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This Indian City Is On The List Of Best Destinations For Slow Travel In Asia

Craving a vacation beyond the whirlwind of tourist attractions and rushed itineraries? Agoda’s recent survey has revealed the top Asian destinations where travellers prefer to unwind in an unhurried way! And an Indian destination too, has made it to this list! Slow travel is all about immersing yourself in the local way of life. For most travellers, it translates to strolling through bustling markets, savouring authentic cuisine, and choosing eco-friendly stays with friendly residents. Unlike fast-paced tourist hubs, these destinations are the perfect places to truly connect with the city's soul and appreciate its distinct character. With slow travel being one of the most talked about travel trends, digital travel platform Agoda shares the top Asian destinations for slow travel for longer stays. Thailand’s Khao Lak takes the crown as the tourist destination where travellers spend the most time. Ahmedabad Takes The Spot In India And in India, Ahmedabad is where travellers are spending the most consecutive time on average, with Goa and Faizabad rounding out the top three. When travelling internationally, travellers from India spend most time exploring Seoul in a quest for a slow travel experience. Khao Lak, Thailand Surfing paradise Khao Lak is Asia’s most popular slow travel destination, and for good reason. Its many lesser known but beautiful beaches and nature spots are perfect places to unwind and let any day-to-day worries drift away. In the evening, the bars and restaurants around Phet Kasem road are great places to enjoy some live Thai folk music and perhaps even a game of snooker against the local talent. Seoul, South Korea Seoul, a vibrant and dynamic city, also conceals isolated corners for those looking to enjoy a slower pace. The quiet backstreets of Buam-dong offer a unique mix of classy modern cafes and nostalgic shops from the 1960s-70s, like traditional rice mills and barbershops. The tranquil Baeksasil Valley invites travellers to leave behind the city's rapid pace and immerse themselves in a refreshing natural retreat with pristine water and a well-preserved forest. Literature lovers can explore Seongbuk-dong which houses the historic Hanok living quarters of famous Korean writers from as early as the 1930s. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia Escape to the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia's quintessential beach paradise off Terengganu's coast, which offer slow-paced tropical bliss. Where crystalline waters meet soft sandy shores, the islands of Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar make an ideal sanctuary for relaxation and aquatic adventures like snorkelling and diving amidst colourful coral reefs. Embrace the untouched allure of Perhentian Kecil's Adam & Eve Beach, accessible only by a trek through lush landscapes. In this secluded spot, reconnect with nature's splendour in undisturbed peace. Tokyo, Japan A bustling megacity that is a top global destination, Tokyo is known for being impossible to experience in one trip. That’s why it’s best to slow it down and take the time to immerse in the little pleasures of Japan’s capital. Experience Tokyo’s charms like a local by wandering around some of the lesser-known neighbourhoods such as Shimokitazawa for vintage shopping, Yanaka for a traditional atmosphere, and the bohemian neighbourhood of Koenji for some alternative music and punk rock. And end the day by grabbing a craft cocktail in a tiny alleyway in Sangenjaya. Siargao Islands, Philippines Siargao Island, a serene gem off Surigao del Norte, lures travellers away from the flurry of city life. Dubbed the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines," its famed surf spot 'Cloud 9' faces the open seas and entices surf enthusiasts with some of the best waves year-round. The island’s size notwithstanding, Siargao has an abundance of natural marvels worth exploring. Traverse the island on a rented motorcycle, dive into the sculpted Magpupungko Rock Pools, and unravel the mystique of the glowing Hagukan Cave amid Sohoton Cove's splendour. Here, even a month isn't enough to satisfy the lure of discovery - Siargao calls for repeat visits. Pekanbaru, the bustling capital of Riau province on Sumatra Island, beautifully intertwines vibrant city life with rich Malay culture and history. Idyllic locations like Lake Siak and Lake Kayangan offer a leisurely day out on the waters; rent a boat, swim, or simply unwind among the picturesque surroundings. The historic alleyways of Kampung Bandar are lined with wooden houses and welcoming locals. For a cultural experience, the Muara Takus Buddhist temple complex nearby transports travellers back to the past. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Famous for its bustling streets, Ho Chi Minh city pulses with vibrant energy that’s best enjoyed when embraced fully. Step into the rhythm of the locals and experience the city slowing down by enjoying a traditional Ca Phe Sua Da, Vietnamese coffee, in the morning. Taste the culture of Vietnam by indulging in the epic street food variety and then take a break from the buzz and seek solace among a collection of over a thousand trees in one of the city's oldest parks, Tao Dan Park. Saigon presents a diverse array of experiences to be discovered at a relaxed tempo. Ahmedabad, India Ahmedabad invites explorers to take the time to discover its old city lanes, colonial-era havelis, and the iconic City Walls. There are authentic flavours to be discovered at Manek Chowk market and there's solace to be found along the Sabarmati River. A visit to Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram and the Calico Museum of Textiles connects travellers to the city's history, and legacy of its rich cotton textile industry.

