Search Results

New Delhi, May 19, 2020 – FYI Health, a community health monitoring solution exclusively designed for enterprise use launched today in India. Backed by former cricketer and current member of the Lok Sabha, Gautam Gambhir, FYI Health allows companies of all sizes to create a safe environment for their workforce by enabling a daily health check-in for employees, employers and guests visiting the corporate eco-system and contact tracing, if and when required. FYI Health is unique to the work community it is deployed in and provides employers with a health dashboard that showcases the overall health index of employees in a corporate location, that allows them to take timely and pre-emptive action pertaining to flagged cases and those vulnerable to transmission. FYI Health works on herd intelligence. It qualifies each user to contribute to the community on the enterprise network within an establishment such as a hotel, factory, corporate office, schools and more. Hence, it presents any establishment that has FYI Health with a business continuity plan and social immunity against any challenging health emergencies. Early adopters include the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dwarka, Delhi and educational institutions such as - Ramjas School (R.K. Puram, Delhi) and Lilawati Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School (Shakti Nagar, Delhi), that have committed to deploying FYI Health to secure their corporate environment and workforce. “FYI Health is a pioneering effort and is a much-required innovation in the fight against Covid-19 and the potential rebound if any. It provides companies and its employees a win-win, easy to use health-tech product. It gives employers the control to further their goal of keeping their workforce safe and to employees the privacy and control they desire over their own data”, said Gautam Gambhir. “We are in the thick of this fight against Covid-19 and all indicators point to this being long drawn. My personal backing and support to FYI Health comes from my own desire to contribute towards helping fight this crisis in whatever way I can. Testing and tracing are vital measures in helping reduce the virus spreading”, he added. Once deployed at any of its location by a company, its workforce that use the location become a part of the FYI Health safety net and their health status is captured on the system in real time. In case of any health red flag, FYI Health identifies all employees that are exposed to possible transmission of the virus through a highly secure Bluetooth based contact tracing technology solution. This enables the corporate administrator to take speedy action and secure all vulnerable employees. User and data privacy, which is a predominant focus of FYI Health is achieved by ensuring that all user data is stored locally on the user’s mobile phone and is automatically deleted every 21 days. Only in the case of a confirmed case displaying Covid-19 symptoms, is the contact data made available to the administrator for informing the potentially exposed, so that they can get tested. Available on Android currently and for iOS shortly, FYI Health is a subscription based pricing model and is available on its website at www.fyihealth.in. “In a recent survey by FYI Health with India Inc. employees, we found them to be stressed to return to the workplace after the lockdown, owing to health concerns. The survey made other interesting discoveries, chief among them being that employees expect their employers to deploy innovative solutions to protect their health. Employees said they would comply with such measures despite perceived inconveniences for the larger good of the organization and their co-workers”, said Yash Raj Gupta, Founder & CEO, FYI Health. “With FYI Health, companies can build a health index for their organisation that puts them in the driver’s seat by being aware of any potential health safety concerns in real time and can take action with both isolating the user and mapping out their contact history, when the need arises. FYI Health can help employers empathetically address employee concerns about their health and the assurance they need on their return to the workplace”. A recent survey by FYI with employees of India Inc. confirms that the pandemic has raised the expectation that employees have of their employer towards their health. An overwhelming 99% employees said that they would like to see a system of Corporate Health Responsibility (CHR) made mandatory for employers, just like there is in force a system of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Currently with the launch of this solution and in the long term, FYI Health is focused on offering innovative solutions that allows companies to enable Corporate Health Responsibility (CHR) actions.

Bavaria-based Outdooractive, Europe’s largest outdoor portal for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and skiing, has acquired UK-based ViewRanger, featuring a range of additional destinations and exceptional routes and trails, across the globe. ViewRanger, which is based in Cambridgeshire, in the UK, is a GPS navigation app which runs on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Android smartphones and watches.It is used by more than 4.6 million explorers around the world to plan, navigate, and share outdoor adventures. ViewRanger also works with more than 600 organisations – including national parks and major outdoor brands – who publish and promote route guides through the app; and is used and trusted by more than 500 Search and Rescue teams across Europe, the US and Canada. Hartmut Wimmer, the Founder and CEO of Outdooractive, commented, “Our two brands complement each other perfectly and we have already been working closely with ViewRanger to consolidate our combined routes and showcase additional destinations to a wider community of subscribers across both platforms. “Our users share a passion for exploring and enjoying the outdoors. By bringing together insider tips from travel writers and tourism partners with recommended routes from publishers and other enthusiasts, we help them to plan their adventures. “As such, Outdooractive is becoming the platform of choice for international outbound operators and outdoor enthusiasts wanting to connect with specialist outdoor trade partners, national and regional tourist boards, as well as agents and other professionals. Craig Wareham, the co-founder of ViewRanger said, “Integrating our technology with the Outdooractive platform, not only improves the user experience, but adds significant value, to trade professionals looking for a comprehensive resource.” The outdoor adventure market in Europe and the UK, is expecting major growth, as social restrictions, in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, are gradually lifted. Initially research suggests that staycations and local tourism will be the first to recover, but given time international visitors will want to experience the great outdoors as well. “We firmly believe that healthy activities in tranquil open countryside, staying in small family-run guesthouses and hotels, will be in great demand, and offers a more sustainable alternative to busy beach resorts and other mainstream attractions. “Indeed, creating awareness of hidden gems off-the-beaten track means visitors are encouraged to stay longer to discover a region, generating greater value for these destinations,“ added Wimmer. According to the CBI adventure tourism in general contributes greatly to local economies, with approximately two-thirds of the money spent on adventure travel staying on location. This can reach up to €350 per day per visitor on average and experts predict that the European market will grow by an average annual rate of over 20%. The Adventure Tourism Trade Association (ATTA) estimated that the global market was worth €580 billion in 2017. Outdooractive has also recently announced the acquisition of mountNpass, the market leader in France for cycling tourism. Its digital cycling network includes 8,000 recommended cycling routes and 120,000 subscribers an exciting addition for keen cyclists. Outdooractive now connects tourism stakeholders with a global outdoor-community of 7.3 million.

Local tourism and domestic travel are expected to lead the UAE and wider GCC’s recovery from COVID-19 as we begin to see the easing of lockdown restrictions, according to the latest research released ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Virtual, a newly-launched three-day event that will take place from 1-3 June 2020. The research from Colliers International, in partnership with ATM, revealed the percentage of bookings to Abu Dhabi within a 48km radius increased from just 20% in January 2020 to 43% in March. While, in Dubai, the percentage rose from 19% to 36%. Adding to this, research by Sojern, suggests staycations are expected to become the most popular choice of travel in the short to medium-term, with data revealing hotel bookings to Abu Dhabi within a 48km radius accounted for 77% of all bookings in April and domestic travel from Dubai accounting for 91% of searches and bookings within the same radius. With this in mind, ‘The Hotel Landscape in a Post-COVID-19 World’ session taking place on Monday 1st June from 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm GST (10.30 am – 11.30 am BST), will focus on the hospitality industry, exploring the profound impact of COVID-19 on the Middle East’s hotel sector as well as outlining what the landscape is likely to look like when travel resumes and what will be considered new ‘norms’ in terms of guest behaviours and expectations. Confirmed session panellists will include Tim Cordon, Senior Area Vice President for Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group and Christopher Lund, Head of Hotels, Colliers International, Middle East & North Africa, and will be moderated by Gemma Greenwood. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: "The global COVID-19 health crisis severely impacted worldwide travel, tourism, events, and leisure activities, with many people being forced to cancel or postpone their travel plans in the first half of 2020. However, what we are now beginning to see is a sense of pent up demand due to an eagerness among the larger populace to make up for lost time and cancelled plans. “Travellers still want to go on holiday, but safety has become a top priority. As a result, the staycation trend is expected to grow in the coming months, with residents keen to take a break away from their home for a few days in a location that is familiar to them, whilst flights are grounded, and international travel restrictions still in place." Families and solo travellers are expected to be among the first market segments to start travelling and making new reservations, according to the research from Colliers. In addition, Millennials and Gen Z are being touted as the most eager to travel, as they seek a change of scenery following long lockdown periods across the globe. In preparation for the travel and tourism recovery - on a local, regional and international level - it is crucial hospitality companies can provide future guests with peace of mind by implementing and virtually showcasing the stringent hygiene and deep cleaning procedures performed rigorously across their properties. In addition, the implementation of immersive technologies that provide potential guests with virtual 3D tours of properties and their facilities, as well as customised online booking experiences will be vital in helping hotels stand out from their competitors. “As travel and tourism begins to return, it is crucial that hotels add value to their existing offerings with incentives such as F&B discounts for in-house guests, free upgrades and booking flexibility that enables free cancellation if personal circumstances were to change as well as reinvented loyalty programmes with increased offers and points in an attempt to stimulate demand through their existing customer bases,” Curtis said. Also on the agenda, there will be a series of hospitality-focused roundtables including ‘Changing face of hotels in terms of design and sanitisation,” which will discuss how hotels can effectively integrate hygiene and new stringent cleaning protocols into key brand messaging as well as exploring whether hygiene and safety will become more important for guests than price, facilities, and services in the 'new normal' hotel experience. ‘Changing face of F&B travel’ will address the effects of COVID-19 on food-driven travel in the region, and indeed across the globe. A panel of F&B experts and influencers will explore how hotels can provide a safe middle-ground for food adventures as well as the impact a lack of travel from GCC countries could have on Asian food capitals. ‘The Changing Face of Luxury Family Travel’ will discuss how personal space and wellbeing peace of mind has become paramount, what impact this will have on luxury family travel, from new preferential destinations and accommodation to the factors shaping the decision-making process. Curtis said: "As well as addressing the impact the global health pandemic has had on the hospitality industry, ATM Virtual, will discuss in-depth a road map to recovery for the wider travel and tourism industry, identifying the trends and opportunities that are likely to shape the future as well as the 'new normal' that lies ahead.” Over the course of three days, the debut ATM Virtual will feature comprehensive webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, and one-to-one meetings, as well as facilitating new connections and offering a wide range of online business opportunities. ATM Virtual takes place from Monday 1st to Wednesday 3rd June 2020. To register for the event as a visitor, please log on to: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/register/

If you’re single right now and looking to mingle virtually, you’re not alone. In fact, you may be among the more than 100,000 Bumble users globally who have updated their dating profiles to mention that they are quarantining. To help star-crossed matches connect from afar, Airbnb is releasing a collection of Bumble-approved Online Experiences perfect for spicing up virtual dates and engaging with each other in fun, meaningful ways. Lean into your shared culinary cravings with a wine class with an expert in Portugal or a how-to on Mexican street tacos. Or virtually sneak away to a hidden date-night spot, like the secret Amsterdam jazz club, a live show with sangria and drag queens in Lisbon, or Japan's oldest brewery for sake secrets. Other Online Experiences perfect for virtual dating include: ● Turkish Fortune Coffee Reading (New York, New York) ● Fall in Laugh (Lisbon, Portugal) ● Tarot Reading with Mak Jagger (Austin, Texas) ● Meet the Wooly Sheep of My New Zealand Farm (Rotorua, New Zealand) ● GINspiration History & Cocktails at Home (Bath, United Kingdom) ● Discover the Rhythms of Puerto Rico (Hatillo, Puerto Rico) ● Pasta with Luca & Lorenzo (Florence, Italy) ● All about Coffee with a Pro Taster (Bogotá, Colombia) ● Drink and Draw (Lisbon, Portugal) ● Farm to Table from the Mediterranean (Klis, Croatia) While having the backup of other guests from around the world on an Online Experience with you and your match may help put first date jitters at ease, those who want to sneak away for quality time together can opt for private bookings and request specific booking dates. Booking seats through this feature has been gaining popularity, as they have tripled since pre-pandemic bookings. Bumble recently announced the launch of its new virtual dating tools, including a “Virtual Dating” badge that will appear in users’ profiles who are open to date via video chat. This badge allows Bumble users to find and filter their prospective matches based on who is looking to date virtually. During this time when it’s best to take dates virtual, Bumble has also expanded its distance filters to allow users to match with anyone in their country. Launched in April 2020, Online Experiences unlock unprecedented access to inspiring hosts across the world, including Buddhist monks, sommeliers, magicians, and more. Whether visiting the dogs of Chernobyl, bringing the flavors of India to life at home, or making cheese with a mama goat and her kid in Malibu, guests have the chance to connect with new people and travel virtually from their own living room. For more information on virtual first date ideas, visit airbnb.com/online-experiences.

The SafeStay initiative includes a comprehensive manual, which will serve as a guide to ensure stringent health and safety measures across the three resorts located in Hatton, Weligama and Yala. “Industries must take an in-depth look at their processes” said Malik Fernando, Managing Director of Resplendent Ceylon, “hotels and other tourism accommodation have a huge responsibility, requiring specific attention to build confidence and protect guests and staff.” Resplendent Ceylon, part of the family owned Dilmah Tea Company, is the pioneer in luxury experiential travel in Sri Lanka and the sole Sri Lankan members of Relais & Chateaux, the global fellowship of individually owned & operated luxury hotels and restaurants. Tea Trails, Cape Weligama & Wild Coast Tented Lodge, form an enchanting circuit from tea fields to clifftop beach & safari lodge. Despite their resorts being small and isolated, spread out over large areas with private villa & bungalow experiences, Resplendent Ceylon is one of the few luxury boutique properties to create a guide of this nature and the company believes that such a manual is essential to build confidence as tourism resumes. “Our mission now includes helping others in the industry as responsible citizens in the fight against the pandemic.” said Maheesha Ratnayake, Chief Operating Officer, “Our expertise in paying attention to detail is now more critical than ever.” Resplendent Ceylon will make its SafeStay Health & Safety protocol available to all hotels and tourism accommodation locally and globally, as the company sees the need to work together at a time like this. The manual seeks to ensure the health and safety of guests, teams, their families, and communities. It covers logistics and transport, guest and staff contact areas, emergency response, safety equipment, chemicals, maintenance as well as communications. Contents will be updated with new recommendations as they develop. Mandatory training of staff on the standard is already taking place at all three resorts, as the country is now relaxing restrictions, and domestic travel is expected to commence shortly. Resplendent Ceylon looks forward to welcoming guests back to Sri Lanka, maintaining their renowned standard of excellence, as well as enhanced levels of safety and hygiene. The entire guide can be downloaded at the link below and more information can be accessed at www.resplendentceylon.com

From nature’s lap to your plate In order to better protect the earth, reduce carbon footprint and support sustainable and responsible tourism, The Residence Bintanhas set about unique ways to nurture and care for its surroundings as well as for social upliftment of the community. The Earth Basketismore than an initiative, itis a transformative experience that brings one closer to nature by indulging in sustainable development and earth-friendly agriculture. The vision behind this initiative goes beyond the boundaries of food and agriculture but also has naturally steeped into the area of animal feeding and compost making, using natural ingredients. The resort’s very own organic farm boasting over thirty different types of herbs and vegetables from simple basil leaves to freshly picked water spinach, corn or eggplants. It goes without saying that the food is 100% organic and is absolutely fresh, without any use of any chemical fertilizers. The ways that the resorts are looking to transform their surroundings naturally will gradually focus on socially uplifting the nearby villages by training the locals how to grow their fruits and vegetables and also create their own compost. Looking at a post Covid-19 world where the new norm linked with travel will derive from being more responsible, sustainable and conscious towards the environment, The Residence Bintan is looking forward to creating a safe and stronger future Few of the proud efforts have come into being and most of the food that is consumed at the resort is produced in-house, including local vegetables, fruits and fish, some of those which are not available in the nearby retail stores as well. Guests are encouraged to take a tour into the fabulously built area with aesthetics, for example; used bottles are placed for lights and a number of activities to indulge in, from planting a sapling on one’s name to feeding the animals and probably petting them too. With the success at Bintan, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah too, has its own Earth Garden flourishing with fruit, herbs and vegetablestended by the caring hands of thegardeners; a step towards sustainability. Embark on a gastronomic adventure and savour the Earth's delights in the Earth Garden!

