Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year 2010! It is that time of year when many of us make plans and promises for a better tomorrow. For some, these plans include traveling to a new or favorite destination. For me and the family, the travel bug becomes stronger every year!

Although Sodha Travel focuses on travel services in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, we encourage you to contact us if your travel plans include alternate destinations. Our global network of operators can coordinate tours and custom packages in other countries, including Egypt, Italy, China, Japan, and Morocco. If you wish to travel to an area we do not serve, we will gladly suggest alternate contacts who can assist with the details.

Cheers to new travel experiences and friendships in 2010!

Happy Holidays!

The Sodha Travel family wishes you much peace, love and joy this holiday season! Our office will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, December 28.

Happy Holidays!

Kumbh Mela 2010

Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage that occurs four times every twelve years. The celebration dates are according to Indian astrology and calculated based on the zodiac positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. Kumbh Mela rotates among four locations: Prayag, Allahabad; Haridwar; Ujjain, and Nasik. Starting January 14, 2010, Kumbh Mela will take place in Haridwar.

The common accommodations during the event are tented campsites along the Ganges River. With less than a month until the celebration, there are limited sites remaining so please let us know if you have interest in attending this holy gathering.

Christmas in India

One of our clients recently returned from Northern India and sent us the following:

"I saw so many people decorating their homes with lights and decorations for the Christmas holiday. I suppose I always viewed India as a country that practiced Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, but it was a surprise to see so many getting excited about the holiday. Are there really that many Christians in India?"

- Bill K.

Approximately 2.3% of India's population is Christian, equating to almost 28 million people! (This is even more than the 1.9% who follow Sikhism.) Also, many Indians enjoy celebrating Christmas in the secular tradition by sharing gifts and decorating their homes. It is becoming more widely celebrated as Western traditions permeate the society. Fun fact: Because Christmas trees are rare, many instead decorate their plants or buy small house trees for the occasion.

We appreciate the festive observation, Bill! Please send your comments, stories and questions to travel@sodhatravel.com

Sodha Travel: 5 Star Rating on Tripology!

Many thanks to our clients who have rated our company 5 STAR with Tripology! Tripology is an online site that connects travelers with global travel experts. Travelers complete a free trip profile and are then matched with qualified agents who service their destinations.

Here are a few of the reviews received:

November 30, 2009
"She was very quick to respond to my inquiry, answer any questions that I had, and always conducted a follow-up after every communication."
Pennsylvania, USA

October 20, 2009
"I couldn't have asked for an easier or more helpful experience! Thanks!"
Oregon, USA

September 15, 2009
"I am so grateful I found her! She is fantastic!"
California, USA

We appreciate the positive reviews and will do our very best to continue exceeding expectations in the travel industry.

Tip: Domestic Baggage Allowance

For those of you flying between destinations in India, please remember that most domestic airlines only allow for one checked bag at 45 pounds (20 kg) and one carry-on bag at 22 pounds (10 kg). Fees may apply for additional and/overweight luggage, so please pack accordingly - especially since most international carriers allow two bags per passenger.

For travel by land (trains, buses, etc) there is no weight limit. However, there are no trolleys at the train and bus stations, so luggage must be carried by yourself or a porter. If you are traveling as a group tour, the baggage allowance will be stated in your itinerary.

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Our office will be closed on Friday, November 27, and we will resume with regular hours on Monday, November 30. Keep warm and enjoy the festivities!

SpiceJet wins Global Travel Award

SpiceJet, an Indian based airline, has won the 2009 award for the Best Company in Travel and Tourism: South Asia. This prestigious award recognizes the airline as being the greatest contributor to regional travel and tourism. The title was granted by the World Travel Market in London, a premiere event for the international tourism industry.

SpiceJet's mission "is to become India's preferred low cost airline, delivering the lowest air fares with the highest consumer value, to price sensitive consumers." We often use this airline in our packages and receive consistent positive reviews from clients. A fun feature is that each aircraft is named after a spice, such as pepper, cardamom, chili, etc. (On my personal flights last year, I flew pepper and ginger.)

Congratulations, SpiceJet!

