Sunday, May 29, 2011

Tips to visit Mauritius [My special recommendation]


Mauritius will enchant you, will uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. Your stay at Mauritius will remain engraved in your memory forever.

MUST SEE PLACES :-

Views: For a spectacular 360-degree view of Port Louis and the north, climb Le Pouce or ‘the thumb', at 812m (2,664ft). It is an easy 2-hour climb from the village of Petit Verger (near St. Pierre), and takes another 2 hours to walk into Port Louis.

Tour the Moka mountains by quad bike, horse or 4-wheel drive at the accessible 1,500-hectare (3,700-acre) nature park of Domaine Les Pailles. Travel to the sugar mill and rum distillery by train or horse-drawn carriage before dining in one of four restaurants.

Deep sea fishing: Mauritius is ideally positioned for game-fishing. Depending on the time of year it is possible to catch Blue or Black Marlin , Sailfish , Wahoo , Yellow fin Tuna , Giant Trevally , Dogtooth Tuna , Bonito , Dolphinfish, Sharks and many more. The majority of the Big game fishing boats are well equipped with VHF radio, mobile telephone, G.P.S navigation system, radar, radio telephone, safety equipment, Penn International reels, life jackets, medical kits, fire extinguishers, flares, and all related fishing equipment such as fighting chairs and rods (usually 9). You can choose between half day and full day fishing trips . Big game fishing is best on the west coast of Mauritius because the currents swirl around the foot of Le Morne, creating a marine environment attractive to bait fish, which in turn attracts the larger fish. Boats usually accommodate up to 5 anglers and full day trips typically include both breakfast and lunch in the price.

Head to Grand Baie, for watersports such as parasailing, an underwater walk, submarine and semi-submersible scooters, or to La Cuvette, a long beach with clear water between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux, for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing.

Full day sightseeing tours: Go on one of the full day sightseeing tours and see many beautiful sights of Mauritius. Choose between: Mauritius North Tour, Mauritius South & Southwest Tour, Mauritius South West Tour, Mauritius South-Chamouny Tour, Mauritius South-East Tour and Mauritius Complete Tea Route tour

Safari Jeep Trips: The Safari Jeep trip takes place in Yemen natural reserve park on the West Coast of Mauritius. It hosts two of the longest rivers on the island – Rivière Rempart and Tamarin River – and is a haven for all sorts of native and exotic wildlife. The actual size of this natural reserve is of around 4500 hectares. The Yemen Park is the setting for Safari trips where you will have a thrilling ride and will be able to see many beautiful animals such as Zebras, ostriches, African antelopes, Java deer, monkeys, ducks and geese, and will see extraordinary panoramic views of this breathtaking part of the island.

Safari Quad biking Trips: Experience an adventurous Quad biking activity in the most amazing natural setting! quad-biking activity in the 4,500 hectares of Yemen natural reserve park. More than a quad bike outing, it is a trip through a real safari. During the trip it is possible to see deers, zebras, ostriches, African antelopes, wild boars and many more; this a very big added bonus to this activity

Swim at the northern beaches such as Trou aux Biches, shaded by casuarinas, Mont Choisy, a 2km (1.2-mile) narrow white stretch of sand curving north from there, and Péreybère, a little cove between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux.

Scuba diving: When you dive in Mauritius you can explore coral reefs, multi-colored marine life, ship wrecks dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, or some ships sunk more recently which create beautiful artificial reefs. There are numerous dive sites strewn all around the island. One of the well-known and popular dive sites in Mauritius is the Cathedral, which is located off the Flic en Flac on the western coast of Mauritius. Other dive sites in Mauritius include the Whale Rock and Roche Zozo that is an underwater rock pinnacle, and the submerged crater near Ile Ronde. Mauritius is almost completely encircled by a barrier coral reef which is home to many sponges, sea anemones and a variety of brightly colored fish such as Damselfish, Trumpet fish, Boxfish and clown fish, as well as the orange Mauritian scorpionfish. Most of the dive sites are located on the west coast around Flic-en-Flac or in the north, at Trou aux Biches or at the Northern Islands. The best time to go diving is from November to April with very good visibility underwater. The Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) can provide further information.

Watch dolphins up-close in their natural habitat off the western coast (Tamarin) of the island.

Speedboat rides are available from Trou d'eau Douce to the popular island playground of Ile aux Cerfs for beaches, golf and watersports. Or, for a quieter day, a catamaran to the Northern Islands - Gabriel Island, Flat Island and Gunner's Quoin.

