List of Visa Free Countries with Indian Passport

 List of Visa Free Countries with Indian Passport

Bhutan: Officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, the country is in the eastern Himalayas and is a landlocked one. It is the second least populous country in South Asia after the Maldives. Indian citizens can stay in the country without a visa for a period of 14 days. During the period of stay in the country, you can indulge yourself in mountain adventure trekking and hiking. The Jhomolhari Base Camp trek, Masagang trek, and Snowman Trek are some of the popular treks that one can go on when visiting the country. Apart from these, Bhutan has as many as eight declared tentative sites for UNESCO inclusion which can be visited. They include the Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, scared sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants, Tamzhing monastery etc.

Dominica: The Commonwealth of Dominica, an island country in the West Indies also enables Indian tourists to visit the country without a visa. Those who visit the country can stay there for a period of 180 days or 6 months and enjoy the mountains, rainforests, freshwater lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, beaches and diving spots. The country is an attractive eco-tourism destination.

Ecuador: Ecuador is one among visa free countries for Indians. The authorities allow them to stay in the country for a period of 90 days without a visa. Officially known as the Republic of Ecuador, the country is in northwestern South America and offers tourists a host of activities to indulge in. The country has two cities with UNESCO world heritage sites and two natural UNESCO world heritage sites. The main tourist attractions in the country include - the Galapagos Islands, Historic centre of Quito, Illinizas volcano, Salinas beach etc.

El Salvador: The Republic of El Salvador is the smallest and the most densely populated country in Central America. The country allows Indian tourists to visit the country without a visa and stay in the country for a duration of 90 days. When it comes to tourism, the landscape is slightly different from those of other Central American countries. Surfing in a natural tourism in Ecuador because of the famous coastal beaches. Other attractions in the country are - San Ignacio, Santa Ana, Playa Las Flores in San Miguel among others.

Fiji: Officially known as the Republic of Fiji, Fiji is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is visa free for Indian citizens. As part of that arrangements, you can stay in the country for a period of 120 days. The main attractions to tourists in Fiji are the sandy white beaches and the aesthetically pleasing islands. Scuba diving is a common tourist activity in Fiji, and it has a significant number of soft coral reefs.

Grenada: Grenada, another country in the West Indies also allows Indian tourists to visit the country visa-free. They can stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days without needing a visa. Tourism is the leading foreign exchange earner for Grenada. Conventional beach and water-sports tourism is largely focused in the southwest region around St. George. Eco-tourism is also growing in the country. The country has many idyllic beaches, waterfalls, natural and historical places which can be visited during your stay.

Haiti: Haiti can be visited by Indian tourists without needing to avail a visa. They can remain in the country for a period of 90 days. Officially known as the Republic of Haiti, the country is located on the island of Hispaniola, east of Cuba in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea. The country gets most of its tourists from cruise ships. Tourist destinations in Haiti which can be visited include Ile-a-Vache, Camp-Perrin, and Pic Macaya.

Indonesia: Indonesia, a country located in Southeast Asia is the world's largest island country. The country can be visited by Indian tourists without a visa and stay there for a period of 30 days. When it comes to tourism, nature and culture are major attractions in the country. Tropical climate, vast archipelago, long stretch of beaches, and rich cultural heritage reflects Indonesia's dynamic history and ethnic diversity. The South Asian country has eight UNESCO world heritage sites while 19 more are on the tentative list. It needs to be mentioned here that the ancient Prambanan and Borobudur temples, Toraja and Bali are some of the popular destinations for cultural tourism in Indonesia.

Jamaica:Jamaica is another visa free country for Indians. Jamaica, the third largest island of the Greater Antilles and the fourth largest island country in the Caribbean. Top tourist attractions in the country include Dunn's River Falls in St. Ann, YS Falls in St. Elizabeth, and the Blue Lagoon in Portland. The climate of the country is tropical and hence supports diverse ecosystems.

Macao: Officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the autonomous territory can be visited by Indian tourists without availing a visa. The authorities allow Indian citizens to stay in the country for a period of 30 days visa-free. The country preserves many historical properties in the urban area which can be visited during theie stay in the country.

Mauritius: An Indian national can stay in Mauritius for a period up to 90 days without a visa. The island nation in the Indian ocean enjoys a tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, beaches, and tropical fauna and flora. It is complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population.

