5 things to do in Goa in the month of December

Oh, Goa! Such an exciting, laidback, serene yet heady place. We are nearing the end of 2016, and if you are itching for a holiday to send off this year with a bang, you could do no better than Goa!

Book a December vacation to Goa for these reasons:

1. The beaches beckon. Goa has a little over 70 km of wondrous coastline, and scores of magnificent beaches. Book yourself into a luxurious beach side resort for an excellent start to your holiday. You will find your beach sojourns infused with new life if you stay at some of the best hotels in Goa. From there, you can take a walk on the beach, or enjoy some thrilling water sports or take a speedboat ride to go look at dolphins.
   
   
2. Spend Christmas in Old Goa. Goa is the place to be during Christmas – the State celebrates the festival with gusto and endless rounds of delicious food. Old Goa celebrates Christmas like no other place in India – there are revels all night long, from raves to family-oriented Carol singing and nativity scenes. Plus, beaches, houses and street fronts are decorated with pretty lights and five-pointed stars, thus adding to the cheer.
   
   
3. Saturday night live! Goa has a Saturday Night market at Arpora, which starts in November and tapers off by end of January. December is peak shopping activity at this market, that opens at 6 pm and closes in the early morning hours. You can shop for some amazing clothes, shoes and trinkets, while listening to live music, sampling some delicious food and strolling through the market with a beer bottle in hand.
   
   
4. Go camping on the beach. Camping is a major tourist puller in Goa, and you can set up base at one of the licensed camping sites on many of Goa’s beaches. The weather in December is perfect for camping, sleeping under the stars and a midnight bonfire. You can pitch your own tent, have a barbecue and fall asleep in blissful quiet and cool breezes.
   
   
5. Gorge on fantastic seafood. Goa is known for its wide range of seafood, and the best hotels in Goa serve up fresh catch every other day. The seafood in this part of the country is plump and succulent, and when seasoned with local spices and eaten fresh, it transports you to food heaven. You can actually take a seafood eating trip and sample such goodies as tuna, pomfret, squid, crabs and mackerel. You can even buy special Goan marinades and spices here to recreate the taste back home!

4 places for lip-smacking food in Gurgaon

We’re sure your visit to Gurgaon is always memorable, and we’re also sure that you go there on business, finish your job and head back home. If you stayed back for a bit, you would realise that there is much more to Gurgaon than just well-planned infrastructure and large office complexes.

For Gurgaon hides a secret – it is a haven for the famished! The city houses many excellent dining joints, but if you must have a list, here are our top 4 recommendations:

1 Zanotta, The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences. Drop by at one of the best 5 star hotels in Gurgaon, The Leela for a wide array of dining options. We recommend this restaurant for many reasons, chief among them the soothing ambience, chefs preparing your food at interactive counters and semi-private dining sections for intimate celebrations. You cannot leave until you try the salt-crusted fish of the day, the chocolate pastry with sweet cream, smoked duck salad, and homemade burrata, among many other dishes.

2 Mamagoto. With its warm vibe, a stunning array of dishes and some great company, your trip to Mamagoto in Gurgaon is completely worth your while. The menu is quite inventive – try their water chestnut spring roll, Korean imported pork chops, raw papaya salad and glass noodles in hot broth. This restaurant is also good for a family meal.

3 Farzi Café. This café has been drawing hipsters and middle-aged daddies in equal measure with its palate cleansing food and fresh take on traditional favourites. Savour the Galouti burger or butter chicken bun, or go for roti/paratha with Malabari pyajo. Regulars also swear by its creative touches (the bill is presented inside a typewriter!) and friendly service.

4 Walking Street – Soi 7 Go to this place if you want to drink a home brewed Ko Samui Red – trust us, you will want to have more. But this place is a good visit when you’re out with friends and have a lot of time to kill – the vibe is relaxed, nobody is going to hustle you, and you can roll your drink around your tongue as much as you want. The food is good too – try their smoked mushrooms, pizzas and their famous chicken bomb. Plus, they play great music, too.

The three most amazing restaurants in Mumbai

Mumbai is full of a pulsating, vibrating rhythm that leaves you spellbound and wanting more. It is said that the person who spends a few days in Mumbai ends up staying a lifetime. But even if you don’t make Mumbai your home, you should know that there are umpteen options for shopping, entertainment and food.

The city also features some of the country’s best fine dining eateries. So on your next visit, make sure you check out one – or all – of the following best restaurants in Mumbai for the most profound dining experience this side of the country:

1. Olive Bar and Kitchen: If you’re in Mumbai on a Sunday, be sure to have your brunch at Olive Bar and Kitchen. Not that this wonderful restaurant is any less wonderful on other days, but it really outdoes itself during its Sunday brunches. You can choose from their famed Mediterranean spread, which features soups, salads, mains, and the most delectable desserts. We recommend their signature dishes, Wild Mushroom Bisque, fish and prawn salad and tomato tart.
   
   
2. Citrus, The Leela Mumbai: Be refreshed with the cosy, elegant interiors of Citrus and the warmth of the food and service. Head to Citrus for a casual lunch with friends, or an intimate dinner with your significant other, or even a hearty breakfast after your morning run. You can stare at the waterfalls outside the restaurant’s windows as you gorge on the tastiest Japanese fare at the Japan counter, or wade through several international cuisines during your Sunday brunch. If it’s a buffet dinner in Mumbai that you seek, you could do no better than Citrus.
   