Hiking and Trekking in Mauritius with breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and forests. Enjoy a hiking trip through the fields, trekking on a zip line or on a bike, and discover this magnificent nature paradise Mauritius being a volcanic island has several breathtaking summits and valleys to explore on foot. You can visit the Black River Gorges National Park, a 6,794-hectare (16,788-acre) forest, to see indigenous plants, birds and wildlife. Black River Peak trail goes to Mauritius' highest mountain, while the Maccabee Trail starts nearby and plunges into the gorge to Black River.

Mauritius Tandem Skydiving" Experience a 10,000ft skydive in Mauritius. Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight and a visually awesome Tandem Skydive. Tandem skydiving refers to a type of skydiving where a student skydiver is connected via a harness to a tandem instructor. The instructor guides the student through the whole jump from exit through freefall, piloting the canopy, and landing. The student needs only minimal instruction before making a tandem jump.

Horse racing: The Mauritius horse racing club commonly called the Champ de Mars was founded in 1812, making it the oldest horse-racing club in the Southern Hemisphere. Horse racing is the most popular sport in Mauritius, and you can expect to have about 30,000 visitors on each race day. The horse racing season usually starts in April and ends in late November. There are an average of 9 and a maximum of 12 horses per race. On average some 60 horses participate on each racing day. It is highly recommended to go and experience the electric atmosphere of horse racing in Mauritius. For those interested it is also possible have a VIP treatment in one of the VIP suites while enjoying snacks and drinks and a clear view of the race from your private balcony

Lunch For an adventurous lunch of roasted wild boar, duck or deer curry with one of the best island views, try Domaine du Chasseur's alfresco Panoramour Restaurant. This domain is the best place to glimpse the Mauritius kestrel in the wild.
** WARNING -
There is a steep hike up the hill from the car park to the restaurant. The restaurant offers a 4wd taxi service which is free if you eat one of their overpriced meals, but if you only want a cup of tea or desert they will slug you an outrageous 230 Rupee per person, for the 5 minute ride. **

Parasailing For those looking for a fun sea-air activity, you can try parasailing. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking bird's eye view of the beautiful lagoon and beaches. The parasailing begins with a short safety briefing. Then you will be taken by boat to the launch pod where you will take off and start the parasailing. No steering is actually necessary as the sail follows the course of the boat

Water Ski Water-skiing is one of the most popular water sports in Mauritius. You can enjoy water skiing along several of Mauritius’ coasts or in a few of the lakes. The best area for water skiing is considered to be the north area of the island, along the coasts, where the lagoon provides full protection from the big waves of the open sea and offers ideal water skiing conditions of very calm sea

La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes The park which is home to various species of animals, reptiles and plants is set in a beautiful rain forested valley with natural freshwater springs, full of prawns and fish. It is commonly referred to as ‘The Crocodile Park', for its thousands of Nile crocodiles. It is the only place worldwide to breed aldabra tortoises. There is also a mini zoo of Mauritian fauna where you can find most of the Mauritian mammals and reptiles including skinks, phelsumas (geckos), tortoises, turtles, bats, deer, mongooses, monkeys, pigs, as well as domestic livestock such as goats, fat-tailed sheep and donkeys. At the park shop, you'll find crocodile belts and other crocodile goods.

Swimming with Dolphins: Go on a speed boat trip and swim with Dolphins in the open sea. You can choose between 2 hours trip, half day and full day trips where you will get to swim with the Bottlenose Dolphin and the Spinner Dolphin, which have made of the West Coast of Mauritius a place for them to rest before going to the deep sea for their fishing.

Walk with Lions & Cheetahs Experience: A one-on-one encounter with Lions and Cheetahs! Feel the adrenaline rush, the sense of excitement and know how it is to be so close to these amazing creatures. From the moment you meet the lions, your adventure shall begin. Under the coolness of the trees you can take pleasure in viewing the lions from very close, see them playing and hopping on the rocks of the river banks and scaling the trees. The lions roam freely amongst the participants giving them the unique opportunity of being in close contact with them.

Rodrigues Island Tiny, rugged, volcanic it lies 550km (340 miles) northeast of Mauritius and is known as the ‘anti-stress' island. The capital, Port Mathurin, is only seven streets wide, with a Creole population. Rodrigues offers walking, diving, kitesurfing and deep sea fishing.

