Hotels & Travel Magazine
Reade r
ship
www.travelnjoy.co.in
Travelnjoy Vol. I - Issue 8 & 9 - Aug-Sept 2017
Hotels & Travel Magazine
Reade r
ship
www.travelnjoy.co.in
Travelnjoy
Travelnjoy Inside >> How to Choose an Offbeat Travel Destination Basic Tips For Beach Travel Monsoon attraction Tamhini Ghat Waterfall, Maharashtra Best time to visit India’s popular travel destinations J&K to get an eco-park for tourism boost Delhi to Amritsar by bullet train in just 2 hours India ranks 12th in wellness tourism MTDC pushes for Agri-Tourism Patnitop Hill Station Falls Silent as Tourists take Tunnel Road Shortcut In Kerala, GST To Make Budget Hotels Cheaper But Eating Out Costlier
Travelnjoy
Travel e-Magazine ------------------------------------------------Editor: Shirish Kirtane Contributors: Girish Pimpale Design & Layout: Shirish Kirtane Manish Malve Photography: Shraddha Kirtane Shruti Kirtane Published by: Travelnjoy Holidays A/302, Ankush CHS, New Viva College Road, Vartak Ward, Virar (W). --------------------------------------------------------------Be a contributor by sending travel related articles, photos and other contents helpful to the readers. We are looking for the contributors. Those who are interested can contact on: shirish.travelnjoy@gmail.com OR shirish@travelnjoy.co.in To read the magazine online log on to: www.travelnjoy.co.in --------------------------------------------------------------Cover Photo Credit: Shraddha Kirtane DISCLAMIER
We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information on this magazine. However we can give no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of the content of this magazine. Hence we accept no liability for any losses or damages, whether direct, indirect or otherwise arising out of errors or omissions contained in this magazine. We reserves the right to update, add, amend, remove, replace or change any part of the content at any time without prior notice. We shall not be liable for distortion of data arising from any technical fault including transmission errors, technical defects, interruptions or third party intervention.
How to Choose an Offbeat Travel Destination Follow these easy steps on how to choose an offbeat travel destination, for a better travelling experience. Not all travel destinations must be familiar to you or those you know, so as to plan the trip and travel hassle-free. Sometimes, you may want to explore a new place, and would be confused how to chalk out the trip. Before you visit any offbeat destination, it is better to be prepared for what comes along, through the journey. To have an easy trip to such a place, here are some things that you can take into consideration, to make your trip worth looking forward to! Find an Accessible Place There are several offbeat tourist places across the world for you to explore, but getting to all of them may not be easy. Some places are risky to enter, while some places don’t allow tourists during certain times of the year due to various reasons which also includes the extreme climatic conditions of the region. When you plan a trip to a place you’ve never been to, it is always better to choose an offbeat travel destination that is easily accessible by affordable means of transport. Contact the Locals Before the Trip To know more about a particular place, the best way is to interact with a person who lives there, or at least someone who has spent enough
04
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
time there, to guide you plan your trip. The vast world of internet is one way to track such people. Once you find a few contacts, they could help you with the culture, food habits and other aspects of the place that you ought to know before you start your journey. Check on the Stay Options Not all places will have good or even enough stay options in the first place. If the place has hardly one or two hotels or guest houses, there are chances that they are booked too. Ensure that you would be safe at the destination you are travelling to. Plan for Emergencies Unlike popular tourist destinations, you may not get all the details about an offbeat place. In such cases, be prepared to face the risks that come with it. Ensure you have all the necessary phone numbers of the nearest contact points, enough cash with you, extra clothes, or even a backup plan just in case the destination is totally not what you expected it to be. Consult a Travel Agent If Needed It is right that the fun in exploring a place can’t be experienced if you go through a travel agent. However, if you feel you need better assistance and guidance before you start travelling, you also have the choice to get in touch with a travel agent and plan a proper trip, rather than exploring the place for yourself.
