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35 Villages Honoured with Best Rural Tourism Village Awards on World Tourism Day

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the ministry of tourism has given Best Rural Tourism Village award to 35 villages for promotion and preservation of their cultural heritage and sustainable development through tourism. 35 Rural Tourism Villages were awarded with 5, 10, and 20 awards in Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories respectively. 795 villages from 31 states and Union Territories had competed for the award. The village of Shergaon in the West Kameng district has been conferred with the prestigious title of “Best Tourism Village of India” in the silver category. This recognition underlines Shergaon’s growing popularity as a burgeoning travel destination, celebrated for its temperate climate, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Andhra Pradesh’s Lepakshi village has been awarded the Best Rural Tourism Village of India award for 2023. Karnataka’s world heritage site, Hampi, of the Vijayanagar dynasty, now has another feather in the cap. The Ministry of Tourism has awarded Karnataka’s iconic destination with Bronze as the Best Tourism Village of India-2023. The remote Cotigao panchayat in Canacona has been awarded the Best Rural Tourism Village 2023 (bronze category) in the country for promotion and preservation of cultural heritage and sustainable development through tourism. Mizoram’s Reiek village was given the Gold Award. Reiek village is among the five best villages in India to receive the Gold Award. Haryana’s Talao village of Jhajjar district was recognised as the ‘Best Tourism Village 2023’ in the Bronze category.

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New airports in Karnataka to help boost tourism

In a bid to boost its sagging tourism sector, the Karnataka government is looking to leverage new airports — those being constructed and even ones that have been proposed — to lift footfalls. With Karnataka now boasting airports in Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Hassan, the tourism department, as part of this proposal, has decided to push forward with five tourism circuits in the state. Officials in the tourism department say the government has merged two previous budget commitments to start tourism circuits. “The two budgets of this fiscal year had proposed five tourism circuits in the state, which will now be given a push. These include the south Karnataka circuit, the north Karnataka circuit, the coastal circuit, the Kalyana Karnataka circuit, and the Kittur Karnataka circuit,” said an official. The minister unveiled a government plan to protect, conserve, and develop nearly 550 monuments available for ‘adoption’. “These monuments, which include temples, churches, mosques, and other heritage sites, will be opened for tourism, creating opportunities for investment and employment generation. The innovative programme is set to launch on September 25,” an official statement said. Most of these circuits are being leveraged, keeping in mind the new airports and airstrips that are being launched in the state. For example, the under-construction Hassan airport will be used to nudge tourists towards the newly identified UNESCO heritage monuments of Belur and Halebid. “Until now, those visiting Belur and Halebid use the Mysuru airport to reach heritage sites,” said an official. “Once the Hassan airport launches, we will be able to leverage it to boost the local tourism economy. This also goes for Nandi Hills which the department is developing into a tourist destination. It can offer fliers to Bengaluru a oneday getaway trip,” he added. In the Kalyana-Karnataka region, besides the Kalaburagi airport, the proposed upgrade of the Ballari airstrip and the newly built Raichur airport will also help boost the economy. This applies to the Kodagu airstrip and Shivamogga airport, which will help the department draw up nature and adventure-based tourism activities in the vicinity. Sources say the new state tourism policy is expected to detail plans of these tourism circuits, which will help the department provide direct access to tourist sites. Kapil Mohan, additional chief secretary (tourism), said the new airports will boost existing connectivity to heritage and religious sites in the state. “We will use this air connectivity to increase tourism potential in the state, as most of the airports will help establish newer routes for international and domestic tourists who come to Karnataka,” he said.

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5 Essential Factors for Buying Travel Cover in India

