Home Blog

Experience diverse themes in photography in an exhibition in Andhra University

0
Picture taken by Samina Sultana of a golden eagle hunter of the Kazakh tribe who reside in the Altai Mountains in Mongolia.  

Picture taken by Samina Sultana of a golden eagle hunter of the Kazakh tribe who reside in the Altai Mountains in Mongolia.  
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Echoes of the mountains, tranquil seascapes, the poetic rhythm of life and enchanting shades of Nature will come alive this weekend at the TLN Sabha Hall in Andhra University. A two-day photography exhibition of the nineth batch of students pursuing a Diploma in Photography at the university will unfold diverse themes, with focus on landscape and portrait photography. The show is a glimpse of the budding photographers’ creative vision and storytelling abilities. About 25 students from the batch will showcase their photographs, marking the culmination of the course.

From breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and majestic mountains to tranquil seascapes and serene monuments, each photograph captures the essence of a place and conveys its mood and character.

Samina Sultana’s selection from her travels take one across the world to places of stunning beauty and give a peek into rare tribal cultures. One picture of the Lake Baikal in Siberia, the world’s deepest and most voluminous freshwater lake, portrays fascinating ice formations, undulating surface ice and icicles as travellers navigate through it. Speaking about her experience of walking across frozen ice to photograph the moment, Samina says: “Time stood frozen on Lake Baikal at minus 25 degree centigrade. Three-and-a-half feet deep, it was the hardest surface that I walked on for four consecutive days to capture the vast stunning wilderness. I was often greeted with a thunder-like roar that was nothing but the cracking of the lake’s surface.” One of her other pictures take one to the golden eagle hunters of the Kazakh tribe who reside in the Altai Mountains in Mongolia. A diminishing tribe, the pictures highlight the tough life they lead in a remote, rugged terrain and how they train golden eagles to hunt food for them in harsh winters.

A daily wage labourer carrying her child in the tub as she heads for work. The picture taken by Kotni Deva Sahayam will be one of the exhibits at the photography exhibition in Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.

A daily wage labourer carrying her child in the tub as she heads for work. The picture taken by Kotni Deva Sahayam will be one of the exhibits at the photography exhibition in Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The many moods of Visakhapatnam are captured in the frames of Kotni Deva Sahayam as he travels across the city’s bylanes to freeze moments from daily life. A daily-wage labourer carrying her child in the same tub she loads the bricks from a site.

A potter working on the potter’s wheel. The picture taken by Kotni Deva Sahayam will be one of the exhibits at the photography exhibition in Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.

A potter working on the potter’s wheel. The picture taken by Kotni Deva Sahayam will be one of the exhibits at the photography exhibition in Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Four smiling children sit together outside their huts, depicting an innocent moment of childhood. Steady hands turning the potter’s wheel, showing a fast fading profession. Deva’s pictures share many emotions from the quotidian life.

A picture taken by Anita Rao of two children in a playful mood. 

A picture taken by Anita Rao of two children in a playful mood. 
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Anita Rao’s picture of two children involved in playful banter brings out the simple joys of childhood. “As a psychologist, I quietly observe human behaviour and like to freeze the moments in my camera. For instance, what arrested my attention was the moment children were animatedly having a good time, unmindful of safeguarding their fine clothes at a party or watching the proceedings of the grown-ups,” she says.

Behara Sharat captures the essence of Nature and wildlife in his images clicked at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and the picturesque beaches of Mangamaripeta.

Ravi Kumar, faculty of Department of Photography, Andhra University, says that more than just a visual art form, photography is a powerful medium that shares unique perspectives. “The diploma course gives a basic introduction into the parts of camera, how to operate one and develop a perspective,” says Ravi Kumar adding: “There has been a soaring interest in photography in the recent years with people exploring the intricacies of composition, lighting and storytelling through images at a time content creation has seen new dimensions in social media.”

The photography exhibition titled Auperturartists will be open for public on March 30 and 31 at TLN Sabha Hall, Andhra University, from 10am to 6pm.



Source link

Akasa Air begins international flights: Mumbai-Doha route inaugurated, more destinations planned

0

PTI | | Posted by Zarafshan Shiraz, Mumbai

Domestic carrier Akasa Air has commenced its international operations with its inaugural overseas flight departing from Mumbai to Doha, Qatar.

Akasa Air begins international flights: Mumbai-Doha route inaugurated, more destinations planned (REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo)
Akasa Air begins international flights: Mumbai-Doha route inaugurated, more destinations planned (REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo)

In a statement on Thursday, the airline said it has been granted traffic rights for three other international destinations — Kuwait, Jeddah and Riyadh.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Akasa will be rapidly expanding its global footprint in the coming months, the statement said.

Further, the airline said with its conveniently timed flight schedule, travellers from other domestic cities such as Ahmedabad, Goa, Varanasi, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Delhi will also have multiple connecting options for travel to and from Doha via Mumbai.

