Delhi Metro Airport Express Train Guide - All that you need to know

Travelling from New Delhi Station to Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal – 3 is much easier and faster. Delhi Metro has bestowed the people and visitors of Delhi with Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAME) Train.

The much awaited addition of Delhi Airport Metro Express to the network of Delhi Metro slashes the travelling time from one hour to twenty minutes! Sounds good no? Operating at a top speed of 80 km/h, the train covers 6 stations on the dedicated Orange Line.  Here are the complete insights about the DAME.

Stations covered by Delhi Airport Metro Express

Delhi Airport Metro Express Line has been allotted with Orange Color. There are 6 stations from New Delhi to Dwarka Sector – 21, interlinking the IGI Airport. The six stations are as follows:

•          New Delhi
•          Shivaji Stadium
•          Dhaula Kuan
•          Delhi Aerocity
•          IGI Airport
•          Dwarka Sector – 21

All these stations are called as City Airport Terminals and are equipped with modern gizmos like huge X-ray baggage scanners, explosive detectors etc. There is a full time surveillance through CCTV Cameras. Further, these stations are made disabled friendly to cater the needs of the people who need a bit of extra care.

Fares of the Delhi Airport Metro Express

In order to tempt as many passengers as possible, the fares of Delhi Airport Metro Express Train has been modified many a times. Thus, as of now, the finalized token fares for one side journey of the train are given below.

	New Delhi	Shivaji Stadium	Dhaula Kuan	Delhi Aerocity	IGI Airport (T-3)	Dwarka Sector - 21
New Delhi	10	20	40	50	60	60
Shivaji Stadium	20	10	20	30	50	60
Dhaula Kuan	40	20	10	20	30	50
Delhi Aerocity	50	30	20	10	20	30
IGI Airport (T-3)	60	50	30	20	10	20
Dwarka Sector - 21	60	60	50	30	20	10

There are other categories for fares as well. The minimum token fare for return journey is kept as low as rupees 40 and the maximum fare is rupees 110.

A 30 Trips Fare Card is also available which allows single way regular commuters to avail a discount for 30 trips in a month. Again the minimum fare is rupees 350 and the maximum fare is rupees 1600.

To avail 45 trips in a month, one has to pay rupees 400 as least fare and rupees 2000 as the maximum.

Passengers can choose to use Stored Value Card where minimum fare is rupees 9 and maximum is rupees 54.

Delhi Airport Metro Express Train Timings

The first train from Dwarka Sector – 21 and New Delhi starts from 4:45 am. The timings for the last train is 23:15 from Dwarka Sector – 21 and 23:40 from New Delhi.

The frequency of train during peak hours is of 10 minutes while in case of non-peak hours it is of 15 minutes.

Note: The train runs at an interval of 15 minutes from Morning to Evening on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

City Check – in Facility

Another good news for passengers is that they can conveniently do their flight check-ins at Metro Station itself. One can also get boarding pass handy at the check-in counter. Much of the attention is paid to securely transfer the baggage to airport and that too within time. The check-in facility can be availed up to 8 hours prior to flight departure.  However, keep in mind that the counter closes two and a half hour before the departure of the flight.

Cloak Room

A Cloak Room facility is also started keeping in mind the convenience of the passengers. This services can be benefited at New Delhi Station. The fares for small, medium and large baggage are rupees 50, 75 and 100 respectively.

Trolley Services

Passengers can use free luggage trolleys at all the stations of the Orange Line. A porter can also be hired at a fees of 50 rupees per porter.

Extension of Delhi Airport Metro Express Line

It is proposed to extend the current Delhi Airport Metro Express Line to Dwarka Sector – 25.

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Top Reasons to Stay at Homestays in India

The practice of homestays in India can be traced almost 5000 years back. In other words, this practice is deeply embedded in Indian civilization. Indians are ingrained with such a deep sense of hospitality because they firmly believe in the saying, “Athiti Devo Bhava”, which translates to, “guests are equivalent to God.”

