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Thiruvananthapuram’s first-ever floating bridge opens for tourists

As per the latest development, Thiruvananthapuram recently opened the first floating bridge at Papanasam beach to boost tourism in the region. Referring to this, Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas shared plans for constructing floating bridges across districts with beaches, aiming to tap into the potential of water sports in Kerala. The inaugural floating bridge, located at Varkala Papanasam in Thiruvananthapuram district, marks the first step in realising this vision. Minister Riyas expressed his intention to focus on popularising beach tourism in Kerala, further emphasising that the project's goal is to create opportunities for locals and tourists, who travel all the way to Goa and Thailand for water sports. By making water sports accessible to the general public, the Minister plans to boost tourism and employment opportunities in the state. The implementation of a master plan for tourism development in Varkala is set for 2024, whereas the Minister added that they are planning to elevate Varkala to an international destination. The floating bridge is hailed as a key element in Varkala's tourism development strategy. A collaborative effort involving the Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council, the Department of Tourism, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, and Varkala Municipality brought the floating bridge to fruition. Spanning 100 m in length and 3 m in width, the bridge features a viewing platform measuring 11 m by 7 m at its tail end, which will have potential to accommodate up to 300 visitors at a time. Reports add that the operating hours of this bridge have been fixed from 11 AM to 6 PM. To ensure visitor safety, the floating bridge is equipped with safety boats, life jackets, and vigilant lifeguards, including local fishermen. The bridge itself, situated in the sea, is constructed from approximately 1,400 high-quality plastic blocks. Additionally, water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities, such as banana boat rides, jet skiing, speed boating, jet attacks, and ATV rides. With an entry fee of Rs 120, visitors can spend a delightful 20 minutes on the floating bridge. The unveiling ceremony was presided over by MLA V Joy, with the participation of Varkala Municipality Chairman KM Laji, Block Panchayat President Smita Sundaresan, Vice Chairperson Kumari Sudarshini, Deputy Director of Tourism Rajeev GL, Binu Kuriakose, CEO of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), and DTPC Secretary Shyam Krishnan. The collective effort to introduce the floating bridge promises not only a unique experience for tourists but also a significant contribution to the advancement of tourism in Varkala and nearby areas.

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Illuminating the White Desert: Grand inauguration of light and sound show at Dhordo, Rann of Kutch

The light and sound show set against the backdrop of white desert and village-themed decoration at Dhordo to offer tourists a rich history and culture of Kutch. White Rann of Kutch, esteemed as a prominent tourist destination both nationally and internationally, is gearing up for a new attraction on Tuesday, December 26. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate a light and sound show at the white Rann watchtower at 6:30 PM. The light and sound show set against the backdrop of the white desert will offer a spectacular experience. Additionally, the village-themed decoration will acquaint tourists with the rich history and culture of Kutch. CM Patel and Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera will remain present at the event. After the inaugural address, they will be attending a cultural program scheduled for the evening. Cultural programs based on the theme "Kutchdo Khele Khalak Mein," along with theme pavilions featuring daily cultural activities, craft stalls, a food bazaar, a creative food zone and various adventurous activities will be part of the organized event. Notably, the state government is actively enhancing Gujarat's tourism by developing infrastructure, roads, attractions, and other facilities. The Kutch region, particularly the Ranotsav initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Narendra Modi has garnered global acclaim, rejuvenating the economy of Kutch. In the year 2022-23, approximately 3.5 lakh tourists explored the mesmerizing white Rann of Kutch. As of the current year, around two lakh tourists have already visited, highlighting the growing appeal of the region. Currently, tourists can visit the historic sites of Dholavira, Smriti, the Regional Science Center, and Bhuj in Kutch. With the development of tourism in the white Rann, new employment opportunities have emerged for locals. Kutchi embroidery and craft samples are also renowned among people in the country and abroad. The festival provides Kutchi handicraft artists with a global market to showcase and sell their artefacts. Dhordo in Kutch has recently been honoured as one of the world's best tourist villages. The 'Best Tourism Village-2023' award ceremony, conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on October 19, 2023, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, selected Dhordo as the sole Indian village to receive the prestigious 'Best Tourism Village' award. This acknowledgement, designating Dhordo as the 'World Best Tourism Village' and situated amidst the White Rann of Kutch, marks another significant milestone in Gujarat's illustrious journey of achievements.