Domestically, Akasa operates from a host of cities including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, among others.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.



Source link

Solar eclipse fever grips Niagara Falls: Hotel and vintage train prices soar, party spots prepare for massive crowds

0

From vintage train rides costing almost $4,000 per person to hotel rooms listed at $1,600 a night, businesses in and around majestic Niagara Falls are preparing to cash in on the April 8 total solar eclipse – with around a million visitors expected.

Niagara Falls, Ontario Mayor Jim Diodati, who says the city is preparing to host more than one million visitors during the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse event, poses with a pair of safety glasses at his office in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Solar eclipse fever grips Niagara Falls: Hotel and vintage train prices soar, party spots prepare for massive crowds (REUTERS/Wa Lone/File Photo)
Niagara Falls, Ontario Mayor Jim Diodati, who says the city is preparing to host more than one million visitors during the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse event, poses with a pair of safety glasses at his office in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Solar eclipse fever grips Niagara Falls: Hotel and vintage train prices soar, party spots prepare for massive crowds (REUTERS/Wa Lone/File Photo)

The dramatic waterfall, situated along the Canadian-US border, is in the path of the eclipse, and many people are splurging on hotels and rentals in advance to experience the phenomenon at one of North America’s natural wonders. Demand has pushed up prices of hotels as people making last-minute plans book the last of the available accommodations.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The eclipse will be a busy time both on the Ontario side and the New York side of the waterfall, with numerous special activities planned.

Many enthusiasts are planning to drive thousands of miles (km) across Canada to be there when the moon’s shadow covers the sun for about three to four minutes starting at 3:20 p.m ET. For Canada, this marks the first total solar eclipse since 1979, with the next forecast for 2044.

Jim Diodati, mayor of the Ontario city of Niagara Falls, predicted “by far the biggest crowd that we’ve ever had” on the Canadian side for the eclipse. Diodati estimated that up to a million people will be there, compared with the 14 million who typically visit during the course of an entire year.

“Clear weather is the cherry on top,” Diodati said. “I’m just keeping fingers crossed and hoping.”

Most hotel rooms are booked and prices are higher than usual, according to Janice Thomson, president and CEO of Niagara Falls Tourism.

Many hotel rooms were priced at C$1,000 per night and above – and some boasting views of the falls even reached around C$2,200 ($1,620).

The region, which includes the municipalities of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines, is one of the most heavily booked Airbnb destinations in Canada for the eclipse, according to the lodging service.

John Percy, president and CEO of regional tourism promotional agency Destination Niagara USA, said in a press release that he expects the eclipse to bring “the largest influx of visitors we’ve ever seen” to the US side of the falls.

PARTY ATMOSPHERE

Hotel company Hilton’s property that overlooks the falls is hosting a “parking lot party” offering eclipse views from its outdoor venue along with live music, a DJ and food trucks – priced at a C$10 entry fee, which includes a pair of protective solar eclipse glasses and a souvenir drink cup.

Hilton’s falls-facing rooms, which typically cost about C$200 a night, were priced at more than C$1,000 for the eclipse period. Prices at Marriott’s Sheraton Hotel were upwards of C$1,000 a night, compared to about C$250 a night for a weekend later in the month.

On the U.S. side, a vintage train will be taking people from New York City to Niagara Falls, with tickets at nearly $4,000 per person.

Niagara Falls-based hoteliers and business owners have had the event on their radar for years, hoping to recoup losses they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses are staffing up.

Gabriel Gabrie, owner of Bravo! Pizzeria & Grill in Ontario’s Niagara Falls, said the solar eclipse will bring “more people and more luck.”

“I am calling back our staffs from the previous year and training them again. We are expecting to have a full house,” Gabrie said.

Some visitors like University of Toronto physics professor Jason Harlow will travel with their families.

“Seeing something that’s so rare and so beautiful – to see the stars come out in the day – yeah, something that my kids will remember their whole lives,” Harlow said.

($1 = 1.3568 Canadian dollars)



Source link

Good Friday long weekends: Top destinations from India to explore

0

This Good Friday is an extended weekend, and we all know what that means – a trip! Every extended weekend is an opportunity to explore new places and soak in the spring season from a holiday destination. With the auspicious day of Good Friday coming right before a weekend, it is the perfect time to plan a trip and ensure that we make the most of it. Good Friday, for this year, is being celebrated on March 29. It falls right before March 30 and March 31, which are Saturday and Sunday. Hence, this serves us with the perfect chance to plan a weekend getaway.