Basic Tips For Beach Travel Want your beach trip to be more enjoyable and hassle-free? Have a look at these simple tips for beach travel. A day in the beach can be very relaxing and at the same time irritating sometimes. So, here we bring you some simple tips for you to follow during the beach vacation. Watching Your Luggage One usual problem we face while visiting beaches is about watching over the luggage. Unless your car is parked nearby or you are staying in a nearby hotel, this problem exists. So better carry fewer items as possible because you have to carry it around everywhere. In case, you want to keep your electronic gadgets while playing then put them in plastic cover and close it tightly. Now you can easily carry your gadgets like phone even when you are playing in water. Clothes and Societal Barriers Of course, beaches are for bikinis and stuff but in places like India there is some kind of restrictions when it comes to attire. It is okay if it is a place like Goa but there are some unannounced regulations. So, wear an attire which can keep you from unwanted stares. Dress according to your comfort and societal norms in beaches where it is necessary.
much. Just rub off some baby powder before washing it all. The sand will come out easily and you don’t have to struggle much. Safety First Don’t become over exited and go swimming in the restricted areas. Please follow the rules laid out by the officials. Don’t go too far into the sea as it can be quite risky. Things to Bring Carry a mat, some snacks, sunscreen, a hat or an umbrella on your beach trip. Sit on the mat comfortably and have snacks enjoying the scenic views. Cleanliness Please do not litter the beach. Carry some covers to put all your used bottles and chips packets, etc. Use a dustbin to throw all the garbage. Bring extra clothes
Don’t Bother About the Sand
Most beaches have changing rooms. So always carry spare clothes while you travel to beaches. It is a done deal that you will play in water once you go there. So, it is better to be precautious so that you won’t have to walk around in wet clothes later.
Your body will be smeared in sand once you start playing in the beaches. Don’t worry too
Keep these simple tips for beach travel for a wonderful beach vacation. Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
05
Monsoon attraction Tamhini Ghat Waterfall, Maharashtra It is soothing to get lost in the silence of nature! Now a days, most places seem to be crowded all the time but there are places where you can enjoy a quitter time with yourself. Though some destinations are known for monsoon tourism, they are worth a visit anytime. Especially if you desire for a calming atmosphere then you should head to a place like Tamhini Ghat in Maharashtra. Exploring Tamhini Ghat Tamhini Ghat is part of the Western Ghats, it is actually a mountain pass between the Mulshi and Tamhini. Although the peak season is during monsoon when it is all green and wet, you can visit during winter as well. Tamhini Ghat provides a pristine escape with the imposing panoramic vistas of landscapes. Tourist attractions in and around Tamhini Ghat Tamhini Ghat is known for its scenic view points. Along with that, there are a few other tourist attractions. Tamhini Waterfalls (seasonal), Mulshi Dam, Mulshi lake (reservoir), Kailasagad fort, etc. are some of the tourist places in Tamhini Ghat. Aamby Valley (30km), Kolad (71km), Lonavala (6km) and Khandala (8km) are some of the tourist places near Tamhini Ghat. Kolad Among various other tourist attractions, Kolad is one of the upcoming adventure hubs near Tamhini Ghat. Kolad on the banks of Kundalika River is slowly turning into a hub for white water rafting. Yes, Kundalika River is one of the top destinations for river rafting in Maharashtra. Kolad Dam, Sutarwadi Lake, Tala Fort and Dholwal Dam are some of the best tourist attractions in Kolad. How to Reach Tamhini Ghat Tamhini Ghat is accessible through Mumbai-Goa Highway from Mumbai and can also be reached via Mumbai - Pune Highway from Pune. Tamhini Ghat is around 78km 06
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
from Mumbai and 71km from Pune. In fact, a roadtrip to Tamhini Ghat especially during monsoon is one of the most scenic experiences. However, it is still a beautiful and offbeat destination for those who love nature. Best Time to Visit Tamhini Ghat Tamhini Ghat is a monsoon destination, the rain would have converted the brown hills and green mounds! However, it can be visited during other seasons as well. Only that you can’t expect a fully cascading waterfalls or small streams oozing out everywhere. The time from October to February is also one of the best time to visit Tamhini ghat. Tamhini Ghat is considered to be a twindestination of Malshej Ghat. However, it is lesscrowded than Malshej. Hence, Tamhini Ghat is one of the most enticing offbeat destinations in Maharashtra.