Tamarind Waterfalls The Tamarind Falls (also known as Tamarin Falls) are a beautiful attraction of the southwest of Mauritius. These falls are awkward to reach, but no doubt, it's worth the effort. Tamarind Falls on the Interior portion of the island is an incredible string of about 7 waterfalls surrounds by green mountains and is tucked away beyond a sugar cane filled. Bring something to swim in as the are numerous pools beneath certain falls to take a dip in. There are some spots that require getting a little dirty and some traction on your shoes, but it is well worth it. First time visitors would be advised not to go unguided. No doubt this is one of the most beautiful and calmest places in Mauritius, and one of the best places for nature and animals lovers, and for finding exotic plants and birds.

Blue Safari Submarine see the wonderful underwater tropical fish without even getting your feet wet. Going underwater to 35 meters depth on board of a real submarine. You will get to visit a shipwreck, explore the rich coral reefs, and observe and encounter various species of fish. The submarine is air-conditioned with fully transparent-glassed cabin so you will enjoy exceptionally clear panoramic views of the extraordinary underwater world. At 35 meters undersea, you may see some rare species and will explore the underwater world just like on any other traditional safari

Underwater Submarine Scooter Adventure Pilot your own underwater scooter by yourself or as a couple to 3-4 meters depth in full safety. Comfortably seated one behind the other, you breath freely and naturally in a broad common, transparent and panoramic cupola which allow you to discover and to enjoy full the view of the reef and marine life, while communicating all along with your partner. You will receive full briefing about the easy control of the underwater scooter, and will be equipped with a diving suit for warmth and full safety

Sea Kayaking is a great way to explore the fine greenery of the lagoons, or the open waters of the Indian Ocean. It is possible to find wide range of sea kayaking trips and packages from breezy, calmer routes, to a few days trip surrounding the island in the deep ocean waters. This is also possible to have a kayak trip to any of the small islets surrounding the main island such as Ile D'Ambre Island.

Shop Mauritius is not at all like Bali or Thailand. Don't expect the local merchants to be interested in a long bartering game. Many shops will not come down on price at all and even at the markets don't expect more than a 10 -20% discount. There are bargains to be had however. Many large brand names in the textile world are manufactured in Mauritius and you can often find over runs or slightly flawed items at a fraction of the European prices. It is also a good place to find unique designed jewelery, wide range of hand crafts such as: artificial flowers, model boats, wooden art and more. It is possible to reach the main shopping centers by public transportation, or to take a full day shopping tour which includes a driver to take you to the main centers and handcrafts workshops.

Rock climbing: Rock climbing on the South West coast of Mauritius. You will get to experience rock climbing in a beautiful setting Of the Belle Vue Cliffs, where the caves of "La Pointe aux Caves" are nestled and in close proximity from the famous lighthouse of Albion. This a great outdoor sport where you will learn the basic techniques of knots, safe climbing and rock progression from Mauritius’ top professional guides. As part of rock climbing excursion you will be trained on some breathing exercises to maximize climbing performance over rock faces and cliffs

Canyoning: For those seeking more adrenalin and thrill, canyoning is your ideal excursion, which challenges you to abseil down the steep walls of the canyons using nature watercourses and canyoning gear. The canyoning is offered in few locations in Mauritius. The Canyoning (known also as canyoneering) in Mauritius consists of traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and/or swimming


" HOPE YOU DON'T MISS IT "

Best International Honeymoon locations


If love seems to be multi-faceted experience for every couple, so is a romantic vacation! Ask somebody what a perfect romantic getaway is and you are likely to come up with thousand options. But, then, at the end of the day, it's only one thing that couples look up to, i.e. the idea of togetherness. The idea of taking a stroll along sun kissed beaches or snuggling in front of a fireplace is something that lives through ages. When you are in love, then you may feel a deep desire to proclaim it clear and out. Whether you want to make it known snorkeling with underwater creatures or shout at the top of your voice from the top of a mountain, there are innumerable honeymoon destinations to choose from. Since your honeymoon trip is just as significant as the destination, here is a list of some great romantic places that'll help you create enough memories for a lifetime.

1. Rome
Romance is in air! Well, there’s a bit of magical spell in the air in spite of the big city life of Rome. Starting from the classical mythology to the festive mountains and seductive gardens, Rome has everything that a romantic couple can eye on. Some accommodation ideas that you can count on include- Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Portrait Suites, iQ hotel Roma, Palm Gallery hotel to name a few.