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 13 May 2020: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has confirmed aviation industry veteran Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, and CEO of budget airline Wizz Air, Jozsef Varadi, will speak at the inaugural ATM Virtual, which takes place from 1-3 June 2020. According to the latest analysis from the International Air Travel Association (IATA), the COVID-19 crisis will see global airline passenger revenues drop by US$314 billion in 2020, a 55% decrease compared to 2019. In a series of seminars and interviews led by respected aviation expert John Strickland, Director of JLS Consulting, ATM Virtual will look at the measures airlines are undertaking to counteract the direct impact the pandemic is having on their business. Sir Tim, who has dedicated 35 years to growing Emirates Airlines to become the largest long-haul airline in the world, and in the process has helped transform Dubai into a major global travel hub, will discuss his time spent at the company, and its response and the procedures implemented to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic. The future strategy of Emirates, with a focus on making flying safer through technology implementation, will also be highlighted. Complementing the line-up of aviation heavyweights is CEO of Wizz Air, Joszef Varadi. Thanks to the implementation of new regulations by the airline, Varadi was able to ensure Wizz Air was able to continue operating during the pandemic. A major discussion point during the event will be the opening of Wizz Air’s forthcoming subsidiary in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, which will further underscore its market position in the budget airline sector. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The airline industry continues to face deteriorating conditions with global airline passenger revenues predicted to fall by over 55% in 2020. To address these issues, we have brought together two of the most influential figures in the airline industry to discuss their procedures and strategies for the future.” In addition to the two speakers, a webinar by Cirium will break down the power of analytics in supporting business performance. Through decades of experience, Cirium has been instrumental in supporting aircraft manufacturers, airports, and airlines, amongst others, to shape the future of their businesses and support the travel industry. Sir Tim Clark will be interviewed on Monday 1 June, 11am to 12noon (8am to 9am BST), followed by the interview with Jozsef Varadi on Wednesday 3 June, 11am to 12noon (8am to 9am BST). The webinar by Cirium is scheduled for 3 June, 5:15pm to 6pm (2:15pm to 3pm BST). ATM Virtual takes place from Monday 1st to Wednesday 3rd June 2020. To register for the event please visit: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/register/

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 10 May 2020: Arabian Travel Market (ATM), recently hosted the first digital ATM Advisory Board meeting with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism and hospitality industry dominating the discussion. The Board will continue to provide guidance on industry themes, challenges, growth opportunities and future strategies in the Middle East travel and tourism sector, however, this will now be set against a backdrop of COVID-19 and how the industry can adapt to the ‘new norm’. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The Advisory Board is a cross section of industry leaders who provide an insight based on firsthand experience of the trends impacting the tourism industry. Their knowledge ensures ATM continues to act as a voice for the industry by providing support and direction during these difficult times. “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the travel and tourism industry, like many others, to a halt, with very little indication of when the recovery will begin. It is therefore imperative we continue to listen and understand where we are as an industry, what the future could potentially look like and what we can do to work together to aid the recovery when it comes. ATM continues to play a crucial role in supporting the industry to achieve this.” The meeting addressed the impact COVID-19 will have on the international trade show arena through discussions focused on the key learnings from businesses during the pandemic and the resulting changes to the industry. It also provided an insight into the ‘new normal’ for the tourism industry, and the approach to dealing with new social distancing measures, reliance on domestic tourism and the impact of airline restrictions. Three phases of recovery were identified during the discussion. Phase one will focus on domestic travel and the local market, the second phase will be regional travel, and finally the international market when borders begin to open again. It was also agreed social distancing, health, hygiene, and safety will be prioritised over offerings, for those who want to travel. To that effect, hotels will be subject to full sanitisation and the implementation of complete social distancing in restaurants and at all public facilities. It is anticipated customers will also demand more information on the way hotels or restaurants support and re-educate staff on, amongst others, the way tables are serviced or the implementation of new house-keeping procedures. This is underscoring a need for an overhaul of the entire marketing, product development and service offerings to change, to give confidence to the consumer. Recovery was discussed with the overarching consensus indicating this will depend on how the situation evolves, with emphasis placed on listening, market research and insights while maintaining an element of flexibility so the industry can adapt as the situation develops. To support the industry, the organisers of ATM have announced the launch of ATM Virtual, a three-day event delivering positive business and networking opportunities to the region’s vast travel and tourism community. Taking place from 1-3 June 2020, the event will feature comprehensive webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, one-to-one meetings, as well as facilitating new connections and offering a wide range of online business opportunities. Board attendees included: Al Mohannad Sharafuddin, Founder and Chairman, Arabian Falcon FZ LLC Chris Newman, Chief Operating Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group Gregory Fuller, Director, Brand Activation, Brand & Event Marketing Operations, Dubai Tourism Haitham Mattar, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia Jeff Strachan, Director, Dubai College of Tourism John D. Davis, Chief Executive Officer – MENA, Colliers International John Northen, Executive Director – Hotels Division, NEOM Mark Willis, Chief Executive Officer – Middle East & Africa, Accor Hotels Mohamed Awadalla, Chief Executive Officer, TIME Hotels Mona Faraj, Founder & Managing Director, Insight-Out Consultancy Mellissa R Pitt- Chalmers, Vice President Global Sales, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, Inc Pierric Duthoit, Sector Lead Branding – Middle East & North Africa, Google Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Registrations for the ATM Virtual are open. To register as a visitor, please click here. For media registrations, please click here.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 May 2020: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has officially announced the launch of ATM Virtual, a three-day event that will take place from 1-3 June 2020. The event, which underscores ATM’s commitment to delivering positive business and networking opportunities to the region’s vast travel and tourism community, will focus on emerging trends, opportunities, and the challenges which are directly impacting the tourism industry amid the COVID-19 global health pandemic. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Our debut virtual event provides us with the opportunity to work closely with the ATM community and ensure we can support the travel and tourism industry in rebounding as quickly and efficiently as possible. “We will address the impact the global health pandemic has had on the travel and tourism industry and discuss a road map to recovery, identifying the trends shaping the future of the industry and the ‘new normal’ that lies ahead.” ATM Virtual, which will take place over three days, will feature comprehensive webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, one-to-one meetings, as well as facilitating new connections and offering a wide range of online business opportunities. With up to four live high-level sessions each day, industry experts will address a range of topics including tourism strategies for the future, the hotel landscape in a post-COVID-19 world, and the resilience of the travel industry, as well as exploring emerging travel technology and sustainability trends, amongst other key topics. Sessions on the first day of the virtual event include, amongst others, Communicating and Building Confidence Now and The Hotel landscape in a post-COVID-19 world. Day two will include the Virtual ATM China Forum and Networking sessions as well as Bouncing Back: Tourism Strategies for the Future, and Catapulting Resilience Through Technology and Analytics. On day three, the event will conclude with the International Travel Investment Conference. The packed agenda will also feature interviews with high-calibre aviation keynote speakers providing a detailed update on the aviation industry. It will also feature a session run by Arival, focused on the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs), the re-opening of operations, and what this means for tour and attraction operators across the Middle East. One-to-one pre-scheduled 30-minute meetings between editors, exhibitors, and buyers will also take place, while live video sessions will include Q&As and polls which will be run alongside the presentations to enable audience interaction. A series of independently moderated, pre-recorded on-demand roundtables have been designed to discuss emerging hot topics such as domestic travel, luxury travel trends, corporate travel, and tourism recovery plans. Also, key travel editors and leading travel and tourism experts will be writing blogs on topical subjects spanning not just regional but international industry verticals. While a host of hour-long speed networking sessions, between key buyers and exhibitors, will culminate in over 1,400 5-minute meetings that can then be extended into more in-depth meetings where a business need is identified. “For exhibitors from this region, the dedicated networking event will also have one Middle East-focused session per day, as well as sessions for buyers, focused on purchasing European and Asian products, plus a session specifically targeting Chinese buyers,” added Curtis. In addition to ATM Virtual, the WTM Portfolio has launched a new online portal, the WTM Global Hub, which went live on 23 April 2020. The portal, which was set up to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world, will offer the latest news and advisory to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face up to the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. The platform, which will provide content in English, Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese, will provide a wide range of webinars, podcasts, videos, news and blogs from key industry figures, providing travel professionals with a wealth of information, advice, and support to cope with the current crisis and plan for the future. ATM Virtual takes place from Monday 1st to Wednesday 3rd June 2020. To register for the event please visit: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/register/

New Delhi, May 6, 2020 – With the coronavirus having irrevocably changed the nature of work and the state of mind of India Inc. employees, FYI, a health-tech community product, undertook a first of its kind survey conducted by MindMap Advance Research. As India Inc. prepares for offices to open post the lockdown, the survey assesses the anxiety level of employees and records a strong desire to do what’s right by their co-workers by complying to new health monitoring compliances, along with a high degree of awareness of changes in routine that await them. The survey strongly suggests that employees expect their employers to take responsibility to ensure a healthy and safe environment for them. An overwhelming 93% of employees are anxious to return to office, reveal the survey findings announced today. They fear on account of their health being compromised. The new normal of a post pandemic world has raised the expectations employees have of their employer towards their health. All employee polled, an overwhelming 99% said that they would like to see a system of Corporate Health Responsibility (CHR) made mandatory for employers, just like there is in force a system of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Nearly 85% expect their employers to sanitize the office space, implement and enforce safety guidelines and advisories and seek out new and innovative ways to protect their health while they are in the office. These expectations are balanced by a recognition among employees that it would require them to participate in efforts that employers take to make their health a priority. 82% said that they would agree to participate in measures that require them to be monitored, while 18% said that they would comply if the privacy of their data was assured. A high sense of solidarity and doing the right thing by their co-workers emerges strongly among employees, with 96% confirming that they would embrace and comply with health monitoring initiatives, despite the inconvenience. Employees expect the new normal to bring changes and are cognizant of what these could be. 81% said that employees would resume work only in batches, while 73% expect employers to enforce work from home as an ongoing process. A post pandemic world offers employers an opportunity to win the hearts of their employees and customers by deploying stronger solutions for the overall wellbeing of their workforce, said a majority of the respondents. While 81% of employees strongly feel this will be the case, 16% said that this has always been an expectation, regardless of recent events. Covid-19 has left all of India Inc.’s professionals anxious on several accounts. While a majority, 59% are concerned about their health, 25% said they are anxious about their financial situation, while 16% fear that the crisis will be a prolonged one and this uncertainty lends to high anxiety. “It may be an understatement to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we live and work. This event has very quickly served as a tipping point to unprecedented change in the mind-set and attitudes of people, to both life and work. Our survey informs India Inc. of the new priorities they would need to juggle when it comes to the health and safety of their employees. India Inc. employees are clearly stressed on account of their health and that needs to be managed on priority. Evidence supports the fact that happier and secure employees are more productive and perform their jobs better while those under stress, perform worse”, said Yeishan Goel, Cofounder, FYI. [Corporate Health Responsibility (CHR) emerges as a mandatory ask from employers, akin to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Key findings: - 99% employees want employers to be held accountable for CHR, akin to CSR - 85% expect their office spaces to be sanitized before they return - 83% employees want employers to seek innovative solutions to monitor and safeguard their health - 96% employees will comply with health initiatives of employers regardless of the inconvenience] Methodology FYI undertook this survey in the last week of April 2020. The survey was conducted by MindMap Advance Research with 560 India Inc. employees across small, medium and large enterprises in major metro cities of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Of these employees, 85% were male and 15% were female.

COVID-19 has had a major impact on all human life and not just in India but globally. Tourism as a sector is naturally hugely impacted with no movement happening either domestically or from across the border. But owing to technology, it is possible to visit places and destinations virtually and plan our travels for a later date. In these unprecedented times, technology is coming handy to maintain human contact and also keep faith that times will be good to be able to travel again soon. Keeping this in view, the Ministry of Tourism has launched its "DekhoApnaDesh" webinar series from today to provide information on the many destinations and the sheer depth and expanse of the culture and heritage of our Incredible India. The first webinar, which was part of a series that shall unfold, touched upon the long history of Delhi as it has unfolded as 8 cities, each one unique in its character and leaving behind traces which makes Delhi the magnificent city that it is today. The webinar was titled " City of Cities- Delhi's Personal Diary'. The Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (I/C) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that the series of  webinars shall be an on-going feature and the Ministry would work towards showcasing the diverse and remarkable history and culture of India including its monuments, cuisine, arts, dance forms. natural landscapes, festivals and many other aspects of the  rich Indian civilization. The core of the session based itself on tourism awareness and social history. Laced with interesting anecdotes the session which was conducted by the India city walks for Ministry of Tourism, had enthusiastic participation with 5546 persons registering and many interesting questions were raised which depict the interest of the participants. The webinar shall be available in public domain soon. It will be availableon the Ministry’s social media handles- IncredibleIndia on Instagram and Facebook. The next webinar is on the 16th of April from 11 am to 12 noon and shall take visitors to the amazing City of Kolkata. [Source: 14 APR 2020 4:20PM by PIB Delhi]

The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India has launched portal www.strandedinindia.com on 31st March 2020, with a view to identify, assist and facilitate foreign tourists who are stranded in various parts of India due to the lockdown situation necessitated by the COVID19 global pandemic. Such tourists would need to log on to the portal, provide some basic contact information and narrate the nature of issues being faced by them, if any. In the first 5 days of its operation, 769 foreign tourists from all over the country registered on the portal. Every State Government and Union Territory Administration has identified a Nodal Officer for assisting such foreign tourists. The 5 Regional Offices of the Ministry of Tourism are constantly coordinating with the Nodal Officers regarding the Support Requests logged on the portal, for facilitating ground support to the foreigners, if so required. The Tourism Ministry Regional Offices are also coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration and FRROs regarding Visa issues being faced by stranded foreigners. Requests for movement within the country/ state and for transfer to home country of such tourists are also being coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and with the respective Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate. The utility and efficacy of the portal has led to stranded foreign tourists being contacted over e-mails, telephones and also in person depending on the nature of support required by them. They have been connected with the relevant foreign office of their home country in India and provided various information updates on flights out of India to their home countries. Wherever required, they have been provided medical assistance, food and accommodation. A lady, who is an American citizen, was stranded in Supaul district of Bihar amidst the COVID19 lockdown, while her son was undergoing a surgery at Delhi. The portal facilitated the required inter-ministerial, inter-departmental and State-Centre coordination and secured her a special transit-permit to travel to Delhi. She has safely reached her destination and expressed her gratitude for the efforts put in by all the concerned agencies. Two Costa Rican citizens, who had come to Chennai for a surgery (medical tourism), were stranded at Chennai after the surgery. Close coordination with the State Government, the Costa Rican Embassy and the hotel in which the tourists were staying helped in soothing the frayed and panicked nerves of the tourists. They are now safe and well. An Australian tourist with his family was stranded in Ahmedabad. The tourist has epilepsy and ran out of medication prescribed by Australian doctors due to the lockdown. The portal led to the tourist being reached through the office of the District Collector. He was provided with sufficient medication and was also offered food and local transportation. Now, they are comfortable and safe. The above are just a few of the many occasions in which the portal helped many foreigners in getting critical assistance at a crucial time. In the coming days, the portal will continue to serve its purpose and the Government are committed to the cause of ensuring the comfort and well being of our foreign guests during their stay in India. That is the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, the mantra that drives Incredible India! [Source: 06 APR 2020 11:59AM by PIB Delhi]

Pursuant to the Budget Announcements of year 2018-19 and year 2019-20 Ministry of Tourism has identified 17 sites in 12 clusters in the country for development as Iconic Tourist Sites namely Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta & Ellora (Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort & Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath & Dholavira (Gujarat),  Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka),  Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar). The Ministry shall be developing the above sites in an integrated manner with focus on issues concerning connectivity to the destination, better facilities/experience for the tourists at the site, skill development, involvement of local community, promotion & branding and by bringing private investment. Availability of land free from all incumberances for the proposed developments under the scheme is the responsibility of the respective State Governments/UT administrations. This information was given by the Minister of State (I/c) of Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. [Source: 16 MAR 2020 5:55PM by PIB Delhi]

