Changing travel trends amidst covid-19
Just when we started to believe that things were going back to normal, the second wave of coronavirus hit us hard and harder this time. This raises the question that, are things ever going to be normal again? We are stepping ahead into an uncertain future, and the travel industry is preparing for the new era of travel, where everything will be changed and brand-new. Here are some of the changing trends driving the future of travel post covid. Domestic travel over international travel Domestic travel gained a lot of momentum during the pandemic, and this trend is here to stay. Keeping in mind the shorter distance, domestic travel is a safer choice. Also, looking at the current situation, international travel will be more expensive, making domestic travel an ideal choice. Staycations Staycation is when an individual or family stays at home and takes part in leisure activities at places within the day trip distance from home. People are starting to prefer staycations in their own city or hill stations and beaches close to the city, over long holidays as a means to ensure their safety. You can experience a slower pace of life while being close to your home. Road trips over local transport With social distancing being the new normal, the rise of public transport is going to be very hard. Road trips are a safer option to take up. People prefer taking their own car, or private taxis to avoid physical touch. Growth of sustainable and slow travel With the rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions, more and more people have become more conscious and are now undertaking steps to mitigate the impact of their travel. Travelers are looking for richer immersive travel experiences to unwind, explore, and connect with nature instead of just rushing around and seeing many places. Digital travel experience Amidst the pandemic, many hotels and resorts made a shift to the digital world to ensure that all guest needs were met virtually to create a safe environment for the travelers as well as the working staff. The digital experience has been transformational for leisure and business travelers, and this experience trend is digging in for the long haul. Many operation-related activities are going to be digitized, enabling contactless services. Homestays gaining popularity There’s been a growing demand for long-term homestays. With offices shut and the rise of remote work, many are leaving their home offices for the chance of working from a picturesque wellness holiday destination. Once-remote lodges, low-cost hostels, and luxury villas that prided themselves on being off the grid are amping up internet speeds and offering free wi-fi and backup data dongles with their rooms. Solo travel pacing up Another major change the pandemic has brought into people’s life is the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. Travelers are looking for more ways to spend quality time with themselves. Moreover, solo traveling also reduces the chance to get infected and gives you complete control over the itinerary. The pandemic has changed the way we travel as new travel trends continue to rise. We must adapt to them, but also at the same time take proper precautions, practice social distancing, wear masks at all times, wash our hands regularly. STAY HOME, STAY SAFE!
How the 2nd wave of Coronavirus will impact traveling in India
The Coronavirus has struck again and struck hard again. A time where every industry had just started to revive from the unprecedented crisis and got a sigh of relief, the sudden spike in the cases of Coronavirus has ruined all of it. Traveling is going to be hit again and going to hit hard. Airlines and hoteliers are already seeing a decline in the number of bookings and a rise in the cancellation of already booked tickets. The question is, how bad is it going to be for your future travel plans? Do you need to cancel your already planned experiences? Should you postpone your plan to travel? Increasing cases is a major concern The line does not seem to straighten now! The first and the obvious problem with traveling right now is going to be the increasing number of cases and the increase in the probability of getting infected by the novel Coronavirus. The fact that India is reporting a record increase in these cases is a major concern for any traveler. Experts say that the 2nd wave of Coronavirus is going to be even bigger than the previous one. Having flattened the curve at the beginning of the year and the vaccines kicking in, the population had been relaxed and thought of it as an end to the pandemic but as the masks came off and the social distancing disappeared, the infection started spreading without getting a hint of it. Test for Coronavirus had also reduced all over the nation and restrictions put in place had come off entirely making the mindset of every person lenient over the virus and a very casual attitude over wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. This increase in cases was bound to happen and many even predicted the same. The question is should we be concerned? Whereas the increase in cases is alarming if a traveler is taking complete precautions and keeping in check with the restrictions in place, there will be no cause to worry to travel. A mask reduces your chances of transmission by 90% and if you’re not in a crowded place then these chances are even further reduced. Restrictions have been put in place in a lot of states With the increase in cases and even deaths, most of the states have started implementing some sort of restrictions to keep the unprecedented rise in check. Restrictions such as a mandatory negative test report and the number of people traveling together are the major ones that almost every state has taken into consideration and wearing masks is a must for every person in the state. Preparation being made to make you stay at home! A negative RT-PCR test has become mandatory to travel in most of the states creating another panic in a traveler’s mind. Less number of people at a specific place is also being implemented, like fewer gatherings in events, half occupancy in restaurants and public places, and even in public transport. Some states have even implemented full lockdown to break the chain of the cases. We believe that these restrictions although very important will definitely halt traveling and a traveler should vary of where they are traveling. A traveler found to have symptoms and a positive test will force them to quarantine in the place where they are making it another big problem when traveling. Shouldn’t the vaccines create an impact on the number of cases? Vaccinations are the eventual solution to this pandemic but are they really creating an impact right now? Get. The. Vaccine. Now. The current vaccinations we have do create an impact for protecting against the virus but each body reacts differently to the vaccine. You need to get 2 doses of the same vaccine a month apart for your body to develop the antibodies and even the development of antibodies takes up to 15 days. The vaccines are also effective for around 6 months and after that, we’ll have to get vaccinated again. Vaccines are effective and everyone should get vaccinated but the process of developing antibodies and getting everyone vaccinated is a slow and cumbersome process creating a problem and which is why we are seeing such an increase in cases. How is travel going to be possible now? Traveling is a big no-no during the current situation with the pandemic. We would recommend everyone to stay home and stay safe for a while till the lockdown is over and cases are reduced to some extent. Traveling with complete precautions, masks, social distancing, and complete use of sanitizer should be done. Don’t worry, you will travel again soon! After this wave ends(we hope soon too), travel is set to boom. The vaccination drive will kick in and the season to travel will be upon us. The population was already on their heels when it came to traveling before the 2nd wave and many of you already planned travel experiences for the upcoming season and those experiences will happen for sure. The first wave of Coronavirus was very different from the current one. We have vaccines available now and the medical facilities have improved a lot from the earlier scenario. Staying at homes for a week or so will result in breaking the chain of transmission, making way to vaccinate more people, and for hospitals to be better prepared for any new case, and thus, we will be able to travel again! For now, stay home to stay safe. Practice social distancing, wear a mask at all times when out or meeting someone new, refrain from touching your face, and wash your hands regularly. We hope to bring you safe and unique travel experiences in the near future to feed your wanderlust soon!
