Andamans
CategoriesTips & Tricks By NIKHIL NANDGAVKAR

Things to know when traveling to Andaman Islands

Tranquil shores, astonishing landscapes, lush green interior, thrilling snorkelling and scuba, and a scenic widespread location, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a perfect stress-free tropical getaway. Situated in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the most spectacular destinations for every traveller in India. The breathtakingly beautiful island is a favourite destination for honeymooners! At GoParyatak, the Andaman and Nicobar packages are perfectly crafted to provide you an unforgettable vacation. Explore the picturesque Islands with the best Andaman and Nicobar packages available at GoParyatak.

Ideal Duration8 Nights – 9 Days
Ideal SeasonOctober to March
Off-SeasonJune to September
Nearest AirportsVeer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair
Capital of the statePort Blair (South Andaman)
LocationThe islands are situated at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea i.e. Bay of Bengal is on the Western Side and Andaman Sea on the Eastern. The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel.
Famous forExotic beaches, Tropical rainforest, white surf, waterfalls, Marine life, Coral reefs, Cellular Jail National Memorial, Anthropological Museum, Naval Marine Museum
What to buySeashells jewellery, Pearl jewellery, Sarongs and Hats, Wooden/Cane artifacts.
ExperiencesSurfing, Scuba-Diving, Snorkelling, Parasailing, Sea Walk, Banana ride, Speed Motor Boat, Glass Bottom Boat, Jet Sky
What to carry while travelingInsect repellent, Caps, Umbrellas, sunglasses, Medicines(Prescribed by doctors),Sanitizer, Water Bottle, Snacks, Phone Charger, Adapter, Power Bank, Spacious bags, Enough Cash, Tissue papers, Mouth Fresheners, Flight tickets, Detailed Itinerary.
Things to keep in mind while travellingWe recommend carrying enough cash for food/any extra activities like snorkelling/diving etc. 

Valid Photo ID is needed for check in to the hotel and while entering the port area hence guests need to carry a valid Photo ID Proof.

Limited tickets are issued per agent for MG National Park, Ross Island Sound and Light Show, Cellular Jail Sound and Light Show. Sometimes due to heavy rush tickets becoming sold out, we reserve the rights to change the trip to an alternate itinerary.

Some Budget Hotels do not have a generator and only an inverter for power back up and in case of load shedding only fan and light will work on backup and that too for a few hours. 

NO WiFi/Internet Facility is available at any Hotel at Havelock and only Deluxe/ Luxury/ Premium Hotels have WiFi/ Internet facility and that too in lobby only.

Please share the exact names as per valid Photo ID as if there is a mismatch in the Ferry ticket and ID proof, a new ticket will need to be made and guests will need to pay for the same.

Elephant Beach/ LightHouse visits are decided by the Boat association subject to weather conditions. 

It is prohibited to carry Alcohol on board the Inter-Island ferry (Private & Govt).

The meals included in the package will start from the dinner on Day One which will be served at restaurants or hotels. The enroute meals have to be available by a guest on his/her arrangement and expenses. 

Guests are requested to be soft & gentle with their drivers.

The Andaman Islands have a tropical climate and it is advisable that light-layer clothing should be carried always. In monsoons, it is advisable to carry raincoats and umbrellas.

Ferry Cancellation happens sometimes (4-5 times) a year due to rough seas. Expenses incurred for diversion, due to this or any other reasons will be collected directly as per actual expenditure incurred.

People with knees, heart and blood pressure problems and having children below 10 years should avoid going diving unless they are carrying a MEDICAL Certificate from their doctor. 

There are telephone lines but due to cable fault and weak signal, it is often out of order. Vodafone, Airtel & BSNL operate better in Port Blair, and at Havelock/ Neil Airtel and BSNL work Better. Mobile internet seldom works and is very slow.

Being a small island run by the Governor, many times Public Holidays are announced at a short notice for which we have no prior information due to which most Sightseeing Places are closed.

The guests are advised to maintain the schedule given for the sightseeing /transfers due to a shortage in space for parking. 

We reserve the right to make changes or omit any place of a visit if it becomes necessary due to bad weather.

The security concerns, driver’s working hours, etc. will be kept in mind while planning the tour and sightseeing.

