It is presumed that COVID-19 was originated in China and was further spread to Italy and then to other countries. Italy is the second most affected country after China, where China is said to be 70%-80% recovered.

WHO has suggested not to Travel to Any Country or within the country for that matter. However, if you have any kind of emergency because of which you have to travel the make sure you take the following steps. You need to take these steps for your safety and your near and dear ones as well. Implementing these steps can minimize the risk of transmission of the disease. Here are the steps -

• Be aware and keep up to date with all the information you need about the country/state/city you’re departing from or traveling to during such a pandemic.
• There are chances that some countries will impose restrictions without any notice. Pandemic has led to unparalleled international/state border closures and other restrictions.
• You must check the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on your travel insurance coverage.
• Must contact your airlines, tour operator, cruise line or any other transport and accommodation providers. You are required to be well updated with information regarding your itinerary and travel plans.
• You should be prepared for enhanced screening at both the entry and exit of the ports.
• Elderly people and those who have underlying problems must know that if you are infected with COVID-19 then you are at an increased risk of severe infection.
• You must see your doctor once you’ve completed your travel. If required, get the necessary tests done.
• If you are unwell with a high temperature or continuous cough, self-isolate yourself for 7 days (that is when you live alone) and if you have flatmates/roommates, it is safe for you to isolate yourself for 14 days and the entire household should also isolate themselves for 14 days as a precaution.

Here’s a list of advice if you become unwell while traveling or in abroad -

• Must stay indoors and avoid any kind of contact with people.
• It is advised to call your health provider and/or insurance company to discuss your health and your next step regarding that.
• Ensure that you follow public health guidelines.
• If you’re unwell at the airport/station, then you must not commence or Continue Your Journey.

Though it is already mentioned, try and minimize your travel to the least since it may invite troubles for you and those around you.

It is indeed a difficult phase in our lives, however, panic won’t provide us with a solution, patience will.

All we are required to do is stay indoors and follow instructions from the government. It may be difficult however it is the need of the hour and we have to comply, there’s no choice.

We should have faith in our government and do the needful, which, by the way, is very simple – stay at your home. This is the time you’ve got to spend time with your family, read a new book, or maybe develop a new hobby.

For this lockdown period, We have only two suggestions 

• Please don’t panic buy! The government will provide you with essential commodities.
• Don’t circulate any random piece of information you come across on your social media. Fake news creates panic amongst citizens and thus, the wrong steps are taken.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, If it is not extremely important, postpone all your Travel plans.

Stay Home. Stay Healthy.

Here I shall jot a few such adventure activities one must try while Visiting the Himalayas.

5 adventure Activities of Himalayas to be part of your bucket list of must-do things are

1. Ride the waters-River Rafting

A lot of gorges emerging from the mountains in the Himalayas, making it an ideal spot for river rafting. Among it all, River Ganga is one of the most topmost preferred rives for rafting to be enthralled due to its turbulent nature. The water rapids from Kaudiliya to Rishikesh is the most thrilling river rafting location in India.

Location to head: Rishikesh

2. Glide down the snow-capped mountains- Heli-Skiing

Heli-Skiing is another very Popular Adventure Activity in India, the best way to ride the majestic snow-capped mountain ranges. In this activity, you are dropped at a height of 14,000 feet through helicopter ride to ski down the slopes. Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass in Manali are the famous locations for some Heli-skiing fun.

Location to head: Manali

3. Venture into the wild- Trek

Most common, yet most thrilling of the experience in the Himalayas is to trek the mountain ranges, you never what hurdle you will encounter in your next step. A wide range of routes is available for both beginners as well as trained mountaineers. The most well-known ones are Langtang region, Mount Kanchenjunga and without miss Mount Everest. However the most challenging is the Chadar Trek in Ladakh falls.

Location to head: Jammu & Kashmir, Leh & Ladakh and Uttaranchal 

4. Mountain Biking

The routes of the mountain ranges are not restricted only to hiking and trekking, extend to mountain biking as well. From snow cladded mountains to the sprawling valley is what one would experience on their adventure cycling trip. Zankar and Pir Panjal ranges are real test routes for this activity, however the most popular is a trail that connects Kullu valley to Ladakh passing through Leh.

Location to head: Leh & Ladakh, Manali 

5. Gondola Rides

If talking about adventure, how to miss out on the adrenaline rushing rides on Gondola for mesmerizing views? Gondola ride in Gulmarg Valley is the second-largest and longest cable car in Asia. Keep your cameras ride en-route the ride for some spectacular snaps!

