Tag: Australia

This Yoga Day, lets work IN and not OUT!

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

We often find people diving onto their Yoga matts and transporting into a different paradigm. Into a different world. A world overflowing with positivity and peace. So, the question is, how do they do this? And what exactly is yoga? Is it just a form of exercise? Is it a religion, a philosophy, an ideology? or is it something completely different? Gosh! The list doesn’t end.

The word “yoga” literally means “union”. Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union, yoga is an ancient practice that brings together the mind, body and soul. Have you ever imagined experiencing the entire universe inside of you? Well, that is EXACTLY what yoga does. It unites you with your inner soul, your inner world.

This International Yoga Day, lets make Yoga all about working in and not out. We all deserve it after coming out of a deadly pandemic right? Now is the time to open our hearts and focus our awareness into our inner selves.

Here, we give you 10 reasons to love yoga!

Can you run five miles but not touch your toes? You are not alone. Try incorporating Yoga in your life and in no time, you can twist like a Rubric cube (bad jokes are allowed). Yoga is all about balance. It increases your body’s flexibility while building internal and external strength. Through deep breathing It connects your body to your mind.
Tired of working long hours and slouching your way through life? Sounds painful. How about standing up straight and honouring your spine’s natural curves? Yoga not only teaches us to stand and sit straight, with shoulders relaxed and chin up but also improves our bodily alignment, eliminating the risk of injuries.
In need for some some blood rush and thinking of hanging your legs up the wall? How about we tell you that some yoga asanas have the power to instantly speed up your blood circulation? Yes! The Yoga asanas help increase circulation throughout the spine, glands and organs, giving our body the much wanted blood and oxygen.
Health is wealth, isn’t it? Today all we are so busy in our past faced lives that often we forget to take care of ourselves. Our bodies deserve to be treated. A few minutes of yoga is the right way to push that recharge button and say bye-bye to stress.
Dreaming about a flat stomach, toned arms and sculpted legs? Count us in too. Not only Yoga makes one more flexible, but also makes us stronger!
*Take a deep breath and relax*. Breathing in and out is the smallest reminder we can give ourselves to beat anxiety. With physical Yoga poses, controlled breathing, and meditation we can together learn to overcome this monster called stress.
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ― Rumi. Yoga holds the power to heal the mind, body and spirit. Yes, it does. Let’s open our hearts and fasten the healing of body. Be it injuries, mental stress or any illness, a few moments with Yoga everyday can leave you healed, rejuvenated, and refreshed.
The best gift your body can give you is a good night’s sleep, right? In fact, practicing yoga before bedtime is the best way to release everything you’re holding onto mentally or physically before sinking in the peaceful sleep mode.
What’s a nicer way to connect with people than a fun yoga class? Yoga can transform your body, your attitude and your awareness. By connecting with people through Yoga, you have the power to exchange energies and refresh your soul.
Yoga is a transformational practice that strengthens the life force within. It teaches us to overcome internal and external obstacles that come with everyday life. It builds that emotional connection with oneself and teaches us to value life.

Enough said right? Now its time to take your yoga off the mat and into your life!!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel in this year 2022. Find all available flights options with us.

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Melbourne to Delhi|Qantas– Singapore Airlines (Return) — Flights from Melbourne to Delhi

Delhi India — Flights from Sydney to Delhi

Tags Australia, covid-19, Guara Travel, India, Lockdown, Melbourne, Sydney, Transporting, Yoga

Travel Guide

Essential Travel Permitted

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

After months of dormancy due to the raging pandemic, Australia is gearing up for a return to small normalcy with borders reopening to India and permitting essential travel.

Australia opened its borders to India on 15^th May, and gave a green signal for the travel operations between India and Australia to resume. This comes as good news to more than 11,000 Australians who are stuck in India and wish to travel back to Australia.

Australian citizens have been grieving the loss of loved ones in India because of border restrictions preventing travel on compassionate grounds under any circumstances. However, with the decline in the COVID-19 cases in India, Australia has now allowed citizens to travel to India for compassionate and care giving reasons.

So if you are in limbo and not sure whether you can travel to India to provide care to your family, the answer is YES!

Who can travel to India from Australia?

Based on current health advice, individuals seeking an exemption to travel from Australia to India will only be approved for the following limited circumstances:

Critical workers providing assistance to India’s COVID-19 response.
People travelling in Australia’s national interest.
People seeking urgent medical treatment for a critical illness that cannot be treated in Australia.
People travelling due to the death or funeral of a close family member.
People visiting a close family member who is critically ill.
People seeking to travel to India to escort an Australian citizen or permanent resident minor back to Australia.

