"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#IndianTourism

Wanderlust

Gujarat Launches Stunning Glass-Roof Buses, and the Journey Looks Magical!

What if a bus journey became an attraction in itself? Gujarat is taking tourist travel to a whole new level with the introduction of premium air-conditioned Vista Dome buses at the Statue of Unity. Designed to let passengers enjoy spectacular views along the way, these specially built coaches promise to make exploring the state a memorable experience.A Bus Ride with a View!Launched by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism, the initiative aims to give visitors a fresh way to discover the state's natural beauty, historical landmarks and cultural heritage.According to the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO), five AC Vista Dome coaches have been manufactured for the first time in India in accordance with international standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first service at the Statue of Unity and also took a ride in the specially designed bus.The biggest attraction is its transparent dome-shaped roof, which allows passengers to enjoy the open sky and surrounding scenery while travelling in air-conditioned comfort.Luxury and Comfort on WheelsEach bus can accommodate 23 passengers and features revolving, fully adjustable reclining seats. But there is much more to this travel experience!Passengers can enjoy facilities such as a premium LED Smart TV, tea and coffee-making equipment, a mini refrigerator and mobile charging points. CCTV cameras and an advanced fire detection and suppression system have also been installed to enhance safety. Toughened glass and emergency hammers add further safety features.According to a DD News report, the buses are priced at Rs 2.19 crore each, reflecting their specialised design and premium facilities.From the Statue of Unity to Gujarat's HeritageThe buses are also a colourful showcase of Gujarat's tourism attractions. Their exteriors feature images of popular destinations such as the Statue of Unity, Somnath Temple, Dwarka Temple, Akshardham, Gir National Park, Adalaj Stepwell, the White Rann of Dhordo, Tarnetar Fair and Vijay Vilas Palace.Of the five buses planned, two have been inaugurated, while the remaining three are expected to join the fleet within the next two months. The state government also plans to introduce similar services in phases at other tourist destinations and heritage routes.Tickets can be booked through the official GSRTC website.With this initiative, Gujarat is adding a new dimension to sightseeing, proving that sometimes the journey can be just as exciting as the destination.

3 Nov 2026
Wanderlust

Where is Gulaba and Why It Should Be on Your Bucket List This Year?

Tucked away just 24 km from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass, Gulaba is that hidden wonder your soul’s been craving. At nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this quiet hamlet in Himachal Pradesh offers the kind of serenity that most mountain getaways have long forgotten. The best part? It’s unbelievably easy to get to. A scenic 45-minute drive from Manali and voilà, you’ve left the traffic behind and entered a world of open skies. Come winter, the snow-draped roads leading to Gulaba look like something out of a postcard, though do check road access during heavy snowfall.Photo Credits: T.R.A.V.E.L.O.G.U.E  via InstagramWhy Gulaba Might Just Be a Better Bet Than Manali or ShimlaLet’s be honest, we all love Manali and Shimla and dream to go there. But today, their charm is often hidden under honking cars, crowded cafes, and endless queues. Gulaba, by contrast, is refreshingly untouched. There are no mall roads or giant resorts here, just nature, peace, and you. You’ll find cleaner air, quieter nights, and starlit skies that make you believe in magic again. And because it lies in Himachal’s eco-zone, the place is beautifully maintained. No plastic overload, no chaotic construction, just a mountain retreat that whispers calm into your every step.Underrated & Unforgettable, Welcome to Gulaba!In Gulaba, adventure and stillness go hand-in-hand. Want to trek? It’s the gateway to the breathtaking Bhrigu Lake Trek, a surreal alpine lake perched at 14,000 feet. Love snow? In winters, Gulaba becomes a dreamland for skiing, snowboarding, and sledging, minus the overcrowded slopes of Solang or Kufri. Fancy a peaceful moment? Sip chai in a meadow while the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges stretch out before you. Into photography or sketching? Every corner of Gulaba is a canvas of unspoiled Himalayan beauty. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time and find a little more of yourself.Photo Credits: Monishanegi via InstagramWhere to Stay, What to Eat, and How Much It All Costs!Gulaba is all about cozy homestays and guesthouses where the hospitality is as warm as the chai. Stay with local families, enjoy homemade Himachali meals, and maybe listen to folktales by the bonfire. And the cherry on top? It won’t burn a hole in your wallet. A round trip from Manali is budget-friendly (even more so if you share a cab), and accommodations offer both comfort and character without the hefty price tags. Adventure activities are available through local operators who keep it low-impact and high-quality.So, next time you’re planning a mountain escape, skip the typical favorites.Let Gulaba surprise you with quiet mornings, snow-kissed memories, and soulful sunsets. It’s not just a destination, it’s a gentle whisper from the mountains, inviting you in.

