Beware of child abduction in India

India is a fun place but if your child is kidnapped all the fizz would just disappear from your life forever. If you happen to travel to India, you need to be careful with your children and keep an eye on them.

As a parent myself, I need to tell you about the child kidnapping industry in India. Tourists and Indian residents alike are venerable to child kidnapping. Although something like this can happen anywhere in the world as in the case of Madeleine Mccann. Madeleine Mccann was abducted by an unknown person on the evening of 3 May 2007 while holidaying with her parents in the Algarve of Portugal and has still not been found. Similarly, as a parent you too need to take utmost care of your child when holidaying in India.

Child kidnapping industry in India

Missing children in India

About 11 children are kidnapped in India every hour of the day of which half of them are never found. Child trafficking is the third largest profitable industry of the world and India seems to be in the thick of it. India is not only the source, but a destination and transit point for this heinous crime.

Your guess to what happens to these abducted children is as good as mine. Please read them to understand why kidnapping of children takes place.

Kidnapped children used as camel jockeys in Middle East

Why children are abducted

To be used as prostitutes; the biggest reasons for child abduction,

Child abuse and sexual exploitation,

Used as light weight camel jockeys in Arabic nations,

Organ trade and harvesting,

Ransom, as the Indian economy booms so does rise in child abduction,

A case of cannibalism has also been reported,

Human sacrifice to please the gods,

Used as forced labour, domestic servants, work in factories

Used as beggers by gangs after hands and legs are chopped off (read about beggars in India),

Child trafficking to international borders,

Forced into marriages,

Illegal adoption,

Medical trials; yes it does happen

Shipped and used as child soldiers in other countries to fight.

Kidnapping of your child is something that you must be careful of when travelling in India. The worst places for child kidnapping include;

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have the largest number of people trafficked. Trafficking is also high in Rajasthan, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Some child safety tips while in holidaying in India

Tell your children not to wander off,

Ask them not to talk to strangers,

Carry your child’s hair for DNA identification,

Don’t make them wear provocative clothing that may appear attractive older men,

Make sure your child knows their name and address, contacts in India,

Always keep an eye on your child,

If you are on the Indian Railways, make sure you don’t completely go to sleep. Many children are

kidnapped while both parents are sleeping. Watch the video below.

Instruct your child to “yell” when they think that they are being abducted. The Indian general public is very respondent in such matters. A crowd will quickly accumulate and might even beat the abductor.

Child abduction – Real story with English subtitles 

A personal story

When I was a child of three years, me and my parents had gone to Kathmandu in neighbouring country of Nepal. Nepal is a beautiful country with identical culture and language. Indians often travel to Nepal for shopping and site seeing.

While my mum was shopping in a “saree shop”, I wandered out of the shop several meters away. I quickly realised that I was lost and did not know where my mum was. I started crying and some Nepalese students took me and started to take me to the police station. En route, I saw my dad in a road side garage getting his car fixed. I shouted out to him and came immediately. He asked the boys to give his child to him which they refused and took us all to the police station. There the matter was sorted and I was returned.

Now if I had been in the wrong hands of child kidnappers, I would have been easily been kidnapped and god knows what would have happened.

Moral of the story is, keep an eye on your child, and instruct them not to walk away from you, hold their hands all the time. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

A child being abducted on CCTV of Mumbai station

A man was caught abducting a small girl seen in a series of CCTV footages. You can see in this video that a man sits close to a sleeping family on the railway platform and then in a flash gets up and walks away with the child. It’s that easy. That is why you need to alert and cautious when travelling in India.

Beware of child abduction in India

This article is not to frighten or scare you away from India but to alert you that kidnapping and abduction of children do happen. Just be safe, child abduction does happen.

How to Plan for Your Next Travel Adventure (After Covid-19)

While the majority of us are currently being forced to stay at home in lockdown, and many of us have had to cancel our vacations and/or reschedule, so it’s no surprise that we’re feeling a bit blue. However, it’s been proven that planning for the future can boost your mood by a significant amount. What’s more, a recent study found that almost one-quarter of people are currently looking for places to travel to once the restrictions have been lifted. We think this sounds like a grand idea, so have put together of things to keep in mind as you plan for your next travel adventure after Covid-19.

Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Speak to any travel experts, and they’ll tell you that the travel industry will rebound from the pandemic quickly; certainly far quicker than most people currently expect. Despite the challenges currently faced by airlines and cruise companies, it won’t be this way forever. Industry experts like John Lovell, president of the Travel Leaders Group, have pointed out that the travel industry has rebounded quickly from other pandemics, and also from national disasters. While assessing your risk tolerance level is important before booking a trip, we should see some amazing deals to destinations all over the world once this is over. Just make sure to plan smart and take reasonable precautions.

Consider Where to Visit

Covid-19 has impacted countries across the globe, with some reaching the peak earlier than others.  It’s fair to assume that the countries that have already seen a peak in cases will be the ones to see restrictions listed first. So, rather than looking at a trip to Southeast Africa, or Asia, for example, it may be better to consider traveling to somewhere in Europe, or even somewhere in your own country.  Many travelers may prefer to enjoy the safety of home, with road trips and staycations a great option for many. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a warmer climate, though. There’s no reason those living in Seattle, Washington can’t take a long, leisurely road trip down to Florida or Tucson AZ. Just make sure to factor in the time change to your sleeping schedule and have a plan for if you need to return home early.

Focus on Value

It’s likely that there will be a lot of tempting travel deals available once the pandemic is over, but experts suggest looking for those that offer value as opposed to cheap prices. Deals that come with packaged flights and meals included are going to offer much more than a cheap airline ticket.  It’s also best to opt for packages with travel operators that you know and trust. Sales that sound too-good-to-be-true could be coming from those trying to stave off bankruptcy, which could lead to more problems in your future. Financially stable, well-known brands are those you want to travel with.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Finally, travel insurance is important anyway, but it’s going to be even more critical in the aftermath of Covid-19.  A reputable travel insurance policy will cover you if the provider you purchase a trip from goes out of business, or if you need to return home due to something outside of your control. It’s recommended to purchase both your travel insurance and your trip on a credit card, too, if you have one for an added level of protection.

While nobody can travel currently, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to plan your next adventure.  Just be smart and take precautions, and you’ll soon be jetting off on the trip of a lifetime.

Indian Breakfast

Sampling food around the world can be quite fun. Your may be the adventurer in your heart and not afraid of experimenting with food but remember your stomach may not be in synch with what your heart wants. While travelling it is important to make sure you take in only what suits your metabolism and which doesn’t result in you ending up being sick. Nobody wants that! It’s not that the food at home is always better and healthier than the food you get abroad. It’s just that you are not used to the preparation, the spices and moreover weather too plays its part. Hence to prevent any sort of distress like the commonly known ‘Traveller’s Tummy’ you need to have some background on the food that you are eating and of course common-sense to realize what to eat and what to avoid.

India is diverse not only in its culture but in its cuisines too. From Kashmir to Kanya kumari and Arunachal to Gujarat, there are thousands and thousands of cuisines and varieties available to amuse your taste buds. Take the Indian Breakfast for example; there are abundant options at your disposal. Come walk with me taking in the aromas of a few of the Typical Indian Breakfasts.

