Tag: Family

GDeals: Your Best Way from Australia to India

Post author By Venugopal Krishnan
Post date 03/09/2024

Introduction

Planning a trip from Australia to India can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many options for flights, accommodations, and activities, it’s easy to feel lost. But what if there was a way to simplify the process and save money at the same time? That’s where GDeals comes in. In this blog, we’ll explore how GDeals, Gaura Travel’s exclusive flight deals, can make your journey from Australia to India—notably from cities like Melbourne to Delhi, Sydney to Delhi, Adelaide to Delhi, Sydney to Bengaluru, and Melbourne to Bengaluru—easier and more affordable.

What is GDeals?

GDeals is more than just a way to book flights—it’s a smarter way to travel. Offered exclusively by Gaura Travel, GDeals provides you with access to special deals on flights between Australia and India, thanks to our 17 years of experience and trusted relationships with top airlines like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or heading home for a special occasion, GDeals ensures you get the best value for your money, with options tailored just for you.

Benefits of Using GDeals for This Route

When you choose GDeals, you’re not just getting a ticket—you’re getting peace of mind. Here’s why:

Exclusive Flight Deals: GDeals gives you access to flight deals that are hard to find anywhere else. With over 50,000 Gdeals sold, we’ve built a reputation for offering unbeatable prices that other travel agencies simply can’t match. Whether you’re flying from Melbourne to Delhi, Sydney to Delhi, or Adelaide to Delhi, GDeals has you covered.

5% Deposit: Worried about upfront costs? With GDeals, you can secure your flight with just a 5% deposit and pay the rest later, giving you the flexibility to manage your budget.

Mix and Match Flights: Love the flexibility of choice? GDeals allows you to mix and match airlines, so you can fly out with one and return with another, based on what suits you best. This is especially handy for routes like Sydney to Bengaluru or Melbourne to Bengaluru.

Generous Luggage Allowance: Need to bring a lot with you? Enjoy a 30 KG luggage allowance on select airlines, so you don’t have to leave anything behind.

Flexible Travel Options: Life happens, and plans change. That’s why GDeals offers flexibility for time, date changes, baggage, and even routing. Your travel plans should work for you, not the other way around.

Shorter Transit Times: No one likes long layovers. With GDeals, you can enjoy shorter transit times, making your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Multiple City Options: Whether you’re flying from Melbourne to Delhi, Sydney to Delhi, Adelaide to Delhi, or looking at routes like Sydney to Bengaluru or Melbourne to Bengaluru, GDeals has a variety of options to suit your travel needs.

24/7 Customer Support: Got questions? We’re here to help, anytime. Our 24/7 customer support is just a call away at 1300 359 463, so you’re never alone in planning your journey.

Book Now, Pay Later: With Gaura Travel, you can secure your flight tickets to India with just a 5% deposit before prices go up! Additionally, you can pay the remaining amount in weekly installments before you depart. Once you finalize the deal, your travel agent will indicate the price and payment plan details available. Pay off the remaining amount in small weekly installments or pay the full amount upfront as per your preference.

How to Find the Best Deals

Finding the best deals with GDeals is simple, but here are a few tips to make sure you get the most bang for your buck:

Be Flexible: If your travel dates are flexible, you can use GDeals flexible date search to find the cheapest times to fly. A little flexibility can lead to big savings!

Set Price Alerts: Don’t miss out on a great deal. Set up price alerts with GDeals, and we’ll notify you when the prices drop, so you can book at the perfect time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Through GDeals

Ready to book your trip? Here’s how to do it with GDeals:

Contact Customer Support: Start by calling our 24/7 customer support on 1300 359 463. Let our experienced travel agents know your departure city in Australia (such as Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide), your destination in India (like Delhi or Bengaluru), and your preferred travel dates.

Discuss Your Requirements: Share any specific preferences or requirements you have, such as preferred airlines, luggage needs, or flexible travel dates. Our agents will work with you to find the best possible deal that suits your needs.

Get the Best Deal: Based on your requirements, our travel agent will present you with the best available options. They’ll walk you through the details, including flight options, transit times, and luggage allowances.

Review and Confirm: Once you’ve chosen the deal that works best for you, double-check all the details with the agent. When you’re ready, confirm your booking to lock in your flights.

Book with Confidence: Your travel agent will finalize the booking and provide you with all the necessary details, including your payment plan if you opt for the Book Now, Pay Later option. You’ll receive your flight tickets and any other relevant information to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Conclusion

Traveling from Australia to India doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With GDeals, you get the best of both worlds—affordable prices and a seamless booking experience, whether you’re traveling from Melbourne to Delhi, Sydney to Bengaluru, or any other route. So, why wait? Start planning your next journey with GDeals and discover just how easy and affordable your trip can be.

For more information, contact our 24/7 Customer Support on 1300 359 463 or visit gauratravel.com.au.

Gaura Travel

Your Best Way Home.

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

Delhi India — Flights from Sydney to Delhi

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Tags Australia, Family, family activities, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, Sydney

Travel Guide

Reliving our Childhood Memories

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 17/05/2023

Looking Back

Taking a trip down memory lane by immersing oneself in childhood memories can be a heartwarming and nostalgic experience that many in adulthood choose to reminisce about and embrace. It allows you to revisit your roots and reconnect with your past, which can be a refreshing change of pace from your everyday routines in your second home.

