News

New moon-shaped project rising in Sharjah’s mountains will boom global travel

A new crescent-shaped project is rising atop a hill in Sharjah’s Kalba, promising to become a landmark destination. Named Ghamam, which translates to ‘above the clouds,’ this project is set about 850 meters above sea level on Jebel Deem. It will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and the coast, redefining the tourism landscape in the region. Features of the Ghamam Project Upper Floor Amenities: The first floor will feature a restaurant, an open café, and a reading room, providing visitors with a serene environment to relax and enjoy the scenic views. Ground Floor Facilities: The ground floor will include viewing platforms, a multipurpose hall, and a prayer room, catering to a variety of visitor needs. Greenery and Landscaping: Over 4,500 trees, including olive, apple, pomegranate, and grape trees, have been planted to enhance the rocky mountain landscape, creating a green oasis. Additional Attractions Entertainment Options: The project will also boast an open theatre and play areas for children, making it a family-friendly destination. Sports and Accommodation: A nearby football stadium, situated 650 meters above sea level, promises cooler and humidity-free playing conditions. Additionally, a 100-room hotel will provide luxurious accommodation options for tourists. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, recently visited the under-construction project, underscoring its significance. This initiative follows the success of the Al Suhub Rest Area, which opened in 2021 and towers 600 meters over Khor Fakkan. Boosting Kalba as a Tourist Hub Kalba is rapidly becoming a must-visit spot in Sharjah, with a slew of new attractions boosting its appeal. Recent openings include the Hanging Gardens, Al Hefaiyah Lake, and a clock tower, all contributing to its growing reputation. Impact on the Travel and Tourism Sector The Ghamam project is poised to have a transformative impact on Sharjah’s travel and tourism sector. Here’s how: Increased Tourist Influx: The unique design and high-altitude location of Ghamam are expected to attract a significant number of tourists, boosting local tourism. Economic Growth: The development will likely spur economic activity in the region, creating jobs and benefiting local businesses. Enhanced Visitor Experience: By offering a mix of natural beauty, modern amenities, and cultural attractions, Ghamam will enhance the overall visitor experience, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. Environmental Focus: The project’s emphasis on planting trees and greening the area highlights a commitment to environmental sustainability, which is increasingly important to modern travelers. Cultural and Recreational Hub: With its diverse facilities, including a football stadium and an open theatre, Ghamam will serve as a cultural and recreational hub, catering to both locals and tourists. As Sharjah continues to develop innovative tourism projects, the Ghamam project stands out for its visionary approach and potential to set new standards in the industry. By combining natural beauty with modern conveniences and a strong focus on sustainability, it is set to become a landmark destination that attracts visitors from around the world, significantly impacting the travel and tourism sector in Sharjah and beyond.

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What’s the ‘Winterline’ phenomenon

Mother Nature is mysterious and uniquely beautiful. It has ways of creating magic in terms of various natural phenomena that leave humans all stunned and speechless. One such magical spectacle of nature is the Winterline phenomena, which is unique to only two places on Earth—Mussoorie in India and the Alps of Switzerland. As the sun dips below the mountain horizon, the Winterline comes alive, colouring the sky with a palette of deep reds, yellows, mauves, and inky blues. This natural beauty spectacle creates a colourful horizon, known as the Winterline. So, let’s find out more about this beautiful phenomena. Understanding Winterline The Winterline is a unique phenomenon that occurs during the winter months in certain regions. It is defined by a distinct horizontal line or band that forms in the sky, separating the hazy, foggy conditions below from the clear skies above. Witnessing the Winterline spectacle in Mussoorie Set in the middle of stunning hills of Uttarakhand, Mussoorie is noted for its picturesque natural beauty and panoramic views. It is also one of the few places on Earth where the Winterline phenomenon is visible in all its glory, offering visitors a rare glimpse into nature's extraordinary beauty. As winter approaches, the skies over Mussoorie transform into a canvas of contrasting colours. The sight is truly magical! Winterline in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland The other place on Earth to witness the Winterline beauty is the grand Swiss Alps. The Alps offer a spectacular backdrop for this atmospheric phenomenon, with snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys providing the perfect setting for nature's breathtaking spectacle. As the sun sets over the Alps, the Winterline comes alive, colouring the sky with pretty shades. Mussoorie Winterline Festival Every year in late December, Mussoorie celebrates the arrival of the Winterline with a festival. For the best views, Winterline chasers can head to the Lal Tibba, situated along the ascent to the charming town of Landour. As the sun sets, visitors can enjoy activities like stargazing and night photography, adding to the experience.

