Friday, April 20, 2012

Holiday in Turkey

Turkey one of the most beautiful and liberal middle eastern country with a variety in culture because of its location and such an interesting and detailed and interesting past. A Eurasian country which has seen so many different kinds of rulers from time immemorial was finally liberated by a cadre of young military officers, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his colleagues organized a successful resistance to the Allies; in 1923, they would establish the modern Republic of Turkey with Ataturk as its first president.
Turkey is a founding member of the United Nations (1945) and non permanent member of EU. It is located mostly in the Anatolian peninsula geographically situated in Western Asia in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe sharing its border with eight different countries(Bulgaria , Greece, Georgia, Cyprus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq and Syria ) and 4 different water bodies namely black sea in its north and mediterrian sea covering south and southwest region while the Aegean Sea to its west and The Sea of Marmara. The European portion of Turkey, known as Thrace encompasses 3% of the total area but is home to more than 10% of the total population.
Because of the mixed tradition which is ever evolving and changing with time turkey has some really beautiful monuments for the tourist to se and learns about the glorious past of turkey. Some of the most famous and admirable places one must not miss when they are to visit turkey are Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Camii is one of the most beautiful mosques ever built. Completed in 1616 by Mehmet Aga is among the best in its class an eye candy to all.
The great masterpiece of Byzantine art, at the time it was built, it was the largest church in existence. The church was sacked by the Latin’s during the 4th crusade in 1204 and many of its treasures taken to the west.
Ephesus is oldest ancient cities still preserved with a history dating back the 12 C BC. It was an important trade and religious center. During the Roman period its population reached approx. 250,000.
Pamukkale is a natural wonders because of its unique geological formation formed over 14.000 years. The spring water at Pamukkale is said to posses’ therapeutic qualities
Cappadocia is a high plateau in Central Turkey at an altitude of 1000 m. It lies in a triangle formed by the three main towns of Kayseri, Nevsehir and Nigde.
The city of Pergamon is in existence from the 8th C BC when Aeolian Greek colonies settled in the area. The city was founded on a hill overlooking the Caicos plain. It became one of the cultural and intellectual centers in its hay days.
Sardis another historical city was the capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. It was founded on the banks of the famous golden-bearing river Pactolur has many legends associated.
Aspendus is located in the ancient region of Pamphylia was a Greek colony since 13th C BC and took over an existing settlement of Hittites. Alexander the Great claimed the city from the Persians and during the Roman period it was an important port city and now a world famous tourist site.

Friday, February 24, 2012

India Travel


A land rich in natural beauty, historical and cultural importance and heritage, India offers an array of places which interests any traveler or a travel lover. To see the unseen and know the unknown has always been man’s intrinsic nature and this very characteristic drove man from one place to the other to discover and explore new places since the inception of civilizations.
India is a land of “unity in diversity”. The great differences in landscape, climatic variations, culture, language, dressing patterns, food, religious practices and many more depicts the diversity prevalent in India across the 29 states. However, any foreigner is impressed and surprised to see the unity among this diversity. In India, all people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, language and behavior stay in perfect harmony and glory. It is in Indian cultural and traditional values that stresses on treating guests like god. India travel is more enjoyable and satisfying for the hospitality of her native people.
India is a land of extremes if considered from the geographical point of view. Himalayan mountain ranges in the north, the Ganges with its tributaries, rivers, greenery, deserts and forests all contribute India’s vast natural riches. The rich cultural and historical significance of India is found in the temples, archaic monuments, mausoleum, forts and other constructions showing India’s architectural and cultural excellence.
India is bestowed with such a wide variety of interesting places to visit that it has something or the other for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventurer, an architectural critic or a simple travel lover; it is all there for you here. India is a place which surely attracts and is liked by every traveler. India has always been an important destination for travelers but in the past few years the growth of tourism helped travelers for prior planning and also helped many related businesses to flourish. These include hotel chains and restaurants, resorts, travel agents India and tour guides. In the recent past a new discipline named tourism management or hotel management have also gained in importance.
The tourist guides and India travel agencies provide professional assistance to travelers and plan their tour on their behalf by making arrangements by booking air or rail tickets, lodging and planning for visiting places of interests. Choose the best tourist guide who can also guide and suggest you to alter your India travel plans and get the maximum out of your India visit. There are a lot many travel agents and tour guides across the country serving travel lovers from India and abroad.
To get the best service with guaranteed reliability, security and hospitality visit www.t2india.com for more information. Discover and explore each corner of this mystic land and start planning your trip for the next vacation.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

