Tourism news

India is a land of myriad festivals, in rhythm with the cycle of the seasons, with sowings and harvesting. and around them have grown legends, most depicting the victory of good over evil. These fairs and festivals lend color and gaiety to life and Indian calendar is marked by plethora of such big and small occasions. Some festivals are of religious nature, others are related more to, change of season and harvesting. They have a long past and many have undergone major modifications. Though the enthusiasm for some also seems to be fading, nevertheless they do bring about a change in the lifestyle of the people. Some festivals and fasts are religion specific protocols aiming towards communication with the divine. The liveliness of the people is reflected in the colorful vibrancy of the fairs and festivals. Processions, prayers, new attires, dance, music etc. are elements related to any such celebration.The Puri-Rath Yatra, Allahabad-Kumbha, Alleppey-Boat Race, Pushkar-Camel Fair, Goa-Carnival so on and so forth all reflect the diversity of the land and its people but common emotion of revived vigour, joy and sharing. All foreign nationals require visa to enter India. However, there are some relaxation for Bhutanese and Nepalese nationals. Details and types of visa and the fee may be obtained from the Indian Embassy.Tourist visas are issued for one month, six months or five years. Please consult your nearest Indian government mission to find out the latest details, fees etc. Tourist visas can be extended by three months at the foreigner's registration office in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai, or with the Superintendent of Police at any District Headquarters. Four passport size photographs are needed for obtaining a visa.If stay in the country exceeds 180 days, then tourists are required to get a tax clearance certificate, available at the foreigner's section of the income tax department in every major city. It is also advisable to keep bank receipts to show that the money has been changed legally.Special permits may be required additionally with the visa to visit certain areas of the country. Areas such as parts of Sikkim and the Northeast frontier states, northeast of Himachal Pradesh near the Tibetan border, are out of bounds for foreign nationals. For special permissions, please write to the Ministry of Home Affairs at least four weeks in advance of your intended visit.Certain parts of the country need special permits before they can be visited. The States of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland have been designated as protected areas and foreigners cannot enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by the Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit.Certain areas of Sikkim have been declared as restricted areas. Individual tourists are permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang, Zongri and Pemayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days. Permits can be issued by all Indian Missions abroad, all FRRO's, Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi. Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists and permits can be issued by all Missions abroad, all FRRO's, Home Commissioner, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days.Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair Municipal Area, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhuban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary.Lakshadweep Islands: Only Bangaram and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required, obtainable from the Lakshadweep Administration, Wellington Island, Harbour Road, Cochin