Service taxes on airfares, hotels and restaurants in India are on the rise. The travel industry doesn’t welcome the change.

A recent survey by Thomas Cook (India) Pvt Ltd. revealed that airline fares in India are expected to go up by 12-14%, while hotel tariffs would go up in the range of 5-6% in 2011. The paper, ‘Corporate Travel – Trends, Outlooks and Opportunities for 2011,’  was released yesterday in Mumbai, and also revealed that the [...]

Tallinn, Estonia hosts the 15th Annual Talinn Graphics Triennial, a celebration and discovery of various art genres. Held at the Kumu Art Museum, the exhibition is slated to showcase some extraordinary art from the Baltics, as well as last year’s artist of the moment Óscar Muñoz. For art lovers headed toward Estonia or the other Baltic states, this is a unique opportunity to grab hold of fine emerging artistic wonder.

When visiting Kosovo during the Winter months, one of the top activities worth pursuing is hiking in the Sar Mountains. This Balkans mountain range offers almost unparalleled challenge and breathtaking vistas for the newcomer and veteran hiker alike. The Kosovo Valley below, and Šar Mountains National Park also offer rare encounters with some 20 unusual wildlife species.

The Victoria Memorial is one of Kolkata’s most famous attractions, one no visitor to the city should miss out on. My trip there last year with friends is the subject of today’s spotlight on India.

A recent tourism conference provides our India correspondent with a rare shot at renewed humility. The author’s experience as a travel consultation in India does not prevent her humanity from showing through. See how relating India’s tourists attractions can lead to self awareness.

Our trip to the world famous Darjeeling region of Bengal was rejuvenating for us, and invigorating for family who had never been. India’s Darjeleing tea is one of the most famous in the world. The British Empire could literally not do without it. But the mountains themselves, now there is the real treasure. Come to Darjeeling, learn why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A trip to the secluded Tajpur Beach remedies what ails Kolkata dwellers. Someone once said; “salt water will cure almost anything,” and Anglophilia’s India correspondent Sharmistha Ray explains how. West Bengal holds thrills and relaxation for visitors to India.

Argophilia’s Sharmista Ray talks about her trek along the Silk Route and to Lake Memoncho. What was an ancient link between the continents, can be an adventure for travelers and locals in India. A more secluded and beautiful landscape would be hard to find anywhere.

India correspondent Buxaduar Forest relates her recent trip to one of Bengal’s most prominent wildlife parks, Buxa Reserve Forest. Home to some of Bengals largest tigers, this National Forest is a favorite nature getaway for city dwellers.