Location to head: Jammu & Kashmir

To give your adventure side an edge, head to these Himalayan locations this holiday season!!

Define goals

Clarity is the main step to success. It teaches managers to do proper team-building, manages their staff and to have clear-cut goals so that the groups focus on each point. Meetings dragging for hours should not be boring. The minds of the attendees start wandering. So ensure to have a to-do list, so that you do not return to the same point all over again. The productivity should bring the best results after such big meetings, but it also means keeping the goals and points crisp and short, if possible with a bit of humor that does not point out any group or member. Spread the meetings offering breaks so that there is time to refresh.

Create attendees list

Big meetings are different from the smaller meetings that have attendees in ideal numbers. For big meetings ensure an optimal experience. The meetings must be motivational, educational and benefit the attendees, besides the group participation must be promoted. The attendees must be present physically and mentally, which means to keep the meeting succinct. Set a goal plan and stick, work beforehand on the points. Ensure people present there have a real idea and are an active participant in the meeting.

Ideal location focusing task

Practical logistics and details should be considered carefully while selecting an ideal location for the desired meeting. Check if everything is available such as special equipment, technology, and good catering services, besides the venue should accommodate your guests conveniently. This meeting is aiming something bigger and not some fun excursion. Setting an ideal location is mandatory, but the purpose of the meeting should feature a follow-up task. The options must be discussing, the plan of action must be put forward. Decide the task to happen, the timeline and note to whom it is assigned. The meeting should come with exciting and amazing ideas, in association with follow up actions featuring specific timelines.

Structured yet flexible agenda

Smaller meetings are intimate, but big meetings create a meeting agenda allowing spaces for personal experience. List the main points, technical enhancements that are specific and consider technical enhancements in the general schedule, yet try to have a flexible agenda, it benefits and ensures success.

Give a chance for everyone to speak. Even the quietest people may come up with the best ideas. Ensure no one feels left out, and let every person come with an idea. Giving a chance to voice ideas, it helps to maintain focus and energy.

Wrap mentioning key points

The meetings conducted or held are not for fun. It is held an aiming promotion of business. Thus, without fail wrap, the meeting mentioning the key points, verify the achieved and revisit the goals. It may require you to consider an informal discussion.  Finally, the points of the meeting must be wrapped out as a summary including the goal, points of discussion and the action plan. It should have the timelines discussed and each individual’s assignments to hold each person accountable.

Reach us and find out more on organizing Big Meetings DetinosIndia

 When is Holi Celebrated?

The festival marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. The day after the full moon in March each year. In West Bengal and Odisha, the festival falls on a day before. In some of the northern regions such as Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is celebrated for a week long.

How is it celebrated?

At most of the places, people spend the day spreading colored powder and colored water on each other’s faces, having parties, having to get together, and dancing under water sprinklers. Many people consume drinks made from Bhang (AKA cannabis). In places, Mathura, Vrindavan, and surrounding areas, people celebrate the festival for over five days, during which along with throwing colors, ladies beat men with a stick. This is the festival full of fun, energy, and enthusiasm.

 Rituals of Holi

There is a story behind Holi. The word “Holi” has come from from “Holika”, the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakaship. Hiranyakaship was virtually immortal. Due to this power, he becomes arrogant and began to consider himself as god and asked everyone to worship him. However, Prahlada – Son of Hiranyakaship disagreed. He was the devotee to Lord Vishnu and continued to worship him only. So, in order to kill Prahlada, Holika – Prahlada’s evil aunt – tricked him into sitting on fire with her. As the fire roared, the cloak worn by Holika flew away from her and encased Prahlada. Eventually, Holika was burned, Prahlada survived. Therefore, the bonfire is the symbolic victory of good over evil. Holi is celebrated by burning of demoness Holika. On the eve of Holi day, a ritual named Holika Dahan, in which bon fire is created to burn away Holika and this process is believed to burn away all the negativity around. Along with this, a special puja is performed, people sing and dance around the fire, and walk around it three times.

In different parts of the country, this beautiful festival of colors is celebrated in different manners, however, the spirit remains the same. Holi is a very light-hearted festival that’s great fun to join. You’ll end up soaked in water, with colour all over your skin and clothes. Now-a-days, people use organic colours to play around during the festival. The whole idea is to have fun and saturate people with colours and love.

