News

Hyderabad’s Musi riverfront set to become a tourist hub

In a bid to boost tourism, Telangana’s Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced plans to develop Musi riverfront in an interesting tourist hub in Hyderabad. The historical buildings along the Musi River will soon transform into a tourist center. The plans were announced during an event by the CM. Reddy has also called on industrialists to be a part of this activity and preserve these heritage sites, which reflect the city's cultural glory. He also said that the state government is committed to promote tourism alongside its welfare initiatives. One of the prime and ambitious projects that the CM mentioned was Musi Riverfront development under which the region and buildings along the Musi will be restored. These are basically forgotten heritage structures which now the government plans to restore. In fact, the government has already started the restoration of many prominent historical sites. These buildings have remained neglected for a long time and now the government is giving them all the attention. Restoration work As of now, the restoration work of the old assembly building is underway. It is also part of the project. The plans are now to shift the Legislative Council to these freshly renovated buildings in the coming days. The old Osmania General Hospital is another prominent building in the region which is being restored. This landmark of the city is on the priority list. Besides, a new hospital is also being constructed at the Goshamahal stadium to improve the healthcare infrastructure and heritage conservation. Help from industrialists The government is seeking participation from industrialists. There are several corporations that have come forward to take the responsibility of restoring ancient stepwells in Hyderabad. These will be soon transformed into prime tourist spots. Among the major industrialists, Infosys has promised to take care of the Mahalaka stepwell at Osmania University. Sai Life Sciences will focus on the Manchirevula stepwell while Bharat Biotech will restore the Salar Jung and Ammapalli wells. Supported by the government and private sector, these restoration aims to revive Hyderabad’s forgotten heritage while creating new attractions. It is also commendable that all the major players have pledged to renovate the cultural and heritage valuables of the city.

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Lucknow gets its first Jurassic Park; now open to tourists

Lucknow has just become home to dinosaurs! Yes, you read that right. The capital of Uttar Pradesh has opened its first-ever Jurassic Park at Janeshwar Mishra Park. It is now open to residents and visitors who wish to get back to the prehistoric era. This unique and first of its kind attraction in Uttar Pradesh, is spread across five acres. Let’s know more about the park: Prime features of the park The park is a perfect amalgam of education and entertainment and features life-sized robotic dinosaurs. These dinos are imported from Japan and Taiwan and mimic the appearance and movements of these ancient creatures. It creates an immersive experience for visitors. Among the star attractions are replicas of famous dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus rex, Velociraptor, and Triceratops. In addition to dinosaurs, the park also showcases other extinct creatures from the Ice Age, such as mammoths and saber tooth tigers. Visitors will also get a chance to encounter installations of legendary figures like King Kong and Godzilla, creatively constructed from recycled materials. This combination of extinct creatures and pop-culture icons ensures that the park appeals to a wide range of interests, blending fun with a touch of fantasy. Interactive displays The educational aspect of the park is a key highlight. Through interactive displays and realistic models, visitors can learn about the Jurassic era and the technological advancements that make these lifelike creations possible. This makes the experience both enjoyable and informative, especially for children who can engage with the prehistoric world in a hands-on manner. Adding to the magical atmosphere is a talking tree at the park’s entrance, setting the tone for a whimsical adventure. Jurassic Park operates under a public-private partnership, with an investment of approximately INR 8 crores. The development company will manage and maintain the park for the next 15 years, ensuring its longevity and appeal. The park also features a cafeteria for refreshments, making it a convenient outing for families and groups. Important details The park remains open from Monday to Friday Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM (Weekends from 9 AM to 9 PM) Tickets: INR 120 for adults and INR 50 for children under 12 years

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Spiritual tourism in India: Seeking peace and inner harmony

The word ‘spirituality’ in itself is complete and holds the key to happiness. If an average person fully understands and deciphers the meaning of ‘being spiritual’, he/she might never have to depend on others or materialistic objects to stay happy and live a fulfilling life. It all comes down to the mind’s spiritual awakening to be the best version of yourself. And to achieve this state of mind, the world's significant population is making its way to India, the centre of spirituality, the best place to attain moksha and the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda. Let’s have a close look at the growing religious and spiritual tourism industry of India. Religious and spiritual travel Isn't it beautiful that people from across the globe are travelling to India in search of peace or to achieve a spiritual state. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that around 60% of tourism in India is connected to religious and spiritual travel. As per data from the Ministry of Tourism, in 2022, 1,433 million domestic tourists visited various pilgrimage sites across the country. Sabina Chopra, COO, Corporate Travel & Head Industry, Yatra Online says, “India's spiritual tourism is gaining momentum, driven by multiple factors, both for international and domestic travellers. Aspects like yoga, Ayurveda for international travellers & major events like Ram Mandir, Maha Kumbh etc. with government participation at a large scale is also boosting spiritual tourism.” Spiritual tourism in India has deep, ancient roots, shaped by the travels of revered figures such as Adi Shankara, who journeyed across the subcontinent to establish mathams that continue to exist today. Historically, pilgrims undertook arduous journeys, traversing vast distances from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Badrik Ashram, with these accomplishments remembered for generations. The Shakta tradition alone has at least 51 sacred pilgrimage sites across South Asia, including locations like Hinglaj in Pakistan that still attract devotees. With advancements in transportation, spiritual tourism has become more accessible, allowing greater numbers of individuals to experience these sacred places, fulfilling a deep sense of inner satisfaction while also supporting the local economies of these spiritual hubs. The modern advancements in transportation have significantly contributed to the growth of spiritual tourism in India. As travel has become easier, more people are able to visit historically and spiritually significant sites. This accessibility not only enriches the experience for pilgrims but also stimulates local economies in these spiritual centers. Furthermore, the historical significance of pilgrimage routes, such as those established by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 15th and 16th centuries, highlights the deep cultural connections that still resonate today. The continuation of these traditions, combined with modern conveniences, has fostered a thriving environment for spiritual tourism. Chirag Agarwal, Co-founder & COO, TravClan believes, “Seasonal religious tourist places like Amarnath, Kedarnath continue to draw a lot of travellers. Government is taking all measures to keep it comfortable and safe for all tourists in terms of infrastructure and security.” All these trends indicate a significant growth in the spiritual tourism industry of India.