Typical Indian Breakfast

Depending on the part of the country you are visiting, the dishes available vary too. If you are on a tour of Northern India you would as a rule find poori sabji, poha and paranthas on the breakfast table among a hoard of others. Paranthas are Indian breads made up of pan frying whole wheat dough and are usually stuffed with boiled, mashed and flavoured potatoes, cauliflower, leafy vegetables or cheese. It is usually served with curd or butter or pickles. Poori, on the other hand, is made up of whole wheat flour or refined whole wheat flour dough rolled in small circles and deep fried in vegetable oil or clarified butter; generally served with potato based curries. Parantha and poori are slightly on the higher end of the calorie scale being oily in nature but are otherwise perfect for chilly mornings of the north accompanied with a hot cup of tea. Poha on the other hand is made up of flattened or beaten rice and good for digestion. For the calorie conscious Poha is definitely a great option. It is also a popular breakfast dish all around India often called by different names. It is healthy and will certainly not be a burden to your weight or digestion.

If it’s the south of India that is your destination then the morning aromas will be that of Idlis, Dosas, among other. The south Indian breakfast in general is healthy and of low calorie. Idlis are savoury cakes made up of steamed fermented black lentils and rice and usually two or three inches in diameter. Teamed with chutney or vegetable stew this is an ideal breakfast on the table. Dosas, on the other hand, are fermented pancakes made from rice batter and black lentils served with Vegetable stew again. It is rich in carbohydrates, contains no sugar or saturated fats and good on the body.

Apart from the dishes staple to the part of India you are visiting, you would also find bread and omelettes as a must on the breakfast table. Various Hotels also serve English breakfast along with Indian. In fact you could even find Italian and other Continental delicacies for breakfast depending on the city you are in and the hotel you are staying in.

Hence, breakfast in India wouldn’t be much of a problem in India. However, keep in mind there would be some dishes which would be high on oil and fat content. Considering it may be hot and humid in India, it is best to avoid those options unless your metabolism is trained for spicy breakfasts. Enjoy your Indian breakfast.

My new children’s book about life in India

I am excited for my new children’s book about India. It is called “Namaste World. I am Diya. My life in India.” This book is about a 6-year-old little girl called Diya who lives in Delhi with her mummy and daddy.

She narrates her life in India to other children. She talks about going to school in an auto rickshaw, going to temples, celebrating festivals and general life in India.

This book introduces Indian culture, religion, animals and other various things about India. Kids learn more when other kids tell them things.

Namaste world I am Diya book

This book is ideal for those who will be travelling to India with their children. It’s also ideal for those parents who wants to introduce multiculturalism to their children.

This book introduces India and Indian way of life to children. Children will begin to appreciate that there are kids just like them in other parts of the world.

Watch my video to learn more.

You can buy my book on all Amazon stores. Just search Amazon for – Namaste World. I am Diya.

USA https://www.amazon.com/Namaste-World-Diya-life-India/dp/B085KR53K1/

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Namaste-World-Diya-life-India/dp/B085KR53K1/

Travel Safety Tips Every Student Should Know

Nothing ruins an adventure than getting defrauded or looted away from home. When traveling abroad, it is imperative that you be extra vigilant not to land in the hands of fraudsters and burglars. This post explores some of the safety precautions you can take as a student traveler.

But before we jump into the meat and potatoes of this topic, have you booked your visa yet? If you haven’t or if you are struggling to satisfy the many visa application requirements, it will help if you book a dummy flight itinerary with a reliable travel agency. Get a fake flight reservation instead of paying for an actual airplane ticket before your visa is approved.

Let’s now look at the travel security and safety considerations for traveling students:

1. Stay sober

Getting too drunk or high when you travel is too risky even for a young college student. Anything can be happening around (or to you) without your knowledge. It is okay to enjoy yourself and explore the local nightlife, but you have to do it responsibly. Always focus on what is happening around you – whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking along a street.

Eat healthy meals and drink sufficient water before you drink any alcohol. Keep away from hard drugs so you don’t get in trouble with the authorities. Also, note that most drug dealers are potentially nefarious who could have other ulterior motives. They can mislead, rob, or harm you, if not worse.

Eat healthy when traveling

2. Travel in numbers

The bigger your group is, the more the eyes are on your valuables and the more the bodies are available for self-defense. A group is also a much more intimidating physical presence, which helps ward off thieves. Safety aside, traveling as a group is relatively cheaper compared to solo visits. 

3. Write down emergency info

You are traveling to unknown neighborhoods- You must prepare for the unknown. Get the contact information for the local police, ambulance services, nearest embassy or consulate and other local emergency departments. You never know when a disaster will strike. This information is easily accessible on government websites- You just need to know where to look. 

4. Be vigilant with your money

Keep your finances in check while traveling. Set an emergency fund while traveling in case you run into some trouble and you need to book an earlier ticket home or you need emergency medical attention. You can save tons of cash by leveraging college student discounts when booking tours or accommodation.

Avoid being flashy with money as this can attract thieves and pickpockets. Don’t carry wallets in trouser back pockets- pickpockets mostly target those pockets! If you are backpacking, acquire a backpack that is fitted with small lockable pockets where your money and important documents are 100% inaccessible by pickpockets. Lastly, don’t keep all your money in one pocket.

Be vigilant with your money

5. Stay aware of your surrounding

Thieves, burglars, and pickpockets often target tourists who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings. Try and blend in with the locals and their culture. Ensure that your appearance is almost similar to that of the local students- don’t look different especially in fashion.

As a student, you can learn a new language faster than older tourists. Learn as much as you can. Also, it will help if you could familiarize yourself with the maps of the host city even before leaving home.

6. Keep your important documents safe

Have photocopies of all your important documents, for example, the student ID, passport, and travel tickets in case of theft or loss. Leave some copies at home so that, if need be, your parents/friend can fax or mail it to you. Keep the others in your suitcase as spare copies. Also, avoid keeping all the important documents in the same wallet, or together with your petty cash. Having to remove the documents in public places every time you want to pay for something is a bit too risky.

In case your documents get stolen, report to the nearest police station as fast as you can. You never know what evils a fraudster will commit with your documents, which could precipitate unwanted legal processes and liabilities.

7. Do your research

Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. You’re a student- doing your homework isn’t a new thing for you. Read reviews online and consult with local students in the safest neighborhoods. Avoid neighborhoods that have been reviewed to have high incidences of crime.

Conclusion

There are many ways of lowering your vulnerability when on the road. Of greatest importance, be composed, lock up your valuables, don’t mingle too much with strangers, and have a first aid kit in case of injuries.

You are now armed with safety travel tips; it’s time to get out and explore the world. Travel safely.

Amritsar- An Ideal Gateway For The Traveller

The iconic and holistic city of Amritsar was historically known as Ramdaspur. Founded in the year 1574 by Guru Ram Das, it is the chief pilgrimage destination of Sikhs around the world. Popularly known as the ‘Golden City’ after the famous Golden Temple or Harmindar Sahib, the beautiful city portrays the rich culture of Punjab.

