India Travel | Wildlife India | India’s Famous Places

Wildlife Sanctuaries In India

2010-08-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

India is a land of diverse forms of flora and fauna. There are about 441 wildlife sanctuaries in India. Out of these 441 sanctuaries, 28 of them are Tiger Reserves. These sanctuaries are specially contributing to the cause of tiger conservation. There are about 80 National Parks in India. Apart from visiting a wildlife sanctuary, you can also visit the national park and bird sanctuaries.

The wildlife sanctuaries in India provide shelter to many species of birds, mammals, insects, and plants. It also has many endangered species in it. These wildlife sanctuaries are famous tourist attractions of the country.

Some of these sanctuaries are famous for the specific animals. For example: Wild life sanctuary in Periyar (Kerala) is famous for elephants.

These sanctuaries are marked with rock structures, landscaping, and different types of plants and trees. They provide you with a beautiful glimpse of nature and wildlife. There is a wildlife safari available which would help you while you visit a wildlife sanctuary. The information regarding the wildlife safari could be checked out with the respective sanctuaries.

Some famous wildlife sanctuaries in India are:

Gir National Park and Sanctuary Gujarat
Panna National Park - Madhya Pradesh
Hazaribagh Sanctuary - Bihar
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Kerala
Corbett National Park - Uttar Pradesh

Wildlife sanctuary in India is a perfect destination to be visited that would make your holidays the most memorable and cherishing experience. They promote tourism in India. Many special wildlife tour packages at affordable rates are available, if you are planning to tour India and visit sanctuaries.

The detailed information of these could be collected online. Wildlife tours in India travel are provided in various combinations on the websites. The suitable combinations, their availability, and costs are detailed. You can select the appropriate wildlife tour on the basis of your own preferences.

We are familiar about wildlife that we get to see in television channels. These sanctuaries help you to get a closer view of the animals and birds and understand their habitat. These wildlife sanctuaries are situated on huge acres of land. A tour of these sanctuaries is done on elephants or jeeps and boats.

There are many bird sanctuaries in India. The most famous bird sanctuaries in India are Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kerala. Bharatpur bird sanctuary is situated in Rajasthan. It is one of the famous bird sanctuaries of the country.

Travel tips to be considered while visiting wild life sanctuary in India are enlisted below:

Check out the timing of the day, when the sightseeing of these animals is possible, in advance and plan accordingly
Follow the guidelines of the guide
Dont click photos in the restricted areas
Undergo a medical examination before undertaking such trips
Keep necessary things such as food, water, and first aid kit

Wild life sanctuary in India is an ecstasy for all animal lovers. India is a land of various diverse forms of many distinct species. If we want to know more about them, one should surely visit a wild life sanctuary.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Wildlife-Sanctuaries-In-India/1397965

Getting serious about saving the wild tiger

2010-02-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

What do you think when you seen this beautiful animal?

For too long, conservationists have been able to pit little more than their passion for nature against the immense power of economic self-interest that drives nature-destroying development and sustains illegal markets for vanishing species. It is time for a total reinvention in national park management, provision of top science and technology to tiger conservation landscapes, and sustained political will to stop the bleeding.

Despite more than 30 years of conservation initiatives in the 13 Asian tiger range countries and around the world, tiger numbers have continued to decline. There were about 35,000 tigers living in Asian forests in the 1960s -- so few that the tiger was declared endangered and programmes were begun to protect them and their habitats. Today, there are no more than about 3,500 of these majestic big cats left. All of our best efforts -- and there are some tiger conservation initiatives such as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Project Tiger of the 1970s -- merely made the downward slope a bit less slippery rather than stem the tigers’ downfall.

Massive infrastructure development throughout Asia has paved over much of the tiger’s habitat and threatens to take it all, with spending on infrastructure in Asia expected to exceed $500 billion a year. At the same time, growing economic prosperity in Asia, and especially in China, has fuelled a multi-billion dollar illegal trade in wildlife with tigers treated as commodities to be traded for enormous profit, not ecological assets to be sustained.

The government of Nepal is hosting a Global Tiger Workshop in Kathmandu, attended by wildlife biologists, conservation practitioners, representatives of the governments of the tiger range countries and international organisations, and some new players who have joined to change the game. The recently formed Global Tiger Initiative, designed to facilitate and promote cooperative, game changing actions on behalf of wild tigers is an alliance of governments, civil society, and the private sector. The World Bank too, led by President Robert Zoellick himself, is committed to devoting its global presence and convening power to this endeavour.