 We try to ensure that the sightseeing points do not fall on a closing day. In case of an inevitable situation, if the sightseeing falls on a closing day, it will have to be left out. Conducting that particular tour or sightseeing point the next day will be subject to time availability

Once the package is booked & confirmed no refund will be entertained.
Things to avoid while traveling to AndamanDo not carry unwanted baggage.
Stay away from drugs.
Do not travel without pre bookings of Ferry tickets and hotel bookings
Local languagesHindi, English
ID Documents to carryIndians: Two passport size photos and Original Photo ID proof with photocopy like passport, voter’s ID card, driving license, etc. ( PAN card will not be accepted as ID proof.)

Children: They will have to be accompanied along, with their parents and should have a Photo ID issued by the school authority. It is also advisable to carry a photocopy along with the original Birth Certificate of the children traveling along.

Foreign Nationals – Apart from a valid visa a tourist require a ‘Reserved Area Permit’ (RAP). These are issued only for 30 days and can be extended with valid reasons for 15 days but no foreign national can stay in Andaman and Nicobar islands beyond 45 days. Reserve Area Permit is available free of cost on arrival at Port Blair airport or Port Blair harbour. The permit can also be obtained from foreign registration offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.
Ideal forHoneymoon, Family
Suitable airlinesIndigo, Goair, Spicejet, Vistara from Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata & Mumbai
Holidays Sightseeing point remains closed on Central Government & Bank National Holidays. 
The points which are closed 
On Sunday – Chatham Saw Mill and Forest Museum.
On Monday – Cellular Jail (Light and Sound Show in the evening is open), Anthropological Museum, Naval Marine, MG National Park and, Baratang.
On Wednesday- North Bay and Ross Island and Fisheries Museum.
Sikkim
CategoriesTips & Tricks By goparyatak

Things to know when traveling to Sikkim

The state of Sikkim, nestled in the North Eastern part of India, is truly a land of Hidden paradise. The land offers marvellous snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, pristine, serene lakes, undoubtedly nature’s best wonders. Explore this mesmerizing land with our Sikkim Darjeeling Tour packages which ensure an unforgettable holiday. Visit the world famous Tea gardens, Buddhist monasteries, and the colonial-era architecture with GoParyatak’s Sikkim tour Packages.

Ideal Duration8 Nights – 9 Days
Ideal SeasonOctober to June
Off SeasonJuly to September
Nearest AirportsDomestic: Pakyong Airport (Gangtok)
International Airport: Bagdogra Airport (Siliguri, West Bengal)
Capital of the stateGangtok
Neighboring statesThe state borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east,
Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south
Famous forSerene lakes, Snow-clad mountains, Dense forest, Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan architecture, Tea Gardens
What to buyHandloom products, Tibetan woollen carpets, Hand carved furniture, Sikkimese traditional Tibetan crockery
ExperiencesAyurvedic treatment, White water Rafting, Paragliding, Rock Climbing
What to carry while travelingInsect repellent
Warm cloths Woollens, scarf/muffler, caps, jackets
Umbrellas
Sunglasses
Medicines(Prescribed by doctors)
Sanitizer
Water Bottle
Snacks
Phone Charger, Adapter, Power Bank
Spacious bags
Enough Cash
Tissue papers
Mouth Fresheners
Flight tickets
Detailed Itinerary of the tour
Things to keep in mind while travellingIn Lachen and Lachung most of the hotels offer Vegetarian food.

The meals included in the package will start from the dinner on Day One which will be served at restaurants of hotel of stay.
The enroute meals have to avail by a guest on his/her own arrangement and expenses. 

A Child below 10yrs is not allowed to visit Gurudongmar Lake.

Hotels will have the basic amenities and the food will be cooked by the locals and not by the professional Chefs.

In most of the hotels there is no availability of the geyser in the bathroom – Hot water is supplied
by the service team of the hotel.

There is no availability of room heaters in the hotels due to shortage of power, instead, the hot water bags will be
provided by the service team of the hotel.

There are telephone lines but due to cable fault and weak signal, it is often out of order. Airtel,
Vodafone & BSNL operate better in this area.

Due to shortage of power or power cuts, the guest might have to bear with candlelight.

Once the package is booked & confirmed no refund will be entertained.

Due to winter season (heavy snow) vehicles will not be able to reach Snow point on the way to
Yumthang Valley / Gurudongmar Lake / Tsomgo Lake.

Excursion to Zero point (Yumesamdong) is kept optional which can be avail by the guest
with an extra cost. (Approx. cost is Rs. 4500 per vehicle).

