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Passengers miffed as Rajdhani, Intercity, Ernad delayed to allow Vande Bharat run on time

Passengers allege that the Indian Railways is intentionally delaying other popular trains in Kerala to ensure the punctuality of the Vande Bharat Express. They claim that trains like Intercity, Palaruvi, Rajdhani, and Ernad are experiencing delays of up to 45 minutes to make way for the Vande Bharat trains. Frustrated passengers staged protests in Thiruvananthapuram when the Venad Express, which previously departed at 5.05 am, was rescheduled to 5.25 am to accommodate the Vande Bharat Express. These sudden changes in schedules have caused significant inconvenience for daily commuters. The Kayamkulam Express, scheduled for 6.05 pm departure from Ernakulam, is often delayed by up to 40 minutes these days. Janashatabdi, Nagercoil-Kottayam passenger, Ernad, and Intercity are among the other affected trains. While the Railways claim that these delays are due to maintenance work, many passengers are urging authorities to take proper measures to address these delays. The President of the All Kerala Railway Passengers Association, K J Paul Manvettom, suggests that if the authorities can ensure that the Venad Express reaches Ernakulam by 9.30-9.40 am, it could serve as an amicable solution.

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Uttarakhand: Jim Corbett opens for winter tourism

Good news for all wildlife enthusiasts. The winter tourism season at Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) has recently kicked off, and saw a surge of wildlife enthusiasts flocking to the reserve. Diganth Nayak, Deputy Director of CTR added that on Sunday, they witnessed the arrival of nearly 400 visitors, signifying the start of the winter tourism season at the reserve. Currently, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjia zones are open to tourists. CTR officials announced that the other four zones — Sonanadi, Pakhro, Dhikala, and Durga Devi — will open for day safaris next month. Reports add that you will be able to stay at the reserve's forest rest houses (FRHs) from November 15, the booking of which has already begun. Officials also noted that visitors can anticipate an enhanced experience this season, which will be complemented with an upgraded reservation system and new amenities. Nayak further added that they have introduced scanners at the entrance to prevent any fraudulent activities or the forgery of entry passes. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during his visit to the reserve on October 13, discussed the establishment of a special tiger protection force (STPF) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on the lines of Karnataka and instructed the chief wildlife warden of the state to expedite the formation of this force. A flag-off ceremony was conducted at the Bijrani gate on Sunday at 6 AM, with Pandey flagging off the gypsies. Zones like Bijrani, Dhikala, and Garjiya were closed during the rainy season due to the damage that monsoon causes to jungle roads. These roads needed repairs before the new season, as explained by forest officials. Gypsies were dispatched in two phases, one in the morning, while the other in afternoon. Tourists not only relished their day visits, but loved every bit of it. Pandey mentioned that the Dhikala zone would reopen on November 15 and that they have launched a new website for CTR bookings. With this, booking day safaris and night stays in CTR will become more convenient and hassle free. Tour operators, guides, gypsy drivers, along with other businesses associated with CTR, welcomed this move of reopening the reserve, as they depend heavily on CTR tourism. As per the reserve officials, there are 360 registered gypsies under the reserve administration, sent for safaris upon advance booking by tourists. Corbett Tiger Reserve covers an expansive 1,288 sq km and stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. The gates of Corbett traditionally open on November 15 each year and remain accessible for six months until mid-June. Corbett annually draws around 300,000 tourists. Corbett Park is typically closed every year from June 15 due to the monsoon season. As forest roads get washed away during the rainy season, and pose risks to human life, the reserve usually remains closed till October 15.

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Travel planning: Eight tips for affordable holiday during this festive season

Navratri marks the beginning of the festive season in India. The festive season has already kicked in, it's the ideal moment to start organising your holiday travels. Everyone awaits this time of the year. The time of festivity provides a wonderful chance to escape the daily stress and tensions, allowing you to reconnect with your dear ones. Along with travel plans, comes budgeting and careful planning So, the big question here is: How to make the most of your holiday without overspending? Here are eight tips to plan your budget-friendly trip. 1)Make your plans well in advance You may make the most of your holiday without going over budget if you choose wisely and strategically during festival time. “Start by booking your trip well in advance to secure early-bird discounts, and be flexible with your travel dates for better deals," “Significant savings are frequently achieved by making reservations for travel and lodging well in advance," said Saumitra Singh, Managing Director at The Tigress Resort and Spa, Ranthambore. 2) Be flexible in dates Be adaptable when choosing your trip dates because there might be a significant variation in ticket costs when you travel one or two days earlier or later. “Departing early in the morning or midweek are examples of off-peak times when prices can be reduced," said Saumitra Singh. 3) Always compare prices Rikant Pittie suggested comparing prices from different sources and considering using loyalty points and miles to reduce costs. “Packing light can help you avoid baggage fees, and exploring alternative airports might lead to cheaper flights," added Rikant. 4) Check out the best deals Experts suggest that people should always keep an eye out for sales and promotions for exclusive offers, reductions, and bundles from airlines and travel companies. 5) Cheaper lodging options Saumitra Singh suggested taking into account cheaper lodging options like hostels or vacation rentals, which are sometimes more affordable than hotels. 6) Go local One should opt for local dining options to save on food expenses." Choose neighborhood restaurants and shops to sample real flavors without paying tourist prices," advised Saumitra Singh. 7) Travel during off-peak times. Additionally, consider traveling during off-peak times to avoid the holiday rush and inflated prices. 8) Extra savings Lastly, don't forget to use cashback and rewards credit cards for extra savings, said Rikant Pittie.