It’s a unique festival, which burns away the negativity and brings people closer. During this vibrant festival of colours, people forget about their grudges and pour their love in the form of colours. There is much more to the festival when is experienced.

Come, celebrate this vibrant festival of India. If you want to explore the amazing places where Holi is celebrated in a unique manner Destino’s India with being your partner to help you discover the Liveliness of this festival.

Some of the must-visit Gurudwaras of India are:

1. Golden Temple, Amritsar

Golden Temple or Hari Mandir Sahib is one of the most famous Gurudwara in the world. It is famous for its gold sheets covering all over the structure. It has four gates signifying that people from all paths of life are welcome into the religious belief. The historical significance of the place is also discussed as it is having the inscriptions of Sikh Soldiers who fought in World War 1.

2. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi

Located in the Capital City of India, the Gurudwara was constructed in the 18^th century as a tribute for the eighth Sikh Guru Har Krishan as he stayed here. Guru stayed here to help the poor as the city was under the stress of various illnesses. By helping the people here, so that they can have clean water, the Maharaja Jai Singh built a reservoir to commemorate him. The water of the reservoir is said to have healing powers.

3. Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Patna

Situated in the capital city of state Bihar, it is considered as one of the must-visit places for the followers of the Sikh religion. Gurudwara was built here as Patna is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. It also has a special status in the religion as Guru Teg Bahadur stayed here too. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1780.

4. Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Uttarakhand

Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, the Hemkunt Sahib is famous for its unique design. It is located at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level. The beauty of this religious place cannot be described in words as a unique architectural Gurudwara surrounded with the glorious Himalayas. It is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru and is only accessible in peak summers.

5. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, Bidar

Situated in Karnataka’s Bidar, the Gurudwara is famous as Guru Nanak was staying at the place. During his stay, he touched a part of soil with his toes and the water fountain emerged to rescue the drought-ridden area. The Gurudwara is built as a memory of that miraculous event. This place is a sight to behold on Guru Nanak’s birthday every year.

6. Gurudwara Sri Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh

Though situated in a small town, the Gurudwara is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the Sikh religion. It is said that the name of the place came from the fact that Guru Gobind Singh Ji lost his foot ornament here. Also, the place is given such importance as he wrote the famous Dasam Granth here.

These some of the must-visit Gurudwaras in India as they provide the most spiritual experiences in unique as well as Beautiful Places.

Here’s a list of things to do in Delhi:

1. Visit India Gate

This beautiful monument was built as a tribute for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting in the First World War. This monument is surrounded by other government buildings. The best view of India Gate can be seen only in night time as the street lights bow to the big monument which itself is shining in the light. In short, this is one of the best places in Delhi to get that prized selfie that will end up on social media.

2. Visit Lotus Temple

One of the most prominent attractions in the city, the Lotus Temple is famous for its flowerlike shape. The beauty of this monument can be judged by the fact that it’s been on the cover of numerous magazines. Other than being an amazingly designed architectural center, the Lotus Temple also serves as a place for worship for everyone, regardless of their faith or religion. It is also referred to as one of the most visited buildings in the world.

3. Visit Lodhi Garden

Locals and tourists all come to this peaceful place to see what the royal life was all about. Spread over an area of 90 acres, it is the perfect place to avoid all the hustle of the city. The toil of living in the fast lane can be eased here in these beautiful areas containing ponds, tombs, scattered monuments and of course, the divine gardens. This can also be called as a hotspot for morning walks among Delhites.

4. Visit Rashtrapati Bhavan

The official residence of the President of India, it is one of the most important buildings in India. Opened for Public in last decade, the whole 320 acre of area is referred as Rashtrapati Bhavan. The estate has huge presidential gardens, open spaces, stables, residence of the staff and bodyguards, along with the main mansion that consists of President’s official residence, receptions halls and other offices. The gardens and water features are a delight for the tourists.

5. Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah

If you like to have a spiritual experience like no other, you should definitely visit Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah. The amazing atmosphere of religious peace will bring you a step closer to yourself. The best thing will happen to you in the evening when you will find yourself lost in the musical qawwali sessions. This place also has been used as a location for various Bollywood movies.

6. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

All this sight-seeing can make you hungry and if you want to have a blessed food, you should definitely seek the blessings in the famous Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. The gloriously built Gurudwara will dazzle you completely and as will the religious chants of this holy place. The food served as langar will be both holy and delicious.

There are many other places you can visit, but the most peaceful experiences will be found by you in these places. Also, being on a budget, these are definitely the Best Activities to Do in Delhi.

