I have an ECR (Emigration Check Required) stamp on my passport. Which countries can I visit?
As per rules, even if you have the ECR stamp on your passport, you can visit Bangladesh, Pakistan and all countries in Europe (except the Commonwealth of Independent States), North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand without emigration clearance. If you want to get an Emigration Check Not Required (ECNR) stamp on your passport, visit the following website to see if you meet the criteria: http://indianpassport.nic.in
I want to take my family for a week’s holiday during the Dussehra holidays. Any suggestions?
The Garhwal Hills offer many options. Proximity to Delhi makes them attractive. Dhanaulti is a good option where you can go trekking. Dhanaulti is just 68 km from Dehra Dun, which connected to Delhi by road and rail. Surkhunda Devi is 10 km from Dhanaulti; Kanatal is 13 km away. You can stay either at the tourist bungalow or one of the private hotels. Another option is to go rafting on the Ganga. Contact GMVN for details or any
private operator for bookings.
I would like to visit the Vaishno Devi shrine in early October. Is it a good time? How do I get there from Delhi?
Early October is a good time. Skip the weekends if you want to avoid the crowds. Travel by either train or plane to Jammu. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate flights to Jammu; flying time is 80 minutes. From Jammu take a bus or taxi to Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi. Taxis charge between Rs 500 and Rs 800. From Katra, it is a 12-km trek to the Shrine and this can be done on foot, ponies or on palanquins. The whole trip can be completed in two days.
Where is the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan? How can I get there and where can I stay?
Shekhawati, the world’s largest open-air art gallery, lies to the north of Jaipur. Almost every house and wall is beautifully painted. Make Mandawa your base. From there you can make easy day trips to Jhunjhunu and Sikar. From Delhi,
you can drive to Mandawa (260 km) as the roads are excellent. There is
also a train, the Shekhawati Express that connects the city. Private heritage hotels, including the Castle Mandawa are great choices for accommodation.
Where is the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan? How can I get there and where can I stay?
Shekhawati, the world’s largest open-air art gallery, lies to the north of Jaipur. Almost every house and wall is beautifully painted. Make Mandawa your base. From there you can make easy day trips to Jhunjhunu and Sikar. From Delhi,
you can drive to Mandawa (260 km) as the roads are excellent. There is
also a train, the Shekhawati Express that connects the city. Private heritage hotels, including the Castle Mandawa are great choices for accommodation.