ASK feBT

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

Wondering about your travel options? Seeking answers to specific issues? Simply ASK feBUSINESS TRAVELLER for a plausible solution...

Address your queries to editor@businesstravellerindia.com or write in to The Editor, feBusiness Traveller

Where can one go to experience wild dolphin and wild dugon feeding in Australia and how expensive is the package?

Amisha Shah, Mumbai

There are special two-day trips organised from Brisbane or Gold Coast for the amazing experience of feeding dolphins. Tangalooma Resort is one such location on Moreton Island. This excursion will cost between AU$ 200-250. Another popular destination for this is Tin Can Bay located on the Fraser Coast in Queensland.

How difficult is it to have budget tours to the United States. Are there any tour operators who organise such tours? Approximately what would be the expenses of a 14-day budget tour?

Amrit Ahuja, Pune

There are numerous tour operators who organise budget tours to the US. You can check the numerous options from the site www.reservations.bookhostels.com. One of the popular itineraries is a 13-day tour of Canada and Eastern USA that will cost approximately Rs 75,000 for the land arrangements.

Are there tours available which do the north-east circuit covering all the Indian states there? What would be the minimum number of days required to so such a tour and what would be the expenses involved?

Meena Rastogi, Delhi

Sita Holidays of India is one such tour operator who specialises in tours within India. A 12 night/13 day tour that covers Guwahati/Itanagar/Zero/Daporizo/Along/Passighat/Dibrygarh/Kaziranga will give you the overall feel of this region. The cost will be above Rs 45,000 depending on the season and the hotels used.

What is the Buddhist circuit that we keep hearing about in the newspapers? Which regions do it cover and how are the standards of accommodation in these destinations?

Payal Guha, Bangalore

The Buddhist circuit constitutes Varanasi, Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Patna, Kusinagar, Vaishali, Lumbini and Balrampur. While accommodation at Varanasi and Patna can include four- /five-star properties, all other points on this circuit offer only moderate accommodation.

I have always wanted to go to Bhutan. Is it a problem to get a visa to the country? Do Indians get any special preferences when it comes to tourism to that country? Which are the main things to see in Bhutan?

Bharat Nair, Mumbai

The special preference given to Indian nationals is that they do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. However, they must carry photo identification like passport etc. Bhutan is known for its natural beauty. The capital Thimpu lies on the bank of the river Thimpu Chhu in a beautiful wooded valley. Bumthang is not only the home to the most ancient and precious Buddhist sites but is also its spiritual heartland.

Goa apparently has casinos. How much does a trip to Goa which involves a casino visit cost? Is there any limit to the amount you can gamble in these casinos? Which are the places which have such joints?

Priya Ramnathan, Mumbai

A visit that includes a casino will be measured by the amount of money you want to spend. The limit on the amount you are allowed to spend varies depending on the company that owns the casino. Two well known casinos in Goa are - CHANCES at the Cidade de Goa and LAS VEGAS at the Leela Beach.

Which are the countries which offer Indians a visa on arrival facility? Do Indians need a passport or visa to go to Nepal?

Mayur Pandit, Hyderabad

Indian nationals may be given a visa on arrival at the following countries - Thailand, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan. Indians travelling to Nepal must carry their passport or voting card as proof of identification.