“Only one who wanders finds new paths” is a beautifully written proverb.Travelling helps people to get exposed to new places,meet new people, come across their stories, gain experience and sometimes to move out of a hectic boring lifestyle and doing something new and adventurous.
Its well said that India has its ‘Unity in Diversity’ but its not only about religion, culture, art forms and languages.India has diverse geography, numerous historical monuments and a wide variety of trades.From trekking in mountains of Ladakh to boating in the backwaters of Alleppey ,from experiencing nature with a closer view at Kaziranga National Park to sandy beaches and crazy nights in Goa, India truly is a nature’s gift.The variety of linguistic and ethnic groups forms its racial diversity.There is diversity in religion, political beliefs and even the climate of the country from north to south. All these factors attract tourists from all over the world.
Tourism is a flourishing industry in India. People from all over the world are attracted to different tourist destinations of the country. Some of the major tourist attractions are Taj Mahal in Agra, The holi city of Varanasi, The Golden Temple of Amritsar ,The Gateway Of India, Amer Fort, Konark Sun Temple , Qutub Minar , Fatehpur Sikri , Char Minar etc.
The Ministry of Tourism established 25th January as National Tourism day in order to educate people about the benefits of traveling and to spread awareness about the importance of tourism for raising the country’s economy. Travel and tourism sector is one of the key contributors to the Indian economy,Tourism in India contributes around 4.7% in the total GDP of the country according to statistics of 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected India’s growth in tourism as the flight services were barred due to the spread of covid-19 virus.
Tourism has benefited the country in several ways like increasing the job opportunities , improved quality of life for locals, assistance to locals with their daily income since they can open small businesses and petty shops, restaurants, transport business and other commercial businesses like shopping malls and hotels. It also contributes to national integration and international friendships and is also a source of earning foreign exchange.
Despite offering so many perks, India’s tourism is still lagging behind.The reasons are over priced taxis and delayed trains making traveling unaffordable and uncomfortable.The absence of decent and hygienic accommodations are adding to the problems.Bad roads,filthy environment make tourists suffer a lot.Besides these problems tourists are often exploited by guides,tour and tourist operators.Usually foreign tourist become victims of theft,kidnapping and other crimes.
Not to forget about the pandemic, which has affected the economy to a great extent.Despite all these difficulties India is recovering over the losses of trades and damage to the economy.
As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia as India’s potential for tourism is vast.Tourism has promoted national integration and is a highly labour intensive industry. Therefore measures should be taken to strengthen it. Ancient monuments should be protected, traveling should be made safer, accommodation facilities should be readily available. More infrastructure needs to be developed to attract tourists. ‘Incredible India’ campaign should be strongly promoted. It has become a matter of paramount importance if tourism needs to keep flourishing in the country.
What view is better than a view from the top of the lighthouse along the coastline? So, next time when you are in Kerala, think about visiting these lighthouses for bliss and peace.
Thangaserry Lighthouse
Thangaserry Lighthouse was built in 1902 and is located on the coast at Tangaserri in Kollam city of Kerala. It has a height of 135ft and it is one of the most visited lighthouses of Kerala. Tourists can visit this lighthouse between 11am to 5pm on all days except Mondays. The lighthouse also has a elevator facility for tourists.
Alappuzha Lighthouse
Alappuzha Lighthouse was built in 1862 and is located on the coast at Alappuzha town of Kerala, which was one of the busiest ports and trade centers of Kerala. Alappuzha Lighthouse has a height of 92ft and is a major tourist attraction. Visitors are only allowed on weekdays between 3pm to 4:30pm.
Vypin Lighthouse
The Vypin Lighthouse started fuctioning in 1979 and is situated at Puthuvype in Kochi, Kerala. It has a height of 151ft and is the tallest lighthouse in Kerala. The light beam of the lighthouse has the range of 52 kilometers. The lighthouse is open for tourists on all days except Monday between 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Kadalpur Point Lighthouse
The Kadalpur Point Lighthouse started functioning in 1907 and is situated at Kadalpur, in Kozhikode District of Kerala. It is situated on the coast of Arabian Sea and has a height of 112ft. The Lighthouse is painted with black and white bands. The lighthouse is thought to have been built following a shipwreck on the rocky cliffs of the point, and the wreckage may still be seen.
Vizhinjam Lighthouse
Vizhinjam Lighthouse started functioning in 1972 and is situated near Kovalam beach in Kerala. Vizhinjam was a busy port in eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Lighthouse has a height of 118ft.
