It all began in late 2003 when a decision was taken to start a travel company. It was a time when not many players were around and finding a name wouldn’t have been difficult, but I was clear that I need some time to decide on a name and a logo, as these two are key identity factors anyone would identify you with. A long list was drawn and finally 40 names were picked which was written down in individual pieces of paper and stuck on the pin up board, over the week many were removed and finally it boiled down to 5 of them. I short listed 2 out of them and sent it out to a dozen of my friends to pick one name; each one did and sent back the sms. Subsequently I spoke to few people in that list who were from the trade and asked them the reason for choosing the name. Later I spoke those friends who were not from the trade and asked them the reason for choosing the name. Finally I put the details together and the result was heavily in favour of “Mystical India”. I too liked the name for various reasons mainly the fact that when you speak about India there is lot of mysticism attached to it – you could relate spirituality, mythical stories, superstition etc for which no one has a clear answer and leaves it to your imagination to decide as no one is able to arrive at a logical answer.

Mystical India was born but the challenge was to get the address – the web address which unfortunately was unavailable. So we sat down again thinking as to what should be done, name was decided and there was no question of changing it. What is the solution? How do we work around it? What should we do? These were the questions running through the mind. So again we decided to paste the name on the wall with each alphabet separated in big fonts. Within hours pop came the idea – why not replace “C” with “K” as that would solve the problem, besides “K” represents “Kerala”. What’s more the web address www.mystikalindia.com was available. Internet was still way too early in India but we knew that wrong spelling could prove disastrous in the future. We spoke to our web specialist and he comforted us by saying that we can work around that. If took us another few weeks to finally take the gamble and we decided to go with the name and eventually “Mystikal India” became a reality.

Branding is essential for any business.  We knew that a well made logo will stand out besides doing the branding and creating an identity which will be crucial for our future. Luckily I met a wonderful designer who knew his job very well; so we sat down to think and conceptualizing this I must say was the most daunting task. We sifted through many brochures, websites, applied ourselves probably like never before. The logo had to be very Indian, there had to be something Mystikal about it, yet catchy and stand out anywhere. So we initially worked around images of gods, and then moved on to superstitious rituals, then onto conventional images used in the industry and stuff, but nothing seemed to fit the bill. Then like an accident a moment came or rather I should say a situation happened.

As we were breaking heads and contemplating, right outside the designers window a leaf fell which had a distinct look. He picked it up, gazed at it for a while and left it on the table. It looked good, but neither of us thought or spoke anything about it at this juncture, like any other day we went home and slept off. But both of us thought about the leaf we saw before we slept.

Next day when we came to the office and spoke about the leaf ; there was something about it that had impressed us. It was decided we shall try to include this leaf in our logo and it was left at that. Logos were designed with and without the leaf but somehow it has not matching up to our expectations. During this period the designer had kept the logo inside a book like we used to do during our school days.  After few days later he called me and asked me to come over and when I reached the office he showed me the leaf- it had dried and it was looking elegant. It was good but we could not relate the leaf with our concept, it was then he suggested let’s try the banyan leaf.  Banyan is very much central to Indian culture, purity and mysticism,it was very symbolic and seemed an appropriate choice.

We got hold of few banyan leaves, identified some with good shapes and left it for drying.  When it dry out – it looked amazing.

The work began again, when the designer put his heart and soul; he drew, but he was not happy with the results. I was patient as I knew this guy is good and now he has got a hangover; he was probably seeing this leaf day and night, he will surely come out with something fabulous. Eventually he dropped the dried leaf, got a fresh leaf and scanned it and the shape came out  just perfect. To put the banyan leaf we needed a mystical background, no white as we didn’t want that. Sandalwood colour fit the bill perfectly as the green leaf was placed, but still the logo looked incomplete- it wasn’t catchy enough for us. Over the next few days it was refined further and we decide to have two shades – Green which showed the young team and Brown which depicted experience of the team.

Over the years we have realized that it was a wise decision to have spent time on these two aspects and today both stand well recognized. This year we changed the constitution of the company and rechristened it as “Mystikal Holidays”. Mystikal stories continues…………

Shailesh Nair

Medical tourism in India has made rapid strides over the past decade, both domestically and in the global market. India boasts of some of the finest qualified and experienced doctors, surgeons and super specialists. Indian hospitals have the latest equipment with state-of-the art infrastructure . India’s  super speciality hospitals are at par with some of the best in the world today. As international certifications creates a comfort factor with most of the international patients many a hospitals have already taken them or are in the process of doing it.