Best time to visit India’s popular travel destinations Goa
Mid-November to Mid-February: These are the best months to visit the party capital since the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable. It’s the perfect time to relax on the beaches amidst other tourists who make the most of these three months in Goa. December is the time when Goa witnesses one of its most popular festivals, Sunburn, besides extensive Christmas and New Year celebrations and is home to lakhs of visitors from across the world. You might want to book your hotels in advance since this is the peak season and prices of accommodation go way higher than you would imagine. March to May: This is the season when the temperature rises, the sea becomes rougher and the weather turns hot and humid. Not many people visit Goa between the months of March and May since there are not many activities to indulge in. However, the prices of hotels and home stays become way too reasonable in case
you want to visit Goa for a three-to-four day break with your beloved, looking for peace and calm. Mid-June to October: Mid-June to October is the time when the rains hit the beautiful Goa. There are parties across the length and breadth of Goa to welcome the rains. If you love the monsoon and the lush green countryside that the rain Gods turn Goa into, Aug-Sept to September is a great time to visit. One of the reasons to visit Goa during monsoons is also due to the festival of Sao-Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist) that is held during late June. It’s an interesting event where men jump into wells that are overflowing to fetch bottles of the local alcohol called feni. You might get a good bargain at the hotels during this season.
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
07
Mahabaleshwar Even though Mahabaleshwar is a yearround destination, there are certain perks and snags for every season.
Summer Season
Monsoon Season Mid-June to September are the months when Mahabaleshwar is faced with heavy rains. But if you brave the torrential currents pouring down, you will be greeted to a spectacular landscape, which is bound to take your breath away. A popular belief is that honeymooning couples will particularly enjoy themselves during the monsoon months of June-September. Another advantage of visiting the hill station during rainy season is that there is absolutely no tourist traffic there, save the locals. However, many of the accommodation options also close down during these months due to the downpour and the dearth of tourists coming in from outside, so make sure you plan your visit by putting in a lot of thought.
If you are looking to visit this city in the summer months of March through mid-June, you will find the weather agreeable and perfect for roaming round the hill station. However, one of the major cons of visiting Mahabaleshwar in April-May is the horde of tourists flocking to this place to escape the heat which envelops most of the Indian cities.
Winter Season Winters are from November to mid-March and are pleasantly cold. Due to Mahabaleshwar’s proximity to Arabian Sea, the weather is lovely even during winters. Obviously, you’ll need to take some extra layers along, but that just comes with the territory when visiting a hill station. However, if you are still not able to make up your mind, you can always consider October through May as the best time to visit this beautiful hill station. 08
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
Himachal Most of the tour and travel enthusiasts who have a deep desire to explore natural beauty and lofty, yet snow-covered mountain ranges and lush green valley are still confused and look for the right source to find the details about the best time to visit Himachal. If you are also one of those who want to collect information about the vest time to visit Himachal or best time to visit Shimla, Kullu & Manali, etc. In the real way, the hilly and snowy state boasts of miscellaneous geography that keep one enticed for a long time and persuade them to come here again and again even without caring about the weather conditions. In this way, for real nature lovers and tour aficionados, each and every month of the year is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. In fact the southern part of the state of Himachal Pradesh is located at lower altitude that is known for the same climate throughout the year similar to the plains of India. And at the same time, northern part of the state is at high altitude that is known for hill stations and cool climate. In this way, the upper part has always been the cool temperature. However, in the month of November to February, the snow falling keep travelers enticed for a long time. Northern part of the sate is known for cool temperate summer and an extreme winter, with freezing cold and heavy snowfall greeting the visitors coming at this time. The Months of March to June are best time to explore because day weather is considered as pleasant; while morning and night are cool. If you want to explore the lush green forest ranges and green valley, then the time between Aug-Sept to September is the best because the time is considered as rainy season. In this way, the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is every month that you can explore according to your requirements and timings. It is also worthwhile to consider that the hill state is full of tourist during festival season and in the heavy snow fall or summer; therefore before choosing the best time to visit Himachal, you should also book a hotel in advance.