Travel Insurance: Myths vs Facts

Sodha Travel highly recommends purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip investment, your family and yourself. Reasons include:

• You or your family can become ill or injured and are unable to travel
• You arrive at your destination and your luggage is stolen or lost
• Your flight is delayed and you pay additional expenses
• You become ill or injured abroad and require medical attention
• You need to interrupt your trip and return home

There are many misconceptions about travel insurance coverage and we want you to know the facts before making a decision.

Travel Insurance is too expensive!
Many companies do offer overpriced plans. However, Sodha Travel offers comprehensive and affordable policies through our insurance partner, Travel Insured International. We also ask that you consider the money you may lose and/or costs that may incur in the event of a medical emergency or trip cancellation. Travel Insured offers several high-quality plans that fit most budgets so you can be assured you are protected. Additionally, TII is consistently rated one of the top insurance agencies in the country.

I already have insurance coverage through my credit card company.
While it is true that some card companies offer flight and baggage protection, these policies are generally limited. We ask that you contact your card provider and inquire about the policy inclusions and exclusions. Our plans include comprehensive benefits that include cancel for work reasons, trip interruption, a pre-existing medical conditions waiver, and medical evacuation.

My regular health insurance provides protection if I travel overseas.
Most domestic insurance policies do not cover overseas medical expenses. The following is quoted from the State Department website:

"Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be expensive and medical evacuation to the U.S. can cost more than $50,000. Note that U.S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the United States, nor do the Social Security Medicare and Medicaid programs provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the United States."

We strongly recommend that you contact your provider for a detailed list of benefits for illness or injury abroad. Our policies offer a minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage with a $50 deductible.

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We want to assure that you have all the facts about travel insurance before deciding if a policy is right for you and your family. Please contact us with additional information.

Destination: Ladakh

Ladakh is a remote region in Jammu and Kashmir in Northern India. Located between the Himalayan and Kunlun mountain ranges, Ladakh consists of two districts: Leh and Kargil. Historically, the region was a Buddhist kingdom and was strategically placed at the crossroads of major trading routes. Ladakh is commonly called "Little Tibet" and many travelers have discovered this destination as an alternative to visiting the disputed territory of Tibet.

One of our clients, Deborah Emmett-Pike, recently returned from Ladakh and was kind enough to share a few of her favorite pictures that I have posted. She also recommended "that any day trip should include Lamayuru Monastery (about 125km outside of Leh) and on the return a visit to Alchi Choskar."

If you are interested in visiting this region of untouched splendor, please contact us for more information. Enjoy the pictures!

Client Testimonial: India on a Budget!

We recently received the following testimonial from a client who was pleasantly surprised to find our services so affordable:



"Who ever knew I could see so much of India on a limited budget? Before, when I heard the words "travel agency" I thought of overpriced and under-personalized itineraries. However, you have changed my mind! When my friend recommended Sodha Travel, I never thought I could afford and appreciate the services of an agency. You created a fantastic and innovative itinerary with my limited budget and it was everything I was expecting and more. Thank you for finding creative ways to see so much of the country and making such awesome recommendations. It is nice to know that you thought of my needs instead of dollar signs."



Gregory Littleton

Phoenix, AZ



Thanks, Greg. We are so happy that you had a memorable Indian experience!

TEDIndia: Watch Day 1 Live and for Free!

TEDIndia is an organization that promotes "a vision of the future that's rich in invention, entrepreneurship, cross-disciplinary problem solving, unexpected solutions and sensory delight." Certain sessions of their upcoming conference in Mysore, India will be available via webcast live and for free: Day 1 and the closing session of Day 3. Starting Thursday, November 5, you may visit ted.indiatimes.com to view the webcast. (Please note that the page will not be live until the time of the program.) This exciting opportunity is being sponsored by the Times of India, TEDIndia's online media partner.

Schedule: (All times are Indian Standard Time)

Thursday, November 5

Session 1: Fast Forward - 11 am - 12:45 pm
Session 2: Not Business as Usual - 2:15 pm - 4 pm
Session 3: Wonders, Wonders - 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm

Saturday, November 7

Final Session: Within You, Without You: 11 am - 12:45 pm

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We invite you to email your comments after the webcast to travel@sodhatravel.com

Enjoy!

Communication in India: Internet, Phone Calls and WiFi

A few quick facts about communication accessibility in India:

The internet is widely available in most Indian cities, either in hotel business centers or internet cafes. Some hotels do charge for internet usage, based on an hourly rate. Many hotels are wifi accessible, though most do charge a service fee.