105 beach attractions and activities in India Updated: Feb 10 A major part of India is bounded by water and hence there is no end of beautiful beaches across the country. This article lists the major beaches and various activities that tourists can enjoy in these beaches. The beaches have been grouped according to the states. Goa 1. Palolem Beach, Canacona, South Goa (Different kinds of water sports, swimming) 2. Baga Beach, Bardez, Goa (One of the busiest tourist spots, all sorts of entertainment, famous for night life, water sports and many other attractions like parasailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, etc) 3. Calangute Beach, North Goa (Great Music, night life, foreign holiday makers, water sports like skiing, surfing, parasailing) 4. Candolim Beach, Bardez, Goa (Adventure sports, fishing activities, yoga, meditation, sunset) 5. Anjuna Beach, Bardez, Goa (Music) 6. Vagator Beach, North Goa (Laid Back Beach, Sunset viewing) 7. Agonda Beach, Canacona, South Goa (Sunbathing, relaxing, quiet beach, Ridley turtle) 8. Sinquerim Beach, Candolim, Goa (Watersports, Forts, Lighthouse) 9. Arambol Beach, North Goa (Budget vacation, food, paragliding) 10. Morjim Beach, North Goa (Serene, secluded, bird watching) 11. Colva Beach, South Goa (Water Sports, sea food) 12. Majorda Beach, South Goa (Watersports, night life, variety of food) Kerala 13. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram (Night life, water sports, sun bathing, massaging) 14. Cherai Beach, Kochi (Coconut Palms, Paddy fields, Backwaters, Swimming, dolphins) 15. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram (Photography, rocky cliffs, local cafes, temples) 16. Ezhimala Beach, Kannur (Dolphins, sculptured stone pillars) 17. Bekal Beach, Kasarkod (old forts, clean, splashy waves, remarkable sunset, movie shoots) 18. Marari Beach, Alappuzha (Backwaters) 19. Payyambalam Beach, Kannur (Beautiful stretch of sand, picnic spot, sculpture portraying a mother and her child) 20. Kozhikode Beach, Kozhikode (Best sunset in Kerala, old light house, marine aquarium, lions park, other attractions) 21. Kappad Beach, Kozhikode (Clean, Monument associated with Portugese explorer Vasco Da Gama) 22. Alleppey Beach, Alappuzha (Backwaters, houseboats, fishing, lighthouse, beach parks) 23. Vizhinjam Beach, Trivandrum (Fishing, marine aquarium, temples) 24. Beypore Beach, Kozhikode (Small port, long bridge to the sea, sunset, handicraft shops) 25. Chowara Beach, Thiruvananthapuram (White beach, fishing, sunsets, dangerous sea currents) 26. Muzhappilangad Beach, Muzhappilangad (Coconut groves, private islands, hard beach, only drive in beach in Kerala) 27. Shankumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram (Mermaid statue, starfish shaped restaurants, sunsets, indoor recreation club) 28. Nattika Beach, Thissur (Backwater cruises, country boat rides, elephant rides, cultural performances) 29. Andhakaranazhi Beach, Alappuzha (Serene, calm beach, lighthouse) 30. Neendakara Beach, Kollam (Fishing, view of Ashtamudi Lake merging in to the Arabian sea from the Neendakara Bridge) Andaman and Nicobar 31. Karmatang Beach – North Andaman Island (Turtle Population, swimming, boating, snorkeling, zoology studies, steamer ride through the mangroves) 32. Corbyn cove and Chidiya tapu – Port Blair, South Andaman Islands (Coconut Palms, Coral reefs) 33. Radha Nagar Beach – Havelock Island, Andaman Islands (Flora and fauna, one of the top ten beaches in the world, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, elephant drives, sunset views) 34. Harminder Bay Beach – Hut Bay Island, Andaman Islands (Nature Lovers, intrinsic beauty) Lakshwadeep 35. Bangaram Beach, Lakshwadeep Islands (One of the top ten secret beaches, helicopter rides, angling, snorkeling, diving, other water sports, swaying coconut palms, coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons) 36. Kavaratti Beach, Kavaratti, Lakshwadeep Islands (Lakshwadeep Islands, Isolated Beach, Mytholic – beach where Lord Rama is believed to have stayed, water sports, marine aquarium with small sharks) 37. Kadmat Beach, Kadmat Island, Lakshwadeep (Cleanliness, soft white sand, mangroves) 38. Agatti Island, Lakshwadeep Islands (Gateway to Lakshadweep Islands, underwater viewing o a glass bottomed boat) Tamil Nadu 39. Mahabalipuram Beach, Kanchipuram (Sea shore temple, tranquil atmosphere, old sculptures, scenic beauty) 40. Rameshwaram Beach, Rameshwaram (Pilgrimage Center, swimming, sunbathing, rare species – life algae, starfish, sea cucumber, sea cow, Ramanatha Swamy temple, longest bridge constructed on sea) 41. Kanyakumari Beach, Kanyakumari (Sunset, sunrise, southernmost tip of Indian peninsula, pilgrimage spot, confluence of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean) 42. Covelong Beach, Chennai (Serenity, Meditation, Water Sports, Fishing Activities) 43. Marina Beach, Chennai (Second largest beach in the world in terms of area, memorials of great leaders) 44. Elliots Beach, Chennai (Erected Memorials) Pondicherry 45. Paradise Beach, Chunnambar 46. Auroville Beach, Pondicherry (Sunset view, World War I War Memorial, Statue of M Karnataka 47. Surathkal Beach, Mangalore (Fascinating surroundings, lighthouse amidst the rocks, sunset viewing) 48. Om Beach, Gokarna (Water sports activities – surfing, water skiing, para sailing, etc) 49. Kaup Beach, Udupi (Pleasant environment, pristine, old lighthouse, movie shoots) 50. Kurumgad Beach, Karwar (For the nature lovers, Lord Narasimha temple, dolphins, otters) 51. Marudeshwar Beach, Murdeshwar (Lord Shiva Temple, swimming) 52. Gokarna Beach, Gokarna (Pilgrimage) 53. Marawanthe Beach, Kundarpura (Golden Sand, swaying palm trees, scuba diving, snorkeling) 54. Karwar Beach, Karwar (Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, dolphin hunting, warm sun, cool breeze, sea food, hospitality) Odisha 55. Puri Beach, Puri (Camel rides, Hotspot for tourists, attracts a lot of holidaymakers and beach goers) 56. Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark (Konark Temple, cultural activities, Chandrabhaga mela) 57. Chandipur Beach, Balasore (‘Vanishing Sea’ phenomenon, walking, riding, seafood, sand dunes, rocky coasts, casuarina, wide range of biodiversity, Integrated Test Range of the Indian Army) 58. Gopalpur Beach, Ganjam (Swaying palm, gentle sea waves, luxurious resorts) Maharashtra 59. Bassein Beach, Vasai (Breathtaking night time appearance, picnic spot, religious and cultural importance) 60. Madh Island, Mumbai (Movie shoots, crystal clear water, scenic beauty, mangroves) 61. Marine Drive, Mumbai (Beautiful Walkway, Sunset Point, Queens Necklace) 62. Juhu Beach, Mumbai (Movie shoots) 63. Tarkali Beach, Sindhudurg (Clear water, scuba diving, snorkeling, house boat facility) 64. Ganapatipule Beach, Ganpatipule (Aesthetic, scenic, blue waters, swaying palms, pristine air, white sands, mangroves and coconut palms, white sands, religious activities, local food) 65. Dahanu – Bordi Beach, Palghar (Water adventure, trekking on nearby hills, pilgrimage) 66. Shriwardhan Harihareshwar, Raigad (Sun basking, sun bathing, beach walking, yoga, meditation, delicacies) 67. Mandwa and Kihim Beach, Alibag (Coconut trees, wild flowers, butterflies, birds, ideal place for nature lovers) 68. Marve Manori and Gorai, Mumbai (Sunrise, Sunset, late night beach parties, fishing) 69. Velneshwar Beach, Velneshwar (Green coconut palm groves, rock free seawater, swimming, sunbathing, pilgrimage) 70. Vengurla Malvan, Singhudurd (Coconut palms, Mango, Jackfruit, Cashew trees, soft white sands, clay potteries, sea food) Diu 71. Diu Beach (Pleasant climate, forts, palm trees) 72. Vanakbara Beach, Diu (Pilgrimage, rocks, sunset, sea shell collection, unsafe for swimming due to high tides) 73. Jalandhar Beach, Diu (Forts from Portuguese colonial period) 74. Chakratirth Beach, Diu (Compact, calm, temples, sunset views) 75. Ghoghla Beach, Diu (Relaxed strip of sand, gentle waves, good sea food) 76. Khodidhar Beach, Diu (Peaceful, quiet, picturesque views) Gujarat 77. Tithal Beach, Valsad (Black sand, popular tourist destination in South Gujarat) 78. Nargoal Beach, Valsad (Secluded, unexplored, lush palm trees, greenery) 79. Dwarka Beach, Dwarka (Pilgrimage, temples, chartered boats, white beach, extensive marine life) 80. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi (Long Coastline, beach sports activities) 81. Jamnagar Beach, Jamnagar (small islands nearby, Bedi port) 82. Sarkeshwar Beach, Junagadh (Water sports activities, different colored sea) 83. Somnath Beach, Somnath (One of the best beaches in Gujarat, pilgrimage, temples, camel ride, snacks) West Bengal 84. Digha Beach, Midnapore (Most visited beach in West Bengal, shifting shoreline) 85. Tajpur Beach, Midnapore (Unexplored, Quiet, beautiful sunrise, sunset) 86. Bakkhali Beach, Namkhana (Cleanliness, composed beached, popular amongst bag-papers and weekenders) 87. Mandarmani Beach, Midnapore (Honeymoon destination, water sports, clear blue water, dazzling sunset) 88. Frazerganj Beach, Haroa (Unspoilt Panorama, poetic dawns and dusk, quiet, migratory birds) 89. Falta Beach, Falta (Undulating beauty, picnic spot) 90. Junput Beach, Midnapore (Casuarina trees, photography, family outings, picnic spots) 91. Sagardwip / Gangasagar Beach, Kakdwip (Pilgrimage) 92. Shankarpur Beach, Midnapore (Soothing atmosphere, unexplored, fishing) 93. Talsari Beach, Balasore (Boat ride, conifers) Andhra Pradesh 94. Baruva, Srikakulam (Sunrise and sunset, Lighthouse, Old temples) 95. Bheemunipatnam, Vizag (Historical associations, Gosthani river, Vishakhapatnam city (Vizag) 96. Manginapudi, Hyderabad (Fisherman, Bathing in the sea, Imitation Jewellery) 97. Mypau, Nellore (Mypadu beach picturesque beaches, Golden sandy beach, Round up your visit with a snack break) 98. Ramakrishna Beach, Vizag (Rocky Beach, sea foods) 99. Rushikonda, Vizag (Water sport, speedboats, water skiing, windsurfing) 100. Suryalanka, Bapatla (Weekend getaway) 101. Thummalapenta, Kavali Mandal (Karthika pournam festival) 102. Uppada, Kakinada (Beach sports, nearby parks, eateries, family getaway) 103. Vodarevu, Chirala (Coconut groves, Yellow sand beach, Sunrise sunset, Fishing) 104. Vakalapudi, Kakinada (Uncrowded beach, Mangrove forest, Kakinada beach festival) 105. Yarada, Vizag (Lonely beach, Weekend getaway)

28 Picturesque Waterfalls of Tamil Nadu The state of Tamil Nadu, the cultural capital of the south, topped with some of the best hill stations and beaches in India, is majestic. It is a delight during the monsoons when the many waterfalls here come to life in a glorious flow! 1. Courtallam Waterfall Located in Tirunelveli, it is the largest waterfall of the state and one of the largest in India. It cascades down over 160 metres and meets the river Chittar. The Pongumakadal rock on the waterfall’s course is a popular spot. This fall is also known as ‘The Spa of South India’ due to the presence of many big and small waterfalls in the adjoining areas. The Kutralanathar Tem­ple is a popular attraction nearby. 2. Hogenakkal Falls Hogenakkal Falls are located on the river Kaveri and is often referred to as the Niagara of India. The name is derived from two Kan­nada words – ‘Hog’ meaning smoke and ‘kal’ meaning rocks. This is because of the beautiful foam created from the cascade of the fall. The waterfall covers a height of 20 metres. Boat riding is a popular activity here. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the state. 3. Thalaiyar Falls These falls are located in the Palani Hills of Dindigul, very close to Kodaikanal and is also known as Rat Tail Falls. This waterfall is the tallest one in Tamil Nadu and the third tallest in India. It falls from a height of 975 ft. One has to trek for 2-3 hours to see this waterfall. 4. Monkey Falls Also called Kalahasti Falls, these falls are lo­cated in the Anaimalai Hills of Coimbatore. It is a popular tourist spot, covered in green forests and rocky cliffs. The spot is great for trekking. The falls has a height of 60 feet. 5. Catherine Falls Located in Kotagiri in the Nilgiris, it is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the state. It is the second largest waterfalls in the Nilgiris. The waterfall cascades over 250 feet. Catherine Falls is formed from the Kallar River. It can be best viewed from the Dolphin’s Nose in Ooty. 6. Kumbakkarai Falls It is located in the Kodaikanal Hills. It is formed over the river Pamba. The waterfall cascades down a height of 1300 feet. The major attrac­tions here are the stone inscriptions and the Murugan statue. There is rich wildlife around. It can be reached from Madurai. 7. Agaya Gangai Falls Agaya Gangai or Akasa Ganga Waterfalls are located on the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Namakkal. The name of the waterfall transates to ‘Ganges of the Sky’. Arapaleeswarar Swamy Temple is a major attraction here. The height of the waterfall is 300 feet. It is viewed best from the nearby Korakka Siddhar Cave. The waterfall is formed on River Aiyaru. 8. Silver Cascade Falls Silver Cascade Falls is located between Kodaikanal and Madurai. It cascades down over 55 meters. It is formed of the water flowing from Kodaikanal Lake. It is so named because of the silver glimmer in the water flow. 9. Suruli Waterfalls Located in Theni, it is formed by the Suruli river on the Meghamalai mountains, cascad­ing over 190 feet. There is a mystic charm around this waterfall throughout the year. Manalaar tea estate is located nearby. Other attractions nearby are the Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Thousand Lingam Tem­ple and Indian rock cut architecture caves. 10. Shenbagadevi Falls Shenbagadevi or Chembakkadevi Falls are located very close to Chitraruvi falls and Main falls and can be reached by a trek through the Chitraruvi forests. The fall cascades down a height of 40 feet and is so named because of the presence of the Shenbaga trees all around. Shenbagadevi Amman temple nearby is an attraction. 11. Honey Falls Also known as Thenaruvi, this falls is located very close to Courtallam falls, the Shenbagadevi Falls and the Main falls. It cascades down through two massive stones, over a height of 40m and resem­bles a horseshoe. Trek to it is quite risky. 12. Siruvani Waterfalls Located near Coimbatore in Siruvani Hills, formed by the Siruvani River, it is also known as Kovai Kutralam Falls. There are lush green forests all around. The waterfall can be reached through a trek of 4 km. 13. Pykara Falls Pykara Falls are located in close proximity of Pykara Lake near Ooty. It is a multi-tiered waterfall over a rocky slope. It is one of the sightseeing spots in Ooty. It is most majestic during the months of monsoon. It is surrounded by a gorgeous dense forest. Boating and motor boat ride in the Pykara reservoir nearby are popular activities. 14. Bear Shola These falls are located very close to Kodai­kanal. It is located inside a forest. It is so named as it is said that bears used to come and drink water from the top of this waterfall. The water falls over a height of 40 feet into a small pool which is quite safe for swimming. 15. Vaideki Falls Vaideki Falls are located close to Coimbatore near the town of Narisipuram. It has to be reached through a forest, but only with due permission, and accompanied by a forest guard. The main waterfall has to be reached through a trek. One will be delighted by the presence of a large number of elephants here. 16. Kalhatty Falls These falls are situated on the slopes of Kalhatti mountain. It is a great location for trekking through the forests and the wildlife. It has to be reached through a picturesque tea estate. The waterfall cascades down a height of 120 feet. 17. Kuthirapanjan Falls Kuthirapanjan Falls or Panagudi Falls is located near Panagudi town in Tirunelveli. The waterfall is seasonal and picks up volume only during monsoon. It is formed over Hanuman River and falls over 150 feet through the Mahendragiri hills. There are many churches around that one can visit while on a trip here. The lovely view of the western ghats is completed with windmills and thick forests. 18. Papanasam Falls Papanasam Falls or Agasthiyar Falls are located near Papanasam town. It is a mesmerizing waterfall with a legend associated to it. It is said that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati took place at the Agasthiyar or Papanasathanur temple which is located nearby. The waterfall is formed over Thamirabarani River. Papanasam means absolution of sins and people come here to take a dip and wash away all sins. 19. Olakkay Aruvi Olakkay Aruvi or Ulakkai Aruvi Waterfalls are located near Azhagiapandipuram in Kanyakumari. The waterfall is formed on the Pazhayar River. It is also known as Rod Falls since it looks like a pestle (which is called olakkay). The waterfall is situated inside the Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is easily accessible from Kanyakumari, Nager­coil, Trivandrum and Tirunelveli. 20. Law’s falls Law’s Falls are located very close to Coonoor in the midst of a wonderful se­rene forest on the way to Mettupalayam. It is named after Colonel Law who had built the new Coonoorghat. It is a very small waterfall, but beautiful nonetheless. It falls over the height of 30 metres. 21. Five Falls Five Falls are located very close to the­Courtallam Main Falls. It is also known as Aintharuvi Falls. It is so named because the waterfall splits into 5 directions, almost like a 5 headed cobra, which in the local lan­guage is known as Aintharuvi. The Swami Ayyappa Temple, Eco Park and Vinayaka Temple are some attractions located close to this waterfall. 22. Amirthi Falls Amirthi Falls are found inside the Amirthi Zoo­logical Park. It is located very close to Vellore, on the Javadu hills. The falls are formed of the Amirthi river. It is a seasonal and comparatively smaller waterfall. There are a number of animals found here in their natural habitat. A small pool at the bottom of the waterfall is perfect for swimming. 23. Manimuthar Dam / Falls Manimuthar is an artificial dam located 16km from Papanasam and 45km from Tirunelveli at the foothills of the Podhigai Hills. It is built across the Manimuthar River near its confluence with Thamirabarani River. It is a popular picnic spot, with boating as a common activity. 24. Kodiveri Falls Located near Satyamangalam near Erode, it is also a dam on the Bhavani River. The dam not only provides water for irrigation, it also pro­vides wonderful views of the surroundings and a nice place for swimming and bathing. The falls is accessible from Coimbatore and Erode. 25. Kiliyur Falls Kiliyur falls is a wonderful waterfall that flows from the Yercaud lake. It is located in Sher­varoyan Range of the Eastern Ghats. It falls over 300 feet into the Kiliyur Valley. Trekking, boat­ing and swimming are common activities here. Since Yercaud is a popular holiday destination, Kiliyur has added to its charms. 26. Puliancholai falls Puliancholai Falls are located in the foothills of the Kolli Hills near Namakkal. It is located inside a thick forest filled with tamarind trees. There are natural springs around this waterfall where tourists come to take a splash. Shiva Temple and Pithukkuli Cave are the nearby attractions. 27. Thirparappu Falls Thirparappu waterfall is located very close to Nagercoil, in Kanyakumari. It is also known as ‘Kumari Kutralam’. It is known as one of the saf­est waterfalls for bathing. A nearby attraction is the Thirparappu Mahadevar Temple. 28. Kutladampatti Falls Kutladampatti falls is located in Madurai, just about an hour’s drive away from the city. It is found in the village of the same name. The wa­terfall cascades down for about 89 feet. Other places of interest here are the Swami Ramanagiri Ashram which is a centre for meditation. Some of the other falls in Tamil Nadu are the Katary Falls in the Nilgiris, very close to Coon­noor, the Fairy Falls and the Pambar Falls in Kodaikanal, the Shivamathungai Falls near the Main Falls, the Kolakambai Falls, the highest in the Nilgiris, the Tirparappu Falls and Kodayar falls near Kanyakumari and the Chitraruvi Falls.