SOUL SEARCHING EXPERIENCES IN RISHIKESH YOU CAN’T-MISS
Looking for a way to calm your mind with relaxing places and explore the ancient Indian culture, Rishikesh is the perfect travel destination for you. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, often known as the “Yoga Capital of the World“, Rishikesh is popular for attracting tourists from all across the globe. The powerful flow of the holy Ganges has always attracted those seeking direction and inspiration from devout Hindus, yoga and meditation gurus, and even the Beatles. How to reach By Road: The road connectivity to Rishikesh is quite accessible and commutable. As it is situated 245 km from New Delhi, 50 km from Dehradun, and just 30 km away from Haridwar, You can easily find buses or taxis from these major cities to Rishikesh. By Rail: The Rishikesh Railway Station provides decent connectivity to travel here. However, Haridwar Railway Station is suggested as the best option to travel Rishikesh by train as this railway station connects with Delhi, Rajasthan, Amritsar, Varanasi, etc. By Air: There are sufficient daily flights from New Delhi to Dehradun available. The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Dehradun Jollygrant airport which is just 25 km away from Rishikesh. Many airlines provide daily flights to Dehradun. Best time to visit Rishikesh holds an evergreen destination and spectacular views throughout the year. However, the right time to visit Rishikesh is from August to March. In summer, with a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius in May-June, it can be bothering. Here are some great things to do in Rishikesh to explore its rich ancient culture and have a soulful experience you do not wish to miss out on. Witness the Ganga Aarti With an auspicious atmosphere, you can sit at the banks of the Ganges river and rejoice in the music, the appeasing breeze, and enjoy the evening Aarti Ceremony at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat. The evening starts with the chanting of devotional songs (bhajans) accompanied by prayers and a purifying ritual called “hawan”. Concluding the ceremony is the act of the “aarti”—where the ashram residents and the spectators send an offering to the Ganges by floating a small diya laden with flowers and a lighted lamp, into the River Ganga. Yoga and Meditation Rishikesh, enriched with old customs and legacy of Yoga and Meditation, gives you a unique opportunity to mitigate your whole self. There are lots of Yoga and Meditational centers in Rishikesh where you can become familiar with its strategy, meetings by incredible specialists and saints. Delightful nature, fantabulous surroundings, mountain ranges, and India’s most heavenly waterway the Ganges what else would you want to feel a tranquil bond with nature having such an amazing experience and appreciate this city. Visit the Holy Temples Rishikesh is full of countless small, big, new, and very old temples, spread in the mean streets of the city. Aside from regaling at the elaborate architectural designs, these temples ushers in a soulful experience, especially if you get a chance to witness an ongoing religious activity inside the temple. Some of the important temples in Rishikesh are as follows. Tera Manzil Temple: It is a multistory temple that is extremely popular among tourists. The temple has several deities under one roof with amazing architecture to behold. Here you can capture an unforgettable view of sundown from the top of the temple. Kunjapuri Temple: Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a sacred temple of intense importance in the Hindu religion, devoted to Goddess Durga. Situated at a height of 1676 meters from sea level on a hill, this Temple is also considered by Shaktipeeth. Bharat Mandir: Bharat Mandir is one of the very old temples among the all which is constructed by the Hindu famous saint Adiguru Shankracharya in the 12th century. This temple is devoted to Bharat, the younger brother of Lord Ram; it is to be found in the old town next to Triveni Ghat. Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Nilkanth Mahadev temple is one of the very famed temples which is positioned at a height of around 5500 ft. The splendid architecture of the temple will stun you with its fine detail. Outside the temple, you will find several stalls stocking memoirs and Pooja ingredients. Explore the street markets The city, with hills on either side, is connected by two suspension bridges known as Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. The markets around both these bridges are crowded with shops selling beads, precious stones, local handicraft items, and puja items. You can bring many interesting things from here like; Spiritual books, Jewellery, clothes, gems, precious and semi-precious stones, idols and other great items too. Enjoy the festivals Rishikesh, being a holy pilgrimage site, celebrates the usual Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra with great enthusiasm and love. The month of Sawan is also considered of great significance here. Rishikesh is also an ideal spot for some grand International and National Festivals like International Yoga Festival – an annual festival celebrated from 1st to 7th March every year to give knowledge about yoga, International Kayak Festival – organized to promote water activities on the Ganges, Basant Panchmi – a harvest festival, Ganga Dussehra – an annual festival celebrated in the month of May-June to celebrate and worship the River Ganges. Volunteer and travel Rishikesh is famous for its culture and spirituality. People travel here for sightseeing and pilgrimage. But, have you ever thought about adding value to society and experiencing the real taste of the city’s culture? Many volunteering opportunities available here let you have this unique experience. Teaching: You can volunteer at an NGO providing formal education to children from slum areas teaching them various subjects, art and music skills, sports, etc. As a foreigner, you can also introduce them to the culture of your country. Some NG0s providing this experience are Khushi Charitable Society, Children of the Ganges, Mother Miracle, etc. Cleaning up River Ganges: Pollution is severely chipping away at India’s beauty. The Ganja river