Explore the rich culture and sacred places in Amritsar

The glorious city of Amritsar plays a vital role in standardising Punjabi language and folk literature. The city speaks loudly about its chivalric history and number of battles which were fought for its independence. People, here, are highly patriotic and have greatly contributed to the freedom struggle. Gidda and Bhangra are the special folk dance and the popular festivals celebrated here include Vaishakhi, Guru Purab, Hola Mohalla and Basant Panchami. Famous temples of the city include:

• Golden Temple: It is known as the holiest shrine for the Sikhs which signifies sacredness and religious fervour. Despite several demolitions, it was built again by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from pure gold. The centre point is the tank or Amrit Sarovar. The city is named after this tank. The tranquillity of the place is divine which can only be felt.
• Akal Takht: Regarded as the ‘Throne to the Immortal,’ it holds great significance to religious and political history. It was built by the sixth Sikh Guru named Guru Hargobind and was built within the complex of Golden Temple.
• Mata Lal Devi Temple: Popularly known as the Mirror Mahal or Sheesh Mahal of Amritsar, women from all over the country visit here to seek blessings from God to bear a child. The temple is famous for uplifting the fertility rate in women.

Other popular temples worth visiting include Mukteswar Mahadev Temple, Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai, Shri Durgiana Temple, Gurdwara Mata Kaulan and so on.

Historical places of Amristar

 Jallianwala Bagh: Located in the Central Amritsar, it is the living memoir of the drastic tragedy in the Indian history commemorating the biggest massacre of April 1919. On the auspicious day of Baisakhi, 13th April 1919, a public meeting was held where the British open fired killing more than 1000 people without any escape. Bullets mark can be seen until today.

• Wagah Border: Located in GT road between Amristar and Lahore, it is the road border crossing between India and Pakistan. Since 1959, a grand ceremony named lowering of flags is held every evening. Indian and Pakistani soldiers in their uniforms perform an energetic parade which is an astonishing scene.
• Ram Bagh: This is the beautiful garden surrounding the famous summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This is the finest garden separated into different sections by water channels and beautiful fountains on it. One can find rare botanical species like Coniferous trees.
• Partition Museum: this is the first-ever museum revealing the trauma and bloody consequences faced by millions of people during the ruthless partition of India and Pakistan.

Experience shopping and lip-smacking food in Amritsar

One can experience the rich culture in the delicacies of Amritsar. The famous Guru ka Langar served at Gurudwaras, Makki ki roti is eaten with sarso-da-saag, Amritsari kulcha or stuffed pita bread and spicy chole are its few vegetarian delicacies. Well, the versions of Chicken tikka and kebabs are highly delicious. The famous rajma chawal and a Lassi to digest all such heavy stuff should be tried. Grab the handicraft products from the local shopping markets. Embroidered shoes, handcrafted textile products and the local salwar suit for women are few things one should buy here.

Blissful experience at Golden Temple during night

A night at the Golden temple is sure to rejuvenate your soul and mind. Peaceful temple environment, experiencing the hopping of fishes in the Amrit Lake which glimmers brightly due to the golden lights is highly mesmerising. Take a visit to the kitchen where Langar is being prepared. One can enjoy the tasty stuff at a huge hall free of cost. The complete ambience is so charming that you would not like to return.

Famous places to visit in Amritsar

Apart from the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border, there are many more places which one should surely visit. These include:

• Hall Bazaar: Hall bazaar has a famous Mughal style gate where one can purchase unique ornaments, handicraft and beautiful readymade clothes, best quality books and many more.
• Khair-ud-din Masjid: This mosque was established by Mohamad Khairuddin and is famous for its unique architectural design. It was this place from where the waging of war against the British was announced by Shah Attaullah Bukhari or Tootie-i-Hind.
• Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree: Considered as the most sacred tree of Amritsar is known as the ‘eradicator of suffering.’ The pond beside the tree is believed to cure a person of their pain.
• Gobindgarh Fort: This is the perfect place to know about the past stories of Punjab. It describes 257 years reign starting from Bhangi Misl era and ending with the Indian Army.
• Bliss Aqua World: The perfect water park to eliminate the scorching heat offers varieties of water rides both for adults and children.

How to reach Amritsar?

The city is well connected with other states through different transportation modes. Amritsar International airport connects it from other Indian states and International cities. Check out the best deals at Air India flight booking online portal. It is well connected with the rest part of India through Northern Railway. Several inter-state buses run daily. However, you can even hire a cab or taxi from Patiala, Delhi, Ludhiana, Chandigarh and many more.

Where to stay in Amritsar?

From luxurious to budget hotels, there are many options for all kinds of people. There are options of 5 star, 4-star hotels and Amritsar resorts who want a luxurious stay. Well, the budgeted hotels are also good to stay without any lack of comfort. Be it the stay, food or places to visit, Amritsar welcomes its visitors with a great heart and in a grandeur way.

Keep Calm and Say WAHEGURU

Bhojpuri Language of India

Though India is categorized as a country, in reality it is a continent in itself. It is country with so many religions, traditions, food, cultures and languages that no place will look similar to one another. The appearance of the country keeps changing at a distance of few miles. The people start speaking all together a new dialect once you cross a boundary of a region. For a language to stand out in this milieu and create a niche of its own is no easy task, but Bhojpuri which is not even a official language of India has achieved this impossible task. Some of the great politicians, freedom fighters, leaders, actors and other famous personalities have lent their own style to this language. Apart from the national official language Hindi, Bhojpuri is one of the most widely spoken and understood local language of India.

Due to cultural reasons, the language is considered to be a dialect of the Hindi language. Many lovers of the language are working to give it a separate status as it will face the danger of extinction if it is not recognized and promoted in the present era where local languages are taking a back seat. The advent of internet and globalization has brought English language to the forefront and pushed other languages behind. Without proper promotion and encouragement, the language which is loved by many people may die out soon. It has already been forgotten in the country of Pakistan, where the Mujahirs spoke the dialect earlier. Today they speak only Urdu. The same fate has been seen in the countries of Guyana and Trinidad, where people are forgetting the language and not many people are able to even recognize it anymore. The activists who are working for the official status of this language hope to see that it will be included in the 8^th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Only some of the languages out of 1,652 different dialects spoken in India are known outside their own region. Bhojpuri spoken by nearly 33,099,497 according to the 2001 census is one of those languages that have been recognized, used and loved all over the country. It is estimated that nearly 200 million Indians speak the language which even if not spoken, is recognized by many more people of India, especially those who speak Hindi. The people of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand speak Bhojpuri besides it usage in countries like Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Bhojpuri Songs are very popular amongst Bhojpuri and Hindi speaking people. This particular song called “Dabe Paon Aiha Nazariya Bachake” is a popular one.

Bhojpuri language is one of the important languages of the Bihar state besides Angika, Magadhi, Maithili and Bajjika. Though it has spread to other parts of the world, the roots of the language still lay in the state of Bihar. The schools of Bihar teach the language as a compulsory subject to students up to intermediate level, though the students have a choice to study at higher levels.