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
09
Darjeeling-Gangtok Gangtok like Darjeeling follows similar trends in weather through the year. Although there are some differences in temperature and rainfall between the two places, the overall weather change takes place in tandem in both these two places. So a good season in Gangtok is also a good season in Darjeeling. And this is one main reason why most tourists combine a visit of Gangtok with Darjeeling. Winter (December to February) is extreme in Gangtok and it can be very cold out there particularly early in the mornings and at nights. The average temperature hovers around 4°C. Although snowfall in Gangtok town itself is not common, the routes to high altitude places from Gangtok like Tsomgo lake and Nathula Pass often get closed due to heavy snow. Another problem during winter (particularly in February) is the fog. You will often find white blankets of mist blocking the views. During Monsoon (Aug-Sept - September) you may see continuous rains or cloudy sky. This is the time when landslides also take place cutting off routes. However the entire area becomes lush green and looks so serene without tourists. The month of Aug-Sept sees heaviest rains. Some of the best festivals take place in monsoon. Most tourists avoid Gangtok during winter and monsoon. Since the demand falls, the hotel and tour rates also get slashed during these periods. So which is the best time to visit Gangtok? 10
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
There are several seasons or time when you can visit and enjoy Gangtok. Spring (March to April) is a great time. This is when there will be chill in the air but still very pleasant through out the day. Most importantly the sky remains clear and you can usually get great views of Kanchenjunga and the snow mountains. This is a great time for sightseeing and adventure activities. Another great time is the Summer (May - June). The average temperature hovers around 22°C. Sometimes during the day time it can get quite warm but overall it remains quite comfortable. You will need to wear a light sweater only at night. Tourists pour in during the summer school vacation time. So expect lots of tourist rush around this time. This is a great time for sightseeing tours as well as activities like white water rafting. Due to rise in demand, the hotel & taxi tour rates also soar. However in summer you may not always get clear sky and great views of now peaks. There can also be short showers at times. One of the best times to visit Gangtok is during Autumn (October to November). Weather is extremely pleasant although it starts getting a bit cold in November and you will need warm clothes if you visit in November. But a big plus is the clear sky and the beautiful views. Excellent time for sightseeing and fun activities.
Ooty Ooty is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit is between the months of April to June and September to November. However, depending on what you want to do, here’s a monthly breakup of Ooty’s climatic conditions so that you can plan accordingly: March to June: These months constitute the summer season in Ooty. The weather during this time period is generally pleasant as you can venture out for day sightseeing and other tourist activities. The average temperature during summers does not rise beyond 20 degree Celsius. Aug-Sept to September: These months constitute the monsoon season in Ooty. The town receives heavy rainfall and this might disrupt the routine day sightseeing activity for some of you. However, nature lovers would love the scenic beauty that embraces Ooty after the rain showers which is worth clicking many pictures.
October to February: During the month of October, the chilly wind enters the town but the overall day temperature is cool and good for sightseeing. November to February constitute the winter season in Ooty. Many couples visit Ooty during the winter season. Sometimes, the temperature can go below 5 degree Celsius also. Note that the nights in January and February are the coldest.
Kodaikanal Being a hill city Kodaikanal has pleasant moderate weather all through the year and you can easily plan a trip whenever you want. Here’s a detailed monthly seasonal break for the region: November to February: The winter months are pleasant with average temperature ranging between 30°C and 8°C. Evenings can be cold, especially in December and January, so you should carry layered woolens. It’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors. If you happen to be there during January, you must stay to celebrate the popular festival of Pongal.
March to May: Summers last from March to May but it doesn’t get too hot with the temperature varying between 20°C and 34°C. It’s a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. June to September: The monsoon season, primarily the months of Aug-Sept and August, can be tricky. However, the beauty of rains and fresh air is best felt during this period. September is a great month to travel because it doesn’t rain much and the weather is ideal for sightseeing. The rains lead to a sudden drop in temperature so be prepared.
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
11
Ladakh Best Time to Visit Ladakh Ladakh is open for tourist throughout the year, while the best period for tour and trek is from June to October. Most of the trekking routes are closed after November due to heavy snowfall at high passes except the Liker to Kahltsey (Sham) trek. The best period for Chadar trek is from January to Mid-March. Temperature in summer (June to September) can touch 30C and -20C in late December and January. Annual rainfall is 6�.
