Categories
Events

10 Navratri recipes you shouldn’t miss!

The nine days of worship to Goddess Durga, starting on 26th September and running until 5th October, is the best time to celebrate the blessings and good vibes for peace, happiness and prosperity for your family and loved ones! It is believed that whoever worships Goddess Durga with pure heart and devotion will have all troubles taken out of their lives, while finding peace and joy to cherish.

On this auspicious season, as you worship nine different forms of the Goddess Durga, celebrate the Shardiya Navratri or the victory of good over evil with delicious Navratri Vrat recipes after observing your fast. Traditionally, in this is the auspicious period, most Hindus keep away from alcohol and non-vegetarian food, as well as from grains, onion and garlic. Devotees choose to fast in this manner as a way of paying gratitude to the Goddess Durga and gives them a chance to get back to their roots and deviate from the daily goings-on.

As Navratri 2022 is just around the corner, let’s check out the 10 most popular dishes that we can prepare for this Navratri!

Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana, more commonly known as sago, is processed plant starch extracted from the cassava root. High in carbohydrates, it’s a perfect energy-boosting meal, ideal for fasting. Made with sago, peanuts, curry leaves and mild spices, Sabudana Kichdi is classified as one of the best fasting foods commonly eaten during Navratri by the traditional Hindu community anytime, whether it’s for breakfast or a light dinner.

Kuttu Ka Dosa

If you are a dosa fan, this is one of the Navratri recipes that you don’t want to miss! Also known as ‘Falahari Dosa’ or ‘Vrat ka Dosa’, this dish is a great food option for people who avoid eating kuttu or buckwheat in fried pooris or pakoras. Quick to prepare and gluten-free, this meal is widely considered as a great dietary option, with the delicious potato filling providing a good source of protein, iron and zinc. Cooking up this crisp dosa with mint and coconut chutney would make anyone’s day!

Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa

Spending the evening of Navratri without enjoying these delicious samosas would simply be incomplete! This is the best tea-time snack to enjoy, with the goodness of a Navratri twist, while fasting. Singhare ke atte ka samosa is a crisp, triangle shaped snack prepared with water chestnut flour, arrowroot powder, spiced chironji, and sendha namak, along with many more spices. You can enjoy this mouth-watering snack with coriander chutney and experience many health benefits including low calorie consumption, low stress levels, reduction in blood pressure and more.

Aloo ki Kadhi

Soak in this delicious, yummy kadhi with potato pieces and soothe your taste buds! Aloo ki kadhi is a delightful curry made with potatoes, chilies, singhare ka atta and many spices, making it a great lunch for the Navratri festival. Make your Navratri more special and healthier while fasting with this delicious curry.

Makhana Kheer

Who doesn’t love eating festival desserts, especially on Navratri? Makhana Kheer is one of the most popular sweet dishes in the Navratri feast. This low-fat sweet is especially popular during fasting, making it the perfect dessert to indulge in. Not only served as dessert after a great dinner, Makhana Kheer is also offered as a prasad for the pooja. This yummy dessert, made with milk, sugar, makhana or puffed lotus seeds, chopped pistachios and almonds with cardamom powder, is the perfect dish to fulfil your sweet payasam cravings.

Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ka Dosa, Makhana Kheer, Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa

Banana Walnut Lassi

This creamy yogurt drink with walnuts, banana and honey will make your Navratri day a healthier and more energized one! This nourishing drink can be easily made at home and consumed as a sweet, chilled beverage while fasting during Navratri. Boost your energy for whole day with a banana walnut Lassi!

Vratwale Chawal ka Dhokla

Full of flavour, this gluten-free delicacy is a perfect accompaniment to any Navratri feast! Vratwale ka dhokla or Sama ke Chawal ka Dhokla is a healthy and delicious steamed cake made with little millet, tapioca pearls, as well as tempered whole red chilies, cumin, ghee and curry leaves. Spongy and light with amazing flavours, this recipe is a must have for your Navratri feast. Paired with some vrat ki chutney, you would find it hard not to have an extra piece on your plate this feast!