The challenge

The challenge for these experts will be to bring to the table global and local knowledge, experience, information, technology, and best practices to develop new strategies to save tigers through devising a robust, incentive-driven conservation agenda that makes landscapes with tigers more valuable than those without them.

Understanding that resisting development is not a viable strategy, the gathering of experts will seek to develop a blueprint for infrastructure development that is “green” and tiger-friendly. Experts will need to determine how best to tackle the illegal trade that has poachers killing at least one tiger every day. There is an urgent need for enhanced law enforcement and, most important, a strategy to reduce the demand for tiger parts and products, including the newly fashionable and repugnant practice of serving dinner guests tiger meat to signal status.

New and innovative models of habitat management, such as the recent success of South Africa’s National Parks Authority to transform national park management into a biodiversity-friendly business approach that respects the “people aspect” of conservation, will be discussed. Local NGOs and communities will need to be empowered to serve as agents of change. And new ways will need to be found to generate funds to finance tiger conservation, which at present is woefully under-funded compared to the magnitude of the challenge at hand.

On capacity-building, a model GTI partnership launched by the World Bank and Smithsonian Institution for the establishment of a global Conservation and Development Practice Network will get under way in 2010. This network will provide a training and professional support system to improve field conservation and management in tiger range countries, and will target forest resource managers and senior policymakers there.

The GTI, on its part, can be an important instrument to change the way the world values tigers and the biodiversity they represent. Wildlife conservation can no longer be treated as a fringe concern we can’t afford. It must be valued for what it really means to us. If ignored, the future will be bleak for the billions of people whose lives and livelihoods depend on the ecological services, from carbon sequestration to watershed protection, of the forests that remain under the tiger’s umbrella.

Political commitment

Hopefully the shift is taking place. All of the nations in which tigers live, from India in the west and Russia in the east, are meeting in Kathmandu -- an unprecedented expression of regional unity that reflects the emergence of political commitment to save Asia’s tigers. Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s support and ministerial representation from countries such as Thailand is evidence of the momentum that is building to get serious about wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection. With a multilateral framework and regional protocol for cooperation among the tiger range countries, a trans-boundary “war on poaching” can help stop the bleeding.

By looking at the experience and best practices in tiger range countries from Russia to Malaysia on what works best and why, a global tiger recovery road map will begin to take shape. The meeting in Kathmandu aims to be a useful stepping stone to next year’s Year of the Tiger Global Tiger Summit, where governments and national and international organizations will formalise policy changes and commit to new investment in science and technology to reinvent the conservation and development paradigm. We must seize this moment at Kathmandu. There is symbolic importance in the Year of the Tiger, yet the year ahead must be more than a symbolic effort. It must be remembered as the year we took steps to save and sustain the tiger.

Excellent opportunity

Although several global meets in the past have not had the desired impact, Kathmandu offers an excellent opportunity to bring to the table ‘game-changing’ ideas in wildlife enforcement mechanisms, community livelihood incentives, innovative park management and capacity-building programmes, demand reduction, ‘green infrastructure,’ and new financial mechanisms. As 2010 and the Year of the Tiger approaches, these ideas and innovations could represent a new front in the battle to save the wild tiger. To paraphrase conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, if we win, we get to keep the planet.

Date: October 23, 2009
Source: The Hindu

Get More Information on Tigers at http://www.savethetigerfund.org

Save Them

Travel Tips to India

2010-01-19T10:28:00.000-08:00

India is an unique blend of modernization and age old traditions. So, if you are planning for a vacation in the myriad land of India, than you must gather some travel tips before stepping here.

Unlike the Western countries, India is not a liberal country. Indians give respects and religiously follow their age old traditions. So, its very important to maintain social rules and regulations for traveler, if he or she wants to experience an enriching and comfortable holiday in India.

When going to Guajarat, factors you need to take note of include the clothes you need to wear, shopping districts and how to go about in finding the best attractions. During the summer season, it is best to carry light cotton fabrics and your hats, sun glasses and trusted sun block lotion. During the rainy season, cotton is still appropriate but you also need folding umbrellas. During the winter season, do bring jackets and woolen fabrics.

An interesting accommodation option available all over India are the Maharajah's palaces and forts now converted into hotels. You can find these royal residences in the middle of a lake, in a forest, or on a hilltop, and they are surprisingly affordable.

