All posts filed under: Travel News

MakeMyTrip under probe for alleged service tax evasion of Rs 75 crore

MakeMyTrip Under Investigation in India for Tax Evasion of 75 crore INR

The Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence has registered a case against MakeMyTrip for allegedly not depositing service tax it collected from customers, news outlets reported. The Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) has registered a case against the online travel giant MakeMyTrip for allegedly not depositing service tax which it had collected from the customers, official sources said. “At MakeMyTrip, we strongly believe in an ethical, transparent and compliant corporate culture and abide by all laws and regulations of the country. The service tax case in question is potentially an industry issue that can impact all Online Travel Agents (OTAs).   “We have a strong case as advised by our tax advisors and therefore will be contesting the matter with the appropriate authorities. We are extending our full cooperation to the authorities in the investigation. Further, the company official who was detained by the authorities has already been released,” the spokesperson said.   Service tax is charged at the rate of 14.5 per cent (including 0.5 per cent of Swachh Bharat Cess).   The …

Illikkal Kallu

Illickal kallu gets cleaned up by Sancharis

We always advise about not polluting the places you visit so that nature is always kept at its best for the future. But a group of travelers of the ‘Sanchari‘ group have done more than that. They saw the nature’s beauty  in Illickal Kallu and did their to make it more by cleaning up the place. The Illickal Kallu is situated in the Erattupetta Wagamon route. It has become recently famous when many travelers visited and shared experiences through social media. As there is very little management of waste in the area, everything left by the visitors remained there itself. This included empty bottles, plastic covers, food items ,etc. As this is the originating point of the Meenachal River, all the waste materials put into the river will reach the Vembanad Lake and adds to the pollution of the lake. Thus the enthusiastic ‘Sancharis’ of the Kottayam unit decided to take up the challenge of cleaning up the place and river banks to bring back its virginity. The group came in 60 bikes to the …

Rosemala

A Jungle safari to Rosemala in 800 INR

Rosemala, the valley that unfolds like a rose petal is now getting more accessibility in the form of a Jungle Bus trip. The package which is similar to the one started for Gavi ( read that news here )recently is a one day bus trip to Rosemala and back. Thanks to the Shenduruney forest officials, the new initiative has opened the doors of this wonderful experience for people who do not have the luxury of own vehicle to reach there. The service will start at 9 AM from Thenmala directly to Rosemala which is located around 15 KM from Aryankaavu. After a visit to the village, a traditional lunch will be provided. The forest watchtower in Rosemala gives you the magnificent view of the Thenmala dam. This is not to be missed and is one of the unique experiences in Rosemala. The return trip can be made enjoyable with a refreshing bath at one the many streams in the forest or the Palaruvi waterfalls which is also included with the package. The trip will end at …

Gulmarg Town

Gulmarg is ready for National Ice Skating Championship

The announcement of the opening up of Kashmir’s favorite winter destination Gulmarg for the 12th National Ice skating Championship has been made. The Government hopes to make this event a huge success with an eye on the 2018 Winter Olympics as well. Around 150 athletes from 17 states are expected to take part in the events which include Short Track Speed Skating, Dancing and Figure Skating in the Golden meadows of Kashmir. Gulmarg,  must go place for the tourists visiting Kashmir,  is also known for its deep and dry curry powder snow during winter. As per the experts, the snow quality here is a unique one due to its high altitude and southern exposure of the continent at around 35° degrees latitude. These types of events can definitely boost up the confidence of professional skaters across the country and hopefully India can get a good number of representations in the next Winter Olympics which is to be held in South Korea on 2018.

Kerala Tourism bags Conde Naste Travellor Award

The Kerala Tourism has been rated as the runner up for the Favorite Indian Leisure Destination prize. This has become a proud moment for the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, which has been keen on the tourism development and promotion across the state for the past several years. The winners, in fact, were chosen by the readers of Conde Naste Travellor magazine. The factors that which got considered were travel, tourism and hospitality. The ease of accessibility, the different varieties of places and of course the wonderful climate makes Kerala one of the best places in the world for all seasons.  Signifying the importance of this award, the Kerala Tourism Secretary G Kamala Vardhana Rao said, “As a top tourism destination in the world, we would continue to maintain the highest standards of quality and excellence desired by the travellers,” So, Travelors, never miss the warmth and freshness of the God’s own country.

Kalvary mount idukki

More than just a view, experience it.

We have seen how the Idukki dam and its reservoirs has made the nature to redesign itself. Now, the forest department of Kerala has created an opportunity to experience it  more closely. Precisely, with just a ticket cost of 200 INR, you can experience a boating which will bring you as close as you can get to the point where the nature has changed for the man made wonder. The boating starts from the Eco tourism office of the forest department .  In the next one hour, you will see the vastness of the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams and the reservoir, the forest areas, meadows and small lakes. If you are lucky enough, some wild animals as well  The ride ends at the starting point which also holds the memorial of Adivasi Mooppan Kolumban, who identified the exact place for the Idukki dam between the two hills and Cheruthoni dam. You can also visit the Garden of Rare species and Butterfly research centre managed by the Forest Department itself along with this ride. Also, the department …

Feel the nature’s beauty in one day

The Eco tourism project of the western ghats in Kerala is getting a big leap with a brand new program headed by the Forest department of Kerala. A one day tour covering the best and indigenous part of forests of Western ghats in kerala has been made a reality recently. The one day starts and ends in Konni, situated in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. From Konni, famous for its elephant museum, the trip will cover the places like Adavi, Thannithodu, Aangamuzhi, Muzhiyar, Kochu Pamba and reaches Gavi. From Gavi, trip takes a new route through Vallakkadavu, Vandiperiyar, Kuttikkanam, Erumeli, Ranni and Kumbazha to reach back to Konni. The entire trip costs around INR 1600 per person which includes breakfast and lunch that can be carried alongside. The Forest department has procured specially designed air conditioned vehicles with a capacity of 16 people for this nature kissing venture. In addition to this, there is a coracle ride in Adavi and Boat ride in Gavi planned as part of this program. This is going to be one of …

Kochi KMRL water bus

In Kochi, its not just rails for KMRL

Wanna try going to office in a water bus. No, this is not about the Chennai Floods. The Kochi Metro Rail Corporation (KMRL) has come up with a small surprise to the people in Kochi in the form of water bus service from Vytilla to Kakkanad. Although, the metro rail work is in progress and is testing the patience of the people of Kochi, this new move is quite the opposite.  At a ticket cost of just Rs 8, you can enjoy the 30 minutes of ride with no traffic problems and less pollution. More over it gives you free WiFi service as well. As the service is becoming popular among youth and the IT employees around Kakkanad, a feeder bus service has also been started from Kakkanad to Infopark which definitely adds to the convenience.