There are many options for phone usage. You may call directly from your hotel room, though rates are usually at a premium. The local phone booths are an affordable option. The codes marked on the booth indicate the following:

PCO: Local (within the state)
ISD: International
STD: Interstate (within India)

If you plan on using your cell phone, we strongly recommend calling your provider prior to departure to determine the international rates for calls, texts. and internet. You may also elect to purchase a temporary cell phone or SIM card in India, which allows friends and family to reach you throughout your trip. Incoming minutes are generally free and there are different plans available, depending on usage.

You will find this information and much more in our comprehensive Destination Guide prior to departure.

The International Ecotourism Society

Sodha Travel is proud to be a member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). TIES unites conservation and communities through sustainable travel, and their mission is to "promote responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." We encourage you to learn more about their organization - the largest and oldest ecotourism organization in the world. We also invite you to discover ways to incorporate sustainability and conservation in your own travel itinerary.

In 2010, the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) will be held in our own city of Portland, Oregon. We look forward to attending the conference and learning more about "greening" the tourism industry.

Traveler Opinions: Cultural Practices

Many of you contact us with very heartfelt and strong opinions about certain cultural practices that you experience during your trip to India. Of course, we believe this is one of the beautiful elements of world travel: experiencing and observing diversified belief systems.

A tradition that people often want to discuss is arranged marriage: In the 21st century, how can people not choose who to marry? Is it forced? Why does the man have more power in the decision? It certainly is a controversial subject for Westerners, and even now becoming a hot topic in India.

We consider the discussion another opportunity to learn and understand about a country's history and the role it plays in modernity. So please continue sending your topics and opinions to travel@sodhatravel.com. Our office enjoys the dialogue, and it allows us to better connect with our global community.

Portland Resource: Primordial Sound Meditation

Many times, our clients in and around Portland, Oregon (our office location) inquire about Indian activities and resources. Recently, there has been much buzz about Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM), an ancient technique rooted in the Vedic tradition of India . Many hear about PSM through the Chopra Center, as they offer seminars and workshops that require knowledge of PSM.

Elvie Hanken is a certified PSM instructor located in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon. She was ceritified at the Chopra Center in 2001 and offers 2-day courses to learn the benefit and technique of PSM. For more information and to register, please contact her via email: elvieonly@aol.com

Happy Diwali!!

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is this Saturday, October 17. Here is a picture from a Diwali pooja last year in my husband's Delhi home:

Diwali is a national holiday in India and a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Although it is commonly referred to as the "Festival of Lights", its spiritual interpretation is the "awareness of the inner light." Happy Diwali to all!

Lake Periyar: Suspended Boating Services

On October 1, a boat operated by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) capsized in Lake Periyar in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. As a result of the accident, the government has temporarily suspended all boating and rafting activities until further notice. All tours currently scheduled to visit Thekkady will be notified of any changes/revisions in their itinerary. We will keep you posted with applicable updates.

Featured Tour: Royalty of Rajasthan

As festival season begins, it is always tempting to return to Rajasthan and celebrate under the desert sky. Stars twinkle above brightly lit palaces as the moon cascades its light on homes adorned with frescoes. Rajasthan is the largest state in India, endowed with a natural beauty and royal history. The cities are a colorful display of blue, pink, red, and green, offering a delightful scattering of color in an otherwise arid landscape.

Explore this timelessness of Indian traditionalism on our Royalty of Rajasthan tour. Visit the palaces of Jaipur, lakes of Udaipur, desert forts of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, and architecture of Bikaner. Many of our clients return with a particular love for Rajasthan, and soon you will know why.

Please contact us for more details.

SAWERA Fundraiser - A Success!!

Thank you to all who participated in making our 3rd annual SAWERA fundraiser a grand success! Your contributions were humbling and we appreciate the money raised for the women and children. Some of you have inquired about making anonymous donations, and you may do so directly on the SAWERA website.

Again, we thank you for being a part of our biggest event of the year!

Responsible Tourism

I just finished reading a wonderful book by Amitabh Kant titled Branding India: An Incredible Story. Although the publication is currently unavailable in the United States market, I was fortunate to have a friend send it from India. The book explores how India developed and expanded its tourism platform after 2002, including the launch of the Incredible !ndia campaign. As Kant states, "How do you bring a magnificently diverse country - with twenty-eight states, seven union territories, eighteen official languages, and 1.2 billion people - under one brand?" Quite an accomplishment.

