Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
International Airport and New Delhi's tapestry of rich activities, groups can venture from heritage sites to art galleries, museums to temples, live musical theater performances to dance venues, even catch track and field games at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and sports complex. Centrally located near New Delhi's historic Connaught Place, a lively bustling center with flea mar- kets, restaurants, pubs, street vendors, designer stores, corporate parks, banks, the central metro and railway stations, you are also in close proximity to major tourist destinations in the city- India Gate, Qutab Minar, Jantar Mantar and many more and only a half a days trip to Jaipur where the stunning Water Palace, Jal Mahal Palace, majestically floats in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, and just another few short hours from there is Agra, famed city of one of the most visited 7 wonders of the world- Taj Mahal. Organizing a Heritage, Cultural, Religious, Adventure or Leisure group tour is logistically easy even at the last minute with local vendors offering 1 day, 3 day or 5 day excursions. Many can be found at storefronts or even in your hotel lobby, though this is a great opportunity to engage with the innovative offerings of PATA sellers like ILH Tours, among whom, there are amazing tour operators and travel agents who are ramped up and ready to eagerly forge new relationships and potential business partnerships after a long three year hiatus. Wake up in the majority of Indian hotels and its traditional to have a full service breakfast buffet included with your accommodations, a complete contrast to the western Continental Breakfast. This sumptu- ous feast highlights several stations including Bread and Baked Goods, Freshly Made Juice & Drinks including watermelon, kiwi, mango and orange, Cold Cuts & Cheeses, Cold Milk & Cereals, Eggs & Meats, Fresh Fruits & Yogurts (that always includes figs ) and Traditional Vegetarian Indian dishes. Among the favorite popular Indian breakfast dishes you may see are Idil - a traditional savory Indian cake from south- ern India, Gobi paratha - a flatbread stuffed with cauliflower made with spices from Northern India, Upma- a spicy savory dish made from cream of wheat, onions and chiles, Masala and various soups. India is the perfect destination based on it's cultural richness, dynam- ic diversity, and colorful landscape. Whether it's street food or a delec- table dish from a high end restaurant, the lure of the Himalayan Mountains or the colorful Holiday festival, your visual palate will be stimulated to try something new. A FEW QUICK TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO INDIA: • The Indian online Visa portal can cause delays. Use instead a third party vendor like EVisa Express for an inexpensive quick 3 day turn around. $79.00 • India is an English speaking country and most signage is in English making it super easy to navigate. Get out and about. • Uber is commonly used and has three options: Tuk tuk, Auto and Cars for travel. Choosing the Tuk tuk or Auto is incredibly fun, safe and very economical to travel locally for pennies on the dollar. • For women, though it is not a requirement, dressing modestly or in traditional clothing when possible is highly regarded. When in Southern India covering the arms, shoulders and legs is an accept- able tradition for women. • Use BookMyShow.com to find local theater, arts performances, and music concert venues. • With Nepal a 1 hour and 90 minute flight away, just a two hour flight to Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka only a 1 hour and 21 minute flight, the sky is really the limit with the experience you can create. 38 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com