Shillong is a hill station in the northeastern part of India and the capital of Meghalaya, which means “The Abode of Clouds”. It is the headquarters of the East Khasi Hills district. Shillong is the 330th most populous city in India with a population of 143,229 according to the 2011 census. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the British of Scotland. Hence, they would also refer to it as the “Scotland of the East”.
Shillong has steadily grown in size since it was made the civil station of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills in 1864 by the British. In 1874, on the formation of Assam as the Chief Commissioner’s Province, it was chosen as the headquarters of the new administration because of its convenient location between the Brahmaputra and Surma valleys and more so because the climate of Shillong was much cooler than tropical India. Shillong remained the capital of undivided Assam until the creation of the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972, when Shillong became the capital of Meghalaya, and Assam moved its capital to Dispur in Guwahati.
Shillong was capital for composite Assam during the British regime and later till a separate State of Meghalaya was formed. David Scott, the British civil servant of the East India Company, was the Agent of the Governor-General North East Frontier. During the First Anglo-Burmese War the British authorities felt the need for a road to connect Sylhet and Assam. The route was to traverse across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. David Scott overcame the difficulties his administration faced from the opposition of the Khasi Syiems – their chiefs and people. Impressed by the favourable cool climate of Khasi Hills, they negotiated with the Syiem of Sohra in 1829 for a sanatorium for the British.
Places to visit
SHILLONG PEAK
At a distance of 10 km from the city and at a height of 6449 ft (1965 m) above sea level, this is the highest point of Shillong. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the Himalayas, its waterfalls as well as of the Bangladesh plains. A beautiful place to spend a day.
LADY HYDARI PARK
A very popular tourist spot in Shillong, the park is dedicated to the first lady of the province – Lady Hydari. This sprawling park, located in the heart of the city encompasses a wide variety of flora along with a mini zoo housing 73 species of birds and over 100 reptiles. The beautiful bed of flowers is the highlight of the park.
DAINTHLEN FALLS
Just before reaching Sohra, a road to the right leads one to the falls which are 5 km away. The waterfall derives its name from a Then or a snake of gigantic size which dwelt in a cave. Legend has it that the people destroyed the snake to rid themselves of its reign of terror. Adjacent to the very spot where the Thlen was slaughtered lies the Dainthlen Waterfalls. Natural rock carvings of the episode draw visitors to see the image of the Thlen, the symbol of greed, corruption, and evil.
Elephant Falls
Named after an Elephant like stone at its base, the Elephant Falls are amongst the most popular falls in the North-East, situated close to Shillong. It is a tourist attraction with three layers of the falls accessible from different vantage points.
Allahabad is one of the oldest cities in India. It is also known as Prayagraj, Diversities glorify India. When you visit India, you get to explore different places. The glorious city is popular due to its cultural heritage. Not only this, you cannot ignore the friendly people of this place. Moreover, the world-famous Kumbh Mela takes place here. It has a deep connection with Indian history. Besides, this city holds great religious values and traditions. Thus, Allahabad offers many famous places to visit. As a result, many tourists from all over the world flock to the city every year.
Top 10 Famous Places, You can visit –
Triveni Sangam
One of the holiest places in Central India, Triveni Sangam is located about 7 kilometres away from Civil Lines in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It is the meeting point of three rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (which is a mythical river, supposed to have dried up more than 4,000 years ago). All three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are highly revered rivers in Indian mythology, and hence the confluence point of these rivers hold tremendous religious importance. According to Hindu mythology, taking a bath in the holy Triveni Sangam is supposed to flush away all the sins and free you from the cycle of rebirth. Moreover, the Sangam itself is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The brownish Ganga meeting the slightly greenish Yamuna is indeed a sight to behold.
If you take a boat ride to the gently flowing waters of Ganga and Yamuna, you’ll be able to make out the difference in colours of water from the two rivers. There are also makeshift wooden banks made at the Sangam. Hence, devotees who want can take a bath right at the confluence point. The water is clean enough at the Triveni Sangam for a bath, especially during the winters; and also not very deep, so it is fun to take a dip in the water here.
Allahabad Fort
Allahabad Fort is a splendid work of architecture that was built during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal Emperor in 1583. The marvellous structure is located on the banks of the confluence of the Rivers Ganga and Yamuna and is well-known for being the largest fort ever built by Akbar. This famous attraction draws thousands of tourists from all over the world not only for its historical importance but also for its architectural magnificence. Tourists are allowed inside only during the Kumbh Mela, which is held once every 12 years. Nevertheless, the glorious architecture and the massive build of the monument as it stands strong on the banks of the confluence of the two rivers is a sight to behold!
