2021

It has been good news this past week with both India and Australia Governments announcing that dates for international borders to open.

The Indian Government has issued a directive that they will be issuing 30 day tourist visas from 15 November 2021 (people arriving on charter flights a month earlier). The first 500,000 visas will be issued free of charge. This means that people from countries where there is no travel restrictions will be able to visit – if they are double vaccinated.

For Australians wanting to travel, a definite date has not been announced.  The press are reporting that people will be able to leave from mid November but the devil is in the detail.  Everyone will have to wait a little longer to find out exactly what leaving Australia and returning will mean.

Just wanting to let our clients and friends that are open for business.  The India office, which will now be our headquarters  is still operating with Vikas in charge of tours and Shiv in charge of the operational side and Sharon is in Australia.

Please be assured we are navigating of all the new terms and conditions in an opened up COVID world.  We will ensure that travel to the India and the subcontinent – Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan will be a safe and wonderful experience.

We are in the process of updating our website and can’t wait till we are doing what we all love – travelling.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sharon, Vikas & Shiv

While on a visit to Jodphur, India last year,  a mystery was uncovered.  The significance of turbans worn by Rajasthani men and how to wrap and tie one.

Turbans are an important part of their attire and are referred to as the Pagari. They vary in style, colour and size and indicate the person’s caste, region and the occasion it is being worn for. The wearer starts out with a length of material usually 9-10 meters long and in some cases can be up to 15 meters long too.

Single colour turbans are worn by farmers and shepherds, these are big in size and tied loose to adjust to the heat of the desert region. Colorful turbans are worn by the elite or indicates festival, wedding or a special occasions.

Turbans are known by different names in Hindi like Paag, Safa and Pagri and there is a saying in Rajasthan that every 15 km you travel the style changes. Theh prominent ones being Pencha, Sela and Safa.

I loved seeing the men wearing their turbans as I travelled throughout the rural areas of Rajasthan,and now understand the significance of the Pagari (turbans).  You may get a chance to wear one like my travelling companion Brooke and I did in a small village just outside of Jodphur. I loved the experience and am confident you will too.