India is a rolling stone that never gathers moss! To say precisely, India is on the wheels of development in all spheres including travel & tourism. Since the discovery of the first sea route to India by Vasco da Gama in 1498, India had been a prime target of the colonists including the Portuguese, the French and the British mainly for its abundant wealth till the end of the Second World War. In the post-independence era, the heritage of India has been a pull to the world. Since independence, India has come a long way in travel and tourism, which is a thriving industry with lots of untapped potential and employment opportunity, today. Though the annual number of foreign tourist arrivals to India is much lower in comparison with other Asian countries, India’s inbound tourism is on a roll. Being a good player in international politics, India has witnessed consistent development in tourism over 68 years of independence. Today, the 69^th Independence Day of India, we at Indian Eagle take a sneak peek at the colossal picture of ongoing and upcoming developments in India travel & tourism.

India’s first Wax Museum in Kolkata

Kolkata is the first Indian city to have got a wax museum like Madame Tussauds in London. The museum has been named after Mother Teresa. Located in the city’s IT hub, the museum exhibits lively statues of eminent leaders, celebrities and freedom fighters of India. Kolkata is about to get a Ferris Wheel on the Ganges like the London Eye on the Thames.

Indian Railways on a ride for the better

Train travel in India is an altogether different experience these days. Thanks to the evolution of locomotive engineering and technology for Gatimaan Express, Indian’s fastest train from Delhi to Agra! Running at a speed of 160km/hr, it is faster than Shatabdi Express by 5 minutes. Ac double-decker train between New Delhi and Lucknow is another new feather in the cap of Indian Railways. India has eagerly been awaiting its first high-speed bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which is under construction.

Easier Ways of pilgrimage in India

Pilgrimage is no exception to developments in India on the travel and tourism front. The newly laid Katra-Udhampur railway track has made pilgrimage to the hilltop Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu & Kashmir easier than before. Being a democratic country, India is keen on developing Buddhist tourism. The state government of Maharashtra has shown interest in the ambitious project, which is currently limited to identifying the Buddhist spots to be developed across the country.

India offers e-tourist visa to 75 countries

With e-tourist visa to India available for the nationals of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China, the inbound tourism of India has taken a great leap for the better. Currently, tourists from 75 countries across the world are eligible for e-tourist on arrival in India. Recently, seven tier-II Indian airports including Jaipur, Amritsar, Gaya, Lucknow, Trichy, and Varanasi have been added to the e-tourist visa on arrival scheme.

Domestic air connectivity on a high

India has seen developments in aviation too. In 2014, the Airport Authority of India announced a plan to develop 200 low-cost, energy-efficient airports in tier II and tier III cities across the country over the next 20 years. A few days back, Indian aviation gave approval to a project for developing 5 regional airports including two in Karnataka, one in Rajasthan, one in Arunachal Pradesh and one in Odisha in order to leverage the tourism potential of remote regions through extension of domestic air connectivity.

Wi-Fi and online ticketing for heritage monuments

Image Credit: TheQuint.com

Tourism development in India has taken to heritage properties as well. Online ticketing has been implemented to facilitate hassle-free visit to India’s most popular heritage monuments including the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, the Qutb Minar Complex and likes. Besides, visitors can access Wi-Fi connection and upload their selfies to social media instantly at those heritage sites. This tourist-friendly facility has gained huge response. The Khajuraho Temple Complex and Varanasi are among the latest among the Wi-Fi tourist spots in India.

Indian railway stations under Wi-Fi coverage

Wi-Fi at public places is a new cool in India. More and more travelers’ reach to Wi-Fi Internet facility is being extended across Indian railway stations. Bangalore City Railway Station is the first to have been equipped with Wi-Fi connection in India. Recently, New Delhi Railway Station has brought under the purview of this project. Use of Wi-Fi is free for the first 30 minutes. Commuters can buy scratch cards at i-Fi help desks at those stations.