One of the topics Kant discusses is the promotion of Responsible Tourism: people who believe in leaving the destination a better place than when they found it. Kant writes, "Responsible Tourism will contribute by maintaining both the natural and cultural heritage of the destination, conserving the living culture of the people and attracting the right kind of visitor." Many travelers in the United States also brand this type of travel Eco-tourism, although the technical definition of Eco-tourism is environmental and not cultural preservation. With a growing interest in green/sustainable energy, many are also requesting tours that incorporate these same elements in their travel package.

Intention and action are very important components of Responsible Tourism. However, I also believe it is the information we share upon returning home after our travel experiences. Not liking particular components of a destination, ie hotels, weather, crowds, etc, should not be expressed as disrespect for cultural practices. We all have our preferences and enjoy different activities. Some prefer luxury accommodations and scheduled touring while others prefer modest accommodations with a leisurely itinerary. However, there are times when people return home from a trip, not just to the Indian sub-continent, and talk condescendingly about a particular culture. I feel it is our responsibility as international travelers - or global participants, as I like to call it - to try and see the beauty in traditions, even if they are a complete reversal from our own. I personally find that 99% of the time, there is a deeper meaning as to why people did not like the country. It had nothing to do with the cultural aspects, but was instead something else. In the end, let us try and appreciate the diversity itself without judging the why or how. And, most importantly, let us responsibly communicate these opinions from a place of consideration.

If you are interested in packages that promote Responsible Tourism, please let us know!

Bollywood on Oprah!

For all Bollywood fans, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan will be on Oprah today, September 28th. Considered one of the most famous couples in the world, this is their first interview together since their marriage in 2007. Check your local listings for showtimes!

SAWERA Fundraiser: Almost sold out!

We only have a few tickets remaining for our SAWERA fundraiser on October 3. If you are interested in attending, please let us know. Tickets are $65 and include a formal Indian dinner, dancing, and entertainment. There will also be a silent auction that includes some fantastic packages, including a trip to India. We look forward to seeing you and thank you for supporting an end to domestic violence!

Kerala: 100% computer connected!

Starting in November, all of Kerala will have access to internet access, making it India's first state with high-speed connectivity in every village.

Currently, Kerala boasts around 1,450 villages. The project is an undertaking by the state government to make the state 100% e-literate. When the campaign started last year, all but approximately 175 villages had broadband connectivity. Only nine villages, in inaccessible areas, remain to be connected.

According to the Memoirs of India blog site, "Broadband connectivity also provide services like eFiling of income tax returns, getting online applications of the public services examinations, and getting application forms for various purposes from the websites of the state government."

Kerala is one of the most popular Indian states for tourists, and our Sublime Kerala tour is a favorite among clients. 100% internet connectivity is sure to set an example for other regions in India, and we are excited to observe the technological expansion!

A testimonial - before the departure!!

I recently received this client testimonial that beautifully articulates how Sodha Travel does more than just coordinate the travel details:

"And people ask why to use a travel agency? Let me tell you why I not only use a travel agency, but I use Sodha Travel - an agency that I call my "one stop shop" for all things India. Your company goes beyond booking the hotels, flights, tours, and transfers. You promptly answer every email and phone call I have about about weather, clothing, currency, and gratuities. When I asked about wifi, I received a form with the availability and cost of wifi at each hotel on my itinerary. And yesterday, without asking, you sent me a list of restaurants in each city on my itinerary that serves food suitable to my dietary needs. Need I say more? This is all even before I depart! Would I ever receive this level of service from a traditional online site, or even another agency? Not only are your prices very fair for the services offered, but there is no question you can't answer about India. To me, that says it all. This is the second trip that I have booked with your agency, and I have returned to tell you that you continue to exceed my expectations. Well done. Very well done."

Melinda
Tampa Bay, Florida

We thank you, Melinda, for your kind words!

Travel Reviews

Recently, an AOL Travel column highlighted the do's and dont's when reading travel reviews. It is all too common that travelers read certain reviews of properties and destinations, only to be given misinformation or unreasonable expectations.

