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

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1. What would be the fare for flights from Mumbai to Berlin and Berlin to Kolkata and is there any kind of student concession available on any airline operating on this route?

Devarun Ghosh, IIT Powai, Mumbai

Currently there is a special fare for Mumbai / Berlin / Calcutta via London on British Airways which is approximatelyRs 31,828 inclusive of taxes. However, as of date there are no student concession fares available.

2. What is the best time to visit Goa and does the destination offer anything apart from beaches. Also which is the best place to savour local specialties?

M Banerjee, Kolkata

Besides beaches, Goa has churches, forts, traditional homes, interesting sights and of course superb cuisine. Some of the recommended places are Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayem Lake, Arvalam Waterfalls, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Safa Masjid, Savoi Verem Plantation, Mapusa Market, Pottery Handicraft Workshop etc. The must visit places to savour the local specialties are: Calangute Beach/ Baga Road (Souza' Lobo, Mirabai's Goan Village, Sparrows Nest, St. Anthony's Bar & Restaurant ­ Baga Beach), Florentine (Saligao), Panaji (Mum's Kitchen, Jasima, Coco Loco).

3. What is the best season to visit Egypt? Which places in Egypt would you recommend for a weeklong trip and approximately how much would it cost?

Adesh Shrivastav, Varanasi

Throughout the year in Egypt, days are commonly warm or hot, and nights are cool. Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. In a one-week itinerary, you must visit Cairo, Aswan and take the Nile Cruise that covers Kom Ombo and Luxor. This itinerary will include a visit to the Pyramids, Egyptian museum, Khan El Khalili bazaars, visit to High Dam, Temple of Philae, Temple of Kom Ombo, Temple of Edfu, Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens and the Temple of Hatchepsut.

A weeklong tour will cost approximately Euro 259 per person on twin sharing basis in superior category hotels. (Airfare and visa charges are extra).

4. Is it possible to cover Pachmarhi, Jabalpur and Kanha in a week? What kind of accommodation one can expect at these places and how much would a room for a night cost?

Isabel Sequeira, Goa

Yes, it is possible to visit all three places in a week. A suggested option is two nights in Pachmarhi, three nights in Kanha and two nights in Jabalpur. Madhya Pradesh has a varied range of accommodation facilities offered by MP State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Accommodation in Jabalpur starts from approximately Rs 690 per night; at Kanha from approximately Rs 1,090 per night and approximately Rs 790 per night at Pachmarhi (all rates on double occupancy and non a/c). For more details on MP, please log onto the website: www.mptourism.com

5. How much would it cost for a skiing holiday for ten days in Kashmir and is it safe?

Arti Rana, Surat

A skiing holiday will cost approximately Rs 12,000 per person (excluding airfare). There are several ski resorts with modern facilities, equipment and instructors to guide you, if you are a beginner. Courses are conducted at several skiing sites and the best season to undertake snow skiing tours is between December and February depending on the snow conditions. Sporadic incidents of violence do bring an element of risk but from a tourist viewpoint it has been fairly safe.