2. Mexico
Mexico is a hit amongst newly weds eyeing on spending some precious moments in each others company. The warm weather is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The best part about this destination is that people on a tight budget can also enjoy its beauty. Some of the accommodation options that you can count on include- Las Brisas Acapulco, Grand Mayan Acapulco, Banyan tree cabo marques, The Fairmont Pierre marques to name a few.

3. Tahiti
A paradise for honeymooners, the island summons you with sun kissed and pristine beaches, thatch roofed hideaways and serene villages. Nothing can be more romantic than boating or snorkeling with your partner or relaxing at the Polynesian massage centers. Even on your return you are likely to miss the warm hospitality of your Tahitian hosts. Some accommodation ideas that you can count on include- Manava suite resort, InterContinental resort, Hotel Tahiti Nui, Radisson Plaza resort to name a few.

4. Venice
If it’s an arranged match then possibly you didn’t get the right moment to profess your love to your partner. Well, now that you are planning for a romantic trip, why not choose Venice as your destination? This indeed makes an ideal place to make your partner know the hidden passion inside you! Some of the accommodation options that you may count on include- Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Al Ponte Antico hotel, Hotel Antiche Figure, Hotel Canada Grande, Hotel Bucintoro, Ca’ Pagan, to name a few.

5. Paris
The romantic city of light is flooded with joy and zest. From refined to rustic, you’ll find everything here! Be a part of your desired risotto and don’t forget to relish their dessert soon after a sumptuous meal. Be it the sunset cruise or the Luxembourg gardens, there’s a bit of romance in all! Some accommodation ideas that you can count on include- Jays Paris, Hotel Luxembourg Parc, Hotel Le Six, Hotel Gramont Opera Paris to name a few.

6. Hawaii
The lush green landscapes, a huge sea mountain, alpine meadows as well as rich rain forests. The island is a feast to the eyes and helps you with a tropical extravaganza. Some accommodation ideas that you can count on include- Four seasons resort Hualalai Ka’upulehu, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and bungalows, Mauna Kea beach hotel, Kona village resort to name a few.

7. Las Vegas
Honeymoon in Las Vegas is a mix of live entertainment along with precious intimate moments in midst of the dazzling lights of the city. The place is one of the popular romantic destinations in USA. From hotels to the trendy restaurants and casinos the options are plenty. The city won’t disappoint anyone who is willing to enjoy the buzzing and electrifying environment.

8. Caribbean
Move away from your city life and spend some moments close to your partner on a Caribbean cruise. You are likely to experience life on the high seas and sail past some of the great islands.

9. India
From the backwaters of Kerala to Taj Mahal, the monument of love, India makes one of the ideal honeymoon destinations. Those interested on skiing can go in for the slopes in Manali whereas those who love partying can go in for the Goa beaches. Some accommodation ideas that you can count on include- ITC group of hotels, Taj Bengal, Oberoi group of hotels to name a few.

10. Bahamas
Bahamian Goombay, Calypso music, rocking nightlife as well as coral reefs are some of the astonishing attractions that will make you fall for Bahamas. The other attractions include eighteenth century villages and the rich cultural heritage. To make the most of your honeymoon, you may plan your stay at a cottage close to the shoreline. The other accommodation options are as follows- Rock house, St. Francis resort, Powell Pointe resort, Shannas cove resort, Cape Santa Maria beach resort, Lofty fig villas to name a few.

Best Honeymoon locations within INDIA


The hectic wedding ceremonies must have worn your energy levels out. You two must be looking for an ideal escape from all the humdrums and noise post-marriage. Well, just don’t hurry unless you have a well designed honeymoon travel plan. There are many romantic destinations in India that offer excellent opportunities for romantic getaways. But, it’s always better to select one place that can tickle your senses and add to your pleasant honeymoon experience. If you are planning a honeymoon tour in India, you can take into consideration its top destinations. A list of top 10 honeymoon destinations has been compiled to help you in your search of an ideal honeymoon location.

According to survey reports and popularity votes of the honeymoon couples, the top 10 honeymoon places in India are:

* Andaman and Nicobar Islands
* Lakshadweep islands
* Darjeeling
* Srinagar
* Manali
* Jodhpur
* Shimla
* Kerala
* Ooty
* Goa

About Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
Island destinations are always preferred for their richness of natural elements and Andaman and Nicobar Islands is no different in this sense. It is an ideal place for romantic honeymoon getaways.

