August 2021
Dear Friends, Guests, Patrons and Partners in Travel,
Namaste and Greetings from Bharat - the erstwhile name of India !!
It is so heartening to share with all of you the joys of Bharat in resurgence. Not only is the nation fighting bravely the impacts of the pandemic but is rising strong in multi-dimensions - economic growth, development, smooth web of airports, roadways - expressways, humungous network of rail roads. A sizeable share of "TATA's " ( the massive trucks one encounters on our roads ) has been taken off courtesy network of the designated freight routes and courier trains plying - some respite to road travellers!! Many other fields of achievements, the list is long - best you come and experience - this land in transformation!!
Gateways to Tourism stand to open, with India expected to be fully vaccinated as it strides to achieve the target by the closure of the year, with the government announcing free tourist visas to the first half a million visitors.
Keenly aware of the fact that Tourism as an Industry is one of the largest employers and sure of it to bounce back with vengeance - the Government on it's end is leaving no stone unturned to ensure both safety and comfort of the traveller. Travellers both seasoned and those looking forward to their maiden trip to this rich land of tradition, culture, heritage, wildlife and nature at it's varied best are sure to witness India through a different lens. A nation which through the pandemic has not only strived and stayed afloat but has burnt its energies utilizing all time available to revitalize its potential as a strong versatile destination for the tourist, in a focused manner. Rail, road and air infrasture built up has been huge and is ongoing ensuring easy compatible connectivity options of exploring the rich diversity of the nation - a calling of the discerning traveller, to yet untouched regions.
Not connectivity alone, but much thought effort and planning has been put into opening of various places, hitherto unknown, to be brought to the forefront. The lesser known the lesser explored - culturally and naturally rich sites have been brought into the limelight and onto the Tourist Map.
We at Far Horizon with a score and a half of experience in hand, crafting special journeys, look forward to welcome you back to our land - rich, warm and vibrant - where life itself is a celebration - at every moment at every juncture. A land where the spirit lies in celebrating joy and sorrow alike and where sharing and caring comes with an inbuilt ease.
Looking forward to hear of your travel plans, we wish you and your dear ones well.
Take care, stay safe and stay well!
Anjali Babbar Basu
CEO
India not only achieves vaccination targets, but strides strong towards it’s goal of the entire population being vaccinated by close of the year.
India has achieved the target of 13.5 crore vaccine doses in July as set by Union Health Ministry, a 12.5% increase against June. After 197 days of vaccination, 50% of all adults are now vaccinated in the country - 50% adults vaccinated - 39% with first dose and 11% are fully vaccinated.
After three long months, of raging second wave, India is strongly coming back with promising trend.
As a prelude to the date of opening of the Tourist Visa, the Finance Ministry announces free tourist visas to the first 5 lac ( half a million ) tourist.
To help boost the country’s tourism sector the Union Finance Minister welcomes the first half a million tourist on a free Visa facilitation ( cost involved INR 1 Billion ). The scheme is valid till 31st march, 2022 or till the said number of visas are issued, whichever is earlier.
Scheduled International Flight services should start soon
As several countries have relaxed travel guidelines for the India, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on transport, tourism and culture urged the Central government to re-start the scheduled international flights. As per a report, Chairman of Parliamentary Committee for Transport, Tourism and Culture said that the committee is advocating for re-starting the scheduled international flights. So far, India has formed air bubble pacts with around 24 countries including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan and France. Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special international flights can be operated by their airlines between their territories. Apart from suggesting the resumption of international flights, the Parliamentary Standing Commission also suggested to start proper road connectivity with the hilly areas of the country. This includes the northeast states, and Jammu and Kashmir. The committee said such connectivity will generate money, and at the same time lend a hand in boosting tourism.
The United Kingdom has moved India from its "red" to "amber" travel list
The United Kingdom has moved India to the ‘Amber’ category, reopening travel visas for Indian citizens.
The U.K. had placed India under the ‘Red’ category in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases that came along with a stringent quarantine requirement, which too will be relaxed under the new set of rules. In the new system, “travellers arriving in England can complete a 10-day quarantine at home or in the place they are staying”.
Another feather in India’s cap - Entry to the “Super-40” club for the UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions.
Dholavira, a Harappan-era city in Gujarat, has been conferred the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second site to be included in the world heritage list last month after the Ramappa Temple at Palampet in Telangana’s Warangal. India has now entered into the Super-40 Club for the World Heritage inscriptions. The list of the 40 world heritage sites include - 32 cultural, 7 natural heritage and 1 which carries both the banners.
The North Eastern State Assam gets 2 new national parks – taking the total to 7
Two new national parks in Assam have got officially notified taking the total number of such protected areas in the state to seven.