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Hyatt Hotels debuts in Bihar with 74 key Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya

Dhruva Rathore, Vice President of Development, India & South West Asia, Hyatt Hotels, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “The opening of Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya signifies a pivotal point in our growth plans for Hyatt brands in India. Bodh Gaya has long been a cornerstone of religious tourism, and we are delighted to foray into the spiritual capital of Buddhism.” This also signifies the ninth Hyatt Place property in India, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to providing intuitive design, a casual atmosphere, and practical amenities. Developed by Saraf Hotel Enterprise, the 74-guest room property offers Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food options. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Bodh Gaya, a 20-minute drive from Gaya airport, the hotel embraces a minimalist design that aligns with Hyatt's dedication to care. Positioned conveniently near renowned attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabodhi temple, and the sacred Bodhi tree, Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya becomes an ideal haven for travelers seeking tranquility. Each of the 74 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms, including deluxe and family suites, provides a harmonious fusion of functionality with a captivating view of the Mahabodhi temple. The hotel's design caters to the multi-tasking traveler, offering moments of introspection and a sense of calm. In addition to its signature all-day dining restaurant, Gallery Café, and The Market, which provides grab-and-go food options, the property features a meditation room to support guests in their well-being journey. A library lounge is also incorporated, providing insights into the significance of the city and beyond. Dhruva Rathore, Vice President of Development, India & South West Asia, Hyatt Hotels, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “The opening of Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya signifies a pivotal point in our growth plans for Hyatt brands in India. Bodh Gaya has long been a cornerstone of religious tourism, and we are delighted to foray into the spiritual capital of Buddhism.” Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya not only adds a valuable dimension to religious tourism but also elevates the hospitality experience by offering unique spaces like a meditation room and a library lounge. The property also boasts a 1614-square-foot open event space for private ceremonies, conferences, spiritual gatherings, or intimate weddings.

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Delhi all set to open the country’s first ‘Jurassic Park’- like dinosaur park in Sarai Kale Khan

The soon-to-be-opened Waste-to-Art dinosaur park at Sarai Kale Khan by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is poised to become the first-of-its-kind in India. Expected to welcome the public by the end of the next month, the park will feature a collection of 54 colossal dinosaur replicas, ranging from 9 to 65 ft in height and up to 54 ft in length. Officials in the know-how added that these replicas are crafted entirely from scrap metal, discarded tires, remnants of cars, and horticulture waste. These life-sized replicas not only showcase realistic movements, but also feature impressive capabilities, including the ability to produce roaring sounds, growls, hisses, and even spit fire. Drawing inspiration from Jurassic Park, the park incorporates light and sound effects, recreating iconic scenes from the film, such as dinosaurs crushing vehicles. If reports are to go by, the site has reached 80% completion, utilizing nearly 300 tonnes of waste material for construction. The park aims to exhibit replicas representing 15 species of dinosaurs, including Coelophysis, Brontosaurus, Velociraptor, Tsintaosaurus, Deinosuchus, Rajasaurus, Prenocephale, Ankylosaurus, Triceratops, Amargasaurus, Spinosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. Visitors will be greeted at the entrance by replicas of three stegosaurus dinosaurs, each uniquely crafted using horticulture waste, scrap, and car scraps. The park also features a group of small, feathered Velociraptor dinosaurs and a 53x50 feet replica of the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex from the Jurassic Park franchise. The Tyrannosaurus Rex replica is designed to spit fire and blink its eyes, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Spanning 3.5 acres adjacent to the Waste-to-Wonder Park, the dinosaur park incorporates various recreational activities catering to children. These include slides, climbing ropes, and swings designed with safety in mind, ensuring no sharp edges pose a risk. The park also introduces a 60-foot-wide, 25-foot-tall replica of the Spinosaurus, featuring a play area with safety measures for children. At the opposite end of the spectrum stands the 65-foot-tall diplodocus, the tallest replica in the park, with its tail transformed into a slide. Careful attention to detail in crafting these replicas involves meticulous cutting of scrap materials, with tires used to cover the metal body for safety and aesthetic improvement. The park's landscape will be further enhanced through strategic planting of trees, shrubs, and grass, completing the immersive experience at this innovative dinosaur park.