Kebab-e-Kela

Have you ever tried spiced, vegetarian banana kebabs, flavored with ginger, coriander, green chili and aromatic spices? If not, this is the perfect time to try this delicious festival snack, that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Vratwale Paneer Rolls

Grated paneer with potatoes, sendha namak, spices and some raisins to add sweetness, all pan fried together with ghee. Aren’t these crisp, golden-brown rolls making your mouth water? These tasty paneer rolls are just one of the delicious recipes that you can serve as a mid-day snack during this Navratri festival. Enjoy this delicious treat with a sprinkle of mint leaves and chaat masala!

Vratwale Khatte Meethe Aloo

Sweet and sour in one perfect dish! Vratwale Khatte Meethe Aloo, made with potatoes cooked with a hint of lemon and chilies, is one of the most special and delicious fasting dishes that you’ll never want to miss from your Navratri feast bucket list. This dish offers a great balance of flavors, giving your taste buds an irresistible experience!

Navratri is not only about taking the troubles away from your life, but also allowing your body to detox all negative energies around you. Together, let’s pay gratitude to the goddess Durga this Navratri fasting season, while adding more positive energies to our lives. We hope these recipes will fulfill both your food cravings and health goals this Navratri!

This festival season, we are here to bring you to your loved ones back in India. We know that without having your family and loved ones by your side, Navratri simply wouldn’t be complete. That’s why we’re offering numerous Flight Deals to reunite with your loved ones to celebrate this festival season together.
Find more festival season flight offers now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/
We will see you there and sending our early wishes for a blessed Navratri to you all!

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


Sources

Shardiya Navratri 2022: Navratri Significance, History And 9 Days of Navratri Devi Names – India Times
15 Best Navratri Vrat Recipes | Popular Fast Recipes | Easy Vrat Recipes – NDTV Food
Sabudana Khichdi (Non-Sticky & Fluffy) – Swasthi’s Recipes
Kuttu Ka Dosa – Your Food Fantasy
Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa Recipe: How to Make Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa Recipe – Times of India
Low Fat Makhana Kheer – NDTV Food
Vrat ka dholka or Sama ke Chawal ka Dholka – Ruchis Kitchen



Categories
Flight Deals

Pick the best airline for you!

When choosing your flight home, we all know that the price is the most important thing – reuniting with your loved ones after so long should never put you out of pocket! But what many people don’t know is that the airline you choose to fly with can be equally as important for a comfortable and stress-free journey. Different airlines can offer different onboard services and amenities, as well as different baggage allocations and requirements, so it’s important to get all the know how and choose the airline that will best suit you. Check out our extensive guide on the different airlines we offer with our exclusive Flight Deals and book your next flight with confidence!


Qantas

Travellers who fly with Qantas can expect a range of benefits for often no extra cost! For the light flyers or those who simply wish to save on luggage costs, Qantas Economy Standard tickets offer 20 kg of check-in luggage. You can also experience all the comforts of home while in the air, including a complimentary in-flight entertainment system, onboard amenities and delicious meals that suit your dietary requirements. For those who know they’ll be doing a lot of shopping on their trip, rest assured that for an extra cost, travellers can upgrade to Economy Plus which allows an extra 10kg of luggage, for a total of 30kg check-in allowance.

Here’s a cost-effective tip for the savvy traveller: with our Mix and Match flights, you can book an Economy Standard ticket and fly to India with a lower luggage allowance to save costs, then select an Economy Plus ticket for the trip back, so you can fill up your bags with goodies from home!

To check out our Flight Deals with Qantas Airlines, click here.

Scoot

Scoot is known as a low-cost airline carrier specializing in flightsacross Asia. While Scoot may be low-cost, that doesn’t mean low-quality, as with most other airlines Scoot offers a range of amenities and services. Travellers can enjoy in-flight entertainment and regular meals on their flight home and back. Offering 20kg of luggage on an Economy Standard ticket, Scoot Airlines is recommended for those who travel light and like to keep on the move. Being a Singapore-based airline, many of Scoot’s flights operate through Changi Airport, which is also known as one of the world’s best airports with a variety of fun attractions to explore. (Want to know more? Check out our detailed guide on Changi Airport here.)

Scoot’s main aspiration aside from keeping costs low for its passengers, is sustainability and eco-friendly travel. As a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, Scoot supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which they maintain by working hard to minimize carbon emissions of their aircrafts as well as giving back to local communities.