As you delve into your childhood memories, you might recall the games you played with your friends, from kho-kho to hide-and-seek. You might also think back fondly on the simple pleasure of snacking on your favorite foods, such as potato patties and samosas, and the joy they brought us.

Remembering the sights, sounds, and smells of your childhood can transport you back in time and provide a glimpse into your formative years. It’s a way to celebrate your upbringing and the experiences that shaped you into the person you are today.

So, let’s take a moment to bask in the warmth of your childhood memories, and appreciate the simple pleasures that brought us joy in our youth. After all, coming home to our roots and revisiting the past is a beautiful way to reconnect with ourselves and our history.

Looking Back

Do you remember those carefree days when you played hide and seek, latto-latto, gili danda, kho-kho, and kancha with your friends? Running around, laughing, and having the time of your life without a worry in the world. And how can we forget the fun of Holi, splashing colourful paints on each other, and enjoying the festive vibes with a wide grin on our faces?

Those were the days when staying at home meant watching your favorite TV shows that added color and happiness to your life. From the beloved cartoon character Doraemon to the musical game show Antakshari, from the magical world of Shaka Laka Boom Boom to the superhero Shaktimaan, and the sorceress Karishma from Karishma Kaa Karishma, these shows were an integral part of our childhood.

Watching these shows brought a sense of joy and excitement into our lives. They transported us to another world, where anything was possible, and everything was fun. They made us laugh, cry, and feel every emotion under the sun. And the best part was, we got to experience it all from the comfort of our own homes.

We all have precious memories of the fun games we played together with cherished friends in our childhood!

Coming Back Home with Gaura Travel

Imagine gathering around with your childhood friends, sharing stories of your adventures, and reliving the good old days. It’s a wonderful way to bond and reconnect with the people who played a significant role in shaping your childhood.

And what better way to make this happen than by booking an affordable flight with us? We offer a wide range of budget-friendly flight deals that can take you home to your loved ones without breaking the bank. For just $599, you can book a flight with us and fly back to the place where it all began. Reunite with your family, catch up with old friends, and make new memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

So why wait? Book your flight today and embark on a journey that will take you back in time to the moments that filled your childhood with love, laughter, and joy.

Tags Australia, childhood memories, Family, fun, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, Sydney

Media Coverage

Gaura Travel Joins IABCA Parliamentary Winner Roundtable at Canberra Parliament

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 29/03/2023

Abhishek Sonthalia, Managing Director of Gaura Travel, travelled to Canberra on March 27th, 2023, to attend the IABCA Parliamentary Winner Roundtable. The roundtable’s objective was to address important issues relevant to bilateral (Australia and India) relationships in business and investment. Gaura Travel was honoured to be invited due to being the recipient of the coveted ‘Highly Commended Award’ at IABCA 2023, which was held in Delhi, India in February.

Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Federal Member for Parramatta and Head of the Federal Parliamentary Friends of India, hosted the roundtable, which was attended by His Excellency Manpreet Vohra, High Commissioner of India to Australia. The participation of such notable individuals heightened the significance of the discussion, which gave a unique opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas and create cross-border collaborations.

Abhishek Sonthalia of Gaura Travel joins the discussion

Abhishek Sonthalia was delighted to be a part of the roundtable and regarded it as a wonderful opportunity to discuss Gaura Travel’s vision and dedication to providing amazing Visiting Family and Friends (VFR) travel experiences to its consumers. He was also keen to learn from the experiences of other business executives and to investigate new methods to improve the company’s offerings. Overall, Abhishek found the IABCA Parliamentary Winner Roundtable to be a wonderful experience, and he looks forward more to participation in such forums in the future.

What is IABCA?

The India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA) was founded in 2014 as a platform to strengthen and contribute to the growth of the India-Australia relationship via the cultivation of people-to-people connections. It has developed to become the biggest Alliance promoting awareness and mutual understanding between Australian and Indian institutions and peoples.

IABCA Parliamentary Winner Roundtable at Canberra Parliament

The IABCA Parliamentary Winner Roundtable is an annual initiative that provides an opportunity for IABCA Stakeholders and Winner Alumni to participate in high-level roundtable discussions that can influence policies and drive major economic agendas for both nations.

The attendants of IABCA Parliamentary Winner Roundtable at Canberra Parliament

This roundtable discussion offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences, insights, and expertise and collaborate on key issues that affect the business and community sectors of both nations. By fostering such partnerships and collaborations, IABCA aims to contribute to the growth and development of the India-Australia relationship and promote mutually beneficial opportunities that can enhance the livelihoods and experiences of people in both countries.

The event had a total of 35 attendees, each of whom being industry professionals whose work centers around the dynamic relationship between Australia and India. The attendees brought diverse perspectives and expertise to the gathering, making for a rich and informative exchange of ideas.

The discussion pointers are as follows:

Bi-Lateral Partnerships that explore and innovate – Shared learnings.
The Soft Power Approach across raising Australia’s “India literacy” and enhancing “Australia literacy” – Next Steps
Role that IABCA and its Alliance partners play in influencing policy and driving major economic agendas for our two nations.

Gaura Travel is committed to fostering stronger bilateral relationships between two nations by making significant contributions in our expertise, which is the Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market. We hope to continue our work in bridging the gap between Australia and India and are eternally grateful to have had this opportunity to speak with like-minded professionals and extend our professional network even further.