11 Indian Travel Youtubers you should follow in 2022
Since Youtube culture properly hit India back in the late 2010s, there have been many Travel youtube channels popping up now and then. But most of the channels turned out to be one-hit wonders, where they rolled out a few good videos and fled the scene. But some others truly held against the test of creative competition, content drought, and even Youtube politics to become a true source of information and entertainment for travelers. We’ve handpicked for you some of the best vloggers in India that you should subscribe to if you are into traveling. These channels through their varied content, expressed through skillful cinematography, have earned the right to be called the best in business. Most Influential travel vloggers of India. Ethereal (Ayush Dinker) India in Motion (Saravana Kumar) Hopping Bug (Nishit Sharma) Prakriti Varshney Ankit Bhatia Ronnie and Barty (Rohan Thakur and Bharathi Bahrani) Varun Vagish Akanksha Monga Vikas Dhayal Taniya Khanijow If you’re looking to travel and personalize your own experience, head over to our travel support page now! 1. Ethereal (Ayush Dinker) Ayush Dinker, one of the best vloggers in India and an ardent traveler and filmmaking enthusiast from New Delhi, started his youtube channel- Ethereal in 2013. The channel can answer with a different perspective of experiential travel. It is evident through the quality of content and the information that it can impart to the viewers that each video is a result of long hours of research and preparation. Couple that with clean cinematography and relaxed editing, and with Ayush’s distinct storytelling style, the videos turn out to be something out of the ordinary. What makes Ethereal Special: Calming and Informative Voice-over Narration. Clean and Concise editing and cinematography Intricate Story-Storytelling. Vlogs delve deep into the stories around a location. 2. India in Motion (Saravana Kumar) Saravana Kumar began his Youtube channel, “India in Motion” in 2014. His being a travel photographer is very well reflected in the content as well. All videos are made in a very peculiar “semi-documentary” style with very simple editing and camera work. This style is cleanout very cleanout, with emotions buried in the locations he visits. The videos can bring to the viewers so much value with minimal gear and simple, down-to-earth filmmaking. Saravana mainly travels around North-East India and the Himalayas. The channel also provides tips and tricks for Photographers and camping enthusiasts. What makes India In Motion Special: Addition of local music that resonates with the vibe of the location. Simple filmmaking, with very pleasing shots and relaxed editing. Excellent Storytelling skills, sporting simple language to which anyone can relate. The Timelapses are particularly exquisite. Explore more travel content 3. Hopping Bug (Nishit Sharma) One of the best vloggers in India, Nishit Sharma started his Youtube channel in 2016 with a mission, “Dreams are born to Dare”. The Channel gives particular importance to cinematography and modern editing styles. The videos are pieces of artistic and creative filmmaking, which can pull off the aesthetic appeal that young modern filmmakers look to get out of travel videos. The videos have smooth fast cuts in editing and intricate color grading, which makes them extremely pleasing to the eyes. Nishit uses modern videomaking tech like Drones and gimbals extensively. His International travel videos are of top-notch quality, featuring small encounters with locals, which are properly soul-warming. What makes Hopping Bug Special: Aesthetic and Visually pleasing shots all around. Shot more like small movies rather than Travel Vlogs. Interactions with fellow travelers and locals are a pleasant bonus 4. Prakriti Varshney Prakriti is a traveling enthusiast from New Delhi and started her youtube journey in 2015. She prefers solo travel, experiencing and soaking in all the different perspectives on life. Her videos may not have fancy edits or epic drone shots but they conduct storytelling in its purest form. Prakriti is somehow able to give the viewers a very immersive view of her different experiences. In a country where attacks and atrocities against women are rising day by day, Prakriti stands as a role model and inspiration for young travel enthusiasts. She has proven that what’s deemed impossible for women by the orthodox Indian public is possible. What’s Special about Prakriti Varshney: Soulful, Down to Earth Storytelling style. Detailed and Informative Videos which can be easily used as guides. The Stories playlist on the Channel is a must-watch. Check our travel experiences here 5. Ankit Bhatia Ankit Bhatia’s channel which started in 2013 is the best on this list in terms of production quality. The cinematography is top-notch and the edits are so smooth and creative that the channel’s content can be compared to the likes of Maati Hapoja or Peter Mckinnon. The importance given to filmmaking and post-processing is evident in all of the videos. Some of the videos with Ankit’s smooth narration and excellent visuals feel like guided meditation. He also features Camera Reviews, Photography, and Video Editing tutorials on the channel. What makes Ankit Bhatia Special: Exceptional Videomaking. Wonderful Music that brings up the quality of the content. A story-telling style that syncs perfectly with the filmmaking Style. Personalize your travel here 6. Ronnie and Barty (Rohan Thakur and Bharathi Bahrani) After working 8 years in the mainstream film and television media in Mumbai, the filmmaking couple moved to Manali and invested their complete attention towards their Youtube channel which can frankly be described as a milestone in the Indian Travel Youtube category. Their video content is an all-rounder in that, it has every desired quality to make a video perfect. Watching their videos is purely refreshing and rejuvenating, and prompts you to get off your couch and start traveling again. They carry around their camera like a close friend and it is a very different experience to see the content from that perspective. What makes Ronnie and