Gaura Travel resumes flights from India to Australia

Even in the devastating phase of COVID-19, our team was 24×7 there for our customers. We know a lot of you have been wanting to travel to Australia and have waited for the borders to reopen. We have amazing news for you, our flights from India to Australia and Australia to India are now open and operating. Flights for the month of July are available to Book Now. Whether you want to fly back to Australia or travel to India from Australia, we are here to bring you one step closer to your home.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Australia to India, covid-19, Guara Travel, India, India to Australia, Lockdown, Melbourne, Sydney

Travel Guide

Pilot Plan to Welcome International Students in NSW, Will Start in the Second Half of 2021

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet affirmed today that NSW Health and NSW Police had been approved a Pilot Plan to allow International Students to come back to Australia. The plan will start on the second half of 2021, and it will intend to receive 250 International Students fortnightly.

The first students would arrive in August 2021 in Charter Flights, and they would not take seats off from the commercial flights for Australians returning to the country. The students would have the same quarantine requirements as any other returning traveller, but they will stay in a special accommodation with 600 beds and Universities will cover all the costs.

The NSW authorities will aim to increase at the end of the year, the number of students arriving every 2 weeks from 250 to 500 students. The idea is to rescue the $14 billion that the students bring to the state every year.

“Typically, we have more than 250,000 international students studying in NSW each year and they directly supported over 95,000 local jobs prior to the pandemic. If we don’t act fast, students will turn to other overseas destinations, and it could take the sector decades to recover.” said Mr. Perrottet.

“This program has carefully considered the personal, social and academic aspects of our students to ensure they successfully resume their studies and rejoin NSW’s vibrant multicultural community as soon as possible.” said Professor Barney Glover, NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags 2021, Australia, India, International Student, International Students, Lockdown, Melbourne, Multicultural Community, NSW, Quarantine, Students

Travel Guide

India ready to bounce back | Drastic decline in COVID-19 Cases

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

The world has seen unprecedented changes due to Covid -19. When India, the second most populous country in the world was hit by a devastating second wave of COVID-19, it was hard to imagine how the nation would combat it. But how can we forget that India is no ordinary country? Over its rich history, it has showed countless examples of its unparalleled ability to pick itself up and fight back.

A nation of 1.3 billion people battened down their hatches and came together to show enduring resilience in the fight against the pandemic. With the endless efforts of the frontline workers, government, and the courageous citizens of the country, India prepares itself to bounce back!

The covid cases across the country have witnessed a drop in daily caseload count and several Indian states have started to relax lockdown curbs as coronavirus infections subside.

Initially, the second wave saw India’s daily reported cases spike to more than 300,000 infections daily. However now, with a little over 100,000 new infections across India, daily cases in the country dropped to the lowest level seen in over two months. The seven-day average of new infections in the country has dropped by over 68% from the peak.

The country has so far administered 20,57,20,660 anti-Covid jabs and the recovery rate of patients has increased to 90.34%.

These numbers provide a great deal of relief and hope.

India Unites as One

In the midst of a brutal second wave and a shortage of crucial life saving supplies, India’s COVID-19 patients, and their families turned to social media to save lives. Thousands of people and volunteers amplified the requests of people searching for hospital beds, ventilators and oxygen cylinders on social platforms. Twitter hashtags like #CovidSOS and #CovidEmergency became popular among users. Volunteers set up websites and apps to track vaccine availability. Many people also volunteered to make home-cooked meals for patients quarantining at home while others offered assistance with tasks like grocery shopping. It is amazing to see how the country came together to help one another weather the unprecedented crisis.

Gaura Travel Resumes Flights from India to Australia

Even during the most devastating phase of COVID-19, our team was there 24×7 for our customers. We know a lot of you have been wanting to travel to Australia and have waited for the borders to reopen. We have amazing news for you – our flights from India to Australia are now open and operating. Flights for the month of July are available to Book Now.

Fly back home to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane! What are you waiting for? Book your tickets today!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Adelaide, Australia, Brisbane, covid-19, Guara Travel, India, Lockdown, Melbourne, Quarantining, Second Wave, Sydney, Ventilators

Flight Deals

Ticked off these 4 destinations from your Bucket List?

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Book your day trips now.

Ever wondered why domestic travel within Australia scores on top of everyone’s bucket list?

It is a land of colours and contrasts: from the red dusty outback to green lushy landscapes, from tropical rainforests to alpine mountain ranges, from vineyards to the most breath taking beaches in the world -the ultimate land of dreams awaits you.

And its time to holiday here, this year!!

With our special day tours, explore some of the country’s most epic destinations and discover your most relaxing vacation yet.

Blue Mountains

Ever wondered if the blue mountains are actually blue? Oh yes, they are!

One of the most popular and iconic day trips from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a spectacular display of natural New South Wales at its finest.