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Madhya Pradesh Launches Intrastate Air Taxi Services

There is an exciting news for all the travellers who are planning to explore Madhya Pradesh on your next trip. The state will start an intrastate air taxi service from June 9, 2024. Some prominent destinations in the state include Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Indore, Khajuraho and Jabalpur. Now, these destinations can be easily explored by using the intrastate air taxis that will be launched under the PM Shri Paryatan Vayu Seva. This move comes as a step to boost tourism. According to MP tourism, the main objective of this step is to remove travel time and provide tourists a convenient way to explore the rich cultural heritage of this Indian state. The prices for the service will vary depending on the destination and route. For instance, the ticket price for Bhopal to Jabalpur is around INR 9,000 and Bhopal to Khajuraho is priced at INR 15,000. There are two options available while booking: seat sharing and private charter booking. Madhya Pradesh attracts a lot of tourist from all across the globe. The heart of India, this state is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and natural wonders. From the majestic Sanchi Stupa to the stunning Bhedaghat Marble rocks, you can plan a trip to this state for an unforgettable experience. In other news, India's aviation ministry has initiated the urban air mobility project, which aims at launching air taxi services for the country by 2026. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has established several technical committees to guide the project. It has also garnered significant interest from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Air India introduces the newest travel companion, ‘Fare Lock’

Air India has recently introduces an innovative feature called ‘Fare Lock’, aimed at providing customers with added flexibility and convenience during the ticket booking process. This feature is now seamlessly integrated into the booking flow on airindia and the Air India mobile application, streamlining travel planning for passengers. Fare Lock allows travelers to secure a selected fare for a period of 48 hours by paying a nominal fee. During this time, customers can finalise their travel plans without worrying about sudden fluctuations in fares or availability. This feature is applicable to flight options that are at least 10 days away from the booking date, offering ample time for travelers to make decisions. To utilise this service, Air India customers simply need to choose their preferred flight options and select the Fare Lock feature during the booking process. By paying a non-refundable fee, passengers can reserve their chosen fare for 48 hours. Later, they can revisit their bookings through the website or mobile app and confirm their reservations at the pre-selected fares using the ‘Manage Booking’ option. Fare Lock comes with varying fees, which are inclusive of taxes and depend on the route and applicable per passenger per ticket. This adds to Air India's array of ancillary offerings, aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience for its customers. By harnessing advanced technology and integrating the service with Amadeus in the booking flow, Air India remains at the forefront of catering to the diverse needs of travelers, ensuring a smoother and more personalised journey for all.

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Gulmarg: Iconic 106-year-old Maharani Temple gutted in massive fire

In a tragic event, the iconic Maharani Temple in Gulmarg, located atop a hillock was gutted in a blaze. If reports are to go by, a fire erupted at the renowned Maharani Temple, where the iconic Bollywood song ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’ featuring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz was once filmed. The fire consumed the temple overnight, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake. This temple held significant religious importance, serving as a popular pilgrimage site in the valley. Reports suggest that the blaze broke out at around 3:45 AM on June 5, and despite prompt intervention from the local fire service station and law enforcement, nothing much could be saved. The temple's complete destruction stemmed from its construction entirely of wood, exacerbating the fire's impact. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this devastating inferno. Originally known as Mohineshwar Shivalaya or Rani Temple, Maharani Temple earned fame through its cinematic appearance in the Bollywood movie Aap Ki Kasam. Constructed in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, it was under the management of the former royal family and operated by the Dharmarth Trust. Remarkably, the Indian Army collaborated with local communities in 2021 to restore this 106-year-old temple. Apart from renovating the temple structure, the Indian Army also undertook the redesigning of pathways leading to the temple, breathing new life into the sacred site. The temple was subsequently reopened to the public, offering devotees the opportunity to reconnect with their spiritual roots. Referring to this, the caretaker of the temple elaborated about the importance of continued community service in Gulmarg, expressing hope for the temple's restoration to its former grandeur. However, the hopes were shattered as the temple succumbed to flames in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The community's fervent wish remains for the temple to rise anew, and ongoing investigations aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic fire. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the loss reverberates not only through the physical destruction of a historic monument, but also through the emotional and spiritual impact on the local community and devotees alike. The Maharani Temple's legacy endures, albeit now as a memory etched in the hearts of those who cherished its presence in the serene landscapes of Gulmarg.

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Rainfall alert: IMD issues alert across India; heavy showers expected in several regions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather forecast, predicting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across various parts of the country for the first week of June 2024. Plan your travels accordingly. The IMD forecasts thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall, along with lightning and breezes, across Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, West Bengal, and Sikkim until June 10. Specifically, isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Assam and Meghalaya from June 3 to June 5, followed by heavy rainfall on June 6 and 7. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall from June 3 to June 6, while Arunachal Pradesh may see heavy rainfall on June 3 and 4. Additionally, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura are predicted to have isolated heavy rainfall on June 5 and 6. A wet spell with thunderstorms, lightning, and breezes is predicted over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana until June 8. Tamil Nadu is expected to receive heavy showers on June 5, with Karnataka experiencing heavy rainfall until June 6. Andhra Pradesh may have heavy showers on June 6, while Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka could see heavy rainfall until June 7. Maharashtra is anticipated to witness heavy showers today, June 3. Isolated to scattered light rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph), is likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next five days. Uttar Pradesh is expected to have light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and breezes until June 5, while Punjab and Haryana will experience similar conditions until June 6. Rajasthan will see light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and breezes over the next four days. Residents and authorities in the affected regions are advised to stay updated with the latest weather information from the IMD and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides. Avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, and ensuring safety measures for lightning and strong winds, are crucial. The IMD continues to monitor the weather patterns closely and will provide updates as the situation evolves.

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