   
3. The Dome, Hotel Intercontinental: Eating some gorgeous food while enjoying the best ever views of the city? You can do both at The Dome, which overlooks the city’s fabled skyline and pairs the sights with an excellent array of food and drinks. You can only have evening snacks and dinner here – it doesn’t open before 5 pm – but the wait is worth it. Sample their cocktails and salads, as also their grilled treats and soups. This is one of the best restaurants in Mumbai for a romantic date.

5 Amazing Fun Things to do when in Chennai

Did you know that Chennai’s Vandalur Zoo was India’s first zoo? Established in 1955, this is also the largest zoo in South Asia. The capital of Tamil Nadu is famous for its scenic beaches and beautiful temple architecture. While you plan out all the fun things to do here, be sure to book a comfortable room in a luxurious hotel like The Leela. Choose a hotel near the Chennai airport if you’re looking for spacious rooms overlooking the sea. The Leela offers Deluxe and Premier rooms and suites, various dining options with Pan-Asian and authentic Chennai cuisines and rejuvenating spa treatments, among other luxuries.

1.  Take Selfies at the Marina Beach

This is the largest beach in India and the second largest in the world. Extending 6.5kms from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, the Marina Beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean. There are a number of landmarks located along the beach, including an old lighthouse, Victoria War Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Statue and several other buildings from the time of the British rule. The Marina Beach is a photographer’s delight; and even if you aren’t one, be sure to take many selfies.

2.  Surf at the Covelong Beach

This location is known for beach activities, and is frequented by adventure enthusiasts. For the less brave-hearted, the beach still offers mesmerizing views of tides breaking on the sands. People love swimming and surfing here. Located nearby are various forts, churches and mosques.

3.  Get Amazed at the Guindy National Park & Snake Park

This national park and wildlife conservation area is a must visit for animal lovers. Here you can spot the blackbuck, spotted deer, jackals, snakes, tortoises and over 130 species of birds. Located close to the park is the Madras Crocodile Bank, a reptile zoo and herpetology research center. It is the biggest captive crocodile breeding center in India. It also breeds turtles and tortoises.

4.  Visit the Cholamandal Artist Village

This is India’s largest artists' commune and is home to more than 20 painters and sculptors. The resident artists showcase their best works to visiting guests, while sending some to be displayed at galleries across the globe.

5.  Tour the Royal Enfield Factory

Established in 1955, it is the oldest motorcycle factory in India where bikes can still be seen assembled by hand. Visit to see the different stages in manufacturing of a living legend like Royal Enfield.

Book early to get great offers at the most luxurious hotels near the Chennai airport. Choose one that offers spa treatments, which will help you relax after all the excitement of exploring the various landmarks of Chennai.

The Easiest Way to Buy Movie Tickets Online

We Indians are simply crazy about movies, aren't we? Sultan had already crossed the Rs. 500 crore mark at the box office before the end of July 2016.

In 2015, India had total box office collections of US$1.6 billion, which is expected to rise to US$3 billion by the end of 2016. The global movie tickets booking market is estimated to grow by US$13.72 billion by 2017. The current value in India is US$50 million and nearly 3.6 billion online movie ticket bookings are done every year. With the penetration of smartphones and the internet among the youth, this number is expected to continue to rise in future.

The Easiest Ways to Buy Tickets Online

• Websites: The whole idea of online movie ticketing started with the introduction of websites for just his purpose. You can use these sites to book tickets for almost any event in the city of your choice, from movies to concerts, plays and more. The online ticketing portal, BookMyShow alone, aims at selling 100 million tickets in the financial year of 2016-17. “The size of the total addressable market in India is 500 million tickets and we are looking to tap (the remaining) 80% of the market (as well),” said Ashish Hemrajani, co-founder of the company. The reason for this growth is the exclusive offers that people get by booking tickets online. For example, if you buy tickets using a DBS digibank debit card, you get 30% off. So, if 2 tickets cost Rs. 400, the buyer actually needs to pay only Rs. 280. Not a bad deal, right?

• Mobile Apps: The second most popular and probably even easier way of buying tickets is through mobile apps. Buyers can get many lucrative cashback offers here too. For example, if you book tickets through the BookMyShow app on weekdays, you get 50% off. Similarly, one of the best offers on movie tickets right now is the 10% cashback that you get by booking tickets through digisavings account of digibank.

• Mobile Wallets: The third way of buying tickets online is by using mobile wallets. You can add money in these wallets and book tickets with a simple touch. Again, the buyers get many exclusive offers on these wallets.

Butter Chicken in Mumbai v/s Butter Chicken in Delhi

Ask any Indian foodie what their favorite desi dish is, and most would exclaim, “Butter chicken, of course!” You would agree that there is something sinfully decadent and satisfying about eating a plate of well-made butter chicken. It satiates you like nothing else does – though most people also agree that it does no favors to their waistlines!