To check out our Flight Deals with Scoot, click here.

Singapore Airlines

Known as one of the top airlines around the world, Singapore Airlines focuses its travellers’ experience solely on the five senses – sight, smell, sound, taste and touch, offering the best possible in-flight experience for all, with in-flight entertainment, delicious meals, comfortable plush seating and even a soothing, signature scent created with a range of floral notes. Despite appearing as a luxury airline, Singapore Airline’s ticket prices are more than affordable for the average traveller and even include 30kg of check-in luggage with an Economy Plus ticket at a reasonable price. Along with Scoot, Singapore Airlines also operates a majority of its flights through Changi Airport, giving you yet another excuse to extend your flight transfer time and enjoy a mini vacation on your way home.

To check out our Flight Deals with Singapore Airlines, click here.

Air India

Last but certainly not least on our list is Air India! Offering you the comforting feeling of home, even before you step on the plane! With multiple options for check-in luggage allowances, in-flight entertainment, vegetarian meals and much more, Air India is a top contender amongst airlines for Indians around the world. You can rest assured that Air India’s friendly crew will always be around to help you with any concerns and questions you have about your flights, from the airport check-in to going through customs in India.

To check out our Flight Deals with Air India, click here.

Now that you have the know-how, you can book your flight home in confidence! Rest assured that with Gaura Travel, your satisfaction is our number 1 priority. It’s our mission to ensure you have the smoothest, most comfortable flight home possible. Choose the best airline for your needs and book your flight home to see your loved ones for Festival Season today!

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel this year. Find more Festival Season flight deals now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/
We will see you there and sending our wishes for a happy Festival Season to all!

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


Sources
Why fly Qantas – Qantas
Our Approach to Sustainability – Scoot
Our Promise To You – Scoot
Elevated Travel Experience | Singapore Airlines
Economy Class – Air India



Categories
Travel Guide

Masks mandates no longer in effect on domestic and international travel

Due to the ongoing pandemic, mask mandates during air travel have become the norm, often to the annoyance and discomfort of travellers everywhere. Well, ‘The Great Unmasking’ is now here!
As of September 9th, Australia’s Federal Department of Health has advised that masks are no longer required during air travel.  As a result, all flights travelling to Australia on or after 12.01am on 9th September 2022 (AEST) will no longer require its passengers to wear a face mask during the duration of the flight.

This change will affect all domestic flights within Australia, as well as international flights travelling to Australia. There is an exception to this, however, as different destinations may have their own mandates and requirements, certain flights travelling from Australia will still require the wearing of masks for the duration of the flight. Therefore, the Department of Health advises that travellers should be aware of the local requirements and restrictions of their destination prior to their departure.

On all Qantas flights enroute to London, Rome and the USA, mask mandates during air travel have been lifted. In addition, all flights operating through Singapore Airlines will also no longer require its passengers to wear masks, however this may also depend on the destination of your flight. While flights operating to and from Singapore, the USA, the UK, France, Switzerland, Thailand and New Zealand do not require its passengers to wear masks, travellers are advised to check the requirements of their planned destinations and follow the local health advice accordingly.

Domestic airlines have been encouraging passengers to wear facemasks on local flights since May 2020, and in the year following the federal government ruled it as a mandatory requirement on all domestic flights from and within certain states and territories. However, since mid-June this year, airports across Australia have announced that wearing masks is optional, and now that this choice has spread to within the aeroplane itself, travellers will be overjoyed knowing that they will be able to fly comfortably to the land Down Under.

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel this year. Find more Festival Season flight deals now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/
We will see you there and sending our wishes for a happy Festival Season to all!

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


Sources
Masks are no longer needed on domestic, international flights – Executive Traveller
Singapore Airlines drops mask-wearing rules – Executive Traveller



Categories
Events

10 Must Eat Foods This Festival Season

It’s the most joyous time of the year for Indians of the world! Festival season is here and in full swing, a time where families come together and celebrate their culture, religion and history through performing a variety of rituals and traditions. One of the most important aspects of any Indian festival is of course, the food! From sweet to savoury and everything in between, let’s have a look at the top 10 must eat foods this Festival season!


