. Instead, I’m trying to take a hands-on approach on train travel in India to give you a real ‘feel’ of it. Knowing the Indian train and the India railway system will go a long way to making your India travel a comfortable experience.

User Guide for CDMA phones (Reliance)

2009-11-05T11:11:00.001-08:00

Subscribers of Reliance India Mobile (RIM) can book rail tickets in collaboration with IRCTC. This service is available in all the cities serviced by IRCTC and covered by Reliance.

Logging in to the Railways Application

Ø Click on R World

Ø Select TravelNShop

Ø Click on Railways

Rail Enquiry

1. PNR Status

Ø To get the PNR status of your Train Ticket select Rail Enquiry and Click on PNR Status

Ø Enter the 10 digit PNR Number and click on Submit

2. Train Status

Ø To view the Train Status select Rail Enquiry and click on Train Status

Ø Enter the Journey Date, Train Number, Station Name/Code and click on Submit

3. Train List

Ø To view the Train List select Rail Enquiry and Click on Train List

Ø Enter the From and To Station Name/Code and click on Submit

4. Seat Availability

Ø To find out the Seat Availability select Rail Enquiry and click on Seat Availability

Ø Enter the Journey Date, Train Number, From and To Station Name/Code and Click on Submit
PNR Alert

Ø Select Rail Enquiry and Click on PNR Alert

Ø Enter the 10 digit PNR Number and click on Submit

Reservation

1. Registration

Ø If you are already registered with IRCTC you may login using your existing User ID and password by Selecting Reservation in the Railways>Ticketing Menu

Ø In case you are not registered with IRCTC you may register using the Registration option under the Railways>Ticketing>Registration option

Procedure for Registration:

Ø Click on Railways>Ticketing>Registration

Ø Enter the data in the required fields – First Name, Last Name, Gender, Marital Status, Date of Birth, Occupation, Add Line (1,2,3), Pin Code, Phone number, User ID, Password, Re-enter password (for confirmation of password), Forgot Password Question (this is asked in case you have forgotten your password at the time of logging in later), Forgot Password Answer (this is to be typed to get the forgotten password)

Ø Click on Done

2. Reservation

Ø Click on Railways>Ticketing>Reservation

Ø Enter the Username and password

Ø After logging in enter the following details:

Ø From & To Stations: After logging in, user has to either select his source and destination stations from the Main Stations list, or else search for the stations.

Ø For searching FROM and TO stations, he has to enter the first three alphabets of the station name. For e.g. Top search for station code of Bangalore, he has to enter "BAN", and submit the same.

Ø The phone will then display the names of all stations which start with the first three alphabets as entered by the user. The user has to select the stations he wishes to start the journey from, and end the journey.

Ø Date of Journey: User has to then select the date of journey by pressing the "Call" key on monochromatic phones and key on color phones for the calendar to be displayed. User has to ensure that he/she gives 2 clear days before the date of journey. e.g., If the date of journey is 7th June '06, tickets can be booked latest from 4rd June '06.

Ø Class: User has to select the 'Class' of his choice.

Ø Train No./Name: System displays all the trains that run between the "From" and "To" stations and which has the class as selected by him. User has to select the train for which he intends to book.

Ø Availability: On selecting a particular t rain, system displays the availability for that date and for next 5 days of the class selected by the user. User has to select the date for which he intends to travel. User can check the fare, by selecting "Options" and "Fare Details".

Ø Passenger Names: By default, passenger name is displayed as entered in the myprofile, on registering with Reliance (You can register your details with myprofile online by going to www.myprofile.relianceinfo.com. User can also opt to add names by selecting "Enter new name". Details of passengers are to be entered by the User.

Ø Delivery Address: By default, address provided in myprofile will be displayed. User can enter new address by selecting "Enter address" option.

Ø User is displayed the train number, date & class of journey, Passenger details and delivery address, total fare with Service charges and number of days for delivery. User has to confirm the same for booking the tickets. In case the address of the user is not serviced by IRCTC, error message will be shown to the user. User is also provided an option here to change any input.

Ø Payment Options: User can select his/her mode of payment; options available are Master/Visa/Diners/Amex. User has to enter the card number, security (CVV) number and expiry month and year.

Ø Confirmation Page: On submitting the payment details, system processes for booking and once the ticket is booked, PNR no, and ticket details are displayed. Ticket details are also sent as SMS to the User.

Ø User can check the details of the ticket booked by selecting "Booked Tickets" link. This will display the details of the last 7 successful transactions carried out by the User. User.

Please Note:

* This application is available only in Java enabled color and monochromatic (black & white) Reliance India Mobile phones.
* Change of Boarding point is not possible.
* Ladies Quota is not available.
* Payment through Credit Cards only.
* Booking is possible only 2 clear days before the date of journey. For Eg: If the date of journey is 7th June '06, tickets can be booked latest from 4rd June '06.
* While entering any details, please ensure that the correct editing mode is selected (eg., T9, Abc, abc, ABC, 123, Symbol etc., )

Airtel

2009-11-05T10:48:00.001-08:00

Mumbai : Airtel has launched an exclusive voice-based railway enquiry system for its Mumbai customers , post-paid and pre-paid. Two sets of services - information services and call back services are being offered.

By dialling 126, Airtel customers would be able to sccess information relating to their PNR status, including berth availability on a particular train. The dial 127 call back service of Airtel would provide customers with information relating to the delay in departure and arrival of trains.

How to use the 126 facility

To access railway information services, Airtel customers just need to dial 126 and then follow a simple procedure like entering their 10-digit PNR number to know their Reservation status.

By entering information like train number followed by date and class of travel, they would also be able to access information relating to the availability of berth on a particular train. All calls to 126 are charged at Rs. 3 per minute.

Dial 127 for call back

To get "Call Back Alerts" by dialling 127, subscribers will get waitlist status about a PNR number at a particular time, access to information about the delay in departure or arrival of trains.

In addition customers can book wake-up calls and get intimated in case of delayed trains. All calls to 127 are charged at Rs. 6 per minute.

AIRTEL CUG Indian Railways

2009-11-05T10:47:00.001-08:00

Wrong Unbilled amount Message
I have been provided with AIRTEL No 9003141753 (Post Paid CUG-Indian Railways) by Railway as I am posted as Chief Materials Manager at Integral Coach Factory/Chennai.
I have registered with Customer Service of AIRTEL to send me message regarding unbilled amount on daily basis.I have receved following message during last three days.
Approximate unbilled usage as on Amount
11-11-08 00 Hrs Rs.6.08
12-11-08 00 Hrs Rs 345.16
13-111-08 00 hrs Rs.477.32
I am not using the mobile beyond our CUG to the extent the unbilled amount is being messaged to me.I could not get satisfactory reply from customer care of AIRTEL (COMPLAINT NO. 802654462) and the person kept on repeating that necessary correction in the bill can be done only at the time of final generation of bill.
I could not get satisfactory reply and the high unimaginable amount being messaged to me is highly UNREALISTIC.
You are requested to do the needfull for correction of UNBILLED AMOUNT being sent to me at the begining itself as it will be too late to rectify the same at the time of final bill as financial DAMAGE would have taken place by that time.

I hope my grievances will be redressed and I will not be put to financial loss.
Thanking you

LIC, INDIAN RAILWAY, AIRTEL- Top 3 service Brands

2009-11-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Move over the Cokes, the Pepsis, and the LGs of the brands’ world. Enter the new-age brands like Airtel, Big Bazaar, Vodafone, ICICI, and McDonald’s. The orbit of Indian marketing and consumer world has moved from ‘product brands’ to ‘services brands’ of late. To recognise this seismic shift, the leading marketing magazine Pitch, from the exchange4media Group, has dedicated its fifth anniversary issue on the theme of services branding and marketing with its survey highlighting ‘India’s Top 50 Service Brands’. The survey puts LIC, Airtel and Big Bazaar amongst the top services brands.

The Pitch-IMRB International Survey, aimed at identifying the most popular service brands in the country, has ranked the insurance giant Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) as the most popular brand, followed by the Railways, thanks to the turnaround that Lalu and his team have achieved in past few years. Occupying the third slot is the largest mobile operator Airtel.

Banking giant SBI is ranked fourth followed by SBI Cards at the fifth rank. At the sixth slot is Vodafone followed by the largest retailer in terms of turnover Big Bazaar.

When Pitch contacted LIC for his reaction on this ranking, an elated chairman TS Vijayan said, “Being selected as the No 1 service brand means a much deeper responsibility towards our customers. This ranking brings to us a feeling of joy and pride along with a sense of gratitude and duty towards tens of millions of policyholders who have reposed their trust in us time and again.”

When it comes to the Railways, it seems the Laluaisation of the world’s second largest rail system is complete. First it were the world's best B-schools to take note of the massive turnaround that Railway’s has achieved under Lalu’s stewardship. Today, the Railways is much better than most of the Fortune 500 companies when it comes to cash surplus—as on March 31, 2008, it had a cash surplus of Rs 25, 000 crore--and is also close to being certified as Six Sigma entity for its safety. "Sincerity, hard work, strong leadership with clear vision, strong will and determination, reforms with human face, and encouraging our 1.54 million employees, were the drivers of this massive success,” is how the Railways additional director general for PR, Anil Kumar Saxena reacted to the massive faith that the public have reposed in the Railways.

The brand Airtel, ranked at No 3 in the survey, took shape only in 1994, but best represents the way consumers are moving. It needs no mention that Airtel, which is the market leader in the mobile services space with close to 25 percent of the market share or 75 million subscribers, has become a power-brand in a short span. When Pitch shared the news with Airtel, its president Sanjay Kapoor said, "first and foremost this ranking humbles us. It’s very heartening to know that consumers have voted us the third-most popular brand in the country. It puts more responsibility on our shoulders to sustain this goodwill and set fresh benchmarks in delivery of our services with added commitment and focus.”

The Pitch-IMRB International Survey, titled ‘The Top 50 Service Brands’ was carried out in nine cities--New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Nagpur, Madurai and Bhubaneswar. IMRB contacted 2,220 SEC-A&B consumers, both males and females, in the age group of 20-44 in September. The top 50 service brands were selected by consumers from within 120 shortlisted brands.

There are more surprises in the survey as it has found as many as 17 media brands amongst the top 50 brands. But wait till tomorrow for the details.

Pitch, the flagship marketing intelligence monthly from the exchange4media group stable, is celebrating its 5th Anniversary this month.

Tata Docomo

2009-11-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

Tata Docomo is emerging as a one more stable Cellular network in India. Tata Docomo ads have been Extensively put up in between Recent ODI series of India-Australia.
Tata Docomo has Released a brand New advertisement with The Title Tata docomo Friendship Express where a group of people from different customs, different place, different ages will be travelling together and it’s all about how the tune Do Dooo Do which makes a magic over there!
The Caption at the end of Advertisement Why Walk Alone When you can dance together has made me to write the post!
Yes, Unity Rocks!

Advertisement Title: Tata Docomo Friendship Express
Advertisement Theme: People Travelling in Train called Friendship Express who never looked friendly eachother and how they start a conversation with the help of docomo’s motto and tune
Advertisement Length: 60 seconds
Caption: Why Walk alone when we can dance together?

Bangalore to Chennai

2009-11-05T10:42:00.001-08:00

Bangalore ( now Bengaluru) is the capital of Karnataka whereas Chennai ( also known as Madras) is the capital of Tamilnadu. Both are south indian states , the former facing the Arabian Sea and the later along the Bay of Bengal

There are mainly two roads from Bangalore to Chennai. One is via Krishnagiri and the other is via Chittoor in Andhra pradesh . Technically the road via Chittoor is the shortest . Bangalore to Chennai via Chittoor is about 340 kilometers (210 miles) and can take any thing up to 9 hours drive.

But most prefer the road via Krishnagiri as it is a great road to drive on, though a tad longer. Bangalore to Chennai road distances via Krishnagiri is about 360 kilometers (210 miles) . The road segments are Bangalore to Krishnagiri by NH7 , Krishnagiri to Vellore by NH 46 and then to Chennai by NH 4.

Bangalore to Chennai route ( via Krishnagiri) : Bangalore > Electronic City > Chandapura > Attibele > Karnataka-Tamil Nadu Border - Hosur > Krishnagiri > Ambur > Vaniyambadi > Walajabad > Vellore > Ranipet > Kanchipuram > Sriperumbudur > Poonamallee > Chennai

NH 4 goes all the way from Bangalore to Chennai via Andhra Pradesh. So the private car/bus operators need 3 state permits.

Bangalore to Chennai route ( via Chittoor) : Bangalore > Hoskote > Kolar > Mulbagal > Karnataka - Andhra Pradesh Border > Palmaner > Chittoor > Naraharipeta > Andhra Pradesh > Tamilnadu Border > Tiruvallam > Walajepet > Kancheepuram > Sriperumbdur > Poonamallee > Chennai

There are many private operators and the state run buses that ply regular bus service between Chennai and Bangalore.

Bengaluru - Chennai Railway map : Cauvery Express / Kaveri Express connects the capital city of Karnataka State with capital of Tamilnadu Bengaluru & Chennai : Cauvery Express / Kaveri Express connects the capital city of Karnataka State with capital of Tamilnadu
Bangalore to Chennai Trains : There are about 16 express trains operating between Channai and Bangalore. Out of which 5 are daily trains. Also there are two the upscale Shadabdi Express trains that operate daily except on Tuesdays.

Popular Bangalore to Chennai trains include Kaveri Express, Lalbagh Express, Chennai Mail, Sangamitra Express and Brindavan Express . It typically takes anything from 5 hours for the Bangalore to Chennai Shadabdi Express to 7 hours for other express trains to cover the Bangalore - Chennai distance. Chennai to Bangalore route pass via the major stations Arakkonam , Walajah Road Jn, Katpadi Jn and Jolarpettai. Stoppage patterns vary depends on the train.

Bangalore to Chennai flights : About 20 pairs of flights are operated daily between Chennai and Bangalore by the 4 or so major operators. Flight time is typically under an hour.

Chennai Central

2009-11-05T10:41:00.003-08:00

Train No Train Name Departure Arrival Schedule

6031/6032

Chennai-Jammu Tawi Andaman Exp

05:30
11:20 Dep: Sun, Wed, Thu
Arr: Mon, Tue, Fri

6093/6094

Chennai - Lucknow Exp
05:30 11:20 Dep: Tue, Sat
Arr: Wed, Sat

2007/2008

Chennai - Mysore Shatabdi Exp
06:00 21:25 Except Tuesday

2675/2676

Chennai - Coimbatore Kovai Exp
06:15 21:15 Daily

2433/2434

Chennai-Nizamudin Rajdhani Exp
06:20 20:05 Dep: Fri, Sun
Arr: Thur, Sat

6057/6058

Chennai-Tirupathi Sapthagiri Exp
06:25 20:35 Daily

1064/1063

Chennai - Dadar Exp
06:50 20:05 Daily

2639/2640

Chennai - Bangalore Brindavan Exp
07:15 20:15 Daily

2842/2841

Chennai - Howrah Coromandal Exp
09:05 17:35 Daily

6046/6045

Chennai - Ahmedabad Navajeevan Exp
09:35 17:15 Daily

6627/6628

Chennai - Mangalore West Coast Exp
11:00 15:35 Daily

6012/6011

Chennai - Mumbai CST Exp
11:45 16:45 Daily

6023/6024

Chennai - Bangalore Exp
13:00 14:45 Daily

6053/6054

Chennai - Tirupatti Exp
13:50 13:15 Daily

Top

2712/2711

Chennai - Vijayawada Pinakini Exp
14:00 13:00 Daily

2679/2680

Chennai - Coimbatore Intercity Exp
14:30 13:35 Daily

2607/2608

Chennai - Bangalore Lalbagh Exp
15:45 12:00 Daily

7053/7054

Chennai - Hyderabad Exp
16:00 10:00 Daily

2615/2616

Chennai - New Delhi Grandtrunk Exp
16:30 06:15 Daily

6039/6040

Chennai - Varanasi Exp
17:30 09:55 Dep: Mon, Sat
Arr: Wed, Fri

2967/2968

Chennai - Jaipur Superfast Exp
17:30 09:55 Dep: Tue,. Fri, Sun
Arr: Tue, Thu, Sun

6043/6044

Chennai - Kakkinada Exp
17:45 06:35 Daily

6089/6090

Chennai - Jolarpet Yelagiri Exp
17:55 09:05 Daily

2759/2760

Chennai - Hyderabad Charminar Exp
18:10 10:20 Daily

2623/2624

Chennai - Trivandrum Superfast Exp
19:30 07:00 Daily

6601/6602

Chennai - Mangalore Mail
19:45 06:25 Daily

6005/6006

Chennai - Vishakapatinam
19:25 09:25 Dep: Thu
Arr: Sat

6041/6042

Chennai - Alappuzha Exp
20:00 06:05 Daily

2671/2672

Chennai - Mettupalayam Blue Mountain Exp
20:30 05:15 Daily

2673/2674

Chennai - Coimbatore Cheran Superfast Exp
21:45 07:45 Daily

6010/6009

Chennai- Mumbai CST Mail
22:15 05:40 Daily

2621/2622

Chennai - New Delhi Tamil Nadu Exp
22:00 07:05 Daily

2657/2658

Chennai - Bangalore Mail
22:50 05:05 Daily

6004/6003

Chennai - Howrah Mail
22:30 04:45 Daily

6222/6221

Chennai - Mysore Exp
23:00 04:35 Daily

6669/6670

Chennai - Erode Yercaud Exp
23:10 04:45 Daily

6021/6022

Chennai - Bangalore Weekend Exp
23:20 08:05 Dep: Fri
Arr: Mon

0679/0680

Chennai - Nagercoil Exp
18:05 08:30 Dep: Fri
Arr: Mon

6033/6034

Chennai - Dehradun/Chandigarh Exp
05:30 04:30 Dep: Fri
Arr: Wed

Top
Chennai Central Passenger Trains
Train No. Train Name Departure Arrival

Schedule
101/102 Chennai - Bangalore Passenger 04:30 23:00 Daily
437/438 Chennai - Gudur - Bitragunta 16:10 12:25 Daily

Top
Trains passing through Chennai Central
Train No Train Name Departure Arrival

Schedule

6327

Bilaspur - Trivandrum Exp
01:30 01:10 Mon, Fri

5012

Gorakhpur Trivandrum Raptisagar Exp
01:30 01:10 Tue, Sat, Sun

6235

Indore-Trivandrum Ahilyanagari Exp
01:30 01:10 Wed

5222

Barauni- Ernakulam Raptisagar Exp
01:30 01:10 Thu

3351

Bokaro Steel City - Alappuzha Exp
04:05 03:45 Daily

6324

Howrah - Trivandrum Exp
04:15 03:50 Sat

6310

Patna - Ernakulam Exp
04:15 03:50 Tue, Thu

5227

Yesvantpur/Mussaffarpur
07:10 06:45 Fri

5627

Trivandrum - Guwahati Exp
07:10 06:45 Mon

6309

Ernakulam - Patna Exp
07:10 06:45 Tue

5623

Ernakulam - Guwahati Exp
07:10 06:45 Wed

5625

Bangalore - Guhawati
07:10 06:45 Thu, Sat

6323

Trivandrum - Howrah Exp
10:05 09:35 Fri, Sun

6596

Patna - Bangalore Exp
10:05 09:45 Mon, Sat

5626

Guwahati - Bangalore Exp
11:10 10:45 Tue, Thu

5228

Mussaffarpur - Yeshvantpur Exp
11:10 10:45 Wed

5624

Guwahati-Ernakulam Exp
11:10 10:45

Sun

5628

Guwahati - Trivandrum Exp
11:10 10:45

Fri

6595
Bangalore - Patna Exp 13:30 13:05 Tue, Thu

3352
Alappuzha - Tata Nagar/Bokaro Exp 22:40 21:55 Daily

5221
Ernakulam - Barauni Exp 23:30 23:05 Fri

6326
Trivandrum - Indore Ahilyanagari Exp 23:30 23:05 Sat

5011
Trivandrum- Gorakhpur Raptisagar Exp 23:30 23:05 Tue, Wed, Sun

6328
Trivandrum - Bilaspur Exp 23:30 23:05 Mon, Thu

Top
Chennai Egmore

Train No
Train Name Departure Arrival

Schedule

2635/2636

Chennai - Madurai Vaigai Exp
12:25 14:30 Daily

2605/2606

Chennai - Tiruchi Pallavan Exp
15:30 11:50 Daily

6121/6122

Chennai - Kanyakumari Exp
17:15 07:50 Daily

6703/670

Chennai - Tuticorin Pearl City Exp
18:30 07:30 Daily

6123/6124

Chennai Trivandrum Ananthapuri Exp
19:30 08:35

Dep: Except Sun
Arr: Except Tue

2631/2632
Chennai - Tirunelveli Nellai Exp 21:00 06:00 Daily

2637/2638
Chennai - Madurai Pandiyan Exp 21:30 05:30 Daily

6177/6178

Chennai - Tiruchi/Thanjavur Rockfort Exp
22:30 05:00 Daily
6127/6128 Chennai - Guruvayur Koodai Exp 07:20

