If you are seeking out cheap tickets for a flight from the UK to India, or vice versa, you may find it helpful to first know where to look because not all airports in the UK offer a service to India, and most offer limited services to certain locations.

In fact, it is almost an understood [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]>  

If you are seeking out cheap tickets for a flight from the UK to India, or vice versa, you may find it helpful to first know where to look because not all airports in the UK offer a service to India, and most offer limited services to certain locations.

In fact, it is almost an understood fact that most of the aircraft that runs from the UK flies into New Delhi, at which point you can then catch a connecting flight down south to Mumbai or other Indian locations.  Generally speaking, agreeing to take a transfer from New Delhi if you live in the southern half of India is going to be the cheapest way to fly into the country, but there are other ways to find discount tickets as well.

The simple fact is that there are now many international airports across the UK that offer flights straight into Delhi which has helped to keep the prices of the tickets down since there are many competing flights.  In fact, you can easily fly into India from Birmingham, Glasgow Bradford, Bristol, Leeds, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Newcastle, and Manchester.

An average flight from the UK to India will take anywhere between eight to ten hours depending on where you are departing from in the UK as well as the weather and wind conditions.  Most flights will still stop in one location outside of Delhi to refuel but in most cases you will not depart from the plane.

This will also lengthen the process of the flying time.  You may want to look over the flight itinerary to see where the layover will be in and what the duration of the layover is because in certain instances a non-direct flight is not always the best deal if you do your research properly.

All of the UK flights that arrive in Delhi will arrive at the Indira Ghandi International Airport in New Delhi at the second terminal.  You can expect there to be quite a crowd there even with the improvements that the airport made to help improve the immigration issues and customs.

However, you should still count on it taking quite a bit of time before you are able to reach the arrivals area where you can find ATMs, currency exchanges, banks, and of course dining as well as hopefully your ride.

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The Taj Mahal is for many people one of the must-see sights of the world. Located in the northern city of Agra, around 130 miles south of New Delhi, it is the ultimate icon of the country and far more impressive in reality than can be captured by any camera. There are always [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> An Advertising Feature

The Taj Mahal is for many people one of the must-see sights of the world. Located in the northern city of Agra, around 130 miles south of New Delhi, it is the ultimate icon of the country and far more impressive in reality than can be captured by any camera. There are always late holiday deals available should you decide to jet off to India and see it for yourself.

Taking around 22 years, 22,000 labourers and 1,000 elephants to build, the Taj Mahal was a declaration of love on a scale probably not matched since. The story begins in 1607 when the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan fell in love with the Persian princess Mumtaz Mahal. Married five years later and inseparable for almost two decades (although Shah Jahan had many wives she was definitely his favourite), Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their fourteenth child in 1631 leaving Shah Jahan heartbroken. The construction of the Taj Mahal began soon afterwards in order to honour her memory and provide her with a tomb.

Masons, carvers, painters and calligraphers were brought in from every corner of the empire to complete this extraordinary architectural achievement. Taking its inspiration from earlier Persian and Mughal styles, the tomb (the famous central monument which first comes to mind) is made entirely from white marble and built, like the rest of the site, in perfect symmetry. The dome which sits on its top (known as an onion dome because… well, it looks like an onion) stands at 35 metres tall and is the cherry (or onion) on the cake. You may notice that the four minarets which frame the tomb seem to lean outwards very slightly. Your eyes are not deceiving you; they were built titling at a precise 2 degree angle so that in the case of an earthquake they would fall away, rather than into, the tomb.

Although the tomb is the centrepiece of the complex, the hugely intricate and beautiful design work does not end there. Three red sandstone walls encapsulate the area, and the main gateway which separates the gardens from the forecourt provides a spectacular view of the tomb. Its archways were built to mirror the tomb’s exactly, their detailed calligraphy and decoration giving a taster of what is to come. At either side of the tomb lie two more sandstone buildings; on the west a mosque and on the right the jawab (‘answer’), built for the architectural balance and symmetry that Shah Jahan sought so determinedly.

The story doesn’t have an entirely happy ending. Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the nearby Agra Fort (another incredible monument to visit). After his death Aurangzeb buried him in the tomb next to Mumtaz Mahal, breaking the Taj Mahal’s perfect symmetry.