The green land of Kerala (God's own country) draws a number of tourists from all over the world to experience the joy of living on waters. Backwaters of Kerala are specially maintained in a way to offer you the pleasure of staying on traditional houseboats- 'Kettuvalloms'.

When it comes to the best romantic destination, Agra (because of the symbol of love- the Taj Mahal) and the temples of Khajuraho top the chart.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves: These beautiful caves were built more than 2000 years ago. They were built by Buddhist monks - these monks cut some amazing sculptures in the rock caves. The caves are located in Maharashtra.

Sun Temple: This temple is located in Orissa. It was built in the 13th century and is a temple for the Sun God. This temple is one of the architectural wonders of the world - apart from the temple itself, the surroundings of the temple is filled with natural beauty.

Regarding getting Delhi-belly as a first time traveler to India, here's the consensus. Most people do in fact get sick in their first week, if they're eating at even reputable local restaurants, more certainly if they're eating from roadside stalls or drinking anything with milk or yogurt where the local electricity supply is unstable.

Toiletries such as hand sanitizers, water purification tablets, bath salts, mosquito repellents, and sunscreens are a must during India tours. Though your hotel rooms and bathrooms will most probably be very well furnished, you won't easily find public restrooms in Indian villages or even smaller cities. Even if you do find an occasional clean one you permit yourself to use, forget about toilet rolls.

Wildlife in India is also very fascinating. During India tour tourists can enjoy of safari into 55 national parks teeming with wildlife to catch glimpse of the tiger. The most fascinating wildlife tour in India is Rajasthan wildlife tour. There is Ranthobhore National Park in Rajasthan which draws thousands of tourists eager for a glimpse of the tiger.

Source: ezinearticles.com

Goa Carnival 2009 India | Carnival in Goa

2008-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

Goa carnival is one of the most popular festivals among foreign tourists in India. It is also a hot craze for among Indians too.

The most awaited of all festivals in Goa, the Goa Carnival is the ultimate time for enjoyment and merrymaking in Goa. Though essentially a Christian Festival, the colors of the festivals sees no religion and all the people living in Goa as well as the visitors traveling through this wonderful place get addicted to its extravaganza. Since the time when the Goa carnival was initiated by the Portuguese, this carnival in Goa has reached universal dimension and has been celebrated till today with no splendor and magnetism lost over the years.

Carnival in Goa is the time where you can feast, drinks and celebrate festival by your own way before the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. Large processions are carried out all over the state with live performances given by bands dancers, singers and musicians all night long on the streets of Goa. Grand balls are organized in the evenings. The carnival in Goa ends with the famous Red-and-Black Dance held by the Clube National in Panjim on the last day of the carnival.

It is Goa's most famous festival and has been celebrated since the 18th century. The carnival is held in February for three days and nights, when the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with music and color. These carnivals started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became known for their singing, dancing and drinking. The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party.

Goa Carnival spells pure entertainment. From morning till dawn breaks the next day, there is dance, music, merry making, and drinking, eating and pure revelry. The carnival takes place on all streets and corners of Goa and brings together all who blend with the festivities and ceremonies. The Goa carnival is unique and is not celebrated anywhere else in India. Though at the time when the carnival of Goa was started, there were only limited participants, but over the years, after its revival, the barriers have broken and the zeal of the carnival has crossed all boundaries and is enjoyed by all. The Goa Government and the Municipal Councils also participate in this 3 day extravaganza along with the famous colorful precession of King Memo which attracts more and more people to Goa during the Goa Festival time.

Indian Crocodiles, Crocodiles in India

2008-08-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

There are mainly three species of Indian Crocodile, namely, Mugger or Fresh Water crocodile, Estuarine crocodile and Gharial. All the three species were found in India.

Marsh crocodile, Mugger

Mugger crocodile belongs to the Crocodylidae Family and is scientifically known as Crocodylus palustris. Adult Mugger crocodiles of India are bright olive in color, while the young ones are on the paler side. The entire body is spotted with black and scaled. Outer toes as well as fingers are webbed at the base.

Common Names of Mugger
Mugger crocodiles of India are known by a number of other names also, like Iranian crocodiles, Marsh crocodiles, Indian Swamp crocodiles and Persian crocodiles.