20:35
Daily

2077/2078

Chennai - Vijayawada Jan Shatabdi
06:45 21:20

Except Tue

6126/6125

Chennai - Jodhpur Exp
15:15 19:10

Dep: Sat
Arr: Wed

5629/5630
Chennai - Guwahati Exp 22:25 20:30

Dep: Mon
Arr: Sun

5929/5930

Chennai - Dibrugarh Exp
22:25 20:30

Dep: Mon
Arr: Wed

6607/6608

Chennai - Egmore Erode Exp
22:00 07:10 Daily

Top

Chennai Egmore Passenger Trains
Train No. Train Name Departure Arrival

Schedule
103/104 Chennai Pondicherry Fast Passenger BG 06:35 19:30 Daily

Top

Trains Passing through Chennai Egmore
Train No. Train Name Departure Arrival

Schedule
6803 Howrah - Tiruchirappalli Exp 20:30 20:10 Fri, Sun
6355 Howrah - Kanyakumari Exp 20:30 20:10 Tue
6804 Tiruchirappalli - Howrah Exp 22:25 22:00 Sat
6356 Kanyakumari- Howrah Exp 22:25 22:00 Sat
2641 Thirukkural Exp Kanyakumari Nizamuddin 04:10 04:30 Thu
2642 Nizamuddin - Kanyakumari 19:30 19:10 Sun

Top

Tambaram Metre Gauge Express & Passenger Times
Train No To/From Departure Arrival

Schedule

6853/6854

Tambaram - Kumbakonam Cholan Exp
08:45 18:00 Daily

6875/6876

Tambaram - Nagore/Karaikudi Kamban Exp
19:45 07:35 Daily
6713/6714 Tambaram - Rameswaram Exp 13:00 08:40 Daily
813/814 Tambaram - Kumbakonam Fast Passenger 21:45 05:35 Daily

TRAINS AT CHENNAI CENTRAL

2009-11-05T10:41:00.001-08:00

TRAINS AT CHENNAI CENTRAL
Train Number Train Name Arrival Departure
6046 Ahmedabad Navjivan Express 5:15 pm 9:35 am
6041 Alleppey Express 6:40 am 7:45 pm
2639 Bangalore Brindavan Express 8:15 pm 7:15 am
6023 Bangalore Express 2:45 pm 1:00 pm
2607 Bangalore Lalbagh Express 12:00 noon 3:45 pm
6007 Bangalore Mail 5:20 am 10:15 pm
2679 Chennai – Coimbatore Express 1:35 pm 2:30 pm
1064 Chennai – Dadar Express 8:05 pm 6:50 am
2433 Chennai – Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express 8:05 pm
(Thur & Sat) 6:20 am
(Fri & Sun)
6203 Chennai – Tirupati Express 10:00 am 4:15 pm
6222 Chennai Mysore Express 4:40 am 10:45 pm
2673 Coimbatore Cheran Express 7:45 am 9:45 pm
6012 CST Mumbai Express 4:45 pm 11:45 am
6669 Erode Yercaud Express 5:00 am 11:00 pm
2842 Howrah Coromandel Express 5:35 pm 9:05 am
6004 Howrah Mail 5:05 am 10:30 pm
2759 Hyderabad Charminar Express 7:25 am 6:10 pm
7053 Hyderabad Express 5:55 am 4:00 pm
9767 Jaipur Express 9:55 am
(Tue, Thu, Sun) 5:30 pm
(Tue, Fri & Sun)
6031 Jammu – Tawi Express 11:20 am
(Mon, Tue, Fri) 5:30 am
(Sun, Wed & Thurs)
6089 Jolarpet Yelagiri Express 9:05 am 5:55 pm
7243 Kakinada Circar Express 6:35 am 7:25 pm
2675 Kovai Express 9:15 pm 6:15 am
6093 Lucknow Express 11.20 am
(Wed & Sat) 5:30 am
(Tue & Sat)
6601 Mangalore Mail 6:20 am 7:15 pm
6627 Mangalore West Coast Express 3:35 pm 11:00 am
6605 Mettupalayam Nilgiri Express 5:50 am 8:15 pm
6010 Mumbai Mail 5:40 am 9:55 pm
2007 Mysore Shatabdi Express 9:25 pm
(except Tue) 6:00 am (except Tue)
2615 New Delhi Grand Trunk Express 6:10 am 4:30 pm
2621 New Delhi Tamil Nadu Express 6:55 am 10:00 pm
6043 Patna Express 9:55 am
( Mon & Sat) 1:35 pm
(Tue & Thur)
6057 Sapthagiri Express 8:35 pm 6:25 am
6053 Tirupati Express 1:15 pm 1:50 pm
6619 Trivandrum Mail 7:25 am 7:00 pm
6039 Varanasi Express 9:55 am
(Wed & Fri) 5:30 pm
(Mon & Sat)
2712 Vijayawada Pinakini Express 1:00 pm 2:00 pm

Bangalore - Chennai

2009-11-05T10:40:00.001-08:00

TRAIN TIMINGS(Bangalore - Chennai)
Train No Train Name Departure Time Arrival Time Days
M T W T F S S
6024 Chennai Exp 08:00 20:05 Y Y Y N Y Y v
2008 Shatabdi Exp 16:25 10:55 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
2028 Shatabdi Exp 06:00 11:00 Y N Y Y Y Y Y
5625 Guwahati Exp 23:30 06:45 N N Y Y Y N N
6024 Lalbagh Exp 06:30 21:25 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2610 Chennai Express
08:15 14:45 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2640 Brindavan Exp 14:30 20:15 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6008 Chennai Mail 22:30 05:25 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2692 Chennai Express 09:15 10:30 N N N N N N Y
5227 Muzaffarpur Exp 23:15 06:45 N N N Y N N N
5625 Guwahati Exp 23:30 06:45 N N Y N Y N N
6022 Chennai Express 21:30 03:55 N N N N N N Y
6221 Chennai Express 21:15 20:50 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6524 Chennai Express 08:15 14:45 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6595 Sanghamitra ExpUbl Chennai Exp 06:45 13:05 N Y N Y N N N
7312 Vsg Chennai Exp 06:00 13:10 N N N N Y N N
7314 Ubl Chennai Exp 06:00 2205 N N N N N N Y
Disclaimer: We claim no responsibilty for changes in train timings by the Railway Department

Chennai Bangalore Shatabdi Express/2028

2009-11-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Chennai Bangalore Shatabdi Express/2028

2 halts between Bangalore City Junction and Chennai Central

Code Station Name Arrives Departs Halt Day# Distance Speed Elev
SBC» Bangalore City Junction» 06:00 1 0 - 903m
BNC Bangalore Cantt. 06:08 06:10 2 min 1 5 38 929m
KPD Katpadi Junction 08:58 09:00 2 min 1 232 81 213m
MAS• Chennai Central• 11:00 1 362 65 14m

Mahalya Amavasya Special

2009-09-16T13:39:00.001-07:00

GAYA – VARANASI – ALLAHABAD – HARIDWAR – DELHI – AGRA – MATHURA

Starts on September 15th, 12 Days, Cost : Rs. 6155/-

Day

Station

Arr.

Dep.

15-09-2009

Dep. from Madurai at

06.30PM

Dindigul

07.30PM

07.35PM

Trichy

11.30PM

11.35PM

16-09-2009

Vilupuram

05.00AM

05.05AM

Chennai Egmore

09.00AM

09.30AM

Nellore

01.30PM

01.35PM

Vijayawada

05.30PM

06.00PM

17-09-2009

Arrival Kurdaroad at

10.00AM

18-09-2009

Arrival Gaya at

Pinda Pradhanam.
Departure from Gaya at

02.00 PM

09.00PM

19-09-2009

Arrival Varanasi at

Holy bath in the Ganges.
Perform Rituals Visit : Kasi Viswanath Temple, Kasi Visalakshi Temple, Annapoorani Temple
Board train to Allahabad at

07.00AM

10.00PM

20-09-2009

Arrival Allahabad at

Bathe in Triveni Sangam
Board train to Haridwar at

07.00AM

11.00AM

21-09-2009

Arrival Haridwar at

Bathe in the Ganges. Manasa Devi Mandir on their own
Departure to Delhi at

05.00 AM

11.00 PM

22-09-2009

Arrival Delhi at
Free day for shopping

08.00AM

Night Stay

23-09-2009

Delhi City Tour : India Gate, Rajghat, Indira Memorial, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Birla Mandir

Night Stay

24-09-2009

Departure from Delhi at

Arrival Mathura

Visit : Krishna Janma Bhoomi Arr. Agra.
Visit : Tajmahal , Agra Fort
Board train to Chennai at

10.30AM

06.00AM

09.30PM

25-09-2009

On Train

26-09-2009

Arrival Egmore at

09.00AM

Arrival Vilupuram at

12.30PM

Arrival Trichy at

05.00PM

Arrival Dindigul at

07.00PM

Arrival Madurai at

09.00PM

Nagore to Hyderabad Train Tour Agency address

2009-09-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

11, Club House Road, Annasalai,
Chennai - 600 002.
Phone : 044 - 2846 1131, 2846 1113
Fax      : 044 - 28461195
Cell   : 9790926956 -(D.Nandakumar)
             9790933259 - (Anand)
Email : tourtime@satyam.net.in
             traveltimesindia@airtelmail.in
             traveltimes@airtelmail.in

44/13, Sambanthamoorthy street,
Thangam Bricks Compound,
opp. to West Masi street Iyappa Temple,
Madurai - 625 020.
Phone : 0452 - 4391228
Fax     : 0452 - 4391228
Cell     : 9443307132
Email : traveltimesmdu@airtelmail.in

191, 5th st, Gandhi Nagar,near Hotel Lala, Coimbatore - 12.
Phone : 0422 - 2496667
Fax     : 0422 - 4213969
Cell     : 9345796778
            9790933257-(Karuppaswamy)
Email   : traveltimesinfo@airtelmail.in

NAGORE -VELANKANNI - PONDICHERY - CHENNAI - DELHI - AGRA - JAIPUR - AURANGABAD - AJANTA - ELLORA - HYDERABAD 16 Days / 15 Nights

2009-09-16T13:33:00.001-07:00

Day	Station

Day 01	Madurai
Day 02	Trivandrum
	Dep. Kollam
	Dep. Kottayam
	Dep. Ernakulam
	Dep. Thrissur
	Dep. Calicut
	Dep. Shoranur
	Dep. Palakad
	Dep. Podanur
Day 03	Arr. Thanjavur Jn. Trip to Nagore & Velankanni and back. Board train to Pondicherry
Day 04	Arr. Pondicherry Pondicherry S/Seeing: Visit: Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram, Beach
Day 05	Dep. from Pondicherry
	Arr. Chengalpat
	Proceed to Mamallapuram
	S/Seeing: VGP Golden Beach Drive through Chennai City: Marina Beach. Drop Station. Board train to Delhi
Day 06	On Train
Day 07	Arr. Delhi Free day for shopping
Day 08	Delhi City Tour
Day 09	Board train to Agra. Arrival Agra S/Seeing Tajmahal, Agra Fort. Board train to Jaipur
Day 10	Arr. Jaipur Jaipur S/Seeing: City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal (By Pass Only) Amer Fort (by Jeep on your own) Board train to Aurangabad
Day 11	On Train
Day 12	Arr. Aurangabad Trip to Ajanta and back
Day 13	Trip to Ellora and back Board train to Hyderabad
Day 14	Arr. Hyderabad Fresh up in Train (No time for transfers to Hotel or Halls) Hyderabad City Tour or Trip to film City and back Board train to Podanur
Day 15	Arr. Podanur
Day 15	Arr. Palakkad
Day 16	Arr. Shornur
	Arr. Thrissur
	Arr. Ernakulam
	Arr. Kottayam
	Arr. Kollam
	Arr. Trivandrum

North India Rail Tour

2009-09-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Day 01: Delhi
Departure From home country.

Day 02: Arrive Delhi
Transfer to hotel. Overnight Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Jodhpur
Morning tour of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Check-out from the hotel at 1200 hrs.

Day 04: Jodhpur
Arrive Jodhpur. Transfer to hotel. Later visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 05: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Day free in Jodhpur. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Late evening transfer to rail-station for Jaisalmer night train. Night on board.

Day 06: Jaisalmer
Arrive Jaisalmer. Transfer to hotel. Later visit the Fort, bazaars & the old mansions known as "havelis". People still live in these ancient buildings dating from 12th to 15th century. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. Overnight Jaisalmer.

Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Day free in Jaisalmer. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Late evening transfer to rail-station for Jodhpur night train. Night on board.

Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
Morning arrive to Jodhpur and drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute. Ranakpur - 98 kms from Udaipur, the Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 09: Udaipur
Morning tour of Udaipur. Visit the city palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki bari and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir. Afternoon free. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur - Jaipur
Morning free. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for Jaipur night train. Night on board.

Day 11: Jaipur
Morning arrive Jaipur. Transfer to hotel. Later visit Amber Fort. Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. Ascend the Fort on Elephant back. Afternoon tour of Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory & Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 12: Jaipur - Agra
Morning free. Later transfer to rail-station for Agra train. Late evening arrive Agra. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Agra.

Day 13: Agra - New Delhi
Morning visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Check-out at 1200 hrs. Arrive New Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Day 14: Home
Morning transfer to airport for return flight.

Goa Honeymoon Tour

2009-09-15T14:37:00.001-07:00

Places to See : Goa - Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi
Duration : 09 Nights / 10 Days

Day 1 : Arrive Goa
Transfer to the airport to connect flight to Goa. Upon arrival, the guests will be met & transferred to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at hotel .

Day 2 : Goa
Fullday sightseeing our Goa - Visit Old Goa, the most important Cathedrals and churches - namely Se-Cathedral, Church of St. Francis Xavier, St. Catherine's Church, Arch of Vice Roy of Goa. Miramar Beach - This is the only beach close to any city and has a good view of the river Mandovi flowing into the sea. Also visit Dona Paula fishing village which is a small village at the tip of Panaji, the place has a very good viewpoint and a monument at the same place. Overnight at hotel

Day 3 : Goa
Full day at leisure for own activities and to enjoy the facilities of the resort. Dinner & overnight at the hotel

Day 4 : Goa - Delhi
Transfer to the airport for flight to Delhi. Reach Delhi and have lunch.

Day 5 : Delhi
Take a trip down the memory lane of Delhi, with sprawling gardens and stately buildings.

Day 6 : Agra
Visit Agra- The erstwhile capital of glorious Mughal dynasty that offers incomparable monuments Taj Mahal, Red Fort and other prestigious monuments.

Day 7 : Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Drive to the 'Pink city' of Rajputs- Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri, which is known as the capital city of Emperor Akbar.

Day 8 : Jaipur
Experience the glory of Amber Fort on an elephant back and later enjoy a sight seeing tour of the city that includes mirror inlayed palaces and courtyards.

Day 9 : Jaipur - Delhi
Drive back to Delhi in the morning and have an overnight stay in the capital, adding up the last touches to your tour of the Golden Triangle.

Day 10: Delhi
Leave Delhi for an onward destination.

South India Rail Tours

2009-09-15T14:34:00.001-07:00

Duration - 13 Nights / 14 Days
Places to See - Chennai (Madras) - Madurai - Periyar - Trivandram - Cochin - Bangalore - Mysore

Day 1: Chennai
Arrive Chennai. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight Chennai

Day 2: Chennai
After breakfast, full Day tour of Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram (64 kms from Chennai) is the ancient capital of the Pallavas famous as a city of 1000 Temples and still has 124 shrines. The first temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the 7th and 8th century and has paintings on the walls. Temples of Ekambaswara, Kailasanatha, Sri Kamakshi and Varadarajaswamy are of interest. Kanchipuram is also famous for its silks. The city of Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture.

Day 3: Chennai
After breakfast, city tour of Chennai. Visit the Museum to see the Art and Bronze Gallery. Drive through the Flower and Fruit market, High court, Fort museum, Marina Beach, Santhome Cathedral and snake park . Check-out at 1200 hrs from the hotel. Late evening transfer to railway-station for overnight journey to Madurai.

Day 4: Madurai
Morning arrive Madurai and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the great Meenakshi Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. Later, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - A gracious building in the Indo saracenic style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches. Also visit the Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock temple. Afternoon free. Overnight Madurai.

Day 5: Madurai / Periyar
After breakfast, drive to Periyar National Park. it extends to 777 square kms & forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, langur monkeys, etc. can be seen easily. Overnight Periyar.

Day 6: Periyar / Trivandrum
After breakfast, drive to Trivandrum viewing the scenic beauty enroute. Kerala is lush green and is full of lakes and water. Overnight Trivandrum.

Day 7: Trivandrum
After breakfast, Day free in Trivandrum or optional tours to Cape Comorin (Kanya Kumari - the southern most part of India) or nearby places like Kovalam beach, etc. Overnight Trivandrum.

Day 8: Trivandrum / Cochin
After breakfast, drive to Cochin visiting the Kerala villages enroute.

Day 9: Cochin
After breakfast, city tour of Cochin. One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, has been a pot of call for foreign traders from early times. Cochin is the natural harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks whose quality ensures that the rougher the seas are outside and the calmer waters are within the Harbour. Vasco-de-Gama placed it on the world map. It has a Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches, mosques and Hindu temples. Watch the Chinese Fishing Nets. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Transfer to railway-station for overnight journey to Bangalore.

Day 10: Bangalore
Morning arrive Bangalore and transfer to hotel followed by breakfast. Afternoon tour of Bangalore city, visit the Lal Bagh with a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces & an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. Also see the Maharaja's Palace & Government Buildings. Overnight Bangalore.

Day 11: Bangalore / Mysore
Morning arrive Bangalore railway station and drive to Mysore. Arrive and transfer to hotel. Overnight Mysore.

Day 12: Mysore
Morning visit the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911 - 1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Afternoon free. Overnight Mysore.

Day 13: Mysore / Chennai
After breakfast, morning free. Transfer to rail-station to catch the train for Chennai. Arrive Chennai & transfer to hotel.

Day 14: Chennai / Onward destination
Transfer to airport for onward destination.

Incredible Goa

2009-09-15T14:33:00.001-07:00

Covered Destination : Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Goa - Mumbai
Duration : 11 Nights / 12 Days

Day 01 : Abroad - Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International airport. On arrival in Delhi, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Overnight will be at hotel.
Delhi is just not a city but it is a book-- a book which narrates the history of India. The city was built and destroyed seven times and has been witness to the various events which has brought India through the history books. Seven times this city went through the pain of being built and rebuilt. Today as the capital of India Delhi is the seat of administration and the monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era stand there. These icons are testimony to the grandeur of past and also an attraction for the tourists. With an area of 1483 sq. Kms, Delhi is all set to acquire full statehood. The charm of Delhi has attracted Emperors, Conquerors and poor in equally. It is correctly said that Delhi is a land of 'Dilwalas' or for people with heart. This phrase acquires a true colour when one goes around the lanes of Delhi.

Day 02 : Delhi
Today after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Mughal Power Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the 'rickshaw ride' for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue-heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Today in afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi - drive past the stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens, including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutub Minar. Overnight will be at hotel.

Day 03 : Delhi - Agra
Today after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Agra. Upon arrival at Agra, check-in at your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury the hotel. In afternoon, you will visit Red Fort and famous Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is closed on Friday. Overnight will be at hotel.
Taj Mahal
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum took 22 years to complete with a work force of 20,000 craftsmen and master builders, who came from all over Asia to join in this great work from Baghdad, Shiraz, Delhi, Samarkand and Turkey. The marble, India s finest; was quarried at Makrana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious stones were imported from distant lands : Jasper from Punjab, Jade & Crystal from China, Turquoise from Tibet, Lapis from Afghanistan and Ceylon, Chrysolite from Egypt, Amethyst from Persia, Agate from Yemen, Malachite from Russia, Diamonds from Golconda and Mother of Pearl from the Indian Ocean.

Day 04 : Agra - Jaipur
Today after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to Jaipur, en-route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Buland Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.
Thereafter you will continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. Afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight will be at hotel.

Day 05 : Jaipur
Today after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you take tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. Enjoy a stroll through the colorful bazaar before returning to your hotel.
Overnight will be at hotel.
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ' Pink City ' because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lake bed in a somewhat arid landscape, surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts and crenellated walls. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. All through, Jaipur has retained its strong Rajputana flavour tempered by several influences - the mughal being the most prominent. The region's strong cultural heritage is distinctly evident even today. The city is a visitor's delight. From the intricate, delicate looking Hawa Mahal to the graphic forms of the Jantar Mantar - an open air observatory of outsized astronomical instruments, the Badi Chaupar lined with shopsand business establishments on both sides to the majestic fort-palace at Amber; from the colorful fountains of life to the sublime Birla Temple; from the architectural delight of the City Palace to the serene Jal Mahal.

Day 06 : Jaipur - Udaipur
Today in early morning, you will be transferred to airport to board flight for Udaipur. Upon arrival in Udaipur, you will be received by our representative & transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Morning tour of Udaipur, one of India's most romantic cities and famed for its lovely palaces and lakes. Begin by visiting the City Palace and wandering through its beautiful rooms and apartments, then continue on to the Garden of Maidens "Sahelion-ki-bari'.
Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight will be at hotel.
Udaipur : The city of Lakes, Located in the Aravalli ranges of Rajasthan, the city of Udaipur is situated at a distance of about 405 km from the state capital Jaipur. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. The city is famous for its palaces, lake, museums, temples, and gardens and much more.