Visit early to avoid the big queues; the grounds open at 6am and start to get busy from 9am. There are some very knowledgeable tour guides to take you around, and watching as the sunlight colours the site from yellow to pink is worth the entry price alone.

BIO

Katherine Conlon likes to a get a feel for the history of the places she visits, and seeks out the bits which reveal something about the culture in different areas of the globe. She has travelled in four different continents and is looking forward to exploring the rest.

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However, the food served in these restaurants and takeaways doesn’t always offer you an accurate reflection of the food [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> Indian food is certainly one of the most popular cuisines in the UK. With a huge number of Indian restaurants and takeaways scattered around the UK, the popularity of Indian dishes in this country cannot be disputed.

However, the food served in these restaurants and takeaways doesn’t always offer you an accurate reflection of the food eaten by people over in India, meaning that to get a true taste of the Asian subcontinent’s rich culinary heritage you really have to visit the country yourself.

A trip to the country will no doubt give you a whole new insight into the dishes that Indian people actually eat and how exactly they are made and with cheap flights to India available if you shop around, you may be able to visit this great country for less than you might think.

One dish that you may wish to sample is aloo gobi. Also spelt as alu gobi or aloo ghobi, this delicacy originates from the Punjab region of north-west India and like much of the area’s cuisine is vegetarian.

The main ingredients are potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower florets (gobi), while it also contains coriander leaves, green chillies and cumin. Depending on their preferences some people choose to add onion, ginger and yoghurt to aloo gobi so you may find you experience something slightly different variations of the dish depending on where you eat it during your holiday to India.

A second dish you should be sure to try during the course of your holiday is pav bhaji.

This dish is particularly popular in metropolitan areas, especially in the city of Mumbai and the north-west region of Gujarat.
Bhaji is a potato-based curry and is cooked on a flat pan known as a tava. Here, the potatoes are mashed down before tomatoes, onions and other vegetables  which can include carrots, peas and cauliflower are added. After this, a special blend of spices are added before the bhaji simmers in the pan.

Pav Bhaji which is a popular snack in India

Served with pav (a type of bread roll), this is typically eaten as a snack, so if you’re feeling peckish in the mid-afternoon while taking in some of India’s numerous attractions, be sure to order the dish from a street stall vendor.

Fish lovers keen to get a true taste of Indian cuisine may also wish to sample patra ni macchi, which originates from the Parsis, the country’s Zoroastrian community who mostly live in the Mumbai area.

This consists of steamed fish topped with a green coconut and coriander chutney and wrapped in a banana leaf.

Pomfret is the typical main ingredient in patra ni macchi, although any kind of white fish can be used so you may enjoy tasting different kinds to figure out which one you prefer. Steamed rice is the perfect complement to the dish, so be sure to ask for this when ordering patra ni macchi from a menu.

If you’re going to be heading to Goa in western India, make sure that you sample khatkhate curry as this is one of the area’s many culinary specialities. This consists of a wide range of vegetables including potato, carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, radish and corn so eating it could go some way to ensuring you get your five portions of fruit and veg a day!

Khatkhate curry is often made as part of wedding and puja celebrations, although it can also be found at a number of restaurants both in Goa and across the rest of India.

Another curry you may want to try during a holiday to India is shahi paneer. This rich, creamy dish is said to be especially popular in northern India, so cities like Delhi and Chandigarh may be good places to seek it out.

The main ingredient is paneer, a cheese that is used throughout south Asian cuisine although if you’re ordering the curry in eastern India be aware that paneer is often known as chhena.

Served with rice and/or an Indian bread such as a chapatti or roti, shahi paneer can be made quite spicy so it may not be suitable for those who don’t like particularly spicy food.

With so much fantastic food to discover on a holiday to India, you can be confident of a great culinary experience in India.

Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com

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Giving you the chance to see a wide range of exotic animals, a safari holiday in India could mean that you can view creatures – including numerous endangered species – that you have [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> For holidays in India that allow you to go back to nature, a wildlife safari is sure to tick all the right boxes.

Giving you the chance to see a wide range of exotic animals, a safari holiday in India could mean that you can view creatures – including numerous endangered species – that you have only ever seen on natural history documentaries before.

With national parks located throughout the country, there will certainly be plenty of opportunities to see some fantastic wildlife.