Soaked in history and thousand-year-old civilization, Hampi stands witness to the glorious time that we have left behind.(Vertigo_Warrior/Twitter)
Soaked in history and thousand-year-old civilization, Hampi stands witness to the glorious time that we have left behind.(Vertigo_Warrior/Twitter)

ALSO READ: Good Friday 2024: Interesting facts to know about this day

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Here are a few destinations that you can visit for this long weekend

Hampi: In case you are in Bangalore, Hampi takes just an overnight bus journey to reach. Soaked in history and thousand-year-old civilization, Hampi stands witness to the glorious time that we have left behind. From Virupaksha Temple to sunset at Matunga Hill to long rides on the roads of Hampi as we let ourselves be a part of history standing still in time, Hampi is the best way to spend the weekend.

Kasol: The hilltops, mountain views, scenic landscapes and of course, the chill in the air – Kasol is the best travel getaway for people living around Delhi. In case you are tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, Kasol can offer you the perfect view and cleanse your mind and soul.

Kerala: Are you staying near Kerala? Then think no further! Kerala has a lot to offer when it comes to landscapes. Be it mountains or beaches or forests, Kerala has it all. In case you are wondering where to visit, we suggest Fort Kochi and Mattancherry – a town living in history with the stunning view of the sea.

Goa: Goa never disappoints. There’s pubs and parties for the ones who like to groove, and there are silent calm beaches and roads for the ones who like to spend some quiet time.



Source link

Luxury wildlife safaris to explore in India this summer

0

It is that time of the year again when the scorching sun is upon us, as is the much-awaited summer holidays. If planning a trip abroad or a break in the hills is not on your list this year, may we suggest exploring India’s wild side. Experts say this is the ideal season to holiday in the forests, and get up close with their teeming wildlife. With tailor-made safari experiences to spot tigers, a crocodile safari by boat, and trails on a cycle, we bring you a low down of the country’s popular National parks and the hospitality players offering luxury experiences in the wild. 

A tiger at Ranthambore National Park

A tiger at Ranthambore National Park
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC), Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore National Park

The hospitality venture — known for its luxury nomadic camps — is India’s latest safari experience. Launched in December 2023, Sawai Shivir Ranthambore, offers a luxury camping experience in the Ranthambore forest. At the break of dawn, guests are greeted by the song of birds, and the jeep safari that follows takes you through the National park’s rugged terrain. Guided by seasoned naturalists, a typical safari experience’s popular sightings include royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, the Indian gazelle and spotted deer, among others. “Guests also have the opportunity to go for river safaris on the Chambal river and spot gharials and crocodiles basking in the sun on the river banks,” says Rajnish Rai, chief operating officer and founder-member of Ultra Resorts and Hotels. 

The luxury suite tent at Sawai Shivir Ranthambore

The luxury suite tent at Sawai Shivir Ranthambore
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

At Bandhavgarh, the camping site is situated at Tala village, opposite the Khitauli core zone. “There is only a 12 feet road that separates the property from the forest area,” says Rajnish, explaining how their Kenyan-inspired canvas tents are placed on a 4.5 feet stilt to ensure a great view, and also enable wildlife (tigers, wild boards, leopards, etc) movement between the core jungle zones. The tents, he adds, are put up during the season and packed away by June.

Here too, private and shared vehicle safaris take guests on a three-hour ride into the wild. “Bookings are done on the Government website, and a Government guide accompanies our naturalist Yeshwant Shekhawat on the trail,” says Rajnish. Other offerings include a birding trail to spot the over 150 bird species in the region, Nature walks, cycling trails, and sundowners with bird watching. “We also have a tented spa with two treatment rooms,” he adds.

Chambal Safari Experience at Sawai Shivir Ranthambore

Chambal Safari Experience at Sawai Shivir Ranthambore
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

In recent times, Indian tourists have experienced a remarkable shift in their travel preferences, increasingly gravitating towards immersive wildlife encounters, explains Rajnish. “Our foray into wildlife experiences at Sawai Shivir in Ranthambore and The Untamed at Bandhavgarh, after our flagship properties in Chamba Camp in Thiksey and Nubra Valley of Ladakh, Kohima Camp during the Hornbill festival in Nagaland encapsulates this trend,” he states, adding that luxury travellers today are also increasingly conscious of the impact their travel choices have on the environment, local communities, and cultural heritage. 

Tourists can take private and shared vehicle safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park

Tourists can take private and shared vehicle safaris at Bandhavgarh National Park
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Season: October to June

Prices: Ranthambore: Luxury tent at ₹80,000 + tax, Presidential tent at ₹1,00,000 + tax, Bandhavgarh: Executive tent at ₹35,000 + tax, luxury tent at ₹45,000 + tax

Elephants spotted at Kabini

Elephants spotted at Kabini
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Evolve Back, Kabini

Approximately four hours from Bengaluru, after you drive past Coorg, lies Kabini and its forests, teeming with a range of flora, tigers, leopards and elephants, among other wild beasts.

