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.