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Kerala: Exploring Thenmala, India's first planned ecotourism destination

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Thenmala stands as a shining example of sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. Recognised as India's first planned ecotourism destination, Thenmala offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and eco-friendly experiences. Thenmala is located in the Kollam district of Kerala, and translates to Honey Hill in the local language, reflecting the region's abundant natural bounty. Spread across lush green forests, gushing streams, and rolling hills, Thenmala is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. At the heart of Thenmala's allure lies its commitment to ecotourism principles. The destination is meticulously planned to minimise environmental impact while maximising the benefits to local communities. Sustainable practices such as waste management, renewable energy utilisation, and biodiversity conservation are integrated into every aspect of tourism development. Visitors to Thenmala are spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions and activities. The Butterfly Park, home to a dazzling array of butterfly species, offers a mesmerising glimpse into the world of these delicate creatures. The Sculpture Garden, featuring sculptures crafted from recycled materials, showcases the region's rich cultural heritage while promoting environmental consciousness. Adventure seekers can indulge in activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing amidst the verdant landscapes of Thenmala. The elevated walkway through the canopy provides a thrilling opportunity to observe the region's diverse flora and fauna from a unique vantage point. Thenmala's cultural heritage is equally captivating, with traditional art forms, folk dances, and indigenous crafts on full display. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture through interactive workshops, cultural performances, and visits to tribal settlements.

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Vietnam among world's safest places for solo female travel: Time Out

British magazine Time Out has named Vietnam one of world's nine safest destinations for solo female travelers and it was the only Southeast Asian representative in this list. "When it comes to the safest destinations for women backpacking in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam still vie for the top spot – but Vietnam is a good place to start," the magazine wrote. Thanks to political stability and low violent crime rates, HCMC and Hanoi are also ideal destinations for foreigners. Time Out editors also urged visitors to explore ancient villages in Hoi An, famous for its slow pace of life and tranquil atmosphere and enjoy cuisine in Hue that used to be the home of Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last ruling royal family. Currently, Hue has more than 1,200 dishes, including bun bo Hue (rice vermicelli with beef soup), Hue-style sweet soup, spring rolls and com hen, a rice dish with rural ingredients like baby mussels (hen) and fresh herbs. In addition to Vietnam, the list also included Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, Greece and New Zealand.

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Japan starts issuing eVisas for Indian tourists; find out how to apply online

As reported earlier, Japan has already started issuing eVisas to Indian tourists, and has introduced a system that eliminates the need for physical visa stickers in passports. Under this innovative program, Indians travelling to Japan can electronically apply for visas through designated Japan Visa Application Centers operated by VFS Global. As per the reports, the eVisa offers a single-entry short-term visa specifically for tourism purposes, allowing a stay of up to 90 days in the island nation. Both Indian citizens and foreign nationals residing in India are eligible to apply for this eVisa. Applicants will submit their applications to Visa Application Centers managed by VFS Global, similar to the previous process. However, instead of receiving traditional visa stickers affixed to their passports, applicants will now receive electronic visas. Here's how to initiate the application process for a tourist visa in Japan: 1. Visit the official website of the Japan Visa Application Centre, managed by VFS Global, at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/jpn/. 2.Select the 'Temporary Visitor Visa' option, download the visa application form, and complete it accurately. Print it out and ensure all mandatory fields are completed. 3. Schedule an appointment to submit your application form at the Visa Application Centre. Following booking, you'll receive an appointment confirmation email, which includes the letter of appointment. 4. At your appointment, provide the visa application form at the center and await an email notification. Additionally, you can monitor the status of your visa application online using the reference number from the invoice or receipt provided by the center. At the airport, during check-in, display the ‘visa issuance notice’ on your device. The travel agency will provide you with a ‘Visa Issuance Notice’ containing a two-dimensional barcode. Scan the barcode and enter all necessary details to access the notice. Click on ‘Display’ to view the electronic “visa issuance notice.” Do note that during the application process, applicants may be requested to appear in person at the Japanese overseas establishment with jurisdiction over their place of residence for an interview.

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Important Notice for Visa Processing Delays During Eid Al Fitr Holidays

Dear Esteemed Visa Agents, In observance of Eid Al Fitr, the United Arab Emirates government has declared public holidays from the 6th of April (Saturday) until the 14th of April (Sunday). We wish to inform you that during this period, visa processing services will experience delays and will not be operational. As the holidays approach, we kindly ask all our valued agents to plan their visa applications accordingly. It's imperative to take into consideration the temporary halt in processing during this festive period. Any applications submitted during this time will experience delays in processing until normal operations resume. We understand the importance of timely visa processing for your clients' travel plans and business requirements. Therefore, we strongly advise all agents to submit visa applications well in advance or plan travels accordingly to accommodate for the anticipated delay. Please be informed that visa processes will return back to normal on the 15th of April (Monday). Our team will resume operations promptly to ensure efficient processing of all pending applications. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this holiday season. Should you have any further inquiries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.