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, republic day, Sydney

Media Coverage

Gaura Travel Partners with Best Airlines in the World

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 23/03/2023

At Gaura Travel, we take pride in our partnerships with some of the best airlines in the world. From long-standing industry leaders to emerging airlines that are redefining travel at its best, our partnerships ensure that our customers have access to the best possible travel experiences. Our aim is to provide you with a seamless and stress-free travel experience to meet your loved ones back home.

The airlines that we proudly work with are renowned for their world-class service, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems, ensuring that your journey is as enjoyable as your destination. Read on below to find out more about our airline partners and rest assured your next trip home will be as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Qantas Airways

When it comes to premium travel experiences, Qantas Airways is a top choice for discerning travellers. As one of Australia’s most iconic airlines, Qantas has built a reputation for excellent service, commitment to passenger comfort, and a strong record on passenger safety.

At Gaura Travel, we are proud to have a strong partnership with Qantas Airways, which allows us to offer our customers the best possible travel solutions at the lowest costs.

In addition to our strong partnership, we also had the pleasure of collaborating with Qantas during the Victorian Festival of Diwali at Melbourne’s Federation Square last year. We managed to attract more than 1000 visitors to our booth, where we showcased the best of what Qantas has to offer, and our team also had the opportunity to connect with customers and showcase our services.

Singapore Airlines

Our team is proud to be partnered with Singapore Airlines – a world-renowned flight carrier that is committed to providing exceptional service and prioritizing passenger comfort. With a focus on friendly and attentive staff, passengers will feel at home as soon as they step on board.

In fact, our commitment to excellence has earned us numerous awards from Singapore Airlines, including a High Achievement Award during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by travel restrictions and safety concerns, we successfully operated 102 charter flights – a testament to our dedication to providing safe, reliable, and top-quality service to our customers.

Emirates

In addition to Qantas Airways and Singapore Airlines, Gaura Travel is partnered with Emirates, a world-class airline noted for its luxurious in-flight facilities and comfortable seating selections that fly to 152 destinations across the globe. Emirates, with a network that spans six continents, offers rapid connections to locations worldwide, making it a popular choice for passengers seeking a high-quality travel experience.

Qatar Airways

Widely recognized for their commitment to exceptional in-flight comfort, delicious dining options, and innovative approach to passenger satisfaction, we are proud to be partnered with Qatar Airways, an airline that prides itself on providing a top-notch travel experience that’s second to none. With a modern fleet and a growing global network, Qatar Airways offers convenient access to 166 destinations as of 2022, with one domestic and 165 international routes, across 90+ countries.

Airlines Flying with 100 Destinations

Our team is committed to providing our customers with a wide range of travel options, and that is why we work with these three airlines in particular that fly across more than 100 destinations. Let’s take a closer look at each of these airlines and what they have to offer:

Air India

As one of India’s oldest and most respected airlines, Air India has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the industry. With a network of 103 destinations, including 58 domestic and 45 international cities in 31 countries, Air India provides convenient access to a wide range of destinations across the globe.

Air Asia

Known as a multinational low-cost airline based in Malaysia, Air Asia is a popular choice for travellers looking for affordable flights across Asia. With a network of 147 destinations primarily in Southeast Asia, Air Asia offers convenient access to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the region. And with Air Asia Cambodia scheduled to begin operations in July 2023, the airline’s reach is set to expand even further.

Indigo Airlines

As India’s largest low-cost carrier, Indigo Airlines has revolutionized air travel in the country, making it more affordable and accessible than ever before. With a network of 102 destinations, including 76 domestic and 26 international destinations within the extended vicinity of Asia, Indigo Airlines provides a convenient and cost-effective way to travel.

Fly Home with Us

At Gaura Travel, we take your safety and comfort seriously. That is why we only partner with the best airlines in the industry to make sure your travel experience with us is top-notch. Whether you are planning a trip back home or a long-awaited reunion with loved ones, we’ve got you covered, from the moment you book your trip to the moment you step off the plane. With flights starting at just $599, you can travel with peace of mind and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Book your flight with us today and get ready to make unforgettable memories at home.

Sources:

Airlines Flying to More than 100 Destinations Worldwide

Gaura Travel Partners with Qantas Airlines at The Victorian Festival of Diwali 2022

Top Ten BEST AIRLINES in the world 2023

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, republic day, Sydney

Events

Celebrate the Many Colours of Home: Holi Festival 2023

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 28/02/2023

Holi, an auspicious festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, is commemorated every year on the day after the full moon. This year, Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 8^th 2023.

Popular even among non-Hindus, on the day of the most vibrant of all Hindu festivals, many gather to shower each other with colored powders while singing and dancing, march the streets, as well as sharing Holi delicacies. Read on to learn more about the history of Holi, what you can do during the day, and the events you can attend here in Melbourne!

History

As with many traditional holidays and events, the festival of Holi has a rich history. Holi is based on the legend of Hiranyakashipu, a mighty monarch who was despised for his harshness and thought of as a malevolent deity. He demanded that everyone worship him, but his own son Prahlada, a follower of Lord Vishnu, refused to do so.