By Miles with Smiles, Kolkata Southeast Asia is a paradise for tourists and the beach destinations there are especially popular with tourists from India. In this Snapshot Touriosity has listed the top 25 beaches across various countries in the Southeast Asia. 1. Maya Bay, Phi Phi islands, Thailand This stunningly beautiful bay, enclosed on three sides by 100 metre high cliffs, has been one of the main tourist attractions in Phi Phi since the release of the blockbuster Hollywood movie The Beach, starring Leonardo Di Caprio in 2000. The main beach is about 200 metres long with silky soft white sands, colourful coral, exotic fish and exceptionally clear waters. The best time to visit Maya Bay is when the seas are calm and access to the bay is easy between November and April. May to October gets rough seas but access is rarely a problem. However, due to it being a popular tourist attraction, the place tends to get crowded as you will see lots of boats ferrying visitors in and out of the bay and lots of speedboats and long tail boats and ferry boats carrying snorkelers and visitors. One must visit early in the morning or at evening to avoid the crowds. 2. Padang Padang Beach, Bukit, Bali, Indonesia Locally known as Pantai Labuan Sait, Padang Padang beach is located in the north-western coast of the Bukit Peninsula and just a kilometer south-west of the Antara Bali Uluwatu. This beach features a stunningly exotic one hundred meter long stretch of sand that is accessible down a flight of stairs through a unique hollow rock entrance. It is a popular surfing spot as well, attracting surfers from all over the world. It is a regular spot for International surfing events among which the Rip Curl Padang Padang is the most frequent. This region has developed in the recent years and is now lined with shops, surf lodges and western style cafes targeting the surfing crowd. This beach was even featured as a romantic setting in the 2010 big screen adaptation of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. 3. Lazy Beach, Koh Rong, Cambodia The lazy beach is a quiet small but one of the most beautiful golden sandy beaches with clear blue water and is located in Koh Rong Island, Cambodia. The beach is kept scrupulously clean with limited accommodation and access. Here, the sands are silky smooth and the blue water glistens in the sun with a tropical forest surrounding the beautiful bay. The tranquil atmosphere that lazy beach creates is quiet, laid-back and relaxing. The calm sea offers safe swimming and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. In the lazy beach the sunsets and the evenings are absolutely stunning and you can enjoy your personal time as this beach is far from the crowds. The lazy beach is among the few truly private beaches left in the world. 4. Tub Kaek Beach, Krabi, Thailand Tub Kaek Beach is located at the Krabi province in Thailand. It is one of the quietest and prettiest beaches in Krabi. Tub Kaek Beach is also known as Krabi’s low key gem. The beach is surrounded by a dense forest and rocky islands. It is a natural green paradise beyond the shore with a stunning skyline and a beautiful sunset. Tub Kaek Beach has its own unique beauty and charm which gives you the feeling of being in a private beach. As, the coast is rocky, it’s not really ideal for swimming. The beach has a few world class resorts where you can enjoy the views of the jungle. It offers you an ethereally beautiful place with powdery white sand and shallow water. In short, it is a cocktail of privacy, tranquility and picturesque beauty. 5. Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia Kuta Beach is located at Bali in Indonesia. It is among the most famous places visited by the tourists in Bali. It is also located very near to the international airport making access very easy. Kuta beach offers you Indonesia’s signature white sands, crashing waves, romantic walks and a relaxing spot. The beach is regarded as the number one sunset site in Bali. A large number of people gather at the Kuta beach at late afternoon to watch the spectacular sunset. Some of the most popular resorts in the Bali and beach side cafes are located here which offer fresh sea foods to visitors. The white sands of the Kuta beach continue to attracts visitors every year with its unique charm making the beach a destination which is in the bucket list of every traveller globally. 6. Palawan Beach, Sentosa Island, Singapore If you’re looking a happy family-friendly getaway, Palawan Beach in Sentosa island, Singapore is the perfect place for you. A suspension bridge links travellers to the southernmost point of Continental Asia and offers many interesting shops and eateries which appeal to travelers of all ages. The Palawan Pirate Ship waterground is an absolute favourite for children or if you’re looking for a nice adventure you can cross the rope bridge that connects to the islet that forms the southernmost part of continental Asia. One must not forget to visit the Bora Bora Beach Bar if one is looking to spend a good time enjoying a drink over jazz music. There is also the Palawan amphitheatre hosting an awesome show of displays by monkeys, reptiles and parrots. 7. Changi Beach, Singapore Changi Beach is one the oldest coastal parks in Singapore, located at the northern tip of Changi in eastern Singapore. It still retains the ‘kampong’ or village atmosphere from the 1960s and 70s. You will not find many tourists here as it is more popular among the locals who come here for family picnics or for fishing. It has pristine white beaches filled with coconut trees and is a great place for swimming and barbecues. The SAF Changi Ferry Terminal on the eastern end of the park gives you a marvelous view of sunrise and sunsets that can be viewed from Changi Point. If you’re looking for some delicious seafood, you may visit the Bistro@Changi or go to the Changi Village for other options. 8. Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia Very few places in the world are as wondrous as Pink Beach, which gets its unique colour from microscopic organisms called Foraminifera which form the red pigment of the coral reefs. When pieces of coral combine with the white sand it creates a pink hue which is clearly visible. The coral reef itself is one of the many attractions of this place offering a variety of colourful species, making this beach an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving. The Komodo National Park itself is home to 2500 Komodo dragons. The best time to visit would be between April and June right after the rainy season. September to November also works due to the moderate weather and the whale and manta season. 9. Sunrise Beach, Thailand Sunrise beach, or Hat Chao Ley as it is known to the locals is a beautiful spot for watching the most amazing sunrise in Thailand. The beautiful white sandy beach, clear blue water and a variety of exotic marine life makes this the perfect getaway. You can try snorkeling right off the beach and see the beautiful aquatic life which will surely leave you in awe. It is a niche spot for travelers and the best time to visit would be between November and April if you’re looking to find more fellow travelers and between May and October if you’re looking for a quiet time away from the crowd. Bungalows and accommodations are spread out over the area although you will find plenty of resorts and hotels that have sprung up in the recent years. 10. Phra Nang Beach, Rai Leh, Thailand Phra Nang Beach is located in the southern part of Railey peninsula in Thailand. The beach is 450 meters long and it is reachable in a mere 20 minutes by a long-tail boat directly from Ao Nang. Phra Nang Beach is so serene that you can just lie there and soak in the sun. The beach is hemmed by high cliffs. Be blown away by the sheer beauty of the landscape. Right by the beach you can find a limestone cave which features an extremely unusual shrine. This cave is dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess. Inside the cave there is a collection of strange phallic symbols, offering and objects. Local fishermen still leave offerings here although it is now becoming more of a tourist attraction. Apart from this there are caves here and if you are adventurous enough it is possible to hike to the top of the headland and get a spectacular view of the entire area. Swimming and snorkeling can be also enjoyed in this white sand beach. 11. Otres Beach, Sihanoukville, Cambodia Otres Beach is located at Sihanoukville in Cambodia. This beach is famous for its long stretch of clean white sand making it a great spot for sun bathing and exploring. Otres beach actually split into two different areas - Otres 1 and Otres 2. Beach shacks and guesthouses are mainly there in Otres 1 area and in Otres 2 there is a long, tranquil beach, pleasantly free from crowds. It is said that Otres beach is the quietest beach in Sihanoukville, so this beach is the best place if you want to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Otres beach has its own charm, which is different from the other beaches in Sihanoukville. This crescent white sand beach is a must visit in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. 12. Hon Chong Beach, Nha Trang, Vietnam Hon Chong Beach is located in the sand hill of Nha Trang in Vietnam. If you are looking to get away from the hassle and noise, this beach is a very peaceful and tranquil place to visit. The strange thing here is the attractive large boulders stacked together for decades and till date these cannot be moved either by waves or by rain and winds. These boulders have combined to form such an imbalanced position that they shock anyone who glances at them for the first time. The large cliffs in Hon Chong Beach offer exotic views of the mountain coastline. Scenic Hon Chong is considered to be one of the most beautiful bays with smooth sand and gentle blue water. This beach has also grabbed the attention of the tourists for many rumours and interesting folktales. It is said that a giant fish had embedded his palm in the rock with five fingers on the large rock located on the top edge of Hon Chong. Hence, this mysterious beach is a must visit destination. 13. Long Beach, Phu Quoc, Vietnam Long Beach is located at the Phu Quoc Island in Thailand. It is 20 km long coastal area with resorts, beachfront restaurants, cafes and bars. Long beach is relatively pristine with plenty of palm trees, soft sands and a breath-taking sunset view. Here, the cool breeze rolls in off the ocean and welcomes the swimmers and sunbathers. Long beach is divided into the Northern and Southern ends. North Long Beach is the older and the most dense area of Phu Quoc and it is where one will find affordable resorts, hotels etc. The South Long Beach is the newer one. It is where most of the island’s premium beach resorts and villas are located. There is also a backpacker’s area within the long beach known as Long Beach Village. In this part of the beach you will find many bars, shops, motor bike rentals etc. No other part of the Phu Quoc Island can rival the Long Beach for its classic beach beauty. 14. Mui Ne Beach, Vietnam Vietnam is a country with hidden treasures. Mui Ne is located at the south eastern side of Vietnam. Mui Ne is Phan Thiet’s most prominent coastal resort area, spanning 15 kilometers of sandy beaches that are lined with an array of dining and shopping venues as well as luxurious beachfront resorts. The supermarket is nearby, so one can buy great fresh seafood. For those who want to experience the daily life of the local people, the northern end of Mui Ne Bay should be visited. There one finds a traditional fishing village which also offers a marvelous view of the coastline lined with swaying palm trees and colourful fishing boats moored on the water. Here, visitors can enjoy the last few moments of the day and witness the beauty of the spectacular sunset. The sunset view is truly mesmerising and worth all the effort in reaching there in time as the sun disappears very quickly. 15. Juara Beach, Tioman Island, Malaysia Juara Beach is located in Pulau Tioman or the Tioman Island in Malaysia. Juara is a small beach, a hidden gem on the east side of the island. This beach is regarded as the best beach of Tioman Island. With beautiful golden sand, Juara Beach has some small hills and a lagoon on the southern part of it. The warm sea here is teeming with coral reefs and is thus a paradise for adventure tourists who want to go for scuba diving and snorkelling. There is also a hatchery for sea turtles that land in this beach. Juara beach is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun rays with spectacular views. It is little difficult to get into this beach and is the reason the beach is not as popular or busy like the other beaches on this island. This is the place where you can relax in blissful peace and quiet. 16. Pantai Cenang Beach, Langkawi, Malaysia Pantai Cenang Beach is located at Langkawi Island in Malaysia. This magnificent sandy beach is 2 km long and the most popular public beach both for tourists and locals. Pantai Cenang Beach, with its gentle curve, is by far the most pristine beach in the whole of Malaysia. It offers a spectacular view of the ocean as well as of islands close by. One of the reasons why this beach is so famous is because of its soft sands. It is lined with coconut trees and the calm water is suitable for swimming. One can find all kinds of water sport activities in this beach. Pantai Cenang Beach is said to be the busiest beach in Langkawi Island. It has a series of cafes and restaurants as well as souvenir shops. A wide range of hotels and resorts are also available here in this beach. The beach is a famous spot for sunbathers and it is also well known for its fantastic sunset view. So, this beach is a great place to go with one’s family. 17. Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Thailand Haad Rin Beach is popularly known as the ‘full moon beach’. The beach is located at the east coast of the Koh Phangan Island. It offers probably the whitest and finest sands that you have ever seen. The water here is also clean and can make you want to go for a swim. Haad Rin is an excellent spot for tourists to relax and swim. Further, Haad Rin can be divided into two sections - Haad Rin Nok, which is the lively party beach and Haad Rin Nai, which has a quieter environment. This beach is one of the biggest beaches on the Koh Phangan Island. It is filled with sunbathers during day time and party mongers at night. Once a month, Haad Rin becomes the busiest place on the entire island because of its monthly full moon parties which draws the attention of many visitors. The rest of the month one can visit the beach with thinner crowds and can also enjoy different water sports activities, one can stroll along the sea, walk or may also swim in the dark blue water. 18. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines White Beach is by far the most popular beach located at Boracay in Philippines. This beach has often been called the ‘finest beach in the world’. The beautiful white beach represents the rich natural scenery of Boracay as well as of Philippines. This beach has a panoramic ocean view with exotic and picturesque spots. It is good for swimmers as well, since the water is usually flat and has no current. The beach is close to all famous places, making it accessible easily. It is a pretty long beach and more like an infinite pool with soft sands under your feet. Nothing could be as relaxing as swimming freely in the crystal clear water of this beach. The white beach also offers you a picturesque view of sunset. 19. Nacpan And Calitang Beach, El Nido, Philippines Nacpan and Calitang Beach popularly known as the El Nido’s Twin Beaches is located at the Palawan province in Philippines. El Nido’s Twin Beaches are a beach lover’s perfect haven. The two beaches are tangent to each other. The twin beaches are one of the best beaches in the island because of their extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. Walking barefoot one can feel how fine the white sand is. The beaches are long and sandy with bright blue water and also with relatively few visitors. In these two beaches the water is very refreshing and clear. Here, one can climb to the hills from where one can see an admirable view of the twin beaches. The scenery that you will find in the twin beaches is definitely like a photographer’s dream coming true. A few bars and restaurants as well as some accommodation options are also available in this place. The twin beaches offer a splendid place for a relaxing day. 20. Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island, Philippines Paradise Beach is located at the southern part of the Bantayan Island in Philippines. This secluded beach lives up to its name. It is a hidden beach with crystal clear water and white powdery sand. You can either get here by renting a local boat or by driving a scooter. The Paradise Beach offers a few nipa roofs with wooden benches and a pristine coastline. Apart from this, towering palm trees and grassy areas complete the picturesque scene of this beach. The beach is less crowded in comparison to the other beaches in Philippines. There are no food stalls in the beach, so one will have to bring their own food. It is a great place to relax and swim as the beach has perfect sands and a gentle slope into the water. Visitors can enjoy a scenic sunset view with beautiful red sky as the sun lowers. Hence, this hidden gem of Bantayan Island is one of the best places to visit if one is looking for a quiet and peaceful spot to enjoy it all in serenity. 21. Seminyak Beach, Bali, Indonesia Seminyak Beach is located at Bali in Indonesia. This beach is one of Bali’s top destinations for an exclusive beach holiday as Seminyak is the most upscale and stylish beach in Bali. The white sands stretch 3km making this white sandy beach more fascinating for the tourists. The calm water and fine sand with the lifeguards on duty make Seminyak Beach perfect for swimming for both young and the old. As the beach is very famous, it is quite crowded. There are lots of bars and restaurants on the beach as well as some of the best resorts you’ll see. Seminyak Beach offers great surfing opportunities for the surfers as the beach is favoured by great waves. For this, many surfers visit here to enjoy themselves. Seminyak is a must go if you want to experience a lovely picturesque sunset. 22. Sugar Beach, Negros Island, Philippines Sugar Beach is a lesser known beach located at Negros Island in Philippines. To get to the beach you will have to take a boat journey from Sipalay. Sugar Beach is a stretch of pristine white sand perfectly framed by the green palm trees. The sand stretches smoothly like a soft carpet into the water. The beach is lined with limestone formations making it all the more unique. The beach is the perfect place to relax and get rid of stress and to enjoy the sunlight and the sea. Visitors can swim and snorkel in the warm and calm waters of this beach. In the evening one can enjoy a spectacular light show as the sun sinks into the sea turning the sky and the sea into purple and gold. In short, the Sugar Beach is the other name of beauty, tranquility and relaxation. It is often dubbed as the best beach in the Philippines. 23. Ngapali Beach, Myanmar Ngapali Beach is located on the Bay of Bengal coast in Myanmar. The beach is stunningly beautiful with a wide white band of sand that covers the bay up to 5 km. The bay is interrupted by stones but that makes this beach more romantic. The palm trees fringed with white sands, the clear water of the Bay of Bengal along with the number of resorts and hotels make this beach a popular beach destination in Myanmar. Nearby, there are some fisherman villages also. Ngapali Beach is about relaxing and enjoying the sun as the beach offers plenty of space for everyone. Ngapali Beach is a magical paradise to say the least. Snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the most popular activities in this beach. The sun rise view is perfect and picturesque. It is a place for enjoying the culture and local life. 24. Bai Dai Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam Bai Dai Beach is the most iconic beach destination located at the Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. This is a remote paradise with lots of sunshine, warm water and peaceful atmosphere. The soft yellow sand and greenish blue sea makes Bai Dai Beach one of the best beaches in Vietnam. There is a perennial forest also growing close to the sea. There are plenty of activities that you can do in this beach like snorkeling, scuba diving, squid fishing, jet skiing, wind sailing and so on. One can also soak up in the sun and indulge themselves in the Vietnamese culture. Bai Dai Beach is ideal for swimming, watching corals and other aquatic animals. Ample number of hotels can be found here along with a few resorts. Bai Dai Beach was also nominated as one ofthe 13 most beautiful beaches in the world. 25. Berakas Beach, Brunei The beach is located inside the Berakas Forest Recreational Park. Berakas Beach or Pantai Berakas is one of those lovely beaches that strays away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The beach is beautiful, clean and also well managed. It is a popular hangout place for family and friends as there are defined places for picnics and barbeque. The sand is slightly golden and the waves are strong. Hence, it is not ideal for swimming. For security reasons the beach is closed down at 6pm. But overall Berakas Beach is a great place to hangout, to explore the nature and it is also a perfect beach for relaxation.