Indian Destinations That Resemble Foreign Destinations
India: A paradise for all the travelers and explorers who like to visit unique and enthralling places. A country that has breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, mysterious caves, adventurous treks, magical backwaters, ancient temples, marvelous Mughal monuments, and many more enchanting things that attract everyone from all around the globe. With so many gems and diverse cultures, it has become a tourist hub for everyone. The best thing about India is not it’s gems but its hospitality that has made way into every tourist’s heart. The best in class hospitality in India is what travelers love and look forward to every time they visit India. Not to forget about the delicious food that each state has to offer. Combining all these factors, India becomes an irresistibleCombining place and should be on everyone’s bucket list. Sadly, we have witnessed a trend where Indian travelers rather than fully exploring their own country are more inclined towards foreign destinations. Exploring each and every place is important but exploring the gems that your nation has in store for you is crucial too. With this COVID-19, we have got a chance to visit the hidden gems that our country has stored for us as international travel remains risky and uncertain. To make your travel plans easy we have selected a few Indian destinations that resemble foreign destinations and are a treat to the eyes. Let’s have a look at some Indian destinations that resemble foreign destinations: 1. Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand VS Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, USA It is an Indian national park, located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh, in the state of Uttarakhand, and is known for its majestic Himalayan Ranges. A world heritage site, the valley is situated in a very remarkable area, which is the conversion point of the Himalayan ranges of Western and Eastern Himalayas. The national park can be reached by a trek. Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, USA There are 3 famous spots in Valley of Flowers National Park where travelers can have a soothing time after their adventuresome trek. > Ghangharia: Also known as ‘Valley in the woods’, it is situated between River Pushpawati, coming from Valley of Flowers, and River Hemganga, coming from Hemkund Sahib. It is an extremely beautiful valley with a magnificent view. > Hemkund Lake: It is one of the most sacred lakes of India. It is situated near ‘Hemkund Sahib’ the famous shrine of Sikhs. It is also known as “Lake of Snow” as it is enveloped by seven glorious peaks ranging about 15,200 feet. > Hemkund Sahib: It is the highest Gurudwara of the Sikhs, located at an altitude of 4329 meters. It is dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The shrine got its name from the glacial lake Hemkund, adjacent to the Gurudwara. To know more about this amazing blog. 2. Lakshadweep VS the Maldives It is a group of 36 islands is known for its exotic and sun-kissed beaches and lush green landscape. Besides its beaches, this island paradise is full of surprises giving you the ultimate offbeat experiences. The activities that you can do on this island are Scuba Diving, Fishing, Kite surfing, Canoeing, Sunbathing, and many more. Sunsets are a beautiful sight to behold from the tranquil beaches of the island. Not to mention the stunning Marine Museum which houses some extremely exotic fish and underwater species. Home to wonderful marine life, this museum is one of the best places to learn about underwater life in detail. Lakshadweep Maldives 3. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat VS Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, US It is famous for its white salty desert sand and is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world. It is also home to a range of ecologically rich wildlife such as the flamingos and the wild ass that can be spotted around the desert often. It is known to captivate travelers by its serene natural beauty. The best time to visit is during the Rann Utsav. It is a celebration of the life and colors of the beautiful and rich culture of Gujarat. It is a three-month-long event wherein you will witness traditional music, dance, and finger-licking good Gujarati cuisine. You can also buy handicrafts and different types of embroidered cloths. The embroidery is of various styles such as Rabari, Ahir, Sindhi, Banni, Mutwa, Ari, and Soof. Have a look at this blog for some more facts about the place. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, US 4. Coorg, Karnataka VS Scotland Coorg is also known as “the Scotland of India.” It has a lot to offer from trekking to jeep drive to quad biking to rafting, this place has it all. It serves as a perfect gateway for the weekend. One of the most interesting activities that can be done at this place is Microlight Flying, this allows you to enjoy the pretty city of Coorg from a bird’s eye’s view. Apart from all these adventure activities, it is also full of delightful waterfalls, marvelous temples, and quirky cafes. One of the most unique experiences that you can have here is giving bathe to elephants and playing with them. The elephant camp in Dubare which is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Coorg has a large herd of elephants that you can feed, bathe, and ride. Another site that shouldn’t be missed is Madikeri Fort. It is an interesting heritage building in Coorg which dates back to the 17th century. Nagarhole National Park is the best place to visit if you want to experience wildlife safari. This park comes within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is surrounded by Brahamagiri Mountains and has the Kabini River flowing through it. The safari might bring you face
Treasured Handicrafts Of India!