1. Ananda In The Himalayas,  Uttarakhand

Now, if you ever dreamt of playing golf in the lap of the Great Himalayas, this is the place that you would want to be. Located in the glorious state of Uttarakhand, this site not only offers you the best of golf environments but also provides you with extra activities like trekking and hiking. The golf course meanwhile is laid between the dense trees and the amazing mountain range. In short, this is the perfect way to play golf and relax.

2. Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Kolkata

Affectionately known as the ‘Royal’, this famous golf club was founded in 1829, making it the oldest golf club outside the British Isles. For being such an old and iconic venue, it is also called as the home of golf in India. If you value tradition and want to be a part of history, you should visit the Royal. The club has maintained its character over the years. Due to constant care that the club is given, it is now considered one of the best golf clubs in Asia.

3. Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Mumbai

Founded in 1927, as ‘The New Club Ltd’, the golf club was built on the reclaimed land belonging to the port trust. The history of the club is that it started as a rental arena but some land was purchased and eventually the leftover land was turned into Club House. Being the most prestigious club in Mumbai, the club came back into prominence after being redesigned and modified in the last decade.

4. Kaziranga Golf Resort, Assam

Now would you like to have a little game of golf after enjoying some wildlife safari, before you think it could never happen, have a look at Kaziranga Golf Resort. Situated in Assam, the golf course is beside the Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from playing golf at a world-class golf course in a beautiful landscape, you can also enjoy staying at well-constructed cottages and suites.

5. Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Uttar Pradesh

It is considered one of the best golf resorts in the country. Built over an area of almost nine acres, it is located in Greater Noida. With the world-class golf course, spread over a huge area, you will get the experience of playing golf like no other place can offer. The best rooms will be facing the open field and the lush greenery of the golf course. The resort offers some of the best spa treatments and also fine dining depending upon your mood.

6. Royal Springs Golf Course, Kashmir

Last but not in any way least, in fact considered as a jewel by some golfers, the Royal Springs Golf Course is located in Kashmir. The golf course lies between the beautiful forests and fruit orchids and makes you feel like a child again. The majestic golf course is neighbor with the famous Dal Lake while the Zabarwan mountain range surrounds it.

If you want to have the best experience of playing golf in India, these are some of the top golf locations that you should visit.

Figure out what matters

It is very important to figure out your attendees’ priorities. Are they craving for gourmet restaurants or will be convinced with cheaper meal options. Do they mind being shuttled or consider the nearby venue? Do they concentrate on mainstream attractions or culture, will travel long distances to be a problem or meeting in a regional destination is appealing. You have to get a clear picture of the preferences and tastes of your attendees while noting down the options.

Suitability of the Destination

Pre-qualifying the cities is a must to know if the group would suit in that venue for a meeting.  For instance, is there the physical space required such as enough hotel rooms and footage space in the convention center? Would you prefer the group to get enough attention or are satisfied being in a larger destination as a small fish?

Getting in and around

Ensure to evaluate the accessibility features in the city and also the airlift capabilities, relating your attendees from the place they are coming. Are there direct or non-stop flights, consider the costs of transportation required to spend money to reach from place to place. Concentrating on walkable destinations is important. Narrow your search down to cities that have convention facilities, Hotels, Restaurants, and Amenities to be concentrated.

Hotel infrastructure

Many destinations boast of offering great infrastructure and meetings products but they are of no use if it fails to fit for your attendees. Thus, understanding the spaces is important. Check the meeting spaces proximity from the guest rooms, the convention space layout, is their walkways connecting them, think where the group met or stayed their choice, compare and decide.

Destination features

Find if the destination features offer fun, unique and interesting amenities outside the meeting venue, does it include outdoor activities, restaurants, entertainment, and culture. Is everything located conveniently and is the city worth exploring on foot, safe in the evening hours.

Is it worth spending?

Understanding the meeting holding cost and overall value of that destination is important.  Is it better to consider some affordable cities that will have fewer numbers in attendance and cost less?  Are your attendees price-sensitive and shy from expensive places? Is the ROI worth spending on the destination? In fact, if the attendance is hard with 2000 on average, consider a tier-two city. Also, remember to consider affordability does not mean cheap places.

Ask for the right questions before planning to select a perfect destination for your meeting. It will help you in analyzing the importance of your attendees. Invest in time, resources and energy to ensure the success of the entire process.