6 Jun 2025
Wanderlust

Trek into Blooming Paradise: Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers Opens Till October 2025!

On June 1, 2025, the gates of the enchanting Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand swung open once again, welcoming tourists to one of India’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Nestled in the Chamoli district, this UNESCO World Heritage Site bursts into a vibrant riot of colors each year, remaining accessible only from June to October. On its very first day this year, 62 registered visitors were greeted warmly by the forest department, a promising start to a season filled with floral magic. This hidden Himalayan gem is a surreal escape for nature lovers, trekkers, and curious explorers who seek heaven in the folds of mountains.What Makes It Magical: Nature, Mythology, and Biodiversity!Located within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, the valley spans over 87 sq km and sits at an altitude of 3,600 meters. From vibrant orchids, poppies, daisies, and marigolds to the sacred brahmakamal, the valley houses more than 600 species of alpine flowers. Wildlife lovers too are in for a delight with rare Himalayan species such as the snow leopard, black bear, red fox, flying squirrel, and even the elusive Himalayan weasel. Nanda Devi, India’s second highest peak, is revered as the divine guardian of Garhwal, giving it a sacred undertone. The Trail to Heaven: How to Reach and What to Explore!Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun Nearest Railway Station: RishikeshRoad Journey: From Rishikesh or Dehradun, drive to Govind Ghat, the last motorable point before the trek,Trek Begins (16 km):From Govind Ghat, the adventure continues on foot,  a 16-km trek through misty ridges, cascading waterfalls, and gushing wild streams.Ghangaria – Your Base Camp:Halfway into the trek lies Ghangaria, the last inhabited village.Nearby Spiritual Gem Hemkund Sahib:A short hike from Ghangaria leads to Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site, where Guru Gobind Singh is believed to have meditated.Many travellers combine the Valley of Flowers trek with a visit to Hemkund, blending spirituality with nature’s wonder.- Perfect for early morning visits to the valley-Allows you to explore without the rush (since tourists must exit the valley by 5 PM daily)Rooted in Wonder: From Lost Mountaineers to a Protected Jewel! Though known locally for centuries, the Valley of Flowers caught the West’s attention in 1931 when British mountaineers Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth stumbled upon it after getting lost while descending from Mount Kamet. Enchanted by its beauty, Smythe named it and later authored a book in 1938, Valley of Flowers. However, over-tourism and ecological pressure post-1974 led to restricted access. In 1982, the valley was declared a national park, and by 1988, it became part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere, with carefully controlled tourism policies. Whether you’re a photographer, a spiritual seeker, a botanist, or someone who craves nature, this is one journey that promises magic with every mile.

3 Jun 2025
Wanderlust

Mansar: Maharashtra’s Forgotten Capital of the Vakatakas!

