Travel firms are wooing sky watchers on eve of the 21st century’s longest solar eclipse. It takes place on July 22. You can opt to watch it with your friends and family from a Boeing above the clouds in Gaya. You may grasp more about the natural phenomenon from experts on the Benares ghats or may even fly to China, attend a workshop and get down to business in Anqing.

Cox & Kings has on offer a special tour package to watch the spectacular event from up close. You can take up a window seat based on your budget on a Boeing 737-700 to watch the solar eclipse. The package costs between Rs 29,000 and Rs 79,000. Cox & Kings has tried this idea for the first time.

The eclipse journey will last for about three hours. The flight will take off from Delhi and hold over Gaya during the eclipse period. The aircraft at a height of 41,000 feet will be intercepting the middle of the eclipse shadow for an unforgettable experience you can gift your family. Those taking the right side seats will get to watch the ‘sun side’, whereas those on the left can witness the shadow on the earth.

Vibgyor Travels is offering a package to inbound tourists for an eclipse holiday to the holy city of Benares. A 9 nights-10 days package comprises eclipse observation with help of experts from the river Ganges. Guides will assist visitors to understand the eclipse better.

If one wishes to enjoy a glimpse from abroad, Space Technology & Education is hosting an ‘eclipse trip’ to the Chinese city of Anqing. According to Amit Verma, several photographic experiments have been outlined on this trip to the eclipse site.

The China tour includes a ride on the Maglev train at a speed of 431 kmph. It comprises visits to Beijing, Shanghai and, of course, the Great Wall. A multimedia enabled workshop will be held for tourists.

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The best gifts can be termed as those that are personal in nature! I will elaborate on this particular point. Say, for instance, you know someone who’s always on the move, literally plane-hopping!

What would give that person as a gift? It has to be something that sure can come handy on their journey. Any such accessory or gadget will make a perfect present this travel season.

In the following paragraphs, we suggest some truly tourist-friendly gift options useful for the frequent flyer:

Audiobooks: One of the preferred pastimes while flying is casual reading. However, bulky books will only add to the baggage so are usually a no-no! On the other hand, compact audiobooks can be loaded into one’s mp3 player easily. And all one needs to do is to listen and to enjoy!

Noise-canceling headphones: This is sure among the most ubiquitous albeit most coveted accessories to one who loves music as well as traveling.

Compressor bag: Compressing and then air-tighting clothes will help save space and also guard clothes against undue moisture.

Inflatable travel pillow: You never know how, when, where one might get stranded during a journey. An inflatable travel pillow is a great gift.

E-book reader: If you have an office friend or a colleague who really relishes reading, think of getting an e-book reader; one that has electronic paper screens. The user can load as many e-books he or she wants to put into a device, smaller than a paperback.

Leather ticket case: This will help organize travel tickets, boarding passes and passport documents and keep them safely. With all the hassle and hurry involved, one may well misplace these crucial documents. Retaining them together with this case is a great idea.

Sleeping aids (foam ear plugs and blackout sleep mask) and something like a handheld tripod will also be welcomed.

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Travel Port is a reputed firm offering the whole gamut of travel services. Apart from offering a pack of conventional and catchy user-friendly services like air tickets, hotel reservations and holiday packages, TravelPort’s portfolio also comprises various other innovative concepts to attract tourists.

These include incentive travel & corporate loyalty management programs. You may approach the renowned travel firm for a relaxed sojourn this holiday season. You can be guaranteed of a fantastic experience, which would serve as a much-coveted and memorable gift for your family and key corporate contacts on your part.

Travel Port is a perfect avenue for planning personal as well as professional journeys. They are associated with the best travel firms all across the globe. Their efficient team is backed by a solid network. They strive to bring the best ever holiday experience for you and those special to you.

This exactly is the reason why the firm has established itself as a premier Travel and Tour organizer. Travel Port boasts of a nation-wide presence owing to numerous franchise outlets that span across all major cities of India and outside.

Here, we are recommending their serene Uttaranchal and Himachal package with its details:

1. Best of Himachal - 10 Days | 9 Nights
Shimla (2 Nights) | Manali (3  Nights) | Dharmshala (1 Night) | Dalhousie (2  Nights) | Parwanoo (1 Night)

2. Beautiful Himachal - 9 Days | 8 Nights
Shimla (2  Nights) | Manali (3 Nights) | Dharmshala (1Nt) | Dalhousie (2 Nights)

3. Beautiful Uttaranchal - 8 Days | 7 Nights
Mussoorie (2 Nights) | Nainital (3 Nights) | Corbett Park (2 Nights)

4. Discover Himachal - 11 Days | 10 Nights
Chandigarh (1 Nt) | Shimla (2  Nights) | Manali (3  Nights) Dharmshala (1 Night) | Dalhousie (2  Nights) | Amritsar (1 Nt)