Leave the concrete jungles behind and breathe in the fresh air and awe-inspiring blue views. Covered with picturesque lookouts, it is a perfect combination of towering forests and dramatic cliffs. Stretching over a million acres of wondrous adventures, you can always count on the blue mountains for a good time.

Blessed with the sights of Three Sisters and Scenic World, as well as the wildlife at Sydney Zoo, Blue Mountains is a trip you will never forget. So what are you waiting for? Let’s witness pure heaven on earth and dive into the blues.

Great Ocean Road

Is it even possible to travel within Australia and not visit the Great Ocean Road?

One of the world’s most spectacular drives, Great Ocean Road winds past pristine beaches, lush rainforests and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Along the drive are some incredibly popular attractions, small coastal towns and an abundance of wildlife. The Great Ocean Road has a plethora of hidden gems, that you can explore time and time again.

Phillip Island

Planning to wind down after a long week? There’s no place other than Phillip Island you’d rather visit. Located around 140kms from Melbourne CBD in southern Victoria, Phillip Island has something special to offer to everyone. Be it the immaculate beaches or the exciting Penguin Parade, the island’s natural beauty is an obvious standout! The stunning beaches, cliffside, wetland and pasture are all jaw-droppingly beautiful. From the nature parks to the hikes, surfing to cycling, there are a lot of wonderful things to do on Phillip Island that involve the outdoors.

Mount Buller

The snow season is upon us which means it’s time to get excited for an incredible day out in the Winter Wonderland, Mt Buller! You’ll always remember your excursion to the most picturesque and adventurous mountains in Australia. You and those magical snowflakes make for a terrific combination! Added to that, skiing and snowboarding down the best slopes, roasting marshmallows in the town fire pits while tuning in to unrecorded music, and a wide range of food and drinks.

If you haven’t been to any of these places, now is the time to tick them off your Bucket List!

Don’t forget to send us photos from your trips.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Alpine Mountain, Australia, Day Trip, Great Ocean Road, India, Mount Buller, NSW, Phillip Island, Sydney, Tourism, Tourist, Tropical Rainforests

Travel Guide

Victoria Covid cases: restrictions reintroduced as cluster in Melbourne’s north grows to five

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Victoria has recorded its fifth case today, which brings in new restrictions in the state. A man in his 60s was identified as the fifth case in the Melbourne northern suburbs outbreak, with Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton concerned the man may have been infectious since at least May 17.

Acting premier James Merlino announced today morning that from 6pm private gatherings in the home will be limited to five people, public gatherings will be limited to 30, and face masks will need to be worn indoors for everyone aged 12 years and older. That requirement includes workplaces within Metropolitan Melbourne. Schools and workplaces will stay open and there are no changes to current density rules.

The acting premier confirmed genomic sequencing showed the Whittlesea outbreak was “closely related” to a man in nearby Wollert who tested positive earlier this month after returning from hotel quarantine in South Australia.

Health authorities have now identified 10 exposure sites as they race to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Testing sites serving the city’s north were straining to cope with demand as people heeded public health advice.

“This is a stark reminder that waiting and thinking, ‘I will wait until the end of the year to get the Pfizer jab’… waiting is not an option,” he said. “If people want to avoid the situation we are in right now, there is something that everyone can do. If you are eligible, get vaccinated.”

The restrictions on Greater Melbourne are due to remain in place until 4 June. Four new locally acquired cases were reported on Monday, all from the same family across two households. A fifth case, a close contact, was notified by the Department of Health after midnight.

As a result of the outbreak, South Australian authorities have imposed fresh border restrictions in response to a cluster of four coronavirus cases detected in Melbourne yesterday. SA Police said people who have been to any one of several designated exposure sites at relevant times during the past week are now unable to enter the state.

The latest outbreak snapped Victoria’s 86-day streak without a locally acquired case. Victoria has 14 active cases, with the rest in hotel quarantine, and 14,892 tests in the 24 hours to Tuesday.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Chief Health Officer, covid vaccines, Melbourne, Metropolitan Melbourne, Pfizer, School, South Australia, Victoria, Whittlesea

Travel Guide

India Travel Ban to end on May 15, Scott Morrison confirms

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Scott Morrison made it clear that this morning he wants repatriation flights to start on May 15 in out of India. “When travel pause begins and I expect to be the finding of National Security of Cabinet today, and I did predict this on last couple of days.” Mr. Clennell said.

Mr. Clennell said. With the 4^th paragraph of press release put up by Health Minister Greg Hunt on Friday night would say that there would be up to 5 years in jail for Australians returning from India without 14 days in a 3^rd country if they may come before May 15. Prime Minister blames media for highlighting that.

