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International Museum Day 2024: India’s finest museums to add to your must-visit list

In a nation as culturally rich as India, you will find numerous museums meticulously curating historical treasures, and serving as custodians of our abundant heritage. Today, on International Museum Day, we take you on a virtual tour to some of the finest museums in India that you should add to your travel wish list. National Museum, New Delhi Nestled in the heart of India's capital, the National Museum serves as an institution that boasts of an extensive collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient sculptures and relics to exquisite paintings and manuscripts. Visitors can head out on a journey through time, unraveling the intricacies of India's past and marveling at its artistic and archaeological treasures. Stepping into the hallowed halls of the Indian Museum in Kolkata is akin to traversing the annals of time. Established in 1814, it holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest museum in India. Its vast collection spans various disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. From ancient artifacts and rare manuscripts to ethnographic exhibits, the museum offers a comprehensive insight into India's rich cultural heritage. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai is a treasure trove of art and antiquities. Situated amidst the lush greenery of the Kala Ghoda precinct, this architectural marvel houses a diverse collection of artifacts, ranging from intricately carved sculptures to exquisite miniature paintings. Its galleries showcase the cultural legacy of India, spanning various periods and regions. Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad Nestled on the banks of the Musi River, the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad is a testament to the eclectic tastes of its founder, Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III. Boasting one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in the country, it features a diverse range of exhibits, including rare manuscripts, European paintings, and Oriental artifacts. From ancient weaponry to exquisite textiles, each artifact narrates a unique tale of history and culture. Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata Perched on the banks of the Hooghly River, the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata stands as an architectural marvel and a tribute to the legacy of Queen Victoria. Built in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, this iconic landmark houses a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the British colonial era. Visitors can wander through its galleries, soaking in the opulence of a bygone era and gaining insight into India's colonial past.

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Vietnam Airlines introduces A350 aircraft on flights between India & Vietnam

Starting from May 15, Vietnam Airlines now connects New Delhi to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. According to Google Trends, Vietnam was the "Most Searched Destination for Indians in 2023." Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates 14 flights weekly from Delhi and Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines offers seamless connections to China, Japan, Korea, Australia, and ASEAN countries from India. The flag carrier of Vietnam has commenced commercial operations of the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft on flights between India and Vietnam. This achievement signifies a crucial step in Vietnam Airlines' dedication to offering world-class service, utmost comfort, and smooth connections for passengers traveling between India and Vietnam, and to other destinations. The Airbus A350 is well-known for its advanced technology and superior comfort. It has been designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers by providing a harmonious blend of modern amenities and spacious cabin layouts, including 276 economy seats with best-in-class extra legroom and 29 full-flat beds in business class. The aircraft features a cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system and offers a diverse menu, including specialized Indian meals. All these features ensure a comfortable and environmentally sustainable journey for travelers across continents. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India for Vietnam Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We at Vietnam Airlines are incredibly proud to launch our inaugural commercial flight Airbus A350, symbolizing our commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing passengers with world-class travel experiences. Vietnam Airlines acknowledges the importance of delivering exceptional travel experiences to Indian travelers. The introduction of Airbus A350 signifies a journey that goes beyond mere transportation. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board with our renowned Vietnamese hospitality." Commenting on the announcement, Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director of Aeroprime Group (India GSA, Vietnam Airlines), said, "Bringing the world-class state-of-the-art A350 to the Indian market demonstrates a greater commitment to customer experience by Vietnam Airlines. With the introduction of the Airbus A350, we aim to provide travelers with a superior travel experience characterized by comfort, efficiency, and warmth." Vietnam Airlines has started commercial operations of the Airbus A350 on the New Delhi to Hanoi and New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City routes. This reaffirms the airline's position as the top choice for travelers looking for convenient, comfortable, and reliable air travel, especially for Indian patrons. The wide-body aircraft A350 is a symbol of innovation in aviation. Passengers onboard will enjoy a specially curated Indian food menu and premium amenities, including spacious seating, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality from the airline's dedicated crew members.