Airport-like hospitality at railway stations

16 Indian railway stations are to get premium lounges with airport lounge-like facilities at affordable rates. Hospitality at these railway stations is about to reach the next level. Jaipur, Sealdah, Howrah, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Nagpur, Puri, Ahmedabad, Bilaspur, Dhanbad, Vijayawada and Ajmer are the stations to get executive lounges at the first phase of hospitality development by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.

Security developments for female tourists

Developments in India are taking place to ensure security of women travellers. Women-only cab service for women is one of the developments that Goa and Kerala have witnessed to in last few months. The female drivers of the cabs under this initiative in interest of female tourists’ safety are trained in self-defense techniques soft skills, customer relations and first aid. Kerala and Goa’s women-only cab service is equipped with GPS system and panic alert system.

Incredible India Helplines for women travelers

The launch of “Incredible India Helplines” for domestic and international women tourists is one of the remarkable developments in India travel & tourism niche. 1800111363 and 1363 are the helplines for domestic and international female tourists respectively. Currently available in two languages: English and Hindi, the “Incredible India Helplines” will be rolled out in 12 international languages soon.

Innovations in India travel and tourism

The state tourism of Tamil Nadu has planned to introduce helicopter services for foreign tourists in the state. Madurai will be the primary hub of operations for helicopter tours to Kanyakumari, Mandapam and Kodaikanal. Tamil Nadu is globally famous as a state of temples of the Dravidian architecture. The God’s Own Country, Kerala has launched water taxis and AC boats on backwaters in a bid to fetch more luxury tourists. Kerala has teamed up with UNESCO to restore the faded glory of the ancient Spice Route, which connected 31 countries in the bygone eras. Odisha, a coastal state of India on the Bay of Bengal, is supposed to get India’s second Rock Garden. The sculptural exhibits in the garden will be made of rock and stone. Odisha’ Rock Garden will have amusement facilities too.

New tourist attractions across India

Tourism developments in India include innovations being implemented across the country. Gwalior, a historical city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is to set up a museum on Rani Laxmibai, whose name is remembered for her bravery in the Revolt of 1857. Udaipur, a heritage city in the Rajput region of Rajasthan, has got a new tourist attraction and that is India’s biggest telescope – the Multi Appplication Solar Telescope. An environment-friendly plan to build ropeway for tourists in Shimla and Rohtang Pass has recently been proposed. Mumbai is the first Indian city to be proposed for a floating hotel. Goa has proposed to transform the 85-m tall lighthouse on the Aguada Plateau into a tourist attraction like Dolphin Nose in Andhra Pradesh and False Point in Odisha.

Upcoming museums for literature lovers

Indian government has decided to convert the houses of George Orwell and Rudyard Kipling, two eminent authors in English literature, into museums for literature lovers. George Orwell, A British novelist who is famous for “Animal Firm” and “1984”, was born in the Indian state of Bihar. Rudyard Kipling, a Nobel Prize awardee in Literature who is famous for “The Jungle Book,” was born in Mumbai (then Bombay).

India travel on wings of global popularity

The growing recognition of Indian heritage and the increasing number of foreign tourist arrivals (though much lower compared to the numbers of FTPs to other countries) are among the leading reasons of ongoing and upcoming developments in India travel and tourism. In the end of 2014, the National Geographic listed Hyderabad as the world’s second best place to see in 2015 and incorporated Goa as the 6^th best nightlife destination to its guide for the year 2015. The Victoria Memorial Hall, which is often referred to Kolkata’s Taj Mahal, has recently entered TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, which is an international recognition. According to a report based on the analysis of Google search trends in the beginning of 2015, the Charminar of Hyderabad is the most searched Indian monument. It is followed by the Golconda Fort and the Salar Jung Museum.

Indian Eagle, a Texas-based leading travel organization, is a trusted partner of Indian Americans and Americans in booking their best flights to India at the lowest prices. The best service is guaranteed!