Hiranyakashipu attempted to slay his son several times because of his disobedience, but nothing ever worked. So, he turned to his wicked sister Holika for assistance. Holika was immune to fire, which was a unique ability. In order to get rid of Prahlada once and for all, she deceived him into joining her on a pyre, where she intended to burn him to ash. But her ability was rendered useless by her malevolent motives, and she instead was reduced to ashes. Prahlada, on the other hand, acquired her immunity to fire and was spared. The first day of Holi is hence known as Holika Dahan and represents the triumph of good over evil.

The phrase, “Festival of Colors” is a reference to Lord Krishna’s (Lord Vishnu’s reincarnation), and his youthful mischief. He was very fond of pulling practical jokes on rural girls by dousing them in water and painting them with various colours.

What You Can Do

There are few ways to celebrate Holi, as follows:

Collect and Stack Wood for the Bonfire: People begin gathering wood and other combustible materials for the bonfire a few days before the event. Afterwards, in community centres, parks, or other open areas, the flammable items are assembled into a pyre. A figure of Holika is placed on top of the pyre and set on fire in accordance with the mythology.
Holika Dahan: Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi is commemorated on the first day of the celebration. People congregate around the pyre after dusk, do puja (prayers), and then light it. Around the pyre, people even sing and dance in celebration of the victory of virtue over evil.
Playing with Colors: On the second day of Holi, people gather to douse each other in colours, celebrate, and have fun. Items such as dried paints, water cannons, and water balloons filled with coloured solutions are often used. Many also choose to celebrate by dancing and singing, carrying musical instruments through the streets.

Festivals in Melbourne

Considering the second highest number of immigrants in Australia are of Indian descent, many Indian festivals are also celebrated here in Australia, Holi included. For those unable to travel home this year, here are 2 Holi-related events held in Melbourne that you can partake in and still experience the colourful festivities!

March 5^th 2023: Melbourne Holi Festival of Colors 2023

This event will be full of music, dance, colours, and more! Open to everyone, ticket prices start at $16.91.

Where: Treasury Garden – Lawn 4

Time: 12 PM – 9 PM

March 11th-12th 2023: Holi Festival Melbourne 2023

Expect a day and night event with Live DJs, colours, food trucks, and stalls. Ticket prices start at $22.59.

Where: Ron Barassi, Snr Park

When: Sat 11th Mar 2023, 12:30 pm – Sun 12th Mar 2023, 10:00 pm AEDT

Coming Back Home

Despite the many festivities of Holi happening outside of India, nothing beats celebrating this vibrant of a festival at home. Don’t worry, we have a special Holi-Sale for you! From only $599, you can fly to India this month and celebrate all the warm colours of home. Visit us now at https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home or call us anytime as we are available round-the-clock for you!

Sources:

Festival of Colors in India

Holi Festival Melbourne 2023

Holi Festival Melbourne CBD

How to Celebrate Holi

Melbourne Holi Festival of Colors 2023

What is Holi, And Why is It Celebrated?

The Meaning Behind the Many Colors of India’s Holi Festival

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Source:

Gaura Travel Website

‘Hassle-free’: No RT-PCR test required before travelling to India

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, republic day, Sydney

Media Coverage

Gaura Travel Participation at IABCA 2023

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 24/02/2023

After a strict selection process for a couple of months, Gaura Travel was nominated for the 2023 IABCA Australia India Impact Award. IABCA is the leading alliance that builds awareness and understanding between the peoples and institutions of Australia and India.

During the award submission process, we presented the story of our successful chartered flights during the pandemic, where we successfully reunited over 20,000 families.

The IABCA Australia India Impact Award honors the accomplishments of an organization that brings value to the bilateral relationship. The category rewards enterprises and organizations that expand from Australia to India or India to Australia. As a finalist, we were invited to join the prestigious IABCA event in India and took part in the following activities and events.

Monday, February 13^th 2023: IABCA Mumbai Welcome Dinner
Tuesday, February 14^th 2023: IABCA Delhi Welcome Reception
Wednesday, February 15^th 2023: IABCA Global Leaders Forum and Awards Ceremony
Thursday, February 16^th 2023: IABCA Cultural Day
Friday, February 17^th 2023: IABCA Cricket Day

After all the excitement, it’s time to return to our Head Office in Melbourne, with good memories, an extended network, and a ‘Highly Commanded Award’ under the category of 2023 IABCA Australia India Impact Award (Organisation) under our belt. We would not have won this award without the constant support from our loyal customers. Thank you for trusting Gaura Travel for over 16 years, with you by our side we hope to soar higher than ever before and continue to provide you with your best way home!

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, republic day, Sydney

Travel Guide

Fly Home with No Hassle: No RT-PCR Testing Required for Flying to India

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 15/02/2023

February is a month full of love indeed, with many celebrating with the ones they cherish most, not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the whole month, and even after that!

Seeing the streets lined up with flowers and any other ornaments of love sure makes you want to meet your loved ones in person, be it your partner, your parents, or any other person that makes your heart warm. Every day is a love day and the ones closest to you should be cherished on a daily basis, that’s true – but there’s no harm in a little extra celebration now and again, is there?

Well, we’ve got some good news for those wishing to travel back home to India, as this past Monday the Indian government has announced that passengers travelling through China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan will no longer be required to undergo pre-departure RT or PCR testing. However, the 2% random COVID testing guidelines for all foreign arrivals at the airport will remain in effect. This also includes passengers travelling from Australia.