Barfi
Let’s start the sweets off with Barfi! Made with milk powder, sugar, ghee and garnished with nuts, Barfi are a must have for your Festival feast! Sweet with a slight nuttiness and a melt in your mouth texture, Barfi is a familiar flavor we all know and love and no Mithai platter would be complete without them!

Kaju Katli
Directly translating into cashew slice, Kaju Katli is a traditional sweet cut into diamond shapes and decorated with edible silver colouring. Made with cream, sugar and ground cashews, it’s a sweet treat that is pretty to look at as well as delicious!

Gajar Halwa
A traditional North Indian dessert, Gajar Halwa is made by simmering grated carrots with milk, sugar and ghee. Although it directly translates into “Carrot Pudding” in English, this classic sweet has no eggs but rather is thickened naturally by cooking down the ingredients together for a long period of time until thickened. A favourite for many Indians, Gajar Halwa is a must have during Festival Season!

Gulab Jamun
A classic Indian sweet, often referred to as the Indian donut, Gulab Jamun is made by frying balls of dough made with milk solids and flour, then soaking in a sweet sugary syrup scented with rose and cardamom. Loved by kids and adults alike, this sweet is essential for Indian festivities and is a great recipe to make together with your loved ones!

Soan Papdi
A very popular Indian sweet ideal for any occasion, Soan Papdi is made from chickpea flour, ghee, sugar and milk, amongst other ingredients, and often topped with pistachios and almonds. Known for its flaky and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this treat is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!

Kaju Katli, Gajar Halwa, Gulab Jamun, Soan Papdi

Samosa
Starting off strong with the savory foods, we can’t forget Samosas! Samosas are small, triangle shaped, pockets of pastry stuffed with mouth-watering ingredients including minced meat, grains, curry potatoes and vegetables as well as different kinds of spices to add both flavour and colour. An all-time favorite traditional Indian snack, whichever festival you celebrate, it’s not complete without samosas.

Aloo Tikki
Aloo tikki are small, patty-shaped potato cutlets which are well-known as one of the indigenous snacks to the North Indian subcontinent. There are a few ways to call this tasty snack, as it is also known as Aloo Ki tikkia, Aloo ki tikki and Alu tikki. It’s prepared using boiled potatoes, peas, herbs and various authentic curry spices and served with a mint or yogurt dipping sauce. This is one popular street food snack that you’ll never want to miss!

Pakora
Deep fried spiced potato and onion fritters coated in seasoned chickpea batter…aren’t you craving it already? Of course you are! When it comes to Festival season, this street food is a must have. Most Indian restaurants around the world serve pakora as an appetizer, so you can get your fix any time of year.

Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Vada is a kind of chaat originating from Karnataka, which are soft lentil fritters dunked in creamy yogurt and topped with chutney, then garnished with spices, nuts, and pomegranates. This is one of the most popular street foods eaten around India, which melt in your mouth and will satisfy your sweet, spicy, and salty cravings.

Poha Chivda
One of the most delicious snack mixes around, Chivda is a popular Indian snack made with a mix of flattened rice called poha, spices, curry leaves and nuts. This is eaten as a tea-time snack all year round and is made for festivals including Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi. However you prepare your chivda, whether in a thin, thick or medium texture, it’s a healthy snack that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Samosa, Aloo Tikki, Pakora, Dahi Bhalla


Festival season is the time to enjoy good foods, good friends and good vibes! With our list of favourites, you can make sure you tick off the essential foods on your Festival season bucket list. Reinvigorate your mental taste buds and get your appetite ready for a delicious festival feast!  

Missing home? Let us take you back home to your loved ones in India this Festival season. We know that without having your family and loved ones by your side, Festival season simply doesn’t feel complete. That’s why we offer numerous Flight Deals to reunite you with your loved ones, so you can celebrate the various festivities the best way – together.

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family & friends with Gaura Travel this year. Find more Festival Season flight deals now at: https://gauratravel.com.au/flight-deals/
We will see you there and sending our wishes for a happy Festival Season to all!