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Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra to travel to Dhaka this week

Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra is set visit to Bangladesh this week to take stock of bilateral ties and prepare the grounds for a trip to New Delhi by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Kwatra was earlier expected to visit Dhaka on April 20, but the trip was called off at the last moment due to unspecified reasons. He is now expected to go to Dhaka on Wednesday and hold several meetings the following day, the people said on condition of anonymity. Besides holding talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Masud Bin Momen, Kwatra is expected to meet foreign minister Hasan Mahmud and Prime Minister Hasina to reiterate the invitation for her to visit India, the people said. Hasina could become the first foreign leader to make a bilateral visit to India following the conclusion of the election process in early June. It is understood that she will come to India before travelling to China by July. However, it is not yet clear whether the Bangladesh premier will travel to New Delhi by June or early July. The Indian premier is expected to make a brief visit to Italy for the outreach session of the G7 Summit around June 14, while Hasina is unlikely to travel out of Bangladesh during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, which are expected to begin on June 17. Kwatra will be the second senior Indian official to visit Bangladesh since Hasina returned to power for a record fifth term after the general election in early January. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval made an unannounced visit to Dhaka in early February, followed closely by a trip to India by the Bangladesh foreign minister. “There is a standing invitation for the Bangladesh prime minister to visit India and the foreign secretary’s visit to Dhaka will help firm up plans for the visit,” one of the people cited above said. Besides bilateral relations and development cooperation, Kwatra’s meetings in Dhaka are expected to take in the rapidly deteriorating situation in Myanmar, where the junta has suffered a string of defeats at the hands of resistance forces. There is growing concern in Dhaka about the situation along Bangladesh’s border with Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where resistance forces have made numerous gains. The Arakan Army overran the headquarters of security forces at Maungdaw town in Rakhine state on May 3 and nearly 200 Myanmarese border guards crossed over to Bangladesh over the weekend. The situation in Myanmar has thrown up shared security challenges for India and Bangladesh, and the two countries recently coordinated in pulling their diplomats out of Sittwe town. The resistance forces have captured key border trade and crossing points on the frontiers with India and Bangladesh, and they have also overrun military bases in many areas along the borders with both countries, which are now dealing with Myanmarese troops entering their territories to escape the fighting.

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Indonesia to relocate entire island population amid volcanic eruption threat

Indonesia will permanently relocate the entire population of an island in North Sulawesi province because a volcano is threatening their safety. Mount Ruang erupted spectacularly last month and has been spewing ash that forced nearby airports to close and flights to be cancelled. Ruang Island’s population of around 10,000 people is being moved to Bolaang Mongondow on the island of North Sulawesi about 40 kilometers away, Tempo newspaper reported, citing Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono. This was agreed upon following a Cabinet meeting with President Joko Widodo. Simple, permanent homes will be built in the Bolaang Mongondow area for the resettled people, said Coordinating Human Development Minister Muhadjir Effendy on Friday as reported by Tempo. After the evacuation the government intends to designate Ruang island as a conservation site. Authorities have issued a state of emergency until May 14, warning of a potential tsunami should parts of the volcano collapse due to the eruptions. Indonesia, with a population of over 270 million people, sits on the “Ring of Fire” — a series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean — and has more than 100 active volcanoes spread out across thousands of islands including popular tourist destinations. In 2017 some 40,000 people were evacuated from villages around Mount Agung in Bali when the volcano erupted, causing a temporary slump in tourism and around $1 billion in losses.

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Cathay Pacific is offering discounted flight tickets for Mother’s Day!