Marsh crocodile is a freshwater species, which primarily occupies Indian lakes, rivers and marshes. It prefers slow-moving, shallower bodies of water and may be found in man-made reservoirs and irrigation canals also. Occasionally, the Mugger crocodiles of India may inhabit saltwater lagoons.

GHARIAL - GAVIALIS GANGETICUS

Common Names of Gharial
English: Indian gharial, Indian gavial, long-snouted crocodile. Hindi: Gharial. Bengali: Mecho kumhir. Oriya: Thantia kumhira, male: Ghadiala, female: Thantiana. Bihari: Nakar, Bashsoolia nakar.

Maximum reported length 6.75 m. Believed to attain a length of up to 8 m.

Northern India subcontinent: In India, they are found within the river systems of the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, and the Mahanadi, with small populations in the Kaladan.

Riverine - more adapted to an aquatic lifestyle in the calmer areas of deep, fast-moving rivers. The gharial is poorly equipped for locomotion on land. It usually only leaves the water to bask and nest, both of which usually occur on sandbanks.

Confined to the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Mahanadi river systems in the Indian subcontinent. Once very common, increasing human use of rivers has restricted the gharial to a few remaining wild stretches of it former habitat. Presently the main habitat is the Chambal, Girwa, Rapti and Narayani rivers of the Ganges system. The species is now rare and endangered.

SALTWATER CROCODILE - Crocodylus Porosus

Common Names of Crocodylus Porosus
English: Saltwater Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile. Oriya: Baula kumbhira, Kuji Khumbhiora. Hindi, Gujarat, Marathi: Muggar. Bengali: Kuhmir. Kannada: Mossalay. Tamil: Muthalai. Telugu: Moseli. Malayalam: Muthala, Cheengkani.

Probably the largest of the present day reptiles. The largest skull available measures 1 metre in length and it is believed to have belonged to a specimen of about 7 metres in length. Specimens over 5 m in length have been obtained in the Sunderbans and in Orissa river estuaries but are now exceedingly rare. A 4.5 m long captive specimen weighed 408 kg.

In India, the estuarine crocodile is restricted in its distribution to the tidal estuaries, marine swamps, coastal brackish water lakes and lower reaches of the larger rivers. The saltwater crocodile has a vast geographical range that extends from Cochin on the west coast of India to the Sunderbans in West Bengal and to the Andaman Islands. Single individuals can be found some distance from their usual range as they can travel long distances (over a thousand km) by sea. Barnacles have been found on the scales of a few stray individuals. This sea-faring ability probably helps to explain their wide distribution.

Leopard in India, Indian Leopard

2008-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Indian leopard is one of the 8-9 valid leopard subspecies found throughout the world. Known by the scientific name of Panthera pardus, it is the fourth largest of the four 'big cats' of the Panthera genus. At the same time, leopards are also the fifth largest of all cat species. The name 'Leopard' has been derived from a combination of two Greek and Latin words leo and pard, 'leo' meaning lion and 'pard' meaning panther. This name was given to the animal since it was initially believed to be crossbreed of a lion and a panther.

Physical Traits
As far as the length of the Indian leopard is concerned, it may be anywhere between one meters and two meters. Their average weight hovers somewhere around 30 kg and 70 kg (65 lbs to 155 lbs). Leopards have a heavy and sturdy body and their head is larger in proportion to their body. The coat of a leopard is covered with rosettes and they can climb trees with effortless ease. The cubs of a leopard have longer and thicker fur than the adults and even their pelage is grayer.

Behavior
Indian leopards are nocturnal creatures and are considered to be one of the most surreptitious animals. They can easily make themselves undetected, even while living proximate to human settlements. Leopards are very good swimmers, but lead a solitary life. Occasionally, one can find them roaming in a group of 3 to 4 animals. They have an acute sense of hearing, along with sharp eyesight.

Diet
Leopards are carnivores and eat almost every animal, ranging from monkeys to reptiles to fish. Infact, it is believed that they hunt from amongst 90 species of animals. Injured, sickly or struggling leopards, with a shortage of prey, may even hunt humans.

Current Status and Threats
The worldwide population of leopards is considered to be around 50,000. Nevertheless, the population of the 'Big Cat' has been decreasing at quite a rapid pace in all the countries, including India. The major reasons for this are their large-scale poaching as well as destruction of their natural habitat by humans. The subspecies that have been declared as endangered are Amur, Anatolian, Barbary, North Chinese and South Arabian Leopards.

