Delhi Metro's Tourist Smart Cards: Explore the Capital with Ease

Delhi Metro's Tourist Smart Cards: Explore the Capital with Ease

By Author

Published on September 9, 2023

In anticipation of the upcoming G-20 summit, Delhi Metro is rolling out a special offering for international visitors and delegates - the 'Tourist Smart Cards.' These cards are tailor-made for travelers looking to explore the vibrant capital city of Delhi and will be available for a limited time at selected Metro stations.

Starting from September 4th, 2023, for a period of ten days, Delhi Metro is extending its hospitality to G-20 delegates and international tourists by offering the 'Tourist Smart Cards.' These cards are designed to simplify travel for those eager to discover Delhi's famous tourist attractions during their stay.

The 'Tourist Smart Cards' will be obtainable from dedicated counters at select Metro stations. These cards come in two categories: One-Day Validity and Three-Day Validity. Priced at Rs 200, the One-Day Validity card provides unlimited access to the extensive Metro network, while the Three-Day Validity card, available at Rs 500, offers the same benefits. Both options also include a refundable security deposit of Rs 50.

One of the significant advantages of these cards is that they grant holders unlimited travel within the Metro network. This means you can explore the city from the first train of the day until the last one, without worrying about penalties or surcharges related to entry/exit mismatches, overstay, or overstepping.

Delhi Metro, known as India's largest metro network and one of the world's largest, conveniently connects to most of the capital's prominent tourist destinations. From the iconic Red Fort and the historic Jama Masjid to the magnificent Akshardham Temple and the serene Kalkaji Temple, travelers can effortlessly reach these attractions by using the 'Tourist Smart Cards.' For those who need additional assistance, the 'Delhi Metro Rail' app offers a comprehensive network map and a dedicated 'Tour Guide' section, listing all nearby stations and tourist spots.

Stations with dedicated Tourist Smart Card counters for the period September 4th to September 13th, 2023:

  1. Kashmere Gate

  2. Chandni Chowk

  3. Chawri Bazar

  4. New Delhi

  5. Rajiv Chowk

  6. Patel Chowk

  7. Central Secretariat

  8. Udyog Bhawan

  9. Lok Kalyan Marg

  10. Supreme Court

  11. Lal Quila

  12. Jama Masjid

  13. Delhi Gate

  14. ITO

  15. Mandi House

  16. Janpath

  17. Khan Market

  18. JLN Stadium

  19. Jangpura

  20. Lajpat Nagar

  21. Barakhamba Road

  22. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg

  23. Jhandewalan

  24. Indraprastha

  25. South Extension

  26. Sarojini Nagar

  27. Chhatarpur

  28. Qutub Minar

  29. Hauz Khas

  30. Nehru Place

  31. Kalkaji Mandir

  32. Akshardham

  33. Terminal 1 IGI Airport

  34. Karol Bagh

These 'Tourist Smart Cards' are not just a convenient way to travel; they are your gateway to exploring the treasures of Delhi with ease. So, if you're visiting Delhi for the G-20 summit or simply want to experience the city's rich heritage, grab your 'Tourist Smart Card' and embark on a memorable journey through the heart of India's capital.


Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

Operation Sindoor Disrupts Air Travel: 27 Airports Closed, Over 400 Flights Cancelled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

As part of Operation Sindoor, commercial flights have been suspended at 27 airports across north, west, and central India. The move has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 430 flights cancelled across carriers like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.

To ensure safety, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new advisories mandating heightened airport security across the country. All passengers are now required to undergo Secondary Ladder Point Checks (SLPC), and visitor access to airport terminals has been suspended until further notice.

Aviation authorities have also instructed airports to ensure that all CCTV systems are fully functional and have directed the deployment of air marshals based on priority and random selection.

Airlines have issued urgent travel advisories.

  • Air India posted: Passengers are advised to arrive at airports at least 3 hours before departure. 

  • SpiceJet posted: Check-in closes 75 minutes prior to flight. and Akasa Air urging passengers early arrival and limiting cabin baggage to one handbag up to 7 kg.

  • All passengers must carry valid government-approved photo ID for airport entry.