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


Sources
Diwali Food: 23 Things to Eat During This Beautiful Festival
Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar Ka Halwa
How To Make Milk Barfi Recipe | Cook With Nabeela
Soan Papdi Recipe | Awesome Cuisine
Poha Chivda Recipe | Swasthi’s Recipes



Categories
Travel Guide

Changi Airport – A Transit Metropolis

Formerly claiming the top spot on the SKYTRAX World’s Top 10 Airports and even now sitting comfortably in 3rd place, Singapore’s Changi Airport is known as one of the best airports in the world, renowned for its cleanliness, shopping, facilities and seemingly endless supply of entertainment. While an airport in both name and function, Changi also offers numerous attractions and activities for travellers to enjoy, so much so that many travellers often plan mini vacations within the airport itself rather than simply transfer to their next flight straight away. Let’s go on a tour through Changi’s facilities and figure out what exactly makes this airport so special!

Entertainment + Attractions
No airport in the world has Changi beat in terms of entertainment! Movie fanatics can enjoy a flick or two at either of the free 24-hour movie theatres located in Terminal 2 and 3. For the gamers out there, Terminal 4 also boasts an impressive Entertainment Deck where travellers can play their favourites on Xbox and Playstation. Travellers with an interest in art and history also have the opportunity to check out an impressive array of sculptures and exhibits, including the Kinetic Rain and Social Tree interactive exhibit, located in Terminal 1 and the Central Piazza. Little ones will be delighted by the numerous indoor playgrounds found within Terminals 1 and 3, the latter boasting the island’s tallest slide! For those looking to recharge and observe some greenery, travellers can check out the Cactus and Sculptural Tree Garden in Terminal 1, Interactive Enchanted Garden in Terminal 2 and even a two-story open-air Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3! Changi even has something to offer for those with some extra time and itching to do some sightseeing, operating 2-hour city tours at night for travellers at no extra cost. Finally, if you’re simply wanting to have a seat and surf the net, Changi Airport offers free Wi-Fi for all guests, so you can browse, stream and more to your hearts content.


Food + Drink
Travellers will never go hungry in Changi Airport! With over 150 restaurants and eateries spanning multiple different cuisines at different price points, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.  The International Food Hall, located in Terminal 4, hosts nine mini-restaurants, offering anything from fast food to fine dining. There’s also the Food Emporium which focuses on Asian and Singaporean dishes, as well as the Heritage Zone where travellers can sample classic Singaporean hawker stall favourites such as chicken rice, curry chicken and more. Most eateries are open 24 hours, so you can get your fix at any time during your travels.

Changi Airport


Hotels + Spa
Exhausted from your flight and looking to rest and recharge? Changi has you covered!
Each terminal sports its own transit hotel, offering overnight and day rooms. Don’t want to book a hotel? No worries! There’s plenty of lounges available throughout the airport, offering food, drinks, Wi-Fi, TV and more for a fixed entry price. Some lounges even offer shower facilities and nap rooms at an extra cost, so you can board your next flight feeling refreshed and energized. Fancy a swim or workout? Grab a pass to the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and shower facilities at the Aerotel Transit Hotel for a small fee. And finally, for those looking for a relaxing spa treatment and pampering, Changi offers a wide range of health and wellness spas as well as beauty salons throughout Terminals 1 to 3.


Shopping
Reflecting the enthusiasm for shopping held by the locals, Changi Airport is a shopaholic’s paradise! Sporting over 400 shopping and duty-free outlets, Changi is often regarded as one of the country’s hottest shopping destinations. With an array of stores spanning from clothing to souvenirs to electronics, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs. Why not stop by Asia’s largest Nike store and create your own custom-designed shoes? Or perhaps you’re looking to snag some bargains at the DFS Wine and Spirits Duplex? Have an interest in drones? Why not take one for a test flight at E-Gadget? Keen to bring some authentic Singaporean delicacies back home? Asia Favourites, Bee Cheng Hiang and Taste Singapore are waiting for you! Even for those only quickly passing through the airport to transfer to the next flight, worry not, as travellers can visit iShopChangi and buy their preferred items online prior to their flight and pick them up at their chosen departure terminal.


So, now that you know all about what Changi Airport has to offer, why not experience it for yourself?
Book your flight home today to visit your loved ones and experience a wonderful mini vacation in one of the world’s top airports along the way!


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 this year. Find all available flights options with us.

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

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


Sources
Singapore Changi Airport – Visit Singapore Official Site
Singapore Changi Airport Guide – Tripsavvy
15 Things To Do On A Layover at Singapore Changi Airport – Sleeping In Airports
Changi Airport – Wikipedia



Categories
Answering your Frequently Asked Questions Featured

Why fly with Gaura Travel?