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Agra gets new white marvel, posing competition to Taj Mahal

A new white marble structure in Agra, which took more than 100 years to build, is now attracting a huge number of visitors. These visitors often draw comparisons between the iconic Taj Mahal and the newly constructed mausoleum of the founder of the Radha Soami sect in Soami Bagh, situated about 12 km away from the Taj Mahal. The pristine white marble structure has become a popular attraction for tourists exploring Agra, leaving many in awe of its grandeur and considering it a worthy rival to the Taj Mahal, thus adding to the architectural splendour of the city known for its Mughal-era monuments. In contrast to the Taj Mahal, which was completed within 22 years by the labour of numerous skilled artisans and craftsmen under a mediaeval authoritarian regime during the 17th century, the construction of the Soami Bagh mausoleum extended over a century within an open society. Pramod Kumar, an ardent follower of the faith, added that the construction of the mausoleum serves as an example of their unwavering faith, fervour, and dedication of its creators, who were motivated by their religious beliefs. Resting on a foundation of 52 wells, the towering 193-foot structure, entirely crafted from white marble sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan, stands as one of India's most ambitious undertakings. Dedicated to the founder of the Radha Soami faith, Param Purush Pooran Dhani Swamiji Maharaj, the grand mausoleum is situated in the Soami Bagh colony in Agra's Dayalbagh area. Each day, huge number of tourists visit the mausoleum. While the entrance is free, photography is not permitted. If reports are to go by, some minor additions are yet to be made to the mausoleum. Visitors can still see craftsmen engaged in their work. "Now, of course, we have huge grinders, cutters, finishers, lorries, lifters, and all kinds of machines and computer technology, all of which were employed to advantage here, and the results show," an official connected with the project said. Visitors have already started to draw comparisons between the Soami Bagh mausoleum and the globally renowned Taj Mahal, which attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe each day. The Taj Mahal is home to the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Officials overseeing the construction said, "It represents a form of worship that has persisted and will continue tirelessly." The Soami Bagh mausoleum is situated within a community of adherents to the Radha Soami faith, which boasts millions of followers across states such as Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Karnataka, as well as in various foreign nations. The original samadh was a basic white sandstone structure. Construction on a new design by an architect from Allahabad began in 1904. Despite delays, men have been working tirelessly since 1922, primarily by hand, on the expansive and intricately adorned construction. Artisans, some of whom have spent their entire lives on the site, continue the tradition passed down through generations. While modern machinery aids their work, their craftsmanship remains meticulous. The building's architectural design is not bound by any specific style, whether modern or traditional, although its conception leans towards oriental influences. There's a concerted effort to seamlessly blend various styles. Nevertheless, the sponsors of Soami Bagh, dubbed the 'garden of the Lord,' vehemently deny any intention to rival the Taj Mahal. The 31.4-foot gold-plated pinnacle, taller than that of the Taj Mahal, required years of effort and a crane from Delhi for installation due to challenges in sourcing marble. Most marble comes from Makrana and Jodhpur, with mosaic stone from Nowshera, Pakistan, and semi-precious stones from Indian riverbeds. Despite leasing quarries in Mount Abu and Udaipur, acquiring high-quality marble posed difficulties, compounded by labour shortages as skilled masons migrated to Gulf countries. While the Taj Mahal remains a top tourist choice for its grandeur, spiritually inclined individuals find solace in Soami Bagh, prompting comparisons with the Taj Mahal in Agra.

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UAE launches 10-year Blue Residence Visa