The butter chicken dish was said to be invented in Delhi in the early 1920s, by a clever tandoori chicken seller who improvised a dish out of his leftover chicken pieces. The story goes that he prepared a curry for the leftover chicken pieces to soak up, so that the food could be sold and he would not make a loss. Another theory goes that the butter chicken was first prepared in the kitchens of Moti Mahal in Daryagunj. It was said to be an experiment with existing Indian curries, using tomato chunks and butter instead of oil.

Delhi is thus known as the birthplace of butter chicken, but the dish is now found all over the country to lip smacking results. Still, the two main food centers of the country – Delhi and Mumbai – arguably serve the best butter chicken dishes in India.

Delhi butter chicken: The fundamental difference between the butter chicken found in Mumbai and that in Delhi is the treatment of the chicken itself. In Delhi, chefs roast or char grill the chicken after marinating it in herbs and salt. The curry, too, may be prepared using local tomatoes for a deeper color and more zing. Though butter forms the major base for the curry, it is perfectly balanced with a host of spices. The chicken is cooked slowly to ensure that its juices remain intact, and is served in succulent pieces doused in fiery red curry.

Mumbai butter chicken: The butter chicken found in India’s busiest city is milder and sweeter than its fuller-bodied Delhi counterpart. The chicken is often cooked raw with the curry instead of being pre-roasted. The curry is often sweeter and not spicy to the palate. While Delhi eats kebabs and tandoor roti with its butter chicken, Mumbai prefers the fattier butter naan or roomali roti.

Take a culinary trip to explore the many tastes of butter chicken in Delhi and Mumbai. Book a Mumbai to Delhi flight to embark on your tasting sojourn. Once your flight tickets are booked, start by sampling the best varieties of butter chicken in Mumbai and then move on to do the same in Delhi. So whether you find the clear winner in each city, your taste buds and tummy will sing with happiness!

Kovalam - The Perfect Getaway This Fall

Life had been long and monotonous for a while, so I finally decided to take a break from everything related to city life. Tired of the hustle-hustle of a fast moving metro city, I wanted a silent getaway where I could relax and maybe enjoy a cool sea breeze, while watching the sun disappear below the horizon. Where better to do that than in our very own southern heaven, Kerala. Kerala is known as God’s Own Country for a reason. It has beautiful scenic locales, great beaches and amazing backwaters, which makes it the perfect getaway from our congested city life. However, this is also one state that offers a huge variety of destinations to choose from, making it quite difficult to pick just one. After some research, I finally settled on Kovalam for its calm and serene beaches, as well as the popularity of Ayurvedic spas in Kovalam, which are famous around the world. Being in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, Kovalam is well connected to the outside world as well.

Once the place was decided, the dilemma was to choose the best possible place to make the most of my time there. This also took some research on Kovalam hotels and I finally chose The Leela, India's only cliff-top beach resort, and I can say without any doubt that it was one of the best decisions of my life.

Location

The location of the resort was among its best features, since it was just a 15-minute walk from both Kovalam Beach and Hawah Beach, so I could go down to the beach any time I wanted to. The famous Lighthouse Beach was also at an easily accessible distance from the resort.

Accommodation

The room that I stayed in was tastefully done, offering a perfect blend of a great view of the Arabian Sea and the luxurious comfort of modern amenities.

Dining

I chose to dine in at The Tides, which was a sea side restaurant at The Leela. Apart from offering amazing Pan-Asian cuisine, this restaurant also has music by live bands and a great dance floor to lose yourself on. Even the bar offers a stunning view of the coastline, apart from offering best the quality wines.

Spa

The Ayurvedic spa treatment with natural oils and herbs was so rejuvenating that it gave me the feeling of my body being much closer to nature. The spa sessions seemed to detoxify my body and soul alike.

The whole experience of the trip was so memorable and amazing thanks to the great hospitality of the staff and the entire ambience of the whole place. I will surely come back to Kovalam and would definitely staying once again at one of the best Kovalam hotels, The Leela.

This way to shopping paradise, Thailand

One of the best ideas you could have this year is to indulge in some retail therapy in Thailand. Why Thailand? Because it features the most diverse shopping experiences this side of Asia, and it makes every shopping expedition an affair to remember. So go ahead, get your flight tickets and Thailand visa and head to the best shopping delights at

Bangkok.

From swanky malls to floating markets, and from night markets to outlet shops, Bangkok has all of these and more. You can go quite crazy trying to decide what to pick and what to leave – so you might just end up buying everything in sight! When in Bangkok, also check out the famous vintage shops that sell stuff made from old valuable items, or rummage through the sheer variety of clothes at Pratunam Market.

Handicrafts at Chiang Mai.

You will love the sheer variety of handicrafts on sale – prices vary as per item and location – at Chiang Mai, where factories and workshops frame the city centre. You can also head down to these factories to watch artisans at work, apart from picking up several pieces here at excellent prices. There are also good shopping malls here, apart from street markets and boutique stores that sell antiques and handicrafts.

Food items at Phuket.

For the freshest and tastiest produce, head straight to the food markets at Phuket. The island exudes a great vibe that invites shopaholics to spend all day strolling its food and cloth markets. You can also walk into large department stores (the prices here are higher) and boutique shops. Check out cheap clothing options, jewellery, arts and crafts and of course, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Hip shopping at Phi Phi Islands.