One way of experiencing the true hospitality of the people and getting a close insight into the culture and lifestyle of India is opting for a homestay during your stay here. This brings with it several advantages, the most obvious one being the opportunity to learn about Indian culture and taste the lovely homemade food that the country is famous for. This blog tells you the 10 reasons to stay at homestays in India.

Acquaintance with the local people

One of the ways of getting acquainted with the customs and lifestyle of the Indian people is opting for a homestay. While the friendly nature of Indians is sure to win you over, communicating with them won’t be a problem because many Indians can speak English really well. Moreover, you are free to spend time at your own leisure and enjoy meals with the family or spend time chatting with them and learning about their culture and way of life.

Nothing beats homemade Indian food

In India, it’s very easy to land up with an upset stomach. However, homestays enable you to enjoy the various kinds of Indian cuisines which is enjoyed with the rest of the family. It should be noted that a large percentage of Indian are vegetarians and abstain from meat and other kinds of non-vegetarian food. However, the unavailability of meat is compensated for by the delicious home cooked vegetarian dishes.

Homestays comes with great security

If you are a female solo traveler, homestays are the best option to go for. This is because you will have a family to look after you who will make you feel welcome and ensure that your safety and security is their prime responsibility. This becomes all the more important when you happen to return home late after a day of sightseeing. Either the family will pick you up or provide a driver who will bring you back home safely.

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Get acquainted with Indian culture

One of the main purposes behind your visit to India is the desire to learn about Indian culture and experience the lifestyle of the people. This is best done by opting for a homestay rather than a hotel. Doing so will enable you to gain an insight into the working and way of living of an Indian family. This is important because India is a deeply family oriented culture.

Unique personal experience 

Experiencing something unique is always great, and gives one something to talk about. Of course, following a fixed itinerary and staying in a hotel has its own advantages. However, what makes a homestay far attractive is the unique experience which it delivers. Homestays usually consist of a few rooms and is run by the family themselves. Whether it’s something as simple as sharing a cup of tea, spending hours chatting or learning about their way of life, these are personal experiences which come only with a homestay.

Take part in special activities 

Homestays are also great because they allow one to participate in activities which are both special and fascinating. Of these, the opportunity to take part in events and festivals depend on their occurrence coinciding with your visit. Other than that, visitors are offered the chance of going on a tour of the villages and temples and discovering the various natural beauty spots. You could also choose to help with cattle herding or pay a visit to the family spice plantation.

Witness the different faces of India 

Another advantage of homestays is that they allow you to witness India in its varied forms. This is because homestays include a diverse range of options, from a mud hut in a rural village to a historic haveli, from a fort to a modern luxury city house. This option is far better and interesting than going for a hotel, where the stay can often get monotonous.

Be armed with local knowledge

Most of all, staying with a family will allow you to interact with the locals, thereby helping you understand more clearly about a local area. Further, the family’s local connections, valuable tips and connections will enable you to make your trip smooth and hassle free. Further, your host will be happy to guide you around the area and experience the place like a local.

Get off the grid

Opting for a homestay in India allows you to stay in a residential area. This means being away and safe from the scams, harassments and troubles which tourists are constantly subjected to by touts and scammers. This mode of accommodation allows you to stay peacefully and make the most of your trip.

Learn a new language

It’s always exciting on a trip somewhere to learn the language of that place. A homestay also offers you an opportunity of learning the language of the place you are visiting. What is great is that your hosts can teach you enough to help you communicate with the locals.

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Top 10 Summer Festivals in India That You Should Not Miss

India is known to be the land of festivals. And, when summers arrive, they bring along summer vacations. Thus, it is not only about scorching heat but also about happy faces. Summer festivals in India add a fun charter to everyone’s life. Folk dance, music, interesting rituals and people clad in colorful attires light up the groggy atmosphere. Such fairs and festivals offer a sneak-peak into the vibrant culture and heritage of the country.

