Goa tourism minister Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco, in a recent TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/New-regulations-will-bring-in-genuine-tourists-Mickky/articleshow/5442458.cms) report said that the new visa regulations would help in bringing in more genuine visitors to Goa in the coming years. The amendments would further keep a strict check on the “illegal immigration,” which is one of the root causes that weakens the overall economy of a country in a major way.

He said that stringent regulations would prevent the applicants with tourist visa to take any employment. Also, 90 days are ample for the tourists to enjoy their time in Goa.

The minister further commented on the people who get long leaves from their jobs and said that these are the ones who survive on “Employment Doles!” He asked: Do these people actually spend this much amount? Talking about the retires who spend months here, Mickky said that they too survive on doles!

The new amendments would ensure that international migrants stay away from any kind of violation of their status by keeping the facet of ‘Illegal Immigration’ miles away!

It should be noted that Immigration scams are happening all over the world. It is not just the government of Goa that is taking stringent measures, but government authorities from all over the world are getting exceptionally particular about the immigrants entering their countries. Taking assistance from an Immigration veteran not only ensures that all procedures are carried out in a legal manner but see to it that all your documents are presented to the High Commission in the right manner.

none

New Year’s Eve celebration happens to be the biggest common party across the globe when all nations and religions forget all the differences and come together to welcome the New Year. New Year’s Eve is one such occasion when everyone in everyplace around the world manages to recognize the New Year with some sort of celebration. As we are slowly approaching to the end of 2009, once again there is a restlessness in preparing the planner for the occasion. However, if you are looking forward to have something big and really happening on this New Year’s Eve, then we can help you. Here is a compilation of top ten destinations where you can celebrate the momentous occasion in the best possible way. Go through it and decide upon which destination to reach to join the New Year celebrations before it gets too late.

Sydney, Australia: Sydney accounts for one of the best places across the globe for New Year celebrations, where thousands of enthusiasts gather at Circular Quay, the hub of Sydney Harbour. The celebrations actually begin in the afternoon with a lot of activities. However, the Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display lights up as the clock strikes 12. The spectacular views of fireworks last for more than 15 minutes, but the celebrations go on till the wee hours.

No matter where you want to party, be it in a pub, on the water or on the bridge, make sure you are at Circular Quay to witness the one-of-its-kind fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For your information, make sure you wear black, since black is the wardrobe color of choice for social Sydneysiders. A boat ride in the Sydney Harbour is a fascinating activity on this occasion. It would also be an opportunity to enjoy some great music.

Edinburgh, Scotland: To Scots, New Year is Hogmanay, which is one of the most popular New Year’s events in the world. There is a long rich heritage associated with this event. Hogmanay is basically a four-to-five-day extravaganza. It includes parties to street festivals to entertaining, sometimes terrifying fire festivals, to be brief. Hogmanay usually starts with the Torchlight Procession, followed by street theatre, live music, the Hogmanay carnival and firework at the mid of 31st of December.

Scotland also hosts a number of New Year’s events during Hogmanay. The most famous and the biggest event being taken place in Edinburgh.

Paris, France: Being a famous New Year destination in the world, the capital city of France displays amazing fireworks all over the city. If you are fond of great fireworks, then you must visit Paris for this New Year’s Eve celebrations.

On this occasion, mostly crowds pack around the Champs Elysses and the Eiffel Tower. The dazzling fireworks display can be best viewed from the Eiffel Tower. Being in Paris for the New Year’s celebrations does not mean that you miss out on its famous attractions, including the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre-Coeur Basilica and many more.

Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne perhaps hosts the greatest and the most extravagant New Years celebrations in Australia. Accompanied by massive fireworks the celebrations stretch to the extent of the River Yarra from Swan Street Bridge to Waterfront City, Docklands.

Participants of Melbourne New Year’s Eve celebrations are fortunate enough to see the city skyline lit up into a rainbow of colors. People just cannot get enough of the fireworks shows. The spectacular fireworks can be best viewed from the Princes Bridge and the Crown Entertainment Complex. If you are up to join the celebrations, make sure you reach one of this or all venues- Waterfront City, Docklands; Alexandra Gardens; Federation Square; Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct; Birrarung Marr; and New Quay.