Unlike many languages of India which were influenced by foreign invasions, Bhojpuri is an independent language which was in use since ancient times. The rich and famous Bhojpuri literature holds testimony to this. Kabir with his touching soulful nirgun poetry brought the language to be noticed by everyone, though there had been the Siddha and Naths who had written poetry in the language earlier. The rich literature of Bhojpuri language has been enriched further with works by Rahul, Sankrityayan, Vivek Rai, Bhikhari Thakur, Teg Ali Teg, Ramdatta Shukla, Ram Garib Chaube and many more. Deviksaracarita, Badmasdarpan, Jangal me Mangal and Nagari Vilap. The folk literature of Bhojpuri language is so famous that are enjoyed by non-speakers of the language too. Among the folklores the Kijari songs and dramas of Bidesia are very popular.

Though Bhojpuri is a language of Bihar state, it has no connection with Maithili, which is another language of the state and little similarity to Magahi. It is much closer to Hindi, Braj bhakha and Awadhi languages. Though today Bhojpuri has made a mark of its own, earlier it was considered a part of Hindi language by the government.

Besides literature, Bhojpuri language has left its impression on films and television too. It is only language of Bihar that makes full length films. The language has had great impression on Bollywood too. There are many characters in the Bollywood movies that speak the dialect and are characterized in a certain way. One of the most popular characters is a simpleton with heart of gold who is stunned to corrupt ways of the city. It has nearly half a century of movie making which has seen some historical cinema being made in the language. Mahua and Hamar TV are two of the very popular TV channels of the language which are viewed by people who love the language.

In recent years Bhojpuri Songs have become very popular. One of the very popular is the ‘lollipop lagelu’. It is played in almost all parties. You can listen to the Bhojpuri song in the video below.

If you are travelling to Bihar, then here are some Bhojpuri words that might come in handy but do note that Bihar is part of the Hindi heartland hence Hindi words and phrases would be great as well.

Bhojpuri words and phrases in English

Hello – Pranam
Yes – Haa
No – Nahi
Your – Tum
Me – Hum
Mine – Hamar
Your’s – Tohar
Okay – Thik ba
Boy – Laika
Girl – Laiki
Toilet – Paikhana
What is your name – Tohar naam ka ha
Thank you – Dhanevad
How are you – Kaisan bani
Let’s go – Chale ke
Everything is fine – Sab thik ba
Awesome – Garda ura delu
I don’t know – Humka naikhe malum
Father – Babu ji
Mother – Maai

Hindi words and phrases for your travels to India. 

Bhojpuri Songs

In recent years, Bhojpuri songs have become popular! In fact Bhojpuri songs have become so popular that many Hindi movies are now trying to cash in the popularity of Bhojpuri songs by including a song copied (spoofs) from many Bhojpuri songs and films. For instance, the very popular Hindi film “Akhiyon se goli mare” was taken from the Bhojpuri song “Nathuniya se goli maare”. Such is the popularity of today’s Bhojpuri music industry.

You can see this particular Bhojpuri song in the video below.

If you type Bhojpuri songs or Bhojpuri song on Youtube then you will notice that there is a plethora of songs but unfortunately entire Bhojpuri music industry appears to be vulgar in nature. Perhaps this is why Bhojpuri music industry has gained in popularity. On the hand there is a range of Bhojpuri songs that are truly folk in nature such as Bhojpuri nirgun songs and songs sung by Sharda Sinha.

But do not be fooled by these songs, the Bhojpuri language is very sweet and is spoken widely in Bihar and eastern UP. If you travel to any of these states, then you can learn some of the Bhojpuri words and phrases given above.

How to Make Your Dreams of Traveling Abroad a Reality

If you have always dreamed of traveling abroad, you know the extensive planning and budgeting that entails making the trip a reality. Unfortunately, traveling overseas can be expensive, frustrating and confusing. Regardless of where you want to travel, it’s always a good idea to have a plan set for yourself so that you know where you’re going, how much cash you’ll need while there and what you plan on doing. Just because you are on a fixed budget doesn’t mean that you should give up on the idea of exploring a new country.

Create a Plan and Budget

The first step in going on vacation overseas is to create both an itinerary as well as a budget. You need to know where you’re going and how much it’s going to cost when you’re actually there. It might help to figure out currency exchange rates so that you can be fully prepared for being in a different country. Exchanging this currency ahead of time can prevent confusion when getting off of the plane.

Start Saving Money by Reducing Monthly Expenses

Going on a trip abroad can be an expensive venture, and you need to know that you have the cash available to make things happen. One way to save up is to get rid of debts and old loans. If you’ve been bogged down by student loans, it’s time to refinance them in an attempt to save more money. This money can then be put towards the trip itself, allowing you to experience everything you want when arriving to your destination.

Use Credit Card Rewards

If you have a credit card that offers travel-related awards, you’ll want to make use of all of those points that have racked up. Most of these cards accumulate airfare miles and points that can be put towards hotel stays and restaurants. If you use the card a lot, you might have more points than you’d think and it’s about time that you made the account work for you in another way than just for spending cash.

Give Yourself Time to Shop Around

Even if you have all the money in the world to travel with, you still need to shop around to get the best price and deals available to you. Shopping around means finding cheaper airfare as well as a hotel or motel that you can stay in while in another country. Hostels are incredibly popular overseas, and this type of lodging allows you to stay with other travelers to save even more money if you’re on a budget.

Get or Update Your Passport

Before you can get onto a plane to go to another country, you’re going to need your passport. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to get it professionally made. It can sometimes take weeks to have the passport completely finished and officiated, so you’ll want to do this well in advance to the actual voyage. If you already have a passport, make sure that it doesn’t need to be updated. Trying to board a flight with outdated information can stall your plans and waste money that was put into paying for the arrangements.

Traveling to India With a Pet

If you have an emotional support pet, or if you simply do not want to leave your fluffy companion at home while traveling to India, there are a couple of important things that you should know.

Flying with a pet

Before you go ahead and make your flight reservation, you should take your pet to the vet to make sure that it is fit enough to travel. You must consider the fact that flying can be rather stressful and that, once you get to your destination, you might have to take a day off so that your pet can recover from the fatigue and jet lag.

Once you are confident that your companion is healthy enough to travel, it is time to look for a pet-friendly airline. As expected, not all flight companies are. For instance, SpiceJet, Vistara, Air India and Jet Airways allow for pets on board, while AirAsia and IndiGo do not.

All pets that are allowed on airplanes have to be vaccinated against Rabies and they have to have a health certificate, a DGFT license, and a NOC certificate. Pregnant pets and those with baby offspring are not allowed on airplanes.

What is more, some companies do not allow customers to fly with aggressive breeds or crossbred animals. Similarly, some companies are against customers taking their pets in the cabin. Most of them require pets to fly as additional baggage or in cargo.

To avoid any unfortunate events that might interfere with your ability to fly to this country, you have to check the regulations that the company that you have selected imposes.

Traveling on trains with pets

One of the cheapest ways to travel in India is via train. Currently, Indian Railways only has policies regarding traveling with dogs. However, other pets can also be transported on trains.

One thing you should know is that you can keep your pet near you when traveling first class. Still, if other passengers complain about your pet, you might be asked to agree to have your pet transported to the luggage car. If you don’t plan to travel first class, you will be required to keep the pet in the luggage car.

Keep in mind that, at all times, you have to ensure that your pet is fed and given water. You can find a large variety of food for cats online. So, be sure to pre-pack all the necessary food before you leave the country.