Day 07 : Udaipur - Mumbai - Goa
Upon arrival in Goa via Mumbai, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel.
Afternoon will be at leisure for your own activities. Overnight will be at the hotel.

Day 08 - 11 : Goa
Day will be free for your own beach activities. Overnight will be at hotel.
Goa : Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travelers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

Day 12 : Goa - Mumbai
In time you will be transferred to domestic airport to board flight for Mumbai.
OPTIONAL - One-hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering.
In afternoon, you will take city tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour includes Gateway of India overlooking the Harbour, the, the Towers of Silence, Marine Drive and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor 'laundry'. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market. Late Evening you will be transferred to the International airport for flight to back home.

The tour includes:
a) Accommodation in the prescribed category of hotels on twin sharing basis with breakfast on regular basis.
b) A/c Transport of high standards with soft beverages and mineral water served during drives with compliments.
c) Entrances at all the monuments and services of an excellent personal guide at all the destinations.
d) Assistance upon arrival and departure by our skilled representatives at all destinations.
e) Meals as prescribed.
f) All internal flights and Train (1st A/C).
g) Goa package would include breakfast, food credit vouchers, a boat cruise, 2 half day sight seeing.

The tour excludes:
a) International Flight From Your Country to India and Back.
b) Any tips for the porters, drivers or the tour guides.
c) Any drinks and beverages during the paid meals, if not specified.

Rajasthan Tour with Kerala by Train

2009-09-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

Duration: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi - Cochin - Periyar - Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kovalam - Mumbai

Day Tour 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Delhi.

Day Tour 2 : Delhi / Jodhpur
After breakfast city tour of New Delhi & Old Delhi covering Birla Temple, India gate, Parliament area, Government buildings, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar, Gandhi memorial, Jama Masjid. Evening transfer to railway-station for overnight train journey to Jodhpur.

Day Tour 3 : Jodhpur
After b/fast, visit the magnificent Meherangarh fort. Afternoon, go out to a Bishnoi village, where you will meet coloful tribal people and witness their village life.
Overnight at hotel.

Day Tour 4 : Jodhpur / Jaisalmer
After breakfast, Day free in Jodhpur. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Late evening transfer to railway-station for overnight train journey to Jaisalmer.

Day Tour 5 : Jaisalmer
Morning arrive Jaisalmer. Transfer to hotel. After b/fast, city tour visiting Fort, bazzars & the old mansions known as "havelis". Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work and people are still living in these havelis. Afternoon, drive outside the city to see Amar Sagar lake and to Sunset Point for a superb view of the city. Overnight at the hotel.. Overnight Jaisalmer.

Day Tour 6 : Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
After breakfast, Day free in Jaisalmer. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Late evening transfer to railway-station for overnight train journey to Jodhpur

Day Tour 7 : Jodhpur / Udaipur
Morning arrive Jodhpur and transfer to a hotel for wash and change in public rooms followed by breakfast and drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute. Ranakpur - 98 kms from Udaipur, the Jain Temples has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. Arrive Udaipur and transfer to hotel. Overnight Udaipur.

Day Tour 8 : Udaipur
After breakfast, city tour visiting City Palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki bari (Queen's resort for her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (Folk art museum ). Evening boat ride at Lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur.

Day Tour 9 : Udaipur / Jaipur
After breakfast, morning free. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to railway-station for overnight train journey to Jaipur

Day Tour 10 : Jaipur
Morning arrive Jaipur. Transfer to hotel. After breakfast, visit The Amber Fort known for its rich culture and heritage also take an elephant ride in Amber Fort. Afternoon city tour covering Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Royal Observatory & Bazaar. Overnight at hotel.

Day Tour 11 : Jaipur / Agra
Morning free. Later transfer to rail-station for Agra train. Late evening arrive Agra. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Agra.

Day Tour 12 : Agra / Delhi
After breakfast, half Day city tour visiting Taj Mahal, Red fort, Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb. Check-out at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to railway- station to catch the train for New Delhi. Arrive New Delhi and transfer to airport for return flight.

Day Tour 13: Arrive Cochin: Ex - Delhi or Mumbai
Arrival and transfer to Hotel. Evening Sunset cruise to view Chinese fishing nets and visiting Bolghaty Island. Later view traditional kathakali classical dances. Overnight Cochin.

Day Tour 14: Cochin - Periyar (03 hrs)
Proceed by road to Periyar. Check into Spice Village, set in the heart of the cardamom hills of Kerala. The village lies just outside Periyar Tiger Reserve and a stay here is a perfect way to appreciate the environment. This is a place for anyone who Loves nature to fill your lungs with fresh air, to savour the rich fragrance of cinnamon and cloves or to watch young elephants at the water's edge. Day at leisure to visit nearby coffee plantations, spice gardens with pepper vines or a trek deep into the tropical forest. Overnight at Hotel.

Day Tour 15: Periyar
Tour of Periyar wildlife sanctuary by Boat to see elephants and to view a rich variety of wildlife: Tiger, Elephant, Wild Boar, deer and Monkeys. Overight at Hotel.

Day Tour 16: Periyar - Cochin (03 hrs)
Drive to Cochin. Check into hotel. Later city tour visiting the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue

Day Tour 17: Cochin - Kumarakom (03 hrs)
Drive to Kumarakom. Check into cottages of the heritage hotel - Coconut Lagoon resort situated on the Backwaters. Overnight at Coconut Lagoon

Day Tour 18: Kumarakom
Day free to explore the backwaters and the lake by quiet motorboats and canoes through water channels or visit the bird Sanctuary on the opposite bank or just relax and enjoy "Pizhichin" a particularly energizing Ayurvedic Oil Massages, which is particularly rejuvenating.

Day Tour 19: Kumarakom - Alleppey - Kovalam
Drive to Allepey, also known as the "Venice of the East" for a 3 hour bakwater cruise upto Kottayam. It gives a uniquely quaint view of the unspoilt village life of Kerala, past lush green paddy fields, coconut and banana groves. From Kottayam,drive to Kovalam (02 hrs). Check into Beach resort. Overnight at Kovalam

Day Tour 20: Kovalam
Full day at leisure at the Beach.

Day Tour 21: Kovalam - Mumbai
Transfer to airport in Trivandrum for outbound flight.

India Tour by Train

2009-09-15T14:27:00.001-07:00

Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi

Day 01: Delhi
Departure From home country.

Day 02: Arrive Delhi
Transfer to hotel. Overnight Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Jodhpur
Morning tour of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana - the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Check-out from the hotel at 1200 hrs.

Day 04: Jodhpur
Arrive Jodhpur. Transfer to hotel. Later visit the Mehrangarh Fort, situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memoriam built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Public Gardens. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 05: Jodhpur - Jaisalmer
Day free in Jodhpur. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Late evening transfer to rail-station for Jaisalmer night train. (4810 Express 2330/0600 hrs) Night on board.

Day 06: Jaisalmer
Arrive Jaisalmer. Transfer to hotel. Later visit the Fort, bazaars & the old mansions known as "havelis". People still live in these ancient buildings dating from 12th to 15th century. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. Overnight Jaisalmer.

Day 07: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Day free in Jaisalmer. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Late evening transfer to rail-station for Jodhpur night train. (4809 Express 2230/0525 hrs) Night on board.

Day 08: Jodhpur - Ranakpur - Udaipur
Morning arrive to Jodhpur and drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute. Ranakpur - 98 kms from Udaipur, the Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. Its surrounding is quiet and picturesque. Ranakpur has grand structures and beautiful sculpture. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The magic of light & shade is really awe inspiring. Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are side attractions. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 09: Udaipur
Morning tour of Udaipur. Visit the city palace, Jagdish Temple, drive around Fatehsagar Lake, Sahelion ki bari (Queen's resort for her friends) and Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir (Folk art museum). Afternoon free. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur - Jaipur
Morning free. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for Jaipur night train. (Chetak Express 1820/0610 hrs). Night on board.

Day 11: Jaipur
Morning arrive Jaipur. Transfer to hotel. Later visit Amber Fort. Amber Fort was the ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. Ascend the Fort on Elephant back.Afternoon tour of Jaipur. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, the Observatory & Ram Niwas Gardens. Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas. Overnight Jaipur.

Day 12: Jaipur - Agra
Morning free. Later transfer to rail-station for Agra train. Late evening arrive Agra. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Agra.

Day 13: Agra - New Delhi
Morning visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Pearl Mosque, the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Check-out at 1200 hrs.
Evening transfer to rail-station for Delhi train. (Shatabdi Express 2018/2225 hrs). Arrive New Delhi and transfer to hotel.

Day 14: Home
Morning transfer to airport for return flight.

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Fascinating Taj Mahal with Beaches

2009-09-15T14:25:00.001-07:00

Duration: 15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai - Goa - Mumbai - Delhi

Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the DELHI AIRPORT and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight will be at Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast proceed for a day tour of Old & New Delhi.

Overnight will be in Delhi.

Day 03: Delhi - Agra
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed by surface to Agra. Reach and check into the hotel.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Agra.

Day 04: Agra - Jaipur
After breakfast drive to beautiful Pink City - Jaipur.

Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 05: Jaipur
After breakfast drive to Amber Palace. Enjoy Elephant Back ascent to the Fort.

Shopping in the evening or relax. Overnight will be at Jaipur.

Day 06: Jaipur - Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Jodhpur. Reach Jodhpur and check into hotel.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 07: Jodhpur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Also visit the JASWANT THADA and JODHPUR CITY.

In the afternoon proceed to see the BISHNOI VILLAGES.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 08: Jodhpur - Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel. Proceed to Udaipur.

Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 09: Udaipur
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Relax in the evening. Overnight will be at Udaipur.

Day 10: Udaipur - Mumbai - Goa
Breakfast will be at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai and then connecting flight to Goa.

Reach and transfer to hotel.

Overnight will be in Goa.

Day 11 - 14: Goa
Daily breakfasts will be in the hotel. Relax in the beach. Stay will be at Kenilworth Beach Resort.

Day 15: Goa - Mumbai
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai. Reach and transfer to hotel.

Relax in the afternoon and visit to the markets. Overnight will be in Mumbai.

Day 16: Mumbai - Home
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for "Elephanta Caves" Tour in the seas. Return to the land for a city tour.

Relax and freshen up.

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Taj Mahal with Erotic Temples

2009-09-15T14:20:00.001-07:00

Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations: Delhi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Delhi

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi where you would be met and escorted to the hotel. In the afternoon you will be taken to National Museum where you will see the finest collection of Indian antiquities and artifacts. Tonight you will be hosted a welcome dinner when you will also be familiarized with the tour.

Day 02: Delhi
Delhi with its Old and New parts - each with its specific charm and glory - makes a very interesting city for its sustenance to medieval and modern cultures at the same time and space.

Day 03: Khajuraho
This morning you will take a train to Jhansi. En route to Khajuraho you will visit sleepy medieval town of Orchha which is littered with medieval Bundelkhand buildings bearing fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

Overnight will be at Khajuraho.

Day 04: Agra
Your day starts in the morning when you will be driven to Jhansi railway station for your train to Agra.

You will arrive in Agra in the evening and retire for the day.

Day 05: Agra
Today you will do sightseeing tour of Agra. In the first half of the day you will visit Sikandara and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the 'Baby Taj'.

Day 06: Jaipur
After a leisurely morning you drive to Jaipur - en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, a perfectly preserved Mughal city built at the height of the empire's splendor. You will arrive in Jaipur in the noon and will be at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 07: Jaipur
In the morning, you visit the Amber Fort - one of the most fascinating of Indian forts. You will reach the fort majestically atop an elephant; once inside the fort, you visit the Palace of Mirrors, Hall of Public Audience and the beautifully manicured gardens.

Day 08: Jodhpur
Proceed to Jodhpur.

Overnight will be at Jodhpur.

Day 09: Jodhpur
This morning you explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort-Museum, one of the largest in India, unsurpassed in beauty and grandeur - and a perfect example of desert variant of Rajput architecture. The tour of the fort will be followed by a visit to the old town where you walk through the market getting a feel of the town.

Day 10: Udaipur
Today, you drive to Udaipur.

You will arrive in Udaipur late in the afternoon. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Day 11: Udaipur
The day begins with a visit to the City Palace, which is largest in Rajsathan. You will also see lovely medieval Jagdish Temple and Sahelion-Ki-Bari or the "Gardens of the Maids of Honour".

The day will end with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola. From the lake you will get unmatched views of the gardens surrounding the fascinating Lake Palace Hotel and the two islands in the lake.

Day 12: Delhi
Today, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Delhi . Arrive Delhi Transfer to Hotel. Rest of the Day Free for own activities. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13: Delhi
Early Morning After Breakfast Leave for Half Day SightSeeing Visiting Red Fort, India Gate, President House. Transfer to Airport in Time to Connect for your Onward Journey

Goa Beaches Information

2009-09-14T11:43:00.001-07:00

http://www.goaholidayhomes.com/beaches-in-goa.php

Madurai To Tirupathi By Train

2009-09-14T11:36:00.001-07:00

Madurai Manmad Express/6733

Route : Madurai Junction - Dindigul Junction - Karur - Erode Junction - Salem Junction - Jolarpettai - Katpadi Juncton - Tirupati

Departs @ 11:45PM on Thursday from Madurai
Arrives @ 11:10AM on Friday at Tirupati

Fare and Seat
Sleeper - Rs 245
AC 3 Tier - Rs 661
AC 2 Tier - Rs 907
AC 1st Class - Rs 1511

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Nagercoil Mumbai Express/6352

Route : Madurai Junction - Dindigul Junction - Tiruchchirapalli Jn - Srirangam - Ariyalur - Vriddhachalam Jn - Villupuram Jn - Tindivanam - Melmaruvattur - Chengalpatu - Kanchipuram - Arakkonam - Tiruttani -Renigunta Juncton - Tirupati

Departs @ 09:50am on Sunday,Thursday from Madurai
Arrives @ 09:40pm on Sunday,Thursday at Tirupati

Fare and Seat
Sleeper - Rs 248
AC 3 Tier - Rs 669
AC 2 Tier - Rs 916

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Lokamanya Tt Express/1044

Route : Madurai Junction - Dindigul Junction - Tiruchchirapalli Jn - Vriddhachalam Jn - Villupuram Jn - Melmaruvattur - Chengalpatu - Kanchipuram - Arakkonam - Renigunta Juncton

Departs @ 6:00pm on Saturday from Madurai
Arrives @ 7:00am on Sunday at Renigunta

Fare and Seat
Sleeper - Rs 245
AC 3 Tier - Rs 661
AC 2 Tier - Rs 907

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Madurai Jammu Express/06317

Route : Madurai Junction - Kodaikanal Road - Dindigul Junction - Tiruchchirapalli Jn - Karur - Erode Junction - Salem Junction - Jolarpettai - Katpadi Juncton - Chittor - Tirupati

Departs @ 7:15pm on Friday from Madurai
Arrives @ 9:08am on Saturday at Tirupati

Fare and Seat
Sleeper - Rs 271
AC 2 Tier - Rs 1006

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Madurai Jammu Express/06687

Route : Madurai Junction - Kodaikanal Road - Dindigul Junction - Tiruchchirapalli Jn - Karur - Erode Junction - Salem Junction - Jolarpettai - Katpadi Juncton - Chittor - Tirupati

Departs @ 7:15pm on Monday from Madurai
Arrives @ 9:08am on Tuesday at Tirupati

Fare and Seat
Sleeper - Rs 271
AC 2 Tier - Rs 1024

Kanyakumari

2009-07-29T12:29:00.001-07:00

Nice honeymoon locations in India

Kanyakumari which lies in the southern most tip of India, is famous for its majestic and towering hills, beautiful beaches, pristine rivers having crystal clear water and breath taking water falls providing a panoramic view of the place and surroundings. The place has a fragrance of modernity and culture and traditions mixed together in perfect combination and offers a wonderful experience to one and all. Undoubtedly, a visit to this picturesque for a life time to remember after a memorable wedding will leave you mesmerized and full of joy and happiness in the majestic company of each other.

Places of interest:
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial dedicated to the father of nation is a historic monument which once housed the ashes of the Mahatma. Thiruvalluvar Statue dedicated to the famous poet of Tamil Nadu is also a beautiful point of attraction. Vivekananda Rock Memorial is another place in Kanyakumari which attracts large number of tourists. Suchindrum located about 12 km. from Kanyakumari on the bank of the river Pazhayar houses a temple dedicated to Sri Sthanumalayan. Udayagiri fort is another important tourist spot. Mathur Hanging Bridge is the tallest as well as the longest trough bridge in Asia, having a height of 115 feet and a length of one kilometre. Constructed in 1966, this bridge has become a place of tourist importance and hundreds of tourists visit this place. St. Xavier Church is another tourist spot and an annual festival is celebrated during the month of November – December lasting for 10 days. Padmanabhapuram Palace is also very popular among tourists. Pechiparai Dam a popular spot is surrounded by dense forests which are famous for their valuable and exotic trees and rich wild life such as tiger, elephants, deer etc. Tirparappu Water Falls is another important tourist spot and is a must see. Muttom Beach is famous for its beautiful landscaping and high rocks dipping into the sea at the beach-side. The sun set view point at Muttom is one of the most Panoramic view points in the place. Another attraction of Muttom is the century old light-house built by the British. Ulakkai Aruvi is a natural waterfall and attracts tourist from all places. Mukkadal is a natural dam is very picturesque spot and ideal for picnics by groups.. Bay Watch (Water Theme Amusement Park) is the water theme amusement park at sunset point and offers a unique way to experience the exotic grandeur of Kanyakumari in its full glory.

How to reach Kanyakumari:
Kanyakumari is connected through air, rail and road network. Nearest Airport is Thiruvananthapuram and is connected through important cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, Bangalore. Kanyakumari is also very well with major cities through rail network. Distance from major cities is Delhi (2930 kms), Mumbai (2135 kms), Chennai (755 kms)., Bangalore (806 kms) and Cochin (305 kms.)

Specialties of Kanyakumari:
For honeymooners and tourists looking forward to enjoy the nature at its very best, the place is the paragon of beauty and presents a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. The rich and dense flora and fauna, beautiful and pristine beaches, innumerable exotic flowers and wild life in its pure wonderful form provide a lucky escape from the harsh realities of a metro life.

Pondicherry

2009-07-29T12:26:00.001-07:00

Top honeymoon locations in India

A tiny town on the eastern coast of India, Pondicherry houses some of the country's most spectacular beaches and endearing backwaters offer interesting river cruises. The sparkling sandy beaches are absolutely isolated and tourists and honey mooners can enjoy endless miles of beautiful blue waters in solitude. Away from the hustle and bustle of big city, it is a quiet little town with the quaint colonial heritage buildings, the spiritual scene and a wide choice of restaurants provide a heady mix that draw tourists from all over the places. This place has a distinct spiritual vibration and a special ambience which makes it all the more unique.

Places of attraction: Pondicherry has a wealth of heritage buildings of both French and Tamil architectural styles. The grid patterned layout of town divides the town into two distinct settlements. The French section is on the east of the canal while the Tamil section is essentially on the western side. As it is a small laid back place, it is pleasant to explore this place on foot.

Aurobindo Ashram, since its establishment almost a century back has played a significant role in the socio-economic-spiritual fabric of Pondicherry. The Ashram and its various branches together occupy some of the best heritage properties in Puducherry. The 'Ashram Walk' covers the northern section of French Pondicherry, taking you through many grand buildings of French lineage, including the Raj Nivas, French Institute. The buildings in French section of Pondicherry are an enduring legacy of French history in India. The French Heritage walk will take you through streets that are laid out in a well planned grid pattern. The buildings in the Tamil streets are characterized by rows of tiled roofed buildings almost joined together by continuous wall to wall constructions. A synthesis of these two styles has resulted in a town that has a unique 'Franco Tamil' architectural identity.

How to reach: The closest airport is in Chennai (135 kms) which has well laid connections with almost all cities in India and direction connection to Europe, USA, Middle East and South East Asia. Trichy (220 kms), Bangalore (320 kms) and Madurai are the other nearby airports. Though Puducherry is on the rail map journey by train to and from Puducherry is not very popular. Villupuram is the nearest station well connected to places like Chennai, Madurai and Trichy. It is best accessible by road, either by bus or by taxi. There are frequent buses to this place from places like Chidambaram, Thanjavur Trichy and Coimbatore. It is best accessible by road from Chennai, Bangalore, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Specialties: The city has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping and is fast becoming a favourite shopping destination. It is known not only for its traditional doll-making and textiles and silks but is also the birthplace of several world class brands in leather, pottery, aromatics, fashion and handmade paper of superb quality.

Fete De Puducherry (Festival of Puducherry) is a cultural pageant, coincide with Independence Day. Government of Puducherry organize the fete features free evening cultural presentation in various places of Puducherry. In Chitrai kalai Vizha -(Summer Festival) during Mar-April, a wide array of Indian Classical music and dances are organized in various places of Puducherry..