The property is bordered on two sides by the Kabini River which separates the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, and in turn is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. And to experience the natural wilderness, the resort offers safaris via vehicles, boats, and even a coracle ride. 

“All safaris are by the Jungle Lodges and Resorts which are operated by the Karnataka Government,” explains Jose Ramapuram, director of Marketing at Evolve Back, adding that safaris begin at the Kabini river lodge. Trained guides are provided by the resort, and the safaris (morning and evening) are “organised and well-managed” to balance the carrying capacity. “The parks are divided into different sections, and limited vehicles are permitted in each section.”

The pool hut suite at Evolve Back, Kabini

The pool hut suite at Evolve Back, Kabini
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

As for the boat safari, it begins from the property and guests are taken in the backwaters upstream. “With Nagarhole and Bandipur on either side, this zone is rich in wildlife. Between January and April, the forest dries out, and animals come to the reservoir from far away. There is ample grass that attracts herbivores, who in turn attract the carnivores,” says Jose, who adds that the light is very different in a boat safari as compared to a land safari. “One can see crocodiles, water birds, geese, etc that fly in from as far as Europe and Siberia. The animals you see are different, and it is a varied experience.”

There are also Nature walks along the banks of the Kabini River, and for the more adventurous traveller, night trails that explore the region’s nocturnal insects, amphibians and reptiles. 

A coracle ride at Evolve Back, Kabini

A coracle ride at Evolve Back, Kabini
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The resort is also home to the Kabini Interpretation Centre, an Insect Interpretation Centre, a small Kuruba Tribal Museum and a two-acre wilderness insect/butterfly sanctuary within the resort premises. “The Kabini Interpretation Centre highlights the region’s history, and that of its flora and fauna by way of historical photos.”

Jose explains how there has been a rise in occupancy over the past few years. This, he attributes to several reasons. The primary one being the pandemic, and how people preferred the property as the area is “relatively isolated”. “Secondly, many were unable to travel abroad due to Covid-related issues, and were looking for holiday options in India, and many took to ‘revenge tourism’ ie just wanting to travel after being holed up for a long time,” he says.

A peregrine falcon

A peregrine falcon
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Jose further explains that the market is now reverting to pre-pandemic levels, and the above reasons are no longer in play. “Even then, there is an increased interest in wildlife, probably due to more awareness being generated during the pandemic,” adding that the top amenities today’s traveller requests for include privacy, bespoke experiences, and varied cuisine.

Season: All-year

Prices: ₹35,000 per night, per couple, inclusive of breakfast, dinner, select activities and all taxes.

A jeep safari by Pugdundee Safaris

A jeep safari by Pugdundee Safaris
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Pugdundee Safaris, multiple locations

With intimate jungle lodges in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna and Tadoba, Pugdundee Safaris banks on its team comprising naturalists, Nature guides, boatmen, and wildlife trackers to ensure travellers get to experience a slice of the wild.

“Wildlife holidays are now becoming a regular norm of the evolved Indian traveller and are slowly getting a share of fondness just like annual mountain and beach holidays,” says Manav Khanduja, director, Pugdundee Safaris, adding how social media and easy accessibility of good photography equipment have further fuelled the interest, as “everyone wants to try their hand at clicking their favorite cat!”

Mobile camping units by Pugdundee Safaris

Mobile camping units by Pugdundee Safaris
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Having said that, there is a safari for everyone. “For tiger sightings, Bandhavgarh and Tadoba are recommended. Kanha is the most scenic and in-demand, Satpura is popular for its holistic experiences such as night walks, coracle rides, etc. that make for an active holiday, whereas Pench is ideal for spotting leopards,” explains Manav, adding how most guests want a guarantee to spot a tiger!

He adds, “We cannot guarantee a tiger sighting, and it definitely needs some luck!” Which is why he recommends guests travel for a minimum of four-five days. “We stopped one-day bookings a few years ago and don’t advise people to come in for just a couple of days. 

A crocodile spotted during the Chambal wildlife safari

A crocodile spotted during the Chambal wildlife safari
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The longer your stay, the higher the chances of spotting a tiger as you can take multiple safaris. Guests can also explore sites such as the Bandhavgarh fort, etc that otherwise get missed because the pressure is on sighting a tiger and they go back disappointed.” 

If you aim to sight the big cat, their Great India Tiger Safari (covering Tadoba, Kanha and Bandhavgarh) and Tiger Tour (comprising Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench) could be on your itinerary. For the bird enthusiasts, there is a  Central India Birding Tour that takes tourists to Satpura, Pench and Kanha National Parks.

If you would like a blend of it all, the Wildlife Trails Programme covers the top four parks of Central India: Panna, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench.