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Tourists flock to savour centuries-old flavours at Shimla's Kashmiri food festival

Tourists are flocking to the weeklong Kashmiri food festival at Hotel Holiday Home (HHH), organized by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.People thronged to witness the Kashmiri taste in Shimla at the Kashmiri food festival organised in association with the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Large numbers of tourists are coming to this over a weeklong festival of the Kashmir food taste which started on Friday in the Hotel Holiday Home (HHH) of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). "We started it on December 22 and will continue it till the 30th. We are getting a very good response from this festival here, and people are appreciating it. We are the Kashmiri Pandit chefs of thousands of years of Kashmiri cuisine. Our cuisine is not regular; it is Kashmiri Pandit Cuisine, which is thousands of thousand years old. We have a wide range of varieties, we have a pure magic of Kashmiri spices. We don't use onion and garlic. I am thankful to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) who has given us an opportunity," Ashwani Sadhu, Chef and organizer of the Kashmiri food festival said. The locals and tourists are rushing to this food festival ahead of the Christmas and New Year season."Yakni beans the lotus stem, we have also brought the nadru, the special saag has been airlifted here, we have Chaman and many other vegetarian dishes. Non-vegetarians have Rogan Josh and Yakni Gostaba and we have a special bread called Rot bread which is being served here. Tourists are coming in large numbers. People are coming again and again and are recommending it to others. We are promoting the very rich traditional food without changing the delicacy; we have also brought 100-year-old utensils here," Sadhu added. The tourists are happy to be here to cherish the beauty of the Kashmiri Cuisine. "We have heard about it. I have tasted wazwan and it is authentic, the experience is perfect, and it is nicely cooked. Everybody must come here, the north Indians would like it the most and others would also like It," Kavita, a tourist from Delhi said. The tourists are enjoying the music along with the traditional food of Kashmir here in Shimla. "We came three days back, and we had a very good experience of Kashmiri mutton. We tried other dishes too and we found them better than what we get in Delhi," Anil Khanna, a tourist from Delhi said. "I like Jagjit and Gulam Ali, we have listened to the music and Gazals. We are happy and carry hospitality with a message of integration. We will tell everyone to come to this place," he added. The locals and tourists were waiting for their turn to come for the food as the restaurant was full to its capacity on Saturday night.

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Year-end travel 2023:Get away to Malaysia

