Category: Destinations

Sun, Sand and Sea- It’s Better in the Bahamas this winter

With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from there every day. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating, and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples, and adventurers In an effort to make planning a safe, much-needed Bahamian getaway more seamless, the Ministry of Tourism introduced an interactive map that provides visitors with an island-by-island guide of the most up-to-date guidelines, including business hours ... Read more

The top 7 winter holiday destinations in Poland preferred by Indian Tourists

A family vacation of a lifetime is what Poland offers to you. Whether you prefer a trip full of history and culture, a chance to reconnect with nature, or a simply relaxed vacation, Poland will deliver it. The number of Indian tourists to Poland has been growing significantly over the years. Here’s a look into some of the most preferred attractions Poland has to offer for Indian travelers. Zakopane A popular tourist town all year long, Zakopane is a prime spot for spectacular selfies. Located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, its streets and rooftops are especially picturesque when ... Read more

Resilience and The Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch, the doorway to western India, can look surreal at times. On a full moon night, these white sands of Kutch light up with its austere beauty, contrasted colourfully by the people. ‘Breathe in a bit of Kutch, come breath in a bit of Gujarat’ – is what its tourism campaign says and there is plenty to breathe in and assimilate. The Rann of Kutch is a salt march in the Thar desert in the Kutch district of Gujarat, which is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. It is designated as a World Heritage ... Read more

Odisha – India’s best kept secret

Chances are that very few domestic travellers may be looking at Odisha as a travel destination. Its tourism brand is not as strong as some of the other states and hence people tend to overlook it. But things are changing.  Its temples, architecture, natural beauty, beaches, lakes and music have begun to attract tourists. Moreover, Odisha is known as an ancient  civilization. Let’s look at the key destinations. Jagannath Temple, Puri is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Odisha. It is the temple of Lord Vishnu and holds great significance. Sun Temple, Konark : This is a World UNESCO heritage site. It was built ... Read more

Nila – an emotion, not just a river

Nila enjoys an exalted position in Kerala’s cultural history. The 250-km long river drives Kerala’s traditional ethos and has deep influence on its literary evolution and a number of classical art forms flourish along the banks of the revered river. Once a perennial river, it now dries up in summer and many feel it may be on the verge of extinction. The river looks like a narrow ribbon at many stages of its path, as sand mining and deforestation continue to take a toll. The Ministry of Tourism, as part of its Dekho Apna Desh series, held a webinar to ... Read more

Oman to boost heritage tourism

The Oman Ministry of Tourism has said that significant investments will be made to transform ancient houses into heritage inns and guest houses to boost tourism efforts promoting the Sultanate’s vibrant local heritage. As one of the Ministry’s top priorities, the preservation of ancient houses – which are considered architectural treasures that show Oman’s archaeological character – are central to national initiatives showcasing the unique heritage and rich history and civilization of the Sultanate. Ancient local neighborhoods have already been restored using innovative engineering and architectural techniques to turn them into an attractive tourist destination. The Ministry said that tourists ... Read more

Phuket enters shutdown mode

Phuket, the tourism magnet of Thailand, is entering the shutdown phase from Monday. Transportation to the island will be banned, and the lockdown will last for a month. Phuket Governor Pakkapong Taweepat has said boats, cars and trucks providing essential goods and services are exempted. Last week the government had imposed emergency rules and now the decision to enter the lockdown phase is a clear indication that the country is in a very cautious mode, as it fights the epidemic. About 56% of total employment in Phuket is in tourism-related industries, the Bank of Thailand said in a note. Thailand’s ... Read more

Travelers please note – Finland picked again as world’s happiest country

No wonder tourists always flocked to Finland. The country has once again been crowned as the world’s happiest country, with Denmark and Switzerland in second and third sports respectively, according to a United Nations-affiliated research network. Finnish contentment stems from high levels of trust, which also underpins solid rankings across the rest of the Nordic region, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network said in the World Happiness Report released on Friday. Reliable and extensive welfare benefits, low corruption, and well-functioning democracy and state institutions are also key, as are a high sense of autonomy and freedom reported by their citizens. As ... Read more

