India's First Micro Forest - Naya Raipur Chhattisgarh :- Nandan Van Zoo (Jungle Safari)

One of the largest man-made safaris in Asia, this micro forest is spread across 202 hectares of land. 
To create this unique zone, around 70 odd government buildings have been demolished to kick-start this 1000 cr project.
It will have almost 3000 different species of flowers.
Animals would be transported from different corners of the country to this micro forest for conservation purpose.
Here one gets to see these wild creatures in their natural surroundings.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Nandan Van Jungle Safari, at Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh on November 01, 2016.

Main Entrance

Top View

Approximately 18-acres of land is being allocated to creating an ‘oxy-zone’ or a natural forest area that would provide the city its much needed breeze of cleaner air. Raipur is the seventh most polluted city in the world and this project reflects an awknowledgment that this rampant pollution has gone on for too long.

The structure behind the oxy-zone was inspired by New York City’s Central Park and the city government has gone with the decision to clear plots of land worth INR 1,000 cr - all occupied by commercial projects.
95% of the government office buildings that the 18-acre land once housed have been demolished and no new buildings are to be constructed. Only 5% of the buildings are not in shambles or in dilapidated conditions, and are proposed to be used as museums and cultural centres. And this project extends its reach beyond the flora, where the 80 or so families living around the plot have been shifted and rehabilitated into better housing facilities. The idea behind these zones wasn’t to make them into recreational spaces, with manicured lawns and gardens, but instead be a untamed home for a wide species of trees and plants. 
They will also be provided with water bodies that will serve to replenish the ground water in the vicinity.

Area:-
The Nandan Van zoo and safari is spread across 202.87 Ha which is divided in 8 zones.
The zones are – Monument zone, Parking zone, Administrative zone, Water zone, Waiting zone, Zoo zone, Safari zone, Management zone.

Safaris:-
 One of the eight zones of the park is the Safari zone. 

Inside Road

This Zone has 4 Safari – Herbivore Safari, Bear Safari, Tiger Safari and Lion Safari.
Animal Welfare:-
The has a zone called the Management zone where no visitors are allowed.This is where facilities like the Veterinary Hospital, Rescue Center,Conservation & Breeding center are located.
Fares:-

Ticket costs 300 for A/C coaches and 200 for non a/c.
Inside the Safari, you will get battery vehicles and Buses for visit.
Ticket Counter will close at 4.00 PM.

Timings:-
Opens at  10.00 AM. to 5.00 PM.

How To GO:-
Jungle Safari is located in Naya Raipur in Chattisgarh. The Nandan Van zoo and safari is located at a distance of 35 km from the main Raipur Railway station, 30 km from the Raipur Bus Stand and 15 km from the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur. 
It is adjacent to the wetted perimeter of perennial Khandwa Dam.

The Swami Vivekananda Airport is located, 15 km south of Raipur near Naya Raipur.

Naya Raipur  is well connected with Major State and National Highways. After Reaching to Naya Raipur You can hire a local Taxi from Travels/Service providers.

Top 7 Beautiful Airports in India

1. Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IATA CODE:- IXL):-
   This is an airport in Leh, Jammu and Kashmir.It is one of the highest commercial airports in the world at 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean sea level.The airport is named after 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, an Indian statesman and monk.
   
   
   
   
   Due to the presence of mountain winds in the afternoon, all flights take off and land in the morning. The approach is challenging as it is unidirectional and has high terrain towards the eastern end of the airport. Airport security is tight with Indian Army patrols and no hand baggage is allowed on flights.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   In February 2016, Indian Air Force handed the airport to Airport Authority of India. AAI will expand it for civilian purposes.
   IXL Airport is Serviced by 3 airlines: GoAir, JetAirways, and Air India.
   
   

   Airlines	Destinations
   Air India	Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar
   GoAir	Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, Srinagar
   Jet Airways	Delhi

   
   Address:-
   Airports Authority of India
   KBR Airport
   Leh (J&K)
   
   
2. Agatti Aerodrome Lakshadweep(IATA CODE:-AGX):-
   The Aerodrome was constructed during 1987−88 for operation of Dornier 228 type of aircraft and was inaugurated on 16 April 1988.
   Initially, the terminal was housed in a small temporary structure. Construction of Terminal Building, Air Traffic Control Tower and related structures commenced in 2006.
   Agatti Airport is located on the southern end of Agatti Island, union territory of Lakshadweep.

   

   Arial View

   

   Runway

   

However, the construction of the Terminal Building was stopped midway due to the proposed extension of Runway & Basic strip. Air India Regional began services with ATR-42 aircraft on 24 September 2010 connecting Agatti with Kochi.
The resurfacing of the runway was completed in November 2010.


Agatti airport is spread over 18.56 hectares (45.9 acres). It has one asphalt runway, oriented 04/22, 1204 metres long and 30 metres wide, while its terminal building can handle 50 passengers during peak hours. It is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
73 metre long taxiway from the Runway to the Apron.
Parking area for 75 cars about 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft).