Travel is an exhilarating experience that broadens our horizons, allows us to create cherished memories, and brings us closer to the world's diverse cultures. However, amidst the excitement of planning a trip, one crucial aspect that travellers often overlook is travel cover. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the significance of having travel cover in India and highlight the five key factors to remember when buying travel cover. Additionally, we will explore the CPP Domestic Holiday Cover offered through Bajaj Finance, an affordable and comprehensive option for Indian travellers. The significance of travel cover in India Here's why having travel cover in India is of utmost importance: · Medical emergencies: Unforeseen medical situations can disrupt travel plans and strain your finances. Travel Cover usually provides coverage against medical expenses, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment without worrying about exorbitant bills. · Trip cancellations and interruptions: Whether due to personal emergencies or unexpected events like flight cancellations, travel cover reimburses non-refundable expenses and provides assistance to navigate through such situations. · Luggage and personal belongings: Losing luggage or valuable belongings during a trip can be both frustrating and financially burdensome. Travel cover provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, allowing you to continue your journey with peace of mind. Five factors to remember when buying travel cover in India 1. Coverage adequacy: The first and foremost consideration when buying travel cover is the extent of coverage. Ensure that the policy covers your specific needs, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss. 2. Policy duration: Be mindful of the duration of coverage. Ensure that the policy covers your entire trip, from the day you depart to the day you return. Extending coverage is advisable if your trip exceeds the initial policy duration. 3. Exclusions and limitations: Thoroughly review the policy's exclusions and limitations. Understanding these aspects will help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises when making a claim. 4. Pre-existing medical conditions: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, disclose them during the application process. Some policies may offer coverage for these conditions, while others may not. 5. Additional benefits: Look beyond the basics and consider additional benefits offered by the policy. Carefully analyse the policy wordings to ensure that you get maximum coverage with limited premium. Pocket-friendly travel cover offered through Bajaj Finance The CPP Domestic Holiday Cover offered through Bajaj Finance is a budget-friendly subscription plan. It provides travellers with affordable and comprehensive coverage options. Here's a closer look at the benefits it offers: · Affordable pricing: At just Rs. 699*, the CPP Domestic Holiday Cover is a budget-friendly option for travellers. This cost-effective plan provides coverage up to Rs. 3 lakh, ensuring financial security during your domestic journeys. · Comprehensive coverage: Despite its affordability, the plan doesn't compromise on coverage. It includes 24x7 roadside assistance, an invaluable service for travellers facing vehicle breakdowns or road-related issues during their trip. · Emergency travel and hotel assistance: With coverage of up to Rs. 1 lakh for emergency travel and hotel assistance, you can rest assured that help is just a phone call away should you encounter unexpected hurdles during your domestic vacation. · Single call to block all cards: Losing your cards during a trip can be stressful, but with a single call to block all cards, the plan ensures you don't fall victim to fraud or unauthorized transactions, offering a sense of security during your travels. · Complimentary travel protection: Get complimentary add-on benefit of travel protection against personal accident, accidental hospitalisation, trip cancellation, home burglary, and loss of baggage for up to Rs. 3 lakh. This protection cover is available only once, for a period of a maximum of ten days of your travel, during the policy period. · Free PAN card replacement: You can avail the facility of easy and free PAN card replacement in case it is lost. The partner facilitates the entire process and contributes to advising on the documentation prospect. In conclusion, travel cover is not an option but a necessity for anyone embarking on a journey, across India. Remember these five factors when buying travel cover to ensure your travels are not only filled with adventure but also safeguarded against unexpected challenges.

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Foreign tourists can now stay overnight at Hanle, Ladakh

In a recent development, the Tourism Department of UT of Ladakh, has announced that foreign tourists can now stay overnight at Hanle village. Until recently, Hanle was off-limits to foreign tourists. Only domestic tourists were allowed to visit the high-altitude village which is also home to the Hanle Observatory. Hanle village has been notified as a Dark Sky Reserve by the Wildlife Department of the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh. Given the fact that Dark Sky tourism has seen quite a growth in recent years, opening Hanle to all tourists (domestic and international), is going to bring a lot of tourism in the region. The aforementioned development has come after the Tourism Department’s proposal for allowing night stay for foreign tourists at Hanle. This was done in order to promote the village as one of the major astro tourism destinations in India and the world. On September 14, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs gave this proposal the green signal. From now onwards, both domestic and international tourists can stay over at Hanley and experience the natural wonders and the beautiful culture of the region. Apart from the developments regarding Dark Sky Reserve, the Department of Tourism will also be opening Martsemik and Sko Valley in Ladakh for tourism, especially for adventure tourism. Martsemik and Sko Valley are both excellent destinations for trekking.

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U.P. has emerged as dynamic tourism destination: Tourism minister

Uttar Pradesh has emerged as country’s dynamic tourism destination, favoured by travellers from across the globe due to remarkable improvements in our infrastructure, connectivity, and law and order scenario in the present regime, said Jaiveer Singh, minister of tourism and culture, state government here on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering at an event organised by the state tourism department on World Tourism Day at a city hotel, Singh said: “Tourism sector has bounced back showing a remarkable resilience post the global pandemic.” “The sector has not just recovered but has registered an unprecedented growth,” Singh added. “This transformation is an indication of the remarkable improvements in our infrastructure, connectivity and the outstanding law and order maintained under the present regime,” said Singh. “Uttar Pradesh offers diverse tourist destinations, catering to every traveller’s preference, whether it is eco-tourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism, youth tourism, or more,” added Singh. The minister also apprised the gathering about the 12 tourism circuits in the state. On the occasion, artists from the Bhatkhande Music University performed Kathak dance and Pandit Ram Mohan Maharaj captivated the audience with his musical performance.

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Helicopter services now available between Manipur and Mizoram

As per the latest development, helicopter services between Manipur and Mizoram have started. This move will definitely help to boost connectivity in the Northeastern region of India. If reports are to go by, this helicopter service will operate between Churachandpur in Manipur and Mualpui Helipad in Mizoram. Referring to this, there is also a notification issued by the Manipur state Government which states that the fare between Churachandpur to Aizawl has been fixed at INR 4500, while the fare between Aizawl to Churachandpur has been fixed at INR 6000. The service, also known as the Heli Service, is actually part of an initiative for Northeastern states, backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is expected that this helicopter service between Manipur and Mizoram will significantly improve connectivity between the two states and help make travel between these destinations much easier. This much-awaited launch of helicopter services between these two states in India started on September 27, 2023. Referring to this, the Manipur Transport Department informed that this initiative comes under the Government of India’s Helicopter Service scheme for the Northeastern states, and that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is also supporting this new initiative. The first ride of the helicopter services started from Manipur’s Imphal International Airport. From there, it headed to the Mualpui helipad in the southern area of Aizawl in Mizoram, as per the report. However, it needs to be noted that the take-off of the helicopter rides from the Imphal International Airport in Manipur will be dependent on the weather.

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