Here is the list of popular summer festival in India:

1. Gangaur – A flamboyant celebration

One of the most important festivals in Rajasthan, Gangaur is celebrated all around the state but mainly in the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur. It is also celebrated in some parts of West Bengal, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The festival starts on the day, after Holi and continue for around 18 days. During the festival, married women dress-up in best of their clothes, and worship Goddess Gauri (Parvati), the spouse of Lord Shiva, for a happy married life.

Married ladies and sometimes even unmarried girls keep fast during the festival days. There are processions of camels and elephants, and celebrations with dance, music, food stalls and fireworks on the last day of the festival. It is said that Goddess Parvati came to her husband’s house on this day.Read More...

Location: Rajasthan, some parts of West Bengal, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
Dates: According to Hindu calendar, it starts on the 1st day of Chaitra, and continues for 18 days. 30th March – 14th April 2017 and 20th March onwards in 2018.
Highlights: Colorful processions, Goddess worship, and folk dances

2. Baisakhi – Starting of new year

Also known as Vaisakhi, Baisakhi is largely celebrated by people of Sikhism and Hinduism. One of the most popular summer festivals in India, it is commemorated by the harvest of rabi crops by the Punjabi farmer community. On the day of the festival, people adorn themselves in new clothes, visit Gurudwaras, cook lip-smacking delicacies and attend fairs. There is traditional dance and music too like gidda and bhangra performances during colorful processions.

Baisakhi holds religious as well as historical significance. It is mainly celebrated in North India. This was the day in the year 1699 when the order of ‘Khalsa’ was organized by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. Langars are also organized all across.Read More...

Location: North India mainly Punjab and Haryana
Dates: 13th / 14th April, every year
Highlights: Sowing of rabi seeds, and special fairs

3. Chithirai – Soak-in the spirit of spirituality

An annual festival in Madurai, Chithirai festival is organized at the magnificent Meenakshi Amman temple. Also known as Chithirai Thiruvizha, this festival brings enthusiasm all across the southern region of the country. A grand fair is also organized. There are sparkling processions where golden chariot carrying idols of deities are pulled, accompanied by devotional songs, chants and drum beats. Sweets and incense sticks are also offered.

Other highlights are exciting fair, decorated temples, folk performances and stalls serving street food varieties. This festival is a wonderful amalgam of entertainment and devotion. Stall of shopping at Pudumandapam, a 17th Century monument in the city, are organized. There are a number of rides also. Even the locals dress as gods and various mythical characters.Read More

Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Dates: 29th April- 5th May
Highlights: Colorful processions, Wedding celebration of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva)

4. Moatsu – A feast of delicious food, fun, and more

Moatsu is a 3-day event that is celebrated in the first week of May by the Ao Naga trial community in Nagaland. This event marks fun, joy, happiness and excitement in the people of the community. On this day, the tribals repair their houses, clear their fields, sow fresh seeds, and clean water wells. There is enthusiasm all around.

During the three days of the festival, there is eating, drinking, tribal music and dance. The main idea is to invoke the blessings of the Lord. People celebrate by making huge groups. Rice beer too is brewed in huge quantities. Tribals adorn themselves in new clothes during the celebrations. The whole atmosphere is relaxed.Read More...

Location: Mokokchung district villages (Chuchuyimlang village) Nagaland
Dates: 1st – 3rd May
Highlights: The event of Sangpangtu, where a huge fire is lit. Men and kids gather around the fire where they are served with meat and wine by the women.

5. Mount Abu Summer Festival – A miscellany of shades

The only hill town in Rajasthan, Mount Abu bustles with activity during its 2-day event of Mount Abu Summer Festival. With Lake Nakki in the front, the rugged mountains form a wonderful background. The festival is organized by the Tourism Department of Rajasthan and is a treat for cultural aficionados. The atmosphere is wonderful. There are a number of cultural performances, competitions and entertainment options.