Please note that all passengers should still ensure their vaccination status is fully up to date before travelling, and that temperature scanning checks are still being performed by health officials at airports. For the benefit of your own health and the health of your loved ones, it’s vital to take these precautions before you travel home to visit your loved ones in person.

This good news has arrived just in time for our Holi-Sale! You can fly home to India from only $599 this month. Visit us now at https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home or call us anytime as we are available 24/7 for you! Come home soon and celebrate love with your loved ones in person.

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Source:

Gaura Travel Website

‘Hassle-free’: No RT-PCR test required before travelling to India

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, republic day, Sydney

Events

Republic Day 2023

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 23/01/2023

Some people might mix up India’s Independence Day with the Republic Day as they both are centered around the event of India’s independence. While the former celebrates the date of India’s separation and independence from British rule, which is held on August 15th each year, the latter commemorates the date that the Constitution of India came into effect, officially turning the nation into a republic separate from the British Raj. This event became known as Republic Day, and is celebrated on January 26th each year.

Every year in New Delhi, a public parade is held along the wide Rajpath avenue to celebrate Republic Day. The 74th Republic Day will be commemorated this year on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

History

On August 15, 1947, India declared its independence from Britain; yet, for the first three years of its independence, the colonial Government of India Act of 1935 continued to play a significant role in the country’s governance.

A coalition government chosen by provincial legislatures set about preparing the constitution that would regulate the newly independent country not long after independence was declared, and finally confirm India’s status as a republic.

As a tribute to the Indian National Congress’ Purna Swaraj (full self-rule) independence proclamation from 1930, which is seen as the first tangible step towards independence from Britain, January 26 was chosen as the formal enactment date.

The DRDO tableau passing through the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade (2013).
Image courtesy of the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Celebrate it at Home

Every year, New Delhi has a Republic Day parade that marches along Rajpath, through India Gate, and on to the Red Fort. Enjoy the fun and excitement of this special event together with your friends and family by your side. Celebrate Republic Day back home by flying with us at the best prices!

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Sources:

How is Republic Day Celebrated

India’s Republic Day: What You Need to Know

Republic Day

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, republic day, Sydney

Flight Deals

Fly Home DIRECT this February with Air India!

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 20/01/2023

Flying home is one of the most wonderful things you can do since visiting your loved ones in person may bring you a valuable warm feeling. However, because home is far away, the journey can be exhausting, with mandatory connecting flights and hours spent on the plane (s).

But there is some good news for you! This February, you can fly direct from Sydney to Delhi with Air India, a reputable Indian airline.

Delhi is at its finest in February, when the weather is at its best. The daytime temperature ranges from 10° C at its lowest to 23° C on average. Flowers are in their peak bloom during this time, and the weather is pleasant, making visiting Delhi a wonderful experience. Not to mention, coming home to Delhi in February means you can also celebrate the Holi festival 2023 at home!

Another reason to come home this February is to watch the most-awaited, Cricket Match! You can check the full schedule here.

On February 17^th, 19^th, 21^st, 24^th, 26^th, and 28^th , you are able to go home from $599 only. Furthermore, no RT-PCR Test is necessary for your travel!

Do not pass up this fantastic opportunity to experience the familiar warmth of home before you even walk off the plane. Seats are selling fast, call us now.

Sources:

Best Time to Visit Delhi

Cricket Match Schedule

India February Weather

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, Pongal, pongal festival 2023, Sydney

Events

Pongal Festival 2023

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 11/01/2023

India is well known throughout the world for being home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural landmarks, as well as its deep ties in tradition. As there are many different religions and cultures throughout India, there are many festivals and celebrations that take place during the year from region to region, one of them being Pongal. It is a time for gathering with loved ones and friends, as well as gift-exchanging to strengthen social ties.

Tamil communities around the world celebrate Pongal, which is a time to express appreciation to the Sun, Mother Nature, and all the farm animals who contributed to a bountiful harvest.

Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year.

Pongal in Australia:

In the six states of Australia, which has a population of over 18 million, there are roughly 30,000 Tamil people, with New South Wales and Victoria having the highest numbers of Tamil residents.

There are more than 10 Hindu temples scattered throughout the states of Australia, meaning Tamils living away from home can still commemorate the Pongal festival, albeit in a less traditional way than those in India.

Key Dates:

The Pongal Festival of 2023 in Australia will begin on 15^th of January 2023 and end on 18^th of January 2023 .

In India, it will be held from 14^th January 2023 to 17^th January 2023.

The Pongal 2023 Holidays Calendar according to Indian dates:

Day 1: Bhogi Pongal (14^th January 2023)

Since Lord Indra, the ultimate deity, is the God of clouds and rains, Bhogi Pongal is dedicated to the Lord of the Rain Indra for the prosperity of their agricultural land.

In some rural regions, Bhogi Mantalu ceremonies are also carried out on the same day. Those who participate express their appreciation to Lord Indra by dancing and chanting hymns to him in front of a campfire.

The fact that bonfires are formed of waste wood from homes and farms gives them significance. In the name of the gods, girls and the women of the home dance and sing around the bonfire.

Day 2: Thai Pongal (15^th January 2023)

It is believed that on this day, the primary Pongal celebration takes place.

Surya Pongal is another name for Thai Pongal. Kolam, a traditionally made auspicious design made of white lime powder and placed at the entrance of the house, marks the beginning of the ceremonial devotion.

