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Vijay Chadda Chief Operating Officer, BTI-Sita, India

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1. I wish to go to the Bahamas for a long vacation. Is there any cruise from India or Asia which can take me to the place? What would be the approximate cost? If there is no cruise which are the other options and what are the attractions in Bahamas?

Alkesh Morarka, Mumbai

There is no cruise ex-India / Asia to take you to the Bahamas. You will have to fly to Miami in the US from where there are number of cruise liners such as Silver Sea, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity etc. which operate cruises to the Bahamas. The major attractions in the Bahamas are the beaches, besides which every island has interesting places to visit. For more details please visit the web site www.bahamas.com under the section What to Do.

2. I would like to explore Andaman & Nicobar Islands. How does one go on a tour there? What is the approximate flying time as against a sea route? What would be the cost of a one-week tour including travel and budget accommodation?

Anoop Shetty, Mumbai

Andaman Islands are connected both by air and sea. While regular passenger ships are available from ports of Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag, there are domestic flights to Port Blair from Chennai and Kolkata. The flying time to Port Blair is about 2 hours from Chenai / Kolkata as against the sea route which is approximately 60 hours from Chennai, 66 hours from Kolkata and 56 hours from Vizag. The cost of holiday is around Rs. 2,300 per couple, per night inclusive of accommodation in budget hotels with daily breakfast and transfers on seat-in-coach basis. The airfare is Rs. 12,600 plus taxes on Jet Airways ex-Chennai.

3. Where exactly is Mahe located? How is the weather there? Does it have an airport and is it connected by railway? What are the types of accommodation available there?

Prasad Shrivastav, Bangalore

Mahe is the largest of 115 islands of Seychelles, with about 60 beautiful beaches and sandy coves. It has an international airport from where all flights operate in / out of Seychelles. Seychelles does not offer any rail services. Ferry service, domestic flights and helicopter transfer services are available on daily basis. Accommodation available varies from large hotels to marine hotels, spa resorts etc. and they range from minimum of US$ 150 for double occupancy per night inclusive of breakfast and taxes, depending upon the island where you are staying and its star rating. Seychelles is regarded as an all year round destination for holidays.

4. I would like to take my aged mother to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Rishikesh and Kashi.She will not be able to travel by road for longer than two-three hours. Are there any flights to these places?

R V Jayanthi, Bangalore

It is only possible to travel by air to Kashi (Varanasi) but Badrinath, Kedarnath & Rishikesh are not connected. Kedarnath also involves a trek of around 14 kms.which may be problematic for your aged mother. However, you could fly into Delhi and take the Shatabdi to Rishikesh, which is a four hour train journey and quite comfortable. Onwards, the total road journey from Rishikesh to Badrinath is around eight-ten hours and you could do it with a break in between.

5. I am travelling to Angola shortly. Where can I get vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Cholera and Typhoid with International Vaccination Card in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai?

Anis Peerbhai, Navi Mumbai

The above mentioned vaccinations can be obtained from the following medical center:
Seamen Medical Center, Navbhavan Building, 3rd Floor, Ballard Estate, Mumbai. Tel. No - 22612256