The beauty of this island destination is eye catchy. Its beaches are the best spots for the honeymoon couples to cuddle and bask in sweet memories. The air is so fresh that one can stay rejuvenated all through the day. The monuments and museums are interesting for any tourist, who is in love with the place. In this one of the top 10 honeymoon destinations in India, you can travel with your partner to Cellular jail or fisheries museum. Other sites are also worth visiting.
VISIT : [www.andamanisland.in]

About Lakshadweep islands:
Many romantic couples choose this Indian island destination for honeymoon holidays. The beauty of crystal clear sea beds catches their fancies. The backdrops of swaying palm trees and sandy beaches fascinate them to spend their romantic moments here. This island abounds in rich marine life and its atmosphere is also very clean. The newly wed couples can visit famous attractions like Shark Point, Manta Point and The Wall. Besides, the adventure loving couples can give try to yachting, snorkeling, fishing and diving.
VISIT : [www.lakshadweeptourism.nic.in]

About Darjeeling:
Darjeeling is one of the best hill stations in India and has made its place among the top 10 honeymoon spots for featuring spectacular romantic sights. From this wonderful hilly area, you can relish the thrilling views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and Himalayan ranges. The snow topped peaks make for pleasant sights. You two are sure to find this sight quite refreshing. In addition, you can make visits to popular attractions like Ghoom Buddhist Monastery, Zoological Wildlife Park, Tiger Hill and Botanical Garden. You must not forget to take your partner to its sunset point.
VISIT : [www.mustseeindia.com/Darjeeling]

About Srinagar:
Srinagar is an attractive lake city and a favorite choice of many honeymoon couples. This splendid hill station is surrounded by the exciting views of Himalayan Mountains and architectural masterpieces designed in Mughal style. The sparkling lakes dotted with houseboats make for more fascinating sights. In this paradise of lovers, you and your spouse are sure to have unparalleled moments of fun and enjoyment.
VISIT : [www.mustseeindia.com/Srinagar]

About Manali:
Manali is again a famous honeymoon spot and has entered into top 10 honeymoon destinations’ category for its matchless scenic beauty. It is the best place to adore the glory of descending clouds and dense forests. The chirpings of exotic birds and snow covered hills enhance the beauty of this destination a bit more. In this charming town, you can visit Hadimba Temple and Club House. The club house is best known for arrangements of billiards games, skating rink and library. There are restaurants and bars also. You must explore the hot sulphur springs in Manali. It is the specialty of this romantic place.
VISIT : [www.manalihoneymoon.com]

About Jodhpur:
This city in Rajasthan is highly acclaimed for its royal palaces and forts. This fortified city has 8 entry points. The best season to visit this honeymoon destination is said to be the months of October and March. The newly weds like to see the havelis, palaces and forts here. The picturesque gardens also make for interesting romantic points. You and your sweetheart can pay visits to its popular attractions like Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jaswat Thada and Old clock Tower.
VISIT : [www.mustseeindia.com/Jodhpur]

About Shimla:
The top 10 honeymoon locations list includes Shimla also. This hill station is favored for its salubrious weather and smooth connectivity to major travel destinations in India. The romantic couples prefer to take leisurely stroll in this city to bask in the glory of valley flowers, thick forests and snow-topped mountains. The outdoor skiing and golfing opportunities also make for interesting pastime. Apart from this, the main tourist highlights of this hill city are Jakhoo Hill, St. Michael's Cathedral, Sankat Mochan temple, State Museum and Lakkar Bazaar. In Lakkar Bazaar, you can buy your sweetheart beautiful souvenirs.
VISIT : [www.shimlaindia.net]

About Kerala:
The top 10 honeymoon spots in India will be empty without Kerala. This is an enchanting backwaters destination. Its natural surroundings and easygoing lifestyle create magnificent mood for romance and love. In this part of Kerala, you will get a choice to visit countless beach places, of which Kovalam deserves special mention. This beach destination is dotted with countless cottages and restaurants. You and your spouse will have fun with picnic lunch. You can try spa therapies and yoga also to stay rejuvenated and fresh.
VISIT : [www.keralatourism.org]