Kerala is known as God’s own country and justifiably so. In addition to pristine backwaters and natural diversity, it has some of the best beaches along the western coast of India, some wonderful hill station like Wayanad and Munnar of the Nilgiris and a treasure trove of wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar. The famous backwaters are the main attraction of Kerala, and a cruise on the houseboats are an unmissable attraction. The backwaters are serene water streams connecting the sea with beautiful lakes. The beaches however are some of the most pleasant and clean beaches of India which are worth exploring for all their glory! The following are some of the most important beach destinations of the state: 1. Varkala Varkala is a rocky beach in Kerala. The Varkala cliffs are very famous and are perfect for trekking to the shore. Apart from the natural beauty of the place, there are other attractions in Varkala such as the Janardana Swami Temple which is more 2000 years old and the Sivagiri Mutt, which is a mausoleum to a religious leader located on top of a hill. The Papanasam beach is located very close to Varkala Beach. It is said that the water here is holy and washes away all sins. The Ponnumthuruthu island is also located close by and is very picturesque. One can enjoy paragliding over the beach here. For tourists, Varkala is also a great shopping and dining experience. The place is located about 40 km from the state capital city of Trivandrum. The nearest airport is Trivandrum and Varkala is connected to the major cities in India by railway. 2. Kovalam Kovalam is a picturesque beach by the Arabian Sea. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram and very close to the centre of the city. The beach is a crescent shaped one cut into three parts by rocky outcrops. Kovalam translates to a grove of coconut trees and it is named so because the whole beach is lined with coconut trees. There are actually three beaches in Kovalam and these three beaches are the Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach. The Lighthouse beach has a lighthouse built of red and white stones. The Hawa Beach or Eve’s beach is a bustling beach filled with fishermen. The Samudra beach is a quieter one. The Kovalam beach looks surreal while moonlit. The attractions around Kovalam are the Vellayanin Lake and Valiyathura Pier. The beach had become very popular during the hippy era, resulting in many resorts, ayurvedic spas and the likes sprouting here. The Kovalam Art Gallery, Vizhinjham Rock Cut Cave Temple and Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple are worth a visit too. There is also an interesting aquarium at Vizhinjham that must be visited. Since this beach is located in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, it is easily reachable from the railway station or airport which are not too far. 3. Fort Kochi Fort Kochi is an area in the city of Kochi or Cochin and is also known as Old Kochi. Fort Kochi beach located here is a splendid tourist spot. With rocky shores, piers and pretty resting places along the beach, Fort Kochi is one of the most popular destinations in the state of Kerala. The Indian Naval base is located here. Chinese fishing nets, a unique method of fishing can be seen on the beach here. The sunsets here are golden and magnificent. Fort Kochi part of the town is also artistically quite evolved. The Biennale, an annual art festival takes place here. There are spectacular art installations all over the area. A walk around the pretty streets, filled with colonial style buildings is a pleasant experience. One can enjoy a breezy open air dinner along the beach, on the many restaurants overlooking the ocean. The Indo Portuguese museum and Southern Naval Command Maritime Museum are ‘must visits’. The promenade along the Kochi Beach is also not to be missed. There is a Dutch cemetary, a host of temples and churches, a Jewish Synagogue and a Jain Temple that are also worth visiting. 4. Alappuzha Alappuzha is a beach town in Kerala. It is a very popular tourist attraction and a perfect preface to the backwaters. The beach is one of the cleanest beaches with high waves. It has a 150-year-old pier. The lighthouse near the beach is ideal for viewing the serene ocean. The Alappuzha beach festival held here is a major crowd puller. Sand artists from all over the world come here to showcase their talents. One can reach Alapuzha from Kochi, which is about 2 hours of drive away. It is also connected by ferry to other beaches and lakes as well as by railway with other cities. 5. Kannur Kannur was once an ancient trading port. The beach here is a stretch consisting of five beaches in Kerala. These five beaches are Payyambalam Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Adikadalayi Beach, Baby Beach and Thayyil Beach. All the five beaches are extremely picturesque and very popular with European tourists. The striking feature of this beach are the graves of many social leaders of Kerala. There is a beach garden here which has beautiful sculptures. The St Angelo’s fort, which is a 16th century Portuguese fort, is a tourist attraction here. Other nearby attractions include the Mappila Bay Harbour and the Arakkal Museum. This museum is housed in a former palace and displays the possessions of a Muslim Royal family. 6. Thirumullavaram Thirumullavaram beach is located 6 km from Kollam in Kerala. It was titled one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by Discovery Channel. The beach is very serene and very popular for swimming as well as scuba diving. The kings of Travancore used to spend their leisure in this beach. The temple of Sri Maha Vishnu Swamy is an attraction here. The temple pond lies only a few metres from the Arabian Sea. As per the folklores, this temple is one of the seven temples established by Parasurama who is said to have raised Kerala from under the sea. There is an annual 10-day festival that goes by the name of Thirumullavaram Fete (Mahotsav) during which the place gets footfalls in millions. 7. Vizinjham Vizhinjham is a natural port area located near Trivandrum very close to Kovalam beach. It is an important shipping route and a fishermen’s hub. It is a good place to see the fishermen venturing into the sea. There are many cave temples here, the most famous ones being the rock cut cave temples of Vizhinjham. There are lingams and scenes from battles sculpted in these caves. There are a number of Ayurvedic treatment centres and international beach resorts around. Vizhinjam is easily accessible from anywhere in the city of Trivandrum. 8. Anjengo Anjengo or Anchuthengu is a town and beach in Trivandrum. The name Anjengo means “five coconut palms” which are seen in abundance around the beach. The town has an old-timey feel to it. There are churches, buildings and tombs from the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras. The Anjengo Fort, which is now in ruins, is a popular tourist destination. There is a lighthouse here as well as many temples. 9. Kozhikode Kozhikode is historically important as an ancient spice trading centre. It lies very close to the Kappada Beach where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama had landed in 1498 AD. The Kozhikode Beach is also known as Calicut Beach and there is a lighthouse overlooking it. It is located on the Malabar coast on the western coast of India. The beach is breathtakingly beautiful and quite different from other beaches. It has paved stones as well as wonderful lighting. The beach road is about 28 km long. Around the beach there are Thodiyil Shree Bhagawathy Temple, Mishkal Masjid and Barami Masjid. For the children there is a Lion’s Park and an aquarium. The Cherooty Road here is famous for shopping. 10. Bekal Bekal is a small town and a beach located in Kasaragod. The major attraction here is the keyhole shaped Bekal Fort. The beach surrounds the fort beautifully. One can view the ocean in all its glory from the fort. The backwaters are nearby and so are the hills. It can be reached either from Mangalore or Calicut. 11. Cherai Cherai Beach is located on Vypin island which is located across the ocean from Fort Kochi. It is a very popular beach in Cochin and is reached by simply a ferry. Cherai Beach is famous for being the spot from where backwaters and the sea can be seen together at once! Since the tides are low here, swimming is done at ease. Also, if one is lucky enough, one can sight dolphins from here! All these make this beach a very popular one with tourists. The Cherai Beach is also strategically located only 20 km from Cochin International Airport. 12. Chavakkad Chavakkad is a town and beach in Thrissur. Fishing is the main feature of this beach. There are also many interesting places to see around such as the Manathalajuma Masjid, the St. Thomas Church, better known as the Palayur Church, as well as the Manathala Vishwanatha temple. 13. Mundakkal Mundakkalbeach is situated in Kollam. It is not only a popular tourist destination but also a place of religious importance as rituals are performed here. Another striking feature is the abundance of cashew nuts, which has flourished into national and international trade. The Paravoor, Pozhikara and Thirumullavaram beaches are located close by. 14. Muzhappilangad Muzhappilangad is a beach located between Thalassery and Kannur. It is also the name of the tiny coastal village where the beach is located. The beach is about 5 km long which makes for a wonderful marine drive. The Dharmadam Island is located nearby and is visible from the beach. The Anjarakandy river also confluences with the sea nearby. This place is famous for a festival called Thalappoli where a gorgeous procession takes place. 15. Kappad This is a historically significant beach located near Kozhikode. A stone monument at the beach pays tribute to Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who is believed to have landed here in 1498 AD. The nearest railway station is Koyilandy (10 km) and nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (25 km). Some of the other beaches that deserve mention are the holy beach of Shankumughamin Trivandrum, the Snehatheeram beach or the Love Shore in Thrissur and the Kappil Beach in Kollam.

Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, is a one-of-a-kind state in India with the most beau­tiful green hills covered in clouds, lakes, mesmerizing waterfalls and mysterious caves. To top it all, it has rainfall through­out the year, bringing alive the natural beauty of the place. The state is dominated by the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills and its tribes are not only very colourful, but also display a rich culture, music and dance. Food here also has a unique charm. The state’s capital city of Shillong is so beautiful that it has inspired writers and poets since more than a century to come and write about it. The capital city is a big tourist at­traction. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are known as the wettest place on earth, one being the former record holder, the other being the current one. Cherrapunji is also known for its living root bridges, an indi­genous method of constructing bridges that has earned the awe of people around the world. Mawlynnong is the recent tourist favourite, having been awarded the distinction of being Asia’s cleanest village. The Mawsmai Caves, Siju Caves, mono­liths across the length and breadth of the state, Indo-Bangladesh border at Dawki and the forest areas of the state, especially the Nokrek National Park and Mawphlang Sacred Grove, also cast a spell on visitors. With so much to see and experience in this state in the northeastern region of India, one can easily spend one whole week indulging in all that it has to offer. But in this article, we decided to restrict ourselves to the beautiful waterfalls only. Meghalaya has some of the tallest falls in India. The following are some of the most noteworthy ones. 1. Kynrem Falls Kynrem Falls is a waterfall located in the Khasi hills on the eastern belt. It is a three storeyed falls. It cascades down from a hill gloriously for about 1,000 feet. Kynrem Falls is located in the Thankarang Park in the Cherrapunji region. Be­cause of its location it is spectacular throughout the year as the flow of water is perfect. Once inside the park, one has to do a downhill trek through the forests to reach the waterfall. There is a bridge from where one can marvel at the waterfall. It is also one of the highest waterfalls in Meghalaya and is ranked the 7th highest in India. The other attraction here is the Shiva Rock, also known by many other names like Pillar Rock or Mothorp. From this rock, one can get amazing views of Meghalaya. This waterfall is located about 16 km from Cherrapunji. 2. Elephant Falls Elephant Falls is a very popular sightsee­ing location for both tourists and locals in Meghalaya. This is because it is located closest to the capital city of Shillong. The falls cascades through three tiers for which it is known as KaKshaid Lai Pateng­Khohsiew, which, in the local language, translates to three step waterfalls. The flow of the water is quite heavy, making huge sprays around. One has to go down all three levels to see the full waterfall. It is covered by thick greenery all around. The Elephant Falls is so named because there used to be a rock here that resembled an elephant. It was however, destroyed during an earthquake. The water itself flows over rocky surface. During winter, when the flow is less, one can see the shal­low bed of the water, which is a brilliant green. Shillong Peak is located close by; it offers splendid views of the city. 3. Seven Sisters Falls Seven Sisters Falls is a very popular water­fall in India. It is also known as Nohsngithi­ang Falls or Mawsmai Falls. It is located in Cherrapunji, near the Mawsmai Village. It is called the Seven Sisters Falls because there are seven segments through which the waterfall cascades, making it look like seven different waterfalls located side-by-side. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India, ranked 4th, plunging down over 1,033 feet from the top of the Khasi hills. The waterfall is absolutely mesmerizing as it cascades down limestone cliffs of the Khasi hills. The white expanse of the waterfall is covered in lush greens. This waterfall almost dries up during winter, but it is voluminous during monsoon. The Seven Sisters Falls is located about 2 hours from the city of Shillong. 4. Nohkalikai Falls Nohkalikai Falls is amongst the most beau­tiful waterfalls in Meghalaya, located at a distance of 7 kms from Cherrapunji. It has the highest plunge in India. The water cas­cades down from an altitude of 1,115 feet forming a pool below. Water in the pool is green in summer and blue in winter. It is a truly picturesque waterfall. But there is a very depressing story behind this waterfall. Folklore has it that a lady jumped into this wa­terfall after discovering that her second husband had killed her daughter from first marriage and cooked her meat to feed the mother. 5. Dainthlen Falls Dainthlen Falls is located in Sohra, close to Cherrapunji. There is an interesting story as­sociated with it. It is said that there was a huge serpent called Thlen that lived in the caves near the falls. The locals however found it destructive and killed it to free themselves from its hands. Thlen is the Khasi word for python. Today there is a scenic park here and the place is a very fa­mous picnic spot for the locals and daytrippers. 6. Langshiang Falls The Langshiang Falls are located in the west Khasi Hills. It is formed from the water of River Kynshi. The Langshiang Falls are really massive. It has a single plunge and a height of more than 1,000 feet making it one of the highest water­fall in India. It is surrounded by the Sangrian for­ests. The falls are best viewed from the village of Mawpon. A small trek to the Nongkhnum river island is a popular activity here. One has to reach Nongkhnum to view Langshiang. 7. Bishop and Beadon Falls Bishop and Beadon Falls are one of the most pleasant waterfalls in India. It is a rare treasure in Meghalaya. These are twin falls. Bishop Falls is a three-tiered waterfall with a heavy stream, flowing down an altitude of 440 feet while Beadon falls creates foam crashing down rocky slopes surrounded by green forests. The water falls into a deep gorge of the Umiam River. The falls ultimately end up flowing through Suna Valley. These falls can be reached from Shillong, after a short trek from Maw­lai. The location of these falls in a forested area gives visitors the opportunity of view­ing wildlife also. The location is perfect for picnics. There is a platform to view the falls from a distance. 8. Sweet Falls Sweet Falls are located near the Happy Valley. It is located remotely and is not very frequented by tourists, yet popular with the locals. It is surrounded by hills and thick green forests filled with mostly pine trees. Although only about 315 feet in height these falls are said to be very dangerous. People are prohibited to trek till the point of the falls since many accidents have occurred due to the slippery rocks here. Locals also believe that this falls is haunted. However, one can enjoy its scenic beauty from Happy Valley. The falls are located very close to the city centre of Shillong. 9. Borhill Falls The Borhill Falls are situated near Dawki. Dawki is a wonderful location with cliffs and the Umngot river, on the Indo- Bangladesh border. Borhill Falls is a little remote, so it is less treaded on by tourists. The falls are at their best during monsoon since the flow of water is heavy. The water from here ultimately flows into Sylhet in Bangladesh. Great views of the Khasi hills are on offer here. The Bangladesh border can be seen from this place, and this is an added attraction for tourists. One can camp on the banks of the Umngot here or go swimming or boating all the way up to the Bangladesh border. 10. Mawphlang Falls / Umkawang Falls Mawphlang is a mesmerizing place near Cherrapunji and Shillong with some hidden treasures of Meghalaya. It is also known as the Umkawang Falls. The caves, and sacred forest of Mawphlang located nearby are simply awe-inspiring. The Mawphlang Sa­cred Grove is a mysterious forest, that has many legends associated with it. The falls has a long cascade through multiple tiers. The falls end into a small pool of clear water. One has to do a short trek before reaching the falls. 11. Krang Shuri Falls One of the lesser known falls, Krang Shuri is to be found in West Jaintia Hills, about 30 km from the town of Jowai. Visitors have to pass through a forest with slippery stones to reach here. The most jaw-drop­ping aspect of this falls is the colour of the water of its plunge pool. It is a beauti­ful shade of deep copper sulphate blue. Reaching here is worth all the pain. It looks like a perfect dream. The best part is that the place is less crowded. 12. Rainbow Falls This is often referred to as Meghalaya’s best kept secret. This falls is located in Non­griat village, about 18 km from Cherrapunji. At Nongriat, vehicles do not ply and you have to see around on foot. One has to descend about 3,500 steps to reach this postcard perfect vil­lage. Inside the village, the sky is hardly visible as the trees form a canopy around. The falls lies se­cluded deep inside the forest and it takes about 1.5 hours trek from the double decker bridge to reach here. The falls plunges into a pool of deep blue that invite visitors to take a dip. But one should be careful with the slippery rocks. 13. Tyrshi Falls Located on the Jowai-Shillong Road, this is another beautiful but lesser known falls of Meghalaya. It is often called Jowai’s answer to Shillong’s Elephant Falls. Reaching it involves some trek, but the trip is worth all the pain. The surroundings of the falls is blessed with abun­dant beauty, so much that you would not like to come back. No ticket is required to visit here and there are no crowds. So one can enjoy the sound of gushing water amidst the serenity.