Micronesia: A subregion of Oceania that is composed of thousands of small islands in the Western Pacific Ocean can be travelled to without a visa if you are an Indian national. The authorities allow them to stay in the country for a period of 30 days without the visa. The cuisine of the country is tropical in nature while the artistic tradition of the country was developed from the Lapita culture.

Nepal: Nepal, the neighbouring country of India can also be visited without a visa by Indian citizens. A landlocked country, located in the Himalayas offer tourists the opportunity for zip flying, trekking, skydiving, bird watching and shopping. The country officially known as the 'Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal' is also known for its monasteries.

Qatar: Qatar, a country located in Western Asia also allows Indian citizens to visit the country visa-free. Indian nationals are permitted to stay in the country for a period of up to 30 days without the visa. The culture of the country is like other countries in Eastern Arabia and is significantly influenced by Islam. When in the country, make it a point to visit the museum of Islamic Art, which is regarded as one of the best museums in the region along with other Qatari museums.

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Indian tourists can visit Saint Kitts and Nevis without a visa and stay there for a period of 90 days. Also known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, the island nation in the West Indies is the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere. The country is known for its cloud-shrouded mountains and beaches. Scuba diving and snorkeling are quite popular among the tourists visiting the country.

Senegal: Republic of Senegal, a country located in West Africa allows Indian tourists to visit the country without needing a visa. An individual from India is permitted to stay in the African country for a period of up to 90 days visa free. The country has a rich French colonial heritage and a lot of natural attractions. The country is known for its nightlife, which is centered on native mbalax music.

Serbia: Serbian authorities allow Indian nationals to visit the country visa-free and stay there for a period of 30 days. The country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe has a diverse range of touristic products. Tourism in the country is mainly focused on the mountains and spas of the country. Christian pilgrimage to many orthodox monasteries across the country and river cruising is also popular among tourists.

St. Vincent and Grenadines: St. Vincent and Grenadines, a country located in the Lesser Antilles island arc enables tourists from India to visit the nation without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. The country is known for its 18th century botanical gardens, French and British built Fort Charlotte which offers far reaching views from its clifftop perch and the black sand beaches.

Trinidad and Tobago: Officially known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the twin island country is the southernmost nation of the West Indies in the Caribbean. Indian tourists can visit the country visa free with the authorities allowing them to stay in the country for a period of 90 days. Beaches and ridge forest reserves make a trip to the nation worthwhile.

Tunisia: Tunisia, a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa also allows Indian citizens to visit the country without availing a visa. The ones visiting the country can stay there for a period of 90 days. During their stay, individuals can visit the ancient ruins of Carthage, the coastal resorts outside of Monastir, the Muslim and Jewish quarters of Jerba, and the cosmopolitan capital of Tunis.

Is Prostitution legal in India ?

 Is Prostitution legal in India ?

In the Indian context, prostitution is not explicitly illegal though pronounced to be unethical by the Court, certain acts that facilitate prostitution are regarded as illegal and acts like managing a brothel, living off the money procured by means of prostitution, soliciting or luring a person into prostitution, traffic of children and women for the purpose of prostitution, etc. are made explicitly illegal by the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA). For example, running a sex racquet is illegal but private prostitution or receiving remuneration in exchange for sex with consent without prior solicitation might not be illegal.

Laws related to Prostitution:

ITPA defines “prostitution” as sexual exploitation or abuse of a female for monetary purposes and a “prostitute” is the person who gains that commercial benefit. The Indian Penal Code of 1860 also deals with prostitution but it is limited to child prostitution. However, it attempts to combat activities such as kidnapping in general, kidnapping for the purpose of seduction and luring a person into sex, importing a girl of a foreign country for sex, etc.

In addition, Article 23(1) of the Constitution prohibits traffic in human beings and beggars and other similar forms of forced labor. Article 23(2) declares that any contravention of this provision shall be an offense punishable in accordance with the law.

Rajmata of Jaipur | Maharani of Jaipur Gayatri Devi

 Rajmata of Jaipur | Maharani of Jaipur Gayatri Devi

Rajmata of Jaipur

Reign

1939 - 1970

Born

May 23, 1919

Jaipur Palace

1 son

Father- Prince Jitendra Narayan

Mother-Princess Indira Raje

Maharani Gayatri Devi, Rajmata of Jaipur (born May 23 1919 as Princess Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar), was the third Maharani of Jaipur from 1939 to 1970 through marriage to Sawai Man Singh II, and is currently styled (unofficially) as the Rajmata, or Queen Mother.