Weather: The climate is generally humid as it is located in the coastal areas of South India. The climate is mostly warm and plain cottons or cotton/synthetic blends are the most practical and the coolest in summer. The time of monsoons is crucial. People watch the "setting in" or "onset" and the "withdrawal" of the monsoon with great interest.

Kochi

2009-07-29T12:25:00.001-07:00

Top honeymoon locations in India

Kochi (Cochin):
Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is one of the important towns when it comes to visiting in southern part of India. It offers the nature lovers the beauty of coconut palms and endless blue sea waters mushrooming all around. It houses few of the most beautiful beaches, churches, forts and museums which are considered to be prime tourist destinations. One can relax in its backwaters away from the crowded world.

Major Attractions of Kochi (Cochin):
When it comes to Forts & Palaces, the options are Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace) which displays beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, Gundu Island, the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort, Bolghatty Palace, a Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty, was once the residence of the British resident of Kochi (Cochin). For the tourists who like churches, though the options are many but Churches Santa Cruz Basilica, monumental church having beautiful paintings on the ceiling, attracts many people. For the lovers of beaches whom you will find everywhere, Beaches Cherai Beach is a lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island and is ideal for swimming. If you are lucky enough, you can even see Dolphins here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves in close proximity is an added attraction of this beach. The place has many museums viz. Museums Hill Palace Museum, Pareekshith Thampuran Museum etc. Then there is a Vypeen Island which is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.

Excursions of Kochi (Cochin) :
Once you are through with the city, you can roam around to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding places. Alappuzha Beach (70 km) known as the Venice of the East, is famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. An outstanding characteristic of this land is Kuttanad which is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. Kalady is located on the banks of the river Periyar, is famous for its many temples. Aluva (20 km) is just north of Kochi, is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady (190 km), one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, is more popular as a tiger reserve. Boating lovers can enjoy a fancy boat ride on the marvelous waters of the Periyar Lake. Backwaters Kumarakom (88 km) situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kuttanad. Cheeyappara Waterfalls are located between Neriamangalam and Adimali on the Kochi - Madurai highway. Thommankuthu Waterfalls (20 kms) is a small and beautiful, wild waterfall.. The wild beauty of the scenic waterfall will steal the heart of any body.

How to Get There:
By air, Kochi is connected with all major cities in India. Kochi has three main railway stations, viz. Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island. Kochi is very well serviced by a network of national and state highways again connecting it to all major centres of the area via Taxis, city buses and autorickshaws. Ferry service is also available for travel between the island towns.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing:
As it is situated very close to the sea, it has a moderate climate, with heavy rains during June-August due to the southwest monsoon. Winter is in its full blossom from December and continues till February. In summer, the temperature rises to a maximum of 35°C and 25°C in the winters. Annual average rainfall is 310 cm.

Specialties of this place:
Kochi has been an important trading port since ancient times. Plenty of opportunities for the tourists who love to adore their home with Handicrafts items. They also make for good souvenirs.

kodaikonal

2009-07-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

Coolest honeymoon locations in India

Kodaikanal:
Kodaikanal indeed one of the most beautiful places in the world is the most ideal location for most of you honeymooners to spend some quality time together. The green and lush cool environment coupled with fresh breeze and splendid views would definitely make you the happiest couple together in the lap of nature. So all those who love nature and of course who love their better half, pack your stuff and be on the first flight to reach this magnificent place.

The charm of Kodaikanal lies in its beautiful slopes, lush green trees and mighty rocks The vast expanse of lands and long stretches of forests and beautiful spots are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a must for every tourist to this hill resort.

How to reach Kodaikanal:
Kodaikainal is well connected by air and road network. Airports at Madurai (121 kms) and Coimbatore (135 Kms) are the nearest ones. Kodai Road railway Station (80 kms) and palani railway station (64 kms) are the railway stations. Kodaikanal is connected by road with all-important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikkanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dinidigul, Thiruchirapalli, Kumili, Erode, Bangalore and Coimbatore. Taxis and Vans are available. Limited city buses are available.

Places of Interest:
Kodai has numerous places of interest for tourists and honey mooners. The beautiful Lake is the focal point in Kodai. Bryant's park situated on the eastern side of the lake. Is famous for its exotic flora and fauna. Solar Physical Observatory situated 32 kms. from the lake is the highest point in Kodai. Kurinji Andavar Temple temple situated 3 kms from the lake is a famous shrine dedicated to lord Muruga. Telescope House at Coakers Walk was constructed to enable visitors to have a panoramic view of the valley and nearby towns. Green valley View is about 5.5 kms from the lake and very near the Golf Club. This point commands a beautiful view of the entire Vaigai Dam. As the valley here is very deep, dense and dangerous this place was once known as "Suicide point."

Shenbaganur Museum, Silver Cascade, Moer Point, Silent Valley, Berijam Lake Thalaiyar Falls, are other beautiful spots worth visiting. Honey mooners can also enjoy Excursions at Dindigul housing a beautiful fort..

Andaman / Nicobar Islands Honeymoon Tour

2009-07-29T12:23:00.001-07:00

Highlights : Off the eastern coast of India in the Bay of Bengal, lies an archipelago very close to the Myanmar's coastline, yet a part of India. Almost untouched by the modern world, some of the islands are inhabited by the original tribes. Of the total of 572 islands, islets and rocks, only 38 are inhabited. Though a famous tourist destination now, it has a very dark history very closely associated with the British Raj.

In Port Blair, the capital city, lies the ruins of the cellular jail, where the freedom fighters were tortured and kept in solitary confinement. A punishment worse than death (it is said that no prisoner sent there ever returned to the mainland), it was known as Kala Pani (Black water) and it was spoken of with fear and awe. It is now a memorial in honor of those who were imprisoned there and those who perished.

TOURIST SPOTS in and around Port Blair

Chatham Saw Mill
During the British rule, one of Asia's largest saw mills was built here. This is a government owned mill where more than 1000 employees work. They permit tourists to see the process of felling and cutting and curing wood, without any charges.

Forest Dept. Museum
The museum is a storehouse of the kinds of trees available in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Samples of various kinds of trees and their names are exhibited here. Wooden handicrafts are kept on display and are available for a price.

Samudrika
Corals, shells, fish, sea creatures are all found here. Also the Navy's costumes, equipments and weapons are displayed. Some islands documentaries are also available here.

Anthropological Museum
This museum has a display of the native tribal (Nicobarese, Shompens, Jarawas, Onges, Andamanese, Sentinels), weapons, pottery, hut models, wooden boats and their photographs.

Fisheries Museum
This museum has many strange sea creatures and fishes. Good quality export fish are also found here. One can gain a lot of information about the fisheries department from here.

Cellular Jail
This is Asia's biggest Jail. It has seven tiers, three floors, 698 rooms. It was built in 1906. Today only a few rooms and floors are available. It is now commemorated as a national monument.

Sound & Light Show
At 6.00 pm in the Cellular Jail there is a commentary in Hindi and at 7.15 pm in English.

Ross Island
This island was the capital city of the British rule. Ruins of British building such as church, pool, government offices, market place and Jymkana club are still present here. 'Smrithka' - a museum, is maintained by the Naval force.. Photostat copies of letters written by British officials, photographs and detailed documentary about the island are found in the museum. Due to earthquakes, parts of the island are sinking. It is feared that in due course the island would be completely eroded by the sea. Peacocks and deer abound this place. The island has a graveyard of the British nationals who were buried during their stay in these islands.

Viper Island
The Viper Island was used by the British to imprison convicts before the cellular jail was constructed. Remains of the old jail and the gallows built by the British in 1867 are still visible on top of a hillock, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and other islands. The island got its name from a British ship by the same name that was wrecked nearby.

Mount Harriet
This is a big mountain about 55 kms from Port Blair. During the British regime, the governor spent his summer vacation on this mountain. The whole government functioned from here. It is raised about 365 m from sea level. An ideal spot to enjoy scenic beauty. Verdant forests, quiet solitude, blue skies, pristine sea coast are the rarities of this spot. It is a sanctuary for people who seek private time. It is a creator's paradise. The mountain has a government tourist home too.

Corbyn's Cove Beach
This is a natural and picturesque coastline next to Port Blair. It is surrounded by coconut palms. Sea swimming, sun bathing, beach combing, riding are all favourite sports.

Sippighat Central Agricultural Research Farm
This belongs to the Central Government. This research centre is involved in cultivating experimental crops, vegetables, essences and perfumes. It is on a stretch of about 80 acres and is about 14 k.m away from Port Blair. Sea creatures & fish are also researched here.

Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
This is a beautiful beach located 29 kms away from Port Blair. About 15 islands surround this coastline, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has been constructed on these islands stretching about 281.50 sq. km. One can enjoy coral reefs, deep sea animals and mangrove forests here. A stretch of pristine coastline adds to the beauty. A small port charters boats to Jolly buoy Island and Red Skin Island.

Jolly Buoy Island
These islands are part of the Mahatma Gandhi Park. Clean sands and swimming pools are their speciality. The water is so transparent that one can clearly view the coral reefs under them. Lots of fish with variegated colors swim across in shoals in a friendly manner. One can also observe the life style of deep sea creatures. An ideal resort for tourists to unwind and enjoy. The place is filled with peace and serenity. It is about a half-day trip. One needs to take food and water along. One has to travel about from Port Blair by road to Wandoor. From there it will take a half-an-hour ferry service to reach these islands.

Honeymoon Package suggestion no. 1:

5 nights / 6 days Honeymoon Tour Package

Port Blair (3 Nights) + Havelock (1 Night) + Baratang (1 Night)

Package CODE - HT15 - 56

DAY 01

Arrival at Port Blair Airport. transfer to Hotel. Morning at leisure. Evening trip to Carbyn's Cove Beach and return to Hotel after Light and sound show at Cellular Jail.

DAY 02

Early morning trip to Havelock Island. Check-in at the Hotel. A trip to Radhanagar Beach. Overnight at Havelock.

DAY 03

Return back to Port Blair by evening ferry. Overnight at Port Blair.

DAY 04

Proceed to Baratang Island. After visiting the lime stone Caves ~ a natural wonder, Check in at the Dew Dale Resorts at Baratang. Evening trip to mud volcano site and beach. Just before sunset a trip to the Parrot Island will be arranged. Return back to Resort for overnight stay.

DAY 05

Return back to Port Blair. ( Jolly Bouy optional).. Overnight stay in Port Blair Hotel.

DAY 06

Drop back to Airport

Package cost (per honeymoon couple)

Luxury Package:
Using A/C Car Rs. 48,125/-
Using Non A/C Car - Rs. 44,825/-

Executive Package:
Using A/C Exclusive Car Rs. 33,350/-
Using Non Exclusive A/C Car - Rs. 30,050/-

Economy Package:
Using Exclusive A/C Car Rs. 27,100/-
Using Non Exclusive A/C Car - Rs. 23,800/-

DETAILS OF HOTELS BASED ON WHICH SUGGESTED COST ARE BASED OR SIMILAR HOTELS SUBJECT TO EARLY BOOKING AND OR AVAILABILITY:-

At BARATANG Island-
- Dew Dale Resorts (Only one resort, thus used in all three categories of packages)

At HAVELOCK Island-
- Barefoot Resort/Silver Sand Resort (used in Luxury category)
- Wild Orchid (used in Executive category)
- Dolphin Resort (used in Economy category)

At PORT BLAIR-
- Fortune Resort Bay Island / Hotel Sentinel (used in Luxury category)
- Megapode Resort / Sunsea Resort (used in Executive category)
- Andaman Residency (used in Economy category)

All packages cost includes:-

Rates are per couple for AC Accommodation on Twin sharing (Room plus buffet breakfast plan) basis subject to availability or similar base don early booking, Arrival / Departure transfers, Welcome drink, All Transfers, All Sightseeing as per respective Itinerary, All Entrance fees and all taxes.

Transport by non- AC OMNI van, AC/NAC TATA Sumo or equivalent.

Cost does NOT include:
- Airfares
- Use of hotel rooms before/after normal check in/out times (12 Noon).
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, dry cleaning, mini bar purchases etc.
- Extra Meals not indicated in the package.
- Any Optional Tours other than mentioned in respective packages.
- Any other items or services not listed in the itinerary.

Note: Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodations and services as listed based on our terms and conditions web page. Costs maybe subject to change due to Hotel Tariff fluctuations, government tax increases or any new taxes addition.

We would also like to mention that:-
- Tours are subject to weather conditions.
- Best period is from Oct till May.

- Rates valid from 01st. Oct. '09 till 31st. March 2010 except during festival, X-mas
and New Year Periods.
- Do ask us for re-confirmation of above rates before final bookings.

Honeymoon Package suggestion No. 2:

09 nights / 10 days Honeymoon Tour Package

Port Blair (4 Nights) + Havelock (2 Nights) + Baratang (3 Nights) / Package Code -

PACKAGE CODE - HT15 - 910

Day 1: Arrival at Port Blair airport. Transfer to Hotel, morning at leisure. Evening trip to Carbyn's cove Beach and return to Hotel after the Light & sound show at Cellular Jail for overnight stay.

Day 2: Early morning trip to Havelock Island, Check in at the Hotel. A trip to the Radha nagar Beach. Overnight at Havelock.

Day 3: Full Day leisure at Havelock.

Day 4: Return Back to Port Blair by evening ferry. Overnight at Port Blair

Day 5: Proceed to Baratang Island and Check in at Dew Dale resort at Baratang. After lunch visit to mud volcano site, Baludera Beach and evening just before sunset a visit to Parrot Island. Return back to the Resort for overnight stay.

Day 6: Morning after Breakfast visit to Lime stone Caves ~ a natural wonder and return to Resort in Baratang Island.

Day 7: Full day at leisure in Baratang Island.

Day 8: Return to Port Blair from Baratang. Overnight at Port Blair Hotel.

Day 9: Full day Excursion to Jolly Bouy Island and return back to Hotel.

Day 10: Drop back to Airport to catch onward connections.

Package cost (per honeymoon couple)

Luxury Package:
Using Exclusive A/C Car Rs. 72,700/-
Using Exclusive Non A/C Car - Rs. 68,300/-

Executive Package:
Using Exclusive A/C Car Rs. 50,200/-
Using Exclusive Non A/C Car - Rs. 45,800/-

Economy Package:
Using Exclusive A/C Car Rs. 41,100/-
Using Exclusive Non A/C Car - Rs. 36,700/-

DETAILS OF HOTELS BASED ON WHICH SUGGESTED COST ARE BASED OR SIMILAR HOTELS SUBJECT TO EARLY BOOKING AND OR AVAILABILITY:-

At BARATANG Island-
- Dew Dale Resorts (Only one resort, thus used in all three categories)

At HAVELOCK Island-
- Barefoot Resort / Silver Sand Resort (used in Luxury category)
- Wild Orchid (used in Executive category)
- Dolphin Resort (used in Economy category)

At PORT BLAIR-
- Fortune Resort Bay Island / Hotel Sentinel (used in Luxury category)
- Megapode Resort/Sunsea Resort (used in Executive category)
- Andaman Residency (used in Economy category)

All packages cost includes:-

Rates are per couple for AC Accommodation on Twin sharing (Room plus buffet breakfast plan) basis in stated hotels or similar subject to early booking and or availability, Arr./ Dep. transfers, Welcome drink, All Transfers, All Sightseeing as per respective Itinerary, All Entrance fees and all taxes.

Transport by non- AC OMNI van, AC/NAC TATA Sumo or equivalent.

Cost does NOT include:
- Airfares
- Use of hotel rooms before/after normal check in/out times (12 Noon).
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, dry cleaning, mini bar purchases etc.
- Extra Meals not indicated in the package.
- Any Optional Tours other than mentioned in respective packages.
- Any other items or services not listed in the itinerary.

Note: Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodations and services as listed based on our terms and conditions web page. Costs maybe subject to change due to Hotel Tariff fluctuations, government tax increases or any new taxes addition.

We would also like to mention that:-
- Tours are subject to weather conditions.
- Best period is from Oct till May.

- Rates valid from 01st. Oct. '09 till 31st. March 2010 except during festival, X-mas
and New Year Periods.
- Do ask us for re-confirmation of above rates before final bookings.

                                   SHORTER ANDAMAN PACKAGE TOURS

PACKAGE TOUR CODE – HP15 34 - 001 (Short tour)

This package is a 3N / 4D package. It consists of visit to all Museums, Carbynes Cove Beach, a Cruise in the Harbour of Port Blair, Light and sound show at Cellular jail and a trip to Jolly Bouy ~ a coral island near Port Blair

Tour Itinerary:

DAY 01
Arrival at Port Blair. Depart from Airport & transfer to Hotel. After getting freshen up visit to all Museums and reach back to Hotel for Lunch. Lunch at Hotel and afternoon visit to Cellular Jail, Carbyn's Cove Beach and back to Hotel at Port Blair.

DAY 02
After Breakfast Harbour Cruising with three islands, Ross, Viper & North Bay, evening light & sound show at Cellular Jail.

DAY 03
Full day trip to Jolly Bouy Island, En route visit to Sippighat Agriculture farm. Overnight at Port Blair Hotel

DAY 04
Drop back to Airport to catch onward connections.

Package Tariff (per couple)

Luxury Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs.. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Executive Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Economy Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs.. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Package Includes:
Rates are per person for AC Accommodation on Twin sharing (room plus buffet breakfast basis) in stated hotels or similar subject to availability, Arr./ Dep. transfer , Welcome drink , All Transfers, All Sightseeing as per Itinerary, All Entrance fees and all taxes.

Package Excludes:
-Airfares
-Use of hotel rooms before/after normal check in/out times.
-Personal expenses such as telephone calls, dry cleaning, mini bar purchases, etc.
-Meals not indicated in the package.
-Any Optional Tours.
-Any other items or services not listed in the itinerary.

Note:
~ Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodations and services as
   listed. Costs maybe subject to change due to Hotel Tariff fluctuations, government tax
   increases, or any new taxes.
~ Tours are subject to weather conditions.
~ Rates valid from 01st. Oct. '09 till 31st. March 2010 except during festival, X-mas
   and New Year Periods.
- Do ask us for re-confirmation of above rates before final bookings.

PACKAGE TOUR CODE – HP1534 - 002 (Short tour)

This package is a 3N / 4D package. It consists of visit to all Museums, Carbyn's Cove Beach, Light and sound show at Cellular jail, a trip to Jolly Bouy ~ a coral island near Port Blair and a same day return trip to Havelock Island.

Tour Itinerary:

DAY 01
Arrival at Port Blair. Depart from Airport & transfer to Hotel. After getting freshen up visit to all Museums and reach back to Hotel for Lunch. Lunch at Hotel and afternoon visit to Cellular Jail, Carbyn's Cove Beach, light & sound show at Cellular jail and back to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Port Blair.

DAY 02
Full day trip to Jolly Bouy Island, En route visit to Sippighat Agriculture farm. Reach back to Hotel by 5.00 Pm. Evening at Leisure and Overnight at Hotel in Port Blair.

DAY 03
Early morning start for a full day trip to Havelock Island ~ Radhanagar Beach and evening return to Port Blair. Overnight at hotel in Port Blair.

DAY 04
Drop back to Airport to catch onward connections.

Package Tariff (per couple)

Luxury Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Executive Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Economy Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Package Includes:
Rates are per person for AC Accommodation on Twin sharing (Room plus buffet breakfast basis) in stated hotels or similar subject to availability, Arr./ Dep. transfer , Welcome drink , All Transfers, All Sightseeing as per Itinerary, All Entrance fees and all taxes.

Package Excludes:
-Airfares
-Use of hotel rooms before/after normal check in/out times.
-Personal expenses such as telephone calls, dry cleaning, mini bar purchases, etc.
-Meals not indicated in the package.
-Any Optional Tours.
-Any other items or services not listed in the itinerary.

Note:
~Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodations and services as listed. Costs maybe subject to change due to Hotel Tariff fluctuations, government tax increases, or any new taxes.
~Tours are subject to weather conditions.
~Rates valid from 01st. Oct. '09 till 31st. March 2010 except during festival, X-mas
and New Year Periods.
- Do ask us for re-confirmation of above rates before final bookings.

PACKAGE TOUR CODE – HP1534 - 003 (Short tour)

This package is a 3N / 4D package. It consists of visit to all Museums, Carbynes Cove Beach, Light and sound show at Cellular jail, a trip to Jolly Bouy ~ a coral island near Port Blair and a 1 Night trip to the famous Baratang Island ~ the land of natural wonders.

Tour Itinerary:

DAY 01
Arrival at Port Blair. Depart from Airport & transfer to Hotel. After getting freshen up visit to all museums. Lunch at Hotel and afternoon visit to Cellular Jail, Carbyn's Cove Beach and after light and sound show at Cellular Jail drop back to Hotel in Port Blair.

DAY 02
Early Morning at Proceed to Baratang Island, Visit Lime stone Cave, Mud Volcano site and check in at Dew Dale Resorts at Baratang. Evening just before sunset a trip to Parrot Island ~ for a mesmerizing view of thousands of Parrots returning their Home. Overnight at Resort in Baratang.

DAY 03
Start early morning from Baratang for a full day trip to Jolly Bouy Island, en route visit to Sippighat farm if time permits. Reach back to Hotel in Port Blair and overnight at Port Blair.

