Travel - Best Places of Interest

December 9, 2016 Lifestyle

Mobile Technology is Transforming Tourism Industry

Mobile Technology is Transforming Tourism industry. How do you Retain the Lead and Grow?

Transformation in the Tourism Industry

There are several factors that have transformed the tourism industry. One such factor is, of course, that of technology which is common to all the other factors that include the ease of transportation, the ease of booking, the Internet of course and the mobile devices. It is the digital transformation brought on by the challenge from the mobile devices that has totally changed the way we look at the tourism and travel sector today.

What makes this last factor unique is that this is not an option. If you wish to remain competitive it is imperative that you embrace this technology. Today everyone is a traveller, whether he/she is a millennial or a pensioner. While the millennial will look for adventure sports, the pensioner will look for cruises. But, everyone is now using the digital device for accessing all forms of information prior to the trip, while comparing different offers, checking out the opinions offered by previous travellers as well as carrying out activities related to the reservation of tickets and hotels. They will also book tickets for various shows, museums and theatres.

When the trip is over, reviews will be added so that other travellers will make use of them before their trip. In a majority of cases, a mobile device will have been used to do all the above. For someone in the travel and tourism sector, one can either be proactive or reactive. Therefore, one can either offer new possibilities that have not been thought of before or incorporate newer technologies that help cater to the needs of the customer. Owing to this, tourism as well as hotel companies are not only putting all their web functions in the mobile format but are today willing to create new experiences that have been designed especially for users of mobile devices.

The Digitization Challenge

The digitization challenge has changed the rules of the game. The customer is central to the theme in every phase of activity as he moves up from surfing the net to finally booking the tickets or the reservation for the hotel.

While seeking information prior to the trip most users will check the Internet before reserving the trip or booking the hotel room. This demands that the site is designed to be responsive to the needs of the customer. It is also imperative that all the content is easily accessible to mobile devices. Recommendations are also checked in a like manner.
Checking in or out of the hotel or a flight is a process that irks most travellers. This is yet another area where an online facility can save both time and the paperwork besides helping in improving the internal management of the company. It is also true that in some cases an online checking in will save you an additional cost.
There is considerable anxiety to ensure security in personal and financial data. It is, therefore, a challenge to offer a highly secure solution that is also effective both in cases of online reservation or purchase.
Today many apps have been thrown up in respect of tours and hotels. It is now feasible for the user to have customised mobile services as per one’s preferences.
We are now evolving to the concept of smart cities wherein beacons give out information related to tourism and hotels, weather and culture or transportation among other services.
Free mobile connectivity may now be available throughout the city or at least in central areas, hotels, airports and restaurants.
There are chains that offer devices such as smartphones or tablets to their customers during their stay either for a small fee or free of any charge.
There are apps that are focused on specific sectors such as the entertainment or the tourism sector and in cases narrower sectors that may include hiking or scuba diving or even ornithology and a family based tourism with kids.

The emerging trend of mobile apps in travel and tourism industry – Why Mobile Apps are becoming increasingly popular in the industry?

Mobile technology and Technologies like tour management software is fast transforming the tourism and hotel industry. It is necessary for all those in this segment to use the mobile device for expanding their business and retaining leadership.

*/ Preethi Vagadia is a business architect. She has worked in Mortgage and Finance software department with top-notch companies and has over 8 years of experience in Mortgage Technology, Mortgage lending software management etc. She has also worked on several process improvement projects involving multi-national teams for global customers in warranty management and mortgage. /*

November 18, 2016 Travel, Within India

Discover the Historical Era of the Rajputs

Rajasthan had a rich historical era of the Rajputs which can be seen in the majestic forts and palaces that are well conserved. Rajasthan comprises of the alpine and jagged south-eastern region and the unproductive north-western Thar Desert that extends across the border of Pakistan.

Here, you can find historic cities, incredible fortresses with legends and rare beauty like Udaipur. Puskar with its holy lake and the desert city of Jaisalmer allures many tourists every year. No wonder then, Rajasthan is a prime tourist destination where you can cherish priceless memories. Let us check out these destinations in detail.

Jaisalmer Fort, Rajputs, Rajasthan (Image courtesy-commons.wikimedia.org) — Jaisalmer Fort
(Image courtesy-commons.wikimedia.org)

Jaisalmer– The city is renowned for the golden fort that is made of yellow sandstone in the Thar Desert. Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput King established this city. Jaisalmer Fort is situated on the hill with its wall blending into the contours of the hills.

Gadsisar Lake – Picnic spot ideal for a getaway and is famous for boating. There are small temples surrounding the lake.

Pushkar is among the oldest cities in India. Legend associates it with Brahma’s creation. The word ‘Pushkar’ in Sanskrit means blue lotus flower. It is a holy place for the Hindus who come here for salvation.

Puskar fair – This fair is one of the largest cattle fairs in the country which is held in the month of October or November. It lasts for 5 days. Camels in this fair are cleaned, washed and decorated with jewelry of silver and beads. The fair is held for trading and the best camels get awarded in different categories. Camel safaris in Puskar, take tourists to rural areas where they can see crop harvesting.

Pushkar Fair, Rajputs Rajasthan — Pushkar Fair

Udaipur– Situated in the hills of the Aravallis, it is a ‘city of Dawn’ as it is a land around the water lake.