Low cost is the norm today without compromising on the quality and it is this ‘cost -effectiveness and competency’ bundled and packaged well with amazing tourism products of India, medical tourism in India is charting new success stories. A holiday coupled with treatment is something which we wouldn’t have thought of in our wildest of dreams before but today it has become a reality as the total cost, including airfare, hospital expenses, hotel accommodation and the added tourism experience, works out very economic in comparison just the surgery cost in the developed nations.

Kerala, the coastal state of India, has been a tourist haven for more than a decade. Kerala is blessed with amazing landscapes, beaches and backwaters with some of the most exotic hotels, resorts and home stays. 100% literacy rate with tourism friendly govt and hospitable people makes it an attractive health tourism destination. Home of Ayurveda is turning out to be the cradle of Medical Tourism too and is offering amazing range of treatments, medications and surgeries. Coupled with world-class facilities the ambiance which houses and offers traditional medicine as well as general medicine makes Kerala a unique product and superb health tourism destination.

Showcasing this absolutely delightful state and this uniqueness is Kerala Health Tourism 2011 an International Conference and Exhibition from 20 – 22 October 2011 at Hotel Le Meridien, Kochi. An event which will give all those interested-  A live insight into the development and emerging trends in the Indian Medical sector. It will also showcase opportunities and challenges in the Indian health tourism arena. Participants would deliberate on various issues related to Medical tourism and Indian medical tours product. It will also highlight preparedness of Indian hospitals. Sellers would consist of major hospitals, health insurance companies, policy makers, tourism promotion boards, hotels and resorts, health travel and tour operators and international institutions for promotion of health tourism.

Incredible India has been known for promoting India tour and Kerala Tourism has been promoting Kerala Tours. Indian doctors have garnered world class acclaim for their selfless acts and precision in delivery. Ayurveda has been make waves across the globe with Ayurveda attaining a cult status in global medicine scenario. Indian hospitals with top of the league infrastructure and enviously the best hospitality have been synonymous with safety, trust and excellence.

Kerala Tour Packages and India Tour packages have already built a great fan following matter of time before Indian Medical Tourism with its wonderful array of perfect blends is bound to leap to dizzying heights in the times to come.

Our festival of lights offering is starting @ Rs. 11000.00 + taxes per person on twin sharing

Day 01 Cochin
Arrive at Cochin. Meet and assistance upon arrival. Pick up and transfer to hotel. On arrival check in to the hotel. Afternoon time for local sightseeing. Visit Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church etc. Return back to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 02 Cochin – Munnar (5 hrs/140 kms)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Munnar. Enroute visit Waterfalls, Tea Plantation Pallivasal etc. On arrival check in to the hotel. After a quick lunch visit Munnar Town, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Dam, Eravikulam National Park, etc. Evening return back to hotel. Overnight.

Day 03 Munnar – Thekkady (4 hrs/ 125 kms)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Thekkady which is also known as Periyar. On arrival check in to the hotel. Afternoon time for local sightseeing. Visit Periyar wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Plantation etc.Return back to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 04 Thekkady – Kumarakom (5 hrs/150 kms)
After breakfast check out & drive to Kumarakom. On arrival check in to hotel. Afternoon time for local sightseeing. Visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary, driftwood Museum etc. Return back to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 05 Kumarakom -Cherai (3 hrs/100 kms)
After breakfast check out and proceed to the beachside of Kochi _ the Cherai Beach. Check in and unwidn by the beach. Overnight

Day 06 Cherai- Kochi Airport
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Cochin Airport/ railway station for onward journey.

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HOTLINE NOS: +919446361516, +919446461516, +919495961516 ,+919387161516 , +919447161516

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• Season period is 1^st October 2011 to 31^st March 2012.
• Rates indicated are per person on twin sharing.
• Packages categories are