The permission to visit Nathula Pass by the guest will be completely subject to availability
of permit & road conditions. As permit is a mandatory and very limited number of permits
are issued per day for visiting Nathula, guests will have to travel
by the cars available (like Xylo/Scorpio-Maxx/Bolero/Sumo) as per permit.

The guests can visit Tsomgo Lake ,Baba Mandir, except on Monday and Tuesday.  
We cannot give any choice on Vehicle type. 

The guests are advised to maintain the time schedule given for the sightseeing / transfers .

We reserve the rights to make changes or omit any place of visit, if it becomes necessary
due to bad weather, bad road conditions, strike or, security reason etc.

Kindly inform us if the guests are senior citizens or have health -related issues
(like arthritis, heart problems etc.) or any such matter which might need special arrangements.
Some itineraries will not be suitable for them.

The security concerns, driver’s working hours, etc. will be kept in mind while planning the tour and sightseeing. 

 We try to ensure that the sightseeing points do not fall on a closing day. In case due
to an inevitable situation if the sightseeing falls on a closing day, it will have to be left out.
Conducting that particular tour or sightseeing point the next day will be subject to time availability

The mesmerizing Nature and eco-friendly atmosphere are the region’s prime tourist interests.
The facilities available here cannot be matched with other developed destinations.
Things to avoid while traveling to SikkimDo not carry unwanted baggage.
Smoking and drinking in public areas, sightseeing spots.
Do not litter in the forested areas.
Do not swim in the rivers, lakes or glaciers in the protected areas.
Sacred sites are restricted.
Do not appreciate the public display of affection. Keep a check on your body language and choice of words.
Avoid the use of slang and touching the locals while talking and maintain a healthy distance when in and around the city.
Do not point at people.
Avoid wandering alone at night.
Stay away from drugs.
Local languagesSikkimese (Bhutia), English Nepali and Lepcha
Useful Keywords for local useHello: Namaskāra
Yes: Hō
No: Hō’īna
Thank you: Dhan’yavāda
Welcome: Svāgatam
Pure veg: Śud’dha śākāhārī
Non Veg: Gaira śākāhārī
Eggs: Aṇḍā
Vegetables: Tarakārī
Stop: Rōka
Move: Calnu(चल्नु)
Slow: Ḍhilō
Fast: Chiṭō
Cost: Lāgata (लागत)
Medicine: Auṣadhī
ID Documents to carryIndians: Two passport size photos and Original Photo ID proof with photocopy like passport,
voter’s ID card, driving license, etc. ( Aadhar Card  and PAN card are not accepted as ID proof for Protected Area Permits.

Foreigners: Passport, valid visa, Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
Ideal forHoneymoon, Family
Suitable airlinesIndigo, Spicejet, Air Aisa, Vistara
Public Holidays (Regional) Tentative*
March 09 : Bhumchu Festival
May 16: Sikkim state Day
July 24: Drukpa Tsheshi
December 13- 19:Losoong/Namsoong
December 31: Sakewa
Weekly Off for tourist placesSaturday and Sunday
Nathula Pass is closed on every Monday and Tuesday to tourists
Kerala
CategoriesTips & Tricks By goparyatak

Things to know before traveling to Kerala

Geography: Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the mountains of the Western Ghats on the east, Kerala is undoubtedly the most beautiful place one can ever experience. This peninsular poetry sits in the southernmost  lap of India and extends north-south along a coastline of 580 km with a varying width of 35 to 120 km approx. Imbued in the hot and wet coastal plains gradually rising in elevation to high hills of ever so soothing western ghats. Kerala has access to numerous backwater lagoons and lakes that put a surge on the beauty quotient of the place. Vembanadu lake living in the state of Kerala with an area of 260 sq.km turns out to be the longest lake of India.

About Kerala: Blessed with plush beaches and some of the most exotic places, it has got all the ingredients to acquire peace in today’s stress bloating life. Serene geographical features, impeccable cultural heritages and world class hospitality makes it a standard bearer for all the other getaway destinations.

Climate: Kerala stands in midst of greenery and mostly dons tropical climate. Situated in tropic region, it experiences humid tropical wet climate by major part of Earth’s rainforests. Kerala receives an average rainfall of 118 inches (3,000 millimeters) annually. Summers (February-May) and Monsoon (June- better part of October), it carries pleasant whether which easily dissipates all the hassles of life and put you in the state of peace.