Almost daily, clients contact us with specific hotel requests based on online reviews. We always encourage travelers to do their research, but also recommend the guidance of professionals. More often than not, the hotels that clients request lead to disappointment while the alternate properties exceed all expectations.

Our advice is to diversify the online research. Go beyond the standard sites of tripadvisor.com, hotels.com, and travelpost.com. Talk to your friends and family and make a list of concerns and possibilities. Then, discuss it with a travel professional. It is our job to plan the best trip for you from an objective perspective. After all, we don't want you to have our experience - we want you to have your experience!

2010 Commonwealth Games: Delhi, India

The Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi, India from October 3-14, 2010. For the past few months, we have been receiving inquiries about the best time to reserve accommodations and services. The answer is now! Some hotels are already at full capacity and others are quickly selling out. Tours, transfers, internal flights, and hotels are also being rapidly reserved in areas around Delhi, particularly Agra, Ranthambore, Samode, and Rajasthan, to name a few. India is expected to see a surge of visitors, many who will attend the games and then continue their travels throughout the magnificent subcontinent. Furthermore, because the games are held only one month before Diwali on November 5, many are finding an appeal to arrange their travel in conjunction with the festivities. If you plan to attend the games and/or visit India during this festive time, we encourage you to coordinate and reserve your travel plans as soon as possible.

Thank you for submitting your stories!!

We would like to thank those who took the time to submit their travel stories for our call-out. We read through some unbelievable moments - some funny, some compelling, some heartbreaking - but all demonstrated how an unexpected experience can change the way we view the world.

Traveling is a multifaceted relationship: a relationship with other people, a relationship with other cultures, and ultimately a relationship with ourselves. If we allow the experience to transpire - if we are open to the connection - travel provides an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with our own spirit.

We are now in the final phases of publishing and will keep you posted on the details.

3rd Annual SAWERA Fundraiser

SAWERA, the South Asian Women's Empowerment and Resource Alliance, is an Oregon-based non-profit that provides free, confidential, and culturally sensitive services to South Asian women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. We invite you to attend the 3rd Annual Fundraiser at the beautiful Benson Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon. The last two years have been an overwhelming success in raising money for our programs that directly benefit the women and children. Thank you for your support!

October 3, 2009
7pm - midnight
Benson Hotel

Formal Indian Dinner, Music, Dancing, and Auction
21 and Over

Tickets are $65/person and available online

We hope you can join us in supporting SAWERA's mission: to support and empower the South Asian community experiencing domestic violence in Oregon.

Happy Independence Day!

On August 15, India celebrates it's 62nd Independence Day! For those of you in the Portland/Seattle area, I encourage you to attend India Day on August 16.

India Day
Pioneer Square
Portland, Oregon
11am - 9pm

Free Admission!

Food, music, dance, and entertainment in celebration of India's heritage.

I will be volunteering at the SAWERA booth until 12pm. SAWERA is an Oregon based non-profit that provides free, confidential and culturally sensitive services to South Asian women and children who are the victims of domestic violence.

Come by and say hello!

Featured Tour: Taste of India

"Indian food contains spices so colorful, so flavorful, that your mouth competes with your eyes."

We invite you to explore India's history and traditions through the art of food. Our Taste of India tour is quickly becoming a favorite among travelers. The opportunity to fuse Indian culture and cuisine is enticing - especially at such an affordable price!

9 days/9 nights
Mumbai - Cochin - Bangalore - Hyderabad - Delhi

Savor India's culinary heritage on a journey from South to North. Each city presents an exceptionally diverse taste and preparation of regional dishes:

Mumbai: Konkoni

Cochin: Ayurvedic

Bangalore: Coorgi

Hyderabad: Biryani

Delhi: Kashmiri and Mughlai

Each tour includes superior hotel accommodations, airfare and transportation within India, guided excursions with entrance fees, breakfast and dinner daily, culinary lectures and demonstrations from local experts, airport transfers, and more.

Please click here for more information.

Why should I use a travel agent?

There are many myths that circulate about travel agents:

"Travel agents really don't know as much as the average consumer."

"Travel agents won't offer as many options because they only have contracts with particular vendors."

And the most popular:

"If you use a travel agent, you will pay so much more. It is a waste of money."