Source :- http://www.iloveindia.com/wildlife/indian-wild-animals/leopard/index.html

Incredible India | India wild life | Travel India

2008-06-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

Incredible India

Indian Wildlife

Greater one-horned rhinoceros | Indian Rhino | Indian rhinoceros

2008-06-11T04:56:00.000-07:00

The Great Indian Rhinoceros, also called the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, is characterized by the single horn on its nose and by the loose folds of its thick skin. The horn is seen on both male and female Rhinos but not young ones below a year in age. It consists of keratin - a protein present in human hair and nails - and can grow from 20 to 60 cm in size. Adult male Rhinos have the largest horns.

A few centuries ago, the Indian one horned Rhinocerous ranged across the north Indian plains in the wetlands of the rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Today this survivor from the prehistoric times is found only in pockets in the north eastern state of Assam and in Nepal. In Assam, their Rhino habitat is limited to just two national parks - Kaziranga and Manas.

Type of Rhinos
There are five kinds of Rhinos found in the world - white rhino, black rhino, Indian rhino, Javan rhino, and Sumatran rhino. The white and black Rhinos are live in Africa, while Indian, Javan and Sumatran are Asian Rhinos, found in Noth Pakistan, Assam in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The usual weight of an Indian Rhino is 2,000 kg. The one way to distinguish between a an Indian Rhino and an African Rhino is the single horn. Both white and black African Rhinos have two horns. Another distinguishing feature of the Indian Rhinoceros is its skin, which is knobbly and falls into deep folds at its joints, giving a look like the Rhino is wearing a coat of armour.

All the Rhinos are vegetarian and Indian Rhinos mostly eat grass, fruits, leaves and crops. Their well developed upper lip helps them to eat out tall elephant grasses, which they like the best. It also helps them to pull out aquatic plants by the roots. Indian Rhinos usually prefer to roam around in the morning and evening hours to avoid the heat of the day and live for about 40 years.

Indian Rhinoceros Charges Truck

Indian King Cobra

2008-05-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

The Indian Cobra is known around the world as highly venomous snake that feeds on rodents, lizards, and frogs. As well as biting, the Indian cobra can attack or defend itself from a distance by "spitting" venom, which, if it enters the opponent's eyes, causes severe pain and damage.

Behaviour of Indian Cobra
When threatened, the Indian Cobra will assume its characteristic posture. It will raise the front one-third of its body and elongate its long, flexible neck ribs and loose skin to form its distinctive hood, on which are resembled eyes. .

Status of Cobra in India
Although the Indian Cobra is not an endangered species, it has recently been hunted for its distinctive hood markings in the production of handbags. It is listed under the treaty because it closely resembles other species that are threatened and in need of protection.

Physical Characteristics of Indian Cobra
The Indian Cobra's most known characteristic features are the wide black band on the underside of the neck, and the hood marking design which shows half-rings on either side of the hood. It is a smooth-scaled snake with black eyes, a wide neck and head, and a medium-sized body. Its colouring varies from black, to dark brown, to a creamy white. The body is usually covered with a spectacled white or yellow pattern, which sometimes forms ragged bands. The Indian cobra may grow from 1.8m to 2.2m.

Those Cobras which have the single ring on the hood are found in Assam and Eastern India and spit venom like the Ringhals Cobra of South Africa which can eject a spray for a distance of more than two meters and cause severe eye pain, sometimes blindness. Keepers who attend this particular variety of Cobra sensibly wear goggles.

Indian King Cobra

Asiatic lions, Gir National park home of Indian lions

2008-05-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Asiatic Lion

Gir Sanctuary is the last and only home of the critically endangered Asiatic Lion. These lions are a smaller more compact version of their African counterparts, and are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. The major difference between the two is that the African Lion appears larger than the Indian Lion because of its large and luxuriant mane.

In Indian wildlife travel the most adventure think is to go to the Gir National park. It the only Place in India for the Asiatic Lions. Asiatic Lions, also known as the Indian Lions This sanctuary is home for Indian lions. Its covers 560-square-mile and only natural habitat for the Indian lions. Indian lions are a smaller then African lions. Gir Sanctuary is the last and only home of the Indian lions.

Gir National Park

Gir is the only home in India for the Asiatic Lion of which there are nearly 300 in the park. The Gir national Park lies in the Gujarat peninsula in South-Western India.A distinct belt of vegetation is found along the main rivers and streams. Species like the Jambu, Karanj, Umro, Vad, Kalam, Charal, Sirus and Amli are mainly found here.