Manav says a safari experience is different for each traveller. “Parks have their popular zones/gates which grow in popularity every season, owing to a more frequent movement of the residing cat or the arrival of a recent litter. The experience is surreal as the onlookers get to witness a world very different from theirs. A more seasoned wildlife enthusiast, however, starts loving everything about the jungles and doesn’t necessarily indulge in cat chasing,” he says.

The bush dinner is a 5-6 course meal served in the middle of the forest

The bush dinner is a 5-6 course meal served in the middle of the forest
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

In addition, Manav says bespoke experiences are “always in demand”. These include a bush dinner in the wild. “The concept is popular in Africa, and we serve guests a five-six course meal in the middle of the forest, sans any artificial light. We also offer sunset walks, cycle rides between national parks, walking trails, canoe rides, etc,” he concludes.

Season: October to June

Prices: Accommodation starts from ₹20,000, inclusive of meals and taxes

Alongside tigers, visitors spot leopards, sloth bears, deer, fox, crocodiles at Ranthambore

Alongside tigers, visitors spot leopards, sloth bears, deer, fox, crocodiles at Ranthambore
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Taj Sawai, Ranthambore

At this property that opened its doors two months back, no visit is complete without a safari to the Ranthambore National Park which is typically marked by tiger sightings.

The park offers a unique opportunity to witness tigers in their natural habitat unlike any other destination in India, says Kunal Roy, general manager, Taj Sawai, Ranthambore, adding that alongside the thrilling tiger encounters, visitors spot leopards, sloth bears, deer, fox, crocodiles, and can immerse themselves in “the diverse flora comprising 539 species of flowering plants”. Additionally, the historic Ranthambore Fort, constructed by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th Century, adds to the safari experience.

Guests on a Gypsy ride by Taj Safaris

Guests on a Gypsy ride by Taj Safaris
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“Guests book the safari first, and then the resort. We offer a morning and evening safari and two vehicle options: a six-seater Gypsy, and a 20-seater mini bus. The latter is a popular choice for large families,” says Kunal, adding that their in-house team of three naturalists — Ashilesh Sharma, Pawan Joshi, and Chandrakant Gautam — accompany guests on the three-hour safari. 

Guests can also opt for the Chambal wildlife safari about 20-25 kilometres away from the property, wherein a boat takes you around the Chambal river to spot crocodiles. The brand also offers safaris at National Parks at Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, and Kanha.

An elephant at a Taj Safaris property

An elephant at a Taj Safaris property
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

The safari experiences aside, Kunal says supporting the local community by involving them in daily operations forms a key part of the experience. “We have hired a local woman to make tea for the guests and she has been very popular. She now has a stall ‘Kaaki ki chai’ at the breakfast buffet,” he says, adding, “A local potter who specialises in black pottery has been onboarded, and he comes every evening to teach guests pottery. There are very few black pottery artisans left in the region, and this is a way to support a dying art.”

Season: October to March

Prices: Between ₹32,000 and ₹42,000 per room, per night, excluding taxes

A lion at Gir National Park

A lion at Gir National Park
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Woods at Sasan, Gir

Gir is home to the last of the Asiatic lions in the world, and if you plan to head there this year, you can choose from a  luxury escorted safari in a private open gypsy, or one by rail. 

“We offer an escorted forest safari in a private open Gypsy with our resident naturalists to spot Asiatic lions, leopards, among other animals,” says Maulik Bhagat, CEO, 1000 Island Hotels and Resorts, who says he has witnessed a noticeable increase in travellers “expressing a keen interest in wildlife and safari holidays, particularly centered around destinations like Gir National Park”.

Alongside safaris, guests are offered a range of exclusive, personalised experiences at Woods at Sasan

Alongside safaris, guests are offered a range of exclusive, personalised experiences at Woods at Sasan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

This surge, he says, can be attributed to the rise of sustainable tourism and the growing emphasis on wildlife-based tourism. “Over the past five years, we have observed a notable increase in both domestic and international tourist enquiries. This is due to the establishment of an international airport in Rajkot, and the region’s reputation as the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions.” 

Tourists at Woods at Sasan, Gir

Tourists at Woods at Sasan, Gir
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Alongside safaris, guests are offered a range of exclusive, personalised experiences. The vintage tea tale and community lunch in a mango orchard is especially popular. “The former offers guests a bespoke vintage car ride to a secluded spot by the Hiran River, where they can savour freshly brewed tea while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the landscape. At the community lunch, guests dine in a secluded setting amidst the forest surroundings of the retreat, while their lunch is prepared over a wood fire, accompanied by live flute music,” he adds.  

Season: October to March

Prices: From ₹15,000 to ₹32,000 per night



Source link

Tourism in Iceland slows down as volcanic eruptions and high prices deter travellers

0

Tourist bookings in Iceland are growing more slowly than forecast with travellers deterred by high prices and frequent volcanic eruptions near an inhabited area.