You must know below points before you travel to Kerala

Ideal Duration6 Nights – 7 Days
Ideal SeasonBetween September to March
Off SeasonApril to Aug
Nearest AirportsCochin, Trivandrum, Kannur, Calicut
Capital of the stateTrivandrum
Neighbouring statesThe Indian state of Kerala borders the states of Tamil Nadu on the south and east,
Karnataka on the north and the Lakshadweep Sea coastline on the west
Famous forTea-Coffee Plantations, Serene Beaches, Fishing, Dams, Backwaters and dense forests
What to buySpices, Banana Chips And Cashew Nuts, Tea and Coffee, Aroma Oils, Coir Handicrafts,
Shell Showpieces, Kathakali Masks, Jewelry, Nettipattam, Kasavu Mundu And Dresses
ExperiencesAyurvedic treatment, Backwater cruising, Boating, Elephant ride, Jeep Safari, Aqua Tourism
What to carry while travelingInsect repellent
Light, loose, cotton or linen clothes
Woolens, scarf/muffler, caps, jackets
Umbrellas
Swimming costumes
Comfortable footwear – Flip Flops
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Medicines(Prescribed by doctors) like Avomin to avoid vomiting in ghats
Sanitizer
Water Bottle
Snacks
Power Bank
Spacious bags
Enough Cash
Tissue papers
Mouth Freshers
Flight tickets
Detailed Itinerary of the tour plan
What not to do while traveling to KeralaDo not carry Unwanted baggage
Avoid unlicensed “massage parlours” masquerading as Ayurveda health clinics.
Avoid country hooch. Stick to beer
Avoid hole-in-the-wall eateries
Take off your footwear when you enter a place of worship or someone’s home
Do not dress in revealing clothes
Don’t point at people
Don’t drink water from random places
Don’t make physical contact with strangers
Don’t wander alone at night
Do NOT litter, and DO bathe every single day
Make your own drinks or in front of your eyes even at a public place
Stay away from secluded places (though there are none now, but still!)
Stay away from drugs
Do not do any “romance” in the public if you go with your partner
Local languagesMalayalam, English
Useful Keywords forHello: halēā Hello Namaskaram 
Yes: Athe
No: Venda, Alla
Thank you: Nanni
Welcome: Swagatham
Pure veg: Sudha sasyabukh
Non Veg: Mamsa buk
Eggs: Motta 
Vegetables: Pachakkari
Stop: Nirthu
Move: Adangu, Chalikku
Slow: Pathukke
Fast: Vegam
Cost: Vila
Medicine: Marunnu
ID Documents to carryIndians: Aadhar Card, Driving lisence, Passport
Foreigners: Passport and valid visa
Ideal forHoneymoon, Family
Suitable airlinesIndigo, Spicejet, Air Aisa, Air India
Public Holidays (Regional) Tentative*Jan: 
Mannam Jayanthi
Apr:
Maundy Thursday
Vishu

Jul:
Kara amkkadaka Vavu

Aug:
Ayyankali Jayanthi
First Onam
Thiruvonam

Sept:
Third Onam
Fourth Onam
Weekly Off for tourist placesMondays ( For most of the tourist places)
CategoriesTips & Tricks By goparyatak

Water Sports at Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A wise man once said that happiness is counted by the experiences you have and not by the things you possess. Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer water sports experiences to cherish for a lifetime.