With the internet housing endless options for researching and booking generalized travel, why should you use a travel agency? I believe there are many valuable reasons - for purposes of time, I have prioritized the top three, as it pertains to Sodha Travel:

1. Expertise: Online booking engines, including Orbitz, Travelocity, and Expedia, provide an avenue for travelers to find generalized deals. However, if you are seeking a customized itinerary, or specialized information on a particular region, the sites lack possibilities. Sodha Travel specializes in India and Nepal - it is what we know and what we love. We can provide options that are unavailable on other sites, including house visits with the locals, an Ayurvedic cooking demonstration, or a private tour of a Bharatanatyam dance academy. If there is a hotel or flight that is showing sold out online, most times we can confirm the reservations. Furthermore, we can answer your questions about train schedules, currency, vaccines, visas, restaurants, water filtration systems, and more.

2. Value: Let's be clear. There is a significant difference between "value" and "cheap." As John Peters, President and CEO of Tripology stated, "If you want cheap, then sure - hit the web and take risks... You get what you pay for." Believe it or not, many people who come to us are surprised at the affordability of using an agency. Why? We have inside connections with vendors, hotels, and operators that are unavailable on published sites. Furthermore, there is the value of time. For many, planning an itinerary in India and Nepal is a complex endeavor - some spend weeks researching and googling only to become overwhelmed by the options. We eliminate the burden of train schedules, trekking permits, and airport transfers so you can focus on what is most important: the experience itself.

3. Advocacy: Sodha Travel is here to assure you have a memorable experience. We are your advocates. If you wish to make changes to your itinerary, we explore the options. If your flight is cancelled 24 hours before departure, we step in. Does a hotel booking need to be extended, train tickets changed, and/or transfers rescheduled? Do you need to access local authorities or the nearest embassy? With associates both in the United States and India, you always have someone available to assist you. Above all else, we provide a detailed list of contact names, phone numbers, and a 24 hour emergency line throughout your trip. It is our philosophy that peace of mind is just as important as the logistics.

Lufthansa Service: PDX - FRA

Many of you have inquired about Lufthansa's nonstop service from PDX - FRA. Sadly, this route is being suspended as of September. Additionally, the NW/Delta nonstop from PDX - AMS will be cut back to a limited number of flights per week. We are hoping that Lufthansa will resume the service in Spring 2010 to serve our PDX clients!

Bhutan: The Royal Kingdom

Bhutan has recently reopened its borders to international visitors. The country is truly a splendid wonder and untouched by Western influences. Even the most privileged travelers consider Bhutan a special destination - and now we invite you to visit this hidden jewel in the Himalayas.

Our customized Bhutan tours can be coordinated by flight from Delhi, Kolkota, and Nepal, or by surface from Darjeeling/Sikkim. The best part: Sodha Travel can process your visa application! Required information is sent to us 6 weeks before departure, along with a payment of $30 USD (amount subject to change). We will email you a copy of the visa approval once received from the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Please contact us with any additional questions about this enchanting country, and we look forward to coordinating your Bhutanese experience!

Tripology

To all of our clients from Tripology: thank you for trusting us with planning your Indian (and Nepali!) experience.

Tripology is an online site that connects travelers to global travel experts. Sodha Travel, being one of the only travel companies in the United States that specializes in India and Nepal, has been fortunate to connect with wonderfully diverse people planning a trip abroad. We love meeting so many fascinating people from around the world who will be traveling to the Indian subcontinent.

I also recommend Tripology for those of you planning a trip to an unfamiliar destination. My cousin recently decided on Belize as her next vacation destination. She asked me, "Who can you recommend that knows Belize?" My response? "Tripology!" It is a terrific resource for all travelers - and best of all, it's free! Visit: www.tripology.com

Golden Experience Tour: 8 Days for $1699 Including Airfare!

At the request of clients, friends and family, we have established two dates this fall for an 8 day, all-inclusive group tour to India's Golden Triangle: Delhi, the capital and illustration of heritage; Agra, the home of the majestic Taj Mahal; and Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan.

This tour includes non-stop airfare from JFK - Delhi, superior hotel accommodations with daily buffet breakfast, comprehensive touring with an experienced guide, entrance fees, ground transfers and transportation, a farewell dinner and more for $1699 per person, double occupancy.