PM Blames media amid India Backlash

“I would argue that perhaps you may make a mistake that in emphasising punishment, which is what happened, would you agree was that a mistake?” asked by Mr. Clennell. Prime Minister said that “We didn’t. But media did that. There was a simple statement of what is bio-security act as the way affect. This is not something was said by Greg or me or someone else speak up on. In the media, they highlighted it. There are highly remote and strange from those extensions”.

As Scott Morrison further stated, the government’s controversial ban, which made it as an offence for individuals try to return back to Australia who staying in India within the prior 14 days, began on Monday and finishes by 15^th May. “The original decision to put in place that bio-security order until the 15th of May has proved very effective, and it will run its full course until that time without any change,” he said.

There are 9000 Australians who registered under Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades, Canberra and firstly they will give priority to repatriate 900 of vulnerable cases now. Prime Minister Morrison said they are anticipating another three repatriation flights before end of this month, to get back vulnerable Australians from India.

Currently, every Australians understand that’s decision by national government to try to strengthen Australian quarantine system, they are all aware that it has been so crucial to keep Australia safe during this crisis. However, authorities are expected that recent active cases in quarantine system will be at zero, or close to, by May 15.

No word on Commercial Flights

At the moment, Prime minister did not make any decision about commercial flights from India and would take further action on that next week. Further he mentioned that “What’s important is that the bio-security order that we have put in place has been highly effective, it’s doing the job that we needed it to do,”.

Looking at the brighter side, from May 15, all flights from India to Australia will resume back in operation.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Canberra, Foreign Affairs and Trades, India, Quarantine, Scott Morrison, travel ban

Events

Our Tribute to Mother’s Day – NINDIYA

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

About the song

The song captures the sacred emotion between a mother and her child. Especially when the child grows up and leaves the house (for study, marriage etc.) to live a life of their own. The song shows this through a moment in Lord Krishna’s life when he leaves his mother Yashoda in Vrindavan never to return.Nindiya captures that first night Yashoda spends without her darling Krishna, unable to sleep without her son. And how the all-knowing Krishna reassures her from en route to Mathura that he is always with her.
It highlights a mother’s emotions and her (grown-up) child’s reassurance that the bond they share will never diminish. To the Yashoda in every mother, to the Krishna in every son / daughter.

Gaura Travel’s Association with the Song

Mother is the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind. If we were to express the love and gratitude we have for our mothers, we would be at a complete loss for words.
We know the pandemic has been a testing time for all of us. However, it has been the hardest for our mothers. There is nothing more painful for a mother than to be away from her children during such uncertainties.

We felt their pain. We felt their angst and their yearning to see their children.

Hence, we left no stoned unturned in reuniting thousands of mothers with their loved ones. At Gaura Travel, “Reuniting families” solely became our motto to serve our community.

This mothers day, to celebrate and cherish the love of our mothers, we are collaborating with Siyer – The composer and singer of Nindiya, a song dedicated to the real pillars of our families. The real MVP’S.

Listen, love and share!

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Charter Flights, Gaura Travel, India, Lord Krishna, Mothers Day, NINDIYA, Reuniting Families, Tribure, Vrindavan

Travel Guide

Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirms India travel ban to end

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed the India travel ban imposed on 3 May will likely come to an end on May 15.

According to the ban, from May 3, Australians who travelled to India in the last 14 days will be prohibited from entering Australia due to concerns over India’s escalating Covid-19 pandemic, which nearly saw 400,000 cases in a single day on Sunday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said any individual who overlooked the new restrictions would confront five years’ imprisonment, a fine of $66,600, or both.

Australian Government received a backlash for implementing the travel ban

The Australian government has come under the scrutiny and faced a major backlash for their act not just from the Indian community but also the members of the government. Media houses addressed, it is the first time that Australians have been criminalized for attempting to get back to their nation. No comparable measures were set up at the height of the Covid-19 epidemics in the UK and the US.

Speaking to sunrise, Morrison said the purpose of the temporary travel suspension was to give Australia time to prepare to safely repatriate and quarantine returned travellers.

“We needed to take a pause to make sure we put Australia in a safer position to bring people safely home,” he explained. Morrison also added that, the ban was a temporary two week pause and not a four months lockdown. All they wanted to ensure was the country does not face a third wave of COVID-19.

Prime Minister defends the Travel ban

Responding to the criticism faced over the travel ban, he defended the government’s policy and all accusations against it. “There is a raging pandemic, and we need to just continue to make decisions that are in the best health interests of Australia”

There are an estimated 9000 Australians stranded in India with a hope of returning to Australia. “At least open the doors for us … By closing borders, you have just killed our hope,” says Pankaj Sharma who is stranded in India for the past 8 months.

Looing at the brighter side, from May 15, all flights from India to Australia will resume back in operation.