  1. Scuba Diving:
    Scuba diving is one of the most popular water sports in Andaman. Untouched and alive coral reefs, vibrant fishes make the experience like none. Havelock Island, North Bay Island, Neil Island, and Port Blair are the best places to experience Scuba Diving at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prices starting from Rs. 3000 approximately.
  2. Sea Kart:
    Sea Kart is the newest addition to the water sports of the Andaman Islands, introduced in 2020 itself. Only water sports vehicle which allows self-drive and takes you farther into the deep sea unlike jet ski and speed boats, sea karting is getting much love from tourists. Being new to the collection, sea Karts are available at the cost of around Rs. 4000 – 5000.
  3. Sea Walk:
    This one is an altogether different type of experiencing marine life as you can literally walk through fishes, corals, and vibrant aquatic animals. Honeymoon couples are generally gifted with this in their package itself, otherwise one can book them for approximately Rs. 3500.
  4. Snorkeling:
    Much more affordable than Scuba Diving, Snorkeling gives you the equipment experience if you’re afraid of depth. You can watch the sea surface through the instrument on your face with magnifying glasses, while do not need to go deep, just float and relax on the water. The average cost is Rs. 500 for this.
  5. Glass Bottom Boat:
    Watch the aquatic life from close without getting wet. Having a self-explanatory name, this boat allows tourists to see fishes through crystal clear and transparent bottom. Open to all age groups, this ride is enjoyable with family only from Rs. 1500 to 3000.
  6. Semi Submarine:
    Similar to Glass Bottom Boat, this ride takes you much deeper into the sea to experience exotic marine life. However, unlike Glass Bottom Boat, you can watch fishes from all sides as viewing dorm is one floor down and surrounded by water completely. The price range starts from Rs. 1500 onwards.
  7. Kayaking:
    With dense forests and mangroves, kayaking is a “not to miss” experience in Andaman. Along with day kayak trips, night kayaking, bioluminescence night Kayaking is also available when pre-booked to get the unforgettable experience only from Rs. 3000.
  8. TSG Bella Bay:
    It is a luxury cruise, introduced only in 2018, that lets you experience a perfect holiday luxurious gateway. It offers exotic food, music, and entertainment deep in the sea only to assure your happiness starting from Rs. 3000.
  9. Parasailing:
    Available at many beach destinations in India, Parasailing at Andaman offers the scenic view of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from above the sea which makes it memorable than others. Experience flying into the winds and then take a small dip in the sea to get refreshed at Rs. 4000 onwards.
  10. Jet Ski:
    Affordable than most of the water sports offers at Andaman and Nicobar Islands, jet skiing is the cheapest one in the category of casual water sports, which is available on all tourists’ places only at Rs. 500
  11. Banana Ride:
    One of the very rare adventurous water sports that can be experienced with family and friends, this one attracts all being most affordable around Rs. 400-700.
  12. Trek to Elephant Island beach:
    Take a note Trek lovers. This amazing trek at Havelock Island will take you through grassland and marshland, and give you an amazing view of the raw part of Havelock island, beyond a normal tourist. This trek covers 7-8 kilometres of distance normally in 4-5 hours and takes you to the elephant beach which can otherwise only be reached through a boat ride. At elephant beach, you can enjoy many water sports activities or simply enjoy the sea.
CategoriesTips & Tricks By NIKHIL NANDGAVKAR

Unique Travel Tips for These 5 Indian States

From north to south & east to west, India is blessed with a variety of scenic natural landscapes. In the north, there are plenty of hill stations in the foothills of the great Himalayas. Also, including island territories, India is blessed with approximately ten thousand kilometers of coastline hosting many beautiful beaches. The Central part of India is full of rivers, historical, religious monuments, national parks and many more amazing things. There are many <> hill stations in southern India situated in the arms of western ghats.

When you visit the below mentioned Top 5 Indian states from the tourism point of view, these unique tips may help you a lot while planning your tour and actually traveling to these destinations.

Read more

Traveling abroad?
CategoriesTips & Tricks By NIKHIL NANDGAVKAR

Traveling abroad? Check this first!

While traveling abroad, please go through the below checklist. 

  1. Your Passport expiry should not be within six months of return to India travel date.
  2. You have confirmed onward and return air tickets
  3. Reconfirm your departure time frequently after booking. Airlines may change their timings and you may miss an alert by them via email / sms. 
  4. Carefully double check visa rules of the host country. Do not rely on any unconfirmed information related to Visa.
  5. If you are transiting through a third country, check the transit visa rules of that country. Ignoring transit visa rules may cause your deboarding at Indian departure airport itself.
  6. If you are going for a short vacation and staying at Hotels / villas, get your booking confirmation numbers from your travel booking agent in advance. 
  7. Recheck your meal plans and room categories at all properties
  8. We highly recommend pre-booking of your activities and transfers, as you are visiting an unknown terrain. 
  9. Carefully reconfirm covid protocols in the host country, if any before you start traveling
  10. Travel insurance in some countries can be optional and mandatory in some countries but we strongly advise you to get your travel insurance issued. 
  11. You can buy a sim card locally upon arrival at your destination. It will be cheaper than buying it in India.
  12. Consult your travel agent and get an estimate of the amount required for local expenses not included in the pre-booked package cost. Carry sufficient foreign exchange in cash / prepaid card 
  13. Do not rely 100% on prepaid / credit cards. You must carry sufficient hard cash for emergency times.
  14. Get information from your travel agent about Indian restaurants at your destinations. Book your stay in the area where, Indian restaurants are easily accessible.