AGX Aerodrome  is serviced by Air India.


Airlines	Destinations
Air India Regional	Bangalore, Kochi



Address:-
Airport Rd,
Agatti,
Lakshadweep-682553


3. Gaggal (Dharamshala)Airport(IATA CODE:-DHM):-
This airport is also known as Kangra Airport or Dharamsala-Kangra Airport. This an airport located in Gaggal near Kangra in the Himachal Pradesh, 14 KMs South-West of Dharamshala. 




The Airport, spread over 1269 acres at an altitude of 2492 feet has one asphalt runway, oriented 15/33, 1372 metres long and 300 metres wide.
Its 300 by 200 foot apron provides parking space for 2 turboprop aircraft like the ATR-72, while its terminal building can handle 100 passengers.








DHM  Airport  is serviced by Air India, Spicejet, Jagson Airlines.


Airlines	Destinations
Air India	Delhi
SpiceJet	Delhi
Jagson Airlines	Chandigarh, Delhi, Kullu



Address:-
NH154,
Gaggal,
Himachal Pradesh -176209

4. Lengpui Mizoram Airport (IATA CODE:-AJL):-
   This is a domestic airport in Aizwal Mizoram.
   The airport was constructed at a cost of 97.92 cr and was completed in a record time of two years and two months.  The construction work started in December 1995 and completed in February 1998. The Airport is expected to be able to cater to 300 incoming and outgoing passengers.

   

   Runway

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

 
AJL Airport  is serviced by Air India,Spicejet,JetAirways.



Airlines	Destinations
Air India	Imphal, Kolkata
SpiceJet	Guwahati, Kolkata
Jet Airways	Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata


Address:-
Aizawl,
Mizoram 796421

5. Shimla Airport(IATA CODE:- SLV):-
   This is an airport located in Jabarhatti, 22 KMS (14 mi) from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.The airport was constructed by cutting down a mountaintop and leveling the area to form the single runway.
   The small apron has space for two small aircraft (Dornier Do 228) to park simultaneously.
   The small terminal can handle 50 persons for arriving flights, but only 40 for departing flights.
   
   
   
   

   

   Runway

   Curently nine-seater aircraft operate minimum six flights per day in the state between Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla, Dharamshala-Shimla-Chandigarh and Chandigarh-Kullu.
   
   
   
   
   
   Address:-
   Airport Road,
   Jubbarhatti,
   Shimla,
   Himachal Pradesh 171011
   
   
6. International Airport Goa(IATA CODE:-GOI):-Goa International Airport commonly known as Dabolim Airport.This is an international airport located in the city of Dabolim in Goa. It is 4 km from the nearest city Vasco da Gama, 23 km from the South Goa district headquarters of Margao, and 30 km from the capital city Panjim.
   
   The airport was built, in 1955, by the Government of the Portuguese State of India, on 249 acres (101 ha) of land, as the Aeroporto de Dabolim, later receiving the official name of Aeroporto General Bérnard Guedes.
   
   

   

   Arial View of Airport

   Until 1961, the airport served as the main hub of the Portuguese India's airline TAIP (Transportes Aéreos da Índia Portuguesa), which on a regular schedule served Daman, Diu, Karachi, Mozambique, Portuguese Timor, and other destinations.
   The airport is spread over 688 hectares (1,700 acres) (and possibly 745 hectares or 1,840 acres) and consists of a civil enclave of nearly 14 hectares (35 acres), an increase from its original size of 6 hectares (15 acres). There are two terminal buildings operated by the public sector Airports Authority of India (AAI) which are Public Works Department (PWD) brick and mortar structures with a total floor space of 12,000 square metres (130,000 sq ft). Of this, a domestic terminal comprises 2,000 square metres (22,000 sq ft) and there is an international terminal that comprises 1,000 square metres (11,000 sq ft). The remaining space is for other service areas.
   Address:-
   Airport Rd,
   Dabolim,
   Goa 403801
   
   There are Two Terminals in the Airport.
   Terminal 1 – Domestic
   Terminal 2 – International
   
7. Veer Savarkar International Airport Port Blair((IATA CODE:- IXZ):-
   Veer Savarkar International Airport also known as Port Blair Airport .This is a customs airport located 2 km (1.2 mi) south of Port Blair and is the main airport of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. It is named after the Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. It operates as a civil enclave, sharing airside facilities with INS Utkrosh of the Indian Navy.
   
   

   

   Runway

   
   
   
   
   

   

   Terminal with Tower

   The airport has a single runway of 3,290 m (10,794 ft) in length, accommodating most narrow-body aircraft, that includes Airbus A320, Airbus A321, Boeing 737. Restricted Area Permits for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are available on entry. Except for the civilian terminal operated by the Airports Authority of India, all other air traffic operations over Port Blair are undertaken by the Indian Navy.
   