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This South Indian village honoured as the Best Adventure Tourism village in India

Kuthlur village, located in the Belthangady taluk of Karnataka, an offbeat destination for most people, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Tourism Village’ in the Adventure Tourism category by the Ministry of Tourism. This recognition definitely puts the village on the map and on the wish list of many adventure travellers. This is a significant achievement for the village as now it is officially a premier destination for adventure tourism in India. The Best Tourism Village competition is organised annually by the Ministry of Tourism to promote villages that prioritise sustainable tourism. This is the second year of the competition. Through this competition, we come to know of the otherwise offbeat and lesser-known gems that tend to get overlooked because of the more popular destinations. The competition helps in identifying villages that protect their environment, conserve their heritage, and promote community-based values. Kuthlur proved to be a destination that ticks all these and more. The winners of this competition will be honoured during the World Tourism Day event on September 27, which will take place in New Delhi. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Tourism invited online applications for the competition, calling for entries from across the country. Kuthlur’s submission, prepared by Harish Dakaiah, Sandeep Poojary, and Shivaraj, showcased the village’s potential as a top adventure tourism spot. Kuthlur's strength lies in its offerings which includes some of the best hiking and trekking trails, and other outdoor activities. Kuthlur village is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats, and has some of the most stunning and pristine landscapes. So the next time you decide to ditch the usual and go the less trodden path, you might want to check out Kuthlur village. This is the second year of the Best Tourism Village competition, which aims to boost rural tourism while encouraging sustainable practices. Kuthlur had also participated in the previous year’s competition but was not selected at that time. The village’s renewed efforts in 2024 have now paid off, bringing national attention to this hidden gem of Karnataka. Kuthlur’s recognition is a source of pride for the local community, as it reflects their hard work and commitment to sustainable tourism development.

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India’s iconic luxury train, ‘Palace on Wheels,’ sets off from Delhi

As per the latest reports, India's iconic luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, has set off on its inaugural journey for the new tourism season from New Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station. Famed for its opulence and its association with Rajasthan’s royal heritage, this train symbolises the state’s hospitality and grandeur. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Managing Director Sushma Arora and Executive Director Rajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off the train. This season's maiden trip had a mix of 32 passengers from diverse countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Poland, Australia, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and India. This train is popular among both international and domestic travellers for all the amenities they offer and luxury. Elaborating more about the train, Rajendra Singh Shekhawat added that there is pride associated with this luxurious train, which has been in operation since 1982. Reflecting Rajasthan’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, he reiterated that guests are treated with the utmost respect, embodying the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (meaning Guest is God). Managing Director Sushma Arora expressed her excitement, calling the launch of the Palace on Wheels for this season a moment of pride for Rajasthan. During the week-long journey, travellers are treated to five-star facilities, enjoying world-class amenities while exploring Rajasthan's captivating landscapes and historical cities. The Palace on Wheels, a joint venture between RTDC and Indian Railways, continues to be a flagship example of luxury travel in India. As per the itinerary, the train takes travellers to eight iconic destinations: Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra. India's famous train, Palace on Wheels, offers a wide range of trips, from a few-day tours to week-long tours. From New Delhi to the land of kings This trip, this train takes you through the city of Jaipur. Guests will visit some of the country's most iconic landmarks. Along the way, visitors will experience regional cuisine in a colourful, well-equipped vehicle dressed in Indian clothing. Further, the train is fully air-conditioned, and self- sufficient, wherein each cabin comes attached with all modern amenities like mini pantry, wifi, music channel, a safe, wall to wall carpeting etc. Then guests will also find a saloon in the train to meet all their beauty needs.

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U.S. Citizens Can Now Enjoy New 90 Days Visa Free Travel to Qatar Starting October 2024

Starting October 1, 2024, U.S. citizens will be able to explore the wonders of Qatar for up to 90 days without needing a visa—three times longer than the current 30-day limit! Whether you’re planning an extended vacation, a business trip, or just want to experience the country’s unique blend of modernity and tradition, this change gives you plenty of time to take it all in. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the news, laying out the simple requirements to take advantage of the extended stay. All you need is a valid passport with at least three months of validity from the date you arrive and proof that you’ve secured accommodation in Qatar. It’s that easy! For those thinking of staying longer than 90 days, you’ll still need to apply for a visa. But for most travelers, this new policy offers flexibility and convenience, making it easier than ever to enjoy everything Qatar has to offer—from its futuristic skyline to its fascinating cultural heritage. With this change, Qatar becomes an even more accessible destination for U.S. travelers, giving you extra time to discover the hidden gems of this vibrant Middle Eastern country. Whether you’re returning to a favorite spot or visiting for the first time, this extended visa-free stay makes it that much easier to plan your trip.

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