The other highlights of Mount Abu Summer Festival are Rajasthani folk music and dance, such as Daph, Ghoomar and Gair dances. Sham-e-Qawwali is a must-attend performance for some soulful music and singing. There are horse races, boat races, CRPF band show, Matka race, puppet shows, and tug-of-war etc. An amazing display of fireworks marks the end of the festival.Read More...

Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Dates: 9th – 10th May
Highlights: Gair and Ghoomar dance performances, and Sham-e-Qawwali

6. Ooty Summer Festival – A wonderful extravaganza

One of the most popular summer festivals of India, Ooty Summer Festival is a bouquet of various interesting events, organized in the Nilgiris. Some of the highlights are cultural programs, Flower Show, Dog Show, Fruit Show, Vegetable Show, Spice show, boat race, a vintage car rally, painting exhibition, photo competition, hot air balloon show, marathon race, eco-trekking program vintage car rally etc.

The event is organized by the Tamil Nadu Department of Tourism and the National Ministry of Tourism. Competitions and shows are organized at different venues such as Ooty Botanical Garden, Sim’s Park, Government Arts College ground, Nehru Park etc.Read More...

Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Dates: Month of May
Highlights: Flower show at Ooty Botanical Garden, Competitions and other shows at different venues

7. Yercaud Summer Festival – The Carnival of hues

Celebrated in Yercaud, the 3-day Yercaud Summer Festival attracts locals as well as tourists from all across the state and the neighboring state. Floral arrangements done by the Horticulture Department using more than one lakh flowers is one of the highlights. The venue of this event most of the times is Anna’s Park.

The peaceful towns become lively during this Summer Festival. Some of the highlights are folk dance performances, horse riding, dog shows, flower competition, rangoli competition, photo exhibitions, and cookery contest. Cultural shows are also organized.

Location: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Dates: 31st May- 2nd June
Highlights: Floral arrangements made from using 1 lakh flower

8. Shimla Summer Festival – A fiesta in the summer capital

Organized in the month of May/June, Shimla Summer Festival marks the advent of the summer season. The hill town opens its arms to welcome tourists. This is a 10- day festival wherein the town bustles with dance, music, shows and various kinds of competitions. This is an ideal time to get a sneak-peak into the local folk art and music. There are festivities all around.

Some of the highlights of the Shimla Summer Festival are family games poster making competitions, local handicraft exhibitions, ice skating shows, photography contest, flower show, food exhibitions, ice skating competitions, and live theater etc. There are live performances too by local as well as popular artists.Read More

Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Dates: May / June
Highlights: Shows, Competitions, and Himachali Film festival

9. Sikkim Summer Festival – The exciting summer celebration

Sikkim Summer Festival is a month-long extravaganza amid the pristine snow-capped Himalayas. Local food festivals, cultural shows, white water rafting in River Teesta, films on Sikkim tourism, Sikkimese folk dances, and local handicraft exhibition. Do not miss attending flower shows to show a display of colorful of primulas, rhododendron, and orchids.

The scenery of Gangtok is going to cast a spell on you. This is the peak flowering season too and thus there is color all around. This is basically a five-day event, alluring people from all across. Get a glimpse of the culture of the state as there are cultural shows also. Bird watching, trekking, and mountain biking are also offered during the Sikkim summer festival.Read More...

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
Dates: May
Highlights: Local food festival, Water rafting in Teetsa River, Mountain Biking, Yak safari ride in the outskirts of the city

10. Hemis Festival – Adding colors to the cold desert

The largest and the richest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery every year hosts Hemis festival, one of the most popular summer festivals in India. This 2-day event is a state holiday and falls on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month. It is also the birthday of the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava. During the event, people dress themselves up in traditional attire. While women wear lots of jewelry and colorful headgears, men wear cummerbunds.