At Gaura Travel, our priorities start and end with you! We dedicate ourselves to working hard to provide you with the best experience possible on your flight home. But what exactly does this entail? Here you’ll find the top reasons why our valued customers pick us as their number 1 travel choice for finding their flight home, and why we are so dedicated to doing what we do.

How we offer the best service through our values

We pride ourselves on being driven by our values – convenience, trust, customer experience, and the overall value we can provide to our customers. Hailing from India ourselves, our team understands the hardships and difficulties that come with being separated from your family. What’s more, with visa and entry requirements always changing, we know that the process of travelling to and from India can be daunting and confusing, which is why we are committed to helping you experience the smoothest and most stress-free journey possible. Your convenience is our top priority!

On top of utilizing the most sophisticated technology to help you find the best flights at the best prices, we also offer you customization in selecting your direct and return flights, allowing you to put your comfort first and experience your best way home. With our Mix and Match flights, you can customize which airline you travel with, baggage requirements, flight connections and more. After all, we all know about the struggles of returning home with your suitcase heavier than before you left!

Our dedication and hard work has allowed us to be accredited by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is not just an endorsement to our service, but also a reward we gain for your valued trust. If you should ever experience any hiccups or bumps on the road on your journey home, you can always rest assured that we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, only a phone call away. Our highly knowledgeable staff are well versed in all things travel and will be there to support you wherever you go, no matter the time of day. Basically, we never take a break, so you can!

Why we do what we do  

Over our 15 years of operation we have flown 1.5 million passengers and reunited over 20,000 families and counting. Seeing your smiling faces as you happily embrace your family members after months, years or even decades apart fills us with the determination to work even harder to fulfil your travel dreams. We are dedicated to you and your experience while travelling to see your loved ones, and we always look forward to being a part of your stories. Making precious memories with your loved ones is essential to the human experience, so let us help you fulfil that goal and reunite with your family today.

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/

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



Categories
Events

India’s 75th Independence Day 2022

Vande Maataram!

This year marks a massive milestone for our beautiful nation as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our glory of victory and independence from British rule.  Though it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been an incredible journey as we’ve come to grow into one of the strongest nations in the world. Known as a historic and momentous occasion, Independence Day is an event that all Indians throughout the world can celebrate, especially those living in Australia, which houses the second-largest group of overseas-born migrants in the world.

Independence Day events in Australia

You might be worried about missing this big day to celebrate the glory of your nation, but rest assured! There are many events taking place throughout the country, from cultural performances to exhibitions, galas and more. Read more below to find out about local Independence Day events taking place in your city this August.

Independence Day Blog content Image
Independence Day in Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Locals of ACT can witness the raising of the tricolour flag at the High Commission of India in Canberra, with the ceremony starting at 9am on August 15th. Later in the week on the 20th, celebrate with fellow members of the Indian-Australian community at the Weston Community Hub, where you can witness incredible stage show performances as well as art competitions and sample a range of tasty food. Festivities will take place from 4 to 9pm, and leave you brimming with Indian pride.

New South Wales

It’s all happening in NSW! Locals can enjoy an incredible exhibition of India’s finest textiles dating back to the 19th century at the Charkha and Kargha Exhibition at Powerhouse Museum Ultimo, which will start on the 13th. Later that same day kicking off at 7:45 pm, The Council of Indian Australians Inc will be throwing an India Day Dinner consisting of a luxurious three course buffet dinner and numerous stage performances at the Grand Royale Function Centre in Granville. On the 15th Sydney’s Consulate General of India will also be commemorating Independence Day with the annual hoisting of the Indian flag. Finally, share the love at the Australia-India Friendship Fair on the 21st, held at Prince Alfred Square in Paramatta, where fun and festivities await.

Victoria

VIC residents rejoice, for there’s a vast number of events for you to enjoy! This year’s Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will kick off on the 12th and run until the 30th , giving movie lovers a real treat to look forward to, with cricket star Kapil Dev and actor Amitabh Bachchan starting the festivities with a hoisting of the Indian flag. On the 15th Indians and Australians alike can witness the annual raising of the Indian flag at the Consulate General of India at 9am sharp, and celebrate with delicious food, drink and fun later in the week on the 20th at the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, where the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria will be throwing a multicultural gala for locals to enjoy.