5. Enchanting Uttaranchal - 9 Days | 8 Nights
Nainital (3  Nights) | Almora (1 Nt) | Kausani (1 Nt) | Ranikhet (1 Night) | Corbett Park (2  Nights)

6. Blissful Himachal - 7 Days | 6 Nights
Shimla (2 Nights) | Manali (3 Nights) | Chandigarh (1 Night)

Contact:
TravelPort Holidays India Pvt. Ltd.
311, Shalimar Morya Park
Off New Link Rd, Andheri (W)-400053, Mumbai
Tel: 91-22-26742222, 26735511/22/33/44/77/88
Fax: 91-22-26734499
Toll free: 1600 22 24 26
Email: travelport@traveldeelz.com

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In the previous blog, we checked a few possibilties of shopping for tourists in Mumbai. Moving away from Mumbai, Maharashtra has many tourists spots each famous for its special offerings to tourists and shoppers. Aurangbad is a region rich in the art & culture. It has a legacy of fantastic handicrafts. The legendary beauty of pretty Paithani silk saris, the intricate silver inlay craft of Bidri, and the deftly woven silk Himru, Mushru shawls cast their spell on visitors.

Nashik: Since a large number of visitors come here to see the famous religious sites, there are several shops that are geared to meet their demands. You can get some lovely little brass statues and beautiful beaded necklaces. Nashik is well known for its jewelry. The holy city will provide some good memorabilia for the religiously inclined.

Kolhapur: The destination is famous for its textiles, in particular Kolhapuri saris. It is, of course, most famous for its jewelry and leather sandals (popularly known as Kolhapuri chappals). They are an exquisite piece of craftsmanship. The jewelry here is dazzling. It is beautifully crafted and comes with delicate embossing. Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are good areas to shop. You can get a good variety of Kolhapuri chappals on Bhausinji Road. 

Pune: A visit to Pune will be incomplete if you do not go to Laxmi Road, the heart of Pune, as attested by the crowds and the constant hustle and bustle here. The countless narrow streets that crisscross it offer a wonderful shopping opportunity. It is literally lined with a variety of shops on both sides. Mahatma Gandhi Road (or M G Road) is also perfect for leisurely shopping. An evening is well spent here! 

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Uttar Pradesh is a fascinating state with a rich history. The largest state of India, it has had a great tradition and culture. It was a dwelling of spirituality, and great mythological epics like the Ramayana revolved around UP.

Lord Buddha gave his first sermon at Saranath. The city became known as a prominent centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction. As the official tourism website mentions: “The city reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah, a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh.

Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich historic past.” UP retained its intellectual leadership even under the British administration that united Agra and Oudh into a province. The United Province became Uttar Pradesh post-independence. With such a rich history and tradition, it is no surprise that UP has a great choice in terms of exquisite cultural souvenirs as well as art and craft varieties.

The first thing, which comes to mind when mention is made of Lucknow, is the famous Chikan work of the city. Chikan is a famous delicate threadwork done by the skilled craftsmen. It is combined with Zardosi (embroidery with silver and gold threads) and crystal work on clothes. They are great gifts.

Lucknow is known for its elaborate, mouth-watering cuisine and ‘Chikankaari’ (exquisite shadow-work embroidery done on fine muslin cloth).  The city is a tourists’ attraction for its historical monuments and its jewelry. The pieces with unique work of metal ornamentation look splendid.

The city is famous for its big danglers and Jhumkas. Some of the major shopping places here are Kapoorthala, Hazratganj and Aminabad. For exquisite jewellery, visit Gadbadjhala.

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The desert state of Rajasthan is a diverse kaleidoscope of beautiful art-de-facts. The fascinating range is simply breathtaking and sophisticated. The state has on offer something for each and every tourist who gets amazed by its rich culture-scape, presenting a varied range of arts and crafts. It is a treat for one’s visual senses. The bazaars are full of lovely craft varieties. These products spread a magnificent glow of colors all over.

Wonderfully intricate work finely carved on handicrafts or the gorgeous gems and stones - the state of Rajasthan has it all and even more. The splash of colors on the tantalizing textiles and fabrics with gold or silver thread settings, complimented with variety of silk-threads, beads, zari, zardosi, etc. are designed by the traditional families of skilled artisans.

Leatherwear: Skilled cobblers make use of the hides of dead animals for  jooties’  (footwear), ‘mojadis’, musical instruments, etc. These reflect the unique style of every district where they are made. The leather is beaten, tanned and dyed, and then punched and gouged for creating a variety of patterns. They are enhanced and embroidered. These can be widely found in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer.

Blue pottery: Among the prominent designs are conventional floral or arabesque, lovely handmade patterns and the elegant animal figure patterns. Flower pots, lamp shades, ashtray, tiles, jars are examples of the art of pottery.