“Multiplicity of the magnificent culture and arts of India definitely needs a big stage.” -Sadhguru Handlooms and handicrafts have always been a valuable cultural characteristic of nations and communities from the beginning of civilization. After all, culture and creativity manifest themselves in almost all sectors of life, be it economic, social, or others. INDIA – the land where traditional melodies merge seamlessly with an enthralling potpourri of beautiful paintings, ancient weaves, divine dance forms, captivating festivals, and scintillating sculptures – has always been recognized for the plurality of its culture. With each of its states and union territories exploding with ethnic flavors that multiply at every turn, this grand country sparkles with enthusiasm and vitality. So, let’s have a look at the varied art forms and handicrafts of India that makes this country what it is. Jammu & Kashmir Pashmina Shawls from Jammu and Kashmir are appreciated worldwide for their ethnic beauty. They are considered a symbol of lavishness and luxury. Moreover, the heavenly beauty that Kashmir possesses is well-reflected in its texture. Himachal Pradesh Popularly known as Pahari Painting, this art has received praise from not only national but also international tourists. These paintings are remarkably colorful and depict the lives of Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Furthermore, they also display the unique flora and fauna of the state. Uttarakhand Wood Carving is an integral part of the state of Uttarakhand. Renowned for their simplistic yet delicate as well as attractive designs, this art is found primarily in the form of folk, religious, and tantric motifs. Punjab Phulkari, the folk embroidery of Punjab, finds its first mentions in the Punjabi folklore of Heer and Ranjha. Spun from the charkha and patterned on odinis, shawls, Kurtis, etc., Phulkari translates to floral work, but the designs also include motifs and geometrical shapes. Haryana An indigenous carpet made with cotton threads of differing thicknesses, Durries are rugs having spectacular geometric designs. The durries of Panipat, also known as a city of weavers, are exported to countries like Canada, Japan, Germany, and Australia. Uttar Pradesh Among the fascinating arts and crafts of Uttar Pradesh, Chikankari is perhaps one of the most renowned. In the city of Lucknow, market lanes are filled with shops selling chikan work in multiple forms. You can pick up shirts, kurtas, bedsheets, table cloth, pillow covers, and many other items adorned in chikankari. Bihar Madhubani Painting is a rural art form that was developed by the women of the Mithila region of Bihar. These paintings mostly depict nature and Hindu religious motifs, along with mythological stories. In recent times, this art form has acquired a universal appeal. Jharkhand The Paitkar Paintings at Jharkhand are one of the most ancient schools of painting in India. Popularly known as the scroll paintings of the east, themes of these are largely drawn from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Sikkim Thangka Paintings, with their beauty and charm, are a wonderful expression used to convey messages of Buddhist philosophy. Unique to Sikkim, these paintings depict Buddhism, and its philosophies through scenes, mandalas, and deities. Assam Assam has a long tradition of mask making. Popularly known as Mukhas in the local language, masks have been a significant part of the state’s culture and tradition since time immemorial. Ordinarily made from terracotta, metal, bamboo, and wood, these excellently crafted masks usually depict local deities and characters from Hindu legends. Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram & Nagaland Cane and Bamboo Products are an inseparable part of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland. They are used amazingly by skilled craftsmen to create various items such as baskets, hats, cane vessels, cane belts, carved bamboo mugs, ashtrays, and different types of ornamental and everyday use objects. Manipur Manipur is distinguished for its unique Longpi Pottery. This ancient art, known for its unparalleled style and technique, belongs to the Longpi Khullen and Longpi Kajui villages of the state and has gained fame in the global markets, thanks to the elaborate and intricate designs of the pottery items. Tripura Handloom is the largest and perhaps the most magnificent industry in the state of Tripura. The tribes of this state weave and design garments for themselves with luxurious patterns, unique color combinations, and lasting texture. Various street-side shops that showcase these authentic handlooms are every shopper’s delight. Meghalaya The state of Meghalaya, too, is renowned for its Bamboo artifacts. The Khasi tribe weaves a special kind of cane mat called Tlieng that is quite popular in Meghalaya for its durability. On the other hand, the Garo tribe is known for Dakmanda, a cloth used for their dresses along with shirts, bed covers, bed sheets, and tablecloths. They also make baskets called Meghum Khoks that are used for storing different items. West Bengal Well-known for having elaborate motifs on the border as well as pallu, Baluchari Sarees are unique because of the presence of depictions from scenes of mythological tales like Mahabharat and Ramayana. These sarees are considered a sign of aristocracy, the attire of status. Odisha A traditional art form, Pattachitra are miniature paintings, known for their intricate details as well as the mythological narratives and folktales inscribed on it. Practiced widely in Raghurajpur village, on the outskirts of Puri, these bright-colored paintings have become synonymous to the place. Madhya Pradesh Papier-Mache products are well-known throughout Madhya Pradesh. This beautiful craft is a crucial part of Gwalior’s handicraft industry. The articles made using papier-mache are known for their bright and dazzling colors, and one would discover that the color gold is a common feature in most of them. Rajasthan The intricate, visually stunning, and vibrant Pichwai Paintings of Rajasthan are famous all over the country. They have distinctive features of large eyes, a broad nose, and a heavy body, similar to the features on the idol of Shrinathji, a form of Lord Krishna. Over time, Pichwais have also found a place in the homes of art connoisseurs, owing to their visual charm. Gujarat The state of Gujarat is the center of
Interesting facts about Indian states that one must be aware of