Let us know if you have any questions. Destinos India will help you in planning your next meeting.

Let’s dig deep into what tourism heritage does the countries have!!

1. India

Must-do things

• Take a sunset/sunrise boat ride in the Ganga River in Varanasi to dive into the feeling of tranquillity and spirituality.
• Try out camel safari in the widespread desert and have authentic home-cooked meals whilst your Visit to Rajasthan
• Never miss your Visit to Delhi-Capital city of India to go back in time and yet stay connected to modernization.
• Grab your bike and go on the most motorable road and one of the best road Trips to Leh-Ladakh.
• Cruise the backwater and get rejuvenated with your Ayurveda Spa Treatments on your Visit to Kerala.

 2. Maldives

Must-do things

• At Per Aquum Niyama, enjoy a tradition dhoni sunset cruise with your family
• Party hard at Finolhu in Baa Atoll on its sandbank and pool areas.
• Pick up a new adventure activity every day of your visit
• Let live view of the marine life from your luxury stay or villas of stay
• Dine at the world’s first underwater restaurant at Conard Maldives Rangali Island resort.

3. Bhutan

Must-do things

• Become local- from opting your stay with the locals to experiencing its local food and drinks is a must to do while in Bhutan.
• Trek the tiger nest in Paro in central Bhutan for mesmerizing views and experiences
• Soak yourself in the mineral spring bath of Tshachu for some healing therapy
• Pay a visit to the Jigme Dorji National Park to explore the real flora and fauna.
• Soak in the breath-taking view of the Himalayan range or in that case Mount Everest.

4. Sri-Lanka

Must-do things

• Climb the world heritage site of rock top fortress named Sigiriya
• Head to the Uda Walawae National Park for some elephant site seeing.
• Pay a visit to the heart of Sri Lanka tea industry in the Haputale mountains.
• How can you miss out on the number one leopard sanctuary of Yala National Park?
• Make sure you visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy town.

5. Nepal

Must-do things

• Trek the Annapurna Sanctuary which is the paradise of trekkers.
• Relieve the history of Buddhism in a visit to pilgrimage sites of Lumbini and Sarnath.
• Go on an elephant safari in Chitwan National Park
• Enjoy boat ride in calm waters of Phewa Lake of Pokhara
• Give your thrilling side the edge by riding the water of Trishuli river close to Kathmandu                                      

Happy Tripping!!

1. Don’t be alone at night

Indian cities do have a great nightlife but even in those cities, there are areas where you should not go at night alone. These areas could be even more dangerous if you are a woman. Try to be with someone trustworthy all the time after sunset.

2. Don’t go somewhere unknown

In a vast place like India, you will find spots and areas looking quite different. Even if the temptation arises, try not to be at the places where you are not supposed to be. Also, when going to places like these be sure that people close to you know where you are going.

3. Learn emergency numbers

There are some universal helpline numbers all over India, but sometimes you should be extra careful and try to learn the helpline numbers like a police department, etc. these local numbers will definitely help you in times of emergency or when you feel threatened.

4. Carry back-up devices

Whenever going on a trip anywhere in the world, this is a given. You should always be carrying a power bank and some emergency connecting devices. Don’t ever go out of your hotel room without your mobile phone that too with its battery almost full. The GPS features should also help your loved ones know where you are at that point in time.

5. Use public transport carefully

Since everywhere you go, you cannot get a rented vehicle. In those places, you have to travel by public transport. Now, in metro cities public transport is good but as you go deeper into India, public transport is a bit of a problem. Always try not to show that you might not belong there. Also, if you are a woman, you should travel only in a woman’s compartment in trains.

6. Don’t trust anyone

This is a life advice on every possible situation in life. Don’t ever trust some stranger and be complacent. Even when someone calls you and you don’t know the person, try to make the conversation as small as possible. Don’t try to get along with people who seem dangerous.

7. Try to gauge your surrounding

When in a new place, you always try to tend to look for certain things like what local people do in various situations. For example, people in India try not to escalate a situation when they are alone and women generally ignore the catcalling which is common in some other parts of the world. So, in a situation like these, it is better to follow certain things.

8. Stay in a safe hotel

All these things and suggestions are well and good only if the hotel you are living in is a safe one. It is very easy to find cheap accommodation in India but here the safety should take priority and the reviews and recommendations should be taken from a trusted source.

These are some of the tips which you should keep in mind when Traveling in India. These will help you to be safe in an exotic yet sometimes a little overwhelming country.