Earlier known as a wanderer’s paradise, Phi Phi Island has now emerged as a hippie shopping destination featuring a mishmash of shopping experiences. Almost every shop here doubles up as something else (cafes sell clothes, book stores stock beer, you get the drift…) so it might take a while to shake off your disorientation. But the prices here are quite reasonable, the wares on sale are of a good quality and you must especially check out shops selling blown glass items. Plus, you can get a new tattoo at the island’s famed tattoo parlours.

Affordable shopping at Koh Phangan.

Head straight to Koh Phangan if you want budget shopping in Thailand. You will find a variety of wares at this beach town, from jewellery to shoes and from lingerie to skin care creams. However, this is not a typical shopping destination but more of a market evolved for everyday needs at the beach.

Are you in Bengaluru? Take an evening off for yourself

Bengaluru is truly one of the most pleasurable cities in the country today. A fairly well-planned city with good infrastructure and the most salubrious climate in all of south India, Bengaluru is a good city to live and do business in.

In recent times, Bengaluru has also emerged as a premier destination for IT and allied businesses. As a software hub, it attracts a lot of engineering talent from across the country and abroad. At the same time, the city is host to a lot of high profile events such as concerts for global rock stars. Altogether, Bengaluru is a premier business and pleasure destination in south India.

Chances are that you often head to Bengaluru for meetings, off-site conferences, business training, etc. You probably stay at a hotel, work all day, then head back, pack your bags and leave for home. There are many people who go to Bengaluru but are too busy to enjoy the sights or even take in the city’s metropolitan vibe. This means that they are often unaware of the many joys that the city has to offer the traveller.

One of these joys is the typical south Indian massage that you can enjoy at a premium spa in Bengaluru. It consists of deep tissue massage and reflexology using warm herbal oils to relax tense muscles and eliminate toxins. The massage may be a foot spa or a full body massage using oils and aromatherapy.

Both men and women can partake of excellent spas in Bengaluru, which also offer Swedish massages, head and foot spas, pain relieving massages and many more. Those who opt for traditional south Indian massages find that not only does their stress decrease while the massage is on, but various aches and pains also disappear gradually. The warm herbal oils seep into the skin’s tissues and help in cell repair and rejuvenation, apart from offering anti-oxidant action.

In addition, most good spas in Bengaluru serve healing cups of green or white tea after the massage is over, or a brew of honey in ginger tea so that toxins are removed from the system and the body feels fresher.

So the next time you are in Bengaluru, do take the time and set an evening off for yourself. Book yourself into a spa, get a full body massage, have an early vegetarian dinner and head to bed. When you wake up the next morning, you will be refreshed and ready to take on the world!

A perfect location in Mumbai to celebrate every life event

The stress of life in Mumbai is such that one hardly gets the time to sit back and unwind after a hard day. Many hours spent in tiring commutes, constant deadlines and impossible targets make working life a miserable one for many Mumbaikars. Then there is the absolute paucity of lush green spaces where one may go and just sit quietly to contemplate one’s life and future.

The only spaces that provide any scope for entertainment for the whole family are shopping malls and cinema theatres. With so little time one gets to relax during the week, weekends are spent in cleaning up the house and meeting only with immediate family members. This busy lifestyle ensures that many Mumbaikars do not get the time to catch up with family members unless there is a public holiday.

So why not plan a get-together?

A get-together is the perfect opportunity for family and friends to meet each other after a long time, exchange views and hugs, bond over food and drinks and generally pick up the threads of their lives. If you have been wanting to hold a small gathering of friends and family, pick a special occasion and book a suitable banquet hall for it.

It is fairly easy to plan a get-together in Mumbai if you have the guest list ready. But be sure to book only the most prime facility if you want to make the occasion extra special. There are many good banquet halls in Mumbai, but only the very best, like The Leela Mumbai, are actually worth booking. The Leela Mumbai puts together one of the most exquisite banquets in Mumbai backed by opulent spaces and the best support staff to make your event a grand success.

Spread over a plush 11,742 square feet of area, the Leela Mumbai offers opulent banquet space in its Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 1,200 guests. Now that’s a large amount of space for the most boisterous celebration you can think of! Or you can book the smaller Ball Rooms if you’re planning a more intimate do, like a silver wedding anniversary or a 50th birthday or even a mehndi ceremony.

The Leela Mumbai offers the best seating options, exquisite international or Indian cuisine of your choice, extremely attentive and helpful staff and the most luxurious banquet spaces that you can ask to be customised for your function. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located at Sahar, in the heart of Mumbai, so it is fairly easy to reach it as well.

All in all, you can have the best banquet in Mumbai at The Leela!

15 smart ways to travel through Europe on a tight budget

A European holiday can be the highlight of your life. There are several beautiful countries in Europe, and the best part is, you can see most of them on a single Schengen visa. But you will quickly find that Europe is as expensive as it is gorgeous. Instead of fretting over the amount of money you will need to spend, you could consider these money-saving hacks for your Europe holiday:

1 Travel off-season. Most people make the mistake of booking tickets in the destination country’s peak holiday season. This will result in more money for flight tickets and accommodation. Always travel to Europe, off season for cheaper deals.