Queensland

Festivities in Queensland will commence with the India Day Fair, held at the Amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane, where locals can enjoy a variety of festivities such as parades, live music, stage performances and of course delicious food. Later in the day the festivities continue at Centenary Heights State High School in Toowomba with a flag hoisting ceremony followed by cultural performances and the opportunity to try lots of delicious authentic Indian cuisine. Finally, on the 15th, the Honorary Consulate General of India will be holding its own official flag hoisting ceremony to officially commemorate and celebrate Independence Day.


Western Australia

Residents of WA will enjoy a fantastic evening at Sangam 2022, held by the Indian Society of WA at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will feature a celebration of Indian music, with classical, folk and Bollywood dances to enjoy. On the 15th, Perth’s Consulate General of India will be holding the annual flag hoisting ceremony at 9am.

South Australia

Finally, in SA locals can experience a truly fascinating cultural event held at the Scott Theatre in the University of Adelaide. The Cultural Program, provided by the Indian Australian Associations of South Australia, will kick off at 1:30PM on the 14th, where locals can witness the flag hoisting ceremony as well as watch an educational cultural program with patriotic songs and enjoy a plethora of refreshments.

Here at Gaura Travel we hope you have a wonderful Independence Day and celebrate Indian pride with your friends, family and loved ones. Find out more about your local Independence Day events here:
What’s on – Indian Link

If these events aren’t quite what you’re looking for, why not experience the real deal and fly back home to India this August? Let us help you get there and have the best Independence Day experience with your loved ones.

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/

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

Sources
India at 75: Independence Day events in your city – Indian Link

What’s on – Indian Link

India’s Independence Day 2022 – OnlyMelbourne

Indian Independence Day – Cultural Infusion



Categories
Travel Guide

Best Airports to travel to?

We all know that India and Australia have their fair share of airports. What’s more, is that India is known as the third largest domestic civil aviation market in the world right after the USA and China. With that knowledge, let’s dig deeper to discover the best airports in-between our target destinations of India and Australia.

Best Airports in India

Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages India’s main airports including 11 international airports, 81 domestic airports, 8 customs airports and 25 civil enclaves at defence airfields, which not only connect the cities, but also provide convenient and comfortable stopovers on your journey. At Gaura Travel we provide you with an array of affordable air travel options to the best airports throughout the country.

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Best Airports in India

New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport

Most of our outbound flights connect to different cities in India through Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi, which is known as the busiest airport in India, as well as 6th busiest airport in Asia and 12th busiest airport in the world. This year, Skytrax World Airport Awards has awarded the Delhi airport as the best airport in India for the forth time in a row.

Not only does the airport offer a world-class shopping and dining experience, it is also one of the cleanest airports that you can find in South Asian region, maintaining its hygiene and cleanliness to a high standard. All this and more has allowed the Delhi airport to cement its rank in the world’s top 50 airports.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

CSMIA is known as one of the busiest and best airports in India, located north of downtown Mumbai. The airport was awarded with ‘World’s Best Airport in 2017’ and titled as ‘Best airport in India and Central Asia’ due to its services and convenience and accessibility to its passengers.

Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Chennai International Airport is located in the state of Tamil Nadu and is formerly known as Madras Airport. During the Covid-19 pandemic period, a majority of our Gaura Travel repatriation flights connected to the domestic flights at Chennai airport, as it currently acts as a hub for domestic airlines. Chennai airport is known as one of the busiest international routes connecting multiple locations across South Asia.

You can experience a wide number of services at Chennai airport including tourist and railway information booths, duty-free shopping, dining, currency exchange, security checks and much more.

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

In addition to New Delhi and Mumbai airports, Kempegowda International airport is acknowledged as the third busiest airport in India, located in Bangalore, Karnataka. The airport prides itself by being the first fully solar-powered airport operating in Karnataka and the 29th busiest airport in Asia. Voted as the ‘Best regional airport in Asia and Central India’, you can experience a range of cuisines, shopping, concierge services and more, all in one place.