The two new national parks are Dihing Patkai and Raimona. Assam already has five national parks—Kaziranga, Manas, Dibru-Saikhowa, Nameri and Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park. With the new notifications, Assam will have the third highest numbers of national parks in the country after Madhya Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located in Kokrajhar district of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in lower Assam, Raimona national park will be spread across 422 sq km.
With Phipsoo wildlife sanctuary in Bhutan to its north, Buxa tiger reserve in West Bengal to its west and Manas national park in Assam to its east, Raimona is located in a 2300 sq km trans-boundary landscape which is essential for long-ranging animals like elephants and tigers. Raimona is home to elephants, tigers, clouded leopard, wild buffalo, spotted deer, over 150 species of butterflies, 170 species of birds including the white bellied heron and nearly 380 species of plants.
Falling in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts in upper Assam, the Dihing Patkai national park will be spread over 234 sq km. Known earlier as the Dihing Patkai rain forest, it used to have an area of 111 sq km and was considered the “last remaining stretches” of the Assam Valley tropical wet evergreen forests. Till date, 47 mammal species including the tiger, 47 reptile species and 310 species of butterflies have been recorded in Dihing Patkai.
Safaris in Ranthambore National Park to be friendly for people with disabilities
Experiencing the adventure of Tiger Safari in National Park has long been a dream for many tourists in differently abled. For the first time in the country, a safari vehicle has been developed to facilitate wheelchair-bound tourist and provide safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The seats can be folded if person wants to keep sitting on wheelchair, otherwise one can be transfer to a seat which is equipped with seat-belt safety. There is an electric winch which is used to assist the wheelchair to move up the ramp safely.
Indian Spices - not alone to relist the taste buds but to boost your immunity
Spices come with a host of health benefits, including boosting your immunity and keeping you protected from infections such as bacteria, virus etc. “According to Ayurvedic thought, food is not just a source of energy but also has powers to heal the body internally".
Kerala the southern state in India is known as the “Spice Garden of the World”. It was the fragrance of spice that awakened the curiosity of the explorers and many European traders searched far and wide for spices, and they were actually worth their weight in gold back in the middle ages!
Turmeric: The most commonly used spice ‘Turmeric’ is known for its healing properties. It contains ‘Curcumin’ which exhibits LPS ‘Lipopolysaccharide’ which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties.
It is a phyto-derivative, which contains healing properties and is the main life-saving ingredient. It helps in providing instant relief from cough and cold, respiratory problems such as sinus and upper respiratory problems such as bronchial asthma and is proven to be an excellent immunity booster.
Black Pepper: Black Peppercorn is an excellent immunity booster as it has antioxidants, antimicrobial, and gastro-protective properties which help in keeping cold and cough at bay and protecting the throat. Black Pepper helps in keeping the chest clean which means instant relief from chest congestion and respiratory infections.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help in dealing with infections and respiratory problems.
It has rich antioxidants like polyphenols and proanthocyanidins helping in providing the boost to the immunity system. It helps in maintaining blood sugar levels which is very important and should be kept in check during this pandemic time and otherwise.
Cinnamon infused water or cinnamon tea’s consumption can be beneficial and should be part of the daily intake.
Clove: Clove is yet again an important spice known as the winter spice and contains high amounts of antioxidants aiding in building high immunity.
It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial with high amounts of ‘Eugenol’ which helps in dealing with infections. Eugenol overall helps in fighting oxidative damage and free radicals, giving no place to bacteria’s and viruses to build their homes inside our bodies. It helps in giving relief from coughing and reduces the throat pain. It is an excellent remedy to treat oral hygiene.
You can add it in your food or can consume it with hot water or add it to your tea, either way; this spice will surely help you from the inside.
Ginger: Ginger as it is the most commonly used spice as a remedy for cough and cold. Drinking ginger tea can save you from cold and cough especially during this flu season.
Ginger has many potent anti-inflammatory compounds which include antioxidants that protect your body from any sort of damage caused by unstable molecules.
With antiviral and antibacterial properties, ginger proves to be an important spice and its consumption keeps the body stronger and prepared.
Cardamom: A fragrant and winter spice, Cardamom comes in two forms – green and black and both are effective in boosting the immunity system. Black Cardamom decreases the cold and cough and helps in relieving from certain respiratory problems. You can have cardamom in your tea, use cardamom oils, have them with water or chew them raw to provide the warmth to the body and keep the system immune.
Where women of India rule the roost and men demand gender equality
The Khasi, who number about 1 million in India's north-eastern state of Meghalaya, carry on the matrilineal tradition. The youngest daughter inherits, children take their mother's surname, and once married, men live in their mother-in-law's home. In the Khasi society, it is only the youngest daughter or “Ka Khadduh” who is eligible to inherit the ancestral property. If ‘Ka Khadduh’ dies without any daughter surviving her, her next elder sister inherits the ancestral property, and after her, the youngest daughter of that sister. Failing all daughters and their female issues, the property goes back to the mother’s sister, mother’s sister’s daughter and so on. Other than the unique and rich culture, Meghalaya is also blessed with abundance of natural beauty. Crystal clear rivers, beautiful pleatues, and pine-covered hills, tumbling waterfalls, virgin forests... all of these only add to its majesty. The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong in all sense is a powerful enchantress with all its aesthetic beauty. Due to its resemblance to the European world, Shillong has been fondly called as the Scotland of the East. A few kilometers away from Shillong lies Cherrapunji. The land that had gained recognition as the wettest place on Earth, until Mawsynram replaced it.
