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Vijay Chadda - Chief Operating Officer, BTI-Sita, India answers your queries...

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Q1. How good is Vishakapatnam as a holiday destination and does it have good accommodation facilities? - Iqbal Sheikh, Hubli

Vishakapatnam, also called Vizag, is located on the Bay of Bengal. This city has a variety of sightseeing options, right from the lakes and beaches to its beautiful hill ranges as well as caves and valleys. Vizag also has many tourist spots that represent the culture and heritage of India. The most prominent among them are the Aruku Valley, Borra Caves and the Rishionda Beach. Accommodation catering to all kinds of budget is available.

Q2. If I have about ten days, what all could I see in France? Could you suggest an itinerary? - Rekha Khanna, Mumbai

The only European country facing both the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, France has been subject to a particularly rich variety of cultural influences. Historic chapels, wines and perfumes are some of things that France is famous for. For somebody interested in heritage, churches and chapels, France has a lot to offer. Various places of interest are Paris, Lyon, Lourdes, Lisieux and Marseille. You can also spend a couple of days in Paris itself, which has attractions like Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Sistine Chapel and the Notre Dame. You could also do a tour of the French Riveria.

Q3. How can one go about a back-pack tour of Europe? What would be the approximate cost? - Sharmila Daswani, Pune

The best guide for a backpack tour can be found at the website BackpackEurope.com. It gives you the budget tours and the insight to the various destinations from where you can decide the places you would like to visit.

Q4. How expensive is a holiday on a cruise liner and which one is the best? - Jessica Fernz, Chennai

Cruise Holidays have become very popular in recent times. There is the Royal Caribbean Cruises & Princess Cruises for sailings in Europe and USA. Closer home we have the Star Cruises sailing from Singapore and Hongkong. Star Cruises are more popular with the Indian Market as travelling to Singapore is definitely more economical than travelling to Europe or the
US. For more details you can log onto www.starcruises.com or www.princess.com. or www.royalcaribean.com

Q5. I would like to do a safari in Botswana. Could you tell me who I can contact to organise a tailormade holiday for me? - Rajiv Shah, Kolkata

Botswana is situated on the southern portion of the African continent and is a diverse region with a wide range of natural landscapes and life forms. There is a seven nights/eight days package for Botswana organised by Geographical Tours Pvt Ltd in Delhi. For more details you can email them at India@geointernational.com.

Q6. I would like to do a gourmet tour in Africa that would allow me to sample some exotic wild game meats. Could you suggest some interesting places one could visit for the same? - Amit Banerjee, Mumbai

There is a ‘Gourmet Safari’ coming up from 11-24 September 2003 which will be a wish come true for you. Besides being an eating experience you will be able to interact with varied people, have close encounters with wildlife also have educating, scenic excursions. For more details you can log onto www.xploreafrica.net/jcwp/gourmet.htm.

Q7. Is it possible to do a budget tour to Moscow? - Priyesh Anand, Bangalore

Moscow is well connected with all parts of the world. A seven nights/eight days package for the city will cost approximately Rs 50,000 per person on a twin-sharing basis.