In a significant step toward cultivating a culture of sustainability, the UAE Cabinet has greenlit a 10-year Blue Residence visa for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection. This decision was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, following a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Underlining the UAE’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, the Prime Minister emphasised, “The sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent.” He reiterated the country’s determination to safeguard the environment, embrace cutting-edge international technologies, and enhance its higher education systems. As the UAE progresses through its year of sustainability (2023–2024), the introduction of the Blue Visa aligns perfectly with the country’s long-term objectives of promoting environmental protection and sustainable practices. Here’s all you need to know about it. What’s the UAE 10-year Blue Visa? The UAE has launched a long-term residency program for environmental champions, known as the ‘Blue Residency’. This 10-year visa is specifically tailored for individuals who have exhibited exceptional dedication and efforts towards environmental protection. The initiative aims to bolster sustainability initiatives within and beyond the UAE, in harmony with the country’s pledge to environmental conservation and sustainability. Aligned with the President’s directive to extend the 2023 Year of Sustainability, this endeavour encompasses sustainability endeavors both within and beyond the UAE. By recognizing and backing individuals devoted to environmental conservation, the UAE sustains its sustainability initiatives and strengthens its dedication to a more eco-friendly future. Who is eligible? The Blue Visa, a special residency permit, will be offered to those who have showcased remarkable commitment and impact across various environmental domains, including marine life, land-based ecosystems, air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, and more. How do you apply? Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply for the Blue Visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), and relevant authorities may also nominate them for consideration. The Blue Visa offers recipients long-term residency in the UAE, opportunities for collaboration on environmental projects, access to funding and resources, and acknowledgment for their contributions to environmental protection.

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Visa free travel between Russia, India likely by year end, says Russian min

Consultations between Russia and India on a bilateral agreement to ease travel will begin in June, a Russian minister has said, adding that Moscow and New Delhi were set to strengthen their tourism ties by launching visa-free group tourist exchanges. "India is at the final stage of internal state coordination," Nikita Kondratyev, director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry's Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, was quoted by RT News as saying on Wednesday. The minister at the sidelines of the International Economic Forum Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024 in Kazan said the first discussion on a draft agreement was scheduled to take place in June, and a signing was expected by the end of the year. "Russia and India are set to strengthen their tourism ties as they gear up for the launch of visa-free group tourist exchanges. The first round of consultations between the two nations is scheduled for June, with an aim to finalise a bilateral agreement by the end of the year," the minister said. Kondratyev said Russia planned to replicate the success of visa-free tourist exchanges already established with China and Iran. Russia and China initiated their visa-free group tourist exchange on August 1 last year. Similarly, a visa-free group tourist exchange between Russia and Iran commenced on the same date, ushering in a new era of tourism cooperation.

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5 trending holiday destinations where Indians are travelling this summer

Indians are travelling like never before. If we go by the latest insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute's "Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries" report, it’s evident that the travel market is also growing. Its comprehensive analysis shows a remarkable surge in air travel, with a staggering 97 million passengers passing through Indian airports in the first quarter alone (January-March 2024). Such a figure not only demonstrates the exponential growth in travel, but also eclipses the total number of travellers witnessed in an entire year merely a decade ago. The report sheds light on a thriving travel market within India, with domestic traffic surging beyond pre-pandemic levels. In March 2024, domestic travel surpassed its 2019 counterpart by an impressive 21%, showcasing a robust resurgence in domestic tourism. Meanwhile, the report also indicated that Indian travellers are actively exploring a number of captivating destinations this summer (June-August 2024), with Amsterdam leading the pack as the top trending destination. Followed closely by Singapore, London, Frankfurt, and Melbourne, these cities have emerged as hotspots for Indian travellers, which are evident from the notable change in the share of flight bookings to these locales. Read on to know why these destinations are leading. Singapore Known for its futuristic skyline, lush green spaces, and multicultural ambiance, Singapore captivates Indian travellers with its diverse attractions. From iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to culinary delights in hawker centres and Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore promises a dynamic and enriching getaway. Amsterdam The picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene of Amsterdam lure travellers seeking a blend of heritage and modernity. From leisurely canal cruises to exploring world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam offers a rich tapestry of experiences. London Steeped in history and brimming with cultural landmarks, London continues to allure Indian travellers with its timeless charm. From exploring the iconic Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to indulging in West End shows and afternoon tea, London offers a plethora of experiences for every traveller. Frankfurt As a bustling financial hub and cultural melting pot, Frankfurt entices Indian travellers with its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition. Visitors can explore the historic Römerberg square, admire the skyline from the Main Tower, and delve into the city's vibrant arts and culinary scene. Melbourne Renowned for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic neighbourhoods, and culinary delights, Melbourne captures the imagination of Indian travellers seeking a cosmopolitan experience. From wandering through laneways adorned with street art to savouring world-class cuisine in bustling cafes and restaurants, Melbourne offers a perfect blend of urban charm and cultural diversity.

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