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This is PM Modi's favourite place in Uttarakhand's Kumaon

PM Modi, during his recent visit to Uttarakhand, also visited the Kumaon region of the state. Speaking about the state, he also vouched for Jageshwar Temples and Parvati Kund as some of his favorite places in the Kumaon region. He also stated “I would say you must visit Parvati Kund and Jageshwar Temples in the Kumaon region of the state. The natural beauty and divinity will leave you spellbound." If this has left you intrigued and wondering what makes these places special, read on to know all about the Jageshwar Temples and the bliss that awaits you here. Jageshwar - A journey through time Jageshwar, a picturesque hamlet located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, is famous for its cluster of 124 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples date back to as early as the 9th century, making them not only significant religious sites but also a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The temples are situated in a dense, deodar and pine forest, surrounded by the tranquil Deodar jungle, creating an aura of serenity and mystique. Devotees and pilgrims flock to Jageshwar to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva came to meditate in the dense forests of Jageshwar, leaving behind these temples as a testimony of his presence. The main temple, dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is the centerpiece of the complex, exuding an air of serenity and mysticism. Architecture of Jageshwar temples The Jageshwar temples are a prime example of the Nagara style of architecture, characterized by intricately carved stone structures and tall, spire-like shikharas. These stone marvels showcase the skills of the artisans of their time. The engravings and sculptures on the temple walls depict various deities, celestial beings, and mythological narratives, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Among the 124 temples, there are 64 smaller shrines, each housing a jyotirlinga, a representation of Lord Shiva. These jyotirlingas are considered highly sacred, and it is believed that visiting and offering prayers at the Jageshwar temples bestow spiritual blessings and purification. Nature's haven Besides its spiritual significance, Jageshwar is also a paradise for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush pine forests and pristine rivers, the serene environment is perfect for those seeking solace and rejuvenation. The backdrop of the towering Himalayan peaks adds to lure of this place. The temple complex and its setting in the dense pines is something that makes it all the more surreal. Best time to visit Jagehswar Temples The best time to visit Jageshwar is during the months of March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the natural surroundings are at their best. However, the temples are open year-round for devotees. Stay at Jageshwar Temples Accommodation options in Jageshwar include budget guesthouses and a few mid-range hotels. For a more immersive experience, you can also choose to stay in the forest guesthouses and campsites. Further, you can always head to Almora, which has plenty of hotels and stay facilities to choose from. Kasar Devi is also nearby, and is an experience in itself.

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India Aims To Attract More Tourists By Implementing Hygiene Ratings For Hotels

Hotels and homestays in India will be ranked for sanitation and hygiene in the first such exercise by the Union Tourism Ministry. The idea behind the proposal is to give tourists more comfort and choices. Consultations are on between the Ministries of Tourism, Urban Affairs, and Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation to develop a rating framework. “It’s a work in progress,” said V Vidyavathi, Union Tourism Secretary. The rating framework will cover all tourism business such as hotels and homestays. For now, the idea is to keep participation voluntary. The Tourism Ministry is already promoting sustainable tourism under its ‘Travel for LiFE’ programme. It’s latest initiative comes as it targets an increase in foreign tourists and make India a year-round destination. “Competition breeds quality. Ratings will incentivize improvement,” Vithal Kamat, founder of Orchid Hotels, remarked. India received 10.9 million foreign tourists in 2019. Between January and August, 5.7 million tourists arrived with Bangladesh, the US, the UK, Canada and Australia acting as the largest source markets. The Tourism Ministry hopes that foreign tourist arrivals will reach pre-Covid levels by next March. “Tourism recovery post-Covid 19 pandemic is encouraging. Inbound travel is picking up. Our G-20 presidency has generated a lot of interest about India. Our focus is to make India a 365 day destination and attract repeat visitors,” Vidyavathi said. Director General of Tourism, Manisha Saxena said the department is working with Indian diplomatic missions for promotions. Incredible India website is being revamped and road shows are being held for tourism awareness.

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jüSTa Hotels and Resorts to open jüSTa Lazy Haven Corbett on October 19

Homegrown hospitality brand jüSTa Hotels and Resorts will open its first resort in Corbett on October 19, 2023. The jüSTa Lazy Haven Corbett is the company’s 22nd hotel in the country and its third property in Uttarakhand after Mukteshwar and Rishikesh. It is also the company’s first wildlife resort. The boutique resort is located in Kyari, which is a small hamlet surrounded by forest from all sides, 6 km away from the state highway through a pitched village road. The Bijrani Zone of the Jim Corbett National Park is located 9.5 km away from the resort while the Sitavani Zone is 8 km away. According to Ashish Vohra, Founder and CEO, jüSTa Hotels and Resorts, “We are looking at building an itinerary-based business where we can offer an entire tourist circuit to the guests, which would allow them to cover all the major destinations in a region in a span of 7-10 days. This property in Corbett is part of our expansion plans in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, which has a huge potential for tourism. We are looking at developing a similar circuit in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh as well.” He added, “We were looking for a property in Corbett for quite some time but wanted to be away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding guests and party crowd that a large segment of the resorts in the area are attracting nowadays. Hence, this property, which is in a quiet part of the National Park, was the perfect fit for our foray into the wildlife resort category.”

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