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Manali: Devlok Manali, the newly launched theme park, is a cultural gem

Situated in the picturesque town of Manali, nestled alongside the tranquil banks of the Beas River, the newly launched theme park – Devlok Manali – represents a significant departure from traditional cultural tourism offerings. The theme park is the result of a strategic partnership between Maya Digital Media and the Himachal Pradesh Government. Devlok Manali aims to create a sustainable and immersive cultural experience for visitors while also contributing to the economic growth of the region. What sets Devlok Manali apart from other theme parks? The park's design and attractions reflect a careful balance between tradition and modernity. Visitors can explore various aspects of Himachali culture, including its rich history, art, music, dance, and cuisine, all within a contemporary and luxurious setting. Whether it's participating in traditional folk performances, indulging in local delicacies, or admiring handicrafts created by local artisans, Devlok Manali offers something for everyone. Devlok Manali offers an immersive experience amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape, inviting visitors to delve into a world of discovery, enrichment, and entertainment. At the core of Devlok Manali lies Ezzenza Swarg By The Beas, a luxurious boutique resort that provides guests with an unparalleled retreat amidst nature's splendour. Boasting lavish accommodations and panoramic views of lush green fairways and the River Beas, the resort offers a serene sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. For those seeking holistic wellness, ARK The Ayurvedic Spa awaits. For those travelling on a budget, there’s the MySpace Express Alaya- Backpackers Retreat Hostel. Cultural enthusiasts can delve into the rich heritage of Himachal Pradesh at the Alankaar -Handicrafts Zone, where traditional arts and crafts come to life. From intricate handloom textiles to exquisite wood carvings, visitors can witness the skilled craftsmanship that defines the cultural identity of the region. Devlok Manali also provides an immersive cultural experience through its Entertainment Zone, Him-Katha. This zone offers visitors the opportunity to engage with Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage through state-of-the-art hi-tech shows such as Flyover Himachal and Spirit of Himachal. These shows utilise cutting-edge technology to provide guests with a virtual tour of Himachal Pradesh, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical significance. In addition to the hi-tech shows, Rang-Lok's Open Arena Theatre captivates audiences with dynamic performances that celebrate Himachal's cultural traditions. From traditional music and dance to martial arts and acrobatics, guests are treated to a visual and auditory feast that highlights the region's diverse artistic expressions.

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Katchatheevu, the tiny island that has sparked India-Sri Lanka controversy

A political dispute has erupted in India, revolving around a small, uninhabited island belonging to Sri Lanka. This island is Katchatheevu, measuring just about 1.9 sq km (0.7 sq miles), and sits in the Palk Strait, separating India and Sri Lanka. Located northeast of India's Rameswaram town in Tamil Nadu state and southwest of Sri Lanka's Jaffna city, it lacks a source of drinking water and features only a solitary church, hosting an annual three-day festival attracting devotees from both countries. Since 1921, both British colonies, India and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), laid claim to fishing rights in the waters surrounding Katchatheevu. However, India settled the dispute in 1974 by relinquishing its claim to the island. A subsequent agreement between India and Sri Lanka prohibited citizens of both countries from fishing in each other's waters. The issue has resurfaced following accusations from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the opposition Congress party for ‘callously’ ceding the island to Sri Lanka. Modi's remarks stem from recent revelations by a leader of his Bharatiya Janata Party regarding government discussions about Katchatheevu in the 1960s. Opposition leaders allege that Modi's party is exploiting the Katchatheevu issue, sensitive in Tamil Nadu, to garner votes in the upcoming general elections. Documents unearthed by K Annamalai, chief of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, highlight debates within the Indian government regarding Katchatheevu in the 1960s. While some officials advocated for India's claim based on historical sovereignty, India eventually conceded the island to Sri Lanka. Despite ongoing legal battles challenging the agreement, India's foreign minister, S Jaishankar, admitted that the issue had been concealed from public scrutiny for too long. However, he clarified that the matter was sub judice when asked about revisiting the 1974 agreement. In 2013, the Indian Government informed the Supreme Court that Katchatheevu could not be ‘retrieved’ from Sri Lanka since it was never demarcated and remained disputed territory. Former attorney general Mukul Rohatgi echoed this sentiment, stating that India would have to engage in warfare to reclaim Katchatheevu. Nevertheless, BJP's Annamalai asserts that the central government aims to reclaim Katchatheevu to safeguard the interests of Tamil Nadu's fishermen. The Sri Lankan Government, however, maintains that Katchatheevu falls under its jurisdiction and awaits official communication from India regarding control over the island.

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