West Bengal is not just about literature, cultural history, or the lip-smacking food. If one looks close into the natural wealth of the state, one will be surprised to find almost all kinds of geographical features here! Except deserts maybe! From rivers, to plains, deltas, islands, mangroves, forests, hills, there is so much that the state has to offer. To add to that, a major part of the state is connected to the Bay of Bengal, which automatically gives rise to one of the most coveted tourism destinations – beaches! Exploring the beaches of West Bengal will open a whole new world to the traveller. From the largest delta in the world to the border of the state of Odisha, there are many beautiful beaches in the state. The following is brief information about the most prominent beaches of Bengal. 1. Digha Digha is undoubtedly the most popular beach in West Bengal. It is easily reachable by road from Calcutta. It is about 187 km to the south west of the city. Digha has a shallow sand beach. The beach is as long as 7km in length! The long beach shifts its shoreline through the day, depending on the tides. The beach is lined with Casuarinas. There are lots of things to do at the beach. There are souvenirs being sold, fried fish and seafood on offer at the beach. One can even go to nearby tourist places such as Biswa Bangla Park, the Marine Aquarium, Digha Science Centre and Amaravati Park. If one wants some serenity, one can go to New Digha Beach, since that has less people. The beach can be visited any time of the year, but it is most pleasant in the months from July to March. A word of caution here! Since some of the areas in the Digha shore are prone to quick sand, one should not attempt to go beyond the designated swim point. 2. Mandarmani Mandarmani is a village in East Midnapore district of West Bengal. It also has a beach of the same name. It is a very popular vacation spot for people in the state, and the perfect weekend getaway. One can drive there from Calcutta, as it is only 180 km away from the city. The unique feature of this beach is the red crabs that crawl all over the sand on the beach. There are lots of accommodation options here and it remains busy throughout the year. The greatest claim to fame of this beach is that it is the only motorable beach in India and one can enjoy driving on the beach here. 3. Shankarpur Shankarpur offers an isolated beach experience. It is a virgin beach located about 10 km from Digha. It is a fisherman’s beach, so one will be able to see a lot of fishing activities. After a pleasant sunrise, the fishermen can be seen hauling their nets out of the sea filled with fish! The clean beach and clear waters, combined with a wonderful breeze is perfect for a vacation. 4. Tajpur Tajpur is a rare gem in Bengal. It is a beach tucked away in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, away from the hustle and bustle of civilisation. Tajpur is a fast growing vacation destination in Bengal and it is a comparatively new one. The beach lies on the way between Kolkata and Digha and is about 170 km away from Kolkata. Many fancy accommodation spots have come up here of late. Water sports are also available. Therefore a tourist will not only enjoy the calm and quiet natural beauty but also be enthralled by the water sports that are sure to raise adrenaline levels. 5. Bakkhali Bakkhali is a beach in one of the islands on the deltaic region of the Ganga. The island opens into the Bay of Bengal, promising both sunrises and sunsets, the vast ocean, lots of tranquility and not to mention pristine beauty. The beach of Bakkhali is unique in that it is half moon shaped. On one side is the mangrove forests of Sunderbans and on the other is the sea. Since the water of the Ganga meets the ocean here, the water here may appear muddy. It is rich in aquatic animals. Even beautiful birds are seen here making it very popular with birdwatchers. There are many places one can visit from Bakkhali. These are Frazergunje, which also has a very long beach, and Henry’s Island. One may even take a boat ride upto Jambu Dweep. Bakkhali is about 130 km from Kolkata. 6. Junput Junput is located about 40 km away from Digha. It is a beautiful sea beach, lined with casuarina trees. It is almost a virgin beach with less tourist interference. The beach is important as the State Government Fisheries Department does brackish water fish cultivation and research here. The pretty turquoise water against the lush greenery looks very pristine. 7. Udaipur One of the most spectacular beaches in West Bengal is Udaipur. It is located about 2km away from Digha, very close to the border with Odisha. This is another virgin beach surrounded by casuarina trees. There are a lot of activities that one can do in the beach. There is a host of water sports like banana boat and speed boats. There are a number of makeshift stalls on the beach where fresh fish are cooked and sold, which is a local delicacy. 8. Bankiput One of those rarely treaded upon beaches in Bengal is that of Bankiput. It is not yet frequented by tourists, so it retains a lot of its pristine charm. It is located very close to Junput. Bankiput can be reached from Digha, which is about 40 km away. The major attractions here are the Dariapur Lighthouse and the fishing harbour where the Rasulpur River meets the Bay of Bengal. 9. Falta Beach Falta Beach is one of the many beaches of Bengal which is frequented by localites only, and not really by tourists. The Damodar River and the Hooghly river confluence near the Falta beach. An interesting fact about the beach is that the name of the beach has been derived from a ship of the same name that was damaged here, back in the 17th century. 10. Sagardwip Beach Sagardwip Beach is located in the Sunderbans. It is also known as the Gangasagar beach. Sagardwip is an island at the confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal. The colour of the beach is silvery. The beach also has religious importance. People come here to take a dip in the holy Ganga river during Sankranti in the month of January. The Sagar beach is at the tip of the island where the Bay of Bengal starts. There are a number of attractions here. For the spiritual ones, Kapil Muni Temple and Onkarnath Temple will be of importance. The Sagar Lighthouse and Bharat Seva Ashram are other places to visit. The Ganga Sagar Mela takes place here every year during Sankranti. 11. Talsari Beach The Talsari beach is located close to Digha Beach – about 7 km away. The beach is a part of the Gangetic delta. It is a pristine beach surrounded by palm and coconut trees. There are mostly calm low tide waves here. There is very little human intervention and the beach retains its beauty. It stretches for about 3 km. 12. Henry Island Henry Island is located near Bakkhali and has turned into a very popular weekend destination for tourists in West Bengal. The name of the island can be attributed to a British explorer who had ended up in this place in the 19th century. The serene beach here is one that must not be missed. Henry Island is located about 130 k from Kolkata. The beach here is often seen crowded with red crabs.

Amidst the iconic landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks, one also comes across in Uttarakhand picture perfect waterfalls where water gush down break­ing the silence of the pristine surroundings. While most of these waterfalls are perfect for a short trek, being away from the busy tourist attractions, there are others that are crowd pullers. The waterfalls have an average height of 126m and an elevation of 1400m above the sea level. The falls add more charm to the beautiful state and visi­tors can spend time fishing, bathing under the glimmering falls, boating, swimming or just enjoying a good meal around nature. 1. Kempty Falls Located 14.5 km from Mussoorie and 48 km from Dehradun on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri Road, this fall is a fascinating one and among the best in India. Set at an elevation of 1364m above the sea level, this is a perfect picnic spot where one can enjoy water activities or just spend a re­laxed evening. Developed as a tourist des­tination in 1835, the name came from the words Camp-tea, as the place was used by the Britishers for organizing tea parties. The water here drops from a height of 50 feet flowing through five cascading falls in the downstream. Below there are big pools that offer excellent opportunity to swim and play in crystal clear water of the mountain stream. 2. Bhatta Falls It is located 7 km from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Dehradun Road near Bhatta village. On reaching here one has to walk for about 3 km on narrow and steep but smooth road. The waterfall cascades down from a height of 30 feet into a naturally created pool where people of all ages come to bath and play. The location of this waterfall is in a quaint area making it a good place for relaxing. There is a children’s park nearby that is ideal for kids. Eateries around offer basic ready-to-eat food like noodles, soups and coffee. 3. Jharipani Falls This cascading falls is known for pristine beauty of its surroundings. Located about 9 km from Mussoorie on the Mussoorie-Jharipani road, one can get beautiful view of the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas from here. 4. Tiger Falls Located 111 km from Dehradun, 105 km from Mussoorie and 26 km from Chakrata, it is a beautiful waterfall in the middle of hilly terrain at an elevation of 1395m. It cascades down from a height of 50m forming a small pond at the base. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed bath in the pond. It is a favourite spot for basic trekkers and picnic goers. It takes a 5km trek from Chakrata through forest with rhododendron and oak trees to reach this falls. 5. Sahastradhara Falls Located about 14 km from Dehradun, the water of this falls is said to have medicinal properties. The sulphur water spring attracts huge number of tourists. The caves around are added attractions. It is particularly crowded during the rainy season. 6. Jimi Ghat Waterfalls Blessed with lush greenery all around, this waterfall in the Pithoragarh District offers scintillating views of the Nanda Devi Moun­tain. The ghat is encircled by the rhododen­drons and birch trees. 7. Vasudhara Falls These falls are often said to be the most beau­tiful in Uttarakhand. Located 11.5 km from the holy city of Badrinath and 6 km from Mana Vil­lage, near these falls are a perfect relaxing spot from where one can enjoy the views of lofty mountains against the blue sky. It is popular as a short trekking route from Badrinath. The water falls from a height of 400 feet here. Dur­ing the short trek to this waterfall, visitors pass through scenic views of the Vasudhara River valley and the Chaukhamba, Nilkantha and Balakun mountains at a distance. A refresh­ing bath under the cascading water washes away all the exhaustion of the arduous trek. There are no shops around, so one must remember to carry water bottle and food. It is said that the beauty of the Vasudhara falls can only be enjoyed by those who are clean, pure and un­stained from guilt and to those who are not, the waterfall is invisible. Monsoon is the best time to be here. 8. Garud Chatti Falls Located 9 km from Rishikesh and 4 km from Lakshman Jhula, this is a small waterfall nestled amidst lush greenery. One needs to trek for about 1.5 km from a temple dedicated to Garuda in Lakshman Jhula to reach the waterfall. 9. Chineshwar Waterfall Located in a small village called Garaun in Kumaon, this giant waterfall measur­ing 160 ft in height is hidden inside a dense pine forest. 10. Corbett Falls This cascade is 38 km from Nainital and 25 km from Ramnagar on the Ramnagar - Kaladhungi highway inside a dense teak wood forest. It cascades down from a height of 20m in to a pool. Although not huge, bathing in the pool is not permit­ted. One can visit here for enjoying the natural beauty though. Trekking in forests, bird watching and nature walks are some activities to indulge in here. 11. Patna waterfall Located at a distance of 13 km from Rishikesh and 6.5 km from Lakshman Jhula in Patna vil­lage, this waterfall is famous for the limestone caves nearby. This trek to the waterfall is steep and difficult. However, the waterfalls is almost dry in summer and hence summer time should be avoided. There are many other waterfalls in Uttarakhand. Some of the most prominent ones are the Rudrad­hari Waterfall near Kausani, the lesser known Kimona Waterfall in Chakrata, Maldevta Waterfall and Shikhar Waterfall near Dehradun, the Moigad Fall located 69 km from Dehradun, jade blue coloured Neergarh Waterfalls located about 5 and 7 kms from Lakshman Jhula, the Phool Chatti Waterfall in Rishikesh, Birthi Falls near Tejam and Mossy Falls in Mussoorie. All come with their own uniqueness, but what is common to them is abundant beauty and pristine charm. All of them deserve to be seen with naked eyes.

The tiny state of Sikkim is filled with wonders of Mother Earth. Tucked away in the Himalayas, it has some of the best scenic spots in India. Magnificent passes, spectacular lakes and views of some of the highest peaks in the world make it a place worth visit. To top it all, there are some breathtaking waterfalls here. 1. Kanchenjungha Falls The Kanchenjungha is the third highest peak in the world and the highest in India. It is located on the border of India and Nepal in Sikkim. Gorgeous views of the Kanchenjun­ga are not the only treat here; the Kanchen­junga Falls that originate from Mt. Kanchen­junga is a splendid waterfall. Located close to Pelling, the falls, surrounded by a thick forest, is a perennial one, which means that it can be seen gushing throughout the year, without freezing. It is a popular spot for day trips. One can reach the viewpoint here by a half an hour drive from Pelling. 2. Banjhakri Falls One will come across these falls on the way to Ranka monastery from Gangtok. The falls start from a height of 40 metres and falls with full force over the rocky terrain. The name comes from ‘Ban’ which means forest and ‘jhakri’ which means traditional healers. Ban Jhakri is said to be a man with healing powers who resides in the forests here. Nearby is an energy park which also attracts a lot of tourists nowadays. It has beautiful gardens and statues of ethnic cultures like Lepcha and Mangpas. The park has solar power generated activities for the public. It is located 12 km from Gangtok. 3. Bakthang Falls Bakthang Falls are located only about 3km from the capital city Gangtok. It can be seen from the roadside, hence easily acces­sible. It is in North Sikkim, very close to the Tashi View Point. The falls start from Ratey Chu, which is the main water supplying river in the city Gangtok. The waterfalls are quite wide and that makes it even more spectacular. One can experience an adrena­line rush here by taking the rope sliding. From the spot one can see the Himalayas and the town of Gangtok below. 4. Naga Falls These falls are situated near Lachung, on the Gangtok-Chungthang road, about 82 km from Gangtok. It is one of the longest waterfalls of Sik­kim. Surrounded by snow capped Himalayas, the falls has many levels. The main fall being very far from the road, one has to trek to see it. There is a scenic rocky path for trekking up there. It is not safe to visit during monsoon as the flow of water becomes quite heavy. 5. Changey Waterfall This popular waterfall is located only 9 km from Pelling, on the Pelling-Dantam Road. It is a white stream of water cutting through thick green slopes of the mountain. The waterfall is sur­rounded by hills. The water crashes down from a height of 300 feet. One has to walk for 20 minutes through a rough pathway till the falls. The Dantam Bazaar located nearby, is popular for shopping. 6. BhimNala Falls It is a mesmerizing waterfall located in Khedum near Lachung in North Sikkim. This waterfall is among the highest in the state of Sikkim and a very popular tour­ist spot. The fall has three levels through which it cascades. The falls is located on the Chungthang-Lachung road, so one can stop here and admire the natural beauty. The impact of the gushing waters of the falls creates a loud and continuous sound which can be heard from far off. 7. Phamrong Falls These falls probably has the most power­ful flow of water. It is the highest waterfall in Sikkim and is located between Yuksom and Tashiding. The source of this waterfall is also the Kanchenjunga. The waterfall crashes through a green plateau and then take a steep downward spiral. It is a multi-tiered waterfall creating huge spray of water that has created natural water pools between the road and the main falls. There is a bridge from which one can view the falls. To reach this viewpoint, one has to trek for about 200 m. The Kanchenjunga can be viewed up close from here. From Pelling it is only 35 km away. 7. Rimbi Waterfalls Located near Darap village, this is a very popular sightseeing spot in Sikkim. It lies on the way to the famous Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksam. The falls are part of the Rimbi river which is popular for activities like swimming and fishing. There is greenery around through which the white stream of water cascades. It is located only 12 km from Pelling. The waterfall is most spectacular in summer, as the flow is perfect. During monsoon, the flow of water is too high, making it dangerous. A very old hydro electric power station is located near the water­fall, which supplies water to towns in West Sikkim including Pelling. It is quite pleasant during summer and in winter, temperatures drop below -5. 9. Seven Sisters Falls It is a very popular spot near Gangtok situated near the highway between Gangtok and Lachung. These are seven smaller falls together. The waterfall is most gorgeous during monsoon when the flow of water is at its highest. The water falls through very rugged terrain over limestones and creates a picturesque ambience. It also creates a thunderous sound. 10. Kyongnosla Waterfalls These falls are located about 31 kms away from the state capital Gangtok in the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary on the way to Nathu La pass and Tshangu Lake. The water falls from a height of 10,400 ft. The impact of the gushing water creates a massive amount of spray. Since the wa­terfall is so high, the top is covered with clouds. Because of its height, locals call it Amitabh Bachchan Falls! In the sanctuary one will be able to see many rare species like the Snow leopard, Tibetan Gazelle and Tibetan wolf. Monsoon is a good time to visit as the rhododendrons and primulas are in full bloom at this time. 11. Kali Khola Falls These falls, also known as Kuikhola Falls, are located on the way to Rongli from Rorathang on the Old Silk Route. These falls are also often re­ferred to as the Lonely Falls as these are located in a secluded spot, hidden by greenery. The spot is perfect for photography and the place draws a number of visitors just for this reason. Summers are cold here and in winter, temperatures drop below -2. The waters of the Kali Khola Falls are very crystal clear. The waterfalls are about 100 metres in length. The water flows over lush green slopes before crashing over rocky mountain.