The Allahabad Fort holds a huge significance and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is also quite well known for its Akshayavat Tree (Banyan Tree) which, according to a legend, was used by the locals to commit suicide to attain salvation. For those who wish to see the Akshayavat Tree, entry is allowed through a small gate to only the area that is occupied by the magnificent tree. Allahabad Fort is also home to the Patalpuri Temple, which is said to be home all the gates of hell.
Chandra Shekhar Azad Park (Alfred Park)
Formerly Alfred Park, Chandrasekhar Azad Park is more a monument than a conventional garden. Famous Indian revolutionary Chandrasekhar Azad sacrificed his life here and the park was renamed after him in later years. Azad was no less than an enigma and mystery for the British government due to his mastery over disguise and combat skills. He was known for his vow to never get arrested and remain free for life. In fact the word Azad (free in Urdu) stuck to his name after due to his freedom clamour! In his brief life span of 24 years, he made his presence felt in such a manner that the British rulers wanted him behind the bars or dead at any cost. So when the police got information that the iconic rebel was in Allahabad and meeting fellow revolutionary Sukhdev in the then Alfred Park in 27th February, 1931, they surrounded the park with over 40 policemen. A gun battle followed where Azad killed three policemen with his pistol and facilitate the escape of Sukhdev. He fought the police force for over 30 minutes alone and when he was left with only one bullet, he decided to turn it on himself honouring his pledge not to get caught or killed by the British oppressors. Azad Park today is a tribute to that great man with a memorial in place.
The tree under which he sacrificed his life for his motherland is also preserved. Allahabad Museum, that is also in the park premises has Azad’s pistol in show. Be there and pay homage to a brave man who was unlike any other 24 year old!
Khusro Bagh
This is one of the major attractions in the city, even though the crowd here is much less compared to other places in Allahabad. It is a beautiful garden with high walls surrounding it and has four tombs inside.
The garden was built as a pleasure garden for Prince Salim, who was the son of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and rebelled against his father. Well, he grew up to become Emperor Jahangir. History repeated itself and there arose a discord between Jahangir and his eldest son Khusrau. Despaired by the sad turn of events, Shah Begum, Khusrau’s mother, committed suicide and was buried in the park. She was a Rajput princess and the first tomb here was built in memory of Shah Begum in 1606.
Jawahar Planetarium (Anand Bhawan)
Anand Bhawan, the home of the Nehru family in Allahabad, was handed over to the Fund by Shrimati Indira Gandhi in November 1970. This is in keeping with a similar gesture made by her illustrious grandfather when he donated Swaraj Bhawan to the nation. Anand Bhawan is intimately connected with India’s struggle for freedom. Some of the rooms in the building which are redolent with history have been either preserved or recreated. A comprehensive exhibition of the Nehru family’s role in the country’s struggle for freedom has also been arranged. The electrical wiring and fittings of Anand Bhawan building have been completely replaced and upgraded by German ERCO light fittings in 2014.
The Library at Anand Bhawan consisting of nearly 7500 books has been catalogued. The National Museum and the Allahabad Museum have rendered valuable assistance to the Fund in the preservation of books, records and relic articles in Anand Bhawan. Several lakhs of visitors from all over the country and abroad come and visit this ancestral home of Nehrus. Memorial functions and an annual lecture are also a part of the Anand Bhavan’s annual programme.
All Saints Cathedral
Built in the late 19th century, All Saints Cathedral or Patthar Girja is a spectacular Anglican Christian Church on M G Marg, Allahabad. One of the beautiful churches in the state, it is thronged by tourists and pilgrims alike. All known as the “Church of Stone”, All Saints Cathedral was formerly founded in 1871 by Lady Muir Elizabeth Huntly Wemyss. Post its consecration in 1887, the church was further completed in 1891. Constructed in gothic-styled architecture, the church hosts carved glass panels and marble-finished sanctuaries. It is one of the significant remnants of colonial design in the country. This church also houses the iconic ‘jaali’ work expressed throughout its arched windows. The light sandalwood tinted walls of the All Saints Cathedral was built with Sandstone from Chunar in UP.