Gaura Travel flights will be running as scheduled. The current dates available are 28 May, 4 June and 11 June.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Australian Government, covid-19, Gaura Travel, India, Pandemic, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, travel ban

Flight Deals

Flights from India to Australia are open and operating normally

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

National Cabinet of Australia recently announced a temporary reduction to the number of incoming flights from India to Australia, amid a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in India.

This news comes as India overtook Brazil with the highest number of COVID-19 cases recorded in a day. India has seen more than 314,000 cases in the past 24 hours.

There are more than 34,000 Australians overseas, wanting to come back including from India. So, what changes will be made now? How is it affecting the flights from India to Australia?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is changing?

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that chartered and direct flights from India would be cut by 30 per cent and departures to India would be limited in the following months. The inbound flights would be operating normally, however only the capacity will be reduced.

India has been highlighted in the “high-risk’ countries, thus it becomes extremely crucial for Australia to take this step in order to combat the alarming situation.

Department of home affairs also added, “Australian government had a humanitarian need to help the returning travellers, but the ongoing repatriation effort needed to be weighed up with the safety of Australian citizens”.

The plunge in the capacity of flights would apply to both the government-organised repatriation flights and commercial flights into Sydney.

What are the new rules?

Australia will change testing requirements for people returning from high- risk countries overseas. Passengers travelling from India to Australia will need to have a PCR coronavirus test 72 hours before leaving.

Travellers need to hold a negative virus test before boarding a flight and will be tested twice in hotel quarantine for 14 days. This comes as an addition to other testing rules, including by the airlines.

Our flights from India to Australia will operate normally, and there will be an opportunity for people in India to travel back to Australia in a controlled and safe manner.

What will happen to Australians currently in India?

If you’re wondering you will be eligible to travel to Australia or no then the answer is, Yes. People stuck in India, will still be allowed to enter Australia. Flights to Australia will also be operating normally, but with a 30 per cent decrease in the frequency. This is no way affects our charter flights running from India to Australia. Our flights will be operational as per the confirmed dates and all protocols will be followed as usual.

Our flights from India to Australia

We have our direct charter flights operating from India to Australia on 14^th May. The flights will be running from all major cities in India to Perth and Adelaide. The flight has a duration of 17 hours including the transit in Malaysia. All flights will be running as scheduled with no changes in the itinerary.

How to book my ticket to Australia?

The flight operations to India from all the major cities of Australia in May will continue as per the schedule. However, at the moment the only people eligible to Travel are:

Australia passport Holders
Indian Passport holders with Permanent Residency
People who hold an exemption from Australian Border Forces to travel to Australia.

If you are eligible to travel to Australia you can check dates available and book your ticket here: Charter Flights from India to Australia.

Can I travel from Australia to India?

Yes, you can travel from Australia to India. There are exemptions being given to travellers who want to travel to India. However, similar to the reduction in capacity of incoming passengers, the granting of exemptions will be tightened.

According to the Prime Minister, the border force will ensure travel exemptions are granted to people who are in very urgent circumstances. Exemptions will still be given to people travelling to India, however the state of urgency will be prioritised.

We are here with you!

Rain or shine, day or night we are here to provide you with a seamless travel experience no matter what. We took the matters into our own hands when no commercial flights were operating to India, and now we will do whatever it takes to connect you back with the land down under. All rules and protocols will be followed as usual and strict measures will be taken to ensure a safe travel.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, Australia to India, Australian Citizens, Australian Government, Brazil, Charter Flights, covid-19, Flights, India, India to Australia, PCR

Events

The Power Of Nine Nights – Happy Navratri!

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

What is Navtatri?

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’, is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. This year, starting April 13, the Hindu festival of Navarātri will begin and last till April 22. It is a time of celebration as well as of reflection for Hindus all across the globe. These nine days are truthfully devoted to Maa Durga and her nine incarnations, the epitome of sheer courage and strength. To offer gratitude to the goddess, people indulge all forms of fasting, spiritual practices, pujas, meditations and abstain from non vegetarian food and alcohol. All over India there is eruption of a nine-night dance festival and each night people assemble in open spaces to celebrate feminine divinity, referred to as Shakti. The Navratri pooja has an elaborate abhishekam of 11 offerings and a cheerful time of music and dance, singing the praises of the glory of Devi. It’s an explosion of energy and positivity.

Navratri celebration in Australia

Over the time, this festival has crossed boundaries of the nation and has become a reason to share smiles and joy all over the world. With millions of Indians living in Australia and many other countries, the festival is celebrated with utmost zest and zeal. A mother of two and a psychologist, Ms Khurana arrived in Australia in 2014 with her family. “We have formed a community group in which members host special prayers during Navratri at home and invite others. It’s a very important festival for us”, says Ms Kakkar. Today, Melbourne is home to the largest Hindu temple of the country and during busy festivals like Navratri, Shri Durga Temple at Deanside, hosts thousands of people (except for 2020 due to COVID-19). Pandit Sushil Shastri, a priest at the temple, says the festivities can even give you the illusion that you are in India.