Andaman The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most popular beach tourist destinations for travellers. Winter, summer and monsoon are the main seasons here. Situated in the Bay of Bengal, the islands experience a tropical climate and heavy winds during monsoon. Winters: Winters start in December and end in February. However, unlike most of the mainland, temperatures still remain above 20 degrees throughout. The average minimum temperature remains around 22 degrees, while the average maximum reaches around 30 degrees making daytime a bit warm. Summers: Beginning in March and lasting till mid-May, the average minimum temperature remains around 24 degrees while the maximum temperature can reach somewhere around 37 degrees. Monsoons: The monsoon usually hits Andaman around late May and lasts until mid September. This is probably the least-recommended time to visit the islands. Strong winds, frequent rain and low visibility underwater are common during this season. Early November until mid-May sees the best weather, and often the best diving conditions in Andaman. The days are mostly sunny at this time of year, and the sea is sometimes flat enough to reflect the clouds above. Go2andaman recommends this season for travel.
12
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
Kashmir For anyone interested in visiting the valley, the first question is “when to visit Kashmir, India� or the ideal time to visit the Kashmir valley. Well Kashmir is all-season destination but still the best time to visit Kashmir is during the months of March to October. During this period the weather conditions in Kashmir are at their best. This period covers three seasons in Kashmir i.e., spring (March-early May), summers (early May-late August) and autumn (September-November). The blossoms of spring, the cool weather of summer and the gold and red hues of autumn all provide the peak season for Kashmir travel. From December to early March is the winter season for Kashmir, when the entire valley wears a white blanket of snow. For those, who enjoy chilling weather and are interested in skiing, winter is the time to be in Kashmir.
Vaishno Devi Vaishno Devi is open for pilgrims throughout the year, but the best time to undertake the journey is between the months of March and October. A lot of pilgrims visit Vaishno Devi between these months as the weather is cool and pleasant. During the winters from November to February, the temperature reaches sub-zero levels and we recommend only the physically fit to visit at that time. The upside is that this is the time when the skies open up and Katra and the surrounding areas are cloaked in snow. Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
13
J&K to get an eco-park for tourism boost The park being developed on Koteranka area will be a one stop destination for eco-tourism, children excursions, study tours, home-stays, amusement and different other activities The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to set up a first-of-its-kind ecological park along a riverbed in the foothills of Pir Panjal ranges in Rajouri district with an aim to boost tourism in the area. The park being developed on Koteranka area will be a one stop destination for eco-tourism, children excursions, study tours, home-stays, amusement and different other activities. Special components are being designed for educational values particularly about local flora and fauna, they said. Rajouri District Development commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said the work is in full swing at the park to be set up at a cost of INR 5.88 crore. “Work in full swing at region’s first ecopark. It will be a great destination for conservation education, recreation and nature trails,” he said in a series of tweets. “Park planned along Ans riverbed in the foothills of Pir Panjal ranges near Koteranka 14
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
aimed at tapping tourism potential of this region,” he added. The park will also have a herbal garden, a cactus garden, besides a children amusement park. The district administration has also co-ordinated with the WWF-India, the country’s leading conservation organisation, for development of environment conservation study area, nature trail, wildlife exhibitions and a number of initiatives, assistant development commissioner Noor Alam said. The WWF has already provided 10 camping tents and a solar power plan is working on an educational model, he said, adding that the work on the chain link fencing on 276 kanal (13.8 hectares) of land, construction of approach road, service road, tracks, water bodies and other assets has been started. The district administration is planning to train a group of at least eight local youths to organise and host different activities, Choudhary said. He said he had asked for mapping of hamlets around the park for the development to showcase local culture and to promote the home-stay concept to reflect the culture and traditions of the region.
Delhi to Amritsar by bullet train in just 2 hours Travelling at a speed of 300 km/h, reducing a six-hour-long train journey to two hours — that’s what Indian Railways’ new bullet train from Delhi to Amritsar via Chandigarh can do. This train will complete the 458-km-long journey in two hours and three minutes. At present, the Delhi–Amritsar Shatabdi Express takes six hours. The train will make stops at Panipat, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Ludhiana.
France’s Systra has conducted the feasibility study for the corridor. While speaking with the Financial Express, a senior Railways official said, The feasibility study report of the high-speed rail corridor between Delhi–Chandigarh–Amritsar has been submitted to the Ministry of Railways in 2016. The report has been accepted by the Ministry of Railways and is currently under consideration. According to The Times of India, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said,
watching its results, Amritsar will be linked with a high-speed train. As per the 2015 price level, it has been recommended to have a base fare of Rs 4.5 per km. This indicates that one will have to spend a minimum of Rs 2,061 while travelling from Delhi to Amritsar. The 258-km journey between Delhi and Chandigarh will take one hour and 12 minutes and will cost a minimum of Rs 1,161. Presently,
the minimum fares for Delhi–Amritsar and Delhi– Chandigarh are Rs 890 and Rs 650 respectively. The project is expected to be completed in between six and eight years and will cost Rs 61,412 crore, as per the 2015 price level. The bullet train is expected to start functioning by 2025. However, the final call for the project’s implementation will be taken by the railway ministry once the study for other highspeed rail corridors is completed.