It is a goal for all Indians to spend a vacation in Goa, once in a life. It is thought to be the place where fun combines with serenity to give visitors the ultimate holiday experience. Spending time in the breathtaking beaches throughout the coastline of the state is perhaps the only reason people get so attracted to Goa. What often goes neglected is the fact that Goa is also a prime Western Ghats location making it the abode of some of the best waterfalls in the country. The following are the ones not to miss: 1. Dudhsagar Falls The Dudhsagar Falls is one of the most celebrated waterfalls in India. The name itself speaks for its beauty – dudh meaning milk and sagar meaning ocean, implying that it is a heavy flow of foamy milky white waters. The waterfall is located on the border of Goa and Karnataka in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctu­ary and Mollem National park. It originates from the Mandovi River and cascades down a height of 300 m. There is an incessant gushing sound of the waters which adds to the beauty of the place. It is surrounded by lush green forests. One can reach Dudhsagar Falls from Kulem Station and then take a vehicle to reach Mollem (6 km). 2. Netravali Falls Netravali falls is one of the most attractive falls in Western Ghats. It is located in the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and can be reached by a 2 hours’ drive from Madgao. Birdwatching must be done here as the sanctuary is frequented by birds. A number of wildlife species can also be spotted here. Panthers, cobras, hornbills and loris are common here. 3. Savari Waterfall Savari Waterfall is located in Sanguem. It is situated in Eastern Goa and is known for the wildlife surrounding it. The activities one can undertake here are trekking, mountain climb­ing and a memorable jungle walk exploring the wildlife. 4. Mainapi Waterfall Mainapi Waterfall is also located in Netravali. It is smaller than the main Netravali waterfall. It is tucked away in the interiors and is less intruded upon by tourists. One can trek till the main loca­tion of the waterfall but the trek takes about 2 hours. It is a slightly difficult trek as the path becomes very steep at places. Swimming is a popular activity here. 5. Kesarval Falls Kesarval Falls are located in Verna plateau, 20 km from Panaji. It is also known as Kesarval Spring which is famous for its medicinal elements. The word Kesarval translates to ‘eagles’ as it is said to be a house of the eagles. The waterfall is stun­ning as there are beautiful forests around, with mainly betel palm trees. There is a winding trail through the forest to reach the water­fall. Swimming is a popular activity here. 6. Surla Waterfalls Located in Belgaum on the Goa Karnataka border, it is a spectacular place with good trekking options. During monsoon, the beauty of the place is enhanced. The trek begins from the rocky banks of the Kalsa River, crosses the Kalsa waterfall and then reaches Surla, ending at Surla valley. 7. Charavane Falls This falls is located in Charavane in Goa near the city of Valpoi. It is located in the Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary and therefore offers great trekking options through pic­turesque green landscapes. The Charavane Falls has a beautiful cascade and is sur­rounded by greenery. 8. Kuske Waterfall Kuske Waterfall is one of the smallest waterfalls in Goa. It is also a seasonal one and has volume only during monsoon. It is located in Canacona near the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary. It falls from a good height. The colour of the water is milky white making it quite serene for an iso­lated getaway. 9. Bamanbudo Waterfalls Bamanbudo waterfalls are located at the Ambeghat. It is a very pretty waterfall, situated right on the road, hence easier to locate. The interesting thing to do here is go bird watching. It is a pristine waterfall located in South Goa, and remains still unexplored. The crowd here is very limited, thus making it perfect for visiting. 10. Tambdi Surla Tambdi Surla is a spectacular waterfall located inside Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary. The waterfall is surrounded by thick forests, which bring out the prettiness in the cascade. There is a temple at the bottom of the waterfall. One has to trek through the forests to reach the fall. 11. Arvalem waterfall Arvalem or Harvalem waterfall is located in Sanquelim. It is a splendid waterfall cascading down 50 metres from a hill. There is a park and a view point to marvel at the waterfall. It is great for swimming as well as picnics. The Arvalem Rock Cut caves, Mayem Lake and the Rudreshwar temple are nearby attractions.

Odisha is a state that is located prominently on the eastern coast of India. In addition to offering a lot of cultural experience, both historical and tribal, Odisha also has a wonderful treasury of nature’s blessings. What is better is that some of these historical heritages are located in these picturesque natural surroundings, so travellers have a wonderful time in this state. The following is an account of the major beaches in the state: 1. Chandrabhaga The Chandrabhaga Beach is one of the finest beaches of the state of Odisha. It is located about 30 km from Puri city. It is located very close to the Sun temple of Konark. A unique fact about the beach is that it was considered to be a place for natural cure for leprosy. Since the beach is so close to the Konark temple, a number of cultural activities take place here from time to time. Chandrabhaga Beach is very well maintained. So much so that it became Asia’s first beach to get the coveted Blue Flag certification. This certification is a tag that the beach is an environment friendly and clean beach, and that It has amenities of international standard for tourists. According to mythology, Krishna’s son Shamba used to worship the Sun God to get cured of his leprosy. He worshipped the Sun on the mouth of the Chandrabhaga. The river then dried up and turned into a very dry land with only just a narrow stream of water. It then became a religious spot since his disease was gone. Another lore says that Chandrabhaga, the daughter of a sage became the interest of the Sun God. He came down to profess his love for her, but Chandrabhaga refused to give herself to him. In a rage, the Sun God chased her, until she jumped into the river and killed herself. This way she protected her chastity, and hence the river became sacred. During winter, people take a dip in the water to offer their prayers to the Sun God. This place is also famous for its sunrises. Chandrabhaga has remained a place of interest for the romantics, poets and artists. While the beach at Puri is crowded, this one is serene. There is a large community of fishermen here, from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh here, who have settled down here since it is very rice in aquatic resources. The places to visit around Chandrabhaga include a lighthouse from which the vast Bay of Bengal is seen in all its glory. The Chandrabhaga Mela takes place here every year. It is a festival that continues for seven days in honour of the Sun God, Surya. One can even enjoy the water activities here like sun bathing, swimming and even surfing. The best time to visit the beach is either around February or during autumn to winter months when the weather is most pleasant. The nearest airport and railway station are at Puri. There are also state buses connected to other parts of Odisha. 2. Chandipur Chandipur is a magnificent beach in Odisha. It is located in Balasore. It is also known as Chandipur-on-sea because the water subsides upto 5km from the shore during low tide. This happens twice a day, until the high tides bring back the waves again, which is an uncommon phenomenon. The unique phenomenon draws a lot of tourists here. The pretty beach is lined with coconut trees and casuarinas. There is a fishermen’s community close by as well as a thriving fishing market at Mirzapur which is located at the confluence of the Budhabalanga River with the sea. The sea here is rich in marine resources. The horseshow crabs are found in abundance as the receding property of the sea supports its habitat. From Chandipur one can go for sightseeing to a number of places. The Devkund waterfall is ideal for trekking. A number of water sports are also available here because of the high waves of the Bay of Bengal. One can even go for a ride into the sea on a fisherman’s boat. For the spiritual, there are a number of temples such as Panchalinegeswar, Khirachora-Gopinath temple, Chandipur Beach, Emami-Jagannath temple and the Nilgiri Jagannath temple. The beach, lined with coconut trees is pleasant for simply walking along and tourists prefer to do so as the water recedes. The beach is very popular with tourists because of the vanishing sea! Winter is the best time to visit Chandipur beach. The nearest railway station is at Balasore. From Balasore it is easily accessible by taking a bus or a local taxi or auto. 3. Gopalpur Gopalpur beach is located in a town of the same name in Ganjam, Odisha. Gopalpur is a majestic Bay of Bengal beach. It is located very close to the Andhra Pradesh border and is known as the commercial hub of Southern Odisha! The beach used to be a famous port during the ancient ages; the port is currently in ruins. It used to serve as a trade route with Burma. Rice used to be imported from Rangoon through this port, and the British East India Company had built large warehouses and godowns here. A new port reconstruction is under way. Otherwise it was a small fishing village which has now blossomed into a thriving tourist destination. The beach is a calm and quiet location with soft sand dunes, casuarinas and coconut trees all around. The tourist attractions at Gopalpur are aplenty. The old jetty in Gopalpur is a popular attraction. This jetty was an important point for trade and commerce as the sailors used to travel to Indonesia and Rangoon from this jetty. The Light House at Gopalpur is also quite popular with tourists. One can view the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal till the horizon from up above. Good photography opportunities are also available here. The rows of cashew nut trees here are also quite splendid. Cashew nuts are exported from here after processing. At the nearby Dhabaleshwar, there is a temple called Dhabaleshwar Temple. A beach festival is organized here every year in the month of December. Apart from the natural splendours, the backwaters of Gopalpur are ideal for a number of adventure water sports. A host of activities such as rowing, swimming, paddle boating, water scooter, scuba diving and wind surfing can be enjoyed here. One can even see sailing boats on the water. The best time to visit the Gopalpur Beach is during winter. 4. Puri Perhaps the favourite holiday spot in the east, Puri and its beach has been a major crowd puller through the ages. Puri is most visited by tourists from Bengal and a favourite with the Bengalis. Puri is also a place of pilgrimage for various reasons. It is located on the deltaic region of river Mahanadi. Puri is characterized by fine white sands and the city on the other side. The sunrises seen from here are surreal. The waves are quite lively, bouncing off against the shoreline. The beach is famous for being very family friendly. Sand sculptures on the beach are a common sighting here. There are many vendors on the beach, selling various types of souvenirs, toys and food. One can go on a horse or camel ride along the sand. There are rows of hotels and restaurants just outside of the beach. There are also plenty of lifeguards around on patrol in case there is an emergency while bathing in the sea. There are many things to see in Puri. The temple of Lord Jagannath is an important place for pilgrimage. It was built in the 12th century AD and is the most important of the Char Dhams. Most of the treasures of this temple have been looted by various invaders. During the Rathyatra festival, the whole of Puri gets crowded with millions of devotees from all over India, with the massive chariots being pulled across the city from the temple. The Beach Festival here takes place every year in November. There are fishing villages nearby. The fishermen set out during sunrise in search of fresh seafood that get caught in their nets. Puri is accessible from Bhubaneswar or through a direct train from many neighbouring states. It is connected directly through railway with Calcutta, and it is just an overnight journey from here. On one side of Puri is the Bay of Bengal and on the other is the Puri city. The Chilika Lake is also not very far away. The beach is divided into a few distinguished parts. The Chakratirtha side is calmer. The Swargadwar is more bustling. Other places to visit are Markandeshwar Tank which is a sacred bathing spot; Gundicha Temple, the District Museum, the Raghunandana library. A dance festival happens every year at the Konark Sun temple which must not be missed.