In 2019, Indian Society in Australia hosted navtri nights In perth where people were dressed up in vibrant traditional attires of Ghagra-choli and Kurta – Pyjama. The delightful event was packed with the Garba fervour and great food. This is also a great time to travel to India, and be a part of the celebrations. Every part of India has a unique and beautiful way of honouring the occasion.

Here are a few Navratri events happening in Australia that might interest you :

Chaitra Navratri Garba

First time in History of Australia, a garba and dandia night proudly organised by GR Group( GR Events & GR Phones). The event is aupporting local and national artist and talents of Sargam Musical Forum. Join them for a blast of fun, dance and music.

When: 17 April 2021

Where : The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre – YMCA ,46 Cowan St, Angle Park SA

Navratri Celebrations 2021

An event curated by Jai Durga Sankirtan Mandal in Adelaide, this is a celebration of Navratri with special performances by kids and Maata ke Darshan (blessings of goddess).

When: 17 April, 2021

Where : Vietnamese Community Centre, 62, Athol Street, Athol Park, SA.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, covid-19, Devi, Ghagra-Choli, GR Events, Indians, Maa Durga, Maata ke Darshan, Navarati, Nine Nights, Sargam Musical Forum, Shri Durga Temple

Travel Guide

When Home Calls

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

When COVID 19 happened, at first we did not know the extent of the impact it would have on us.

At that time my parents were with us and were scheduled to leave for India in a couple of weeks. We told ourselves that the pandemic might well be a blessing in disguise – it probably meant that we as a family would get to spend more time with each other. My 6-year old son was over the moon that he would get to go on more walks with his grandad and get to eat more sweets made by his grandma.

I wish we could have foreseen what lay head of us. The Victorian government went on to announce a strict lockdown. Within weeks, the very house that my parents loved, began to feel like prison. Wearing a mask became a thing of dread and going out for walks soon dwindled into oblivion.

Naturally, all of this resulted in one overwhelming desire – to go back to their home in India.

My parents longed to be reunited with the country that gave them everything, including me. I would see my mother control her tears at the sight of anything that reminded her of India. My father would watch every little piece of news about India with renewed vigour and interest.

The longing they had for their homeland, sat like a thorn that refused to go away. If anything it developed into a source of tremendous stress.

But with commercial flights grinding to a halt, there was no way back home. Not right then anyway. During a casual phone call, a friend of ours told us that Gaura Travel started operating charter flights from Australia to Delhi.

So what did we do? Well, I immediately took my phone and was about to call them when my wife reminded me that it was almost midnight! I recalled what my friend had said – that they were open 24/7. I flipped my laptop open and hit their website. And sure enough, I was chatting to them within seconds.

The lady chatting with us was professional, warm and reassuring. This was exactly what we needed to counter the anxiety my parents were going through and the stressful situation we found ourselves in.

Her accurate and timely responses meant we could take an informed decision – within the hour, we had booked our tickets. Given the extraordinary circumstances, we certainly did not expect to see things moving so fast. The next morning my father hugged me, thanking me. Yes, there were tears too.

Surprisingly, Gaura Travel offered to take that on for us as well and before I knew it they called me, letting me know that the exemption had been approved! This was 5-star levels of service.

The day arrived. That trip to the airport wasn’t easy. Just as we were about to check-in, we met someone from Gaura Travel there. I mean, seriously, since when did a travel agency take the effort to come to the airport and ensure that their passengers were being looked after?

They were able to get my mother, who suffers from acute arthritis a wheelchair. And the smile on her face, when my son was wheeling her around the airport…yes, priceless indeed.

They had an incredibly smooth flight back home and settled into their home quickly. Us on the other hand? Well, we got back from the airport to an empty house, filled with sweet memories of my parents.

And a heartfelt thank you to an organization that has made it their business to help families find a way back home. My parents were reunited with the life and the land they love so much.

And for this, I cannot be more grateful to Gaura Travel. I recently read that they reunited 10,000 families through their charter flights – well, I consider myself very luck that ours was one of those too.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, covid-19, Delhi, Guara Travel, Home, India, Lockdown, Pandemic, Parents, Victorian

Why Gaura

Celebrating 50 Charter Flights from Australia to India

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

On 19 March 2020, Australia shut its borders to the world as a measure to fight COVID-19. No one saw 2020 coming. Panic clenched people as they suddenly found themselves stranded in Australia.