DAY 04
Drop back to Airport to catch onward connections.

Package Tariff (per couple)

Luxury Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Executive Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs./- for 2 adults traveling together

Economy Package:
Using exclusive AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together
Using exclusive Non AC Car - Rs. /- for 2 adults traveling together

Package Includes:

Rates are per person for AC Accommodation on Twin sharing (room plus buffet breakfast basis) in stated hotels or similar subject to availability and or early booking, Arr./ Dep. transfer , Welcome drink , All Transfers, All Sightseeing as per Itinerary, All Entrance fees and all taxes.

Package Excludes:

- Airfares
- Use of hotel rooms before/after normal check in/out times.
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, dry cleaning, mini bar purchases, etc.
- Meals not indicated in the package.
- Any Optional Tours.
- Any other items or services not listed in the itinerary.

Pls. note:
~ Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodations and services as listed. Costs maybe subject to change due to Hotel Tariff fluctuations, government tax increases, or any new taxes.
~ Tours are subject to weather conditions.
~ Rates valid from 01st. Oct. '09 till 31st. March 2010 except during festival, X-mas
and New Year Periods.
- Do ask us for re-confirmation of above rates before final bookings.

Please also note all above 3 Short Tour packages are based on following category of Hotels or similar subject to availability as the case may be;

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a few good Hotels and among them we recommend the following. Please note that a higher classification does not necessarily mean a better hotel. Grading is based on facilities and does not take into account character, location and service.

We offer our opinion regarding the classification of the below mentioned Hotels.

AT BARATANG Island

- DEW DALE RESORTS (Only one resort, thus used in all three categories of packages)

AT HAVELOCK Island

- BAREFOOT JUNGLE RESORT (Luxury)
- SILVERSAND (Luxury)
- WILD ORCHID (Executive)
- DOLPHIN RESORT (Economy)

AT PORT BLAIR

- FORTUNE RESORT BAY ISLAND (Luxury)
- HOTEL SENTINEL (Luxury)
- MEGAPODE RESORT (Executive)
- SUNSEA RESORT (Executive)
- ANDAMAN RESIDENCY (Economy)

Special Note common for all suggested programs in this webpage:
For booking any of the above package, please send us passengers full names and deposit 25% on account of tour package availability advance into following bank account under information to us. In case on your provided dates the accommodation are not available then you have option to change dates and ask us to check availability. In case accommodation are not available and you wish to cancel availability check after meeting 25% on account payment then we will refund the advance amount minus deducting Rs. 200/- towards file charges into your provided bank account details.

Bank details are as follows:
Beneficiary Name : India Full Circle Tours
Beneficiary Account Number : 025 00 5000 821
Bank Name : ICICI Bank, Dwarka Branch, New Delhi
Our Bankers RTGS / NEFT / IFSC Code: ICIC0000250

Supplementary Activities one can opt at extra charge during Andaman Island Holidays

Mangrove Canopy Walk
A unique facility for tourists has come up with the 240 meters long Mangrove canopy walk at Baratang Island. The canopy walk is a long wooden structure raised to the height of one to two meters and passes through thick mangrove forests on each side. Display boards are also placed along the walkway which serves as an open mangrove interpretation centre. These boards provide detailed information about mangrove forests and its importance in the protection and conservation of the coastal areas.

Creek Safari
One can take a cruise along the creeks of Baratang and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, the mangroves, do some interesting bird-watching and sight some wildlife if lucky enough.

Bird Tours
The habitat preferences of 30 species of forest birds were studied in Baratang Island in the Andaman's, India. The relationship between habitat preferences and large-scale patterns, such as biogeographical distribution of each species on the continent of Asia and distributional status within the Andaman Islands was analyzed. The birds fell into five categories, those found predominantly in only one habitat type, evergreen or deciduous forest, and those which used a broader range of habitats, which were classified on the basis of their relative occurrence in each habitat type as semi-evergreen, moist deciduous or generalist species. The habitat preferences of these 30 species showed no association with either the biogeographical distribution or with status, suggesting that large-scale distributional patterns are not related to habitat preferences.

Bird watching is a family sport, which you can enjoy with your whole family and introduce the small children also about the surprise that nature has in stored. Bird Watching can easily be called a community activity, a social activity. Still, if you like to explore nature alone then so be it. Its a pleasure in going out alone for bird watching too, it brings out a feeling of solitude. Even if bird watching is a new activity on the Indian adventure sports circuit still the popularity rate of this activity is catching up with the sports enthusiast of almost every age group.

Trekking
One can go trekking through the nature trail from many locations and enjoy the rare forest life, flora and fauna.

Island Camping
Island camps are just the right choice for the nature-lovers, who wish to enjoy sun, sea and the pristine beauty of nature by spending quiet holidays right on the beach.

Beach Tours
One can enjoy the unexplored beaches of Havelock, Baratang island and surroundings.

Snorkeling / Scuba Diving
One can enjoy the under-water marine life and view the rarest varieties of corals by snorkeling on all days from dawn to dusk depending on weather.

Andaman waters offer a fascinating world of under-water marine life, varieties of colourful fishes, rarest of the coral reefs in the world, mysterious remains of sunken ships etc. All these can be explored through Scuba Diving.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Top honeymoon locations in India

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
So you have planned your wedding with perfection and every little thing has been taken care of. But what about your honeymoon? Of course with so many time tested and popular options, you can go to any place. But do you really like to spend perhaps the best periods of your life like others do. Why don't make it different to remember it all your life. If you don't want to follow the rut and are looking for making it perhaps the most memorable event of your life, be selfish and take time off to go to The Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The beauty of the virgin islands has to be seen to be believed and this wonderful yet relatively untapped tourist spot is perhaps the most ideal place for all nature lovers and adventurous kind. So switch off your mobiles and jet set and go to this wonderful yet virgin place for a life time to remember.

TOURISM:
The place is a paradise and heaven for nature lovers. The clean environment and fresh air, roads, ever green vegetation. The tropical rain forests and waters of Bay of Bengal are the home of a vast collection of plant, animal and marine life.

Islands:
Andaman is a collection of islands. Jolly Buoy islands located in the Mahatma Gandhi National Park are most popular for its breath taking view of the see vegetation, coral reefs and marine plants and life. Cinque island is famous for swimming, scuba diving, fishing and enjoying the nature at its best. Red skin island, Havelock islands, Baren island, Ross island, Viper island and Chatham island are the other islands which all have a history behind them and are a must see in this amazingly beautiful place.

Beaches:
Corbyn's Cove Tourism Complex is perhaps one of the most picturesque sea-beaches and is ideal for having a panoramic view of the pristine clean blue water and sun bathing. The Radhnagar Beach and Vijaynagar Beach are real exposures of unpolluted nature at its very best and are a treat to enjoy.

Monuments:
The Cellular jail in Port blair, made world famous for the hardships faced by freedom fighters who were housed in it is a must visit. The jail with its solitary cells is now a national monument and would take you back to the history of freedom struggle.

Museums:
The place is endowed with rich museums such as forest museum, naval marine museum, fisheries museum, Zoological Survey of India museum, Anthropological museum, which have a very rich and untouched collection of wild life, see life, aromatic and exotic plants and tribal artifacts. Make it a point to visit these places to have a wonderful time.

How to go:
Port Blair is connected with Chennai and Calcutta by air. Presently domestic flights are operated by Alliance Air/Indian Airlines and Jet Airways to Port blair, the capital city. If you want to take a sea route than regular passenger ship services are available to Port Blair from Chennai, Calcutta and Vishakhapatnam and back. There are three to four sailings every month from Calcutta and Chennai to Port Blair and vice-versa. There is one sailing from Vishakhapatnam in a month. Air distance between Port blair and Chennai is 1335 kms. and between Kolkata and Port blair is 1300 kms. Distance between Vishakhapatnam and Port blair is around 1200 kms.

Where to stay:
The place offers myriad options ranging from comforts of a 5 star hotel to modest rest houses and Government accommodation. It would be good to do an advance booking especially during seasons. Off seasons discounts are also available during rainy season lasting from June to September.

Specialties of the place:
The Andamans were shrouded in the mystery for centuries due to its inaccessibility and untapped potential. However those who are looking forward to enjoy the nature at its very best, the islands are the paragon of beauty and present a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. The and rich dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere for one and all.

Konkan Train

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ABOUT KONKAN TRAIN

The train is scheduled in such a way that it travels through the night so that guests get to relax in 5-star comfort and arrive fresh the next morning at the next halt, to explore the destination during the day. Breakfast and dinner will be served on board while lunch will be provided at the destination. Only on the final day will lunch be served on the train adn dinner at the Taj Residency Nasik.

Major destinations of the Konkan Railway:

Goa:
Goa is a tourist's paradise with uninterrupted miles of dazzlingly beautiful beaches- golden stretches against aquamarine expanses. The Calangute and Bega beaches, the Clova Beach, Dona Paula overlooking the Zurai estuary, Vagator, the serene Aguada and the enchanting Palolem , all offer exciting water sports and holiday resorts for visitors.

Old Goa:
near Panaji, the capital city , has a collection of magnificent churches- the Basilica of Bom Jesus with the miraculously preserved body of St. Francis Xavier; the Se Cathedra ; the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Convent of Santa Monica.

Thiruvananthapuram:
The capital of Kerala is a charming city with its swaying coconut palms and beautiful beaches. Admire the majestic gopuram of the temple of Shri Padmanabhaswamy- the reigning deitthe majestic gopuram of the temple of Shri Padmanabhaswamy- the reigning deit of the city.

The Kaudiyar Palace, residence of the former maharaja; the Napier Museum and the Chitra Art Gallery, add interest toyour visit.

The beautifully carved Padmanabhapuram Palace is not far away and is enroute to Kanyakumari. The delightful beach at Kovalam entices you with its exquisite white sands.

The green fringe of palms sway with the soft breeze and the azure blue waters of the bay invite you to go for a swim in the sea.

Kerala Honeymoon Tour

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Duration: 06 Nights / 07 Days
Places Covered: Trivandrum - Cochin - Vaikam - Kumarkom - Veeyapuram - Kayamkulam

Day 1: Trivandrum
Arrival Trivandrum - On arrival transfer to Hotel. Afternoon - city tour.

Day 2: Cochin
Morning - drive to Cochin. On arrival check in at hotel. Afternoon - city tour of Cochin

Day 3: Vaikam - Kumarkom
Morning drive to Vaikam and back water trip to Kumarkom. Ovenight in Houseboat.

Day 4: Veeyapuram
Backwaters trip upto Veeyapuram - Overnight stay in Houseboat.

Day 5: Kayamkulam
Backwater trip to Kayamkulam- Stay overnight in Hotel.

Day 6: Kayamkulam - Cochin
Mornign drive to Cochin - on arrival check in at hotel .

Day 7: Trivandrum
Transfer to internationa airport in Trivandrum for flight to Home
Highlights of the tour: Vaikam , back water trip to Kumarkom , Veeyapuram, Backwater trip to Kayamkulam.

Goa Hotels

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Goa Hotels

On holiday-twelve months in a year, Goa never ceases to charm the travelers. With spectacular and beautiful blue beaches, silvery sands, rich cultural heritage, magnificent churches of colonial era, Goa is a perfect holiday destination in India. A traveler's paradise, Goa beckons all the fun loving souls for the time of their life. Visitors to Goa fall prey to the hospitality, culinary delights, arts and music and the way of life of the land. Whether you are a first timer or a regular, the unique charm and warmth of Goa makes you fall in love with it forever.

A hot and happening destination on tourist map of the world, Goa offers the best of hotels and resorts for all types of travelers. There are all categories of hotels and resorts and many of them also offer private beaches. Whether you want to soak yourself in the luxury of 5 star hotels or get a feel of royalty in the deluxe hotels, there are various hotel chains that offer you numerous range and comfort. For the fun loving souls, there are sand and sea filled hotels and resorts that offer the best of holiday experience in Goa. Most of the luxury and first class hotels in Goa provide fine and comfortable accommodation and entertainment options that match international standards. We assure you of hassle free and speedy booking and also endeavor to get the best discounts in booking and reservation for Goa hotels.

5 Star Deluxe Hotels in Goa

Aguada Hermitage
Cidade De Goa
Fort Aguada
Goa Marriott
Intercontinental Goa
Majorda Goa

Park Hyatt Goa
Radisson Goa
Ramada Caravela Goa
Taj Exotica Resort
Taj Holiday Resort
Leela Goa

5 Star Hotels in Goa

Bogmallo Resort
Clarion Beach Resort
Club Mahindra Goa
Devaaya Ayurveda Resort
Dona Sylvia

Holiday Inn Goa
Kenilworth Beach Resort
Majestic Goa
Vainguinim Resort

4 Star Hotels in Goa

Aldeia Santa Rita
Baywatch Resort
Coconut Grove Goa
Galaxy Resort

Neelam The Grand
Paradise Village Resort
Hotel Sun Village

3 Star Hotels in Goa

Leoney Goa
Maizons Resort
Hotel Mandovi
Mapple Viva
Marinha Goa
Marquis Goa
Mello Rosa
Montego Bay Village
Nanu Resort
Nanutel Goa
Nirvana Hermitage
Nizmar Goa
Hotel Nova Goa
Hotel Papa Jolly's
Flushing Meadows Goa
Kamat Holiday Home
Dona Alcina Goa

Peninsula Resort
Phoenix Park Inn
Prainha Goa
Ronil Beach Resort
Santana Goa
Silla Goa
Sodder's Gloria Goa
Sonesta Inns
Sterling Beach Resort
Sunkissed Resort
Varca Palms Goa
Victor Exotica
Whispering Palms Goa
Wildernest Resort
La Calypso Beach Resort
Hotel Laguna Anjuna
Dolphin Bay Resort

Alor Beach Resort
Angels Resort
Bambolim Resort
Bollywood Sea Queen
Captain Lobo's Beach Resort
Casablanca Goa
CSM Goa
Hotel Delta Residency

Boutique Hotels in Goa

Heritage Hotels in Goa

Casa De Goa
Goa Beach House
Lemon Tree Resort
Nilaya Hermitage

Tiracol Heritage

Hotels by Location

Anjuna Beach Arossim Beach Arpora Baga Beach Bambolim Beach Benaulim Beach Betalbatim Beach Bogmalo Beach Calangute Beach	Canacona Candolim Beach Cavelossim Beach Colva Beach Divar Island Dona Paula Keri Beach Majorda Beach Margao	Miramar Beach Morjim Beach Panaji Sinquerim Beach Utorda Beach Vagator Beach Vainguinim Beach Varca Beach

Goa

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Goa is the heaven for holidaymakers. Stunningly beautiful emerald beaches, diverse fauna and flora, aesthetic silvery sands, prosperous heritage, many temples and churches and many more are there in Goa to embellish it with. The festivals and feasts of Goa beckon the travelers and backpackers round the year. Goa is the epitome of luxury and ecstasy. Being one of the hotspots among the scores of hideaways in India the Indian state of Goa is frequented by whopping number of tourists every year from each corner of the country and abroad. This is the place which is celebrated the world over for its bewitching landscapes, sun-draped beaches, vibrant nightlife and gothic churches. The striking seafood of breathtakingly beautiful Goa would surely entice you to ask for more.

Are you searching for best hotels deals to stay in Goa ? Yatra.com offers you online booking of hotels in Goa at the best possible rates. Whether you book luxury hotels in Goa , Heritage hotels, 5 five star hotels in Goa , and 4 five star hotels in Goa or 3 star hotels in Goa , 2 five star hotels in Goa and Budget Hotels in Goa , we promise to offer you amazing offers and deals for all classes of hotels and resorts. We also offer discounted hotels packages in Goa .To find cheap hotels in Goa and make online hotel reservation booking, log on to http://www.yatra.com/

Prime Attractions

Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is affluent with variety of shopping items. Dealers and buyers from several corners of India get into the place to sell and purchase their wares. Shoppers and dealers with their traditional attire sell woven clothes. The market gets going every Wednesday. The market is a great place to buy variety of items and see the world of variety.

Church of St Cajetan
Church of St Cajetan was built by Italian Friars who preached Christianity to the kingdom of Golconda.

Panaji
Panaji lies on the southern banks of Mondovi River. In the year 1843, Panaji became the capital of Goa. You can explore the city to its fullest by foot only. The roofed houses, cafes and pubs are worth exploration. Church of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1541 is the most memorable and evocative one among many others.

Dudhsagar Falls
This fall is not far away from Margao.

Shri Shantadurga Temple
This temple is devoted to the goddess of peace.

How to get there

By Air: Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa lies at a distance of 29 km from Panaji near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate to and from Goa.

By Rail: You can board trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to get to Goa.

By Road: Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji.

Hotels in Goa

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Luxury Hotels in Goa	Deluxe Hotels in Goa	Economy Hotels in Goa
Park Hyatt Goa IC The Grand Resort Kenilworth Resort Majorda Beach Resort Caravela Beach Resort Cidade De Goa Holiday Inn Resort The Leela Palace Fort Aguada Resort Taj Exotica Bogmallo Beach Resort Goa Marriott Resort	The Majestic Goa Sonesta Inns Bambolim Beach Resort Days Inn Resorts Dona Sylvia Hotel Goan Heritage Haathi Mahal Resorts Highland Beach Resort Nizmar Resort Whispering Palms Taj Holiday Village Coconut Grove Victor Exotica Nanu Resort Sun Village Phoenix Park Inn Old Anchor Siolim House Club Mahindra	Alor Holiday Resort Hotel Delmon Ronil Beach Resort Dona Alcina Resort Dom Francisco Resorts Hotel Dona Terezinha William's Beach Retreat Hotel Manvin's Panjim Hotel Park Plaza Panjim Horizon Beach Resort Laguna Anjuna Prainha Resort Lagoa Azul Ronil Royale Villa Bomfim Hotel Villa Sol

Map of Goa

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The map of Goa has come under many different rulers in its history. In particular, the Portuguese ruled the Goa region for more than 450 years and in this time the map of Goa has changed fairly considerably. It also means that the smallest state in India has a unique heritage that is unmatched throughout the world. European Christianity literally exists alongside Hindu temples and in many cases the temples and churches even coexist side by side. This unique blend of cultures and religions is one of the reasons why tourism Goa has become so popular.

When it comes to tourism Goa seems to have the upper hand over many other regions of India. As well as combining these two very different cultures it also combines the new with the old. Luxurious new hotels can be found within yards of smaller, traditional guesthouses and expensive, expansive new restaurants within a stone's throw of quaint cafes.

The tourism of Goa has rocketed over the past 40 years since the travelers and hippies of the 1960s first discovered the wonders of the many Goan beaches. Since then, tourism of Goa has literally taken off. When it comes to Goa tourism India residents as well as nationals from all over the world flock to Goa to view the magnificent remnants of past civilizations and for the extravagant luxuries that the beaches have to offer.

Goa is an incredible journey through centuries of varied rule and unique blends. Whether you choose to visit Goa for the relaxed and friendly locals who enjoy nothing more, apart from a 3 hour siesta maybe, than showing tourists around and helping them make the most of the stay; or you want to laze on the white sands of the beaches listening to the gentle lapping of the sea on the beach then you will find what you are

Trains in Goa

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Getting around in Goa is quite easy. Due to tourism, all areas in Goa, especially the tourist spots, are well covered by an extensive network of transportation system. Goa is also well connected by rail and. So if you want to know about the Trains in Goa, here's some information for you. The high-speed Konkan Railway has a daily train which hardly takes around 8-9 hours. Other trains between Mumbai and Panaji take around 10-12 hours. There are trains to Goa even past Mumbai to other northern areas of India right up to Delhi and down south to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.

The Konkan Railway has special reservation facility via the internet for foreigners which allow payment to be made by credit cards. There are also computerized reservation systems in most metros; but as the demand for the rail journey is quite high and most trains run filled to capacity, it is recommended to get your tickets reserved well in advance of your actual journey to Goa.

Goa has two major railway stations — Margao and Vasco-da-Gama. Both these stations are located in the southern area of the state. The South Central Railway terminus is at Vasco-da-Gama and the Konkan Railway terminus is at Margao. All the trains usually halt for a few minutes at a number of other smaller stations in Goa. The South Central Railway has one train, the Nizamuddin-Goa Express coming in daily in the early morning. This train departs from Delhi and comes to Goa via Pune.

There are also a host of local trains in Goa that shuttle between the North and South districts. Dudhsagar Rail Tours, provides a rail tour to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. The train departs from Vasco Railway Station at 6.40 in the morning and arrives at Margao station at 7.25 a.m. The train halts at Sanvordem, and Collem stations, before reaching Dudhsagar at 9.15 am. The train returns from Dudhsagar at 2.30p.m. The carrying capacity of the coach is 108 seats. The fare is Rs 400, which is inclusive of breakfast and lunch.

