Hi people! Are you an Indian passport holder? Have you ever wondered what your passport can do for you? Obviously except proving your citizenship!! Tough question, right? You must be wondering ya my passport proves my identity, my citizenship but what else… What is a passport’s power?
So breaking the fact to you, the power of a passport is determined simply by the number of countries it allows you to travel to, without a visa. Exciting, right?
Do you know? An American or a UK passport lets you enter 147 countries without a visa – at best, you simply get a Visa on Arrival. So what about INDIA… what’s the power of an Indian passport… how many countries can an Indian passport holder travel to, without a visa?? The happy news is the count stops at 59. Yes you read it right, our Indian passport can get us a hassle free entry to 59 countries. Further, the second best part of this news is that- all these are low budget vacation destinations, which means not really harsh on your pockets.
Here is a list of top 5 countries you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to travel:
1. NEPAL
Nepal our next-door neighbour has really good relations with us. Under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, we Indians have freedom of movement in Nepal. We can travel, work and live in Nepal freely as can Nepalese citizens in India. This country has a rich culture and some scenic sights to appease our eyes.
Nepal is home to the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest attracting hundreds of mountaineering enthusiasts as it is a Mecca for Mountaineers all over the world. Further Nepal boasts of a rich architectural heritage with places like the Pashupatinath Temple, the Durbar Square, the Royal Palace – Narayanhity in Kathmandu to be included in the must visit list. It houses some of the nicest people in the world who welcome you with a smiling face, trying to make your trip memorable.
That’s not over yet, it is also a shopper’s paradise with cheap accessories and products offered there. So, friends aren’t these good reasons enough to make a trip to this country.
#TravelTip : Do not forget to carry with you either of these two documents : Passport or Election Commission Card.
2. BHUTAN
The tiny landlocked country bordering India, and the world’s happiest country, Bhutan, has scenes straight out of a dream. The mesmerizing beauty of this little country can leave you awestruck.
The country’s capital Thimphu is best known for its Buddhist sites and greenery. The huge Tashichho Dzong, a fortified monastery and government palace with gold-leafed roofs, Punakha Dzong the Riverside palace from the 17th century to Tiger’s Nest in Paro, Bhutan is home to some jaw-dropping sites.
3. MALDIVES
The island country is a slice of heaven in the Indian Ocean having good terms with India. It boasts of one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling experiences and is a great way to experience the fascinating underwater life filled with the vibrant denizens of the coral reef. The pristine beaches lull you into a daze and demand for you to leave behind your troubles and enjoy.
#TravelTip : A Visa on Arrival for a maximum of 90 days is offered to Indians for their trip to Maldives. They must carry documents for the next destination, like return or onward flight tickets, including Visa for the onward country. Two photographs and proof of accommodation are also a must.
4. INDONESIA
This beautiful south-east asian nation is home to many ethnic communities speaking different languages and having a vibrant culture. It is well known for beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. Sounds exciting, right?
Bali and Jakarta, sounds like familiar names, can you recapitulate where did you hear them last? No, then let me remind you Jakarta is the city of this country which hosted Asian Games recently. And Bali is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Even Chotta Bheem went to Bali for adventure. These are two bustling Asian cities.
If you’re in Indonesia then you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Ubud, the cultural hub and also visit Mt. Batur, an active volcano.
Enjoy the sun on the white sands that ensure you leave with beautiful memories and memorable experiences to be preserved for the rest of your life.
#TravelTip : You must show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Indonesia, in addition to carrying confirmed flight tickets for the return or onward destination. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Indonesia.
5. MAURITIUS
Mauritius boasts of beautiful beaches and a mountainous interior. The Black River Gorges National Park consists of waterfalls, hiking trails and rainforests. You can spot a flying fox too here! Ganga Talao is a crater lake deep in the heart of Mauritius.
You must visit Chamarel, it is a small village known for its seven coloured layers of sand. This destination features on the list of most sought after tourist destinations in the whole world however when in Mauritius, you’ll never feel like it’s crowded. This place can be a doze of joy to your body and soul.
#TravelTip : Indians can get their Visa on Arrival for a maximum stay of 60 days, provided they hold a confirmed booking for accommodation in Mauritius, a sponsorship letter, a confirmed booking for return flight and sufficient funds for expenses during their stay.
What are you waiting for peeps, pack up your bags and unfold the hidden treasures in these unseen lands!