The Ganga Expressway (602kms) connecting all the districts along the Ganga River, starting from Meerut to the holy city Prayagraj via Varanasi will soon be connected with “Ganga Expressway”
The proposed length of the expressway is 602 km and it is expected to finish within the next 26 months. The new expressway will cut the travel time between Delhi to Prayagraj from 10-12 hours to 6-7 hours. A glimpse of the stretch from Delhi to Meerut which has been opened post completion taking one with ease right uptill the holy city of Haridwar and further onto the famous land of the nostalgic Beatles Band - Rishikesh. In February 1968, the English rock band the Beatles travelled to Rishikesh in northern India to take part in a Transcendental Meditation (TM) training course at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The visit followed the group's denunciation of drugs in favour of TM and received widespread media attention. The band's interest in the Maharishi's teachings was led by George Harrison's (Lead guitarist of Beatles) commitment, and it changed Western attitudes about Indian spirituality and encouraged the study of Transcendental Meditation. The visit was also the most productive period for the Beatles' songwriting.
North East India to get international airports for better connectivity
According to Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Manipur, and Agartala will be getting two more international airports so as to have increased connectivity in the region. The Minister further said that such a facility is also going to come up in Kohima, while the one at Itanagar is all set to be functional by the end of the year. He further said that the golden period of the North East region has finally arrived now, at a time when the country is looking to strengthen its economy post COVID. Regions such as these with unexplored sectors will be looked at. The North East region is still relatively unexplored, except for certain parts, and good connectivity is certain to change that. The seven sister states are full of natural wonders, and great experiences, inlayed with unique tribes and their rich cultural and traditional heritage. The Seven Sister States is a popular term for the contiguous states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. These seven sister states are an excellent choice for nature lovers to explore the untouched beauty
Arunachal Pradesh: Home to picturesque mountains, unexplored passes, tranquil lakes and famous monasteries, Arunachal Pradesh is an amazing holiday destination. Arunachal Pradesh is the perfect state for you if you wish to explore the tribal culture and the simplicity of their exquisite beauty. Its amazing array of flora and fauna, in a unique habitat with glaciers, high altitude meadows and sub-tropical forests add to the charm of the beautiful state.
Assam: A land of wild forests, mighty rivers, islands, diverse history and acres and acres of tea plantations, Assam, located in North East India, has a breath-taking landscape and is known to be one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the entire world. One of the most beautiful states of India, Assam is the gateway to the enchanting and unexploited north-eastern part of the country.
Meghalaya: Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, is one of the most beautiful states in North-East India offering a variety of sights, activities, food and festivals to the tourists. Well known for Cherapunjji, the place which receives one of the maximum rainfall in the world, Meghalaya can mesmerise you with its hills, valleys, lakes, caves and waterfalls which when combined with the beautiful clouds, give it a very serene, beautiful look.
Manipur: The jewel city of India, Manipur in the north-eastern part of the country, is listed among one of the most beautiful places of India where Mother Nature has been extra generous in her bounty. Least touched and least discovered, Manipur promises to be a great tourist discovery as the state offers endless enjoyment and pleasure with its exotic landscape, undulating hills, green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. The Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world.
Mizoram: Known as the 'Songbird of India', the northeastern state of Mizoram is one of the smallest states in India. The moderate climate of Mizoram, which is comfortable even in during summer makes it an attractive destination for all the tourists. The vast culture and grand festivals of the state have a unique, irresistible charm which cannot be explained or read; it can only be felt once you are in the peaceful, serene land of Mizoram.
Nagaland: A land engulfed in mystery, inhabited by vibrant people zealously guarding their culture – dancers, warriors, head-hunters; mountains, valleys, forests – all these form the portrait of Nagaland the moment the word is uttered. But, from extreme mystery to hosting a globally famous cultural festival, Nagaland has come a long way over the years and etched a name for itself in the world’s tourist destination map.
Tripura: Rich in gorgeous landscapes, crystalline waterfalls, awe-inspiring mountains, dense forests, and a generous sprinkling of history and tradition, Tripura nestled at the foot of the Himalayan mountains has a long historical legacy behind it; Tripura was once home to the famous Manikya tribe, which resulted in the conception of a plethora of varied archaeological monuments and structures in the state, all of which attest to the rich cultural and traditional past of Tripura.