For similar tour packages, many companies advertise a lower price and charge additional fees for optional tours, airline taxes and more. Our Golden Experience package is truly all-inclusive - with no hidden fees! Also included: the experience and support of Sodha Travel, whose passion for India results in a lifetime of memories for our clients.

For more information, please visit: www.sodhatravel.com/itin-goldenexperienceGroup.html

New Regulations Regarding Passenger Names on Airline Tickets

Here’s a new rule that you should know about. Middle names that are included on passports and drivers' licenses will soon have to be reflected on the passenger's ticket when they fly within the US, and by December if they fly overseas.

The requirement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is supposed to make it easier for travelers, airlines and the TSA to avoid ID hassles at airports. Because the master lists of questionable travelers are apparently in full-name format, the TSA wants to make sure that travel documents conform to its lists. The requirement was supposed to take effect May 15 for domestic travel, but has been pushed back a month or so. The new rule apparently stipulates that passengers must travel under their name as it appears on the ID utilized to board their flight. That typically means a passport or a driver's license domestically, and a passport or "enhanced" driver's license internationally. Under the new rule, when making flight reservations, each airline is supposed to obtain the full name of the passenger and pass it along to the TSA. The ticket and/or boarding pass should exactly match the identification used. The TSA has announced that it will be lenient in case of small differences.

An Emotional Return

We recently returned home after visiting friends and family in Delhi. As always, it took us about 7-10 days to readjust to the life and energy of the Western world.

We are often contacted by clients after their return home from India and Nepal, asking us if it is normal to feel so emotionally jolted. They feel "transformed" or "rejuvenated" or even "melancholy" - all associated with what we term the Indian Energy. It is a common sentiment that India changes people. I once wrote an article for Little India magazine titled It Was Only Meant As A Vacation: How India Sends Tourists On An Unexpected Journey Of Self-Discovery. In it, I questioned the source of this shift: "So what ultimately causes this change? Coincidence? Divine Intervention? Karma? Wisdom? Destiny? I like to think it is an entity that encapsulates every possibility: Mother India. She penetrates the spirit with simplicity and realism. Then again, perhaps I should refrain from labeling the phenomenon and just cherish its mystery. Defining its essence may damage the true nature of its existence."

Yes, even we feel differently after each time returning home from the Indian Subcontinent. It never ceases to amaze us how each of you have a powerful story or experience from your Indian journey and we appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. After all, this is why we do what we do - it gives us joy to coordinate travel to a place that creates more than memories.

Out of Office: April 25 - May 11

We will be in India from April 25 and will return to the office on May 11. During this time, we will be unavailable via phone but will remain on email to serve you. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you!

The Indian Rail System

In March, we had many clients comment on the Indian rail system. Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to remind our clients about the reality of taking an overnight train in India.

The train stations in India, particularly in large cities, are quite complex and can be very overwhelming. We highly recommend using a transfer representative when applicable, as they can safely navigate entering/exiting the station. Please also keep a safe watch of your valuables. When we do hear of theft, it mainly occurs in or around train stations.

Contrary to what you may hear, taking an overnight train in India is NOT similar to European rail travel. (This refers to standard train travel, not luxury rail journeys including Palace on Wheels.) Although Indian train travel is very reliable, we only recommend it for certain travelers. If you are particularly discerning, train travel can be a sensory overload. Also, many clients request a 1st class compartment, which is private. Please be aware that many trains do not offer 1st class, and those who reserve private compartments are usually disappointed with the aesthetics.

Train travel in India can be a wonderful experience, but we want our clients to have realistic expectations. We are here to answer any questions before you decide to reserve an overnight train. Safety is our number one priority, but we want you to enjoy your Indian experience.

NEW: Delhi Airport Development Fee

This is to update you that the Government has approved on 9th Feb 09 the levy of Airport Development Fee (ADF) by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to charge Rs. 200 for each domestic passenger departing from Delhi and Rs. 1300 for each international passenger (including KTM & Paro), with effect from 1st March for the next three years.

This airport development fee (ADF) is ostensibly being levied to make good the revenue shortfall of Rs 1,827 crore that DIAL is facing in these slowdown times to execute the Rs 8,975-crore project. This is the first instance in India of users part-funding an upcoming airport.

Payment must be made in INR - no USD will be accepted - and the payment is per person, including children and infants. It will be collected at time of departure from the domestic or international airport, respectably.

Let us know if you have any questions.