BOOK the Cheapest Flight to India

The post A Sneak Peek at Tourism Developments in India on 69th Independence Day appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

[pullquote]“Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn’t mean to take.” – Angela N. Blount.[/pullquote] If you are looking for life-changing detours in the labyrinth of mountains, hills, meadows or valleys, travel to India and hit the mountainous or hilly or beachfront or landscaped roads with bikes. India’s best road trips are suitable for biking holidays in the Himalayan region, the desert trails, the Deccan plateau, the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, and coastal reaches. Some road trips in India are surreal stories, while some are adrenalin-pumping adventures. Indian Eagle shares 10 best road trip ideas for bikers.

Coorg to Munnar Road Trip 

The road trip from Coorg to Munnar is one of the short road trips in India. Both Coorg in Karnataka and Munnar in Kerala are blessed with greenery in abundance. The Coorg to Munnar road trip is a ride through the corridor of lush green landscapes dotted with tea plantations rolling across forested hills.

ALSO CHECK Munnar Sightseeing Guide

Chennai to Pondicherry Road Trip 

The Chennai to Pondicherry road trip in the Eastern Ghats is like a dream swing in the cradle of panoramic sightseeing. The East Coast Road from Chennai in Tamil Nadu to Pondicherry runs along the Bay of Bengal. The miles-long coastline holds scenic views for riders on the way.

Kalimpong to Siliguri Road Trip 

The road trip from Kalimpong to Siliguri in West Bengal is one of the most challenging trips for bikers because of the precarious Zuluk loops. But the beauty of the landscape on both sides of the road takes away the fear of threats to life. Known as the Old Silk route, the Kalimpong to Siliguri road is steeped in history.

Udaipur to Jaipur Road Trip 

The Udaipur to Jaipur road is one of the biking-friendly desert trails in Rajasthan. Biking along this trail through sand dunes from Udaipur to Jaipur is a poetic experience for those who can drink to beauty in the aridity of desert. The rugged landscape on both sides will make you feel like a rough & tough biker.

Manali to Spiti Valley Road Trip 

The road from Manali to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is ideal for biking and photography. It is one of the high-altitude routes in the Himalayan region, which remains covered in snow for a longer time of the year. Manali is one of the most beautiful summer destinations in India. Spiti Valley is a pure bliss of nature in the solitude of mountains.

ALSO CHECK A Trip to Spiti Valley

Zanskar to Leh Road Trip 

If you love riding at high altitudes for adrenalin rush, the Zanskar to Leh road trip is awaiting you this summer. Biking from Zanskar to Leh is no fun! It is a strenuous activity that puts bikers to a test of endurance. Scenic views of lofty mountains across rocky terrains will leave you with a fulfilling experience.

Road Trip to Rann of Kutch 

The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a vast expanse of salty sands beyond horizon. The flat and plain field rolling beyond measure, that is exactly the Rann of Kutch, offers the ultimate thrills of biking. The ethereal beauty of the moonlit night or the twinkling of the stars in the open sky makes biking a surreal experience in the Rann of Kutch.

Manali to Rohtang Pass Road Trip 

You cannot imagine how spectacular sightseeing can be without taking the Manali to Rohtang Pass road trip. The walls of snow on both sides of the road give the visual high that will remain fresh in your memory for years. Biking from Manali to Rohtang Pass is such an inexplicable experience!

Mumbai to Trivandrum Road Trip 

If you are an adventurer in search of panoramic vibes, ride your bike from Mumbai to Trivandrum via Mangalore. This road trip promises to be a celebration of the senses due to pristine beaches and verdant forests on the way. The Mumbai to Trivandrum road trip is part of the Udupi trail for biking.

Bhalukpong to Tawang Road Trip 

The Arunachal trail from Bhalukpong to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is the call to those strong hearts which beat for excitement out of adrenalin rush. Be careful to avoid the traps of danger on the way. Landslides cause roadblocks in the seasons when extreme weather is experienced. If you believe in the maxim “All is well if the end is well,” the Bhalukpong to Tawang road trip is a story to be retold several times.