Not to forget, electrifying live performances, roving performers, live music, DJs, movies and lots of other entertainment programs are an integral part of the celebrations. Once you are in Melbourne, do not miss out on an Aussie Rules Football game. Take out some time to wander through the trendy neighbourhood and visit some of Australia’s coolest nightspots.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Known for its warm and friendly people, Rio de Janeiro attracts one of the great crowds on the eve of New Year. People mostly flock to the beaches to celebrate Reveillon (New Year’s Eve), however, it’s Copacabana Beach that hosts the most famous Rio de Janeiro’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

What attracts millions of people every year for the celebrations to Rio de Janeiro is its liveliness. There is always a friendly atmosphere around, thanks to its friendly and warm people. The city houses many interesting museums, ever-welcoming beaches and historic neighborhoods. It is also considered as one of the world’s top party cities, thanks to its thriving nightlife.

Every year Copacabana beach witnesses millions of enthusiasts dancing to the beats of Samba, while sharing champagne and partying. The fireworks display lasts for almost 30 minutes since the time the clock strikes twelve.

Rome, Italy: The volley of fireworks at Piazza del Popolo really deserves a look on the eve of New Year. Even though New Year’s Eve in Rome is celebrated all over the city’s squares, Piazza del Popolo accounts for the most popular destination in Rome to welcome the New Year. The celebrations include fireworks, fantastic rock and classical live music concerts throughout the night, followed by various performances and acrobatics for children’s entertainment in the next day (New Year’s day). A trip to Rome to celebrate New Year does not mean that you indulge only in the celebrations on the square. Rome is like an open museum, so take some time and roam around the charismatic lanes accompanied by amazing architectural structures. Make sure you head to the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin. Everyone does it!

New York, USA: Times Square in Manhattan in the New York City is the best place to be in for New Year’s Eve celebrations. People gather at the venue and the celebrations begin as the New Year’s Eve ball drops from the flagpole on the top of One Times Square. This is one of  the most charming celebrations, since one hardly can beat New Yorkers on how to put on a celebration.

London, England: The British people like it somewhat different! Of course, the best place to be in London to ring in the New Year is Trafalgar Square. People congregate here and countdown to the New Year. People from across the Europe join the New Year’s Day celebrations that stir a sense of national pride and joy within the participants. The London Parade on the New Year’s Day features local heroes, marching bands, clowns and more. You can also join the celebrations near London Eye and London’s Big Ben clock tower.

Las Vegas, USA: What can be said about Las Vegas, the city that parties every night throughout the year!! The city definitely makes one of the best destinations to welcome the New Year 2010. You cannot ask for more, it has everything from night clubs to strip clubs to casinos. Always packed with all the arrangements, Las Vegas surely makes one destination favorable for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Goa, India: Goa has always proved to be a hot destination for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The premier beach destination of India is crowded by thousands of visitors, just to welcome the New Year while jiving and singing. Goa has the perfect ambiance for the celebrations, thanks to its exotic beaches and nightlife. Goan culture and cuisines are some of the delights that visitors from across the world admire it for. While in Goa for the New Year’s celebrations, never miss the chance to walk around the beautiful churches!

As only a few days are left for the New Year’s Eve celebrations, these destinations are going to be packed with enthusiasts to spend the momentous occasion of ringing in the New Year 2010. Be smart and book your tickets and hotels in your desired destination as the hotels fill up very quickly every single year!

4 com

Are you the one with that adrenaline rush through your veins and the zeal to do something exciting? If yes, then you have landed on the right page. Gear up to exploit and get rid of some of your worst fears ever. From trekking to river rafting all the way to paragliding – you name it! So, here is a list of some of the most enthralling destinations in India to test your guts.

Rishikesh

This holy place of the Ganges is the perfect combo of a pilgrim spot as well as for adventure. Feel the drill and the force of the Ganges with river rafting which gives that missing plunge in your life. With this, experience mountaineering or rock climbing. You can spend your nights camping surrounded by the mountains and the gushing sound of the river flowing in your ears. Feel the purity and sanctity of the place and rejuvenate your senses. Pump your energy with beach games such as volley ball, Frisbee and water polo, to name a few.

Billing

If you are for paragliding, Bir – Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the place to visit. Bir is the landing place for the Para – gliders in between the carpet of tea gardens. At an elevation of 200 km, you would find one of the best aero sports sites of the country at Billing. You can fly across the hills and experience the breathtaking view below. More so, feel the blood pumping through your veins as you perform the most daring tasks in your life. The place is also known for Tibetan handicrafts.

Leh – Ladakh

This place is the perfect offering for those who love the mountains and do not mind going that extra mile. Situated in the paradise on earth (Kashmir), Leh – Ladakh is one of the most exotic places which offer a combo of adventure and romance. From hiking to white water rafting, the place also hosts the highest motor road in the world for you to go biking. The hotspots to visit include the Nubra valley consisting of Diskit, Hundar, and the Pangong Lake which extends all the way to Tibet. Hunder also has a camping site that adds another feather in its cap. What’s more? Pack your bags and check out the place yourself!