Rail Transport in Goa

Goa is a land not only of beauty and fun; it is also equipped to handle emergencies. Given below is a compiled list of the important emergency numbers for rail transport in Goa that you might need:

Margao Railway station: 712790
Panaji Railway Station (Konkan Railway): 435054
Carambolim Railway Station (Konkan Railway): 286398
Vasco Railway Station: 512833

Luxury train to GOA

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Goa Tours by Train - LTT-17

Duration : 4 Nights / 5 Days
Day1 - Arrive Delhi
Arrival in Delhi/Mumbai and proceed for sightseeing. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day2 - Goa
Board a Luxury Train to Goa. Arrive at Goa and transfer to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day3 - Goa
After breakfast, proceed on a half day sight-seeing tour of Goa, visiting Miramar beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus and the City of Panjim - bustling with shops and tourists. The afternoon is at leisure to relax on the beach. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day4 - Goa
After breakfast, the entire day is at leisure. Laze on the beach, go for a swim, explore the shops for cashewnuts, buy holiday wear or take an optional tour visiting "Goa of the past" mockup village which portrays Goa what it was 100 years ago. O/N stay at hotel.

Day5 - Goa - Onward Destination
After a relaxed b/fast, proceed for journey to onward destination.

About GOA

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Goa has scores of festivals celebrated all around the year. All these festivals do not occur on fixed dates of the calendar year, since they are based on the Hindu calendar.
Despite the long period of Portuguese colonisation, the Hindu festivals have retained their unique Goan character and are celebrated with deep fervour. In Hindu mythology, Goa is called the land of the Gods and with good reasons. There are hundreds of Gods and Goddesses with differing names, tastes, rituals and traditions. Most of these have remained unchanged over the centuries while others have adapted to the changing times and circumstances.
Quite a lot of the Goan festivals are actually Feasts of the local or family deity celebrated at the temple of the God or Goddess called Devasthan.

Climate of "Goa":

Goa has visitors all the year round. The weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.

Best time to visit "Goa": October to March
Airports Near "Goa": Goa International Airport, Dabolim

Traveler's destination / Historical Places/Monuments in the Goa

· Capital : Panaji
· Population : 1.4 Milliom
· Language : Konkani
· Largest City : Vasco da Gama
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Goa has a long history dating back to the 3rd Century B.C. Over the centuries lot of dynasties have ruled Goa, 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goas towns and villages with a unique culture. It became a State in 1987. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline.
Goas coastline provides endless sun drenched crescents of sand. It has a range of mountains and is dotted by various rivers. The land away from the coast is rich in minerals and ores and medicinal springs. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers
Languages: Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.
Food: The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the hindus and catholics.

Indian Railways Details in Goa and Railway Station Address
· Schedule and Name of Trains..
· Name of Trains connecting to Goa

To know Indian Railway / Train Timing from Goa to any city or state click here

By Rail : Vasco-da-Gama and Margoa are connected by train with Bangalore, Belgaum, Hospet, Hubli and Hyderabad and via Miraj to Bombay, Delhi and Agra

Airlines Details of The City and Airport Address
· Schedule and Name of Airlines

By Air : Goa is well connected by airline services to most major cities in India. All flights to and from Goa operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama.
By Bus and Bus Station Address

By Road: Kadamba Transport Corporation. MSRTC and KSRTC operate frequent bus services between Panaji, Vasco da Gama and Margao

By Ship to Goa

By Sea: Ship services between Bombay and Goa organised by Damania.

Goa's airport is Dabolim. The city is connected with Bombay, Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram and all the major cities of India by Indian Airlines flights and by private airlines. By Ship: Damania Shipping Corporation operates nonstop catamaran service between Mumbai and Goa, from October to May. By Train: Goa is connected with Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mysore, Pune, Hyderabad with the new Konkan Railway which has started operations recently. By Road: Goa is connected by a somewhat good motorable road with Bombay, Bangalore, Mangalore, Pune. Many private A/C and non A/C luxury and ordinary buses operate from all the above places. The National Highways linking Goa are NH-4A, NH-17 and Nh-17A. FOR FARES & SCHEDULES FROM BOMBAY TO GOA BY AIR, TRAIN OR BUS , visit http://www.amchogoa.com/transport.htm The best way to get around Goa is to hire a Motorbike. To ensure that your are not caught by the law and fined heavily, do carry the relevant papers - registration, driving licence, etc. International Driving licence holders will need to get their licence endorsed at the Directorate of Transport. In Panjim, it is located inside the Bus Terminus. If you don't know how to drive, than motorcycle taxis, black and yellow color, is the fun way of moving between towns. Car or Motorcyle Rental: Cars can be rented, either chaffeur driven of self-driven from: HERTZ, opposite Don Bosco's high school, Panjim market are. WHEELS RENT-A-CAR, Panjim, Tel # 224304. SAI SERVICE, Panjim-Mapusa Highway road, next to the New Goverment of Goa, Secretariat.

Indian Railways Official Website Address is

http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

This official website of Indian Railways include ticket booking, Train Fare, Train Schedule, Rules, Information on Indian Railways Services. So Book Your Tickets on Indian Railways website Today!

Testimonial : "Official Website of Indian Railways looks great !! And all the Credit goes to Centre for Railway Information Systems - CRIS"

Contact us today for any details!

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Goa Train Stations

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Konkan Railways train stations in Goa

Canacona Train Station

Tel: 0832 643 644

Margao Train Station

	Tel: Inquiry - 0832 712 790 / 712 134
	Tel: Reservation - 0832 712 940 / 712 136

Karmali Train station

Tel: 0832 286 398

Tivim Train station

Tel : 0832 298 682

Pernem Train Station

Tel: 0832 291 283

Central Booking office, Panaji, Goa-

Tel: 0832 435 054

Anandha Inn - Pondicherry

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Seventy Centrally air-conditioned,
well appointed, elegant rooms and suites
with attached bath, running hot & cold water,
direct dial telephone, lap top connectivity,
music and TV with sattellite channels,
temple view & sea view rooms.

24 hours room service, same day laundry,
travel counter, safe deposit lockers,
money changers, doctor on call, beauty parlour,
florist, Boutique & jewellery shop.

(European Plan / Figs. in INR)

Single Occupancy	1300
Double Occupancy	1650
Deluxe (Dbl.)	1900
Executive Deluxe (Dbl.)	2300
Deluxe Suite (Dbl.)	3000

Extra Bed / Person will be charged Rs. 350/-
No charge for the children under 12 years
accompanying the guest.

24 Hours Checkout.
Major Credit Cards Accepted.

Phone: 91-413-2330711 ( 9 lines )

Fax: 91-413-2331241

E-mail: checkin@anandhainn.com

Reaching Pondicherry

2009-07-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

Reaching

Practical way of getting to Pondicherry is either by Bus or by Train. Reaching Pondicherry is fast and easy if you prefer travelling by road. From Chennai, there are buses every 30 minutes. It will take 3 & 1/2 hours to reach Pondicherry. From Villupuram, Pondicherry is located at 40 Kms towards east. For every 15 minutes buses depart from Villupuram to Pondicherry. The train system in Pondicherry is infrequent and slow. The narrow guage track is connected from Pondicherry to Villupuram and which inturn connects it to Chennai.

Website Railway

2009-06-29T12:37:00.001-07:00

Hi there, I booked a train ticket a few weeks ago to travel from Delhi to Goa on 30th December and the status is as follows: Booking Status

websites dealing about Indian railway

http://southernrailway.org
http://traintiming.blogspot.com
http://www.irctc.co.in/

Tiruvannamalai Public Transportation

2009-06-26T09:36:00.001-07:00

Tiruvannamalai Public Transportation

Tiruvannmalai Train station is very small, doesnt have frequent trains. From Chennai (Madras) airport you can reach central or Egmore station. From there you can take the train to Tindivanam junction and finally take the bus to tiruvannamalai. If you are from Bangalore you can travel to Katpadi Train station (which is a junction to all the south bounding Trains) and take the government owned bus service or hire privateTaxi service (400 Rs/ 10 $).

Given below Indian Railway Station name and Train Station code for Chennai , Bangalore and Katpadi. You can get the latest Train schedule from Indian Railway online Train schedule and enter the destination station code as "KPD" (for Katpadi) or TMV (for Tindivanam).You can even do the online ticket reservation for Trains. The Indian southern Railway (Trains) are well maintained and Operated on schedule time.

Station Name Station Code
Tindivanam Train Station
Tindivanam JN TMV
Katpadi TRain Station
Katpadi Junction KPD
Chennai Train Stations
Chennai CEN
Chennai Beach MSB
Chennai Central MAS
Chennai Egmore MS
Bangalore Railway Station
Bangalore Cant
Bangalore Cy Junction SBC
Bangalore East BNCE

Madras (chennai) Trains schedule to Tiruvannamalai

Catch the train from Egmore or Tambaram station to Tindidvanam and travel by government operated buses to tiruvannamalai.The state operated bus fare from Tindivanam will cost you around 22 Rupees (.50 US cents). You have frequent bus service for every 10 minutes, so need to rush for private cab (taxi) service.Train No. Train Name Departure From Depart Time Destination Arrival Time Days Of Run
M T W T F S S
0609 Tricy Express CHENNAI EGMORE 23:00 TINDIVANAM 01:10 N Y N N N N N
0611 NagerCoil Exp " 23:00 " 00:53 N N N N Y N N
0613 NagerCoil Exp " 23:30 " 01:23 N N N Y Y N Y
2631 Nellai Express " 21:00 " 22:44 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2633 Kanyakumar Express " 17:30 " 19:14 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2693 Perl City Expres " 18:30 " 20:29 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6123 Ananthapuri Express " 19:30 " 21:19 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6127 Ms Guruvayur Express " 07:25 " 08:59 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6177 Rock Fort Exp " 22:30 " 00:09 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6607 Coimbatore Exp " 22:00 " 23:51 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6701 Rameswaram Exp Tambaram 20:15 " 22:09 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6713 Sethu Express " 13:00 " 14:59 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6875 Kambam Express " 19:45 " 21:49 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
813 Mayiladuthurai exp " 21:45 " 00:03 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y

Train schedule from Bangalore to Tiruvannamalai

You will be travelling to Katpadi train station from there you can take bus or hire the private Taxi cab service. As like Tindivanam you have frequent buses to Tiruvannamalai for every 5 minutes. The public transportation bus will cost you around 25 Rupees (.75 US cents). Will be 45 - 1 hour travel from there. You can hire taxi service for 200-300 Rupees(6-10 US Dollar) but you dont need private cab service at all.Train No. Train Name Departure From Depart Time Destination Arrival Time Days Of Run
M T W T F S S
0201 YPR Guwhati Exp Yesvantpur Junction 23:55 KATPADI JN 06:55 Y N N N N N N
0684 Chennai EXP Bangalore City junction 21:30 " 01:28 N N N N Y N N
213 Tiruapathi Passenger " 20:30 " 01:30 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2509 Guwahati Exp " 23:30 " 03:10 N N Y Y Y N N
2658 Chennai Mail " 22:45 " 02:13 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
2836 YPR Hatia Exp Yesvantpur Junction 08:30 " 12:38 N N N N Y N N
2846 Bhubaneswar Exp " 07:45 " 12:33 N Y N N N N N
2864 YPR Howrah Exp " 19:30 " 00:25 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
5227 Muzaffarpur Exp " 23:55 " 06:55 N N Y N N N N
6022 Chennai Express Bangalore City Junction 21:30 " 01:28 N N N N N N Y
6221 Chennai Express " 23:45 " 04:15 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
6595 Sanghamitra Exp " 06:45 " 10:35 N Y N Y N N N
7209 Seshadri Express " 13:15 " 17:50 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
7312 VSG Chennai Exp Yesvantpur Junction 06:00 " 10:35 N N N N Y N N
7314 UBL Chennai Exp Yesvantpur Junction 06:00 " 10:35 N N N N N N Y

Refund Rule of Indian Railway

2009-06-26T09:28:00.001-07:00

UNUSED TICKETS ON WHICH NO RESERVATION HAS BEEN MADE :

If a ticket on which no reservation of a seat or berth has been made is presented for cancellation within three hours after the actual departure of the train for which the ticket is issued or for any ticket valid for the whole day, within three hours after the actual departure of the last train of the day for the destination station, refund of fare shall be made on every such ticket after deducting Rs. 10/- per passenger as clerikage.

UNUSED TICKETS ON WHICH RESERVATION HAS BEEN MADE :

( 1) Subject to the provision of these rules, if a ticket on which reservation of a seat or berth has been made, is presented for cancellation, refund of fare shall be made after deducting cancellation charge from the fare as follows :-

If a ticket is presented for cancellation more than one day in advance of the scheduled departure of the train (excluding the day of journey) cancellation charge shall be deducted at the flat rate of Rs. 70/- for A.C First Class/Executive Class, Rs. 60/- for A.C. 2 Tier sleeper class/ A.C. 3 Tier sleeper class/ First class/A.C Chair Car, Rs. 40/- for Sleeper class and Rs. 20/- for Second class.

If the ticket is presented for cancellation within one day in advance (excluding the day of journey) and up to four hours before the scheduled departure of the train, cancellation charges shall be 25% of the fare subject to the min. flat rate mentioned in clause (a).

If the ticket is presented for cancellation within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train and up to -

(i) Three hours, when the ticket is for a destination station up to 200 KM.

(ii) Six hours, when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 200 KM but up to 500 KM., and

(iii) Twelve hours , when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 500 KM.,

after the actual departure of the train, cancellation charges shall be 50 % of the fare subject to the min. flat rate mentioned in clause (a). Provided that for night train leaving between 21:00 hours and 06:00 hours (actual departures), refunds shall be admissible at the station within the time limit specified above or within two hours after the opening of reservation office, whichever is later.

(2) No refunds shall be granted at the station if the ticket is surrendered for cancellation after the expiry of the period mentioned under clause (c) of sub rule (1).

Note:

(1) In the case of tickets issued for travel from some other stations refunds shall be admissible at the ticket issuing station provided that the ticket is surrendered before the schedule departure of the train from the station from where the ticket is valid.

(2) On a party/family ticket issued for more than one person, where some persons have confirmed reservations and others are on waiting list, full refund less clerkage charges is admissible for confirmed passengers provided that the entire ticket is surrendered for cancellation at the journey commencing station within four hours before the scheduled departure of the train and up to three hours after actual departure of the train.
UNUSED WAIT LISTED OR RAC TICKETS

(1A) Subject to provisions of subrule (2), no cancellation charges shall be payable if a wait-listed or RAC ticket is presented for cancellation up to -

(i) Three hours, when the ticket is for a destination station up to 200 KM.

(ii) Six hours, when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 200 KM but up to 500 KM., and

(iii) Twelve hours , when the ticket is for a destination station of more than 500 KM.,

after the actual departure of the train except for a deduction of a clerkage charge of Rs. 20/- per passenger.

Provided that for night train leaving between 21:00 hours and 06:00 hours (actual departures), refunds shall be admissible at the station within the time limit specified above or within two hours after the opening of reservation office, whichever is later.

(2A) Where confirmed reservation has been provided to RAC or wait-listed ticket holder at any time up to the final preparation of reservation chart, such ticket shall be treated as a reserved ticket and cancellation charges shall be payable in accordance with rules mentioned above.
CANCELLATION CHARGES ON MULTIPLE JOURNEY TICKETS :-

With effect from 1st March 2000, when an unused ticket involving more than one journey is surrendered for cancellation, the entire ticket shall be treated as one single journey ticket and refund of fare of entire ticket shall be granted as per rules (1) and (2) above, according to the reservation status of the first lap of journey, i.e. if reservation status of first lap of journey is confirmed, refund shall be granted in accordance with the rule (1) and (2) above and if the reservation status of first lap of journey is RAC/Wait-list, refund shall be granted in accordance with the rule (1A) and (2A) above. The cancellation charges or clerkage charge as the case may be, shall be levied only once on the entire amount of the ticket, irrespective of the reservation status of different laps of journey, and not separately for each lap of journey.
REFUND ON PARTIALLY USED TICKETS

For partially used tickets where a passenger terminates his journey enroute, a ticket deposit receipt shall be issued by the station master and the ticket holder may apply for refund to the chief commercial manager (Refunds) of the concerned railway.
REFUND DUE TO LATE RUNNING OF TRAINS

Full fare shall be refunded in case of cancellation of tickets due to late running of trains more than three hours provided that such tickets are cancelled before the actual departure of the trains.
REFUND OF TICKETS WHERE RAILWAY ADMINISTRATION IS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION

Full refund of fares shall be granted in case the railway administration is not able to provide accommodation for any reason whatsoever to passengers holding reserved tickets, provided such tickets are cancelled within three hours of the actual departure of the trains.

In case a train is cancelled due to accidents, breaches or floods, the full refund of fare is granted within three days excluding the scheduled day of departure of the train.
REFUND IN CASE OF FAILURE OF AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

When the air-conditioning has not worked for a portion of the journey, the ref und for such portion of the journey is granted at the destination of the train on production of a certificate of the conductor /guard , if the ticket is presented within twenty hours of the arrival of the train as follows:

1) In case of AC first class, the difference between the AC first class fare and first class mail fare.

2) In case of AC 2 tier sleeper/AC 3 tier sleeper class, the difference between the AC 2 tier/AC 3 tier fare and the sleeper class mail /express fare.

3) In case of AC chair car class the difference between the AC chair car class and second class mail/express fare.

4) In case of Executive class ticket of Shatabdi trains, the difference between the notified executive class fare for the concerned section and first class mail/express fare for the concerned distance of that section.
REFUND IN CASE PASSENGERS ARE MADE TO TRAVEL IN A LOWER CLASS FOR WANT OF ACCOMMODATION

If a ticket holder of higher class is made to travel in a lower class for want of accommodation in the class for which the ticket was issued, refund of difference between the fare paid and fare payable shall be granted at the destination station or the originating station as the case may be. The refund at the destination shall be granted only on the production of a certificate from the conductor/.guard/TTE and the ticket is presented within 20 hours of the arrival of the train at the destination station.
REFUND ON LOST/TORN/MUTILATED TICKETS

No refund is permissible against lost/misplaced tickets. Loss of tickets be reported to railways immediately to prevent fraudulent refunds on lost tickets.

Refund on torn/mutilated ticket is admissible subject to the deduction of cancellation charges as per rules, provided that the authenticity of such a ticket is verified at the station on the basis of particulars visible on the face of ticket.
ISSUE OF DUPLICATE TICKET IN LIEU OF LOST/TORN/MUTILATED TICKETS

Duplicate ticket can be issued only in case of lost/torn/mutilated confirmed/RAC tickets.

The duplicate ticket can be issued against lost/torn/mutilated ticket if it is reported to the railway and the passenger can travel on the accommodation reserved by him, by making payment and getting a duplicate ticket as per following table :-

A) Before the chart preparationCONDITIONS DISTANCE FARE TO BE PAID

a) Lost/Torn/Mutilated confirmed/RAC tickets for trains other than RAJDHANI/SHATABDI
1) Up-to 500 KM
1) 25% of the total fare

2) More than 500 KM
2) 10% of the total fare subject to min. of 25% of the fare for 500 KM

b) For RAJDHANI / SHATABDI point to point fixed fare trains
All distances
3) 25% of the total fare

b) After the chart preparation
CONDITIONS DISTANCES FARE TO BE PAID

c) Confirmed lost tickets
All distances
50% of the total fare

d) Confirmed torn/mutilated tickets
1) Up-to 500 KM
25% of the total fare

2) More than 500 KM
10% of the total fare subject to min. of 25% of the fare for 500 KM

e) RAC/Torn/mutilated tickets
All distances
25% of the total fare

Note:

1) No duplicate ticket against lost RAC ticket is permitted after the chart preparation.

2) No duplicate ticket is issued against Wait List lost/torn/mutilated tickets.
REFUND OF DUPLICATE TICKET

If lost tickets are traced and presented along with the duplicate ticket before the departure of the train, refund is permitted for the duplicate ticket after deduction of 5% of the charges paid subject to a min. of Rs. 20/-. Thereafter, original ticket becomes valid for travel as well as refunds.
REFUND ON TICKETS PURCHASED ON CREDIT CARD

Tickets purchased on credit cards can be cancelled and Credit Slip obtained only at such Railway Stations where Credit Card counters exist.

If you need to cancel your tickets at other stations, where such counters are not available, please cancel your reservation and obtain a Ticket Deposit Receipt. You can then apply to Chief Commercial Manager (Refunds) of the zone, to which the Ticket Deposit Receipt - issuing station belongs.