Budget (Rs. 1500 – 2000) 2 star / equivalent

Standard (Rs.2500- 4000) 3 star / equivalent

Superior (Rs.4000-6000) 3 star superior hotels / equivalent

Deluxe (Rs.6000-8000) 4 star / equivalent

Luxury (Rs.8000 -20000) 5 star / equivalent

• All packages are made with base category rooms. All packages have been designed on bed and breakfast. Regular hotels allow only 3 adults or 2 adults with 2 kids below 12 years in a room. Some luxury hotels have restriction on the extra beds/ third person sharing the room; kindly check room sharing at the time of booking for luxury segment.
• Kids below 5 yrs go free; however there is a cost component for kids between 6-12 yrs without bed ( termed as CNB – Child with No Bed). Adults and kids above 12 years will be charged at the adult rate if Extra bed is opted for, charges remaining the same.
• It has been noticed in many occasions that clients have understated their kids age, if found otherwise hotels will charge necessary supplement on direct payment basis. Mystikal will be unable to provide any assistance in such instances; in your own interest kindly carry children birth certificate to avoid any embarrassing situations.
• Hotels will require ID proof on arrival for security reasons so do ask them to carry relevant proof while travelling.
• Kindly carry 1 suitcase with 1 hand bag maximum per person not exceeding 20 kilos. In case of excess baggage bigger vehicle can be provided against direct cash payment only.
• Transport provided is as per programme point to point and not at disposal. All extra runs will have to be settled directly as per the prevailing market rates. Transport will operate between sunrise and sunset clocking maximum 8 hours of drive/10 hours including breaks in between, unless specified otherwise.
• Kindly be advised that following vehicles have been used for transportation and the capacities have been indicated inclusive of driver. Indica – 2-3 pax, Indigo – 2-3 pax, Tavera – 4-6 Pax, Innova –4-6 Pax, Tempo Traveller – 7-10 Pax. Overweight people occupying extra space will considered as 2 pax, extra people will not be allowed.
• Kindly advise specifically if any special requirement/ needs are there well in advance, as we may not be in a position to entertain last minute requests. For any change applicable charges will have to be settled at the time of the change.
• Night surcharge of 25% is applicable for arrivals between 2200 hrs and 0600 hrs payable. For arrival assistance at Kochi/Trivandrum Airport/Railway station and additional amount of Rs.750/500 would be applicable.
• Check in Check out time in city hotels is 1200 hrs, in resorts Check in time is 1400 hrs and check out is 1100 hrs. Check in time on the houseboat is 1200hrs & check out is 0900hrs. Air-conditioning in the houseboat is limited to rooms only and operates between 2100 hrs and 0600 hrs. Cruising hours in the boat is 6 hours, 5 hours on the day of check in and 1 hr before check out.
• Early check in/ late checkout is subject to hotel discretion; ideally we suggest to avoid any inconvenience you block the rooms based on your arrival timings, charges for the same will be extra which will be intimated at the time of booking.
• Houseboat is always on AP ( all meals inclusive) and meals served on board are traditional Kerala Food. Houseboat is manned by 3 staff- a captain, a cook and a steward – their education is basic and limited, hence may not be able to provide you with exceptional service and complaints may happen; kindly advise the guest about it so that there is no heart burns later.
• You driver/ chauffeur are trained hands who are well acquainted with the routes and hotels. They can double up as your guides but are no replacement for guides. They speak local language and may be conversant in Hindi/ English but with a handicap on fluency.
• Hotels rooms are held on confirmed basis up to 1800 hrs for arrival; kindly ensure you advise the correct arrival time to avoid any confusion/bouncing.
• Some hotels in hill stations may have fixed timings for hot water, kindly check for the same on arrival. Hotels in hill stations are non air-conditioned, due to the chilly climate. They may/ may not have room heaters in the rooms; however in room/on request room heater may be available at an additional cost (chargeable) which needs to be paid directly at the resort.
• Kindly be advised extra bed does not necessarily mean a cot with mattress, it is generally a mattress laid on the floor.
• In case of any complaint kindly ask for the guest comment book and write the complaint. In case of any complaints, kindly call on the MFHE Mystikal File Handling Executive and inform immediately about the problem so that it can sorted out instantly. If you can take records like written acknowledgment/ photos/videos about the complaint that would be most ideal.
• DIWALI SUPPLEMENT of 15% from 20^th October to 10^th November 2011 & NEW YEAR SUPPLEMENT of 25% from 20^th December 2011 to 10^th January 2012 on these packages would be extra on the printed tariff.
• There is a compulsory mandatory supplement for 24^th and 31^st December 2011 (not mentioned here) to be paid before arrival. This will be indicated closer to the date of arrival.
• All payments to be made favouring M/s MYSTIKAL HOLIDAYS PVT LTD only by at par cheque/DD deposited in the nearest bank and a scanned receipt sent to us on the same day along with the confirmation no. If you are making payment by CASH, kindly add the relevant bank charges applicable after checking with the counter as it is to be paid by you in addition to the package cost. If you are making a net transfer kindly send us a screen shot of the transfer or a transaction alert.
• If you intend to make payment with credit card kindly add 4% extra on the nett cost as payment gateway charges while making the payment. This you can do my simply clicking on the link on our website.
• Our bank details are :

HDFC BANK

ACCOUNT NAME   : MYSTIKAL HOLIDAYS PVT. LTD.