The females of the household should do this first thing in the morning and right after taking a bath. Everybody dresses traditionally, accessories, and applies tikkas to their foreheads.

Day 3: Mattu Pongal (16^th January 2023)

The Mattu Pongal festival is devoted to cow worship.

On this special day, the farmers dress up their cows with flower garlands, multicolored beads, jingling bells, and sheaves of corn. They are then brought to the village squares, where everyone gathered to admire one another’s cows and makeovers.

Following that, they are worshipped, and an Aarti is conducted in their honor. Bells ringing and cows with elaborate make-up add to the festive and cheerful atmosphere.

Day 4: Kaanum Pongal (17^th January 2023)

Kaanum or Knau Pongal is the name of the fourth or last day of Pongal. The leftovers from sweet Pongal, coloured rice (red and yellow), betel leaves, plantains, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane, and other items are set in the courtyard and laid on the cleaned turmeric leaves as part of the Pongal ritual on this day.

Simply placed in the middle of the turmeric leaf is the key ingredient—rice. The women of the home gather in the courtyard to pray for the well-being of their brothers and families. This is followed by an Aarti in which holy water is sprinkled throughout the entire house, including the yard.

pongal festival — Pongal customs and celebrations may include ceremonial dances, Kolam creation, cooking sweet Pongal, and cow worship.

Make this Pongal special by spending the days with your family back home! Book a ticket to India this January with flights starting from just $599 and be together with your loved ones. Check out these deals today and make a booking with us.

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Sources:

Gaura Travel Flight Deals

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, Melbourne, Pongal, pongal festival 2023, Sydney

Events

2023 New Year’s Resolutions for a Better YOU!

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 22/12/2022

2023 is quickly approaching, and what better way to welcome it than by making a list of New Year’s resolutions? There’s no better excuse to have a list of resolutions to keep you on track to become a better and happier version of yourself!

As resolutions must be personal and authentic, here are some suggestions to get you started.

Write Your Thoughts

Being overwhelmed by the voices inside your head is a common experience, and you are not alone in experiencing it. Life is not always as simple as we would like it to be and writing down your thoughts and feelings is one method to sort out any confusion in your mind and get a better sense of what’s going on. Furthermore, writing down your thoughts might help you clarify them and urge you to take action.

Start by writing down your New Year’s resolutions on a piece of paper or any media that you are comfortable with! You’ll find that once your resolutions are written down, it’ll become much easier to break them down into smaller achievable tasks.

Visit Your Family More

Striving to become a better son or daughter by visiting your family back home is one resolution that you should consider noting down. There is not a day that passes by without your family missing you and wanting you to come back home to visit them, as children are the most precious treasure that a parent could ever have.

Not to worry, by flying home with us, you will be more than able to visit your family next year! Fly India with us from $599 in 2023, and you’ll be able to give your loved ones a hug and eat some of Mum’s delicious home-cooked food. Here’s to many family reunions in the new year!

Expand Your Universe

Expanding your universe could be one of the new year resolutions that you might consider having. In this sense, it means that you expand what you are familiar with and that you are open to unlearning any ignorant misgivings you may have against others.

One of the ways to do so is by befriending all sorts of people and try to understand their perspectives and their backgrounds. By doing this, you will be able to become more empathetic and open-minded with everything this diverse and multicultural world has to offer.

Volunteer

Some may believe that volunteering is a waste of time because you get to perform a variety of activities without receiving anything in return. However, they have no idea that by volunteering, they would gain a sensation that no amount of money can buy: the feeling of humility and gratefulness from assisting one another to make the world a better place to live. The satisfaction of being able to make a small contribution to the welfare of the world is priceless.

Try making volunteering as a part of your New Year’s resolutions and find out how giving back to your community can help both you and others.

Pay it Forward

Paying forwards the generosity and warmth that you receive from another person can start a great chain reaction of kind actions that can lighten everyone’s load a little bit here and there. Why not aim to be kinder in the new year and strive to make someone else’s day?

When you’re on your way home from work, and a stranger smile at you? Return the smile and attempt to do the same for others.

A sincere compliment from a coworker? Accept it and give them one in exchange! Why not give a compliment to another person you know or even a complete stranger? A simple act of compassion can make a big difference. Let us all work together to make the world a kinder place and start the new year off right.

Overall, the most important thing is to stay happy and healthy – anything on top of that is a bonus! Maintaining your mental and physical well-being is essential, so we hope that these ideas for your resolution list will help you to live a happier and healthier life. Happy holidays, and best wishes for a prosperous new year!

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Sources:

Gaura Travel

The Benefits of Writing Down Your Thoughts and Feelings

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, happy new year, India, Melbourne, new years, Sydney

Events

The best Indian Dishes for the holiday season

Post author By Helen Tsantikos
Post date 22/12/2022

During this wonderful holiday season, we asked our employees what their favorite Indian dish that reminds them most of home was. We came across a variety of Indian meals, ranging from appetizers to main courses to desserts. Feast your eyes on this list of incredibly yummy dishes, recipes and photos included, and get cooking with your loved ones this holiday season!

Mutton Rogan Josh

Recipe

Sauté the whole spices in ghee and prepare saffron milk.
Cook mutton with the whole spices.
Mix yoghurt with saffron milk and other spices.
Add the yoghurt mixture in pressure cooker and slow cook the mutton for 1-2 hours.
Serve with hot steamed rice and naan bread!