Alopi Devi Temple
Located at Alopibagh, near the holy Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) in Allahabad, Alopi Devi Mandir is an unconventional temple revered by Hindu faith. The Alopi Devi Mandir does not have any presiding deity but a wooden chariot called a doliê which is mostly worshipped by the devotees of Lord Shiva. Housing the last of Goddess Sati’s body parts, the Alopi Devi Mandir counts among the Shakti Peethas of the country. Tuesdays are a busy day at this temple. This holy site attracts vast crowds of devotees during the Hindu festival of Navratri.
New Yamuna Bridge
The New Yamuna Bridge is like a new feather in Prayagraj’s cap. The images speak about the stupendous architecture of the New Yamuna Bridge. The view of the bridge during dawn and dusk is mesmerizing. Also known as the Naini Bridge, the New Yamuna Bridge is among India’s longest cable-stayed bridges. It runs across the Yamuna River in the North-South direction, connecting Prayagraj to Naini. It was constructed in the year 2004 to minimize the traffic congestions over the old Naini Bridge. The construction of the bridge was a joint responsibility of the Hindustan Construction Company and Hyundai Engineering and Construction.
The New Yamuna Bridge is also the first six-lane bridge in India built with modern design and structure. It has two pylons, made up of concrete material, that provide support to the major part of the deck of the bridge held together by steel cables. The bridge also acts as a road link between Prayagraj and NH-27 stretching across for 370 meters. The modern technology combined with environmental compatibility and excellent quality make for some of the features of this bridge that offer great benefits. India has a stupendous network of bridges and this bridge is a fine example of the country’s tremendous growth in infrastructure.
Allahabad Museum
The Allahabad Museum is centrally located in the Civil Lines area of the city in a lush green garden at Chandrashekhar Azad Park, popularly known as Company Bagh. In 1863, the Board of Revenue requested the Government of North- Western Provinces for the establishment of a public library and a museum. With donations from the provincial government, the famous Orientalist Sir William Muir and the Maharaja of Vijaynagaram, a superintendent of the library and museum was appointed and an ornate building was inaugurated in 1878 to house the collection. For unforeseen reasons or due to paucity of fund the museum was closed down in 1881. With the initiative of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the President of the Allahabad Municipal Board and Pt. Brijmohan Vyas in the 1923-24 efforts were made to establish a new museum in the city. It was under the operational direction of Pandit Brij Mohan Vyas, the executive officer of the board, a museum was opened in the Municipal Building in 1931.
Bade Hunauman Temple
This famous temple of Lord Hanuman, one of the most worshipped god of India is a must visit place in Allahabad or Prayagraj It is located very close to Sangam and so most of the devotees visiting Prayagraj will not consider their visit complete unless they have darshan of Hanumanji at this temple. Here Hanumanji is in lying position instead of being in sitting or standing form as is common in thousands of other Hanuman temples in India. There are a few sweet shops selling prasad and the whole temple complex is well maintained.
People sometimes refer to me as an explorer, but I am not. Those who follow maps are adventurers, those who wrote the maps were the explorers.
some Inspiring Traveler Tales From Around the World :
A JOURNEY TO RIVAL THE ODYSSEY :
Karl Bushby is attempting to be the first person to completely walk an unbroken path around the world. He began his quest, known as the Goliath Expedition , in 1998 at the tip of South America and is still on the move. He hopes to reach his home in England soon, and as of 2020 he was encountering some visa obstacles, but is still committed to finishing his walking adventure. At journey’s end, he’ll have walked over 36,000 miles, through icy seas, mountains, and deserts , across four continents and two dozen countries.
FORBIDDEN TRAVELS TO A FORBIDDEN CITY :
“Ever since I was five years old, a tiny precocious child of Paris, I wished to move out of the narrow limits in which, like all children of my age, I was then kept. I craved to go beyond the garden gate, to follow the road that passed it by, and to set out for the Unknown.
Famous French explorer Alexandra David-Neel made history in the early 1900s by walking, disguised as a male beggar, across China and Tibet and into the forbidden and fabled city of Lhasa. She then wrote over 30 books about Eastern religion, philosophy, and her travels, until her death at age 101. It is said that her teachings influenced beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. She is surely one of the greatest female adventurers of the 20th century, and her travel stories also rank as some of the best travel books of our time. Check out her entire collection of stories and be inspired—we particularly love her journey to Lhasa.
DANCING, BADLY :
The dancing gives me an opportunity to see places I’d never get to otherwise. I love to travel. The people and experiences have taught me a great deal.