Best Airports to travel in to Land Down Under

As Australia is known as the biggest country in the Southern Hemisphere, air travel is generally regarded the quickest and most efficient method of transportation both domestically and internationally. There are a vast number of airports in Australia with incredibly innovative design and architecture, as well as countless amenities and services at your disposal.

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Best Airports in Australia

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is the second busiest airport in Australia after Sydney airport, serving more than 35M international and domestic passengers each year. A majority of international and domestic airlines feature deluxe lounges at the terminals in Melbourne Airport, where you can experience all the luxuries and comforts of a high-class hotel before boarding your flight.

Ranked as one of the top 10 airports in the world, you can experience world-class services such as duty-free shopping and dining, luxurious stayover hotels, and extensive facilities that provide comfort and convenience to its travellers.

Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is the busiest airport Down Under, located in Australia’s largest city, Sydney. It features a range of amenities such as business and first-class luxury airline lounges, a variety of world-class branded shops and restaurants, and provides easy connections to public transport so that you can experience all this great city has to offer with ease.

Acting as a hub for a majority of international and domestic flights across the country, the number of passengers travelling through the airport increases substantially each year. Because of this, plans to expand Sydney airport have been implemented, so that in years to come there will be more of this iconic airport to enjoy.

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is the largest airport in Australia, as its location in Queensland is known as one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. In a year it caters to more than 20 million tourists and features a variety of services including world-class dining and shopping. Like other major Airports, many airlines such as Emirates and Qantas offer luxury lounges for their travellers, allowing them to relax and unwind. Brisbane Airport is also renowned for its friendly airport staff, offering a warm welcome to all passengers excited to travel Down Under.

We offer numerous flights with major airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air India and many more where you can easily access all these incredible airport destinations. You can find more information regarding travel restrictions and requirements on the official airport websites. Plan your trip with Gaura Travel and experience the best of the best when it comes to deals this year.

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/

We’ll see you at the airport! Visit us: https://gauratravel.com.au/

Sources: https://travelobiz.com/best-airports-in-india/ , https://www.newdelhiairport.in/ , https://csmia.adaniairports.com/ ,https://www.chennaiairport.com/ , https://www.bengaluruairport.com/ , https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/ , https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/ , https://www.bne.com.au/ , https://traveltriangle.com/blog/airports-in-australia/

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Flight Deals

In Over 2 Years, First Tourist Flights Land in Australia.

It is a great day, smiling faces fill Melbourne’s airport. As families reunite and excited travellers wait to explore Australia. Fully vaccinated travellers have been allowed to set foot in Australia and say G’day.

We made it to the other end Australia! The borders are finally open, marking a significant milestone for the nation. International flights will be increasing as individuals choose to travel Down Under. Australia is delighted to welcome fully vaccinated tourists from Singapore, Phuket, Auckland Delhi, Doha, London, Dubai, and Tokyo.

The tourism and aviation industry has been waiting for this moment for over 2 years and is thoroughly joyed to see flights full of international travellers. Individuals visiting their families overseas couldn’t be happier to see their loved ones in Melbourne airport.

In hopes of jumpstarting international travel, Tourism Australia is investing over $40 million on their campaign ‘Don’t go small, go Australia’ to showcase what tourists can expect when they travel Down Under

“As an industry, we haven’t had the summer period we were hoping for, however, in this industry there is always a point in which things start to turn around and today is that point,” said Ms. Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Virgin Australia Group.

Tourism Australia data shows that about 9.5 million international visitors had landed in Australia in 2019 before the border closures which put the tourism and aviation industry at a standstill. The decreased international arrivals since the border closure in March 2020 are expected to increase. “In the next 24 hours some 56 flights are going to touch down in Australia and that number is only going to grow”, a former managing director of Tourism Australia, said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated “We are going from COVID cautious to COVID confident when it comes to travel” which is a sign of progression and a breath of relief. Nevertheless, China, one of Australia’s biggest tourism markets will be absent as Chinese travellers are not yet allowed to visit Australia. “That’s why we’re focusing our campaign on those markets that are open to travel to Australia,” Mr. Morrison said.

So far, so good.  Australia has come a long way dealing with snap lockdowns and borders closures, and it is set in stone that we are moving forward in the right direction.

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/

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Flight Deals

Flights from India to Australia are open and operating normally

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 14th 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

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/