A view of the lava flowing from the volcano backdropped by the Northern Lights, near the town of Grindavik, Iceland, early Monday, March 25, 2024. Tourism in Iceland slows down as volcanic eruptions and high prices deter travellers (AP Photo/Marco di Marco)
A view of the lava flowing from the volcano backdropped by the Northern Lights, near the town of Grindavik, Iceland, early Monday, March 25, 2024. Tourism in Iceland slows down as volcanic eruptions and high prices deter travellers (AP Photo/Marco di Marco)

Bookings over the winter months have been as much as 15% below estimates, according to data compiled by the Icelandic Tourist Board.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The country’s top source of foreign currency, tourism bounced back quickly after the pandemic and was expected to reach new heights this year, until intense seismic activity started rocking the island’s southwest corner in October. The first eruption near a now-devastated fishing town happened on Dec. 18 and there have been three more since.

“We saw already in November that new bookings went down,” Johannes Thor Skulason, managing director of the Icelandic Travel Industry Association, said by phone. “They have since slowly started recovering but the effect from the seismic activity and the media coverage around that can still be felt.”

Previously, volcanic outbursts in Iceland’s remote areas have helped boost travel but the fact that activity is now taking place close to the country’s top tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon spa, as well as inhabited areas is deterring some foreigners.

The country’s hot economy is also starting to hurt its attractiveness for foreign visitors. Rapid growth has fueled price increases, with inflation exceeding 10% last year and remaining persistent since. Iceland’s central bank has hiked interest rates by 850 basis points since May 2021 and now boasts Western Europe’s highest benchmark rate at 9.25%.

“We are simply becoming too expensive,” Arnar Mar Olafsson, director general of the Icelandic Tourist Board, said. His organization forecasts a record 2.4 million visitors this year, which would represent an increase of 10% from a year earlier.

“In our peer countries on both sides of the Atlantic, rates and inflation are only half of what they are here,” he said. “This puts us at a disadvantage.”



Source link

This summer vacation, where are Indians travelling?

0
Indira Point, India’s southern-most point, 600 km (about 375 miles) south of Port Blair, in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Within India, people are picking up packages to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indira Point, India’s southern-most point, 600 km (about 375 miles) south of Port Blair, in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Within India, people are picking up packages to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
| Photo Credit: File photo

With the academic year coming to an end, travel enthusiasts are packing their bags and travelling to hill stations and beaches to escape the heat of Bengaluru. While many private tour operators have seen an uptick in the number of bookings this year during the summer vacation, the upcoming elections might have kept some others from travelling. 

“We have seen around 30 – 40% increase in bookings this year when compared to the previous year. Within India, our packages to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Goa are doing very well. When it comes to international travel, Singapore and Malaysia seems to be the popular choice,” said Neha S., from Horizon Travels in Sampangiramanagar. 

Ms. Neha attributed the rise in numbers to an increase in group travel and the influence of social media. “When people see someone travel photos on social media, they make their own travel plans. Then there is also the reason of wanting to spend more time with friends and family together, which is why they are opting for group tours,” she said.  

Mysuru, Kodagu and Gokarna are the preferred destinations for travellers from both within and outside of Karnataka. Ooty – Kodaikanal, Wayanad and Tirupati are also the destinations of choice for Bengalureans, according to travel operators.  

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has received advance bookings for the next two months. Its property in Ooty has an occupancy rate of 95% for the next two months, followed by the hotel in Madikeri with 65% occupancy, and 60% in the hotels in Mysuru and near KRS.  

“We are still getting bookings every day. Soon, most of the units will have a 100% occupancy rate,” said a senior official from KSTDC.  

When it comes to tour packages, KSTDC’s Tirupati packages have the highest bookings. North Karnataka Tour, South India, South Canara temple tours and Goa-Gokarna– Jog Falls packages have also attracted bookings.  

Travel slightly hit by elections

With Lok Sabha elections being scheduled on April 26 in Bengaluru, a few tour operators have seen a slight fall in bookings, especially when it comes to family packages. “We have not received as many enquiries as we usually do for summer vacations due to elections. Teachers and other government employees who usually travel this time are deputed for election duty. Hence, they have dropped their travel plans this time,” said a manager at Shree Tours and Travels in Mahalakshmi Layout. 

Increased international travel 

When compared to the previous year, private tour operators have noticed an increase in the number of people travelling abroad from Bengaluru. “Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Dubai continue to be popular choices among Bengalureans, with a noticeable uptick of 10-15% in outbound travel,” said Sabina Chopra, co-founder & COO, Yatra Online.



Source link

Panama City opens new cruise ship terminal to attract tourists amid Canal drought

0

AFP | | Posted by Zarafshan Shiraz

Panama on Tuesday inaugurated a new cruise ship terminal at the mouth of the drought-hit Panama Canal, hoping to attract more tourists to the Central American nation.