Travel Beats, a digital content portal by IndianEagle, publishes interesting travel stories, useful travel tips and latest aviation news from India and United States.

The post 10 Best Road Trip Ideas for Crazy Biking Holidays in India appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The strong, the brave and the formidable make history. It is absolutely true about Maharana Pratap Singh of Udaipur. His life is an eternal tale of bravery, determination and uprightness in the Rajput history of Rajasthan. He was a diehard patriot, high-minded leader, staunch warrior, caring king and worshiper of freedom. He was the only Rajput ruler to have fought with Akbar and defied his massive army. Like a dutiful son, he protected his kingdom Mewar and the subjects with all his might from the Mughal forces. Today, Indian Eagle pays tribute to Maharana Pratap on the occasion of his birthday.

In 1540, Maharana Pratap was born in Kumbhalgarh Fort, about 85kms away from the City of Udaipur. Built by and named after Maharana Kumbha, the fort on a 3,500 feet high hilltop is surrounded by 13 peaks of the Aravalli mountain range. The 36km long wall fencing around Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second largest in the world. The forest on the rough landscape around the fort has been converted into a wildlife sanctuary, named after the fort. Click The Great Wall of India to know more about Kumbhalgarh Fort and its place in the history of Udaipur.

The history of Chittorgarh is incomplete without a mention of Maharana Pratap. Chittorgarh will never forget the lifelong battle that this bravest Rajput had waged to win back the fort of Chittorgarh from Akbar, the Mughal Emperor. Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar Kingdom and the seat of Rajput royalty when Maharana Udai Singh II was in power. It was the glory and pride of Mewar which Maharana Pratap restored from the possession by the then Mughal Emperor. The Chittorgarh Fort, the largest in India, dates back to the 7th century. There are four magnificent palaces, nineteen temples and historic monuments inside the fort.

Also Check Infographic: Timeless Story of Chittorgarh Fort

An integral part of the Udaipur history, Gogunda is a small town which was Maharana Udai Singh II’s hideout Akbar seized the Chittorgarh Fort. The town was almost inaccessible because of its precarious location on a hilltop, which made it a safe shelter for the Maharana. The town witnessed the death of Maharana Udai Singh II and the coronation of Pratap Singh in 1572. Gogunda was made the temporary capital of Mewar when Pratap Singh was titled Maharana. It is Gogunda where Maharana Pratap counseled and prepared his army for the historic Battle of Haldighati.

The famous Battle of Haldighati in 1576 between the massive Mughal army led by Akbar, and the soldiers of Maharana Pratap was the hardest time in the fate of Udaipur. It was the culmination of the hostility between the Emperor and Maharana. Though Maharana’s 22,000 soldiers were outnumbered by the strength of the Mughal army of 2, 00,000 soldiers, they fought fiercely till the end and caused causalities to the enemy.

Maharana Pratap was always concerned about the security of his subjects. That is why he shifted the capital to Kumbhalgarh in the Aravalli Range to save them from consequences of the battle. Then, he brought all Rajput chieftains under one roof for the sake of Mewar’s glory and independence and built a force of tribal people by training them in warfare. Maharana remained indomitable and out of Akbar’s grasp even after 6 months of the fight.

Maharana Pratap was not just a brave warrior, caring king and valiant leader but also a man of principles. He never tried any unjust means nor transgressed from the rules of warfare to win over his enemies. Raja Man Singh of Jaipur was the Mughal army general in Akbar’s times. One Maharana got to know Raja Man Singh’s whereabouts in a jungle. He could have easily attacked Raja Man Singh when the latter was busy hunting, but he did not backstab the latter. His distinction of being just was a rare leadership trait.

When Rahim Khan-e-Khana, a Mughal army officer, was campaigning against Mewar, Maharana Pratap’s son Amar Singh caught hold of Rahim’s women and brought them to the capital. When Maharana came to know about the captivity of the women, he detested such a mean act by his son and commanded him to set them free. Maharana’s generosity touched Rahim and prevented him from campaigning against him.