Chicken Dum Biryani

Recipe

Slice onions very finely and fry until crisp and light golden brown.
Combine chicken with all marinade ingredients, ⅓ fried onions and ground biryani spice blend.
Rinse basmati rice until clear. Soak ⅓ cup rice in water. Cook remaining rice in rice cooker. For alternative traditional cooking method check our lamb biryani recipe.
Transfer chicken with marinade to a cooking pot. Top with chopped cilantro, mint, half lemon juice, some olive oil, and most of the remaining fried onions.
Add Soaked Rice: Drain and spread it over the chicken.
Final Rice Layer: Layer all cooked rice. Top with remaining fried onions, lemon juice, saffron water and ghee over the rice.
Steaming: Cover with parchment paper, followed by aluminum foil and fit the lid tight over it. Bake in oven for one hour, until steam builds up well.
On Stove top: Alternatively, heat biryani at medium high for 10 to 15 minutes and then simmer at low for one hour until steam builds up well.
Cool biryani for five minutes. Gently mix rice and chicken and serve.

Lassi

Recipe

Fill 6 tall glasses with ice cubes. Place yogurt, ice water, crushed ice, sugar, and salt in a blender; blend until frothy. Pour over ice cubes in the glasses to serve.

Mango Delight

Recipe

Start by peeling and chopping mangoes. Blend it with condensed milk. Do a taste test, we want the puree to be sweeter than you would like. Because this puree will sweeten the cream.
Whip chilled cream in a large bowl until it is doubled but it shouldn’t reach stiff peaks. Save little cream for garnish. Stir in the mango puree in one direction. Avoid over-mixing or deflating cream. Make a layer of biscuit in the ice cream glasses or a dish. We use mango cream between layers. Make sure the mango cream is sweet enough.
Now make a layer of cream at the bottom of a glass dish. You could do this in individual servings too.
Make the next layer of biscuits.
Cover that layer of biscuits with mango chunks. (If your mangoes aren’t sweet consider coating them with 1 -2 tablespoons sugar.)
Pour half of the cream over the mangoes.
Repeat the layer of biscuit and mango chunks and pour the remaining mango cream on it.
Garnish with extra mango slices, and nuts and coconut flakes if you have them. Set the in the fridge for 2-4 hours to set and chill. Before serving place the dish in the freezer for 30-45 minutes. Serve super chilled and enjoy!

Rajma Chalwa

Recipe

Soak rajma overnight and pressure cook till they are soft.
Wash the rajma and allow it to soak in water overnight. Wash it again and pressure cook with 2 cups of water, 1/2 tsp salt and turmeric. Once the rajma is soft and squishy, remove it from the heat and keep it aside.
Chop onion-tomato and make ginger-garlic paste.
Finely chop onions and keep aside, grate the tomatoes, and keep them aside. Make a paste of ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
Prepare the rajma. In a deep bottomed pan, add mustard oil, when it gets heated add green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, clove, peppercorn. Once they become fragrant, add onions, and cook till they are golden brown. Now add the tomatoes and cook on high for 4-5 minutes. Add ginger- garlic-chili paste, cumin powder, coriander powder and black pepper powder. Cook till the spices become fragrant and oil starts leaving the sides of the pan. Now add the rajma and one cup of water. Mix well and cook covered for 10 minutes. Once done, add the ghee. You can garnish with coriander leaves. Your rajma is ready.
Steam cook rice and serve with Rajma. To make steamed rice without using a pressure cooker, wash 1 cup of rice in running water. Then, add them to a large and deep-bottomed pan with 4-5 cups of water in it. You can also add a little salt to it for taste. Once the rice is soft and double its size, strain the water. Spread the rice on a plate and allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes. Once the rice is done, serve hot with prepared Rajma.

All these recipes are well-known and the absolute favorites of most Indian communities. These recipes bring back memories of home and our mothers’ cooking for us Indians. It would be a fantastic idea to demonstrate to our relatives that we have gained some cooking abilities since becoming self-sufficient by moving here.

We can also invite them here, and while we will never be able to repay all they did for us as children, we can try by preparing some of these delicious dishes for them. It is time to appreciate our parents and loved ones by visiting them or inviting them here to Australia during the warm and beautiful days at this time of the year by booking special flight deals at a cheap price from us!

We wish you the happiest holiday season together with your loved ones!

Visit us now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/ and let us provide you with your best way home.

Sources:

Mutton Rogan Josh recipe

Tags Australia, Family, Gaura Travel, India, indian recipe, Melbourne, Sydney

Travel Guide

Importance of being with your family

Post author By chamindikah
Post date 04/08/2022

India is home to billions of people around the world, enriched by incredible cultural diversity with an array of ethnicities, languages and religions. All Indians have their own values and belief systems, but one that we can all share is the importance of family and the powerful role they play in our lives.

What is the impact of being with family?

Generally, Indians place a high value on unity and harmony within their peers, having a strong tie to their families, relatives, friends and community. Having a unified family support system to rely on is a foundation of Indian culture, which is why human touch plays such a powerful role in Indian society, not only for reassurance, but also to emphasize empathy, love and compassion towards each other.

When you live far away from your family you may experience numerous emotions; sadness, loneliness and dejection to name a few. It has been proven that human touch can effectively make a difference on how we feel both physically and emotionally. As a family-tied society, it’s evident that individuals who are able to be physically present and spend time with their families have noticed significant boosts to their overall health and mental wellbeing.