Aerial view of the new Panama Cruise Terminal in Panama City. The new port is located in the Amador causeway, at the peaceful entrance to the Panama Canal. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP)
Aerial view of the new Panama Cruise Terminal in Panama City. The new port is located in the Amador causeway, at the peaceful entrance to the Panama Canal. (Photo by Martin BERNETTI / AFP)

The facility in Panama City was built by a consortium led by China Harbor Engineering Company with an investment of more than $200 million, according to President Laurentino Cortizo.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The cruise terminal will generate new tourist routes… attracting more visitors to our country,” Cortizo said at an opening ceremony.

The terminal, which will be able to receive two cruise ships at a time, is the first on Panama’s Pacific coast.

Another operates in the Caribbean city of Colon.

Panama received nearly 320,000 visitors on cruise ships in 2023, double the previous year, according to Denise Guillen of the Panama Tourism Authority.

“The growth is exponential,” she said.

The opening comes as authorities confront record-low water levels that have limited the number of ships able to transit through the Panama Canal, which usually handles about six percent of global maritime trade.

Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said last week he hoped that traffic would return to normal by next February.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.



Source link

IndiGo to fly more international routes, destinations; aims to double size by 2030

0

IndiGo aims to double in size by 2030 with new domestic and international routes as well as destinations, its chief Pieter Elbers said as the airline pursues soaring global ambitions to match India’s economic growth potential.

IndiGo to fly more international routes, destinations; aims to double size by 2030 (File Photo)
IndiGo to fly more international routes, destinations; aims to double size by 2030 (File Photo)

The country’s largest airline with a domestic market share of little over 60 per cent is also betting big on A321 XLR aircraft that are expected to be part of its fleet “somewhere in 2025”, to further expand its overseas presence.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Seeking to consolidate as well as expand its position on the global scale, Elbers told PTI in an interview that the next big jump for IndiGo will be to double its size by the end of the decade.

For the next financial year starting April 2024, the IndiGo chief said the capacity guidance in terms of seat capacity is “early double digits” and one plane is coming in every week.

Amid supply chain as well as Pratt & Whitney engine woes, Elbers also emphasised that the airline is taking a lot of mitigating measures that are bearing fruits, and that the Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situation is “stable”.

In February, the airline said the number of AOGs was in the mid-70s.

Currently, the 17-year-old carrier operates to 88 domestic and 33 international destinations. It has a fleet of more than 360 planes.

“An airline with double of today’s size, global reach and footprint by the year 2030. That is the ambitious target…,” Elbers said and added that more codeshare partnerships can be expected.

At present, IndiGo has codeshares with Turkish Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airline, KLM-AirFrance, Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Atlantic.

Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to various destinations.

“Clearly, going forward, we will be seeing a number of new international destinations. We will have some domestic but more international… I would say. Especially, the opportunity to have more international routes, not per se destinations only,” he said and cited the example of services to Singapore that have been increased.

About a year ago, he said that IndiGo was flying to Singapore from three destinations and today, it operates to that country from seven destinations in India. “I think we have a good opportunity to not only add destinations but even more… adding more routes to our network”.

A mixture of new domestic and international routes will be a key element in the airline’s pursuit to double its size by 2030, for which the “groundwork” has been done.

In December 2023, IndiGo announced carrying 100 million passengers in a calendar year, becoming the first airline to achieve the milestone.

“We should compare IndiGo to the global aviation landscape. India (set to become the third largest economy in the world), should and will have airlines matching the ambition of the country itself. So, 100 million was our target to be part of the top ten airlines in the world and today, we are the seventh largest in terms of daily departures…,” Elbers said.

According to Elbers, IndiGo is determined to play a very strong role in India having a strong aviation ecosystem.

“If home is the world’s most populous nation and home is soon going to be the third largest economy in the world, India should have an aviation ecosystem that is matching the size, potential and ambition of the country. IndiGo is determined to play a very strong role in that,” he noted.

After being hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the carrier has got its financials back on track and has remained profitable in the last five quarters, also turning networth positive in the 2023 December quarter.

“Where do we stand today? We have actually created the groundwork for what may be called the next big mission of IndiGo. That is to double in size towards the end of the decade. You can only have that ambition if your foundations are correct.

“The foundations are important from a financial perspective, customer perspective, network perspective as also the big fleet order which we made in June last year. That gives us long-term visibility well into the next decade,” the IndiGo chief said.

To a query on whether the airline will be going for wide-body planes and also introducing new classes, Elbers said, “we keep all options open and we evaluate, we take decisions for IndiGo that are matching the needs of the market and IndiGo at the appropriate time”.

Further, he highlighted that A321 XLR aircraft, that are expected to come into its fleet “somewhere in 2025”, will help the airline in further expanding its range.

