News

Traffic diversion at Chennai's Madley Junction from April 27

CHENNAI: Due to the construction of a flyover at Madley Junction, the following traffic diversions will be implemented from Saturday to April 26, 2025. Vehicles coming from North Usman Road towards T Nagar bus stand are prohibited from using the Usman Road flyover near Panagal Park. Instead, vehicles can take the service road of the flyover and reach T Nagar bus stand via Prakasam Road, Bhashyam Road, Thyagaraya Road and Burkit Road. Only buses will be allowed to ply from Burkit Road Mooparappan Street Junction towards Madley. Other vehicles can reach T Nagar bus stand via Usman Road, Mooparappan Street, Musa Street, South Dhandapani Street and Mannar Street. From T Nagar bus stand, vehicles have to take South Osman Road to reach Saidapet Anna Road and reach Kannammapet junction, and then take South West Boag Road, CIT Nagar Fourth Main Road, CIT Nagar Third Main Road and reach Anna Road. Vehicles going from CIT Nagar 1st Main Road to North Usman Road should take South West Boag Road at Kannammapet junction and take Venkatanarayana Road to reach North Usman Road via Nageswaran Rao Road. Vehicles from T Nagar bus stand which have to reach North Usman Road from Madley Roundabout have to take Burkit Road to Venkatanarayana Road and turn left at Nageswara Rao Road.

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Day trips to Kashmir’s border towns, Gurez and Keran

Kashmir was once known for its spirituality — and not for Pakistani militants and infiltrators as in the 90s. It was fertile ground for spiritual movements, be it the Buddhist, Shaivite and Sufi Islamic traditions, during the medieval ages. They knitted the secular culture called Kashmiriyat that preached brotherhood and peace, and which was lost after Partition. So, when the army in northern Kashmir opened a few border towns close to the Line of Control to tourists last year, I made plans to visit. Before these hidden gems are invaded by the curious. From among the many — Machil and Tangdhar, to Teetwal, Tulail, Uri and more — I picked Keran and Gurez: north-west and north-east respectively from Baramulla, the big city near the border with Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

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Add these 8 destination dupes to your travel bucketlist for the summer

Dupes have taken many an industry by storm, whether that was the Uniqlo banana bag or Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillowtalk. And now it’s the travel industry’s turn. Enter the world of destination dupes – the travel trend taking summer 2024 by storm. Who hasn’t dreamt of a picture-perfect vacation, but worried about the crowds and sky-high prices? Gaining traction this summer, destination dupes are hidden gems offering a similar experience to popular tourist spots, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and a budget-friendly price tag. Here are some destination dupes that should be a part of your travel bucket list this summer: Paros instead of Santorini Santorini’s iconic blue domes are breathtaking, but so are the charming whitewashed villages of Paros and Antiparos. Think delicious Greek food, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, all without the Santorini crowds. Maldives magic in the Philippines The Maldives might be synonymous with overwater bungalows and turquoise waters, but the Philippines offers a similar paradise at a fraction of the cost. Palawan Island boasts stunning limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and incredible marine life – perfect for snorkelers and divers. Canadian charm vs. Swiss splendour Thinking of a European escape but on a tighter budget? Quebec City offers a captivating European ambience with cobbled streets, French-Canadian architecture, and a rich history. It’s a charming alternative to the pricier villages nestled in the Swiss Alps. West Coast wine country for the win California’s Napa Valley may be world-famous, but Virginia’s rolling hills and award-winning wineries are a delightful surprise. Sample delicious wines, explore charming towns, and enjoy a more relaxed pace compared to the bustling Napa scene. Korean culture craving? Head to Taipei! Seoul is a captivating city, but during peak season, it can be overwhelming. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, offers a vibrant mix of traditional temples, bustling night markets, and delicious Taiwanese cuisine. Immerse yourself in Asian culture with a unique twist! Skip the crowds, and see the sun-drenched coast of Croatia Dubrovnik’s stunning walled city draws a massive crowd. For a more relaxed Adriatic adventure, consider exploring the charming coastal towns of Makarska or Hvar. Enjoy pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and breathtaking views of the Dalmatian Coast. European history without the hefty price tag London is a global city, but Liverpool offers a rich history, a vibrant music scene, and a friendly atmosphere. Explore museums dedicated to the Beatles, catch a Premier League football match, and soak up the city’s unique character. These are just a few examples! With a little research, you can find amazing destination dupes closer to home or that perfectly suit your travel style and budget. So ditch the crowds, embrace the savings, and embark on a summer adventure that won’t break the bank!