We have already tested the train to run at the speed of 180 km/h which was successful and after Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
15
India ranks 12th in wellness tourism Wellness tourism is growing at a fast pace and likely to become a key driver of the tourism economy. As per the Global Wellness Economy Monitor, wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles which lead to a state of holistic health. In 2015, India was among the top 20 spa markets accounting for 4,734 spas and provided employment to 55,862, earning revenue of $1.46 billion, bagging 14th position. The country was ranked 14th then. Presently, India is ranked 12 among the top 20 wellness tourism markets as per the latest findings. Globally, wellness sector represents a $3.7 trillion economy and from 2013-15, it grew by 10.6%. Wellness tourism is usually practised by domestic tourists, driven by short-haul and weekend trips. The market is dominated by large countries, such as the U.S., Germany,
16
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
China, Japan, India and France, which have large internal and domestic tourism markets in general. Domestic wellness tourism represented 83% of all wellness trips and 67% of expenditures in 2015. Nevertheless, from 2013-2015 international wellness tourism has been growing at a much faster rate than domestic wellness tourism, with 22% growth in trips and 20% growth in expenditures for international, as compared to 17% and 11% for domestic, as per stated by Global Wellness Institute. While a comprehensive data on the wellness tourism in India is yet to be made available, sources in the industry say this genre is expected to grow faster than the medical tourism. In India, the wellness market had a turnover of $13 billion in 2015, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of nearly 12% to reach $23 billion by 2020.
MTDC pushes for Agri-Tourism On the occasion of the tenth World Agri Tourism Day, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) organised a conference on National Agri-Tourism in Mumbai.
The conference also touched upon MTDC’s ‘Mahabhraman Scheme’ which showcases farmer’s lifestyle and experiencing different activities like planting trees, plucking fruits and vegetables, bullock cart rides, etc.
The event was aimed at creating employment opportunities and boosting investment in the agriculture sector that would encourage tourism. Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, was present at the conference and spoke about how farmers and other stakeholders can develop their skills and farms to attract more tourists looking for a rural, farm-stay experience.
Rawal revealed, “The Department of Tourism also intends to set up a government interface to cater to the needs of the agri-tour operators. This interface will co-ordinate and provide a link with regional and local government bodies to boost employment opportunities and sustainability in the agricultural sector.”
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
17
Patnitop Hill Station Falls Silent as Tourists take Tunnel Road Shortcut After the new Chenani-Nashri tunnel bypassed Patnitop, tourists stopped coming to the hill station. Locals who made money from tourism are out of business now. Once a buzzing hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, Patnitop in Udhampur district has fallen silent in peak tourist season. People stopped coming to the hill station, which lies on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Chenani-Nashri tunnel in April this year. The 9.2-kilometre-long surface tunnel, the longest in India, reduced travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by three hours and bypassed the tourist hotspot at Patnitop. Tourist footfall is said to have declined 80 per cent since the tunnel was opened. Locals -- hotel owners, shopkeepers, pony handlers, drivers -- who did brisk business suddenly found their source of income has dried up. Naseer Ahmad, a pony handler, said he has not earned anything in the last fortnight. Hundred others who used to ferry tourists on their ponies are out of work now, he said. Hundreds of tourists going toward Kashmir valley and the Vaishno Devi shrine used to stop at 18
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