India Travel Guidelines

India Travel Guidelines

A general guide to ensure you has a pleasant time in India.  
  • Carry your passport, other travel documents and your money separately. You don't want to lose them all together.
  • Keep extra photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport. This is needed for various reasons in India, at the hotel, to buy a SIM card etc.
  • Never travel without mosquito repellents and other essential medicines. Carry a doctor’s prescription all the time if you are on specific medication.
  • Inform your tour operator beforehand if you are allergic to a particular substance or a drug.
  • Ensure that your luggage is waterproof.
  • Many women travellers prefer to carry a high pitched whistle that would scare away stalkers.
Clothes:
·         Travel as light as possible. Clothing and laundry are both affordable in India.
·         It’s better for women to avoid tank tops or short skirts / shorts.
·         Winters are pleasant in southern India while you will need heavy woollens as you progress in the Northern region.
·         Summers are harsh throughout, so light cotton clothes are most comfortable.
·         Best to avoid miniskirts / shorts both for men and women while visiting temples. Some temples may insist to cover your head as well. A small handkerchief or a scarf can suffice.
Social Interaction:
·         If you give the impression of being from a different country, chances are that you might be stared at, especially in the smaller towns. Don’t be offended-they mean no harm, it is just curiosity.
Toilets:
·         In India, public toilets facilities are few and far between. Take every opportunity you can to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Make this a habit wherever you go.
Beggars:
·         Do not let them hassle you, and do not encourage them by giving them money.
Food and Drinks:
  • Drink only bottled water. Many popular brands are available. In restaurants insist that they bring a sealed bottle to your table.
  • Beef is not served in many parts of India. Pork is also not easily available.
  • Eat non-vegetarian food only in good restaurants.
  • Good quality vegetarian food is easily available.
  • Curd or yoghurt is served with most meals. It is a natural aid to digestion and helps temper the spicy food.
Shopping:
·         India is shoppers’ paradise. From decorative items like pottery, masks, bronze items to jewellery can be purchased at reasonable rates in India. India is the largest producer of branded jewels which are exported and can be bought here at affordable rates.

·         Various types of silk is manufactured in India and is easily available at good shops. Embroidered cloth, leather items, various spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and saffron, miniature paintings, wooden and marble objects, cotton clothes and much more. If you have got the taste of Indian food, ready to eat packets of various dishes are also easily available. Various pickles and snacks can be bought.

·         India also produces a huge variety of tea and you can get a good choice. Along with that you may also go for some herbal beauty products and last but not the least various music and cinema CDs to keep your Indian sojourn going can be bought!
Tipping:
  • In hotels and restaurants, tips are not normally included in the bill
  • Some hotels include service charge on their bills. In such cases tipping is not necessary.
  • The standard tip is 10%.
  • In hotels, porters and room service attendants are normally tipped at the end of the stay,
  • Tipping of taxi drivers is not customary.
Weather in India:
·         Temperature in India can vary from North to south and east to west.
·         There is snow in the northernmost part of the country while you sweat in the southernmost part of the country.
·         The climate is extreme in the north while it is constant in the south. The east and the west do differ but not much.
·         The sun is strong. Remember to use sunscreen of exposed parts of the body. Wear Sunglasses to screen out harmful rays.
·         The dry summer heat can drain you completely. Drink lots of water and fluids.
Sightseeing:
  • Dress codes for religious places can include covering your head, being barefoot etc. Ask, So that you don’t unwittingly give offence.
  • Some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises.
  • Certain temples are not open to Non-Hindus. Please check with the local tourist Information office.
  • Most museums in India are closed on Monday and Site Museums, those near Archaeological monuments, on Fridays.
  • Photography is not always permissible, and at many places it is permitted only at a fee.
  • There is usually a higher fee for using a video camera.
  • Smoking is not allowed at public places. All properties of the Indian Railways including Trains and railway stations are strictly non - smoking zones with stiff penalties for Violations.
  • English is spoken at almost all tourist centres, but you can also request Government-Trained and approved guides who also speak Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian.
Health Precautions:
  • Always drink bottled water.
  • For the first few days it might be advisable to clean your teeth and bottled water.
  • Eat fruit you can peel.
  • Always wash fruit well before eating it.
  • Wash your hands before and after eating.
  • Always keep a tube of mosquitoes repellent with you.
  • Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhoea, fever Etc. Also, band aids and an antiseptic ointment.
  • If you do catch a bug, do not panic. It will go away in a few days-but try to following Tips to keep it down:
    • Drink lassi - a yoghurt drink. It will help tone down the bacteria.
    • Eat plain rice, or try to simple khichdi – an easily digestible mixture of rice and lentils.
    • Drink plenty of coconut water. It’s cooling, and naturally sterilized!
    • Drink plenty of fluids and take some electrolyte salts if the bug persists.
Time:
  • Everything in India takes time- longer than in most places. So always give yourself extra Time for whatever you may have to do- even it is just a visit to the Post Office or Changing money.
Others:
  • Keep extra photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport. This will be request for Indian permits. Also, keep extra photographs of yourselves. These will be request for Permits, filling out forms, etc.
  • Voltage in India is 220 V for Plugs C & D. If you have a different plug you will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use your appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.
  • In cities you can change most major foreign currencies and brands of travellers’ cheques- but you’ll widen your options and save yourself hassles if you stick to US dollars or pound sterling, and either Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques.
  • Most big cities have ATMs which accept Visa and MasterCard as well as American Express. The ATM network is ever expending and in some states, you can find them even in some smaller towns.

 www.t2india.com wishes you a safe and wonderful stay in India.