To me, India’s always represented ‘everything’; it represents ‘all.’ Everything is here. You can stay here forever, and you’ll never feel like you’ve missed out on life. – Chris Martin Such is the grandeur of our lovely country India, one can not resist falling in love with it. In other countries, you may visit as a tourist but in India, you will enjoy it as your native place. The people are so welcoming that you will feel you are home away from home. Also, it has so much to offer from the mighty Himalayas to golden beaches, India has everything for every type of tourist and traveler. Out of 195 countries in the world, India is ranked 34 in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 published by the World Economic Forum. The Travel & Tourism sector contributes around 9.2% to India’s GDP, supports 42.673 million jobs that are 8.1% of its total employment. Over 10.04 million foreign tourists visit India annually. India is truly incredible and marvelous and only a few countries in the world have left such an amazing impression on tourists. Another reason that makes India unique is its geographical location, you will be able to find mountains, deserts, beaches, and islands in this stunning country. Let’s have a look at some interesting facts that make India an extraordinary place to travel and will make your heart crave for these amazing places. Jammu and Kashmir Dras, a small town in Ladhak has been a favorite spot of tourists for a long time. It is the coldest inhabited place in India with temperatures reaching as low as -45°C. Dras is the second coldest inhabited place on earth. Beautiful view of the state Jammu. 2. Himachal Pradesh This place needs no introduction, it is a heaven for all the travelers and has lots of hidden gems to offer. The state has 33 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 2 National Parks. Out of the 2, The Great Himalayan National Park has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The National Park is home to 370 fauna species, 30 plus mammals, 180 birds, and 9 amphibians among others. Read this blog to know about the trips in this lovely state. Lovely view of Himachal Pradesh. 3. Punjab The land of colors and joy has a lot to offer to its tourist. Golden Temple located in Amritsar is the world’s most visited place in the world according to the Guinness World Book of Records. Golden Temple,Amritsar 4. Haryana Known as the ‘Abode of God,’ it organizes Surajkund Crafts Mela” every year from 1–15 February. This festival has a different theme every year, foreigners love to visit this mela(fair) and enjoy the culture of India. Celebration at Surajkund Mela. 5. Rajasthan The largest state of India and the most color-coordinated state of India has a lot in store for its visitors. The state has 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites which include Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Keoladeo National Park, and Jantar Mantar. Night view of palace in Rajasthan. 6. Uttrakhand Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhumi and is abundant with religious sites that have attracted tourists from all over the world. Tungnath temple is the highest Lord Shiva temple in the World. It is an epitome of spirituality, beauty, and serenity. This temple is situated in Rudraprayag District and is around 1000 years old. Also, have a look at this wonderful blog to know more about this place. Serene view of Uttrakhand valley. 7. Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh has become synonyms to ‘Taj Mahal,’ one of the 7 wonders located in Agra, U.P. The world’s largest gathering known as Kumbha Mela takes place hereafter every 12 years in Prayagraj. Millions of pilgrims come here to take a holy bath in the river Ganga from all over the world. Taj Mahal, Agra. 8. Madhya Pradesh Located in the center of India, it has a lot of historical and spiritual importance attached to it. Khajuraho group of monuments are famous for depicting the artful and erotic expressions of the various sexual practices of ancient times. These clusters of sculptures have been classified as world heritage sites. Khajuraho sculptures. 9. Gujarat The state of Gujarat is known for its vibrant culture and lip-smacking food. Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat is the greenest state in Asia. The Gir Forest National Park is the only home to Asiatic lions in Asia. Aerial view of Gandhinagar. 10. Bihar The birthplace of two religions namely Buddhism and Jainism has spread its culture all over the world. The idea of non-violence originated from Bihar and the state has lots of stunning monasteries. Kesaria Stupa is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about 104” from the base. Kesaria Stupa 11. Jharkhand The land of forests and waterfalls have been of keen interest to the tourist. Maluti village has 72 terracotta temples. The architecture of the temples is breathtaking and was built around the 17th century. Stunning terracotta temple. 12. Odisha Formerly known as ‘Orissa,’ the state has spread its magic over the tourists. Bhubaneshwar the capital of Orissa has as Many as 600 grand temples. Jagannath Temple has the biggest kitchen in the world. Jagannath Temple 13. West Bengal This state needs no introduction, it has already caught the eyes of the tourist for its vibrant culture and spectacular sights. The state is home to the oldest and the widest banyan tree in the world. Known as The Great Banyan Tree, you can spot it at Kolkata’s Acharya Jagadish
10 Travel Books to Change the Way You Wander Around the World
“To travel is to live” – an oft-quoted statement revered by travelers around the world. But how many of us delve into the depth of the statement? Do we live to travel or travel to live? The answers may vary but one thing is sure that we all learn a good lot while traveling, be it the mantra of simpler living, adapting to a new culture and food habits, or getting attuned to a new language and lifestyle experience. We do learn and grow like that. Travelers around the world resolve to step into a world outside and to meet with new experiences from all spheres of life. This openness conjures up gratitude and perseverance in them. However, the path is not so smooth. There are so many hurdles on the way for travelers of all kinds – be it safety concerns, laws and regulations, and other subsequent factors. But, in spite of all these, they do venture out, take risks, and sustain with the greater flow of life. However, it is always better to be prepared and more importantly to learn. And in doing so, it is the books in the form of travelogues, travel memoirs, or guidebooks that come as the primary source of knowledge and inspiration for the travelers. Travel books are not only documents narrating a trip, but also treasure troves of mindful experiences and vivid descriptions of a place. They act as companions for travelers planning a trip. As the pandemic has kept us all inside our homes barring all travel activities temporarily, what can be a better way to keep our travel genes intact than reading some masterful travel books? Keeping that in mind, we have curated a list of travel book recommendations to help you beat the pandemic blues as well as to keep your travel genes at check. From Pacific Crest Trail to Indian bazaars, from lush forests to vast oceans, we have covered it all. Let’s check it out. 1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed Published in 2012, Wild is a travel memoir by American writer, author, and podcaster Cheryl Strayed, where she narrates her journey of self-discovery through an 1100 mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. The memoir is based on Cheryl’s hike in 1995, a phase when she was devastated by her personal miseries and hence sought out for an escape to win her own self back. And she succeeds in the end. This book is about a journey of self-discovery through hardships and misery, where a woman goes out into the woods and come out triumphant against all odds. The vastness of the landmass, the harshness of the snow, the stillness of the nights, and the mindfulness of a solitary traveler all converge together to form a coherent whole which gives the readers a sense of peculiar belongingness. More than the physical journey, it is her quest for discovering herself anew from the bruised past she left behind that is more touching. The book reached No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list and was the first selection for Oprah’s Book Club 2.0. Subsequently, it was made into a movie by Reese Witherspoon, where she starred herself and was released in 2015. 2. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Published in 2006, Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia is a memoir by American author Elizabeth Gilbert, where she narrates her journey around the world after her divorce and the discoveries she makes on the way. The book had been on The New York Times Best Seller list for 187 weeks, one of the longest stints to date. The 2010 movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts made the book even more iconic with all the critical accolades it received. The book centers around Gilbert in her mid-thirties, when she grows discontent with her marriage and files for a divorce. She then embarks on a journey of self-discovery where she eats her heart out in Italy, gets spiritual lessons in India and experiences love on the shore of Bali in Indonesia. And hence, she beautifully weaves all her anecdotes in these three prime phases of her journey. 3. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Bill Bryson is a master of travel writing. He has a great collection of travel books under his name. Notes from a Small Island is his humorous take on Great Britain from his travels around the great nation. First published in 1995, this book is an account of Bryson’s travels around Great Britain before he moves to the US, his native country. Here, Bryson narrates his experiences from every nook and corner of the island as he reaches out and talks to people from as far afield as Exeter in the West Country to John o’ Groats at the north-eastern tip of Scotland’s mainland. He also gives historical commentary on the rich heritage and culture of the British. In a 2003 poll conducted by BBC Radio 4, the book was voted as the book which best represented England by its listeners. 4. The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia by Paul Theroux First published in 1975, The Great Railway Bazaar: By Train Through Asia is a travelogue by American novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux, where he narrates his four-month journey in 1973 by train from London through Europe, the Middle-East, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. It also takes into account his illustrious return journey via the Trans-Siberian Railway. Theroux embeds themes of colonialism, American Imperialism, poverty, human experience, and hardship into the book. His vivid descriptions of the places and people he meets along the way through the diverse nations alleviate the book into a document of history. 5. The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin Not every trip
How the Pandemic has Affected the Tourism-Dependent Sector of the Economy
As the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continues to march on, more and more nations and their governing bodies are beginning to realize that adapting to the new normal, assembling and instituting essential pubic health measures, and most importantly, reopening the economy to whatever extent possible, is the way to deal with this dire situation until there is an end in sight. Countries have been asking their citizens and residents to go into total lockdowns since late-February to early-March, and it has barely been a month or two since the total shutdown of every necessary (and non-essential) supply chain have been gradually lifted. While it is extremely important to ”flatten the curve”, a phrase that has become a part of our lives, designed to ease the burden on our hospitals and healthcare services, an even more pressing need is to ensure that the population is able to sustain its livelihood. An overwhelming majority of us depend on a steady flow of income to survive, and yes, while not everyone lives paycheck to paycheck, perhaps only the top of the human pyramid have large savings to fall back on. Smaller Businesses are relieved to be opening after months of inactivity There is no end to the list of sectors of the economy that have taken a hit owing to the complete halt the world was brought to. Some federal governments realized before others that someone needs to get things going sooner rather than later, as the impact of the pandemic extends beyond the current number of Covid-19 deaths. One of the earliest steps taken by governments, when it was clear at the start of 2020 that this situation was evolving into a large-scale global issue, was to impose bans and restrictions on international travel. Initially, it was limited to the worst-hit areas, but as the virus has continued to surge through larger fractions of the population, perhaps the most reasonable decision was to impose curfews and strict lockdowns to limit the spread, while countries expanded their existing healthcare infrastructure to cope better with the anticipated drastic increase in patients. You cannot fault them for erring on the side of caution, as we did not know much about Covid-19 at the very beginning, we knew nothing about its infectiousness or its death rate, two very important parameters in determining the seriousness of a viral vector. So what we had then was a colossal decrease in both the willingness to travel and indulge in tourism, even domestic for that matter, let alone international, we also had mandatory lockdowns in place, which meant even the bravest of the brave couldn’t choose to go for a trek in the nearby mountains, or whatever their plans were for a good time outside. And let’s be honest, “virtual travel” and 3D tours from a screen, no matter how big, does not even come close to the real deal. The damage inflicted to travel is not limited to aviation, something to be remembered. The cruise ship industry, which by definition is heavily influenced by tourism, has seen its major cruise lines(companies) suffer as much as a 70% loss in share prices. The onset of Covid-19 meant that cruise lines had to cancel sailings and bookings on a scale never seen before. Learn more about the adverse impact of the pandemic on cruise ships as a whole. Travel restrictions also massively plagued the aviation industry, once again partly due to the aversion of people from tourism as an activity. Numerous flights have been canceled, they’ve been flying with lots of empty seats, resulting in a shocking number of layoffs and declarations of bankruptcy, in what has been commonly referred to as the worst crisis in the history of aviation. Cargo prices also skyrocketed to almost triple the average rate by late March. Empty Flights are now commonplace To give you a rough idea of the extent to which travel and tourism had been hampered by the restrictions(to be fair, these restrictions were expected, and required) put in place, for all worldwide travel destinations, the figures were as follows(as of April 2020): 97 destinations (45%) closed their borders for tourists either entirely, or selectively. 65 destinations (30%) suspended international flights either entirely, or selectively. 