Lake Pichola- This scenic lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, give an awesome view.
City Palace is a majestic architecture over the lake on a hill which is fenced by walls of courtyards, pavilions, terraces and hanging gardens.

Other places to check out in Udaipur are Chittaurgarh, the fortress of Kumbhalgarh, lovely Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji, and Nathdwara. Mount Abu is a cool retreat not to be missed.

Bikaner– This city is renowned for its camel rides. The city is dotted with many sand dunes and camels are prime helpers here who pull carts loaded with grains. The forts and palaces look magnificent with their reddish-pink sandstone and reflect their historical and architectural legacy.

Junagarh Fort (wikipedia.org) Rajputs, Rajasthan — Junagarh Fort
(wikipedia.org)

Junagarh Fort– It is built from red sandstone and marble carvings and paintings. This fort was constructed by Raja Rai Singh. Within this fort, one can find palaces. Sun Gate is the main entry point to the fort. Other palaces, Chandra Mahal, Karan Mahal and Phool Mahal are worth a visit. This fort has a museum with miniature paintings and rare antiques that are precious.

Lalgarh Palace (commons.wikimedia.org), Rajputs, Rajasthan — Lalgarh Palace
(commons.wikimedia.org)

Lalgarh Palace– A juxtaposition of Oriental and European style luxury is fascinating, in this splendid fort built of red sandstone. It was created by Sir Swinton Jacob for Maharaja Ganga Singh in the pre-Independence era. This palace comprises of a billiard room, a library, cards room and a smoking room. To further add charm to this place are Belgian chandeliers, cut glass ornaments, oil paintings, and lamps.

So, go ahead and discover the historical era of Rajputs at these places!

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November 16, 2016 Nature

The Birds of Bikaner, Rajasthan

Birds of Bikaner Rajasthan

Indian Roller aka the bird mafia, very aggressive little guy

Red breasted bulbul -beautiful song, Birds of Bikaner — Red breasted bulbul -beautiful song

A young red winged lapwing

Southern Grey Shirke -kills bees by impaling them on thorns.

The Desert gerbil -fast food for the birds, Birds of Bikaner — The Desert gerbil -fast food for the birds

Source: The Birds of Bikaner, Rajasthan – 19th January 2015 | The Jalebi Express

Awesome birds of Bikaner, Rajasthan.

November 14, 2016 Travel, Within India

Awesome Rajasthan

‘Rajasthan’, when one hears this word, one visualizes the land of deserts, palaces, and camels. Rajasthan with its ancient culture and civilization has made a name for itself throughout the world and not only in India. Tourists from across the globe throng this state of Rajasthan. So what is it that captures the mind of people across the globe and India? This article shall take you through the places of interest in Rajasthan.

Arts and crafts in Rajasthan — Arts and crafts

Countryside or rural Rajasthan– A few unusual places to explore in Rajasthan that otherwise might have gone unnoticed by you. Bishnoi and Pali are becoming hot spots for people who want offbeat destinations in Rajasthan. People who are adventurous should not miss Bishnoi. Bishnoi is a community of nature worshippers. It just takes around 45 minutes to reach this destination from Jodhpur. The place of Bishnoi offers diversity in terms of weather conditions, religious convictions, language, civilizations, and attires. It has the world’s second-largest desert THAR. You can take the Bishnoi Village Safari which is organized by Rajas and Maharaja of Jodhpur. This will allow a foretaste of the rich cultural life of their state of Marwar. The safari is usually one day or half day where one can enjoy the sight of snow, rainforests, giant Himalayas, and long and beautiful seacoasts.

Jaipur– Jaipur city should not be missed by the adventurous traveler because you can take the ‘Hot Air Balloon Adventure’. In the ‘Hot Air Balloon Adventure’, one can explore the Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, and aerial view of Jaipur and Hawa Mahal. The duration of the hot air balloon ride is 60 minutes. The hot air balloon ride can be taken over Amber (near Jaipur). Jaipur which is often called the ‘Pink City’ comprises palaces and forts which have magnificent views and ornate architecture. The tourists here can enjoy the remnants of a bygone era of the monarchy in its glory. Some heritage hotels in the city are transformed from old palaces to give tourists a regal experience.

Ballooning over Jaipur, Rajasthan — Hot air balloon ride

Udaipur– Another attraction for tourists is the city of Udaipur. Udaipur is known for its Lake Pichola and City Palace. It is constructed skillfully with a military architecture of Rajput and Mughal style ornamental methods combined together. The museum of this displays many royal heirlooms, family photos, and other mementos which give you the feel of the culture and royalty of Maharanas of Mewar. The Museum consists of Mardana Mahal and Zenana Mahal which are King and Queen’s palaces respectively. It was constructed in 1559 and is the ancient and prime part of City Palace. Jag Mandir is another palace not to be missed which is one of the foremost palaces to be constructed in Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola is simply breathtakingly beautiful.

Udaipur palace, Rajasthan — Udaipur Palace at night

Pushkar– This place attracts adventurous backpackers and hippie types. Puskar comes alive in the month of October/November with Camel Fair. The camels are dressed up and paraded. The icing on the cake is definitely the camel races, although the comical beauty contests which feature elegantly decorated and shaved camels are amusing. In addition to this, there is temple dancing, folk and classical music, and an arts and crafts bazaar as well. And, last but not least; the fair would be incomplete without a mustache competition!