Goa

The god of all vacation spots offers some of the best water sports to indulge in. With this, the picture perfect coastline along with other lakes and rivers offer enough for an adventure freak to enjoy. Get a taste of water surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, jet – skiing, boogie boarding and much more. Let out your enthusiasm beyond limits and have fun!

Tungnath

At an altitude of 3,680 meters, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, it holds the highest ever shrine of Shiva. This place is one of the most well – known trekking destinations in India. Tungnath offers the perfect chance to test your limit and drain out all the innate stress. So get set and go!

All in all, these places were simply the cheery. The cake is yet to be exploited. So, all you need to do is venture out into the wild and experience it for yourself.

3 com

A destination becomes exotic with the presence of your loved ones by your side! I hope you all would agree with me. I have come up with some salacious and romantic places in India. Have a look:

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is a buzzing hill station and is a perfect place for all those couples who love to embrace themselves in the hilly winds of large mountains! The city has a population that forms a mix of Sikkimese, Nepalese and Tibetan people. The adventurous spirit of the city will never allow you and your beau to sit in a dull mood. A calm couple can enjoy their privacy in the soothing surroundings of the Ranipul River and enjoy the camp fire nearby!

Mussoorie, the “Queen of the Hills” is one of my favorites. It always offers a fresh ambiance every time I visit the place. The city is located 34 km from Dehradun, in Uttarakhand and serves as an enticing destination for people from all over the globe. Its cold and windy nights give you a beautiful reason to have a long walk on the Mall road while enjoying some of the mouthwatering street food with your beloved. Take a ropeway to the famous Gun Hill, get cozy with your spouse and enjoy the magical view of the Himalayan peaks. Kempty fall is another reason as to why you should visit Mussoorie. Just go for it.

Goa is next! When I think of Goa, the first thing that comes to my mind is the merge of mind blowing beaches, palm trees, fenny and delicious food! Now with all these things ready to serve you, Goa can be a perfect destination for you and your beau to enjoy those special moments of your life.  The place is divided into north Goa and South Goa and both are applauded for their amazing beaches and beautiful churches!

The God’s Own Country (Kerala) offers enchanting yet spicy feel to your vacation with your spouse. From the beautiful beaches and the backwaters to the coconut trees to the spices to the filter coffee and the sea food – get connected with a whole new world. Hidden in the midst of jungles, experience the peace in a lavish houseboat. More so, treat yourself to the aroma of the spices and the Ayurvedic spa treatments. What else, relax and rejuvenate! The places not to miss include the Athirampalli waterfalls, Wayanad, Allepey, Cochin, the Kovalam beach and much more!

Kashmir, the heaven on earth is another destination for the love birds out there. Explore the shrine of Amarnath cave after witnessing the serenity of Pahalgam with your spouse. Blessing of god are always a must for a true and long-lasting relationship. Ensure that you visit the famous temples of Anantnag, Deviangan, Bijbehara, to name a few. Proceed further to Gulmarg and enjoy its unparalleled beauty! Other places to see are Bandipore, Hazratbal Shrine, Shankarcharya Temple, Leh, Pangong lake, Jama Masjid Shopian, Chhatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Zanskar, and Patnitop. Leh is more of an adventurous place rather romantic, though the scenic beauty will surely bring in the romance. It’s apt for adventurous couple. The list is endless. Go and explore yourself.

Let us move to Manali and Kasol (Parvati Valley)! Nature’s true beauty resides here! Manali is a wonderful destination located in the alluring mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Well known for its scenic beauty, beautiful hills, hot springs, temples, and monasteries, Manali is applauded as a perfect honeymoon destination! Other facets that hold the power to give you goose bumps are icy glaciers, road towards Rohtang Paas, Keylong, Kothi, Triloknath, Udaypur in Pattan Valley and Manali’s Baths! The food is just amazing! From Chinese to Tibetan to Indian, tourists can enjoy all the delicacies at one place.

Kasol, on the other hand, is more towards beauty and alluring tranquility. Situated approx 4 hours from Manali, Kasol offers a brilliant view of nature along with a holy ambiance near the bank of Parvati River. I have no words to describe this place. So it is best advised to visit the place with your beloved and experience it yourself!

Just cuddle in the arms of your spouse and head on towards the most enticing journey of your life!

none