Char Dham Yatra is the holiest tour in India which involves visiting four sacred places in the state of Uttarakhand. These four holy sites include Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath all located in Uttarakhand. These locations collectively known as ‘Char Dham’, are considered to be the holiest in Hinduism. Visiting them is believed to wash away one’s sin, leading to salvation eventually. The journey begins in Haridwar in April or May, covering a distance of more than 1500 km.

Planning a Char Dham Yatra is a daunting task especially due to the hilly terrain of the locations. Things could go wrong in a lot of ways in case you’re not familiar with the Himalayan areas. However, booking a Char Dham Yatra tour package with a reputed travel agency can save you a lot of trouble.

Not sure how? Check out the top 5 reasons to get in touch with a well-known company before making your bookings.

1. Convenience

When it comes to a well-known travel agency, they will do half the job for you when planning a trip. They have been doing it for years, and know how to take care of the logistics. From transportation, meals, accommodation, and other important services, they can take care of everything for you.

The Char Dham Yatra includes travelling through tough conditions and rough lands which can be challenging. A reputed travel agency will ensure that you get a hassle-free travel experience that is comfortable and safe.

2. Expert Guidance 

The Char Dham Yatra is a complicated journey that involves travelling to four holy sites. A reputed travel agency has experienced guides who can provide you with the necessary information. They are knowledgeable and well-versed in history, mythology and geographical information associated with the tour. This way, you can understand the importance of each pilgrimage and get familiar with the rituals as well.

A knowledgeable guide will not only guide you in the right direction, but they will also answer any questions you may have. This will help you to gain more knowledge about the pilgrimages.

3. Safety

The Himalayan territory is known for testing weather conditions which sometimes can be unprecedented. The Charm Dham Yatra takes place in April when snowfall often makes travelling more challenging. However, if you book your trip via a reputed travel agency, they will have backup plans such as alternative routes and transportation in case of any emergency.

The Char Dham Yatra is a challenging journey where safety should be your top priority. Thus, a reputed travel agency will have an experienced and well-trained staff to ensure your safety throughout.

4. Time management

Char Dham Yatra includes four different sites each with unique conditions. Visiting them all could be time-consuming especially when you’re unfamiliar with the region. A reputed travel agency already has a planned route that allows you to visit important sites within a specific time frame.

You won’t miss out on any rituals or practices as the travel agency will make sure that you get everything you want. They can help you make the most of your time.

5. Pocket-friendly Services 

Booking a Char Dham Yatra with a reputed travel agency will provide you with a pocket-friendly travel experience. They will take care of things for you including transportation, accommodations, meals and sightseeing. They will also negotiate the rates so that you don’t need to spend a lot. This way, you can just sit back and relax while they are the ones doing the tough jobs.

The travel agencies have tie-ups with hotels, transport services and other important service providers. This helps them to get better rates in everything. Thus, you can save money by getting in touch with them.

Some agencies also offer different tour packages with different budgets. This way you can choose your accommodation, the mode of transport and the type of meal according to your choices

Booking a Char Dham Yatra tour package with a reputed travel agency is an excellent way to ensure safety, comfort and a meaningful sacred journey. So, don’t hesitate to contact a travel agency to book a suitable package according to your budget and preferences.

Wondering where to look to book from a reputable travel agency? Thomas Cook India offers you plenty of convenient Char Dham Yatra tour packages. Browse through their website to get the best deals on your holiest tour in India. Also, don’t forget to look for the Uttarakhand tour packages as well.

Even in 2023, many traders share an interest in gold, not just because this is one of the most popular precious metals, but also thanks to the accessibility of gold (or other gold derivatives) trading. With growing political uncertainty, 2022 ended on a disappointing note for bulls, but 2023 is a whole other story, and prospects seem to be more optimistic.

Past performance should not be treated as a 100% accurate forecast tool, but there are a few variables that gold bulls should keep in mind, moving into 2023.

Seasonality

The first of these variables is seasonality, and the good news is that January continues to be the most suited month for the price of gold to rise, based on data going back to 1972. More specifically, the average monthly returns in January are estimated at 1.6%, followed by 1.0% in February.

During the last several months, central banks around the world increased their gold reserves at an irregular pace, as a result of geopolitical factors. Once Russia started the war on Ukraine, assets held by high-ranking businessmen and Russian institutions were seized. This makes liquid assets such as US Treasuries less attractive, especially when it comes to countries that have an antagonistic view compared to the USA.

Peak USD bullishness?

According to data available on the website of Easymarkets, gold is trading at around $1,800 after a slow but steady recovery, beginning November 2022. This is a result of peaking USD performance against other currencies.

The FED hiked rates fast, which meant flows favoring the Dollar, and that in turn did not act as a tailwind for gold. Now that the USD has seemingly paused its rally, gold has more room to go up, unless risk aversion once again becomes dominant in the market.

In terms of macroeconomics, US inflation is already slowing, while Europe and Japan seem to be lagging by at least a few months. The same goes for economic conditions, which can be seen deteriorating worldwide. That is not supportive of a continued rise of inflation and at some point, it could be a reason for the FED to pivot and start cutting interest rates.

