What’s New in India?
Hosted Food Walks Highlight History and Culture in Delhi
Curated food walks in Delhi, guided by a renowned Indian chef, bring the connections between food, culture and business in the area alive. Explore Old Delhi, visiting food establishments that have been around for decades, and for as long as 120 years. Get an insider’s view as your host leads you through the by-lanes, busy markets and historic landmarks of Chandni Chowk. Or discover the more modern side of Delhi at Connaught Place, the centre of New Delhi, full of iconic restaurants, bars, offices and food shops. Here, you will taste the flavors of Delhi classics such as pakora, samosa, bhatura, and kulcha as well as Indianized versions of western food items such as milkshakes, pastries and more. Learn how historic events and varied cultures have influenced cooking techniques and ingredients in the city.
Marvel at the Beauty of the Taj Mahal from Taj Khema in Agra
Taj Khema is a charming venue approximately 325 yards from Taj Mahal, located on a lush green mound which offers uninterrupted views of the monument of love – the perfect spot to bask in the magnificence of the Taj. It serves as the most scenic vantage point to marvel at the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Being in a protected zone, the area is virtually pollution free. Enjoy an outdoor lunch or breakfast at this lovely spot.
Dine in Luxury at the Private Palace of the Royal Family of Jaipur
The iconic City Palace of Jaipur, the current home of Jaipur’s royal family, was built in the 18th century by the Kachhawaha ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh. Today, it is one of the most popular spots in the city, known for its beautiful architecture and exquisite inlay work. The evening offers the chance to experience the City Palace in a different light, with a private dinner and cultural show in the complex. You will be welcomed with a royal Kachchhawas procession, and enjoy a special menu, prepared with a choice of a traditional Rajasthani “Thal” (platter) or a continental four course menu, accompanied with live instrumental music and folk dance.
Stunning Views and Gala Dinner at Jag Mandir, Udaipur
“The Jagmandir Island” situated on the romantic Lake Pichola in Udaipur, was built in the early 1600s and is said to have inspired Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to build the monument of love, Taj Mahal. Today, the island has become a popular venue for grand events such as weddings and royal parties. Cruise across the lake to Jagmandir, on a boat decorated with lights for the occasion. As the sun falls, the island looks like a floating jewel on the lake. Here, you will be treated to a gala dinner, with stunning views of the lake and the Aravalli hills in the distance. The island will transport you to another time, recapturing the essence of royal leisure palaces.
Did You Know?
India Will Soon Lower Visa Fee
India is set to offer flexible prices on e-visas with 30-day e-tourist visa at US$10 during low travel season (April to June) and US$25 during high season (July to March). A new five-year e-tourist visa will be introduced with a US$ 80 fee and a one-year e-tourist visa with US$40 fee.
Tiger Count in India up 33%
India’s tiger count now stands at 2,967, a 33% jump from 2,226 in 2014, according to the latest tiger census “Status of Tigers in India – 2018”. Central India and Eastern Ghats have the highest number of tigers at 1,033 with Madhya Pradesh leading among the states with 526 big cats.
Luxury Camps Set to Celebrate Guru Nanak’s 550th Birthday
November2019 marks the 550th birthday of the founder of Sikhism, Shri Guru Nanak Dev. This historic day will see thousands of devotees coming to the town of Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab, an important center of Sikh history. Travelers can now take part in the festivities at the luxurious Ek Onkar Serai camp which offers a comfortable stay along with a variety of experiences to enhance the celebrations.
Taj Mahal Tourist Visits Limited to Three Hours
India’s eternal monument of love, Taj Mahal, now has a strict three-hour time restriction for visitors. The move has been made for effective crowd management at the world-famous sight, which receives an average of 22,000 tourists (and up to 70,000 in peak season) every day. If a visitor exceeds the three-hour time limit, they will need to pay an extra charge, equivalent to the ticket amount, at the exit gate.