Ancient literature will tell you that the term Suvarnadvipa (Golden Peninsula) mentioned in the Ramayana might be a reference to the Malay Peninsula. Vayu Purana also mentions a place named Malaydvipa which probably referred to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. One can argue for and against these references but no one ever doubts the popularity of Malaysia as a popular holiday destination for Indians. From delicious culinary delights, captivating culture, and breathtaking nature and scenic spots set against a vibrant metropolitan vibe, Malaysia has it all. Not only is Malaysia not so far away, it is affordable and can easily fit a ₹1 lakh budget. Here is a quick look at what to see/do/eat/buy/shop in Malaysia. If you are not sure about your itinerary, go to www.malaysia.travel/travel-ideas, the official website of Malaysia Tourism, for interesting itineraries. Important cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Georgetown, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Alor Setar, Ipoh, Genting. Must-see/do: Meet the orangutans in Malaysian Borneo, Visit the Petronas Twin Towers, Visit the historic city of Georgetown, Explore Langkawi, Climb Mount Kinabalu, Hike one of the Cameron Highlands Trails, Trek through Taman Negara National Park & Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Visit Porta De Santiago (A Famosa) and Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, See Proboscis monkeys inBako. Do food trails. Must-eat: • Mee goreng mamak: Yellow noodles with beef or chicken, shrimp, veggies and eggs • Apam balik: Pancake-style snack • Nasi kerabu: Blue rice • Ayam percik: Chicken with percik sauce • Roti John: Sandwiches made with grilled minced meat and egg in the middle of slim bread • Laska: Spicy-sour fish broth • Cendawan goreng: Fried mushrooms • Lemang: Rice mixed with coconut milk and cooked in bamboo • Tepung pelita: Malay-style pastry • Roti Canai: Flatbread dish • Ramly Burger: An iconic Malaysian street food • Satay or Sate: Barbecued meat • Lok-Lok: A fusion of sate and hot pot What to buy: Batik fabric, wall hanging, Pewter goods, handwoven craft, Malaysian dodol, Songket fabric, Pia Kumbu fabric, Kerongsang (brooch), Labu Saying (gourd-shaped clay jar), Nyonya beaded slippers. Where to buy: Petaling Street Market (Chinatown), Little Indian Arcade, Pavilion, Berjaya Times Square, & Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Marketin Sabah, Kuching Main Bazaar in Sarawak, Langkawi Night Markets, Sabai-Sabai Market in Penang, Suria KLCC, Cameron Highland. Packages: • Escape to Kuala Lumpur (4 nights, 5 days). Cost: ₹42,000+ (including flight). Book on: makemytrip.com • Budget Special Kuala Lumpur Trip (4 nights, 5 days). Cost: ₹36,000+ (including flight). Book on: makemytrip.com • Romantic Langkawi (4 nights, 5 days). Cost: ₹79,000+ (including flight). Book on: makemytrip.com • Astonishing Malaysia (3 nights, 4 days). Cost: ₹24,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in • Exciting Malaysia (5 nights, 6 days). Cost: ₹27,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in • Genting Dream Cruise Penang (3 nights, 4 days). Cost: ₹26,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: sotc.in • You can find interesting itineraries on www.malaysia.travel/travel-ideas, the official website of Malaysia Tourism. Return Flight (Economy): Delhi-Kuala Lumpur-Delhi return flight starts at ₹24,000+. Return flight from Bengaluru starts at ₹20,000+; ₹16,000+ from Kolkata. Visa: From December 1, 2023, Indian nationals have been granted visa-free entry to Malaysia for a duration of up to 30 days. Good to know: Currency: 1 Malaysian Ringgit = INR 17.98 Language: The official and national language in Malaysia is Malay or Bahasa Malaysia. English is widely spoken. Local transport: Public transport like metro trains and buses are cheaper than taxis. Do take advantage of the Go KL City Bus, a bus service plying Kuala Lumpur’s downtown hotspots, completely free of charge. From Kuala Lumpur, RapidKL and KTM Komuter connect Kuala Lumpur with all major suburbs and states, respectively. Within Kuala Lumpur itself, the KL Monorail runs through the city centre. KL Sentral is a modern transportation hub serving many trains – KTM Komuter, LRT, MRT, KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit – as well as local buses including those to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Use MyRapidKL buses for inter-city and inter-state travels. If you prefer to avoid the road, catch a ride aboard one of the KTM Trains . Wi-fi: Most luxury hotels have free wifi. Security tips: • Like most cities, be careful of your surroundings. • Obey the local laws and regulations. • Don't keep all your money and travel documents in one wallet or bag. Separate cash, traveller's cheques, credit cards and other valuable documents. • Don't carry large sums of cash in public places. • On roads or footpaths, be aware of any movement behind you and, where possible walk towards traffic. • Don’t leave your bags, suitcases and other belongings unattended, even for a moment. • If you are heading to the beach, keep your valuables in a safe locker. • In cafes and restaurants, don't hang bags on the backs of chairs. Keep them on your shoulder or lap or between your feet on the ground. • Ensure all credit/debit card transactions are done in front of you.

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