2 Book your tickets in advance. The closer you book your tickets to the date of departure, the more expensive they will be. Frequent travellers know they must book tickets at least three months in advance to avoid last minute charge hikes and delays.

3 Travel to Schengen visa countries only. Not every country in Europe is on the list of Schengen visa countries. Look up the entire list of countries to know which ones you can travel to, on a single Schengen visa. A better way to save more money is to travel to an EU country but one which does not use the Euro, such as Croatia.

4 Look for alternatives to hotels. Your accommodation choice will impact your spends on your Europe sojourn. Instead of booking yourself into a hotel or resort, ask your friends or family members if you can stay at their place. If this is not feasible, stay at a hostel or rent an apartment from a local.

5 Carry cash to spend. It is always better to carry along sufficient cash instead of using your credit cards everywhere or taking money from the ATM to save on international withdrawal fees.

6 Book a multi-city cruise. Instead of booking 10 different cars to travel to multiple destinations, a single cruise will do the job better and cheaper.

7 Use public transportation. Car rentals can be expensive in Europe, especially if your pick-up and drop-off points are different and located far from each other. It is always cheaper to use public transport, which is quite good in Europe.

8 Walk everywhere and join free walking tours. You can learn a lot about a place and remember side streets and prominent landmarks if you walk everywhere. Also look for free walking tours with an English speaking guide to explore a city, but don’t forget to tip the guide.

9 Visit museums and art galleries on free days. Do your research and find free visitor days for art galleries and museums in your destination city. This will save a lot of money on admission fees.

10 Use free Wi-Fi only. Communicate with friends and family using messenger services on your phone and free Wi-Fi which is available at many cafes and restaurants in Europe. Sending emails, photographs and other communication is much cheaper with free Wi-Fi.

11 Use a rail pass to travel within the EU. We recommend taking a railway pass that allows multiple passage between select EU countries. You pay for it once and travel a certain number of times before you make the next pass.

12 Use a local SIM card. Do not use international roaming on your phone when you travel to Europe. Instead, get a local SIM card (you can get one at most European airports) and discard it when you travel to another country.

13 Shop in cheaper countries. Some European countries such as Switzerland are more expensive than others, such as Portugal. Make a shopping list and wait to reach a more price-friendly country before you start shopping.

14 Research how much to tip. Each country in Europe has different rules about tipping, so find these out before you get there. Some countries pay their wait-staff hourly wages, so there is no need to pay a high tip. At others, a good tip is a norm.

15 Stay within the sights. Instead of staying on the outskirts of the city and then travelling far to see the prominent sights, stay within reach so that you walk to the tourist spots instead of hiring transport.

Is a Schengen visa different from a UK visa?

The best part about travelling anywhere in the European Union (EU) is that one can take a single Schengen visa and move about from country to country. Hence, whether one wants to go to France from Germany and then head to Poland and then move on to Denmark or Belgium, the Schengen visa will allow easy transit from one to the other.

The Schengen visa is valid for countries designated for inclusion in the Schengen territory.

It is a widely held notion that all European Union nations are automatically included in the Schengen territory. This is NOT true – the Schengen area is not the same as the EU area. Hence, countries in the EU may not necessarily be part of the Schengen territory.

This is particularly true of such countries as the UK and Ireland. Both countries are not part of the Schengen territory, and hence a Schengen visa cannot be used in these countries. Conversely, a Schengen visa will not be valid in the UK and Ireland. A UK visa will have to be taken to visit the UK, despite the traveller holding a Schengen visa.

The designated Schengen territory comprises the countries of Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Austria, Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Malta, Denmark, Latvia, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Estonia, Slovakia and Liechtenstein. More countries are expected to be added to this area in 2016, if they are able to meet the requirements to do so.

Terms and conditions

• The Schengen visa is valid for a period of 90 days from date of issuance for travel within all Schengen member countries in a six-month period. In some cases, the visa may be extended to a period of one or two years.

• Though one is allowed to obtain the Schengen visa from one member country and travel to another, the issuing country may note that the visa is not being used for travel and tourism in that country. There is a risk of that country refusing to issue the visa in the future for fear of the visa being misused or not used on their soil.

• Though there is just one Schengen territory comprising 26 countries, each member country may choose to exercise their right to grant, withhold approval or reject a visa application on the basis of their understanding of the applicant’s past travel records, problematic behaviour while on tour, the number of visits made in the past, and so on. One member country’s rules may not apply to another’s.

The Schengen visa fee is taken in Euros only. Be sure to find out the exchange rate in your local currency before buying the visa.

What are the types of UK visas that I can apply for?

The United Kingdom has long been a strong magnet for migrants and travelers alike through the ages. Great Britain has had a strong historical connection, brought on by colonization, with many countries around the world, and these unofficial ties continue to endure to this day. Apart from this, the UK exerts a strong influence in the arena of arts, culture, education, lifestyle and many other areas. These are attractive to many people, and hence, the country figures on the wish list of many a migrant and tourist alike.