In 2003, Matt Harding quit his day job to embark on a journey that would lead him to more than 39 countries in seven continents. Best known for a dance that looks very similar to running in place while snapping, Matt and his dance eventually attracted the attention of Stride Gum. The company then then paid Matt to travel, dance and record videos.
Matt has danced with locals in Mulindi, Rwanda; in a narrow canyon in Petra, Jordan; on a lush hillside overlooking Machu Picchu in Peru; and in a crowded street in Tokyo, Japan, all on his sponsor’s dime. Although he no longer actively updates his website, the videos live on, as does his collection of short travel stories on social media and elsewhere, and make for an entertaining and inspiring journey around the world.
Now it’s turn for some Indian travelling stories :
Between the intricate carvings, jungle views and visiting monkeys, Chaumukha Mandir, the Jain Temple at Ranakpur, will transport you to another world.
Built in the 15th century, this enormous complex has 1,400 pillars, each one hand-carved with its own unique patterns, icons and elements from nature – no two pillars are alike.
Wander around the different chambers and marvel at the craftsmanship that took around 65 years to complete. Don’t forget to stop for a photo of the lush jungle through the temple windows, or to get a glimpse of the families of monkeys that leap between the columns and domes.
Guides aren’t allowed in the temple, so make sure to grab an audio guide before you head in so that you can make the most of your experience and learn a bit more about the Jain religion if you’re not families with its traditions and beliefs.
If you are talking to an Indian and mention the Kolkata, the first response is generally a wistful sigh and an explanation about the amazing street food available there. When you are in a country that is known globally for having delicious food, this says quite a lot! However, there is more to Kolkata than food. The city was once the capital of British India and Kolkata is dotted with beautiful colonial buildings that remind visitors of a bygone era. It is also the location of India’s biggest Durga Puja festival which transforms the city into a giant open air museum. Adorable blue and yellow taxis whirl around the city like cartoon cars and iconic blue buses ply the streets and a wide variety of bars and restaurants line the streets.
Kolkata is a much-loved destination by expats in India because of the delicious food, beautiful architecture and calm city streets. Yet, it gets even better! Kolkata is also the entry point of the famous Sunderbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible biodiversity. Known as one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, the Sunderbans are home to Bengal tigers, crocodiles, wild boars, deer and a wide array of birds. While the Sunderbans are located in both Bangladesh and India, the easiest (and cheapest) place to organize trips is from Kolkata itself.
You can opt for an overnight boat trip operated by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation. However, we highly recommend staying in an eco-village located near the park which gives you the chance to help support the local community. (Our favorite “village” employs women from the local village. Most of the jobs available in the Sunderbans are very dangerous and this is a safe way for them to make a living and support their families.)
Kolkata is easily accessible from most major cities in India with direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. For onward travel, flights to Port Blair in the Andamans are inexpensive and relatively frequent. Otherwise, you can grab a train to Darjeeling or even travel overland to Dhaka, Bangladesh!
Ladakh
The region of Ladakh is jaw-droppingly beautiful and the warm Ladakh (similar to Tibetan) culture is welcoming to female travelers. Head to Leh, join up with a tour and make your way to the hotspots of Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake for a Ladakh trip that you are unlikely to forget! Getting to Ladakh can either be very tricky or pretty straightforward. Direct flights operate from Delhi or you can take a gruelling 2-day bus trip from Manali.
Patna Tourism
Prospering along the southern banks of river Ganges and set in the backdrop of a glorious historical past, Patna boasts of a dominating presence in history and enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the world. In addition to being one of the major and most popular tourist destinations in India, this capital city of Bihar also holds significant religious and spiritual importance as it is a gateway to pilgrimage sites of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.
Originally called as Pataliputra, Patna is currently a hot-bed for the culminating political fortunes. One of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, it is the quintessential North Indian town – West of the city lies the area called Bankipur, while towards the southwest is the new area with wide roads and swanky buildings. The cultural heritage of Bihar is reflected in the many monuments housed in Patna, the most famous ones being Patna Sahib Gurudwara, Patna Planetarium, the Highcourt, Golghar, Secretariat Building and Padri ki Haveli among numerous other attractions. Typical of an Indian city, the riverside city of Patna is also known for some palatable dishes – litti chokha being the king of all!
Officially known as the Republic of Albania, Albania is a Balkan country located in southeastern Europe. Albania has a very diverse landscape. On one side, the country has the snowy peaks of the Albanian Alps while on the other, the country has the numerous tropical and sunny beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. This variance in the topography has not only lead to a variance in climate, but given rise to a lot of tourists spots.