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France air travel update: Flight operations hit in Paris despite strike cancellation

Paris air travel chaos continues as passengers to and from the French capital face flight disruptions despite strike cancellation Air passengers travelling to and from Paris experienced significant disruptions Thursday, despite a decision by air traffic controllers to cancel a strike after last-minute negotiations. Flight operations were substantially reduced because of adjustments made to schedules ahead of the proposed industrial action. French civil aviation authorities had preemptively requested airlines to cut their flights significantly — by 75% at Paris-Orly, 55% at Charles-de-Gaulle, and 65% at Marseille-Provence, with varying reductions across other French airports. As a result, operations were severely limited, also affecting international flights that cross French airspace. While the flights that did operate faced only moderate delays, significant cancellations and scheduling adjustments led to continued travel difficulties for thousands of passengers. The fallout was particularly noticeable at major airports like Paris-Orly, where delays compounded the day’s challenges.

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Top 5 Hill Stations That Are Accessible Via Flights

With the sun shining bright above and visible tan marks on almost every familiar face, an escape to snowy peaks surely seems like a sweet dream. So what’s stopping you? Afraid of motion sickness? Who says that a vacation to the mountains has to be a road trip? We all know that hill stations have always acted as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and of course the rising temperature. Well, this is why we have pulled together a list of a few hill stations in India that are accessible via direct flights. So that you can enjoy a breath of fresh air without any hassle. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags right away and book your tickets to your favourite destination from this list: Mussoorie How can we not begin our list with “Queen of Hills”? Less than 2 hours away from Jolly Grant Airport, Mussoorie is located in Dehradun. From breathtaking waterfalls to Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Mussoorie truly deserves a top spot on your bucket list. Shimla Let’s confess! Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations amongst the wanderlusts. Courtesy: Its accessibility. This summer capital of Himachal Pradesh is just 45 minutes away from its nearest airport—Jubbarhatti. Apart from direct flight, you can also enjoy a scenic road trip to this destination. Manali The cult favourite Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani has made us all well-versed about this hill station. The best part? Manali is just an hour away from its nearest Bhuntar Airport. In just 20 minutes after landing, your soul will be mesmerised. All credit goes to the ethereal mountainous views of Manali. Munnar With its sprawling tea estates and lush greenery, Kerala’s Munnar is honestly a paradise for every nature enthusiast. But apart from its scenic views, you must explore Eravikulam National Park for wildlife. This beautiful location can be reached in just three hours from Cochin Airport Ooty Just three hours away from Coimbatore International Airport, Ooty is well known for its captivating botanical gardens and charming landscapes. In addition, the Government Rose Garden, which is a must-visit spot, displays over 20,000 varieties of roses.

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Mount Fuji view to be blocked amid tourist overcrowding

Japanese authorities, fed up with the disruptive behaviour of poorly behaved foreign tourists at a popular photo spot with views of Mount Fuji, are taking action. They plan to install a massive barrier to block the view, aiming to deter crowds from gathering in the area. The barrier will be a 2.5-meter (8ft) high mesh net, stretching the length of a cricket pitch at 20 metres. Construction is set to begin as early as next week, as confirmed by an official from Fujikawaguchiko town. The decision to implement this measure reflects the regrettable necessity brought about by the actions of some tourists who consistently fail to respect rules, resulting in littering and disregard for traffic regulations. It represents the latest step taken to address the issue of over-tourism in Japan. Earlier this year, residents of Kyoto's geisha district took similar action by banning visitors from accessing small private alleys in an effort to preserve their community. Record numbers of overseas tourists are travelling to Japan, where the number of monthly visitors exceeded 3 million in March for the first time. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, can be photographed from many spots in the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko. This viewpoint is particularly popular because the majestic – and active – volcano appears behind a Lawson convenience store, which are ubiquitous in Japan. The decision to install a large barrier at a popular photo spot in Japan is driven by the regrettable behaviour of some tourists who fail to respect rules, leaving litter behind and ignoring traffic regulations. This action represents the latest response to over-tourism in Japan, following measures such as the ban on visitors from small private alleys in Kyoto's geisha district earlier this year. In March, Japan welcomed a record-breaking number of over 3 million overseas tourists, highlighting its growing popularity as a travel destination. In the scenic resort town of Fujikawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and active volcano, is a major draw for visitors. One of the most sought-after spots for capturing the iconic mountain is where it can be seen behind a Lawson convenience store, a familiar sight across Japan. This spot has become famous for its unique blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, attracting tourists seeking the quintessential Japanese experience. Despite the town's efforts, including traffic signs and repeated warnings from security guards, tourists continued to disregard the rules. As a final measure, the town in the Yamanashi region opted to install a large screen. This decision was made not only to address the issue of unruly behaviour but also to protect a nearby dental clinic. Tourists have been known to illegally park at the clinic and even climb onto its roof to capture photographs. The town officials expressed regret over having to take such drastic action, but they emphasised that the screen will remain in place until the situation improves. It reflects the town's commitment to finding solutions to the challenges posed by tourism. Since the pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted, Japan has experienced a surge in tourism, prompting the government to actively promote visitor numbers. However, this growth hasn't been universally welcomed, especially in Kyoto, where residents have voiced concerns about tourists bothering the city's geisha. To alleviate congestion, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged JPY 2,000 each this summer, with a limit on the number of climbers allowed.

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