The offer is available for round-trip flight tickets departing from Hong Kong to any of the routes operated by the air carrier. So, whether it’s the vibrancy of Singapore or the picturesque landscape of Zurich, you have plenty of destinations to choose from. Keep reading to find out more about this offer. Cathay Pacific discounted flight tickets: How to avail? To get the discount, simply make a booking via the official website using the discount code ‘FLYWITHMUM’ before May 12. Provide the valid Cathay membership number upon purchase as the discount code is eligible for use by members only. Bookings are not available for stopover, multi-city, or tickets booked on the Cathay Pacific mobile app and other channels. Travel dates are available from now until November 30 with some blackout dates such as peak season. The flight ticket includes a 23-kilogram check-in baggage allowance for First, Business, Premium Economy, or Economy seats. The promotion is limited to the first 1,314 bookings on a first-come, first-served basis so don’t miss your chance.

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Kashmir’s Tourism Summit returns after 30 years

Raja Yaqoob, the Director of Tourism in Kashmir, emphasised the crucial need for promoting Kashmir as an alluring tourist destination. He highlighted the importance of raising awareness and investment opportunities, urging tourists to explore the region’s abundant heritage, culture, and culinary delights. “Kashmir is already renowned as an attractive destination, but we must amplify our promotional efforts. The participation of numerous investors in today’s conclave sends a strong message that Kashmir is open for investment and welcomes visitors. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Kashmir boasts a wealth of heritage, crafts, and culinary experiences. Our aim is to showcase these attractions and elevate tourism,” stated Yaqoob. Yaqoob also revealed plans to host a tourism development summit, inviting stakeholders from across the country, and organising an Ambassadors’ meet to enhance tourism prospects. During the event, stakeholders engaged in discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on infrastructure development, safety measures, marketing strategies, and community involvement. The conclave concluded with the formulation of concrete strategies and recommendations to address challenges and harness the immense potential of Kashmir’s tourism sector. Significantly, the government is actively seeking investments across various sectors, including tourism, with a target of attracting an average investment of INR 2000 crore per year for the next 5 years. Despite the pandemic, tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has been on the rise. Last year, the region emerged as a global tourism hotspot, welcoming 2.02 crore tourists, including over 50,000 foreign visitors.

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Soon travel time between Mumbai and Pune to come down to just 2 hours. Here is the latest update

Mumbai-Pune commuters will have to wait a bit longer for smoother travel as the completion of the crucial cablestayed bridge, a pivotal part of the Rs 6,695 crore missing link project, faces delays. Despite initial projections for a July deadline this year, the bridge's construction may extend until March of the following year, delaying the anticipated reduction in traveltime by half an hour, a Mumbai Mirror report stated. Challenges and Delays: Anil Kumar Gaikwad, the Managing Director of MSRDC, elucidated the complexities hindering the project's timeline. Factors such as the formidable task of erecting four 182-meter-tall pylons amidst the valley's relentless winds and precarious visibility conditions have contributed to the delay. Moreover, the exigencies imposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the logistical hurdles of deploying skilled workers to lofty heights, have compounded the construction challenges. Anticipated Impact on Travel: The completion of the missing link project holds significant promise for streamlining travel between Mumbai and Pune, offering a respite from the arduous journey through the ghat section. With 85% of the Expressway's current traffic expected to migrate to the new route upon its inauguration, commuters can anticipate a smoother and more time-efficient journey. The project aims to bypass the treacherous Khandala ghat section, thereby trimming the distance between the two bustling cities by over 6 kilometers and slashing travel time by nearly 30 minutes. Engineer Marvel and Records: The missing link project stands as a testament to India's engineering prowess, boasting several remarkable achievements. Notably, the world's widest twin tunnels spanning 47 meters over 10 lanes have garnered recognition from the Guinness World Records. The daylighting process for these tunnels, spanning two stretches totaling 8.9 kilometers and 1.7 kilometers, concluded early last year, marking a significant milestone in the project's progression. Future Prospects and Cumulative Impact: Looking ahead, the completion of the missing link project, coupled with other ongoing augmentation initiatives, is poised to revolutionize travel between Mumbai and Pune. Once all these projects are commissioned, it will be possible to drive from Worli to Koregaon Park in Pune in no more than 2 hours as the MTHL, or Atal Setu, has already reduced significant travel time since its opening in January this year.

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