Patnitop before the tunnel opened. “This year there is no work. Look around, all the places are empty. All the ponywallahs are jobless. When we can’t earn for ourselves, how will we take care of our ponies? Naseer Ahmad said. There are some 60 hotels and guesthouses at Patnitop, and over 2,000 people are engaged in the tourism business. According to them, the government must take innovative steps such as building a cable car similar to the Gulmarg Gondola to attract tourists. “We are facing a lot of problems. This is happening for the first time in Patnitop. We never thought we would ever come to such a situation,” Vishal Sharma, a hotelier at Patnitop, said. “It is getting difficult to find customers for guesthouses. You can see there is not a single tourist here,” Mr Sharma said. Another hotel owner at the hill station, Satbir Singh, said Patnitop needs a new feature to attract tourists. “There should be development. The only option to bring tourists here is by having a cable car on the pattern of the Gulmarg Gondola,” Mr Singh said. Courtesy NDTV
In Kerala, GST to make Budget Hotels Cheaper but Eating Out Costlier Eating out is likely to be costlier after implementation of GST on account of 12 per cent tax on non-AC restaurants with annual turnaround of more than Rs. 50 lakh. In Kerala, tourists looking for budget hotels are likely to enjoy the monsoon even more from Aug-Sept 1, 2017, as tariffs will be down after the implementation of GST or goods and services tax. “We fall into the range of Rs. 1,000-Rs. 2,500 room rent...which means that we now pay a tax of 19 per cent but with GST coming in, we will pay only 12 per cent. Some rooms are of Rs. 3,000-Rs. 4,000 range. That will be at 18 per cent after GST. It’s still 1per cent less,” says Hari Harasudhan, general manager, The Capital. A room in ‘The Capital’, in Thiruvananthapuram, which now costs Rs. 2,142 for a night will be slightly cheaper at Rs. 2,016.
1976 would cost you at least Rs. 30 more, because of the 12 per cent GST on non-AC restaurants with annual turnaround of more than Rs. 50 lakh. “We are left with no choice but it’s the customer who will have to bear the brunt of this increase. Moreover, GST is more complex, with more paper work”, said Vijay Kumar of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association. Courtesy NDTV
But for luxury rooms above Rs. 7,500, you’ll have to shell out at least Rs. 1,500 more for a night after GST is implemented, as there will be a 9 per cent increase in tax, in comparison to the current tax rate of around 19 per cent. While GST is expected to improve the efficiency of how business is done in India, many hoteliers are nervous about adapting to a new online filing system of returns. “We’ve been attending specially organised classes. But even there is no clarity. That’s why we have been given time till September to file the Aug-Sept returns. But not many know this,” Biju P, in charge of accounts at the Sea Face Hotel by the famous Kovalam beach says. Meanwhile, eating out is also likely to be costlier. Till now Hotels in Kerala paid just a meagre 0.5 per cent tax for their non AC restaurants but after GST, a Rs. 150 burger at the city’s popular outdoor cafe Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
19
Trek Schedule for September and October 2017 1) LEH - LADAKH Date: 7th September to 22nd September 2017. Fees: Delhi to Delhi 40,000/Pune to Pune and Mumbai to Mumbai 45,000/Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1580529632019509/?ti=cl 2) TORNA FORT TREK Date: 10th September, 2017 Fees: 750/Details https://www.facebook.com/events/1566213250076147/?ti=cl Registration Link: https://www.townscript.com/e/torna-fort-trek-143324 3) KASS PLATEAU-VALLEY OF FLOWERS Date: 24th September, 2017 Fees: Pune 850/Mumbai 1100/Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/516097492061942/?ti=cl Registration Link: https://www.townscript.com/e/kaas-plateau-trail-234413 4) SANDHAN VALLEY Date: 30th September 2017 Fees: 1650/Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/252044895278838/?ti=cl Registration Link https://www.townscript.com/e/trek-to-valley-of-shadows-sandhan-valley-420201 5) DHAK BAHIRI Date: 8th October 2017 Fees: 750/Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1842775902702716/?ti=cl Registration Link https://www.townscript.com/e/dhak-bahiri-fort-324134 6) DEVKUND WATERFALL Date: 29th October 2017 Fees: 850/Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/332284447224921/?ti=cl Registration Link https://www.townscript.com/e/devkund-waterfall-trek-032111 Contact us GADVEDE TREKKERS 823-7676-895/9767-8682-69 Web site: www.gadvedetrekkers.com Write to us on: gadvedetrekkers@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/gadvede Instagram: gadvede_trekkers
20
Travelnjoy | Aug-Sept 2017
DISCOVER HIDDEN HAPPINESS WITHIN YOU SAY YES TO NEW ADVENTURES