Interest rates

When plotting the price of gold on top of US Treasury rates, a negative correlation can be spotted. Rates up lead to gold going down and since the market is already anticipating a peak in tightening, government bonds are set to rise in 2023.

That means interest rates have less upside potential, supporting a continued rise in the gold price as the year starts. Remember that all financial assets, regardless of risk profile, are sensitive to interest rates, because they affect market liquidity, as well as the discounting effect for future returns.

There are no certainties when predicting where gold will be at the end of January, but if seasonality, the US Dollar, and interest rates act as a confluence of positive factors, the first month of 2023 can continue the precious metal’s rise.

Regarding gambling, few countries have such a long and fascinating history as India. Horse racing is one of India’s most popular forms of betting and has been for centuries.

Horse racing betting is an activity loved by locals and fantastic entertainment, highly valued internationally. The industry employs millions of people, including jockeys, trainers, and grooms, and fills stadiums worldwide with passionate punters.

However, there are still many questions about whether or not online horse betting is legal in India. To try and understand more about the legalities involved and get an insight into horse racing betting in India, more generally, has become more critical than ever before. In this article, we take a look at some of these issues to clear up any confusion that may arise when considering wagering on equine events in the nation.

What is the Legal Status of Horse Racing Betting in India?

The legal status of horse racing betting in India is complicated. While it is considered legal and regulated, certain restrictions apply to the activity.

For example, online betting on horse races is not allowed, and only approved physical racecourses are permitted to offer this service. Additionally, specific regulations have been put in place by the Central Government’s Ministry of Home Affairs, which states that any form of gambling or wagering must occur within a licensed premise or area.

This means that even if you were to find a way to bet on a horse race online, you would still be required to visit an authorized racetrack or facility to do so physically. Fortunately, you can check our recommended sites for betting on horse races in India, which are approved by the government and operate within the confines of the law. The listed websites are reliable and secure, allowing you to place bets without the worry of any legal repercussions.

Therefore, while it is possible to bet on horse racing in India legally, the activity must be done within a licensed and regulated environment.

How Can I Bet on Horse Racing in India?

If you’re looking to place a bet on a horse race in India, the best way to do so is by visiting the nearest licensed racetrack. Here, you will be able to find one of the many bookmakers available and get started with your betting.

When placing a bet at the track, it is essential to remember that you must be 18 or over to participate and that all bets must be made in Indian Rupees (INR). Before placing any wagers, it is also essential to familiarise yourself with all applicable laws. It is also important to note that any winnings from horse racing betting must be declared and taxed accordingly.

Horse Racing vs. other forms of gambling

Horse racing betting is a form of gambling which has been around for centuries and is seen as one of the most popular forms in India. In comparison to other forms of gambling, such as casino games or sports betting, horse racing betting offers a much more traditional and social experience.

In addition to this, because it is only allowed at licensed racetracks, it is also considered safer than other forms of online gambling, which the government does not regulate.

Cricket betting is also hugely popular in India, with many people wagering about the outcome of cricket matches. While this form of gambling has been legalized in recent years, it is still considered illegal if done online. This means that cricket betting must be done through licensed bookmakers at physical premises or racetracks.

Tips for Horse Racing Betting in India

When betting on horse racing in India, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind.

1. Choose Your Racetrack Carefully – Not all racetracks are created equal, so choosing the best suits your needs is crucial. Research the track’s history and review any reviews or ratings.
2. Do Your Research – Before placing a bet, do your research and get to know the horses you are betting on. Look at their past performances and find out about their trainers and jockeys.
3. Set a Budget – Gambling can be an addictive activity, so it is vital to set yourself a budget and stick to it. This will help ensure you don’t overspend and stay within your means when betting on horse races in India.
4. Understand the Odds – Before placing a wager, it is essential to understand the odds. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best value for your money.
5. Utilise Technology – Take advantage of technology and use apps or websites to track results, compare odds and get tips on which horses are likely to perform well in upcoming races.
6. Check the rules and regulations of the racetrack you’re visiting to ensure that your bets are within the limits and guidelines.

Following these tips ensures that your horse racing betting experience in India is safe and enjoyable.

General requirements to take part in Horse Racing Betting in India

To take part in horse racing betting in India, you must be 18 or over and have an Indian ID that can be used to verify your age. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of residence and a valid credit/debit card for online transactions.

Furthermore, it is essential to remember that all races are governed by the rules and regulations of the track in which they are held, so it is necessary to familiarise yourself with these before placing any bets. Also, it is essential to note that horse racing betting is only allowed at licensed racetracks, so it is necessary to check the licensing status of any track you visit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, horse racing betting in India is legal and regulated, but certain restrictions apply to the activity. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when placing bets, it is important to familiarize yourself with all relevant laws and regulations and do your research before wagering on any horses. Additionally, choose your racetrack carefully and set a budget, so you can avoid overspending or get into financial difficulty.