Following India's independence and the subsequent abolition of the princely states, she became an extremely successful politician. Gayatri Devi was also celebrated for her classical beauty and became something of a fashion icon in her adulthood.

Early life

Her father, Prince Jitendra Narayan of Cooch Behar, was the younger brother of the Yuvraja (Crown Prince). Her mother was Princess Indira Raje of Baroda, an extremely beautiful princess and a legendary socialite. Early in her life, her uncle's death led to her father ascending the throne (gaddi). Gayatri Devi studied at Shantiniketan, and later in Europe, where she travelled with her mother and siblings, then studied secretarial skills in London.

The Jaipur Royal Family lived a lavish life: hunting in their forests, spending summers in Europe, educating the royal children at elite schools in England, entertaining streams of famous visitors at their desert palaces, and generally living the typically flamboyant life which was normal for Indian royals.

Maharani Gayatri Devi (as she was styled after marriage) was a particularly avid equestrienne. Gayatri Devi had one child, Prince Jagat Singh of Jaipur, Raja of Isarda, who was granted his grandfather's fief as a subsidiary title, and the Maharani later became the Rajmata, or Queen Mother. Jagat Singh was thus half-brother to the present Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Bhawani Singh of Jaipur.

Gayatri Devi was once included in Vogue magazine's Ten Most Beautiful Women list.

Gayatri Devi started schools for girls' education in Jaipur, most prominent of which is the Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ Public School. She also promoted the dying art of blue pottery.

Political career

After Partition and Independence Day in India in 1947, and later the abolition of Royal India in 1970, Gayatri Devi ran for Parliament in 1962 and won the constituency in the Lok Sabha in the world's largest landslide, confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. She continued to hold this seat on 1967 and 1971, Swatantra Party, running against the Congress Party. This enraged Indira Gandhi, who retaliated in 1971 by abolishing the privy purses, and stopping all royal privileges, breaking the treaties agreed upon in 1947. Gayatri Devi was accused of breaking tax laws, and served 5 months in Tihar Jail. She retired from politics after that experience, and published her autobiography, A Princess Remembers, written with Santha Rama Rau, in 1976. She was also the focus of the film Memoirs of a Hindu Princess, directed by Francois Levie.

There were rumors that she might re-enter politics as late as 1999, when the Cooch Behar Trinamool Congress nominated her as their candidate for the Lok Sabha elections, but she did not respond to the offer.

Her father Jitendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur was the second son of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur and Maharani Sunity Devi of Cooch Behar. After the untimely death of his elder brother Maharaja Raj Rajendra Narayan Bhup Bahadur, a bachelor, he ascended the throne of Cooch Behar in November 1913, few month's after his marriage with Princess Indira raje Gaekwad of Baroda. Jitendra Narayan's mother Maharani Sunity Devi was the daughjter of illustrious Brahmo social reformer Keshab Chandra Sen.

Family relationships

Gayatri Devi is related to a number of other royal families in India, and not only the Rajput royals. Her maternal grandparents were Maharaja Sayajirao and Maharani Chimnabai of Baroda. Through marriage, she was related to Maharaja Hanuwant Singh of Jodhpur, the Maharaja of Dewas, the Maharaja of Tripura, and the Maharaja of Pithapuram in South India.

She had one son, Maharaj Jagat Singh of Jaipur (erstwhile Raja of Isarda), and two grand children, Rajkumari Lalitaya Kumari and Maharaj Devraj Singh, the current Raja of Isarda. She is also indirectly related to the Maharaja of Lunawada and the Maharaol of Baria.

A Tribute to Rajmata

In 2006, India's first 3D documentary movie "Rajmata Gayatri Devi's Legacy", based on her life, was made by the students of Arena Multimedia in Jaipur. Rajmata herself inaugurated the movie through the medium of a digital art exhibition on 16th of November 2006. The documentary also contained some videos along with high-end 3D animation that were reconstructed according to the script developed from the book written by Dharmendra Kanwar. Sakshi Baid played the role of young Gayatri and Maharaja Mansingh's role was played by Tarun Gupta, who also directed the film. The narration was done by Rohan Malik. The dubbing for the animated character of rajmata was done by Mrs. Sarla Gupta. This thirty-minute-long documentary depicted her childhood, marriage, life in Jaipur, political life, and many other ups and downs of her life.