However, before you decide to make a trip to the UK, you must first understand the 

UK visa application formalities. There are several types of UK visas – picking the right one depends on the duration of your visit and purpose of stay. Broadly, you can consider the following categories of UK visas:

Work visas:  General (currently closed), Investor, Entrepreneur, Graduate Entrepreneur, Skilled talent, Post Graduate work (currently closed)

Work permit or Certificate of Sponsorship: General, Company transfers (from one location to UK-based one)

Other work categories: Youth mobility scheme, creative participation and sporting visas, Government authorized exchange, charity worker, religious worker, international agreement.

Study visas: Student visas, student visitor (limited duration in terms of days or weeks), Doctoral extension scheme

Family visas: Visas obtained by way of ties with spouse, fiancé, dependent citizen, unmarried partners and ancestry.

UK Tourist visa: Standard (not similar to business, academic, family and general visa), permitted paid engagement (for those invited to UK for lectures and speaking assignments, for example), short term study.

Getting your UK tourist visa is easy if you follow the procedures and file your paperwork diligently. You must have a valid passport and bank statements to prove that you can finance your trip to the UK comfortably. At least one page in your passport must be blank (last page is not considered) on both sides while applying for the UK visa.

The UK visa application formalities also include furnishing information on your travel dates and itinerary, your place of stay in UK, your overall travel expenses, permanent residential address, details of parents’ address and contact numbers, your annual income, details of persons accompanying you on the trip, details of trip sponsor (if any) and details of relatives or friends based in the UK. 

Water way to live!

The water is azure, the sun blazing down on your skin. You have nowhere to be, nowhere to go right this minute. You gaze out into the distance, your eyes traversing sleepily over the clear sands, over to the gulls flying past in a flock, over the horizon where the Earth meets the sky. You slather sunscreen lotion on your arms and legs, sit back in your chair, and pull your hat over your eyes. You’ve finished your drink and it’s a good hour before lunch. You put your book aside and close your eyes.

Now if only you could do this every single day of your life…

A holiday in Goa is the stuff of dreams. Every kind of tranquil peace awaits you in the land of sushegad and seafood, revelry and riotous fun. If you want to detach from your hectic city life and find yourself once again, Goa should be your destination of choice. Of course, it helps that Goa has some of the best tourist spots in the country, apart from some of the warmest, most fun loving people. Every minute spent in this sunshine state will leave you refreshed and energized to take on the rigours of your life once again.

But wait, you’re still on holiday and you have the time to let loose and enjoy Goa in all its glory – you can worry about your job and family responsibilities when you’re back home! You can start by booking good flight tickets for your preferred travel time. Don’t forget to book weekday tickets for cheaper deals, and avoiding the holiday rush is best. Then go on to booking yourself in one of the best hotels – the most excellent holiday often starts with the right accommodation. Look up one of the 5 star hotels in Goa – you can find the most recommended ones online – and book the accommodation that suits you. Many 5 star hotels in Goa offer complimentary airport drop and pick-up facilities as well, so you can start your trip on a hassle-free note.

Once there, draw up your itinerary and head out to explore Goa’s markets (you can pick up cheap alcohol, cashews, straw hats and other odds and ends for good prices), its many temples and churches, its places of interest (we recommend a walk around the late architect Charles Correa’s Kala Akademi, the Basilica of Bom Jesus or a day trip to the scenic Dudhsagar Falls) and its beaches astride a hired bike. There is much culture and history to appreciate as well, or if you’d rather put your feet up and rest, you can take a short walk on the beach and return to your room for a snooze.

The most refreshing trip to Goa entails lazing by the beach with a cold beer and a good book. Just being in close touch with the water will set your jaded mind at rest. Besides, you can eat a meal or sit back with a cocktail as you watch the sun set. Some sightseeing, a lot of rest and partying, and you’ll be all set to embrace your hectic routine once again.

As holidays go, this one’s going to be the one to remember every time your soul yearns for some peace and quiet. 

The documents you need for a US visa

Are you dying to go to the USA? We don’t blame you! It is truly the land of opportunity, making every person’s dream come true. People from all over the world try their best to migrate to the USA, dreaming of a better life and a prosperous future for themselves and their families.

But since not everyone wishes to migrate to the US, the rest of us can contend with a trip to the US to take in the sights and culture. It is one of the largest countries in the world, and it will take one several lifetimes to see it entirely and understand its ethos. Before you make your first trip to the US – or the first of several – let us guide you through the US visa process:

·         Choose the type of American visa on the basis of your purpose of visit and the duration of stay. There are many types of US visas available, so choose the correct category. Tourists wishing to visit the US on a short trip for tourism purposes should opt for the Non Immigrant Visa (NIV). The NIV is valid for tourists and holidayers, students, those visiting the US for office work assignments for a period less than 90 days, and athletes or representatives of Government-registered NGOs going to the US for sports, cultural, educational meets, etc.

·         Tourists can apply for a B-2 US visa. It is meant specifically for tourism only, and cannot be used for work or business purposes.

·         You must apply for a B-1 US visa if you are travelling to the US for work or business purposes.

·         You can choose to apply for the NIV online as well. But you must be careful about the application, because it cannot be retracted if you make a mistake in filling it out. Follow these guidelines when filling this form. If your visa is denied to you for furnishing wrong information, you must fill a new form.