The First Flight (22nd of July 2020)

When no commercial flights were operating, Gaura Travel worked day and night with the authorities bearing only one aim in their hearts – “to reunite people with their loved ones”. With this firmness of purpose, the Melbourne based travel agency, operated its first charter flight to India, from Sydney Airport on 22 July 2020. The team of Gaura Travel provided incessant support to all the travellers at the airport and made sure everyone had a seamless journey.

10,000 Families Reunited (5th of February 2021)

On 5th February 2021 after 8 months of sheer hard work and courage, Gaura Travel accomplished the milestone of reuniting 10,000 families. Statistically, 18,000 passengers flew out of Melbourne: 15,000 by chartered flights and 3,000 under Vande Bharat Mission with Air India flying 17 sorties. From the 15,000, Gaura Travel accounted for 10,000.

The Wait is Over (27th of February 2021)

There was joy in the air, but the directors of Gaura Travel, Ashwini Sonthalia and Abhishek Sonthalia, knew that more had to be done. They resonated with the longing of those stuck in India, and now are back with a bang! On 27 February 2021, Gaura Travel announced the great news of special charter flights from India to Australia!

And now… 50 Charter Flights (19^th Mar 2021)

Flight after flight, the mission of repatriating people back to India became stronger and on the 19th March, Gaura Travel crossed another benchmark of operating 50 unstoppable charter flights! Keeping their customers first, Gaura Travel is doing everything they can to be your best way home, no matter if it is from India or Australia. In collaboration with Singapore Airlines, the 50^th charter flight has taken off from Melbourne Airport carrying 200 people to New Delhi.

Gaura Travel is continuing its mission to reunite people back to their homes. The next flight to India will be on 27^th of March from Sydney. The tickets are available to book now from India to Australia on www.gauratravel.com.au

Book your tickets from Australia to India on www.gauratravel.com.au
Gaura Travel – YOUR BEST WAY HOME

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, covid-19, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, reunite people, Sydney

Flight Deals

Special Charter Flights From India to Australia

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

Australia’s remote location, backed up by some of the strictest border controls in the world, has helped it avoid the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. But that success has come at a steep economic and personal cost. Nearly a year after detecting its first coronavirus case, Australia’s border closures will remain in position at least the first half of 2021.

Connecting you back to the Land Down Under

In March 2020, when Australia shut its borders to the world, we were flooded with messages from people stuck in Australia, urging us to help them repatriate back to India. We resonated with their tremendous pain and left no stone unturned in finding a way to safely send them back home. Numerous hurdles came our way, but nothing stopped us from our mission to re-unify people back with their loved ones. Months later, on 5th of February, with extreme assiduous, we reached a milestone of Re-uniting 10,000 families, the largest repatriation flight operation to India. Having this enormous success, we knew a lot more had to be done.

The wait is over! Flights from India to Australia

We are working day and night to help thousands of people stuck in India, get back to Australia. Times are tough for travellers, but with the world preparing to reopen in 2021, we’re here with you, operating 24×7 to help you with your travel needs.

With extreme delight and joy, we are happy to announce that Gaura Travel is running Special Charter flights from India to Australia!

https://twitter.com/AusHCIndia/status/1369558502797025283

How to Book my Ticket to Australia

The flight operations to India from all the major cities of Australia are continuing with the schedule for March and April out now! However, at the moment the only people eligible to Travel are:

Australia passport holders
Indian Passport holders with Permanent Residency
People who hold an exemption from Australian Border Forces to travel to Australia.

If you are eligible to travel to Australia you can check dates available and book your ticket here: Charter Flights from India to Australia

Rain or shine, day or night we are here to provide you with a seamless and smooth travel experience. The charter schedule has been released on the official website of Gaura Travel, and tickets can be easily booked with all supporting information provided in the FAQ.

We took the matters into our own hands when no commercial flights were operating to India, and now we will do whatever it takes to connect you back with the land down under.

You tell us where home Is, and we will take you there.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Book your tickets from Australia to India on www.gauratravel.com.au
Gaura Travel – YOUR BEST WAY HOME

Tags Australia, Charter Flights, covid-19, India, Pandemic, Passport, Permanent Residency

Why Gaura

Gaura Travel reuniting 10,000 families during COVID-19

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 12/01/2022

The start of the journey…

Gaura Travel a Melbourne-based travel company founded 14 years ago, decided in June last year to face the challenges that COVID-19 brought during 2020. When no commercial flights were operating to India and the whole world was in lockdown, Abhishek and Ashwini Sonthalia (CEOs & founders of Gaura Travel) repatriated Indian citizens from Australia with the help of their team. Since then, the agency has operated more than 40 charter flights reuniting 10,000 families.