One of the prime attractions is Cham dance, which is a sacred masked dance performance, done by the lamas. Their dance is accompanied by cymbals, long horns, and drum beats. This performance is linked to Tantric form of Buddhism.Read More

Location: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh
Dates: July
Highlights: Chams dance or Mask dances by lamas of the Monastery

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Comprehensive Guide to the Holi Festival in India

A carnival of colors, Holi is one of the most popular festivals in India, which is loved by one and all. This festival is loved not only by Indians but also by foreigners due to its lively feel. The vibrancy and excitement of various colors, water tubs, water balloons, water weapons, great music and tasty food is absolutely infectious.

Here is all about Holi festival in India that you might want to know:

When is Holi Celebrated?

This Hindu festival is celebrated in the starting of the Spring season. According to the traditional Hindu Panchanga, it is celebrated on the day of Phalguna Purnima (full moon) that is also called Dol Purnima in some states. This year Holi is on 21st March 2019, Thursday. The festival falls mostly in the month of March and is mainly celebrated in India and Nepal.

Why is Holi Celebrated?

This festival signifies the victory of love and peace over evil. Legends state that Demon King Hiranyakashyap and his demon sister Holika were won over by his son Prahalad who had a firm devotion in Lord Vishnu. Holi celebration starts in the night with Holika Ddehen (bonfire) before the main festivity and on the next day there is a play of colors, music, food and dance. 

What is the Significance of Colors on Holi?

On this day, family and friends smear each other’s faces with gulaal (powder colors) and water. Children use pichkaris (water guns) and water balloons. There is music, dance, and gujiyas, a special sweet made during this festival. This festival is celebrated by people of all ages.

Religious Implication of Holi

In the same manner as other Hindu festivals, this festival also as a religious significance. There are a few stories behind the origin of Holi but the most popular one is the legend of Prahlada and his father Hiranyakashipu, who was a demon king.

Hundreds of years ago, there was a young boy named Prahlad who was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. All day, he kept chanting his praises. Contrary to this, his father Hiranyakashipu was a demon king. He considered himself to be the supreme power and hated all gods. He asked his son several times to forget Lord Vishnu and worship him. But young Prahlad was never scared of his father and was completely devoted to the Lord.

One day, the king lost his temper and challenged his son to prove the presence of the Lord or his life would be taken away. Hiranyakashipu’s demon sister Holika was brought to his court. She had a boon that nothing could burn her. A pyre was lit, she sat in the fire while making Prahlad sit in her lap. The young boy kept chanting god’s name. In the end, she was burnt to ashes and nothing happened to the boy. Finally Lord appeared from one of the pillars in the incarnation of Narsimha (half lion half human) and killed the demon king. This was the victory of goodness over evil.

Rituals of Holi around India

The festivities of Holi expand in the duration of 2 days. The first day is Choti Holi when in the evening Holika Dahan is performed. And, on the second day, Badi Holi or Rang ki Holi is celebrated. People of all ages and castes become a part of this joyous celebration.

Here are some rituals related to this festival:

• At a number of places including Assam, on the day of Chhoti Holi, people play using mud and dirt. There is bonfire in the evening, prepared at the intersection of two roads, called Chauraha. It is done for removal of all evil, representing Holika.

• On the day of Holi, people dress up in simple generally white clothes and mingle with their loved to play with gulaal and water. Some also fill colored water in balloons to throw at each other.

• In Uttar Pradesh state, Mathura (the birth place of Lord Krishna) and Vrindavan (the place where he spent his childhood and teenage) are extremely popular for their holi celebration. The festivities are around a week long including lath mar holi, phool ki holi, rang ki holi, pani ki holi and so on. During this time, devotees of the Lord from all across the country land-up here. In Mumbai (Maharashtra), Matka-phod holi is celebrated with great fervor.

• Barsana (UP), Delhi, Shantiniketan (West Bengal), Anandpur Sahib (Punjab), Hampi (Karnataka), Jaipur (Rajasthan), and Purulia (West Bengal) are the other popular places known for holi celebrations.

• Food is one of the best parts of any festival. Some of the special food items on Holi are Gujiya, Puran Poli, Bhang and Thandai. People exchange sweets with each other on this day.

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