“XLRs will bring us to parts of Europe, Asia and places like Athens, Seoul, Rome… that will be a wonderful expansion of IndiGo,” he added.

The airline has more than 900 planes on order.

At the end of December 2023, the carrier had a fleet of 358 aircraft, including 31 A320 ceos (11 damp lease), 184 A320 neos, 94 A321 neos, 44 ATRs, 3 A321 freighters and 2 B777s.



Source link

Wait, ‘destination duping’ is trending but what does it actually mean?

0

This year, more people are ditching touristic hotspots in search of offbeat, intentional and mostly very uninfluenced experiences with this sole aim: to dupe what major cities offer without the cliche and the crowds. Among the many travel trends set to dominate 2024, destination duping—a version of the offbeat travel and second-city travel trend—is a top contender, according to several industry leaders.

Khimsar or Khinvsar is a remote village off National Highway 62 in central Rajasthan.
Khimsar or Khinvsar is a remote village off National Highway 62 in central Rajasthan.

What does destination duping exactly mean?

It is when travellers opt for alternative, less-expensive destinations that mimic the allure of a similar, more expensive place. In short, it is looking for a comparable atmosphere without the high expense and overcrowding. “For example, travellers can explore the lively markets, camel safaris, and delectable cuisine of Bikaner, providing a cultural immersion similar to Jaipur. Instead of Kolkata, one can explore Guwahati’s cultural diversity and rich history,” says Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Skyscanner’s Travel in Focus 2023 report found that over 47% of Indian travellers are willing to switch their itineraries when presented with better travel deals. With Indians getting increasingly savvy with their travel planning, it is not surprising that the ‘dupe destination travel’ trend is on the rise,” said a representative of Edinburg-based travel agency Skyscanner.

While skipping a widely known destination to explore a comparatively lesser-known neighbouring city or town is not a new story, Expedia Group’s Unpack ’24 report and American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations: Off the Beaten Path report both predicted its resurgence which has started to spread as we start to settle into the cosy, warm season.

“The surge in destination duping reflects a profound shift in travellers’ preferences, driven by a quest for genuine cultural immersion and value-driven experiences, particularly discernible among the younger demographic seeking authenticity,” explained Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head, SOTC Travel. “This trend is substantiated by robust data showcasing a clear inclination towards unique, offbeat destinations,” he added.

Instead of Shimla, visit Kalpa Village

Skip Shimla’s appeal as Himachal’s cosmopolitan haven for the misty highlands of Kalpa Village above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district. When you gaze on the Sutlej river valley, take on the Kinner Kailash Parikrama trek, and fixate on the intricacies of the Tibetan pagoda style of architecture, it is inevitable not to question the absence of overcrowding tourism in this riverside town. On a day-long walk, ask a local about the craftsmanship of the Narayan-Nagini temple, step back in time (950-1055 AD) at the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery, and climb up from the Kalpa-Roghi road to see the Chakka Peak.

Instead of Goa, visit Gokarna

The southwestern township on the Arabian Sea, a pilgrimage destination home to sacred sites like Mahabaleshwar Temple, feels like a postcard beach getaway. Visitors can go beach trekking on Kudle Beach or learn how to surf on the crescent of Om Beach in the North Canara district. Compared to Goa’s neon-glow of nightlife and Portuguese heritage, Gokarna offers a crowd-free coastline experience—if you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins.

Instead of Jaipur, visit Khimsar Village

Khimsar or Khinvsar is a remote village off National Highway 62 in central Rajasthan. While you will certainly admire steering clear of the overwhelm of Jaipur’s year-round touristic footfall, we recommend a camel ride to the Khimsar Fort, uncovering the mystic behind the locale’s man-made oases, and calling one of the Rajasthani ‘Dhani’ (dwellings) huts home for a day.

Instead of Ladakh, visit Lachen, North Sikkim

The entire district of Northern Sikkim is dotted with a string of landmarks that runs along the mountain ranges, but Lachen easily rises to the top of the list—both in terms of natural and culinary landscapes. Situated at an altitude of around 8500 ft, Lachen is a base town for trekking to high-altitude lakes like Guru Dongmar Lake, Green Lake and Tso Lhamu Lake. Make sure to visit the Rhododendron Sanctuary during spring to lose yourself inside a carmine red dream, befriend a wild yak at the Kanchenjunga National Park and go birding for the sight of dark hawks, streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers and more.

Instead of Ooty, visit Vagamon

The seemingly endless stretches of tea estates make Vagamon the perfect dupe for Ooty, which also carries the same acclaim. With a relatively less busy hill station culture, Vagamon too is a round-the-year destination. Start with steeping a fresh cup of tea at Vanilla County Heritage Plantation House before heading out to explore Vagamon Falls, hike on Barren Hills and boat across the Vegamon Lake.

Destination recommendations by Skyscanner India



Source link