Maharana Pratap’s life is a lesson on how to stand ground against all odds. When he was wandering in forests to keep away from the Mughal army after the Battle of Haldighati, his family suffered many hardships. His wives and children had to starve and spend sleepless nights under unfavorable circumstances in forests. Such a catastrophe forced him to think of surrendering to Akbar and signing a treaty of peace with the latter. He discarded such thoughts and gathered courage to tide over the waves of misfortune and face Akbar once again.

This piece of reminiscence is just a single page of the history of Mewar, Udaipur, Rajputs and Rajasthan. Booking cheap flights to India is a round-the-year opportunity to visit Rajasthan and turn over other pages of the Rajput history whenever you wish. The The cheapest air tickets to India are guaranteed at Indian Eagle!

The post Maharana Pratap: An Eternal Tale of Bravery in History of Rajputs appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Udaipur travel is a double bonanza during the World Living Heritage Festival in the month of March. Organized by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation in association with UNESCO’s New Delhi base, the WLHF showcases the cultural heritage of the Mewar Dynasty in Udaipur. The chief end of the World Living Heritage Festival is to promote the necessity of heritage conservation. What to do besides seeing the various shades of Mewar’s royal life and culture during the four-day long celebration at the City Palace in Udaipur is the question to some of our NRI customers. Indian Eagle presents a list of things to do during Udaipur travel, in reply to them.

Ride a boat on Lake Pichola

Sail on the blue waters of Lake Pichola and under the blue sky. One of the most famous lakes in Udaipur City, Lake Pichola is known not only for its watery beauty but also the island with Lake Palace Jagniwas. Boat ride on the shimmering surface of Lake Pichola is an unforgettable experience of Udaipur travel to many. Lake Palace Jagniwas in the middle of the lake shines all in its splendors like a solitaire. Now a luxury heritage hotel, the palace was the royal summer residence of Maharana Jagat Singh II in the second half of the 18th century.

Know the history of Mewar

If the history of Mewar, the magnificence of Rajputana, and the glory of the royal era interest you, you must not miss a visit to the City Palace Museum and Crystal Gallery. The collection of rare exhibits at the museum gives a glimpse into the life and culture of Mewar’s royal family. The Crystal Gallery showcases the unmatched sophistication and splendor of the Rajput rulers of Mewar. The Surya Chopar, Rajya Angan, Manak Mahal, Moti Mahal and Chini Mahal are some of the splendid quarters with mirror-work embellished interior in the palace.

Relish the taste of Udaipur

Not having an affair with the traditional delicacies of Rajasthan during Udaipur travel would be unjust. Udaipur is known for its authentic cuisine which includes kadhi pakoda, gatta curry, and papad curry whose flavor is unique to the Rajasthani fare. The culinary opulence of the city has been featured in many international food guides. Having the Taste of Udaipur is one of the best things to do when you are in the City of Lakes.

Shoot the folk dance show

What is next to the gastronomic entertainment and the boat ride? It is the folk art and culture shows at Bagore Ki Haveli. Puppet performance and folk dance show entertain the tourists in the typical Rajasthani way. The dance of colorful puppets is a source of visual amusement. You will be given a warm welcome by Rajasthan’s dancing belles draped in ghagra of different colors and balancing up pots on their heads, at Bagore Ki Haveli. Bagore Ki Haveli is the 18th century mansion with 138 rooms whose interior décor features exquisite artwork.

Shop for colorful merchandise 

Do shop for traditional handicraft collectibles to make your Udaipur tour a memorable one. You cannot resist to be tempted by the beauty of colorful merchandise at Manek Chowk and Hathi Pol Bazaar. If you are fond of typically Rajasthani items, then a pair of golden-embroidered jutis is a must buy. Moreover, Udaipur is the ultimate destination to shop for ethnic silver jewellery. Another tourist attraction of the city is Shilpgram (craftsmen’s village), a handicraft market at the Aravali foothills. Shilpagram overflows with gaiety during an art and craft festival in winters.