Pets on buses and cars

Traveling with a pet on a state-run bus can be problematic, as no legislation regarding the transportation of pets exist. Also, on buses, there is significantly less space available for you to travel with your pet, and this can turn into a nuisance.

One of the best ways of transportation you can choose as a pet owner is a car. However, it should be said that, in India, traveling with a pet is not common. So, it is recommended that you keep all the documents that prove that you own the pet close by, in case you are asked to present them.

Plus, you should never leave your travel companion in the car for a long time while the window panes are rolled up, as this might cause distress to the pet.

Accommodation

Not all hotels in India accept travelers who are accompanied by pets. Some estimate that there are around 500 such hotels and resorts that have pet-friendly policies. In some cases, you might be required to pay extra if you bring your pet with you.

Therefore, before you make any reservations you have to do the necessary research and find out if the resort that you have selected accepts pets.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in Delhi

As you enter the narrow maze of lanes leading to Nizamuddin Dargah, it is difficult to believe that this is one of the country’s most sacred Sufi shrines. The lanes of Nizamiddin are packed with shops and spilling over with the excitable chatter of people bargaining. Holy books and prayer caps for Muslims vie for space with vibrant ‘chaddars’ or pieces of cloth that are spread over graves at the dargah, while the fragrance of rose petals make the atmosphere quite heady. In the runup to Eid or other major festivals, you may even find shops selling fancy slippers and such, sprung up in the medley of small shops. It is this mixed existence, blending the everyday and the esoteric with ease, that gives Nizamuddin Dargah its enduring appeal.

History of Nizamuddin Dargah: The Dargah contains the tomb of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a famous Sufi saint or ‘Pir’. Hazrat Nizamuddin, born in 1238, is considered to be of the same spiritual lineage as Moinuddin Chisti, of the Chisti order of Sufism. He had followers across faiths and classes, and his devotees included both rich and poor people. The emperor Muhammad Bin Tughlaq was one of his devotees, and erected the mausoleum where the saint is buried. More on history of India.

Highlights: You enter the Dargah complex through the big doors that are perpetually open, and find yourself in a large space. All around, are verandahs topped with marble arches that remain open to the sky.

Main tomb – The main tomb area is intricately decorated with golden pillars and intricate lattice work or ‘jaali’. On the jaaliwork you often find red thread tied by devotees as a ‘mannat’ or prayer for a heart’s desire to be fulfilled.

Tomb complex – The tomb complex houses the bodies of several famous personalities apart from that of Hazrat Nizamuddin.  Aamir Khusrau, the noted poet of the Mughal court and Nizamuddin’s lifelong friend, is buried here. Mirza Ghalib’s tomb is also in this complex. Another luminary of Akbar’s court, his minister and a renowned poet, Abdul Rahim also has his final resting place here. Besides, Shah Jahan’s daughter  is buried here as well as the prince Dara Shikoh. A few other structures worth noting inside the tomb complex are Jama’at- Khana Masjid and Kalan-Masjid.

Urs celebration: Nizamuddin Dargah is open all the time, but it comes into its own on two special days.  These are the Urs or the day of passing of Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrau. Urs or the day of passing is a matter not for mourning, but celebration according to the Sufi faith. The Dargah is very crowded on these days and celebrations continue whole night.

Thursday qawwali sessions: Thursdays are also a special time at the dargah. Chisti Nizamuddin composed a phenomenal body of songs or ‘bandish’ which have become a part of North Indian classical music. ‘Bandish’ is something that binds, and each of these songs binds around a central theme. Celebrating the musical legacy of the Sufi master is a part of the tradition at the Dargah. Each Thursday, the tomb complex comes alive to the sound of quaawalis in which quaawals or singers from many surrounding regions also participate. Music flows, and entry is free, so just enter, sit in the courtyard and soak in the rich musical atmosphere that tells you how it must have been many, many centuries ago. Twinkling lights all around add to the peaceful atmosphere, as the qawwalis flow into late evening.

Here are a few points that can help you make the most of your visit to the dargah.

• The tomb is located in the eastern Nizamuddin area, tucked inside Old Nizamuddin Bazaar. It is closest to the Nizamuddin Metro station.

• Quawaalis happen every Thursday once the evening prayers are over. Check local sunset timings before you visit, to time your visit right, so that you can catch the musical session right from the beginning. Usually a good time to get in is around 7 PM, in order to be there early before the crowds swell.

• Anyone can enter the dargah, however the main tomb chamber is barred to women.

• Follow the decorum at the dargah. Open your shoes and cover your head before you enter.

Address: Boali Gate Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Phone: +91 98117 78607
Website: https://nizamuddinaulia.org
Opening times: Monday to Friday 5 am to 10.30 pm.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When Visiting India

India Travel Health Guide

Many travel enthusiasts often think of India as a must-travel destination. However, before you pack your bag and grab your airplane ticket, there are a few travel rules that you should familiarize yourself with.

Not checking the weather

One of the biggest mistakes that you are prone to make when visiting India is not researching the weather. As every travel enthusiast that has visited India before knows, the weather changes quite a lot, depending on the season. If you want to have a great time and you plan on visiting a big part of the country, you should plan your trip somewhere between October to March.

If you want to travel on a budget, and you want to visit the country off-season, you should expect to find many guest houses that are closed. For instance, in Goa, all beach shacks and most beach huts are taken down every monsoon. So, there is a high chance that you will end up paying more for accommodation as you will have to check-in at a hotel that is over your initial budget.

Moreover, during the off-season, many restaurants, especially the popular ones run by foreigners are likely to be closed, as many owners usually go on vacation or they return home to visit their families. Similarly, many local restaurants are also closed as there are not enough customers to turn a profit.

Also, traveling off-season is problematic because you might not get to take part in outdoor activities such as canyoning or rafting. If you plan on learning reiki or yoga, you should also keep in mind that most artists and spiritual leaders are generally away during this part of the year.

Not keeping your belongings safe

Traveling to India is a wholesome experience, but it also comes with a couple of risks, as there is a high chance that you will get robbed if you don’t keep an eye on your bags.

To stay safe while using local transportation such as trains, metros, and buses, it is also recommended that you dress accordingly so that you won’t draw too much attention to yourself, especially if you travel alone.  If you want to take a bathroom break, it is always a good idea to take your belongings with you.

Not packing accordingly

When it comes to packing, there are two mistakes that you can make, you can either pack too much, or you can underpack. To avoid this, you should plan the type of clothing that you want to take with you depending on the areas that you intend to visit.

For example, when visiting areas such as Kerala or Goa, you can wear pretty much whatever you want. However, in smaller cities and rural areas you should cover up more, as people are more conservative.

Plus, keep in mind that there are many clothing items and accessories that you can buy in India, and, thus, you should not bring from home. For instance, in India, you can find scarves, Ali Baba pants, and sarongs at a budget-friendly price.

One essential thing that you should not ignore is getting travel insurance. There are many insurance packages that you can acquire, depending on your needs and the duration of your visit.

This way, you will be covered in case of an emergency hospital visit. Do not worry, the medical treatments that they provide are of good quality. In other words, you won’t have to pack an endoscope in your bag.