·         On filling the application form, you will be assigned a number by the visa centre. You must keep this number carefully because you will need it to book your visa interview appointment.

·         Pay your visa fees on the basis of the American visa you have applied for. Once you pay the fees, you will be given a receipt number. This number is to be quoted for the US visa interview appointment as well.

·         Use the two numbers – fee receipt number and form application number – and use them to fix an interview date. You will be explained the process from now on in detail: it begins with a time and date for your visa interviews. You have two interviews to pass; one at the Consulate and the other at the visa application centre.

·         The Consulate interview takes place first, followed by the interview at the visa application centre. At both interviews, you must provide your passport details and the two numbers allotted previously. Your photograph may be clicked at the visa centre in the specified format, or you will be told the format for the picture. A second interview at the Consulate will take place, wherein you must submit the confirmation letter stamped at the visa application centre, current passport, and all documents required to support the visa application.

·         Your US visa status can be confirmed only after the second Consulate interview. 

4 things you need to know about living in the UK

It is said that if you want fun and warmth, you can go anywhere in the world but if you’re looking for whimsy, just go to the UK. The country is a curious dichotomy of tradition and modernity, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find the level of discipline and reverence for history that the average British person exhibits, anywhere else in the world. This is one of the few countries where the rural economy thrives as well as its urban counterpart, and where wholesome outdoor exercise and a simple country life sit cheek by jowl with a pulsing, exciting city life.

But don’t take our word for it – just get a UK visa and take a trip around UK to experience this wonderful country yourself. We leave you with just four of the many interesting facets about life in the UK, so that you know what to expect on your travels.

1. The food is great and wholesome. Though the Brits do not favour the use of spices in their food all that much, the fare is still tasty and fulfilling. In fact, the pubs and restaurants in England offer some of the most excellent food that you will find anywhere in the world, and they also stock the best wines and spirits. Many single people in the UK routinely meet at pubs with friends and proceed to have dinner there before turning in for the night. There are also many nightclubs and discos, and the nightlife is quite exciting.
   
   
2. You could lose your job but still pay rent. The Government of the UK follows a welfare system that takes care of all nationals in every possible way. Chief among these is that the Government pays the rent on your home if you are faced with a salary cut or if you are laid off by your workplace. Even those living in tony UK neighbourhoods can avail of aid for rent. However, this aid does not take care of mortgage payments and home loans.
   
   
3. The country is known for its arts. The UK is home to some of the modern world’s best known writers, musicians and actors, and the country is replete with the highest quality of theatre, cinema and television shows. You can regularly go to the opera, indulge your love of classical music and great literature, and take a trip across scenic moors in the country to find the homes and birthplaces of some of the country’s best playwrights and actors.
   
   
4. The UK has the smartest cabbies in the world. On your tourist trails in the UK, you may have noticed how intelligently the cabbies navigate busy junctions and get you to your destination in the least possible time. Their mental acuity comes from an exhaustive six-month testing and preparatory process for taxi drivers, which covers everything from etiquette to road directions and memorising all the routes they ply on. Only about a fourth of applicants get through the exams and receive their license. Cabbies in the UK are under oath to never swindle customers and to take the shortest routes to the end destination.

Plus, your UK visa application should be processed without interminable delays – the visa application offices are known to be prompt with paperwork.

What makes Sri Lanka a hidden gem?

Any traveller looks for just three things on a trip: A naturally beautiful country, friendly people and excellent food. A traveller visiting Sri Lanka gets to experience all these and so much more – there is picturesque beauty as far as the eye can reach, history and tradition at so many different places, a good climate and umpteen stunning beaches.

Get your Sri Lanka visa for a longish holiday in this island country. Make sure your Sri Lanka tour package covers places that showcases the unique:

1. Fantastic topography: You will be left amazed by the diverse topography of Sri Lanka. From beaches that change in appearance from pristine white sandy ones to rocky alcoves, and from various lagoons and dense jungles to swanky but flat city areas, Sri Lanka offers much to see and experience. Then there are misty mountains, lush tea plantations, waterfalls and large swathes of green meadows. Sri Lanka balances the countryside and its city character exceedingly well.
   
   
             
2. Rich history: Sri Lanka is replete with anecdotes and relics from its rich historical past. It shows remnants of its connection to the Indian epic, Ramayana, as well as many examples of its ancient architectural prowess. There are scores of old temples in reasonably good condition to visit, apart from the Cultural Triangle, an area housing six World Heritage Sites. You can look at frescoes, murals, old palaces, stunning stone work and filigree as well as dome-shaped dagobas. Then there are signs of its colonial past, with a Dutch fort and an old township at Galle.
   
   
3. Adventure sports: Since the country is an island, it has an ample coastline that offers tremendous opportunities for wind surfing, water skiing, banana boating and snorkelling, among many others. Plus, there are over 100 rivers, in which you can sail and go kayaking. All adventure sports are safe and tested by trained professionals. You and your family can have a whale of a time trying different adventure sports here. If you choose to stay on land, you can go trekking, biking and hiking.
   