List of Airports Closed under Operation Sindoor:

Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishangarh, Patiala, Shimla, Kangra-Gaggal, Bathinda, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Halwara, Pathankot, Jammu, Leh, Mundra, Jamnagar, Hirasar (Rajkot), Porbandar, Keshod, Kandla, Bhuj.

According to flight tracking services like Flightradar24, the airspace over India’s western corridor from Kashmir to Gujarat, currently shows minimal civilian air traffic, highlighting the scale of the shutdown. Airports are expected to resume commercial operations by 5:29 AM on Saturday, May 10, but travelers are urged to stay updated through airline channels.

Passengers are strongly advised to recheck flight schedules, plan ahead, and cooperate with the enhanced security procedures to ensure smooth transit during this sensitive period.


A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

A Royal Wedding in the Tropics: How Indian Couples Are Making Thailand Their Celebration Hub

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

In a time where celebrations are becoming more meaningful and curated, Indian couples are making a clear choice: Destination weddings. Through the lens of Mr. Dilbir Sahni—affectionately known in the industry as Bob—this evolving trend comes to life. As the founder of IndoBangkok, a company at the forefront of luxury events and weddings in Thailand, Bob shares insights shaped by two decades of experience creating unforgettable moments for Indian families.

Once considered aspirational, destination weddings are now a conscious decision. The trend is catching on fast—up from 18% in 2022 to 26% in 2024. And leading this dreamy escape? Thailand.

Gone are the days of crowded banquet halls and logistical juggling. Today’s couples are opting for intimate beachfront vows, hilltop pheras, and royal-themed parties at luxury resorts. Thailand, with its postcard-perfect landscapes, warm hospitality, and ease of planning, offers a spectacular stage for love stories to unfold.

Why More Couples Are Choosing Destination Weddings

So what’s fueling this shift? It’s about simplifying the complex. Destination weddings allow couples to focus on what really matters: spending meaningful time with loved ones. With everyone gathered in one location, the chaos of multiple venues fades away, replaced by a relaxed, immersive vibe.

And it’s not just better for the couple—it’s a win for guests too. Think of it as a wedding with built-in vacation vibes. Guests enjoy quality time, beautiful settings, and great food—all while creating memories that go far beyond the ceremony.

The impact is showing in travel numbers. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists, many attending weddings. The message is clear: this is not just a trend—it’s a movement.

Why Thailand?

Thailand has become the ultimate canvas for Indian weddings. Whether it’s a sunset beach affair, a jungle-meets-ceremony celebration in Chiang Mai, or a royal-style event in a palace-like resort, Thailand offers variety without overwhelming complexity.

Short flights, simple visa processes, and English-speaking staff ease the journey. Add to that a robust network of Indian planners, chefs who know their dal makhani from their dal tadka, and venues that are nothing short of magical—and you’ve got a celebration that feels both familiar and fresh.

Best of all? The country offers five-star luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, making premium experiences accessible for a broader range of families.

Weddings as a New Form of Travel

Weddings are no longer just personal milestones. They’re catalysts for economic and cultural exchange. Each wedding brings life to a destination—boosting tourism, creating local jobs, and reviving small businesses. In many ways, these celebrations are a new kind of travel, one rooted in love, community, and shared joy.

Final Thoughts

Thailand isn’t just a backdrop—it’s becoming an integral part of Indian wedding stories. With its blend of beauty, accessibility, and cultural understanding, it’s no surprise that Thailand is emerging as India’s favourite wedding playground.

Because at the heart of every great wedding is a story worth travelling for.


Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

Air Travel Impacted as India Conducts Operation Sindoor

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2025

Several airports across northern India were temporarily shut down this morning as India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, conducting targeted military strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Srinagar airport was among the first to suspend operations, confirmed airport officials. Alongside Srinagar, other impacted airports included Leh, Jammu, Amritsar, and Dharamshala, as mentioned in a post by SpiceJet on X.

Air India announced that all its flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot would remain cancelled until 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, IndiGo stated that its Bikaner operations were also affected by the disruptions.

Airlines took to social media to alert passengers about potential delays and cancellations, urging them to check their flight status and plan their travel accordingly.

Flight tracking platforms showed no commercial flights operating north of New Delhi, reflecting the scale of the airspace shutdown. This situation will affect domestic air traffic in the northern part of India.

Further updates are expected in the coming hours.

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