INDIAN RAILWAYS Magazine

2009-06-26T09:27:00.001-07:00

For a hardcopy magazine "INDIAN RAILWAYS" write to:
Mr S.C. Saxena
Buisness Manager
"Indian Railways"
Room No. 311, Rail Bhavan
New Delhi - 110 001

Foreign Subscriptions:
Rs. 300 sea mail
Rs. 700 air mail
India Subscriptions:
Rs. 50
Rs. 45 for railway employees

2009-06-26T09:26:00.001-07:00

Train Timing - Kumbakonam

2009-06-26T03:38:00.001-07:00

Train Timing - Kumbakonam Train No. Train Name Origin Dep.Time Destination Arrival Time
6831 Mysore Express Tiruchirapalli 20.30 Bangalore City Jn. 06.10
2641 Tirukkural Express Tiruchirapalli 21.35 Bhopal Junction 06.25
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Bhopal Junction 11.15
6356 Cape Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Bhubaneshwar 19.00
6804 Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Bhubaneshwar 19.00
6804T Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Bhubaneshwar 19.00
0632 Chennai Express Tiruchirapalli 21.30 Tambaram 03.14
2632 Nellai Express Tiruchirapalli 23.50 Tambaram 04.59
2632T Nellai Express Tiruchirapalli 23.50 Tambaram 04.59
2638 Pandian Express Tiruchirapalli 23.20 Tambaram 04.29
2638T Pandian Express Tiruchirapalli 23.20 Tambaram 04.29
2641 Tirukkural Express Tiruchirapalli 21.35 Tambaram 03.14
6122 Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 01.25 Tambaram 07.04
6122T Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 01.25 Chennai Central 00.00
6124 Anantapuri Express Tiruchirapalli 02.15 Tambaram 07.39
6128 Guv Chennai Express Tiruchirapalli 14.30 Tambaram 19.34
6178 Rockfort Express Tiruchirapalli 22.00 Tambaram 04.04
6178T Rockfort Express Tiruchirapalli 22.00 Tambaram 04.04
6356 Cape Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Tambaram 20.39
6384 Nellai Link Express Tiruchirapalli 01.25 Tambaram 07.04
6608 Chennai Express Tiruchirapalli 00.25 Tambaram 05.59
6702 Chennai Express Tiruchirapalli 18.40 Tambaram 07.50
6704 Pearl City Express Tiruchirapalli 00.45 Tambaram 06.29
6704T Pearl City Express Tiruchirapalli 00.45 Tambaram 06.29
680 NCJ Chennai Express Tiruchirapalli 21.35 Chennai Central 00.00
6804 Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Tambaram 20.39
6804T Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Tambaram 20.39
6127 MS Guruvayur Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Ernakulam Junction 03.30
6865 Ernakulam Express Tiruchirapalli 19.25 Ernakulam Town 05.00
0633 Coimbatore Express Tiruchirapalli 23.35 Coimbatore Junction 05.30
6865 Ernakulam Express Tiruchirapalli 19.25 Coimbatore Junction 00.30
6607 Erode Express Tiruchirapalli 04.45 Erode Junction 08.45
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Erode Junction 02.05
6831 Mysore Express Tiruchirapalli 20.30 Erode Junction 23.30
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Faridabad 22.52
1044 Lokmanya TT Express Tiruchirapalli 21.05 Gulbarga 19.27
6352 Tirupati Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Gulbarga 09.45
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Gwalior 17.05
6356 Cape Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Howrah Junction 04.15
6804 Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Howrah Junction 04.15
6804T HowrahExpress Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Howrah Junction 04.15
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Jammu Tawi 13.30
2642 Thirukkural Express Tiruchirapalli 01.10 Kanyakumari 10.00
6355 Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 04.00 Kanyakumari 12.50
6121 Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 23.05 Kanyakumari 08.30
6121T Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 23.05 Kanyakumari 08.30
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Katpadi Junction 07.00
2642 Thirukural Express Tiruchirapalli 01.10 Madurai Junction 04.10
1043 Madurai Express Tiruchirapalli 08.30 Madurai Junction 11.55
6355 Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 04.00 Madurai Junction 07.05
0613 Nagercoil Express Tiruchirapalli 04.00 Madurai Junction 07.05
0635 Nagercoil Express Tiruchirapalli 22.15 Madurai Junction 01.20
2631 Nellai Express Tiruchirapalli 02.45 Madurai Junction 05.25
2631T Nellai Express Tiruchirapalli 02.45 Madurai Junction 05.25
2637 Pandian Express Tiruchirapalli 03.05 Madurai Junction 06.30
2637T Pandian Express Tiruchirapalli 03.05 Madurai Junction 06.30
6121 Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 23.05 Madurai Junction 02.20
6121T Kanyakumari Express Tiruchirapalli 23.05 Madurai Junction 02.20
6123 Anantapuri Express Tiruchirapalli 01.10 Madurai Junction 04.10
6127 MS Guruvayur Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Madurai Junction 15.20
6703 Pearl City Express Tiruchirapalli 00.10 Madurai Junction 03.25
6703T Pearl City Express Tiruchirapalli 00.10 Madurai Junction 03.25
6351 TPTY NCJ Express Tiruchirapalli 21.25 Madurai Junction 00.50
1044 Lokmanya TT Express Tiruchirapalli 21.05 Kalyan Junction 05.55
6352 Tirupati Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Kalyan Junction 19.40
6831 Mysore Express Tiruchirapalli 20.30 Mysore Junction 09.30
2641 Tirukural Express Tiruchirapalli 21.35 Nagpur 22.45
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Nagpur 03.50
6356 Cape Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Nellore 01.38
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Nellore 12.02
6804 Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Nellore 01.38
6804T Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Nellore 01.38
2641 Tirukural Express Tiruchirapalli 21.35 H.Nizamuddin 18.20
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 New Delhi 23.45
6865 Ernakulam Express Tiruchirapalli 19.25 Palghat 01.45
1044 Lokmanya TT Express Tiruchirapalli 21.05 Pune Jn. 02.55
6352 Tirupati Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Pune Jn. 16.20
6701 Rameswaram Express Tiruchirapalli 09.05 Rameswaram 16.00
707 Rameswaram Passenger Tiruchirapalli 21.30 Rameswaram 04.20
0631 Kumbakonam Express Tiruchirapalli 03.20 Thanjavur 04.20
0634 Kumbakonam Express Tiruchirapalli 03.00 Thanjavur 04.00
0636 Kumbakonam Express Tiruchirapalli 06.00 Thanjavur 07.05
6177 Rock Fort Express Tiruchirapalli 05.40 Thanjavur 06.50
6702 Chennai Express Tiruchirapalli 18.40 Thanjavur 20.40
6832 Thanjavur Express Tiruchirapalli 04.50 Thanjavur 06.15
6352 Tirupati Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Tirupati 21.10
6127 MS Guruvayur Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Trichur 05.20
6865 Ernakulam Express Tiruchirapalli 19.25 Trichur 03.25
6123 Anantapuri Express Tiruchirapalli 01.10 Trivandrum Central 11.55
6127 MS Guruvayur Express Tiruchirapalli 12.35 Trivandrum Central 23.10
6703 Pearl City Express Tiruchirapalli 00.10 Tuticorin 07.00
6703T Pearl City Express Tiruchirapalli 00.10 Tuticorin 07.00
2641 Tirukural Express Tiruchirapalli 21.35 Vijayawada Junction 12.15
6356 Cape Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Vijayawada Junction 05.30
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Vijayawada Junction 16.05
6804 Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Vijayawada Junction 05.30
6804T Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Vijayawada Junction 05.30
6356 Cape Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Vishakapattinam 11.45
6804 Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Vishakapattinam 11.45
6804T Howrah Express Tiruchirapalli 15.00 Vishakapattinam 11.45
6787 Jammu Tawi Express Tiruchirapalli 22.20 Warangal 19.01

Coimbatore, India Information

2009-06-26T03:36:00.001-07:00

Train No At Coimbatore Junction Express Trains Departure Arrival
2674 / 2673 Coimbatore - Chennai Cheran Super fast Exp (Daily) 22.15 06.10
2676 / 2675 Coimbatore -Chennai Kovai Super fast Exp (Daily) 13.40 13.55
2680 / 2679 Coimbatore - Chennai Inter City Exp ( Daily) 06.30 22.15
2678 / 2677 Coimbatore - Bangalore Inter City Exp (Daily) 14.25 13.10
2647 / 2648 Coimbatore - Nizamudin Kongu Exp (Dep Sun) (Arr - Fri) 15.15 10.30
6614 / 6613 Coimbatore - Rajkot Exp (Dep Thu ) (Arr - Tue) 23.30 03.00
6608 / 6607 Coimbatore - Chennai Egmore Exp 17.15 10.15
1014 / 1013 Coimbatore - Lokmanyya Tilak Kurla Exp (Daily) 08.00 06.30
2084 / 2083 Coimbatore - Kumbakonam Janshatabdi Exp (Except Tue) 07.00 21.00
2969 Coimbatore - Jaipur (Friday) 09.15 -
2970 Jaipur - Coimbatore (Thursday) - 19.15

Train No Express Trains Passing Through Coimbatore Junction Arrival Departure
2671 Chennai - Mettupalayam Nilgiri Super fast Exp (Daily) 05.00 05.15
2672 Mettupalayam - Chennai Nilgiri Super fast Exp (Daily) 20.30 20.55
6865 Tiruchirappalli - Ernakulam Exp. (Daily) 00.50 00.55
6866 Ernakulam - Tiruchirappalli Exp. (Daily) 02.35 02.40
1081 Mumbai CSTM - kanyakumari Exp (Daily) 00.05 00.10
1082 kanyakumari -Mumbai CSTM Exp (Daily) 17.25 17.30
3351 Dhanbad - Allepey Tata Exp (Dilay) 12.35 12.40
3352 Allepey - Dhanbad Tata Exp (Dilay) 11.50 11.55
6525 Kanyakumari - Bangalore Exp (Daily) 22.40 22.45
6526 Bangalore - Kanyakumari Exp (Daily) 05.15 05.20
7229 Kochuvelli - Hyderabad Sabari Exp 16.25 16.30
7230 Hyderabad - Kochuvelli Sabari Exp 08.35 08.40
6867 Tiruchirappalli - Mangalore Exp (Daily) 11.50 11.55
6868 Mangalore- Tiruchirappalli Exp (Daily) 15.45 15.50
2625 Trivandrum - New Delhi Kerala Exp (Daily) 20.05 20.10
2626 New Delhi - Trivandrum Kerala Exp (Daily) 05.30 05.35
6627 Chennai CNTL Mangalore West Coast Exp (Daily) 19.40 19.45
6628 Mangalore - Chennai CNTL Mangalore West Coast Exp (Daily) 06.35 06.40
6359 Erunakulam - Rajinder Nagar Exp (Sun) 03.00 03.05
6360 Rajinder Nagar - Erunakulam Malabar Exp (Thu) 23.15 23.20
6317 Kanyakumari - Jammu Tawi Him Sagar Exp (Sat) 00.55 01.00
6318 Jammu Tavi - Kanyakumari Him Sagar Exp (Thu) 12.10 12.15
6325 Indore - Trivandrum Ahilyanagari Exp (Wed) 09.25 09.30
6326 Trivandrum - Indore Ahilyanagari Exp (Sat) 14.40 14.45
2512 Trivandrum - Gorakhpur Raptisagar Exp (Tue, Wed, Sun) 14.35 14.40
2511 Gorakhpur - Trivandrum Raptisagar Exp (Tue, Sat, Sun) 08.05 08.10
6357 Nagercoil Howrah Exp (Mon) 00.55 01.00
6358 Howrah - Nagercoil Exp (Fri) 12.10 12.15
6321 Bangalore - Trivandrum Exp (Fri) 02.05 02.10
6322 Trivandrum - Bangalore Exp (Thu) 00.55 01.00
6687 Mangalore - jammu Tawi Navyug Exp (Tue) 00.55 01.00
6688 jammu Tawi - Mangalore Navyug Exp (Sun) 12.10 12.15
2522 Erunakulam - Barauni Raptisagar Exp (Fri) 14.35 14.40
2521 Barauni - Ernakulam Raptisagar Exp (Thu) 08.05 08.10
2507 Erunakulam - Guwahati Exp (Wed) 00.55 01.00
2508 Guwahati - Erunakulam Exp (Sun) 14.05 14.10
5627 Trivandrum - Guwahati Exp (Sun) 21.30 21.35
5628 Guwahati - Trivandrum Exp (Fri) 14.05 14.10
6323 Trivandrum - Howrah Exp (Fri, Sun) 00.55 01.00
6324 Howrah - Trivandrum Exp (Tue, Thu) 13.05 13.10
6309 Erunakulam - Patna Exp (Mon) 21.30 21.35
6310 Patna - Erunakulam Exp (Sat) 13.05 13.10
2643 Trivandrum - Nizamuddin Super fast Exp (Tue) 23.20 23.30
2644 Nizamuddin - Trivandrum Super fast Exp (Sun) 02.05 02.10
2645 Erunakulam - Nizamuddin Super fast Exp (Sat) 23.20 23.30
2646 Nizamuddin - Erunakulam Super fast Exp (Thu) 02.05 02.10
6327 Korba - Trivandrum Exp (Mon,Fri) 08.05 08.10
6328 Trivandrum - Korba Exp (Mon,Thu) 14.40 14.45

Train No Passenger Trains passing Through Coimbatore Junction Arrival Departure
384 / 383 Coimbatore - Nagarcoil (Daily) 07.10 20.45
387 / 388 Coimbatore - Mangalore (Daily) 07.35 19.35
611 / 610 Coimbatore - Cannanore (Daily) 14.00 13.15
633 / 634 Coimbatore - Trichur (Daily) 16.35 10.45
608 / 607 Coimbatore - Erode (Daily) 17.45 09.15
655 / 656 Coimbatore -Mettuplayam (Expect Sun) 17.55 09.10
631 / 632 Coimbatore -Palaghat (Expect Sun) 18.00 08.55

Train No Express Trains Passing at Podanur Junction Arrival Departure
2601 Chennai - Mangalore Mail (Daily) 03.24 03.25
2602 Mangalore - Chennai Mail (Daily) 21.34 21.35
6041 Chennai - Allepey Exp (Daily) 04.15 04.17
6042 Allepey - Chennai Exp (Daily) 21.15 21.17
6331 Mumbai CSTM - Trivandrum Exp (Tue) 19.09 19.10
6332 Trivandrum - Mumbai CSTM Exp (Sat) 13.09 13.10
2683 Ernakulam - Bangalore Exp (Sun, Wed) 21.13 21.15
2684 Bangalore - Ernakulam Exp (Mon, Thu) 00.10 00.12
2685 Chennai - Mangalore Exp (Mon, Wed, Fri) 23.08 23.09
2686 Mangalore - Chennai Exp (Mon, Tue, Thu) 00.17 00.19

Train No Passenger Trains Passing Through Coimbatore Junction Arrival Departure
771/772 Podanur - Dindigul (Daily) 09.00 19.00
777/778 Podanur - Madurai (Daily) 20.15 07.50
773/774 Podanur - Pollachi (Daily) 15.00 13.40

Train No Passenger Trains Passing Through Coimbatore Junction Arrival Departure
887 Trichy - Palaghat (Daily) 18.40 18.45
888 Palaghat - Trichy (Daily) 08.10 08.15

Treasures of India Train Tour - Super Packages

2009-03-23T06:31:00.001-07:00

Day 1- Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi and meet the representative at the arrival hall. In the afternoon proceed on a tour of the capital city. In the tour of the Old city visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan; see Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosque in India, Raj Ghat- the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and Shanti Van; walk along chandni chowk, the silver street of Delhi bustling with activity. In the New city visit Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra, India Gate – A War Memorial Arch; Lakshmi Narayan - a Hindu temple. Also drive past the Presidents house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught place - the heart of New Delhi a busy shopping center.

Day 2- To Agra
Drive 4 hours enjoying picturesque countryside to Agra. Tour the city for its Taj Mahal. 20,00 workmen worked for 22 years to complete this poetry in marble built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains; Agra Fort, a blend of architectural styles used during the reign of three emperors; Itmad-Ud-Daulah and Sikandra- Akbar’s mausoleum. Pay another visit to Taj Mahal and ride a cycle rickshaw to the monument. Spend time gazing at one of the Seven Wonders of the World and return in the evening to your hotel

Day 3- To Varanasi
In the morning enjoy an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city of yesteryears. The city was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD 1564 in honour of the Muslim saint Sheikh Salim Chisthi. One of the major attractions of this city is the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisthi. Return to Agra in the afternoon. Rest of the time is free till evening when you will board an overnight train to Varanasi. Overnight on board the train.

Day 4- Arrive Varanasi
Arrive Varanasi in the morning. Later visit temples like Kashi Vishwanath dedicated to Lord Shiva; Bharat Mata Mandir dedicated to Mother India; Durga Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Durga; Alamgir Mosque- originally a temple dedicated to Vishnu but now an odd mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Also see Sarnath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage point

Day 5- To Kolkata
Enjoy a boat ride on River Ganges. The most important facet of this holy city is the river and the Ghats lining its southern bank in the city. From dawn to dusk the Ghats are thronged by thousands of devotees, who perform their holy rituals in the hope of attaining eternal salvation, the ‘Nirvana’. Afternoon is to explore the colorful bazaars walking around. You will be transferred to railway station in the evening to board train for Kolkata. Overnight on board the train.

Day 6- Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata, once the capital of the British Empire, formerly known as Calcutta , it remains the cultural capital of India with strong tradition in literature and fine arts. During your tour later in the day you will have a chance to visit Victoria Memorial, an impressive white marble building housing Raj memorabilia; Indian Museum, a treasure house of Indian art; Fort William, the first fort built in Kolkata; St.Paul’s Cathedral built in the indo-Gothic style; Birla Planetarium; Marble Palace, a private residence with a fine collection of art, including some by Sir Joshua Reynolds; Jorasanko the residence of Rabindranath Tagore and drive past various buildings like St John’s Church, St Andrew’s Belvedere, Hastings House and The Green Church

Day 7- In Kolkata
Morning is free to visit Dakshineshwar Temple dedicated to Kali and built in the architectural style of Bengal; Botanical Gardens covering 110 hectares and having a number of rare plants, including a 200-year-old banyan tree etc. Check out and transfer to railway station to connect overnight train to Hyderabad. Overnight on board the train

Day 8- In Hyderabad
Arrive in the morning. Later visit the Salar Jung Museum, housing the single largest collection ever made by one man, Mir Yusuf Ali Salar Jung, prime minister to the Nizam of Hyderabad. In the afternoon visit the city of Hyderabad for its Char Minar, the city of symbol with four minarets. Mecca Masjid, one of the grandest mosques built with high colonnades and graceful arches made from single slabs of granite. Sri Venkateshwara Temple, one of the newer temples built providing a fine example of 20th century temple architecture. Overnight aboard the train to Chennai

Day 9- In Chennai
Tour the city known for Fort St. George built by the British and now housing the Secretariat. Drive along the Marina Beach, the second longest in the world driving past Chennai University, the Senate House and the Palace of the Nawabs of the Carnatic, to the San Thomse Cathedral where the apostle is buried. Visit the ancient Kapaleeshwar Temple dedicated to Shiva; Little Mount Shrine considered to be the place where St Thomas lived and preached; St Thomas Mount is where St Thomas, it is said, was assassinated. In the second half of this day visit the National Art Gallery and Government Museum, which are over 100 years old. Also visit Cholamandal Artists’ Village for contemporary art produced in artist’s commune

Day 10- In Chennai
Proceed for an excursion to Mahabalipuram & Kancheepuram. The ancient Pallava port, 64km from Chennai, Mamalapuram is today the site of several sculpture marvels. The places to be visited are Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna Mandapam, Varaha Mandapam, Five Rathas and Shore Temples. Later visit Kancheepuram, one of the seven sacred cities of India and also home to the famous silk and cotton weaving industry. Return to Chennai and connect an overnight train to Trivandrum.

Day 11- To Trivandrum
Arrive Trivandrum named after the holy serpent, the thousand-headed Anantha, one of the major Indian cities on the famed Malabar Coast. In the city you will be taken on a guided tour to Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu depicting the deity reclining on the holy serpent, Anantha; Napier Museum with a fine collection of Kerala bronzes, ornaments and costumes; Sri Chitra Art Gallery having Mughal and Rajput miniatures and a collection of Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore’s works

Day 12- To Cape
Take a full day trip to Kanyakumari, famous for its brilliant sunsets and sunrises. It is India’s ‘land’s’ end at the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. On an offshore rock, in memory of Swami Vivekananda, the Indian philosopher who would contemplate here, stands Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Kanyaumari is the only place in India where one can watch the sun set and moon rise simultaneously on a full moon evening. Return in the evening to Trivandrum

Day 13- To Cochin
Morning in time transfer to railway station enable board train to Cochin, a myriad of tiny islands set in the shimmering blue Arabian Sea, against a lush backdrop. It has one of the most beautiful harbors on India’s west coast. For centuries it has been an important trading post. Its cosmopolitan spirit is visible in the temples, mosques and synagogues that rise against the city’s skyline

Day 14- In Cochin
Visit Dutch Palace, built by the Portuguese known for its murals depicting scenes fro the Ramayana and the Mahabharata; Koonan Kurishu Shrine which is a small chapel, Jewish Synagogue which has a number of copper plates inscribed in the Hebrew script; Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, the oldest one to be constructed by Europeans in India; Santa Cruz Basilica with a beautifully painted ceiling, and, Chinese Fishing Nets near the harbor’s entrance. In time transfer to railway station enable board train for Goa. Overnight on board the train.

Day 15- Arrive Goa
Arrive Goa and transfer to your beach resort for three nights’ stay. Goa, a tiny emerald land of 3,702 Sq.Kms. on the west coast of India, with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches, churches and temples, famous for it\'s architecture, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile.