Compared to its neighbors, Albania is relatively cheaper to visit, while offering similar views and experiences. Albania’s currency is the Albanian Lek and the conversion rate between them is 1 Indian Rupee equaling to 1.39 Albanian Lek. The months from March to June are the best time to visit Albania. Albania has a very rich history owing to it being inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries. This, along with its diverse landscape makes Albania a good tourist location. Whether for its history, natural beauty, or leisure, Albania offers them all.
Here are five places you must check out in Albania!
BUNK’ART
BUNK’ART is a series of museums of renovated former bunkers located in and about Tirana, the capital city of Albania. They were built by the former dictator of Albania, Enver Hoxha. It currently serves as a five floor art and history museum and displays the lifestyle in Albania during the 45 years it was under communism.
Mount Dajti
Located on the edge of Tirana, Mount Dajti, a designated national park is a paradise for nature lovers. It is filled with forests of different trees like pine and oak. Apart from that, other geographical features seen here are waterfalls, caves, lakes, canyons and an ancient castle too! It is a dream for hikers. For the less adventurous, there is a beautiful cable car line with scenic view of the slopes of Mount Dajti and Tirana city.
Berat
Berat is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture of the buildings is rich due to various civilizations making the city their home and leaving their mark on it through the architecture. This has given the city the nickname of the ‘City With a Thousand Windows’. The Berat castle is the city’s main attraction.
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The older part of the town has homes with roofs of flat stones. This has given it the nickname of the ‘City of Stone’. The town is overlooked by the Gjirokaster Fortress. The Gjirokaster National Folklore Festival is held here every five years. The latest edition of the festival (the eleventh season), originally scheduled for 2020 was rescheduled to 1st May-8th May, 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
Schkoder
From Rozafa Castle
Schkoder is considered to be the cultural capital of Albania. It has various structures of historical importance like Rozafa Castle, the Shirgj Church, the Mesi Bridge, the Lead Mosque and the nearby ruins of Shurdhah island. The Lake of Schkoder, which happens to be the largest lake in South Europe, is also a tourist attraction for both visitors as well as locals; especially during the summer.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reached almost every country in the world.
Enormous changes in financial exchanges, where partakes in organizations are purchased and sold, can influence the worth of benefits or individual investment accounts.
The major Asian and US stock markets have recovered following the announcement of the first vaccine in November, but the FTSE is still in negative territory.
If the economy is developing, that by and large means more abundance and all the more new positions. It’s deliberate by taking a gander at the rate change in GDP, or the worth of labor and products created, normally more than 90 days or a year. The IMF appraises that the worldwide economy contracted by 4.4% in 2020. The association portrayed the decay as the most exceedingly terrible since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The movement business has been gravely harmed, with aircrafts cutting flights and clients dropping work excursions and occasions. New variations of the infection – found distinctly lately – have constrained numerous nations to present more tight travel limitations. Information from the flight following assistance Flight Radar 24 shows that the quantity of flights worldwide endured a gigantic shot in 2020 and it is as yet far from recuperation.
Retail footfall has seen unprecedented falls as shoppers stayed at home. New variants and surges in cases have made problems worse.
During the lockdown period, most of the people have spent their lives indoor. Don’t you think that it is boring? Obviously, a lot of us might be planning to plan a trip once the lockdown is over. Are you a person who likes to be closer to nature? You are at the right corner! Today I will tell you about a beautiful place to plan a long vacation after the lockdown to get freshen up. It is Malvan. A lot of people are unaware of the place as it has not yet become a tourist attraction. But I believe that people should visit the beauty of this place at least once.
Malvan is located in the Southwestern part of Maharashtra with a long beautiful coastline. Along with the number of tourist places worth visiting, it is also a great option for outdoor activities at cheaper rates. For beach lovers, Malvan provides a long and beautiful coastline along with crystal clear water. If you enjoy living near forests, then too Malvan is surely a good choice. If you like to live in a place with a tint of ruralness then it is a sure shot. Despite Malvan has some awesome tourists attractions it still gives you the feeling of living in a village area. It is an excellent option for trekking as well.
Vacation planning in Malvan
You can plan a long vacation in Malvan as it provides you with a lot of different activities and tourists attractions. Let us see some of the places that are the must of a visit.
Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg is a beautiful fort built in the 17th century by the great warrior Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort occupies an Island in the Arabian sea and it is just off the coast of the Sindhudurg district. Your trip to Malvan is a waste if you will not visit Sindhudurg. The fort has a temple of Shivaji Maharaj. It also has footprints of this great warrior. The area is so windy that even if you visit the top of the fort when the sun is high, you will not feel the heat. The view of standing at a place surrounded by the sea is itself a beautiful experience.