   
4. Flora and fauna: The country’s beauty can be attributed in a large part to its astonishing variety of flora and fauna. Sri Lankans are proud to preserve this aspect of their country, and justly so – the world’s first wildlife sanctuary was set up in Sri Lanka in the 3^rd Century! Today, the country boasts of excellent jungle corridors, parks, zoos and reserves. You can book a jungle safari or make your way through a wonderful ornithological tour.
   
   
5. Warm people: Sri Lankans are some of the nicest, most gracious people in the world. They take hospitality quite seriously, and they pride themselves on taking care of tourists to the best of their ability. Even your local tour guide might invite you into his home – do not decline the invitation to visit the home of a local, or it is perceived as an insult. When you visit a Sri Lankan home, carry a gift for the host and hostess and eat the way the locals do.

Many images, many backgrounds – that’s life as a traveller

It is said that education is not earned simply by sitting at a desk and taking notes – it needs reiteration with a world view. But how can one get a world view if one does not step out of the places he is familiar with?

Travelling to other cities and countries is the answer. Just a single trip out of town is enough to broaden one’s horizons. Travelling frequently, using different modes of transport, eating whatever food is available and interacting with the locals teaches many lessons in empathy and enhances our understanding of the world. But if you want to cut down on travel time, flying to your destination and experiencing it on foot or using local transport is the best way to go.

We recommend checking the domestic flight offers available during your desired travel period so that you get the best deals on air tickets. Once your tickets are booked, you can sit back and contemplate the many benefits of travel, chief among which are:

• A change of scenery always helps. You may have the best life back home, but there are times when you just want to pack your bags and leave for unknown shores. Work stress,, several family responsibilities, mounting job pressures…all of these combine to make you feel ill and stagnant. Travelling is the best way to step off the treadmill of life for a while, mainly to get a change of location to improve your mood.
  
  
• It challenges your limits. Your holiday may not always follow a predictable curve. You might lose your bags, the place you are staying at may face a natural disaster, you might fall ill, you might wish you had never left home…there are challenges galore when you travel. Facing them and trumping these obstacles gives a sense of achievement, of having ‘grown up’ enough to surmount a problem. This is a good motivational tool.
  
  
• It introduces you to different cultures. Staying in one place for long, meeting the same people at work and in the neighbourhood, and watching the same TV serials every day can give you a myopic world view. It is time to expand your horizons by seeing new places, experiencing a way of life in an unfamiliar terrain, eating new food and learning other communities’ customs. These experiences help put our own lives in perspective, making us realise many truths about our own existence.
  
  
• Travel also pampers you. You need not always travel rough or hold your purse strings tightly booking a luxurious vacation simply to unwind and have others wait on you is a blissful experience. You can book yourself into a five star hotel, cheat on your diet with the choicest food, sleep all day, and have drinks by the pool. Then when night comes, you can either dance away at a pub or curl up on the bed with a romantic comedy film. 

An English sojourn and mind-broadening travels

Indians have a curious affinity for England – there is still an uneasy bond forged over the British ruling the Indians, and many Indians becoming prosperous early settlers in England over the last century. A shared ethos, transport system and justice structure combine to make Indians curious about present-day England.

An English sojourn is a delightful experience that every serious traveller must check off his bucket list. Apart from being beautiful, quaint and contemporary all at once, it offers superlative entertainment of the cerebral variety. England is steeped in tradition but has a forward looking outlook towards commerce and infrastructure – so while you can go see a fictional address of a fictional detective preserved for posterity (at Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes was supposed to have lived) you also find the best in tube and road transport services here.

Book your UK visa from India and get the best flight tickets for a lengthy cross-country holiday across England. Your UK visa is your gateway to the most amazing holiday you will have this year. If you are looking for some pointers on what you can expect from your UK trip, allow us to expound on:

The best museums and art galleries - England truly believes in the refinement of the senses through visual art, and hence, there are several prominent art galleries, museums and pop-up art installations to see all year. The best part is, many of these are free to view and open to all at many spots. You can also find the best libraries and general reading rooms in this country – the British are huge proponents of learning!

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

William Morris Gallery

The best food joints. The food cultures of the world truly unite in London where the most celebrated chefs from around the world have set up restaurants, hotels and cafes. So if you can eat Pad Thai noodles on a street corner, you can walk into a posh Indian restaurant at the next. However, be sure to sample the most famous English fish and chips (which is normally a takeaway meal) on your trip.

Source : www.timeout.com

The best shopping experiences. Every Englishman knows where to go when he wishes to shop – there are places to head to for clothes, knick knacks, shoes, accessories, and even electronics. You can spend a day at such exclusive shopping establishments as Harrods and Sears, while also buying a bouquet of peonies on the waterfront.

Source : www.visitlondon.com

                               

The best outdoors. The English moors have often been immortalized in several books and films on the country, because these brooding, vast open spaces have been the sporting and walking grounds of the British over the ages. You can find a wide variety of parks, zoos, jogging tracks, outdoor swimming areas etc. all over the country, so bear this element in mind when you’re bored of your hotel room during your trip. You can get tickets to Wimbledon if you’re buying a UK visa for July this year.

The best accommodation options. England offers a variety of stay options for the traveller. Besides, most streets bear maps of the immediate vicinity, while the cabbies are trained to take customers to their desired location in the least possible time. So there is hardly a question of you losing your way.