39 destinations (18%) implemented border closure by banning passenger entry from specific origin countries. The World Travel and Tourism Council has estimated a global loss of around 75 million jobs and $2.1 Trillion in revenue. If we were to rank the various major sectors of the economy, travel and tourism are among the most affected. In addition to the roadblock put in place for different means of travel, hotels are also beginning to see tremendous losses. Larger, upscale hotels, which were the sites of frequent conventions, seminars, and meetings, have taken the biggest blow, with an approximate 15% drop in revenue per available room, while the cheaper, budget hotels have taken a hit of 8% on the same metric, although these economy-class hotels are not as likely to handle any sort of disruption to their income very well. The estimates and projections so far point to a significant decrease of 25% or above even for the first quarter of 2020, including the first 2 months of relatively normal, uninterrupted business. Projections for the rest of the year are as bleak as ever too. Experts say this would by far be the worst figures that international tourism has seen since 1950 and would be an anti-climactic end to the sure but steady growth that the industry has seen from 2009. Statements by the UNWTO Panel of Experts point to the gradual recovery of international demand in 2021. Domestic demand is expected to recover faster than international demand. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), an association of 37 nations promoting economic growth and world trade, have revised their data projections to point towards a bleak-looking 60% decline in international tourism in 2020, with potential to
Destinations to Visit for 5 Types of Personalities
Different people have different tastes, of course, and this applies to travelers as well. You may not know it, but whether consciously or subconsciously, you and the people around you chose destinations according to their personality type and most of the time, consistently. In this blog, we cover 5 major types of personalities – Introvert, Extrovert, Adventurer, Historic, and Romantic – and what destinations you can visit according to your personality type, or if you’re in the mood to explore places you usually don’t go to. Here are 3 of the best destinations for each personality type! [1] Introvert Most people have an introverted side to them, but some are always or most of the time in that personality category. An introvert is characterized by the likely characteristics of wanting to be alone/with a smaller group, keeping to themselves, preferring quiet and less crowded places, and having low social batteries. All these features, while not necessary, make an introvert the perfect candidate for destinations with peace and fewer surprises as well as people. 1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – This serene, high altitude destination is perfect for those looking for a quiet and beautiful getaway. Whether you’ll be sipping coffee in a cafe or trekking in the mountains, there is an abundance of peace and space for all travelers. 2. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this quiet and unexplored town in Maharashtra is surprisingly less known and the perfect destination for those looking for a getaway with less crowded beaches. 3. Kausani, Uttarakhand – Kausani is a quaint village situated in between mountains, offering majestic views and an unforgettable experience all in a quiet and unobtrusive setting and town. [2] Extrovert Extroverts by nature are, well, extroverted – they like putting themselves out there, meeting new people, being around others most of the time, and finding new experiences, all the time. These locations in India will help you make new friends, find new trinkets, explore places better, and have an unforgettable experience. 1. Kargil, Ladakh – Although this town is not as big as its famous counterpart Leh, Kargil offers the best combination of stunning views with bustling life in a small town where you can meet a host of different people and enjoy as a group. 2. New Delhi, Delhi – The city of Delhi is very well known, and its people are very friendly too. It is perfect for extroverts – with its many destinations, varieties of cultures and people, and different crowds in every corner, you’ll never run out of things to do and people to meet! 3. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh – This city, although quaint, is very well known to have a wide range of people in its midst – it is one of the ultimate hippie hotspots of India and you can meet people from a wide range of countries and walks of life here. [3] Adventurer Being addicted to an adrenaline rush is a very real thing, In India, there is never any shortage of adventures you can go on, but these places will give you the memories of a lifetime: 1. Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh – The village of Bir, situated in the midst of mountains and a distance of two hours from Dharamshala, is very well known for the adventure sport of paragliding, although you can also trek and do a variety of other activities in this village. 2. Har ki Doon, Uttarakhand – Har ki Doon is a beautiful valley situated in between the Garhwal Himalayas of India and the valley is perfect for trekking. With this beautiful cradle as the destination, a trek to Har ki Doon will definitely boost your adventure spirit! 3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh – The city of Manali is perfect for all kinds of travelers, but especially suited to adventure travelers since it offers access to the thrilling Rohtang Pass trek, and has a variety of treks and destinations to offer – you can trek, do paragliding, and even bungee jump in this magnificent city. [4] Historic Whether you’re a historian or just a passionate learner, you’ll love these destinations. Although there is something to learn from and in every location, these places have a deep history rooted in them that will excite your inner academic and keep you in awe. India is a country with a long and expansive history, and nothing shows this better than these places. 1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Home to temples as much as 1000 years old, this city’s exquisite architecture and culture will stun you. There is something to learn at every corner, and the city is known to be one of the oldest in India. 2. Hampi, Karnataka – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is known for its magnificent history spanning decades and well-preserved ruins. It used to be the wealthiest city of India hundreds of years ago and still boasts structures with histories that will astound you. 3. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – The city is well known as the setting for the epic Ramayan and is believed to be almost 9,000 years old, previously the stronghold of the kingdom of Kosala around 2,000 years ago. There is much to explore and see in its jilted streets, old buildings, and protected sites such as the Kanak Bhavan, Hanuman Garhi temple, etc. [5] Romantic A romantic is not often vocal about their romantic characteristics – but all kinds just want a good swoon-worthy story and a beautiful place to spend with their soul mates. These destinations don’t all have a wonderful story, but they are destinations where there is just enough crowd to not get boring, and just enough peace to spend time together. 1. Imphal, Manipur – the city of Imphal has a history and an untouched charm –