Day 16- In Goa
During your half day tour today you will visit Panjim City & Mandovi River, Dona Paula for a panoramic view of the Arabian sea; Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, Miramar and Vagator Beaches; Old Goa with its churches and museums; Panaji and its fishing wharfs, statues and markets; the colorful Mapusa Bazaar; Ponda and its ancient temples

Day 17- In Goa
Full day is at leisure

Day 18- To Mumbai
Last day in Goa and in the evening board a train on this tour for Mumbai. Overnight aboard the train

Day 19- Leave Mumbai
Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the city to check in at one of the hotels. Freshen up before starting a tour which would include Mani Bhavan, the house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay during his visits to Mumbai; Prince Of Wales Museum having a priceless collection of art and sculpture and Jain Temple. Drive past the “Tower Of Silence”, delightful Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Gardens situated on the slope of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. Also drive past Crawford Market, Mumbai High Court etc. Visit The Gateway Of India, a splendid arch by the Arabian Sea, built to commemorate the royal visit in 1927. Late evening you will be transferred to International airport to connect your onward flight

Travel Tips for India

2009-03-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Indian Railways Travel Tip 1:
Travel in sleeper class is suitable for those on a tight budget, or those who don't mind roughing it or who want to experience the 'real' India. If comfort is more of a concern, then travel in 3A is a better option. For those who require space and/or privacy, 2A or 1A is recommended.
Indian Railways Travel Tip 2:

The beds are referred to as "berths". Where possible, always try to reserve an upper level one. They don't have to be folded down during the day like the middle level ones, or act as seats for all the passengers like the lower level ones.

The beds located along the aisle outside the main compartments (referred to as 'side berths') also offer a bit more personal space, and are less claustrophobic. However, they are enclosed at both ends and are shorter than the ones inside the compartments. As a result, they're not recommended for people who're taller than around 5 feet 10 inches.

Future Plans

2009-02-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Indian Railways proposes to meet the challenge through the implementation of the following thrust areas during the Ninth Plan period. Generation of adequate rail transport capacity for handling increasing freight and passenger traffic, with special emphasis on the development of terminals. Completion of the process of rehabilitation, replacement and renewal of over-aged assets.

Modernisation and upgradation of the rail transport system to reduce costs and improve reliability, safety and the quality of service to customers.

Continue with the policy of Uni-gauge.

Introduction of 6000 hp Electric locomotives and 4000 hp Diesel Locomotives employing state-of-the-art technology.

Expansion and upgradation of inter-modal operations, including containerisation.

Improvement of manpower productivity, work culture and staff morale. The broad details of the action plan, to achieve these objectives are as under:

High horse power (4000 hp) diesel locomotives with AC/AC transmission and state-of-the-art technology are being imported, along with the transfer of technology for their indigenous manufacture at Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi. Modern light weight passenger coaches are also being imported along with the transfer of technology for indigenous manufacture. Improved payload to tare freight wagons are also being planned for the Indian Railways.

Three-phase drive AC electric locomotives of 6000 hp have been imported along with the transfer of technology for indigenous manufacture at Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Chittaranjan. Electrification of high-density corridors in order to conserve fossil fuels and provide a pollution-free and energy-efficient mode of transportation will also be pursued.

Seaside Travel

2009-01-21T07:23:00.001-08:00

Day 1: Cochin
Arrive Cochin. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.

Day 2: Cochin - Periyar
Morning drive on a scenic route dotted with plantations of rubber, cardamom, cocoa, green pepper and areca nut, to the wildlife reserve at Periyar. Arrive Periyar and check – in at hotel. Rest of the day free for walk around in the peaceful town known for various Spice and coffee plantations

Day 3 : Periyar - Munnar
Early morning enjoy a boat ride on Lake Periyar to see wild elephants. Afternoon drive to Munnar, the famous hill station of Kerala. Arrive Munnar and check – in at hotel.

Day 4: Munnar
In Munnar Day is free to relax and to walk around. Munnar is situated near the Anaimudi Peak, the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

Day 5: Munnar - Kumarakom
Morning drive to Kumarakom near Kottayam and stay in one of the backwater resorts. The panoramic backwaters here offer an ideal retreat to enjoy nature at its best.

Day 6: Kumarakom - Alleppey
Morning drive a short distance before switching over to a boat for a through many canals and waterways up to Alleppey. The backwater cruise in a country boat is the best way to explore the villages and rural life. In Alleppey you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a different boat with a bedroom and en-suite rest room for your comfort. Enjoy unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in water and savor mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front of you by your Kitchen crew. Spend the night on board the houseboat.

Day 7: Alleppey - Trivandrum
Morning board your transport for an interesting drive to Trivandrum. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Trivandrum, visiting the ancient temple of Sri Padmanabhaswamy is one of the major attractions in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Napier Museum was built in 1880 and shows a harmonious blending of Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles.

Day 8: Trivandrum - Excursion
Full day return excursion to Cape Camorin, the southernmost part of the Indian mainland. Visit the Vivekananda Memorial which is built about 400 metres offshore.

Day 9: Trivandrum
Transfer to airport for return flight.

Dream Tour South India

2009-01-21T07:22:00.000-08:00

Dream Holidays

Day 01: Chennai
ON Arrival you will be met with our Tour Manager, will assist your hotel transfer and Hotel Check in. Night stay in hotel

Day 02: Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mamallapuram
Post breakfast at the hotel take half day city tour of Chennai covering visit to Fort St. George, St. Mary’s Church, Santhome Basilica, Marina Beach, proceed on to Kanchipuram, visit to Ekambareshwara temple, Kailasanatha temple, Sri Kamatchi Amman Temple and Varadharaja swami temple take lunch in local restaurant and after proceed on to Mamallapuram, check in to hotel and night stay

Day 03: Mamallapuram – Trichy (Over night train)
After Breakfast, tour of Mahabalipuram the city of Mahabalipuram is famous for the seven pagodas. Here on the seashore is an interesting group of ancient rock hewn temples which are the examples of Dravidian style of Architecture. Later in the evening drive to Chengalpattu Railway Station to board your train for Trichy night train, over night journey

Day 04: Trichy
Morning arrive Trichy and transfer to hotel. PM city tour visiting... Trichy was the citadel of the Chola dynasty in the medieval period. In the 18th century it witnessed the Carnatic wars fought between the French and the English. Lord Robert Clive's house is still there to see and so is the Danish Church. The Rock-Fort is the landmark of Trichy. A climb of 434 steps leads to the ancient temple of Ganesha on top and a further climb to a Shiva temple and night stay at Trichy.

Day 05: Trichy – Tanjore – Madurai
Post breakfast drive to Madurai Enroute visiting Thanjavur. At Tanjore, visit the beautiful Chola Temple of Brahadeeswara which is capped by a monolithic cupola made of a single granite block weighing 80 tons which was taken to the top with the help of a 6 km long ramp, an old technique used by the Egyptians for building pyramids. Its bronzes and handicrafts make Tanjore one of the highlights of a visit to South India. Proceed on to Madurai. Arrive and check-in Hotel. Overnight stay at Madurai

Day 06: Madurai
Morning visit the great Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams (rising high above the surrounding country side). Later, visit the Thirumalai Naik Palace - A gracious building in the Indo Saracen style, famous for the Stucco work on its domes & arches, evening visit to Tiruparamkundram Rock temple. Overnight stay at Madurai

Day 07: Madurai – Thekkady
Morning drive to Thekkady the earliest sanctuary to be set up in 1934, it extends to 777sq.kms and forms part of the high mountain ranges, the Western Ghats. Wild life can be seen while cruising on Periyar Lake in a motor boat. Amongst the animals which can be seen are elephants, wild boar, sambar, tiger, leopard, wild dog, languor monkeys, etc. Overnight stay at Periyar

Day 08: Thekkady – Kumarakom
After Breakfast, drive to Kumarakom. Arrive and embark on to the houseboat. Cruise in the backwaters, traversing the narrow canals, witnessing the village life of Kerala. While on board your crew will serve you the delicious food, purchasing the fresh vegetables from the Market, later in the evening the Houseboat will anchor on the Vembanad Lake. Over night stay in the boat.

Day 09: Kumarakom – Alleppey – Cochin
Early morning boat will continue the journey towards Alleppey finishing point Jetty, from there you will be picked by your vehicle and proceed your drive to Cochin. Upon arrival check in to hotel, post lunch city tour of Cochin. Cochin is the natural Harbour created by the famed underwater Malabar mud-banks. Vasco-de-Gamma placed it on the world map. Visit the Fort Cochin, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish synagogue, St. Francis Church and view the operation of the Chinese fishing nets. Evening visit to Cochin cultural centre for viewing the Kerala Traditional Art - Kathakali Opera, performed by Professional Artist. Over night stay at Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin – Departure – (By Flight) - Arrival Bangalore - Mysore
Today post breakfast based on your flight schedule, departure transfer to Cochin Airport to board your flight for your onward journey to Karnataka – Arrival at Bangalore, upon arrival meet and greet assistance to transfer Mysore, drive 3.5hrs to Mysore Enroute visiting Srirangapatinam, the city established by King Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. The city fell after three repeated wars fought against the British forces. Arrive Mysore and check-in Hotel. Night stay at Mysore

Day 11: Mysore
Post breakfast city tour visiting the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and Saracen styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. Visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundershwari Temple & a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull, later drive back to hotel for night stay

Day 12: Mysore – Hassan
Post breakfast drive to Hassan, Enroute visiting Saravanabelagola – Monolithic Gomateswara Temple - At Saravanabelagola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25kms is the statue of Lord Gomateswara which is bathed with milk and honey once every 12 years and continue to Hassan. Upon arrival check in and post lunch tour of Belur and Halibid. The Chennakesava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an exquisite example of Hoysala art. Halebid's 12th century Hoysaleswara and Kedaresvara temples are master pieces of Hindu art, drive back to hotel for night stay

Day 13: Hassan – Hospet
Today Morning drive continues to Hospet. Visit Hampi. The once beautiful capital city of Vijayanagar Empire - greater than Rome, had palaces, temples & sculptures, spread all over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of South in 1565.

Day 14: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet
After breakfast, visit Some of the interesting ruins remaining are the Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temples huge Ganesha and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen's Bath, carvings on the Ramachandra temple & Lotus Mahal, drive back to hotel for night stay

Day 15: Hospet – Badami
Post breakfast take drive to Badami stopping at Aihole & Pattadakal on the way. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana & Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling and after exploring the city drive back to hotel for night stay

Day 16: Badami
Today full day city tour of Badami, also known as Vatapi is rich with Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sand stone hills. The carved temples date back to the 6th century. Of these, three are Hindu and one Jain. Sculptured out of solid rock they are adorned with carvings. The Fort, on top of a hill encloses large granaries, treasury & a watch tower. The Malegitti Shivalaya temple set on the summit of a hill is built of stones without mortar. Overnight at Badami

Day 17: Badami – Hospet – Bangalore (By Train)
Today post breakfast check out from the hotel and drive back to Hospet to board your train for your onward journey back to Bangalore, over night journey in Train

Day 18: Bangalore – Departure
Upon arrival meet & greet transfer to hotel. Rest hours free and time to pack your baggage, later night transfer to Airport to board your flight with Colorful Memories of Southern Splendor

Railway Cancels luxury tours

2009-01-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

Indian Railways' joint venture with a private tour operator for a luxury package tour from Kolkata to Mumbai via Goa had to be postponed till the end of 2009 after denied security assurances from Goa government, the tour company officials said Saturday.

The Railways' service arm, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) tied up with Kolkata-based tour operator I-Nova to offer tourists a package tour on a 16-coach luxury train, complete with hostesses, belly-dancers, multi-cuisine food and even a star-studded Bollywood night.

"Director of Goa Tourism department Elvis Gomes told us after the Mumbai terror attacks that there is a threat at the beaches too and he will be unable to provide security to so many tourists (over 700) at the moment," I-Nova group's managing director Rajib Mukherjee told reporters here.

He further noted the Goa government has already banned all beach parties.

"And, one of the USPs of our tour was the beach carnival at Goa that included belly dancers, samba and salsa dancers from Brazil and Russia, a rain dance party and Asian martial arts performance. So, there is no point in going to Goa and not enjoying the beach."

The tour conductors had numerous discussions with the Coast Guard Inspector General (IG) (western region).

"The IG advised us not to take the risk. We too got scared," said Mukherjee.

Mukherjee also said the tour operators wrote to the central home ministry seeking security for tourists during their rail journey.

"The train was to take the Karnataka route from Kolkata and back. But the home ministry has yet not responded to our letter asking to assure security during the journey."

However, IRCTC, which provided the train, has not incurred any loss. But I-Nova has suffered a loss of Rs.70 million.

"IRCTC will not suffer any loss as we will adjust the amount with other tours we conduct round the year," Mukherjee said.

The tour scheduled for Jan 2-11, has been postponed to December 2009.

"Already, 50 percent reservations have been done for the December tour," Mukherjee said. (IANS)

Future Systems - Delhi

2009-01-19T06:02:00.004-08:00

Although by 2007 the system was operating at below projected passenger levels, partly ascribed to train capacity proving lower in practice than projected, Delhi Metro is achieving an operating profit. Carrying 5% of the city’s commuters, the project is proving to not only meet the anticipated aim of attracting former road users and reducing road casualties in areas it serves, the Metro is also stimulating economic development in proximity to stations. To further discourage vehicle use in connection with Metro use, a low-cost cycle hire and secure parking trial has been launched.
Development of the Phase 2 lines that will add around 121km to the network is well under way, and a 2010 completion is anticipated in time for Delhi's hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

As with Phase 1, Delhi Metro liases with other Asian mass transit operators, bringing in expertise from Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. In turn, Mumbai Metro is drawing upon operational experience in Delhi.

A welcome part of the system for overseas visitors is the 19.5km (12.1 mile), ten minute interval, extension to Indira Gandhi International Airport. Featuring check-in and luggage facilities, journey times to the centre are cut to 16 minutes from the present one hour by road. The 135km/h (84mph) link will be extended as the airport adds new terminal facilities. The first construction contracts, to Alpine-Samsung-HCC and Afcons, for 7.5km of line were awarded in October 2007.

Delhi Metro is thought to have inspired greater support for mass transit systems. India has many projects now in the planning stage or under construction (Kolkata extension; Mumbai; Bengaluru/Bangalore; HyderabadBangalore). Anticipating the award of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a possibility of expanding their current small metro operation by then, representatives from Glasgow have visited Delhi to see how the system has become operational in such short time. With confidence in the completion of Phase 2 being on schedule or earlier, Delhi Metro seems likely to reach a master plan target of 241km by 2021.

INFRASTRUCTURE - Delhi

2009-01-19T06:02:00.003-08:00

Line 1 begins at Sharada in the east and was extended to 22km (18 stations) in March 2004 with the inauguration of the entirely elevated Inder Lok-Rithala section.

Line 2 between Vishwa Vidyalaya (Delhi University, North Campus) and Central Secretariat, is underground for its entire 11km length, passing through the city centre and business district at Connaught Place. Stations, 12.85m below ground, were built by cut-and-cover methods except at Chawri Bazar (20m down) where tunnelling was employed.

Line 3, 33.5km long, is mostly elevated or at grade with a short underground section in central New Delhi, and intersects with Line 2 at Connaught Place. It does not connect with Line 1, and runs westwards from Barakhamba Road in the city centre to the western township of Dwarka.

There are escalators and elevators at all stations, with tactile tiles to guide the visually impaired from outside the stations to the trains.

A challenging construction project was Mandi House on Line 3, managed by British company Mott Macdonald. Located under Sikandra Road, an important and busy thoroughfare, much of the station had to be built top-down, with the diaphragm wall panels built from ground level to form the permanent walls of the station. As part of their environmental policy, many Delhi Metro stations are equipped for rainwater collection.

INFRASTRUCTURE - Delhi

2009-01-19T06:02:00.001-08:00

Circular Railway - Kolkata

2009-01-19T06:01:00.001-08:00

The Circular Railway, which encircles the city, is indeed a boon to daily commuters caught in traffic jams. Beginning from Dum Dum Junction in the North, the Circular Rail passes through Chitpur, Burrabazar, B.B.D.Bagh, Princep Ghat, Hastings, Kidderpore, Remount Road, Majherhat, Ballygunge, Sir Gurudas Banerjee Halt and finally back to Dum Dum Junction.

The need for a parallel system of transport in order to reduce the pressure of road traffic in Kolkata has been the sole aim behind introducing the Circular Railway. As a railway track already existed for transporting goods from the port area to godowns in Chitpur, it was possible to establish a uninterrupted route along the Hooghly for connecting Dum Dum Junction and Princep Ghat.

As the original line was a single line track with loading and unloading sidings and wharfs, a few platforms had to be built and reception facilities were constructed at some stations. The line was commissioned from Dum Dum Junction to Princep Ghat on 16th August, 1984.

Work is on for the extension from Princep Ghat to Majerhat. With this extension, Circular Railway will cover the periphery of entire Kolkata and it will be of great help to the people of Behala and Budge-Budge in South Kolkata. Work is also on for the extension of Circular Railway in the North, from Dum Dum Cantonment to N.S.B. Airport.
Train Name Source Departure Time Destination Arrival Time
Hashnabad Local Princep Ghat 9:20 AM Hashnabad 12:25 PM
Barasat Local Princep Ghat 10:20 AM Barasat 11:45 AM
Naihati Local Princep Ghat 11:05 AM Naihati 12:50 PM
Eden Gardens Dum Dum Local Princep Ghat 11:46 AM Dum Dum 12:30 PM
Hashnabad Local Princep Ghat 12:32 PM Hashnabad 3:38 PM
Barasat Local B.B.D.Bag 1:17 PM Barasat 2:22 PM
Duttapukur Local Princep Ghat 4:55 PM Duttapukur 6:28 PM
Habra Local Princep Ghat 5:33 PM Habra 7:34 PM
Ranaghat Local Princep Ghat 6:28 PM Ranaghat 9:17 PM
Barrackpore Local Princep Ghat 7:05 PM Barrackpore 8:17 PM
Barrackpore Local Princep Ghat 7:42 AM Barrackpore 8:50 AM
Gede Local Gede 5:18 AM Princep Ghat 9:20 AM
Bongaon Local Bongaon 7:25 AM Princep Ghat 9:48 AM
Kalyani Simanta Local Kalyani Simanta 8:18 AM Eden Gardens 10:13 AM
Barrackpore Local Barrackpore 9:30 AM Princep Ghat 10:48 AM
Hashnabad Local Hashnabad 8:18 AM Princep Ghat 11:28 AM
Bongaon Local Bongaon 9:40 AM Princep Ghat 11:55 AM
Naihati Local Naihati 3:15 PM Princep Ghat 4:45 PM
Barasat Local Barasat 3:55 PM Princep Ghat 5:18 PM
Naihati Local Naihati 4:15 PM Princep Ghat 6:00 PM
Barrackpore Local Barrackpore 5:25 PM Princep Ghat 6:50 PM
Dankuni Local Dankuni 6:10 PM Princep Ghat 7:32 PM

Mumbai Local Train Time Table

2009-01-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

Local Train Time Table
MUMBAI CST TO KARJAT-KHOPOLI
From CST From Dadar From Kurla From Thane From Kalyan Train Details Neral
4.22 4.39 4.50 5.15 5.44 KHOPOLI 6.28 SLOW
4.43 5.00 5.11 5.38 6.07 KARJAT 6.49 SLOW
5.22 5.39 5.50 6.17 6.46 KARJAT 7.29 SLOW
5.45 6.02 6.13 6.40 7.08 KARJAT 7.51 SLOW
6.54 7.07 7.15 7.3 7.50 KARJAT 8.36 FAST
7.35 7.48 7.56 8.18 8.40 KHOPOLI 9.19 FAST
8.40 8.53 9.01 9.20 9.41 KARJAT 10.24 FAST
9.30 9.43 9.51 10.11 10.30 KARJAT 11.12 FAST
10.44 11.02 11.11 11.25 11.46 KARJAT 12.32 FAST
11.17 11.30 11.38 11.58 12.19 KARJAT 12.59 FAST
11.57 12.14 12.25 12.51 13.20 KHOPOLI 14.04 SLOW
12.52 13.07 13.15 13.37 14.06 KARJAT 14.47 SEMI-FAST
13.45 13.58 14.06 14.26 14.49 KARJAT 15.32 FAST
14.52 15.06 15.14 15.31 15.54 KARJAT 16.37 FAST
15.17 15.32 15.40 15.59 16.18 KHOPOLI 17.01 FAST
16.10 16.25 16.33 16.55 17.27 KARJAT 18.10 SEMI-FAST
17.32 17.45 17.53 18.13 18.34 KHOPOLI 19.16 FAST
18.24 18.39 18.47 19.07 19.27 KARJAT 20.09 FAST
19.00 19.14 19.22 19.43 20.02 KARJAT 20.45 FAST
19.55 20.10 20.18 20.38 20.57 KARJAT 21.41 FAST
20.18 20.32 20.43 21.10 21.41 KHOPOLI 22.24 SLOW
20.52 21.06 21.14 21.35 22.04 KARJAT 22.47 SEMI-FAST
21.12 21.27 21.35 21.55 22.24 KARJAT 23.09 SEMI-FAST
22.40 22.59 21.10 23.39 00.07 KARJAT 00.49 SLOW
23.30 23.48 23.59 00.45 00.52 KARJAT 1.38 SLOW
00.45 1.03 1.14 1.42 2.10 KARJAT 2.53 SLOW

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