BANK NAME           : HDFC BANK LTD.

ACCOUNT NO         : 15122560000737

BRANCH                   : KALOOR BRANCH

BRANCH CODE        : 1512

RTGS/NEFT IFSC     : HDFC0001512

ICICI BANK

ACCOUNT NAME   : MYSTIKAL HOLIDAYS PVT. LTD.

BANK NAME           : ICICI BANK LTD.

ACCOUNT NO         : 102905001121

BRANCH                   : PALARIVATTOM BRANCH

BRANCH CODE        : 1029

RTGS/NEFT IFSC     : ICIC0001029

• All services are PRE PAID. You need to deposit 50% of the package amount on confirmation and balance 50% 15 days prior to arrival, for luxury segment and peak periods the payment cut off dates would be intimated at the time of booking. Receipts for the payments will be mailed across to you once the payments are credited into our accounts. Bookings will be released automatically if payment is not made on time, so in your own interest we suggest you stick to the time limit.
• All payments to be made and scanned payment details to be sent immediately for confirming your package.
• Any service taken directly by the client in addition to the services that is confirmed by us will have to be settled directly.
• Mystikal Holidays accepts no responsibilities for losses, additional expenses due to delay or change, missed connections, strike, weather/ quarantine, political unrest, natural disasters, acts of terrorism or other causes. Mystikal Holidays will try in its best capacity to provide you best solution during such situation, however any additional expenses arising out of such situation(s) will have to paid and settled directly by the client.
• Once the confirmation is given you shall get a Confirmation no which is to be used for all correspondences from then on to avoid any confusion.
• Cancellations can sometimes be unavoidable and in such instances refunds would be applicable based on the following cancellation fee structure as indicated in the Payments, cancellations and refunds link
• Kindly be advised that the specified cancellation amount will be paid back only by cheque within 30 days of the cancellation.
• Compulsory GST of 2.575% is extra on these packages.
• Package cost calculation would be as under

Published price= Rs.10000.00

Govt service tax @ 2.575% =257.5

Nett cost = 10257.5 (10258.00)

• People with medical conditions are advised to take necessary precautions. All passengers are advised to have appropriate travel/ health insurance. Kindly advise the client accordingly.
• Our packages starts and ends in Kerala and does not include any other logistic support, unless request and confirmed by us which will be at an extra cost.
• Kindly be advised the hotels are classified by Mystikal standards which is very similar to the actual hotel classification as accorded by the govt agency; however it may not be exact. This categorization will not  be in parlance with the review websites/general information available on the internet which is generally individual untrue.
• Mystikal office shall operate from 1000 hrs to 1800 hrs every day except Sunday. However you can reach anyone of the Mystikal member on the mobile any day anytime.
• Do join our mailing list from our website to be updated about the latest offers and deals.
• These rates are applicable to Indians only.
• Mystikal Holidays will withdraw these rates subject to govt policies and drastic changes in pricing by hotels/ transporters.

Acronyms and their meanings:

EP – European Plan/ Room Only, CP – Continental Plan/ Room with breakfast, MAP – Modified American Plan/ Room with breakfast and lunch or dinner/ Half Board, AP – American Plan/ Room with breakfast, lunch and dinner/ Full Board, SGL – Single Occupancy, DBL – Double Occupancy, TWIN – Double room with twin beds, TRPL – Triple sharing or Double room with extra bed or mattress, CWB – Child with Bed, CNB – Child without Bed, EB – Extra Bed/ Mattress, A/C – Air conditioned, NA/C – Non air conditioned, GST – Government Service Tax, B- Breakfast,L – Lunch, D – Dinner, PAN – Permanent Account Number / Income tax no,  TDS – Tax deducted at source,  NEFT – National Electronic Fund Transfer/ Net banking for below 1 lakh, RTGS – Real Time Gross Settlement/ Net Banking for over a lakh, BC – Bank Charges, OR – On Request, EMA – Early morning Arrival,  LNA – Late night Arrival, NS – Night Surcharge ,HKIT – Honeymoon KIT ( Comprises of a cake, flowers and candle light Dinner), MHFE – Mystikal File Handling executive.