Photograph the setting sun

You might have admired the beauty of sunset at the beaches of India. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the sun setting beyond the skyline of Udaipur, from the Monsoon Palace. At a short drive from the city, the palace is 340m high from the sea level. Photograph the setting sun with the mesmerizing view of the kaleidoscopic sky in the backdrop. It will remain as an evergreen picture of your romantic tryst with Udaipur.

Connect with the heritage, history, art, culture & cuisine of Udaipur by flying to Rajasthan, India, at the lowest airfare from IndianEagle.com.

The post Udaipur Travel Guide: Things to do appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Our tongues crave for a break from the monotony of regular menu as much as our eyes look for a change in what we see daily. A culinary trip to Udaipur in Rajasthan can be the best treat to the taste buds. The Udaipur cuisine is lavish and light, rich and simple, spicy and soothing, sweet and snacky at the same time. Associated with the age-old culinary culture in the royal households of Rajasthan, the Udaipur cuisine boasts the dishes whose popularity has spiraled out of Rajasthan and spread all over India. Indian Eagle handpicks some of the best Rajasthani dishes from the cuisine of Udaipur.

Dal-baati-chorma

Is it an exaggeration to call Dal-baati-chorma the king of Rajasthani food? A big ‘NO”. After all, popularity matters. Favorite with the natives of Udaipur, Dal-baati-chorma tops the menu of traditional Rajasthani dishes. The dish is combined of three items – the dal that is boiled, cooked, spiced lentils; the baati that is round-shaped piece of baked, salted, ghee-dipped whole wheat; and chorma made by grinding deep-fried wheat balls, mixed with ground sugar. The flavor and taste of chorma are accentuated with dried fruits and nuts. The dish evolved from the aridity of Rajasthan where hard-working nomadic tribes needed some hardy food to develop resilience to extreme weather. Today, it is a staple food in the households of Udaipur and the rest of the state. A must find in the menu of festivals and weddings, dal-baati-chorma is the culinary essence of Rajasthan.

Kadhi pakoda

Image credit: YouTube.com

Another popular vegetarian dish in the regular cuisine of Rajasthan is Kadhi Pakoda. The Rajasthani menu contains as many light dishes as heavy dishes. Kadhi Pakoda is gram flour or chickpea flour curry with balls of the same material. Curd is an essential component of this item. Sauce or cream adds to the flavor. Snacky in taste, Kadhi Pakoda is best enjoyed with rice and rotis. With the people of the Marwari community migrating from Rajasthan to the rest of the country, Kadhi Pakoda has been absorbed into the cuisines of the other states. But, the taste of Kadhi Pakoda in Udaipur is unmatched in any other part of the country.

Gatta Curry or Gatte ki Sabzi

Udaipur has a fetish for the dishes made of gram flour. The Udaipur cuisine boasts a variety of gram flour curries whose taste will leave you licking your fingers. One such dish is Gatta Curry. Gram floor is mixed with spice and lukewarm water to make dough which is cut into small pieces. Each piece is shaped into a small ball. The balls are dipped into a spicy, tangy curry made of curd. Cream or malai is frittered all over the curry for extra flavor.

Papad Curry or Papad ki Sabzi

The art of cooking something very spicy and tasty using simple ingredients is to be learnt in Udaipur. Papad Curry which you may not find in the menu of local culinary festivals or traditional weddings in Rajasthan is a staple dish in the day-to-day life of the people of Udaipur. If you get luckily invited to a household in Udaipur City, accept the invitation and let your taste buds try something new. Pepper-spiced papads are broken into pieces which are dipped into a tomato curry.

Udaipur is accessible from Jaipur International Airport, and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. IndianEagle.com books the cheapest flight for you to take a culinary tour of Udaipur in Rajasthan.

The post Must-have Traditional Dishes from Udaipur Cuisine in Rajasthan appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.