Not getting a VISA

Imagine this: you’ve just arrived in India, you got off the plane and you are forced to go back home because you don’t have the right VISA. You can avoid this situation by simply visiting the India Visa Center for Cox and King website.

Here you can find info regarding the type of VISA that you need as a tourist in India. The process of actually getting the VISA can take some time, so be sure to start the formalities in due time. However, once you get it, the VISA is only valid for six months from that point on, not from the time you actually get to India.

To encourage travelers to visit the country, in 2014, the Indian Government has launched a new program called the eVisa. It can be obtained by travelers from 160 countries of the world. If you plan on staying in India for a short period, you should consider applying for this type of VISA instead.

Renting a car and driving

Traffic in India can be a problem since it is very dense, as you would expect for such a big country but the rules sometimes seem to be mere guidelines and not a universal code that drivers adhere to.

If you are not an experienced driver and want to enjoy your trip to India as you should, we advise you to go for other options such as a radio taxi or if you are a fan of exercise you can choose to explore this beautiful country by kick-scooter and reading this guide will help you choose one that fits you and your needs best.

But there is something special about walking. You can enjoy the sights and take your time exploring the cities, while also have a snack or even learn more about the history. If you don’t want to do all that by yourself, you must know that there are planned tours and some of them are even free of charge.

Fishing in India - Top Destinations to Cast Your Spinning Reel

India is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with a culture of its own that you cannot truly comprehend unless you walk barefoot on one of its well-known Ashrams, wander the streets of Mumbai, and get to know the locals and their customs. And, while there are thousands of things to do here, not many foreigners truly exploit the fishing potential of this country.

Benefiting from the waters of the Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea, and the Indian Ocean, the country has a huge fishing potential, providing enough food to feed the poor, and export at the same time. If you’re looking for the adventure of your lifetime, put on your light wool fishing pants and head to one of these picturesque destinations for a fishing trip.

Jim Corbett National Park

Ranking number one in many professional anglers’ tops, the Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. It is the country’s first national park and one of the most beautiful places you can visit in terms of wildlife in India.

The Ramganga River flows through the park and is home to numerous fish species, including brown trout, golden mahseer, and the goonch catfish. The place is also a great spot for seeing some of the rarest species of tigers in the world, as well as hundreds of species of birds, insects, and flowers.

You will require a fishing license from the Divisional Forest Officer to fish in the waters of the Ramganga River but you can easily get one with the help of your hotel staff.

If you’re an outdoorsy person, you won’t get easily bored in the area, even after you’re done fishing for the day. You can take a jungle safari and watch some of the most majestic wildlife creatures in their natural habitat, visit the historical Corbett Museum or the famous Garjiya Devi Temple. The best time to visit the area is between November and March.

Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The river Pabbar is another famous fishing destination you wouldn’t want to miss the next time you visit India. It has created an astonishing valley that can only be reached from two nearby towns, Rohru and Theog.

This secluded location is best known for its fishing spots but you can also enjoy the majestic lofty mountains, visit the nearby temple of Hatkoti or wander through its famous forests of deodar, oak, and apple orchards.

However, the place is mainly known as a fishing destination, so bring your best game to fish for trout, carp or Golden Mahseer. You will require a fishing license for trout and shouldn’t bring anything else but a rod and reel in the trout waters.

You can visit Pabbar Valley anytime between October and April, where temperatures are warm enough and you can enjoy a fulfilling fishing experience.

Bheemeshwari, Karnataka

The fishing camp in Karnataka is known as the Angler’s Paradise as you can fish for the famous mahseer almost all-year-long. The camp is located on the Kaveri river which offers a wide array of outdoor activities apart from fishing.

It is a popular destination for kayaking, zip-lining, and rappelling, so you won’t have too much time to get bored if you choose this area. The camp is also a great place for nature lovers who want to see over 200 bird species, including the grey-headed fish eagle and the pied crested cuckoo. You can even spot sambar deer, jackals, elephants, and even leopards.

Karnataka is a true family destination that offers log huts, cottages, and tents where you can camp, as well as a restaurant, and hammocks for the lazy mornings when you don’t want to wake up early to go fishing. However, bear in mind that you are not allowed to take the fish with you back home. Book your visit anywhere between June to August or September to February for the best outdoor adventure.

Elephant Lake, Munnar, Kerala

The hill station Munnar is a popular tourist destination and a great spot to try out fishing. The lake provides a wide variety of fish, including mackerels, sardines, tuna, and pomfrets.

If you want to enjoy a native fishing experience, ask one of the locals to teach you one of the many fishing techniques used in the area. You’ll be surprised by how inventive fishermen became in order to provide for their families throughout the years.

The best time to visit Elephant Lake is October to March so you can also go for an elephant safari or visit the Tea Museum.

Basic Hindi words and phrases for beginners

Do you want to learn some basic Hindi words? Are you travelling to India? Do you want to learn a few Hindi words and phrases before you go? Are you a parent and want to teach your kids some Hindi?  Are you an NRI and want to polish up on your Hindi? Whatever the case maybe then here are some basic Hindi words and phrases for beginners.

Basic Hindi for beginners – Listen to my pronunciation below

Hello – Namaste (Pranam)
You – Aap
Me – Main
Yours – Tumhara
Mine – Mera
Come – Aao
Go – Jao
Okay – Thik hain
Excuse me – Mujhe maaf kijiye
Let’s go – Chalo
Thank you – Dhanyevaad
I don’t know – Mujhe nahi malum
Who are you – Aap kaun hain
See you – Phir milenge
Very nice – Bahut accha
How’s it going – Sub thik thak
What is your name – Aap ka naam kya hai
My name is Tom – Mera naam Tom hai
How are you – Aap kaise hain
I am fine – Mai thik huin
What do you do – Aap kya karte hain
I am a student – Mai student hui
Would you like to drink tea – Kya aap chai piyenge
Have you eaten – Aapne khana khaya
Today is a nice day – Aaj din accha hai
Where are you from – Aap kaha se hain
Where will I find a taxi – Taxi kidhar milega
What is the time – Samay kya hua hai
What would you like – Aap kya lenge
What do you want – Aap ko kya chahiye
What do you do – Aap kya karte hai
What are you doing – Aap kya kaar rahe hain
I have to go – Mujhe jaana hain
We will meet again – Humlog phir milenge (or simply “phir milenge”)
I want to go to the station – Mujhe station jaana hain
How much is this – Ye kitne ka hai
Lower the price – Daam kum kijiye

Those where some basic Hindi words and phrases for beginners. If you would like me to add a few more then let me know. If there’s something in particular you would like to learn then please feel free to comment.

You might also like:

Hindi food and phrases
Hindi numbers 1 to 100
Greeting Hindi words and phrases
Hindi help words and phrases
Travel Hindi
Essential Hindi for foreign travellers
Hindi numbers 1 to 1oo for kids

Essential Hindi words and phrases for travelers to India

Travesites.com – Why They Should Be Your Go-To Travel Website

Travesites.com – Why They Should Be Your Go-To Travel Website

Planning a vacation can be stressful. While you want to vacation to take a break from your normal routine and relax, the planning process tends to be overwhelming. You’ll have to figure out which hotel you’ll stay in, and your decision may be based on hotel location, cost and amenities. You’ll also have to determine whether you’ll rent a car for your trip or book a flight, depending on your vacation destination. Of course, a flight will get you there faster, but the cost may outweigh the convenience. A rental car may be an ideal choice if you want to save money and you’re traveling with a large group. However, you’ll have to make sure the vehicle is comfortable enough for everyone and rental prices are affordable.