Tucked away in the quiet folds of Vidarbha, just 45 km from Nagpur lies Mansar - a village with a secret past. Once upon a time, this little-known spot was Pravarapura, the thriving capital of the mighty Vakataka dynasty during the 5th century CE. In the 1970s, a farmer stumbled upon a mysterious sculpture of Lord Shiva, opening chapter to Mansar’s buried glory.What followed was archaeologists diving in to find out a grand ancient city filled with temples, palaces, and spiritual centers. Mansar wasn’t just a settlement, it was a capital city full of royal whispers and spiritual wonders, waiting patiently to tell its story.The Marvels Beneath the MoundsMansar today is an archaeological dream, with five major excavation sites, poetically named MNS 1 to MNS 5. Among them, MNS 2 is believed to be the royal palace, the very heart of Pravarapura. Just a short walk away is MNS 3, or what locals fondly call Hidimba Tekdi, where the Pravareśvara temple complex was uncovered.One of the most fascinating finds here is a life-sized lime model of a crouching human figure, part spiritual but  fully intriguing. Nearby lie the remains of Buddhist stupas, prayer halls, and viharas, proving that Mansar was not just royal but spiritually rich and culturally plural.Despite its dazzling history, Mansar isn’t mobbed with selfie sticks or souvenir stalls. And that’s exactly its charm! This is your chance to be an explorer, not a tourist. Mansar offers a peaceful, almost meditative experience. The ambiance is perfect for those who love slow travel, history hunts, or simply basking in nature’s arms.Recent conservation efforts have made the site more accessible. Interpretation centers, pathways, and markers guide curious minds through the silent tales etched in stone. It’s a walk through history without the chaos, a place where every crumbling pillar and weathered sculpture has a story to whisper.Planning Your Mansar Odyssey: All You Need to KnowFly into Nagpur, hop on a cab or train to Ramtek, and from there, a short scenic drive takes you straight to Mansar. The best time to visit? October to March, when the weather is cool and perfect for open-air adventures. You can even pair your Mansar experience with a visit to the famous Ramtek temple or the beautiful Khindsi Lake. Mansar isn’t just another dot on the map, it’s a time machine to a forgotten empire. A place where every ruin breathes history and where Maharashtra reveals a hidden chapter of its glorious past. So next time you’re plotting your Maharashtra trail, skip the usual and choose the extraordinary. Let Mansar be your secret story to tell.

6 May 2025
Wanderlust

Good News

Dubai Introduces 5-Year Visa to Boost Tourism for Indians

Dubai, known for its luxurious lifestyle and iconic attractions, has announced a significant development aimed at boosting tourism from India. The Emirate has introduced a new five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian tourists, with the goal of further strengthening the ties between the two nations and fostering sustained economic collaborations. This move comes as Dubai witnessed a remarkable increase of 25% in Indian visitors in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels. Let's delve into the five key things you need to know about this new visa scheme. 1. Surging Indian Visitors:  The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai revealed that in 2023, the city welcomed a staggering 2.46 million overnight visitors from India, marking a 25% rise compared to the pre-pandemic era. This surge in tourism from India solidified its position as the number one source market for Dubai. The data further highlighted that India continued to be the leading source market with the highest number of international visitors from a single country. 2. The Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa:  In order to bolster travel between India and Dubai, the DET introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indian tourists. This visa allows holders to stay in the country for up to 90 days at a time, extendable for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year. The visa application process promises a quick turnaround, with visas being issued within 2-5 working days upon receiving and accepting the service request. 3. Boosting Economic Collaborations:  The new visa scheme aims to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties between India and Dubai. Tourists can now leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for both business engagements and leisure travel. This initiative also paves the way for increased economic collaboration between the two nations, contributing to Dubai's position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism. 4. The Significance for Dubai:  Bader Ali Habib, the Regional Head of Proximity Markets at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Indian market for Dubai's overall growth. He stated that India would continue to play an integral role in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda, which aims to reinforce Dubai's position as a hub for business, investment, and tourism. With exceptional flight connectivity and ongoing commitment to the Indian market, Dubai is confident that this new visa scheme will further amplify awareness about its diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions. 5. Record-Breaking Performance:  The inbound visitation from India in 2023 made a significant contribution to the record-breaking performance of Dubai's tourism sector. The city welcomed a total of 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, experiencing a remarkable 19.4% growth compared to the previous year. This growth showcases the success of Dubai's efforts to attract visitors from around the globe and highlights the city's commitment to providing exceptional experiences to tourists. With the number of Indian visitors to Dubai on the rise, this visa scheme aims to provide convenience, flexibility, and extended opportunities for both leisure and business travel.

5 Mar 2024
Good News

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