If you’re a keen birdspotter, head to the Keoladeo National Park. Around 360 different species of bird have been recorded living here and it is thought to be one of the best places in the world for avian wildlife.

Among the birds to make Keoladeo their home are the Asian open-billed stork, oriental ibis and the Siberian crane. You may find winter to be the best time to visit the park – which is situated 50 kilometres west of Agra – as a large number of ducks choose to migrate here during at this period of the year.

You could also visit Sariska Tiger Reserve Park in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Like the name of the park suggests, this is an ideal place to spot tigers, although a number of other big cats – including leopards – can be seen here.

However, ornithologists considering a safari here will find the park has plenty for them too as it is home to India’s largest population of peafowl, while quail and crested serpent eagles are among the other birds to be seen.

As well as the wildlife, you can also explore the ruins of the medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, which date back as far as the tenth century.

Alternatively, safaris in India could take you to the Manas National Park. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, tigers, the Indian elephant and pygmy hog can all be spotted here.

With its warm, humid climate, the park receives the majority of its rainfall during the May to September monsoon season. And as the summer also sees average daytime temperatures of 37 degrees C, visiting the park in the spring or autumn could make for a dryer and slightly cooler holiday in India.

But regardless of where you go on safari or at what time of year, you should ensure you take clothing appropriate for different kinds of weather in case conditions change suddenly while you are out looking at animals. You should also remember to take suntan lotion and bottled water in order to stay hydrated.

To get a really good glimpse of the animals you see on safari, pack a pair of binoculars as well as a digital camera so you can show your loved ones back home some of the creatures you have spotted.

Keeping safe while on safari is of the utmost importance, so always follow the advice of park rangers.

As with most holidays, you should make sure you book with a reputable operator that will be able to ensure your safety throughout your trip. You can find out more about an organisation’s credentials by seeing if they are members of any industry bodies, as well as looking for reviews other travellers have written about them online.

It is also a good idea to check whether you will need any vaccinations before you travel to India. Your travel operator should be able to advise you on this, although you may also want to ask your GP on the matter.

Written by travelsupermarket.com

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India is certainly [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> Taking advantage of a package holiday to India certainly can mean something different to everyone who visits this very enticing and exotic land. It ‘s often chaotic streets and vibrant markets offer a slice of life never usually experienced by people from Western society, it is certainly an incredible and yet daunting experience.

India is certainly huge in terms of the size of the country and its massive and diversified population. Many are shocked to learn that there are over 100 million Indian people’s first language is English, not one of the Indian dialects, this is of course a legacy left over from British colonial days.

The British were not the only colonialists, other countries also carved out small areas of this vast land. One of those countries was Portugal who occupied the area that is now known as Goa.

Goa is far more European in its nature, culture and architecture than other parts of the subcontinent. It has an extremely European feel, with a unique and very Indian twist. The Portuguese arrived in the very early 1500s and brought with them the culture of the Mediterranean and that almost Latin, Portuguese influence, can still be felt today.

Goa is an ideal stepping stone for those who want to escape the all too familiar Costa-del-holiday resorts and spread their wings with a more exotic package holiday and discover what lies beyond the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Goa does of course have beaches, but these are a little different, these are the wonderful picture postcard white sand, palm fringed beaches, sitting on the edge of stunning waters that are warm every single day of the year, offering an ideal family package holiday destination.

Tourism has expanded considerably over the last decade with Dabolim International Airport able to bring tourists from all over the world right into the heart of Goa, allowing visitors to spend far more time enjoying its perfumed delights.

Goa has a wealth of attractions away from the beaches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is to be found in Old Goa, and is regarded as is one of Portugal’s finest exports and is now a UNESCO world Heritage site due to its incredible Baroque architecture.

There are also many other stunning religious monuments including Shanta Durga temple, and the Ganapati temple. As well as a wealth of natural wonders such as the Dudhsagar waterfalls and the Mayem Lake, and ancient buildings such as the Chapora Fort that are just waiting to be discovered.

Unlike other tropical destinations Goa is not overpriced, and has not been overwhelmed by unwanted concrete developments. Goa can offer visitors an extremely reasonably priced range of package holidays.