About Ooty:
Ooty is a mesmerizing honeymoon destination and you would also vouch for the same after spending few days here. This is a splendid hill station where many bollywood movies have been shot. In this elegant town, you will come across charming tea gardens, thick jungles and majestic mountains. In addition, you will enjoy your trips to Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens and Sandy Nallah here.
VISIT : [www.ooty.net]

About Goa:
Goa is undoubtedly counted among the top 10 honeymoon places of India. Popular as city of sea, sun and surf, Goa attracts its travelers to heritage sites, churches, temples and museums. The long array of beaches also makes for interesting points for the honeymooners. In addition, if you like to party, Goa is indeed the perfect choice for you and your partner.
VISIT : [www.goatourism.gov.in]

Tips for buying a new car


We all dream to own a car someday. Now that you have decided to buy a new car, naturally you are excited. Buying a car is a big investment but it can be rewarding too if proper homework is done.

Your endeavor should be to get a fair deal-right car at right price. To ensure this you must do thorough groundwork and must be crystal clear about certain things in your mind. Our car buying tips will facilitate you to reach on the decision.

Don't buy a car with a preconceived notion: Don't buy car in a huff. Before buying a car gather all the relevant information such as technical specifications, mileage etc. from various sources-Internet and/or dealers. With loads of reliable information available you should first go for a virtual car shopping. This will help you in taking an informed buying decision.

Many people go for buying a car with a preconceived notion for or against a particular car. Avoid falling into this trap and go for buying a car with an open mind after considering all the pros and cons of the car.

Decide your priorities: Different cars come with different plus points. Some have great pick up, some give high mileage, some have additional safety features, some are economical to maintain and so on. Before buying any car you should be very clear about your priorities regarding the car i.e. whether you want great pick up or high mileage. Also keep other factors in your mind such as the size of your family and the seating capacity of the car.

Decide your budget: The foremost factor in deciding which car you buy is your budget. Decide what is the maximum limit that you can afford to spend on buying a car. If you are buying a car by availing a car loan then decide what is the maximum EMI that you can afford on your present income. Buying a car also involves hidden costs like insurance, registration, fuel and maintenance. So also factor in these expenditure in your monthly income while deciding on the amount of EMI.

Petrol car v/s Diesel car: Both petrol and diesel cars have their own advantages and disadvantages. As compared to petrol engines, diesel engines are more economical; and have better pull in the gears thereby reducing the need for gear changing. But diesel engines have slower pick up; high maintenance cost; and result in extra vibrations and noise under acceleration.

On the other hand petrol engines are quieter, have greater pick up and cheaper to service than diesel engines. Recent advances in technology have enabled diesel and petrol engines to overcome most of their drawbacks. Turbo-diesel, modern direct injection, and common rail systems have greatly enhanced the performance of diesel engine. Petrol engine technology too has made impressive advancements with improvements in torque, bhp and mileage.

So give a considered thought to all these factors before deciding to buy a petrol or diesel car.

Trade-in v/s private sale of old car: If you are buying your new car in lieu of old car, there are two options before you. Either you can trade-in your old car for a new car or you can sell your old car on your own and use that money to buy a new car. Both the options have their pros and cons.

You may receive a higher price if you go for private sale but it would require additional work as you will have to do the paperwork and title transfers on your own. On the other hand trade-ins are easy because the dealers do all the requisite paperwork but it would fetch you 10-20 percent less price than if you were to sell it privately as dealer would also keep his cut. Generally speaking if your car is in good condition it is better to go for private sale and if your car is in rough condition you should opt for trade-in.

Negotiate the price: Once you have zeroed on the car you want to buy, it is time to negotiate the price. Shop around before entering final negotiations. Carry out a survey of different dealers to see if you can get a better price. It is quite possible that some dealers may have a special offer on the model you desire.

If you are going for a trade-in always negotiate the on-the-road price of the car first. Once you have settled that only then go for discussing the possibility of trading in your old car. Salesmen will always ask about the trade-in first, so that they can factor it into the deal, hence try to keep it out of the equation as long as you can.

Take a test drive: Before finalizing the deal always take a test drive to get the feel of the car. Make sure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the car. Check that there is enough leg space, luggage space, steering is not too heavy et al.