That’s where Travelsites.com comes in. Our site is one of the best when it comes to meeting your travel needs. Our concept is simple. You visit one website to get several resources for your trip. Whether you need to rent a car, find a great place to stay or find the cheapest airline tickets, you’ll get all the help you need without having to spend hours searching online. When you book your vacation through Travelsites.com, you’ll never be charged and you won’t be bothered with online ads.

A Customized Approach to Planning Your Vacation

In the past, you may have encountered several corporate websites that are only looking to make money. This means you may not get the best customer service when you’re trying to book your hotel room or confirm your flight. On Travelsites.com, each list for rental cars, airlines and hotels is compiled with you in mind so you can save money and get quality service that will make your vacation one to remember.

All the websites features on Travelsites.com are filtered, which helps you save time when you’re trying to confirm all your travel details. If you search for the resources you need using search engines like Yahoo or Google, algorithms will select websites for you based on your previous searches. Travelsites.com was created with care and research and not simply compiling a list of top search results. All of the websites featured on Travelsites.com are secure and high-quality, so you can avoid fake sites and malware. Our security features also ensure that you won’t encounter counterfeit websites that can take your information and compromise your privacy.

Approach to Business

As companies grow, the organization may start to put less effort into customer service, since the focus will likely be more on money than anything else. At Travelsites.com, the websites features are reassessed often to ensure authenticity and to ensure all lists are up to date. This means you’ll only see the best sites to meet your travel needs.

Using the Website

You can choose from a number of hotel booking sites on Travelsites.com. When you click on the name of the site, you’ll find information on the website itself and a list of hotels. You’ll see detailed pictures of the hotels, as well as prices and additional features so you can make the best choice for you and/or your family.

Travelsites.com also offers an extensive list of rental car sites. When you click on the rental car company link, you’ll be directed to car rental prices and pictures of vehicles along with a description of features. You’ll get all the details you need about rental cars before you book.

If you want to book a last-minute vacation, Travelsites.com has you covered. Usually, booking flights or hotel rooms a week or two before you want to vacation means you’ll have to pay more. However, there are several websites dedicated to last-minute travel, so you won’t spend too much when you’re booking your trip. There are even websites created for cheap flights, and you can book your flight at the last minute on many of these websites as well. Cheap flight websites allow you to compare prices side by side, so you can reserve your flight with the airline that will offer you the best deal.

Even if you want to purchase a total vacation package that includes hotel reservations, rental cars and flights or want to book a cruise, Travelsites.com has you covered with great deals and perks you’ll want to take advantage of.

To make vacation planning even easier, Travelsites.com also offers a keyword search feature. This means you can type in the keywords that are most important to you and can find a specialized list of the flights, rental cars and hotels that are best for your desired destination, even if you’re traveling at the last minute.

The Travelsites.com Blog

Once you find the airline, rental car service or hotel that works best for you, you can check out our blog to get great ideas for future vacations. For instance, if you want to travel during the holidays but want to get away from the cold, we can offer you several tropical destinations that you can visit to have Christmas on the beach. Destinations like the Maldives are ideal if you want to spend Christmas in warm weather. The Maldives has several beaches to choose from and you can visit sites like the National Museum or the Grand Friday Mosque. Or, you may want a more traditional holiday vacation to a destination where you can stay in a log cabin, take in the beauty of snow-capped mountains and participate in winter activities like skiing and sledding. There are several locations all around the world where Christmas is celebrated extravagantly, such as Prague, where you’ll see elaborate holiday lights and even get the chance to participate the country’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, which takes place in the beginning of December. You can also make a trip to the Christmas market, where you can find souvenirs to remember your trip. Or, you may want to take a domestic vacation to New York, a city that celebrates the holidays in style and offers several holiday shows and great places to shop.

It’s also important to note that the holidays can be an expensive time to travel, which is why several people opt to stay home during this time of year. However, Christmas and New Years can be an ideal time to get away for a while, since many people usually have time off from work or school. Travelsites.com has all the information you need to book an affordable vacation to several destinations of your choice.

Travelsites.com also offers valuable advice if you want to stick to a specific theme for your vacation. For instance, if your goal is to try as many international foods as possible, there are helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind so you can stick to your budget and make the most of your food tour. While most people vacation to have some down time, vacationing with specific goals in mind are looking for a sense of adventure. This means you may want to choose hotels that are near several attractions or hire a tour guide when you arrive at your destination.

While Travelsites.com offers hotel suggestions that include everything from budget-friendly hotels to five-star resorts, you may want to choose a hotel or lodging option that is in the heart of the community. This will often put you in close proximity to the restaurants that locals frequent instead of fancy dining establishments that may not include many authentic dishes. When you learn about the hotels you’re interested in, you can also get details about the surrounding attractions. This could allow you to visit the local markets in the city or make it easier for you to find a cooking class in the area that will teach you how to prepare new foods once you return home.

In addition to learning about possible vacation destinations, you’ll also learn helpful travel tips from Travelsites.com. For instance, if you’re thinking about getting a vacation package, you’ll need all the facts so you can decide whether it’s worth it. It may seem immediately tempting to purchase a package, since it will include hotel booking, plane tickets and car rental. You can also include amenities and special services once you arrive at the hotel. A vacation package may also include special activities to take advantage of once you arrive at your vacation destination. Your entire trip will be organized, and all you’ll have to do is relax and take in the fascination of the area on your own terms.

Listening to Your Feedback

Travelsites.com always wants to hear what you have to say. Whether you have a suggestion to make the website easier to use or have a question, we want to know what you have to say. If you’re a travel agency or company and want to be added to Travelsites.com, get in touch with us and let us know what you have to offer. We’re always here to help and want to improve your vacation experience in any way we can.

Tips for Travelling to Taiwan

When planning the best vacation, you ought to choose a destination that’s more open to tourism. It will enable you to meet the friendly locals and have the best time ever. Visiting Taiwan is the best tourist destination point you can ever come across. Are you yet to travel to Taiwan? Forget about the fears and set no limitation to yourself. You will end up having more fun than you could imagine. Below are some essential tips for traveling to Taiwan.

• Eat like the locals

One of the greatest joys of going to Taiwan is the fantastic delicacies. The food is clean as well as safe for consumption anywhere within Taiwan. The local restaurants are very welcoming but have different systems of operation. You ought to sit and relax as you watch what the locals are doing. Are they ordering, paying, then eating? Or ordering, sitting the eating? To avoid the weird stares, you ought to do the locals do.

• Drink like the locals

When you are traveling to Taiwan, you need to know ways to order iced tea. It’s a grave mistake to visit the country and come out without tasting the iced tea. The shops are nearly in every corner. You need to know how much ice as well as sugar you need in your tea.

You will also notice that beer gets sold almost everywhere in Taiwan. It’s legal to have a drink almost anywhere. Thus, you can quench your thirst with a little taste of the locally brewed beer.