Tsunami Island
For beach lovers, Tsunami Island is an excellent place to visit. If you ask me, I have never seen such a clean beach in India. It is basically a small island off the Devbag beach formed due to a Tsunami. It offers you a lot of water sports that too at cheaper rates.
Tarkarli beach
This is another beautiful beach to visit in Malvan. It is a remote area so for the people who seek peace this is the right place. If you want to get rid of the city noise and go someplace quieter and close to nature then it is Tarkarli.
Rock garden
The rock garden is another beautiful location to visit in Malvan. The best time to visit this place is in the evening. It will give you an enigmatic view of the sunset. The place has huge rocks where you can click a lot of pictures and it ends with the sea. Do you need any more reason to visit this place?
Sawantwadi
Sawantwadi is a hill station with lush green forests that brings a lot closer to the ecosystem. It is also famous for its wooden toys and handicrafts. If you love to collect souvenirs from the places you visit then no other place in Malvan can be as best as Sawantwadi.
Sangam beach
Just ahead of the Tsunami island is the Sangam beach. The beach got its name because of its unique feature. Sangam means mixture. Here, the Karli river meets the Arabian sea. And as a result, this beach got its name as the Sangam beach. Don’t you think it is worth a visit?
To conclude, I will recommend visiting Malvan at least once. It gives you a lot of opportunities to explore and experience the beauty of nature. Parasailing over Sangam Beach, scuba diving along with the corals near Devbag are some of the memorable experiences one can have. The seafood of Malvan is one of its enigmas. When I visited this place for the first time, I fell in love with it. As the tourist industry has not much developed here, people are unaware of this beauty. Thus, it allows having a peaceful vacation in these less populated beaches having sunbaths.
1.Kashmir Kashmir is known for its natural beauty and is thus, rightly called Heaven on Earth. The beautiful Kashmir Valley is home to many destinations ideal for nature lovers, family vacationers, honeymooners, and even a group of friends. Along with great sightseeing opportunities, it offers adventure activities like trekking, skiing, and river rafting, recreational activities like fishing & angling, and even spa & wellness.Top Places to Visit in Kashmir are Srinagr,Pahalgam,Gulmarg,Sonmarg,Aru & Betaab Valley and Gurez Valley. 2.Ladakh Ladakh is one of the must-visit destinations in India. It is ideal for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.This destination in India is perfect for motorbiking and mountain biking, camping, river rafting, trekking and peak climbing adventures.Top Places to Visit in Ladakh are Leh,Pangong Lake,Tsomoriri,TsoKar,Nubra Valley,Zanskar Valley. 3.Sikkim Sikkim is a glittering gem of the North-East Himalayas. This northeast Indian destination is popular for being home to the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8586 m). Sikkim is one of the best destinations in India to spend a peaceful and laid back holiday as well as enjoy enthralling adventure activities.Top Attractions in Sikkim are Gangtok,Yuksom,Yumthang Valley,Tsomgo Lake,Nathu La, Pelling,Lachung,Ravangla,Rumtek Monastery,Namchi,Do-Drul Chorten,Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden,Zuluk. 4.Andaman The Andaman Islands are an Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. These roughly 300 islands are known for their palm-lined, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical rainforests. Coral reefs supporting marine life such as sharks and rays make for popular diving and snorkeling sites. 5.Kerala Kerala is well-known for its mesmerizing backwaters, ecotourism initiatives, scenic beauty, amazing beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine.Top Places to Visit in Kerala are Fort Kochi , Muziris , Kerala Backwaters,Marari Beach , Periyar National Park, Munnar, Varkala. 6.Meghalaya Meghalaya, meaning the “abode of clouds” is a paradise for nature lovers. A hill station that is home to a beautiful, mesmerizing sky in a true sense has captivated the minds of tourists all across the globe. The state filled with huge hills, valleys, numerous lakes, captivating waterfalls, pitch dark caves, and sacred forests. 7.Goa India’s not just full of big cities and holy sites—it also has incredible beaches down south in Goa. Its stretches of golden sand along the Arabian Sea offer something for every type of tourist, whether you’re interested in hanging out with the backpacker crowd in laid-back beach huts or having a ritzy tropical getaway at a five-star resort.One unique part of Goa is its blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. You’ll experience the fusion throughout the destination, from its Baroque architecture and cathedrals to its spicy vindaloo curries and seafood dishes. 8.Darjeeling Sightseeing in India doesn’t get much better than what you’ll discover in Darjeeling. The hill station in West Bengal is beloved for its lush green tea plantations, awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks (including Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain), and serene Buddhist monasteries. This is the perfect place to arrange a mountain trek or mountain biking adventure.One of the most popular things to do in Darjeeling is taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Powered by an antique steam locomotive, the 140-year-old “Toy Train” takes tourists on two-hour fun rides from Darjeeling to Ghum—a journey that’s regularly counted as one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a slump in the world economy. The pandemic has forced the people of the globe to switch their plans. All sports and technological events have been cancelled or have changed to be online. There is an overall economic contraction in the global economy as recession started setting in during the pandemic. However the tourism industry was worst-hit due to overwhelming travel restrictions and as well as a decline in demand from travellers and such measures were put into action to control the spread of the virus. There were four broad categories of restrictions, according to the report.