Like any other travel company in Australia, Gaura Travel had to close its offices during the first lockdown at the end of march in 2020, however the contact center continued operating 24/7 to solve the doubts of the customers when the confinements started. The future looked tough; the sales decreased to zero and many refunds had been issued due to the unfeasibility of running flights. The uncertainty of this moment in time made the owners and their employees’ resilience more prominent than ever. They had to find new alternatives to keep the travel agency running. Ashwini and Abhishek started to knock on the doors of airlines and government institutions (in Australia and India) seeking for a way to help those in need of travel. After a couple of months, they got support from the Indian Consulate in Melbourne, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air to operate the firsts repatriation charter flights to India.

The idea was to create a couple of flights to find the best way home for Indians who wanted to return to their country. It was a big surprise for the company when those first two flights got booked out immediately. That was the moment when Gaura Travel opened more monthly flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide to the main cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and many more without knowing how long it would be possible to keep doing it for.

A milestone for Gaura Travel

Last Friday, February 5th 2021, Akash Rajput an International Student of Deakin University became the 10,000th passenger of the repatriation charter flights to India from Australia organized by Gaura Travel. This accomplishment made the agency the largest operator of this new charter flight industry. “We didn’t know when we started everything that it would get this far, so it’s all thanks to the support of our customers and our team… we are going to continue on this mission of reuniting as many families as we can…” said Ashwini at Melbourne Airport when he congratulated Akash for being the passenger 10,000 who also got an upgrade of his ticket to Business Class.

“Mr. Raj Kumar, the Consul General of India in Melbourne one day told me, you will get plenty of opportunities in your life to make money but take this as an opportunity to make blessings” expressed Abhishek later the same day during the celebration event of “Reuniting 10,000 families”. The event was organized by the agency which included the attendance of people from the Indian community, the travel industry, the presence of Raj Kumar (Consul General of India in Victoria) and the Gaura Travel team members.

10,000 families have been reunited in India during the last 7 months thanks to the effort of Gaura Travel and the support of the Indian Consulate in Melbourne, Singapore Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air. The travel agency will organize charter flights for at least the next couple of months (February and March), trying to continue reuniting more than 10,000 families in India during the first quarter of 2021.

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Book your tickets from Australia to India on www.gauratravel.com.au
Gaura Travel – YOUR BEST WAY HOME

Tags Adelaide, Australia, Brisbane, covid-19, Deakin, India, International Student, Lockdown, Malaysia, Malindo, Melbourne, Reuniting Families, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sydney

Travel Guide

National Cabinet Meeting pursues to a suppression strategy

Post author By harshal shah
Post date 29/09/2015

Recently, National Cabinet met to discuss Australia’s Covid-19 retort and concern on new Omicron strain.

According to the update of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, WHO has declared the Omicron variant first found in Southern Africa on 24 November 2021 and currently six cases have been detected in Australia. All cases found in Australia have mild symptoms or asymptomatic and are in quarantine.

Australia’s Covid-19 vaccine roll out continue to increase and up to date over 39.2 million Covid-19 vaccines doses have been administrated in Australia. National Cabinet noted that majority of susceptible population have received their Covid-19 vaccines and Australia has sufficient supplies of booster shots available in regarding to vaccine roll out program.

Omicron variant and government response

Professor Paul Kelly further advised that Australia is in the initial stage of understanding the new Omicron variant, and at this stage there’s inadequate evidence that vaccines and treatments are less effective against Omicron than other variants. Hence, there’s no clear evidence at this stage that Omicron is a more acute disease.

Therefore, the Commonwealth and states have already acted on medical advice to implement travel restrictions, revised quarantine, and home isolation requirements. The Commonwealth has implemented a temporary travel ban on non-citizens from Southern Africa entering to Australia and Australians return from Southern Africa countries are required to undergo 14 days quarantine under state or territory public health requirements.

Further the Commonwealth has postponed the reopening to international skilled and student visa cohorts and humanitarian visa holders from 1 December up until 15 December as these are temporary precautions to safeguard the national boarders of Australia.

Though, existing plans will continue for Australians, permanent residents, immediate family including parents and other exempt visa holders including travelers through the New Zealand and Singapore safe travel zones and Pacific Labor Scheme participants.

Isn’t it exciting to hear that the National Cabinet agreed that the Commonwealth and the state governments will continue to pursue a suppression strategy, stating the objective is to limit the rate of Omicron invasions into Australia, rather than going back to lock downs?

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/

Tags Australia, commonwealth, covid-19, government response, home quarantine, omicron variant, suppression strategy, temporary precautions, travel restrictions

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We are here with you!

And now… 50 Charter Flights (19th Mar 2021)

Connecting you back to the Land Down Under

The wait is over! Flights from India to Australia

How to Book my Ticket to Australia

The start of the journey…

A milestone for Gaura Travel

And now… 50 Charter Flights (19^th Mar 2021)