Finalising the deal and signing the paperwork: As buyer of the car you need to ensure that all the legal forms should be filled in completely and submitted to the right authorities. You have to register the car with the Regional Transport Office. Following documents are required to be submitted to the RTO:

# Application for new car registration or Form 20
# Photocopy of the invoice, insurance policy, ration card or telephone bill as proof of address.
# Original Sale Certificate or Form No 23, Sales Tax Receipt, Octroi Receipt
# Pollution Under Control Certificate from the manufacturer or Form No 22
# Letter from the financier, in case you have taken a loan to purchase a car, addressed to the RTO asking them to endorse their lien on your car registration certificate book or Form No 34
# Your PAN number
# Imprint of your car's Chassis Number

Tips to plan the perfect first date


There is a saying that "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression." With that in mind, it is vital to be fully prepared to make a great impression on each date you go on. Here are 10 tips for men on dating success and making an impression that will last.

1. Take a Bath or Shower
One of the worst things you could do when going out on a date (especially if it is your first date) is to turn up unshaven, looking dirty and smelling. Women are the cleaner of the species and will partly judge you on how hygienic you are. After all, you would be appalled if she turned up for the date looking like a mutt dog with tangled fur that hadn't bathed for days.

It doesn’t cost anything to take a bath and to make an effort to look and smell nice. Remember, bad breath and body odor are an instant turn off and she will assume that this is how you are all the time even if you are just having a bad day. As a result, she won’t be able to see beyond your appearance.


2. Arrive on Time
Whatever you do, don’t turn up late. Turning up late will send out all the wrong impressions. At first she may think she's been stood up, but after arriving late her opinion will change to you being unreliable or not caring enough about her to be on time. If you are picking her up from her home then it is advisable to turn up five minute before you are due. Any earlier and you might catch her adjusting her makeup or still getting ready. Five minutes early is the earliest you should arrive. But never be late.


3. Give Her a Thoughtful Gift
A woman feels special when the man she is with gives her a thoughtful gift. What is a thoughtful gift? Well, you obvious know some things about a woman before a first date that came from phone conversations, emails, etc. Take what you know and buy her an appropriate date gift. For example, let's say that the woman really likes golf. There are companies that make chocolate golf sets - a miniature chocolate club with a chocolate tee and chocolate golf ball. This would make a great first date gift. For a generic thoughtful gift, buy a chocolate rose. That's always appropriate without being overboard.


4. Be a Gentleman
Hold the door open for her, let her walk through the doors first, pull her chair, and be polite to her along with the people around you. Women like to feel special and by treating her like a lady she will think you are fantastic.


5. Compliment Her
The first thing to say to her is you look beautiful before you even ask how she is. Keep up the compliments throughout your date, but do not go over board (3-4 for the night should be more than enough). A woman loves to be complimented, to feel beautiful and to think that you are attracted to her. The more sincere and observant your compliment, the bigger impact it will have. But remember again not to go overboard. More than four compliments may make you appear fake and not real.


6. Listen to Her and Ask Questions
Nobody wants to spend the whole night listening to someone talk about themselves. But you do have to get to know each other. Ask her questions, but more importantly listen to what she has to say. A woman is attracted to a man who is genuinely interested in hearing what she has to say. Spend a lot more time asking her questions and letting her talk than talking yourself.


7. Prepare for the Conversation
The last thing you want is to be sitting at a meal with nothing to talk about. Think about your date and what you would like to know about her. You may think that it is easy to talk and that you will not run out of questions to ask or that you will automatically have the answers but until you are in the situation, you have no idea what it will be like. Avoid talking about past relationships or other women while on the date. Keep your focus, attention, and conversation fully on her.


8. Pay for the Date
It's virtually always appropriate for a gentleman to offer to pay for the date. When a man takes it upon himself to pay for the date, he is displaying that old act of "chivalry" that is missing from many men these days. However, some women feel more comfortable going "dutch" and if she insists on this, then don't resist. To avoid awkwardness, make sure you let her know before the date that you plan on paying for it.


9. The Goodnight Kiss
Some women prefer not to kiss after a first date, while others may be disappointed if the guy doesn't even try. There is no easy answer to this question. Body language and chemistry throughout the night is key in the decision you make. If it feels right, then you may want to consider making the move. If it doesn't feel right then a friendly hug may be more appropriate.


10. I'll Call You
Only tell her that you will call her if you mean it and intend on seeing her again. Do not, under any circumstances, tell her you will call her if you are not interested and have no plans to call her. In this case, when saying goodbye, just say, "It was nice meeting you" and wish her luck. Or you could just say good night, smile and walk a way. But if you do like her and are interested, then you must let her know.