Swans, dolphins back in Venetian canals

Even during the most depressing of times, there can often emerge a bright piece of news. In Venice, one of the world’s greatest tourist spots, marine life has come back to attract the crowd. Swans, dolphins and plenty of fish are seen again in the Venetian canals, much to the delight of the local people. With the advent of the corona virus, there are hardly any tourists in Italy and the same can be said about Venice, known for its canals. Tourists often take gondola rides down these canals, but with the country under a lock down there are hardly ... Read more

Secret stairway to the soul

a Travelogue by Panchami Menon, New Delhi When the cool breeze hits you as you’re walking down the street of Hailey Road, New Delhi, realisation dawns that the breeze is as cold as the goosebumps you get on your skin when you look at the magnificent wall art. The painting depicts a woman, hands shackled in chains and a beating heart visible through the layered rib-cage, all the while as she carries a smile on her face and strives to be liberated. The wall has broken layers of bricks and the second painting is a tattered yet intimidating face of ... Read more

Top winter getaways within driving distance from Mumbai and Pune

With the monsoons on their way out and the slight nip on winter setting in, it’s time to begin planning your winter breaks! City life can be busy and may prevent you from organizing long haul vacations, but we’ve got here the top 6 places that would make for the perfect short winter break. Within comfortable driving distances of Mumbai and Pune, these are too tempting to pass! Maharashtra has the perfect winter weather, with the Sahyadris providing the cold without the chills. The range is dotted with several gems that make for amazing hideaways from the city crowds. Here ... Read more

The resort city of Eilat in Israel is travel goals for 2020!

The locals refer to it as the most cosmopolitan city in Israel, Israelis who live in the northern parts of Israel see it as the prefect city for holidays and shopping. Tourists sees it as an eternal sunshine city. The truth is that in Eilat, everyone can find what they are looking for. The southern tax free city of Israel located on the Red Sea offers a winning combination of sea and desert, and most importantly – ideal weather all year long and water temperature of 21C in the winters! Looking for fun in the sun? Here are a few ... Read more

Al Badayer Oasis by Mysk is now welcoming nature lovers and adventure seekers

Nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for a true taste of the Emirati lifestyle don’t have to look any further. Al Badayer Oasis by Mysk, the third gem in Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)’s ‘Sharjah Collection’, nestled in central Sharjah’s lively Al Badayer Desert, is now welcoming guests. This picturesque oasis is first of its kind in the UAE with a unique design inspired by traditional Emirati heritage. It is the ultimate desert experience nestled in Al Badayer Desert’s burnt orange dunes, which are famously known to be ‘made for adventure’. Al Badayer is one of the most popular ... Read more

Are you ready for an authentic adventure to Cambodia?

The Kingdom of Cambodia has more to offer than the stunning temples of Ankor; the tropical beaches, colonial buildings and an abundance of natural attractions await you there at this destination which is slowly recovering from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s reign. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the major attractions in Cambodia… Angkor Archaeological Park The Angkor Archaeological Park, located about four miles north of the city center is a 150-square-mile complex, which includes the famous Angkor Wat Temple. Angkor Wat, the Buddhist temple complex here, is the largest religious monument in the world and sees steady ... Read more

Sharjah- A perfect destination for those who love the finer things in life

Sharjah is a perfect destination for tourists who are into art & culture, adventure and food. Known for its rich cultural heritage and its picturesque landscape, the vibrant destination is also pocket-friendly and an ideal weekend getaway as it’s only a few hours’ flight time from India. Art & Culture Sharjah Art Foundation – Located in Sharjah’s historic Art and Heritage Areas, Sharjah Art Foundation activities and events take place throughout the year and include exhibitions featuring the work of Arab and international artists, performances, music, film screenings and artist talks as well as extensive art education programmes for children, ... Read more