Take a look at the discount vouchers available here from household name travel companies such as providers First Choice, Thomson’s, and Thomas Cook available as follows:

Thomas Cook discount codes

Thomson discount codes

First Choice discount codes

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‘BLOW HORN’ IS THE IMPERIOUS ADVICE to drivers painted on the back-end of Indian Lorries, buses and rickshaws. A warning and encouragement, its one illustration of a mindset that considers every flat surface a potential canvas. [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]>

A solo exhibition by Natasha Kumar at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish St W1 March 4th – 17th 2010

‘BLOW HORN’ IS THE IMPERIOUS ADVICE to drivers painted on the back-end of Indian Lorries, buses and rickshaws. A warning and encouragement, its one illustration of a mindset that considers every flat surface a potential canvas. In India If it stays still long enough to be painted, it will be, with a graffiti of spiritual texts, underwear ads, personal and folk expression.
NATASHA KUMAR IS AN ESTABLISHED ANGLO-INDIAN ARTIST, from long line of noted English artists. In this solo show of oils and original prints, her award-winning talent for figurative art merges with her love of signs and life in India in a truly original departure. In ‘Blow Horn’ she has taken up the bold, fluorescing colours of Indian advertising art in its various forms to cut through the picturesque, giving a sharp contemporary twist to traditional Indian motifs.

THE SACRED HINDU BOVINE IN Holy Cow competes for attention with a brazen wall advert, oblivious to it. In Tuff Cemento a woman waits patiently, timelessly, the gaudy colours of her sari muted by the insistent green of the cement company’s message.

A SENSE OF PLACE IS AN ELUSIVE THING, but she shows her undoubted ability to capture it in these works, with simple, powerful images. It is there in the folds of the old man’s dhoti in Last Light, Nagaur, and the bright saris of the women in the soft dusty landscape of On the Road, and in the unique inward-turning ears of the iconic Rajasthani horse, in Marwari Horse and Boy.

THE PRINTED WORKS, a new collection, mingle Warhol-style repetition with Indian brands and ephemera. The humble matchbox label is reworked in a unique mixed-media work of print and oils, combining the best of both Natasha Kumar’s considerable talents. She takes too, the abstract Moghul fretwork of jali windows and zenana entrances as the central motif in print works that mix raw pigment with gold or silver leaf.

MORE THAN SIMPLY PICTURESQUE INDIA, Natasha Kumar paints the lived culture of India, its streets and villages. ‘Blow Horn’ is not just a command. Here, it’s the cue for the visual cacophony that is modern India.

ABOUT NATASHA KUMAR
ART AND INDIA ARE IN NATASHA KUMAR’S GENES. On her English side she comes from a line of established artists. Her Indian heritage she traces back to Kashmiri princes via tales of partition and lost family gold.
WITH A STRING OF SUCCESSFUL SHOWS, she has made her own name as an artist from the age of 17, when, earning a place by right in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition she found her work hanging on the same wall as her grandfather, and uncle’s work.

Natasha Kumar initially excelled as a printmaker; going from a first class degree at Manchester to studying in Venice at the Accademia. She did her MA in London in 2000, winning the London Printmaking Prize that year. Since then she has been regularly selected for group shows that include The New English Art Club, The Discerning Eye, The National Print and Art Expo New York. She has a dedicated and growing following of collectors. Her work is represented in private and national collections worldwide. She lives and works in London.

‘Blow Horn’ will be at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1 from March 4th until 17th, 2010. Her last show in 2008 was a sell out.

For further information:
Natasha Kumar 0777 9590921
info@natashakumar.co.uk
www.natashakumar.co.uk

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Telling the story of a slum-dweller’s appearance on India’s ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’, the film is a riot of colour, capers and crazy characters, and was shot on location in the vibrant streets of Mumbai.

Travel to the city with Real Holidays and [...] No related posts. Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.]]> An early Oscar favourite, Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire is out this Friday.

Telling the story of a slum-dweller’s appearance on India’s ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’, the film is a riot of colour, capers and crazy characters, and was shot on location in the vibrant streets of Mumbai.

Travel to the city with Real Holidays and take a slum tour, plus see hectic bazaars, pretty waterfront scenes, Bollywood studios and elegant Victorian architecture in a city recovering impressively from its recent terrorist tragedies. Stay at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, with onyx columns, hand-woven silk carpets and crystal chandeliers.

Prices from £150 pp per night (two sharing) including transfers. Flights can be arranged. Call Real Holidays on 020 7359 3938 (www.indiaportfolio.co.uk).

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