Watch Asiatic Lion Video

Indian lions

Wildlife in India, Indian Tigers, Travel India

2008-05-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

The wildlife in India is its asset. Jim Corbett Park is a world famous park, inhabiting a large number of tigers. There are many sanctuaries in India.

Jim Corbett Park was the well-known sanctuaries in India and it’s also famous for Indian tigers. In world of wildlife India has more tiger then any other countries in world.

Bandhavgad National Park is the second house for Indian tigers after Jim Corbett Park. The Jungles of Bandavgarh are really rich in fauna & flora.

India is a wonder land, where your soul will dance with the nature's beauty and exotic monuments.

Indian Tigers

Indian tiger attacks

Indian Travel Become The Major Hub

2008-04-30T22:13:00.000-07:00

Travel is a booming industry, even growing faster than the IT sector. Though recession may be hanging around the neck, Indian travel is least affected by it.

A leading travel journal has named India as the 4th most preferred destination amongst all the countries globally. Not only that, lonely planet survey has ranked India 5th of 167 countries, in terms of favorite tourists destinations.

In India tourism has proved to be the third largest foreign exchange earner. There can also be seen a major boom in the hotel industry and the aviation industry in India.

India is a major hub for many reasons. It is a center of beauty, great architecture, Taj Mahal, beaches, mountains, wellness and spirituality. The culture and tradition of India and the wildlife nature, tigers and lions attracts many foreigners.

The diversity and versatility in the Indian land has attracted tourist globally. India is a tourist friendly nation, where the tourists, can roam freely. One can hire tourist guides, who prove to be a great help for the tourists.

There is a huge availability of hotels and guest rooms in India. India serves the tourists with luxurious 5 star deluxe hotels as well as budget hotel. Thus, hotels across the country observe room occupancy around 100% on weekdays. A well organized India tour package and Holiday package India, helps you choose the hotel of your choice.

Big names in hotel industry like Radisson, Hyatt, Taj group of hotels, Marriott Hotels, and many more can be found in all the major cities in India. Accommodation is something which the travelers should not worry about.

After its privatization, aviation industry in India has also seen a major growth. The growth can be termed, both in terms of revenue generated and facilities available. Now all the major tourists' destinations in India are connected through the vast emerging air network. A well prepared Tour packages India, can help you organize all your airfares, and can also aid you with some discounts.

Travel India

easy traveling for singles Travel Guide India

2008-04-29T04:03:00.000-07:00

Single Traveler? Cruising Makes Connecting Easy
Many single travelers wonder if cruise travel is right for them. Will it be like the TV series "The Love Boat," where romance and naughtiness ruled the waves? Or will you be outnumbered by elderly couples in ball gowns and tuxedos? The reality is that cruising is ideal for people traveling alone because it's a safe and easy way to meet other people. So what's holding you back?

Who goes and what it costs

Singles cruising has come a long way from the days when doddering widows sailed off to sea with a good book and a ball of yarn. Today's single cruisers range in age from their early 20s to their late 70s, and they come from all walks of life. Some cruise to get away from it all, others to meet and mingle. In fact, the singles demographic aboard ship is pretty much what you'll find shoreside; the only difference is that the cruisers are on vacation.

There are two options for single cruisers: going alone or joining an organized tour group for singles. Going alone gives you some freedom and privacy, but it costs more because of the 'single supplement'. This supplement is an adjustment to the published cruise fare that compensates the cruise line for the loss of double occupancy in the stateroom. The supplement can be quite high, as much as double the regular per-person rate. The only way to beat the single supplement is to find a roommate for the cruise. If you can't persuade a friend to come with you, talk to the cruise line or to a travel agent who specializes in singles travel; either one can introduce you to a compatible traveling companion.

The chief advantage of traveling with an organized group is the pleasure of having someone else worry about managing the details of booking, shore excursions, seating, setting up shipboard activities and the rest. All you have to do is show up with your suitcase and your passport. Some groups also offer discounted fares.