• Observe the MRT etiquette

The pride of Taiwan is the Taipei MRT. Its super-fast, clean, safe as well as an efficient metro system. It’s become considered among the best across the globe. One mind-blowing fact is that nearly everybody observes the MRT etiquette. Thus, you need to blend in. The standard rules are easy as they get announced get posted almost everywhere. You need to adhere to the standard practices and be a polite tourist.

• Know the cultural taboos

One way to display a good gesture while in Taiwan, you ought to know the cultural restrictions. It often gets highlighted in the travel guidebook. Thus you can afford to miss going through them. You can book a flight to head to Taiwan and have the best time ever. You can see the image of the flight offers, thus choose the most affordable.

You also need to note that the Taiwanese are very superstitious. Nonetheless, they are quite forgiving to outsiders.

However, you need to be familiar with common taboos. They include. You should stick the chopsticks upright in a rice bowl. Don’t give watches, clocks, white flowers as a gift. They are related to death or passing in most mandarin words. Never open a present as soon as you get them. Receive as well as hand out business cards with both hands. Never sign your name in red. Those are among the taboos to observe.

Taiwan is a lovely tourist attraction destination worth paying a visit. Once you adhere to the above tips, you are sure to have the best time ever. Don’t forget to look at the image on the flights headed to Taiwan. Get an affordable rate and know when to travel.

Indians in Singapore

Indians in Singapore have come to form a large part of the population compared to the number of original Singaporeans. Interestingly, the large population of Indian expatriates and those born in Singapore has greatly impacted positively to the overall growth of the Singaporean economy; and most importantly the population. The original influx of Indians to Singapore was largely triggered by civil unrest in Indian itself. This forced a number of people to flee their homes for the safety of nearby Singapore. Some of the major reasons for the influx of the Indian population in Singapore include:

Skilled Workers

India has a large economy and well-developed industries that produce well-trained experts and skilled workers. Therefore, due to high unemployment rates and a huge population, Indians have come to Singapore to look for work and escape poverty. Singapore, on the other hand, is a developing country with a less skilled populace that has to import expertise from outside their borders to stimulate the economy. This explains the huge population of Indians in Singapore

Population

Indians in Singapore form part of the majority of the population which is not entirely Singaporean. It is a mixture of different groups including Mulay and Banglar. Singapore has no strong ancestral ties and thus the influx of other nationalities has formed a huge multi-national population. More Indians have established homes and permanent residences in Singapore due to its close proximity and unrestricted free entry into Singapore.

Multinationals and Foreign Recruiters

India has many large industries and multinational companies that have established subsidiaries in Singapore. These multinationals recruit workers (mostly Indians) from home before deploying them to Singapore. This has also largely contributed to the influx of Indian workers and expatriates (One Visa), in the various industries and companies within Singapore. Indians form a big percentage of workers, both skilled and non-skilled, in the factories and manufacturing plants.

            Visa Restriction

Being a neighboring country to Singapore, Indians have been accorded less restricted visa entry requirements. Sudden surges of immigrants into Singapore have been witnessed over the years for various reasons. However, the non-restricted visa entry requirements have greatly encouraged a rise in migration of Indians into Singapore for work-related engagements. Apart from Visa entry points within Singapore, porous borders have also enabled more Indians to come to Singapore.

Negative publicity

Despite the hard work and various engagement by the Indian population in Singapore, Singapore nationals have raised concerns about the influx of Indians into the country. Indians have been accused of taking up jobs meant for Singaporeans. In almost all sectors, you will not be able to miss Indians, and more so in businesses. Indians send huge sums of money home for development and family support. This has caused tension and animosity between the nationals and foreign Indians.

 Conclusion

Indians form a large part of the overall Singapore population and it will be impossible to kill their interests or even stop them from expanding.  The best idea is to embrace them and co-exist with them.

3 Days Bali Travel Guide for Indian Travellers

If you are in a mood to explore someplace that has stunning beaches, magical temples and is rich in natural beauty, then Bali should be on the top of your list. This small Indonesian island is magical with its forested volcanic mountains. Known for yoga and meditation retreats and lively bars, Bali is the perfect place to celebrate life. Indians have a love for beaches and incomparable craze for a tropical destination like Bali.

Do Indians need a visa to travel to Bali?

If you are travelling for a duration less than 30 days, then visa is exempted. Valid for 30 days, this is valid for Single-Entry and cannot be extended.

There is a visa on arrival for Indians who wish to travel to Bali for a period of 30-60 days.

Why Travel Insurance is important for Bali Trip?

Travel Insurance for Bali is not necessary but it will be wise to carry one on your international trip. In absence of an International travel insurance policy, you will need to spend a lot of money for all kinds of eventualities like medical emergency, loss of cash, passport or baggage. The insurer makes sure that your trip goes smoothly despite the odds. 

Popular Places to Visit in Bali

To enliven the senses of your body, Bali is a perfect destination for you. Visit some of these places to make it an accomplished three days’ holiday for you. Here’s a 3-day literary for a trip to Bali from India.

Day 1 – Mount Batur and Uluwatu Temple

It is a sacred active volcano that lies in the Kintamani district in Bali’s Central Highland. You can visit the mountain top to view the sunrise amidst the mist in the mountains. An hour drive from Ubud but a 1700 meters trek up to the summit for nature lovers. Hiking takes nearly 2-3 hours for travellers to reach. On the way, you can visit Lake Batur also. This is the only water source for irrigation on the island.

Next, make a move to Uluwatu Temple“Ulu” means tip and “Watu” refers to rock. Uluwatu is one of the main attractions in Bali. The best time to visit here is the sunset. It has a mythological relevance that says that the temple protects Bali from evil sea spirits. It is 25 km from Kuta.

Day 2 – Ubud Monkey Forest and Agung Rai Museum

Another solemnized destination in Bali is Ubud Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It is a 10-minute walk south of the town centre in Ubud. After you complete your trip to sanctuary, you should visit the Agung Rai Museum that spans traditional to the latest works.

Day 3 – Waterbom Bali and Seminyak Shopping

Action-packed water park in the heart of Kuta will be your major entertainment spot especially if you are there with kids. Once you are tired of water fun, push off for shopping. Bali is known for its astounding shopping in the streets of Seminyak. You will get the flashy designer dresses from Biasa, Bamboo and Blonde, and Magali Pascal.

Top things/activities to do in Bali

Bali is a place with some religious relevance also. After you are accomplished to visit tourist spots, you can try some of these activities.

• Try surfing in Bali.
• Hot Air Balloon ride in Ubud.
• Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
• Relax on any of the beaches.
• Take a trip to Nuda Penida.
• Rent a scooter and explore Bali as much as possible.

Things to carry when travelling to Bali

Before you leave for Bali, Indonesia you must pack these essentials to have unstoppable fun.

1. Passport Copy
2. Tickets and reservation copies for all hotels.
3. Travel Insurance for Bali from India – both soft and hard copy
4. Camera and extra batteries.
5. Chargers and cables for all the gadgets.
6. Cash and cards.
7. A map if you want to explore the place yourself.
8. A torch.
9. Daily essentials like soap, shampoo, etc.
10. Medicines which you take daily.