Importance of staying close to your family

Creating precious memories with your family and spending quality time with them is vital to the human experience, and provides numerous benefits to your wellbeing and state of mind. As the old saying goes, there is not an investment wiser than spending quality time with family. In other words, there’s no one else who knows you better than your family and they are one of the strongest sources of comfort, safety and love that you can ever find.

A family bond is a magical spell that soothes you at your worst and celebrates you at your best. A family unit provides you with a group of people who will catch you when you fall, guide and motivate you when you are lost, restore hope when it’s waning and most importantly hold you close and comfort you when you want to cry. A warm hug on a cold day, a meaningful pat on the back for a job well done or feeling your Mom’s hand tenderly squeeze your shoulder; these are just some of the ways that human touch can make an impact on your mood and confidence, and help you feel more connected with your loved ones.

The link an Indian person has with their extended family overseas is often much closer and stronger than most people in Western societies. Despite living abroad, they often have closer ties to their family remaining in India, which shows that no matter the distance, the strong bond between Indian family members can never be weakened.

Reuniting your families together

Our team at Gaura Travel knows how important your family is to you, especially when living abroad in the land Down Under. Over our 15 years of operation, we have been committed to providing you with a smooth and stress-fee journey to reunite with your family back in India. Our top priority is to fulfil our obligation and duty towards you and provide you with the best experience imaginable. Proud to serve as the link between you and your extended family, we work hard to always keep you connected and continue to do our best for you!

See you on your next journey!

Sources:

10 Benefits of Spending Time With Family, https://www.hcf.com.au/health-agenda/body-mind/mental-health/benefit-human-touch, https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture/indian-culture-family, https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indian-culture

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/

Tags Family, human touch, India, Indians, love, mental wellbeing, Reunite Families

Travel Guide

Final Boarding Call For December

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

Omicron classified as a ‘super mild’ variant

With weeks to go for Christmas and the New Year, travellers and families are scrambling to secure last minute tickets to be with their loved ones and explore the wonders of India.

This is not the time to ‘umm’ and ‘aah’. This is the time to grab these seats before someone else does. We have a number of Charter Flights operating in December, so jump on board!

Book with us and travel to India in December and make up for all that lost time.

The December Effect

There is something about December and travelling to India. There is no better way to mark the end of the year than to spend time with loved ones back home, especially when you don’t have to worry about quarantine or applying for exemptions.

Many families in Australia know that this is the time of the year when things wind down. Work, business and the hectic lives we lead…they all pause for a few weeks before kicking off again in the new year.

Just as we did when all borders were closed, this time as well, we have launched a BRAND NEW series of CHARTER FLIGHTS from Australia to India across the following dates:

Friday, 17 December
Sunday, 19 December
Monday, 20 December
Friday, 24 December

Gaura Travel will also directly operate charter flights from India to Australia for the following dates:

Thursday, 16 December
Saturday, 18 December
Sunday, 19 December
Thursday, 23 December

In other words this time of the year becomes the perfect time to fly to India and catch-up with those who have missed you and have hoped for you to be able to make it back home.

And then of course there are those who have had to put their plans of holidaying in India on the backburner. But now even they can bring their great Indian vacation dream back to life.

So hurry, book your seats before it all sells out.

The Omicron effect (or the lack of)

As per South African reports, coronavirus experts in the country are excited to see that the new Omicron variant might be less damaging than the Delta variant.

The Omicron variant is seen to be much milder and is seen to be less lethal in its impact on humans. This means that the world only must cope with a mutant that is showing signs of being far less threatening.

Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister of Australia has already categorically denied the possibility of further lockdowns and has instead urged state leaders to continue on with their reopening plans.

Medical professionals do believe that most Covid vaccines, including the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca jabs, are designed to protect against variants to a certain degree, similar to how they protected against previous variants (Delta, Alpha etc.)

The message is clear – yes, we have a new variant but increased knowledge about its behaviours and keeping the faith in the vaccination rollout and the overall strategy will help us continue with our travel plans with more reassurance on our safety.

Hey travellers, we have dealt with ‘bigger and badder’ villains more effectively; let us not worry about the sidekicks.

Make this a December to Remember

Flights are a ‘go’ and they will take off as planned. But we hope they do so with you on it!

So, call us and book your seats before we run out of them!

We can guarantee you this: every other person on the plane will be vaccinated and will have just returned a negative COVID test. Is that the safest place to be at right now? You bet!

You can reach our knowledgeable team 24/7. We look forward to talking soon!

—

Sources:

https://www.cityam.com/from-covid-curse-to-blessing-coronavirus-experts-relief-grows-as-extremely-mild-omicron-variant-rapidly-exterminates-much-more-deadly-delta-mutation/

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/scott-morrison-says-the-new-omicron-covid-19-variant-won-t-lead-to-more-lockdowns/af25af0d-8f60-44eb-bcf2-2d410d3d04fa

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-10275175/Is-Omicron-variant-dangerous-Covid-19-strains.html

Travelling in 2022 with Gaura Travel

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

Tags AstraZeneca, Australia to India, Charter Flights, Christmas, covid-19, Family, Guara Travel, India to Australia, Moderna, New Year, Omicron, Pfizer, Travellers, Vaccination

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