What it's like aboard ship

It's not just bingo and shuffleboard anymore. On a cruise with many singles, you'll find an array of activities designed to help single adults meet and mingle. Enjoy golf, yoga, rock climbing, in-line skating, tennis, basketball or aerobics. Looking for something more conservative? Then take a cooking class, do a craft project or sign up for the onboard lectures. You will also find wine tastings, computer classes, card games, and art auctions aboard most ships. Other places to meet people are on shore excursions and at shipboard activities, which often include group-participation events like trivia contests, line dancing and even belly-flop exhibitions. You can do as much or as little as you choose. If you prefer solitary pursuits, there are plenty of nooks and crannies for reading, writing, daydreaming or just watching the waves. Want to pamper and spoil yourself? Enjoy a massage or a facial at the spa, or treat yourself to a special gift from one of the boutiques.

In the evenings, most ships have singles functions like cocktail parties where you can meet other guests. Once you meet someone, it is likely you'll meet up again (even on a large ship, the environment is small and friendly). Many cruise ships also offer the company of 'gentlemen hosts' for single women who enjoy dancing.

Most single cruisers say the best way to get to know people is over a meal. Sharing a table for dinner -- or any other meal -- offers many opportunities for fun and lively conversation. Tables for six are best, as larger tables lack intimacy -- and you may end up having to raise your voice to be heard across the table. If you aren't on a group cruise, just ask the maitre d' to place you at a table with other singles. It's a surefire way to make friends and enjoy the cruise with other singles.

Indian Travel Guide Travel Tips for India

2008-04-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

Travel Gadgets to Enhance Your Vacation!

Much awaited travel plans will be greatly enhanced if you are well equipped with the appropriate travel gadgets. I have compiled a list of some gadgets that are sure to fill the down time and enhance the wow time!

1. iPods; Bringing an iPod loaded up with a variety of your favorite music can add a personal touch to an unfamiliar territory. It can be comforting and this comfort extends to helping an individual relax at night. Many people have slight to moderate difficulty sleeping in strange places. Also, iPod speakers are very small, portable and wireless and can allow you to play your music in your room, at the beach or by the pool, etc. An iPod arm band is another stylish accessory that will prove useful.

2. An Electronics Hammock; This gadget compliments any of your small gadgets that need charging. This Hammock is positioned right below an outlet by fastening to the plug itself and holds your electronic product to ensure that it does not dangle precariously or lay on the ground at risk of getting wet or stepped on.

3. Indestructible Travel Cases; Keeping your electronic gadgets with you at all times and also keeping them safe and dry is easier than ever before with the waterproof and crushproof Pelican Micro Case Series of cases. There is even a purge valve to equalize the pressure!

4. Nintendo DS, Gameboy, Playstation portable; These three products are all hand held game consoles. Although marketed for adolescents, many adults also own and play these game consoles. There are hundreds of games to choose from and the DS has features such as PictoChat and 2 player capabilities. These features enable more than one user who has their own console to be partaking in the same activity or game. These players are connected wirelessly through a system to system wireless connection. Therefore, the 2 player feature only requires one of the players to actually have the game inserted into their DS. PictoChat allows for simple input of keyboard text and written text/drawings to be exchanged by up to 16 people.

5. Educational Computer Software; Educational computer software is great for children when they have some downtime either in the hotel, car or in the airplane. This activity is engaging and playful as well as intellectual. Bringing your laptop along is obviously required. WiFi is available at most hotels and a number of restaurants and travel service areas. Using the WiFi connection will enable you to check weather, get directions and phone numbers and look up local attractions.

6. The 150-Country Auto-Detecting Travel Adapter and Converter: A lightweight, compact device that automatically detects incoming voltage, converts it to 120-volt AC power, and provides plug adaptation for over 150 countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Caribbean, and Australia. The plug configures to fit a variety of international sockets, and it has a built-in USB port that allows you to leave chargers for cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and other devices at home. The device also allows simultaneous AC and USB connection to charge two devices at once.

7. Voltaic Backpack; Voltaic backpack is a solar powered backpack. This sleek accessory will power every one of your gadgets (save your laptop) as long as there's daylight. It is also a stylish bag to carry while on any trip. Specifics include; 4 Watts of Solar Power: From three tough, light weight, waterproof solar panels 4-6 hours of direct sunlight produce enough charge to fully charge a typical cell phone's Battery Included: 4,400mAh at 3.6 volts Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings to store solar power When not in the sun, the battery can be charged using the AC travel charger or DC car charger making it just as useful on the grid as off â€¢ 11 standard adaptors for easy connections to common cell phones and universal plugs Includes a car charger socket and USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device Note: It is not designed to charge laptops, it will however charge cell phones, sat phones, PDAs, GPSs, iPods, cameras and most other handheld electronics