Metal craft: Some of the finest metal work in the state uses enameled silver used for everything from figurines to pillboxes. Brass enamel is less expensive and hence more widely used in making dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, camels, swords and shields.

Hand crafted jewelry: Rajasthan is famous for its hand crafted jewelry.

Wooden Artifacts: Wood – sometimes plain, often painted - is used in everything from artifacts to furniture in their antique to its contemporary variants that include camel-hide stools, chairs with painted backs, marble-top tables and carved cabinets. There are a range of artifacts like horses, elephants and parrots, boxes; chests, snuff boxes, dancing figurines, dwarpals (guardians of the doors) and other magnificent memorabilia that are beautifully painted.

To Beautify your home with icons of Rajasthan, here are more ideas…

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We list the art and craft varieties of Kerala, which will make a perfect gift if you are willing to acquire them for your friends, relatives and office colleagues: 

Treasure Chest (Netturpetti): It is the ethnic jewel box of the women in Kerala, and was once a majestic mark of the influential families of the land. The casket (petti) originally designed in Malabar’s Nettur region is testimony to the skill and patience of the artisans.

The box made of rosewood is handcrafted. Every joint, screw and lock is shaped and chiseled by hand. The wooden box is varnished and later fixed with brass frames. This richly embellished box (with its conical lid) is today a collector’s item. The casket is fast turning a rare object.

Murals: Kerala is among India’s leading states including Rajasthan that boast a large collection of murals based on ancient Indian mythological themes. The Kerala murals have the stamp of unique aesthetic composition and techniques. Most of these murals were painted in the period between 15th and 19th centuries.

You could buy one at Rs. 2000 per sq ft onward depending on the complexity of the picture and its size. (Stop by at the Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, Parambarya Thachu Sastra Chuvarchithra Samrakshana Kendram, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, Kerala.)

Payyannur Pavithra Mothiram: It is a uniquely crafted golden ring. Shaped like a knot, it is considered a sacred ornament.

Check for more shopping options in Kerala…

You can visit any handicrafts emporium and pick up the article of your choice. Fore more details, contact:
Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala
Park View, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India - 695 033
Phone: +91-471-2321132 Fax: +91-471-2322279
Tourist Information toll free No:1-800-425-4747
Email: info@keralatourism.org , deptour@keralatourism.org

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The holiday season is in full swing. Shopping for friends and relatives is an inseparable and the most enjoyable element of holidaying. We suggest you some exclusive and ethnic gift ideas. We start with Kerala. Here is what you can get as a gift from the state:

Kathakali masks: The Kathakali masks, an icon of Kerala’s culture-scape, are available as little, pretty souvenirs and showpieces. The painted face as well as long black hair of the costume, complete with the elaborate headgear, these curios are usually made in plaster of Paris, papier mache or clay. The masks are available at the government owned emporiums across Kerala and also at handicrafts showrooms near most famous temples and tourist destinations in the state.

Sandalwood sculptures: They are a tad expensive, but they bear the mark of the fragrance of a rich land and its and memories. The sandalwood sculptures are among the most popular souvenirs like the icons of Ganapathy, the elephant headed god; the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (Mahesh), little snake boats and elephants.

Vaikkol chritrangal (straw picture): The beautiful backwaters and the evening sky, huts and hamlets, hills and valleys, boat race, village fairs, festivals… all these spellbinding sights of Kerala are superbly captured and brought to life in straw art. This craft of pasting straw cut to different sizes on canvas or cloth to create fabulous images is termed vaikkol chritrangal (straw picture).

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World Famous Tours is the most visible flagship brand of SOTC, known for having pioneered the concept of escorted tours to India’s cosmopolitan travelers. SOTC World Famous Tours has escorted more than 3 million tourists across the globe, for over five decades to various famous destinations including Europe, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Mauritius, South Asia, the Far East and Africa.

SOTC ably leverages its advantage of the immense buying power and travel services for the benefit of customers to offer them value-for-money packages. They endeavor to fulfill the dream holiday, ensuring that you and your family travel safe and secure with the best of Indian families. They understand how much stressed out people long for a holiday, but are often held back owing to the high prices. Their Cost Saver tours are a perfect panacea, developed keeping in mind the budget of the tourists without any compromise on sightseeing experience and all necessary holiday needs.

Some of their packages that will interest you are Egyptian Wonders with a visit to Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo Edfu, Luxor,Hurghada; Mysterious China (Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Suzhou, and Shanghai); CapeTown, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Scenic South Africa comprising Sun City, Johannesburg; Royal Russia with Scandinavia inclusive of Moscow,St. Petersburg,Helsinki, Stockholm,Oslo. You can check more about various exciting, exotic SOTC World Famous Tours (http://www.sotc.co.in/) here!

It’s a perfect respite for work-weary executives!

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