   There is only one terminal with 2 gates and no aerobridges. Buses are used to provide transportation from the terminal to the aircraft parked on the apron. In 2009, construction work commenced to expand the apron.
   IXZ Airport is Serviced by Air India,SpiceJet,GoAir,Indigo,JetAirways,Vistara.
   
   

   Airlines	Destinations
   Air India	Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam
   SpiceJet	Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata
   GoAir	Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad , Kolkata, Mumbai
   IndiGo	Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata
   Jet Airways	Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune
   Vistara	Delhi, Kolkata

   
   
   Address:-
   Nayagaon,
   Port Blair,
   Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101

Scuba Driving In India

Scuba diving is one of the most fun and thrilling underwater activities and with India’s long coastal line.
SCUBA (Acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus)
we have many destinations where you can dive and explore the marine life. If looking at colorful coral reefs, watching different kinds of fish swim by and learning to breathe underwater excites you, give scuba diving a try. We list top some of diving packages offered by different diving centers in different locations.
Located in the Bay of Bengal about 900km from India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are one of the few undiscovered gems that have escaped the clutches of mass tourism. There are no concrete-and-glass resorts offering all-inclusive deals, no nightclubs / discotheques, no shopping malls and no fancy restaurants. 

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands:-One of India’s best diving destinations, these islands have been preserved well and their marine life is colorful and well-maintained. No wonder, Andaman and Nicobar Islands see a lot of tourist activity and many diving enthusiasts as well as professional divers flock here to either learn or brush up their diving skills.
   There are many diving companies that conduct courses for beginners and advanced divers.
   PSB
   Barefoot Scuba: -This company conducts dives in Havelock and has PADI-certified instructors. They also offer snorkelling and dive courses for kids as well. Accommodation is also available that ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 6,000. From one-day courses to longer, advanced ones, Barefoot Scuba provides training to become diving instructors as well.
   Barefoot Scuba provides training to become diving instructors as well. For more information, get in touch with them at +91 9474263120.
   DIVEIndia:-This one is the oldest dive centre in Andaman and offers scuba diving at Havelock and Neil Islands. DIVEIndia offers scuba diving for beginners as well as scuba diving for certified divers. You can choose to give diving a try with a 2-3 hour session or do a short course where you get four dives. If you already are certified, you can go for the advanced
   course as well. DIVEIndia too provides accommodation at both Havelock and Neil and you can even book packages for stay, food and scuba diving. Get in touch with the company at +91.8001122205.Price and Phone Number(Subject to Change)
   
2.  Lakshadweep:-Another offbeat destination that boasts of pristine white sand beaches and clear blue waters, Lakshadweep is a union territory that requires tourists to take an Inner Line Permit before they enter the island. Lakshadweep is an amazing destination for scuba diving.There are many diving companies that conduct courses for beginners and advanced divers.
   PSB
   Dive Lakshadweep:-Agatti Island is one of the dive sites where Dive Lakshadweep conducts its dive sessions. This is the first dive centre here and also offers accommodation for people taking up the course. The instructors are approved by PADI and offer a single session and even one-day courses. For more information, contact +91 9446055972.Price and Phone Number(Subject to Change)
   
3.  Pondicherry:-The town is called lazy town and home to a number of beaches and dive sites that are waiting to be explored. The marine life here will not disappoint and you’d be tempted to go for another dive in the ocean.There are many diving companies that conduct courses for beginners and advanced divers.
   PSB
   TempleDivers:-
   They offer multiple diving courses that range from one-time dive, one-day program, four-day courses and even advanced ones. All are PADI-certified. They even have rescue courses, deep wreck specialty courses and scuba diving for kids as well. Their course fee ranges from Rs 6,000 to Rs 33,000 but they do not provide accommodation so you will have to find one on your own.Price and Phone Number(Subject to Change)
4.  GOA:-Goa is a heaven for people who love the sun, sand and sea. It also happens to be a destination for scuba diving even though it is more popular for its parties and other surface water sports. Nevertheless, Goa is emerging as a scuba diving destination.
   If you are an experienced diver you may feel its marine life is less colorful compared to some other sites but for first time divers, this is a good start. PSB Details where you can learn scuba diving in Goa.
   DiveGoa:-
   This scuba diving centre is run by a marine engineer and naturalist who is a PADI-certified dive instructor. Here you will not find short duration courses lasting a few hours if you are a beginner. You can take up either a two-day or four-day course which costs Rs 16,000 and Rs 22,000 respectively.
   Advanced and rescue diving courses are also offered.
   Get in touch with DiveGoa at +91 09325030110.Price and Phone Number(Subject to Change)
   Goa Aquatics:-
   This dive centre started in 2007 and is PADI-certified offering different courses. It conducts dives at various diving sites in Goa some of which are Grande Banks, Bounty Bay, Shelter Cove and Suzy’s Wreck. Courses begin at Rs 5,000. Get in touch with them at +91 9822685025.Price and Phone Number(Subject to Change)