Of a total of 217 destinations,97 destinations implemented total or partial border closures;65 countries and territories suspended flights totally or partially;39 locations enforced border closures aimed at a specific group of destinations;16 countries and territories, or the remaining 7%, implemented other measures such as requiring visitors to quarantine.
For many countries, tourism is the main source of revenue and have suffered losses in millions. The United States has suffered terribly as it ranks first with a revenue loss of about $30.7 million followed by Spain. It is devastating to know but there is a total loss of about $195 billion worldwide in the first four months of 2020. The whole world came to a standstill and all countries could see their economic growth and revenue dropping but are unable to boost it due to the ongoing pandemic.
The pandemic also affected various modes of travel such as air, land and water transportation along with the hospitality industry. As of April 2,2020 British Airways is reportedly poised to suspend 36,000 staffers. Aviation-supported jobs potentially fall by 46 million to 41.7 million. Direct aviation jobs such as jobs at airlines, manufacturers and air traffic management fall by 4.8 million. Cruise lines had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of the pandemic. Bookings and cancellations grew as extensive media coverage of ill passengers on quarantined ships hurt the industry’s image. In May 2020, Norwegian Cruise Line announced a quarterly loss of $1.88 billion and warned it may go out of business. Most countries around the world have imposed partial or complete closure of borders along with travel bans.
Millions being unemployed, uncertainty over economic recovery, global fears of continuing COVID-19 spread, the hospitality industry was among the first industries to get affected and would be among the last industries to recover.
It is often seen that tourist spots are very dirty, plastic bags and packets are thrown everywhere. In short, tourism is polluting the environment. We can stop this by promoting eco-friendly tourism. Here are three such types of tourism.
Eco Tourism
Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel.
This means that those who implement, participate in and market ecotourism activities should adopt the following ecotourism principles:
Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts.
Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
Generate financial benefits for both local people and private industry.
Deliver memorable interpretative experiences to visitors that help raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climates.
Design, construct and operate low-impact facilities.
Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous People in your community and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.
Some Eco tourism places in India are –
Coorg, Karnataka
Munnar, Kerala
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Sustainable Tourism
The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism in the following manner: “Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity, and life support systems.”
According to The World Tourism Organization (WTO), sustainable tourism should:
Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity.
Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance.
Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Some companies that promotes sustainable tourism in India are –
Kipepeo
Evolve Back
Spiti Ecosphere
India Untravelled
Green People
Geo Tourism
Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a place – its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and the well-being of its residents.
Principles of geo tourism are –
Integrity of place: Enhance geographical character by developing and improving it in ways distinctive to the local, reflective of its natural and cultural heritage.
Market diversity: Encourage a full range of appropriate food and lodging facilities
Community involvement: Base tourism on community resources to the extent possible, encouraging local small businesses and civic groups
Protection and enhancement of destination appeal: Encourage businesses to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, aesthetic appeal, and local culture.
Land use: Anticipate development pressures and apply techniques to prevent undesired overdevelopment and degradation.
Conservation of resources: Encourage businesses to minimize water pollution, solid waste, energy consumption, water usage, landscaping chemicals, and overly bright nighttime lighting. Advertise these measures in a way that attracts
Some geo tourism places in India are –
Akal Fossil Wood Park, Jaisalmer
Saketi, Sirmur District, Himachal Pradesh
Peninsular Gneiss National Monument at Lalbagh, Bengaluru
Track2Training 
You must be logged in to post a comment.