There are many interesting lines, borders and passes around the world that tourists find interesting. This Snap­shot is a listing of all those attractions which must be in your bucket list when you visit any of these destinations next time. 1. Equator, Quito, Equador The Equator is the latitudinally the longest imaginary line on the surface of the earth, diving the globe into two equal halves – the Northern and the Southern hemispheres. The Equator is a line where there are no change of seasons. One of the countries through which the Equator passes is Equador. There is a point on this country at the city of Quito, where the world is divided into two halves, and is known as Mitad del Mundo, literally translating to ‘middle of the world’. The Tourism department of the country has made sure that this point is as tourist friendly as possible and has developed it into an interesting travel destina­tion. The point is situated in a park, where one has to pay $2 as entry fees. Inside the park there is the Ethnographic Museum atop which there are breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. 2. Vatican City and Rome - Country within a city One of the most majestic cities on Earth, Rome is filled with cathedrals, churches, monuments with the best art and archi­tecture. And a major part of it lies in the Vatican city, the coun­try of the Pope, Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and many more celebrated artists. But the most curious thing about this place is that this small country grew up inside a city! The gor­geous ornate gate in Rome serves as an entrance to the Vatican. Naturally, the country shares its borders with a full city. There are many attractions in the Vatican city, including the grand St Peter’s basilica, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Square and many more. 3. Greenwich, UK Much like the Equator, the most important longitudinal line across the globe of the earth is the 0 (Zero) degrees longitude that passes through Greenwich in London, giving shape to time standards across the globe. This point is known as Greenwich Meridian where the standard of time is set at Greenwich Mean Time. There is a royal palace at Greenwich which is known as the Palace of Placentia. It dates back to the 15th century, and was the birthplace of many Tudors, including the famous King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Greenwich became a popular tourist destination because of its maritime connections. Many important buildings were constructed here; among these were the Vanbrugh Castle and the National Maritime Museum. 4. North and South Korea A lot of political tension in Korea resulted in the land being divided into North and South Korea. The border of the two countries now has become a wildlife sanctuary. Because of the divide, the land remained isolated in the border region making it a spot where wildlife has thrived. This strip of land is known as the Korean Demilitarized Zone, where both countries have come to a mutual agreement to conserve natural resources and wildlife. A number of rare species of animals are found here - from endangered cranes to rare Siberian tigers, as well as roe deer, gorals and wild boar. 5. Poland – Ukraine border The border between Poland and Ukraine was born after Ukraine had lost its independence to the Soviet Union. In a turn of po­litical events, the parts of the two countries were divided be­tween the European Union and the Ukrainian SSR. The border is marked by the signature Polish and Ukrainian flag colours – yel­low and blue, and red and white. This is the longest border be­tween The Soviet and the EU, and the most frequently crossed by. Millions of people cross over from the Soviet into Europe through this border each year. It is an important smuggling and illegal immigration route through the numerous road, rail, pas­senger and cargo crossings that are heavily policed at the same time. Polish artist Jaroslaw Koziara created two giant fish images on each side of the border as a sign of the unity between the two countries. 6. Quadripoint in Africa. There is only one place on earth where four countries have met at a single point. This sounds really amazing, and quite unbeliev­able too. In Africa, the countries of Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana have come to an intersection which can only be termed as the Quadripoint of Africa. There are no fancy monu­ments or distinction marks between the four countries here, but the point is located in the middle of a river that cuts between the countries. 7. Dead Sea The Dead sea has a number of significances. Not only is it the only sea where people can stay afloat and never drown, it is also a shared waterbody between three major countries – Jor­dan, Israel and Palestine. Because of its high salt content, it is impossible to drown here, and tourists come here to witness the unique phenomenon of floating freely on the water. The high salt content also makes it impossible for animals or plants to thrive here, hence giving the sea its name. From this sea, the land areas of the three countries can be viewed. The salt sea is surrounded by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. It is a very popular retreat in the Mediterranean basin. 8. Bomdi La Towards the north-eastern part of India, there is a breathtaking pass at the Indo-China border, in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Known as Bomdi La, this pass is situated close to the pictur­esque Tawang. The small town of Bomdila is perched along the border, surrounded by the imposing Himalayas. The Bomdi La pass is characterized by Buddhist monasteries and apple or­chids. There are many trekking trails, with the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary lying close by. The influence here is mostly Tibetan. 9. US and Russia - Diomedes islands If one takes a close look at the globe of the earth, one will notice how the United States of America and Russia come very close to a meeting point, separated only by a few groups of islands. The Little Diomedes and the Big Diomedes are a part of USA and Russia, separated by only 2 and a half miles of water. That also means that USA and Russia are as close as two and a half miles to each other! The space between the two Diomedes islands is also where the International Date Line passes through, which is another important longitudinal line, crossing which one gains or loses a day! The islands are located in the Bering Strait, a part of the Arctic Ocean between the two continents. 10. Costa Rica and Panama border The border between Costa Rica and Panama is an interesting geographical demarcation between the two nations. The border runs between the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts through the Cordillera Central. The border begins at the mouth of the Six­aola River in the Caribbean Sea, following the valley of this river to its influx in the Yorkin River. It then continues to the summit of the Cordillera de Talamanca, which separates the Caribbean waters and Pacific waters. The border meets the ridge that di­vides the water bodies into Golfo Dulce and the Charco Azul Bay. Until the end at Punta Burica on the Pacific Ocean. All of these points are important tourist attractions. 11. The Alps-Adriatic border It becomes quite interesting when countries are not merely di­vided by imaginary political boundaries but by actual geographi­cal landforms. The Alps are the most important mountain range in Europe and the Alps-Adriatic is a region where three coun­tries have met. It is the intersection of Austria, Italy and Slovenia. The borders of these countries are found at this junction, the boundaries marked by the Alps – The Karavanke running be­tween Austria and Sloveniam the Carnic Alps running between Austria and Italy and the Julian Alps running between Italy and Slovenia. 12. The Triple Frontier In South America, three of the major nations have come into a mutual meeting point, which has been termed as the Triple Frontier! The countries of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay share a tri-border area at this junction, where the Iguazu and the Par­ana rivers meet. It is a breathtaking site where the rivers meet from two directions and converge into one, giving rise to three lands, namely the three countries stated above. The cities of Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) are located near the confluence, or in other words, the international border. It is a very popular tourist spot, where the Tancredo Neves bridge can be seen, connecting the the Argentine city of Puerto Iguazú and its Brazilian counterpart, Foz do Iguaçu in the Región de las Aguas Grandes. Each country has built an obelisk at this international convergence, in its own national colours. Visitors can see all three countries from the top of each of these obelisks. 13. Stark contrasts of Haiti & Dominican Republic border This is yet another interesting international border. If one gets an aerial view of the two countries, one will clearly see how dif­ferent the two countries are, and will be able to clearly define a line of divide between the two countries based on how the landmark appears. It was because of the different environment policies of the two countries that they have different looks. While Haiti sees its forests as a valuable resource, Dominican Republic sees it as a place of conservation. Hence, on one side of the border on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic there is dense growth of forests, while on the other, there is dearth of greenery as these have been cleared off for the economic need for charcoal by the country. The border has been defined by planting trees separately along the line. 14. Pangong Lake, India Another beautiful travel destination on a border is the Pangong Lake, located on the Indo-China border, created in the recent times. The Pangong Lake located in the Ladakh district of Jam­mu and Kashmir in India is shared between India and China af­ter China claimed and occupied parts of India. The western part of the lake falls on the Indian side while the eastern part falls on the Aksai Chin or China occupied India, thus marking the lake as an international border. The pristine clear blue waters of this lake, surrounded by lofty mountains is a sight to behold! The lake is one of the biggest craze amongst tourists in India at the moment after it featured in the Bollywood blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’. 15. US & Canada Two of the biggest nations of the world and sharing the largest border is the United States of America and Canada. The bor­der is non-militarized, to keep the peace intact between the two neighbouring countries. The Peace Arch, located in Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia (near Vancouver), is a symbol of the open borders. The border is characterized by a number of geographical features. The great Lakes are a major part of the natural border, dividing the great lands. There are eight Canadian provinces and thirteen US states that share bor­ders, including Alaska which does not share any direct border with USA but is a part of the mainland of Canada. 16. Nathu La, Sikkim, India One of the most picturesque passes on the Indo-China border and one of the most popular tourist destinations at the moment is the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The pass is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India, the others being Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh at Uttrakhand. Fol­lowing political turmoils, and shutting down, Nathu La was re-opened in 2006. The pass is an important route for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages as well as for trade. Nathu La is located at a height of 14,140 feet from the sea level and offers wonderful views of the Himalayas. The word translates to ‘listening ears’ in Tibetan and forms a part of the ancient Silk Route. 17. German-Polish border One of the major turnarounds in history was the marking of the border between Germany and Poland during the World War I and the series of events that followed. Currently it is known as the Oder–Neisse line. It stretches from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Czech Republic in the south. It is known as the Oder-Neisse line because the two rivers of Oder and Neisse meet here, marking a natural border along the two nations. 18. Argentina and Chile Border The third longest international border, after USA-Canada and Kazakhstan-Russia borders is the Argentina-Chile border. Not only is it the third longest border in the world but also the long­est border in South America. To denote the separation between the two countries, a statue of Christ the Redeemer has been built high atop the Andes mountains to symbolize peace be­tween the two countries. This statue separates the countries of Argentina from Chile along the Andes and on the islands of Tierra del Fuego. The city of Mendoza in Argentina is one of the largest cities situated near the border. The northern point of this very border is also a tripoint where the nations meet Bolivia in the Atacama desert. The border then extends southwards to the Strait of Magellan upto the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. 19. The highest border in the world If one had to go to China from Nepal, one would have to cross the Mount Everest! Indeed it is the tallest mountain on the earth that separates the nations of Nepal and China. Sitting at the border of the two countries, the imposing Mt. Everest is an ideal point of demarcation between the large sprawling China and the small kingdom of mountains tucked away in the Himalayas - Nepal. The Friendship Bridge is built across the Bhote Koshi over the border with China and Nepal. However, Nepal shares it border along the Everest with the Tibet Autonomous Region which is a part of China. This border splits Mount Everest at its summit, making it the highest border in the world at a whop­ping 29,000 feet above sea level. 20. Indo-Pak Attari-Wagah Border After the partition of India, one of the borders that were defined between Pakistan and India at Punjab grew to be an important landmark. There is a place on the border called Attari-Wagah border where since 1959, there is a flag-lowering ceremony be­ing held by the two nations every day! The ceremony is con­ducted by the military forces of both the countries with much pomp and grandeur, marking it a popular tourist spot. There are specially trained soldiers who put up a show and march to the drumbeats amongst cheers from crowds on both sides of the border, until the lowering of the flags at sundown. This retreat is known as the Beating Retreat Ceremony and is a common travel destination in India. 21. Akhaura border Beating retreat The Akhaura border is an international border between India and Bangladesh at Agartala, Tripura. The fun part is that one can get a free visa to enter Bangladesh from India here! The check-post at Akhaura has a beautiful building, which provides transport area to trucks and other vehicles carrying good be­tween the two countries. There is also a retreat ceremony, much like the Wagah flag lowering ceremony, that is held here. The ceremony, more than signifying rivalry, portrays peace and co­operation between the two neighbouring countries. 22. Strait of Gibraltar The mystic Strait of Gibraltar has divided Spain and Morocco geographically. Appearing like a small strip of water dividing the two continents at this point, the Strait of Gibraltar has immense historical and natural significance. The famous Rock of Gibral­tar, juts out on the Mediterranean Sea making it a near point of connection between the continent of Africa and Europe at this region. The Strait of Gibraltar crossing is possible through the proposed Euromed Transport project, as swimming through it is dangerous, considering the number of sharks that infest the waters. 23. US - Mexico border Politically, the most controversial border of today, the mammoth US-Mexico border has too much importance attached to it. Ex­panding for over 3000 miles, this border has been a gateway for people migrating from Mexico to USA for ages now, and the most frequently crossed one at that! But these are not its only significances. The border has a number of important landmarks on it. There is a bridge over Lake Amistad on which a monument has been built with statues of the national birds of both USA and Mexico; it happens to be the same bird, eagle. The border passes through 23 US counties. The borders stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Gulf of Mexico in the west. The border stands majorly on desert terrains. It starts from the Gulf of Mexico, runs through Rio Grande river, Chihuahua, El Paso in Texas, then onto the Sonoran desert to the Colorado river delta and San Diego-Tijuana and reaches the Pacific Ocean ultimately. Texas has the longest part of the border running through it. There is a good deal of trade and exchange of goods happen­ing over this border. The crossing of the border takes place by roads, walkways, railroads and even ferries. 24. Ban Gioc Waterfall The countries of Vietnam and China share a natural border at the Ban Gioc waterfall. The Quay Son River forms the border be­tween Vietnam and China, and hence, the waterfalls that form here are shared by both Vietnam and China. For a better view of the cascade, bamboo rafts have been deployed by both the countries to see the waterfalls in all their glory. While on the rafts, tourists coming from each side of the border can meet and greet each other! The Ban Gioc Waterfall is 350km away from the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. 25. Netherlands and Belgium – A shared town A border can perhaps not get more bizarre than this! There is a small town called Baarle in Baarle-Nassau which is shared by two important European countries – the Netherlands and Belgium. A network of borders splits the town between the Netherlands and Belgium. It is structured in such a way that several parts of the Netherlands are completely surrounded by a piece of Bel­gian territory which is in turn surrounded by The Netherlands! Great confusion was created after a number of land swaps and treaties between the two countries. What is interesting is that, the border of Netherlands and Belgium at Baarle runs through a cafe! There are white crosses along the ground indicating the boundary between the two countries. These white crosses run through many villages, houses and roads being an international border at the same time. 26. Iguazu Falls A waterfall that is also an international border? Yes, that’s true. The Iguazu Falls are one of the seven Natural Wonders of the world. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it also forms a natural border between the two great nations of Brazil and Ar­gentina. The Iguazu Falls are a part of the Iguaza National Park that is shared by both Argentina and Brazil. The Iguazu Falls also happen to be one of the biggest falls, comparable to the largest one of them all – the Victoria Falls in Africa. Thousands of tour­ists visit the spectacular falls every year. 27. Jelep La Jelep La is a pass between Lhasa and Sikkim. It connects Tibet to India, being a gateway to the natural wonders of the Hima­layas on both sides. The word Jelep La translates to ‘the lovely level pass’, is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The beau­tiful Menmecho Lake flows below the Jelep La Pass. One can reach Jelep La through Kalimpong or through Gangtok. The older route is that of Kalimpong, passing through the pristine towns of Pedong, Rhenok and Kupup. The route from Gangtok, crosses the towns of Sherathang, with the Changu Lake situ­ated nearby and the Nathu La passing parallel. The Jelep La is a beautiful pass, with rhododendrons in full bloom on either side. On the Tibetan side, the path stretches towards Chumbi Valley of the Tibetan Plateau. Amongst all the Indo-Tibetan passes, the Jelep La is the most level pass, and hence the name. 28. Karakoram Pass The Karakoram Pass is a mountain pass between India and Chi­na in the Karakoram Mountain Range. One may note that the Karakoram Pass is the highest pass on the ancient caravan route between Leh in Ladakh and Yarkand in the Tarim Basin. The Karakoram Pass has a dark history associated with it. The land is barren, with negligible supply of fodder, making it impossible for animals to thrive. What was even more dreadful was that the bones of the dead animals would be strewn as a trail on the pass marking the way! 29. Khyber Pass One of the historical passes and a subject for many writers down the ages is the Khyber Pass which is a mountain pass that divides Afghanistan and Pakistan. It connects the town of Landi Kotal, near the Afghanistan and Pakistan border, to the Valley of Pe­shawar, among the Spin Ghar mountains. The Khyber Pass is an essential part of the ancient Silk Road, adding a lot of value to the cultural, economic, and geopolitical significance of the countries through which it passes. The Khyber pass has been an important trade route between Central Asia and the Indian Sub­continent for ages and currently forms part of the Asian High­way or AH1. The summit of the pass is at Landi Kotal in Pakistan. 30. Dawki, Meghalaya, India A considerable area of Meghalaya is shared with Bangladesh, which gives rise to international borders in the North Eastern Indian state. The picturesque Meghalaya or the abode of clouds gives way to the Bangladesh plainlands from the borders at Dawki. It is a town located in the Jaintia Hills. The Dawki bridge over the Umngot River can also be used for going to the other side. This is a suspension bridge built by the British during the pre-independence era. The Dawki-Tamabil border crossing be­tween India and Bangladesh is used for ferrying passengers and cargo and for transportation of coal. Dawki-Tamabil is one of the few border crossings by road between India and Bangla­desh. One can reach Dawki from Shillong’s Barabazar by availing of the shared transport facilities. On the other side, Tamabil in Bangladesh has a bus station which is connected to Sylhet. 31. Norway and Sweden border The long land border between Norway and Sweden amidst the mountains is a peaceful retreat with it turning into a skiing destination, with people crossing between the nations in skiis on the snows in the highlands. The Scandinavian mountains divide the two nations, also forming borders with Finland for the two nations. There are also railway crossings here, and only an Identity card is required to pass over to either side of the border. There are stone cairns built on the border that marks many parts of the border. 32. Spain and Portugal Spain and Portugal’s friendly relations are evident from their longitudinal border, one that can be crossed as easily as by foot! One of the oldest in the world, the border dividing the two neighbours is referred to as ‘la Raya’ which means ‘the stripe’ in Spanish. The Portugal-Spain border is 1,214 km long making it the longest uninterrupted border in the European Union. The border is however not defined between the Caia River and Ribeira de Cuncos. There are also bridges across the international border at the Guadiana International Bridge and the Lower Guadiana International bridge. For the adventurous traveller, there is a zipline across the border between Sanlucar de Guadiana in Spain and Alcoutim in Portugal, through which one can zip through the two countries in a matter of a few minutes!

Mountain vacations are loved by most of us, but not all mountains are ‘storybook perfect’. Here is a list of 21 such mountains around the world that are unique in one way or the other, some indeed unbelievable, others magical or otherworldly. But one thing is common to all of them, each one deserves a visit at least once in the lifetime of every traveller. 1. Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines Can you imagine being in a forest of numerous chocolate mounds? Yes, the Chocolate Hills offers you such an incredible experience. They are located in the Bohol Province of Philippines and there are about 1,268 such hills spread across 50 sq km of land. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are popular tourist attractions. They are conical shaped with a height of 30-50 meters and evenly covered with green grass. These grasses, when dried up, turn chocolaty brown in color. Therefore, tourists visit usually when the grasses dry up, rather than seeing it all green, which is not in harmony with its name. It is believed that these hills were formed ages ago, with mixed actions of coral deposition, dissolution of limestone by rainfall, works of ground water, surface water and erosion. There are several caves and springs in them and are divided by well-developed flat plains. Despite the many fairytale legends describing their origin, the actual reason of formation of these hills remains a mystery to the geologists till date. They look so alike each other that it is very difficult to believe that these hills are actually not manmade. Apart from being uniform in shape, they also have almost same heights. 2. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh, India The super astonishing Magnetic Hill is situated near Leh in Ladakh at an altitude of 11,000 ft. Tourists crowd this place every now and then to witness the magic of nature. This hill is said to have magnetic power to pull cars up the hill without any engine-power. The hill is sometimes also termed as Gravity Hill or Mystery Hill and is indeed one of nature’s mysteries and the natives have a number of stories to tell about the magical magnetic power or spiritual power behind it. However, study suggests that this hill has no magnetic disturbance at all. It is simply the Optical Illusion Effect, the Illusion similar to that of Ames room. Objects on a perpendicular plane seem leaning upwards may actually be downward sloping creating a visual illusion. Upon the hill, there is a mystery spot where the outline of the adjoining land creates an optical illusion of an uphill slope which actually is a downhill slope. This mysterious route is known as the gravity road. Hence, the cars seem to roll up which actually is rolling down from the mystery spot through the gravity road simply due to gravity. Located on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway, this place is popular with tourists. 3. Pancake Rocks, New Zealand The Pancake Rocks are one of the greatest forms of nature’s art one could ever imagine. Huge piles of pancakes lying on the Earth’s plates and walking on those could surely be an adventurous journey. Hence, thousands of visitors flock this place to experience yet another mysterious creation of nature. These are actually eroded limestone structures that layer the sea surface and present the look of pancakes. Situated in the West Coast of South Island in New Zealand, on the rim of the west edge of the Paparoa National Park, these giant pancakes of nature took a long time in formation, an estimated period of 30 million years. Interestingly, the unique rocks have numerous huge blowholes in them and during high tides it is a thrilling experience to watch the tides break through the holes. Hundreds of natural sculptures are formed by the work of enormous forces of wind, waves and rain. There are several hundreds of huge stacks of pancake formations lying on the coast ready to be feasted on, albeit, with eyes. Currently, this place is a major tourist attraction and has many twisting paths around the rock formations and staircase like ways, yet to be explored. 4. Five Finger Mountain, Azerbaijan The Five Finger Mountain or the Besh Barmag in Azerbaijan is a legendary tourist place. The view of a rock, mounted with five tall peaks almost resembling a human’s five fingers spouting out, is indeed a wonder. Driving on the Baku - Quba Highway, a traveller’s eyes would definitely get struck with the marvellous view of this nature’s 1,253ft gift. It is situated in Khizi Rayon and near distant to the Caspian Sea. The mountain is ages old, as estimated with the water marks that are found on its body. These tidal marks which tourists flock to view are from the Ice Age. This mountain is a popular pilgrim’s attraction and has many religious sagas woven around it. The fingers were, according to sagas, of a local boy called Sum, a Jew, who died while fighting a monster. There is also a tank right at the foothill of this mountain, a popular one as it was believed to be filled with tears of the lover of Sum. Among several other stories, it is believed that the Prophet had received the sacred 10 commandments on this mountain. Hundreds of tourists gather to witness this holy wonder and unique five-finger-like rock headed mountain. 5. Rainbow Mountain, China Forming a part of the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park of Gansu Province in China, these multicoloured mountain peaks look more like an artist’s canvas, full of bright colours. These otherworldly mountains are often revered to as the most colourful mountains in the world. The mountains were formed millions of years ago by layers of sandstone and mineral deposits. The geological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. 6. Sugarloaf Mountain, Brazil The famous Sugarloaf Mountain at Rio de Janeiro stands 1,299 ft above the sea level. Lying at the mouth of Guanabara Bay of Atlantic Ocean, this mountain is a very popular tourist destination. The shape of the mountain is in semblance to a concentrated sugarloaf, hence the name follows. It is also known as Pao de Acucar which means ‘a sugarloaf’ in Portuguese. From the Sugarloaf, one can experience the mesmerizing view of sunset in the ocean with the view of the entire city with startling night lights making this a romantic affair. It is not just the sunset or the drink or the food here that attracts millions of tourists every year, but also the glass-walled cable car going atop the mountain which is a great attraction. This cable car was built way back in 1912, though rebuilt couple of times afterwards, a ride on it remains memorable for anyone who takes it. It ascends the mountain fall of 1400 meters and gives an excellent view of the ocean touching the bay and the Rio city. The cable car leaves from the ground at Babilona Hill and goes to Urca Hill, another beautiful peak, and then finally to the Sugarloaf once every 20 minutes. 7. Superstition Mountains, Arizona, USA For those who believe in fairy tales, the Superstitions Mountains of Arizona is their ultimate destination. This is a range of mountains in the east of Phoenix in Arizona. It is a major amusement place for the natives of Phoenix metropolitan area. This range falls in the officially elected Superstitions Wilderness Area. There are multiple natural features embedded in this area to make it a leisurely place for visitors. Especially this place can be real delight for those who love trekking. Fairy-tale landmarks make it more romantic and interesting. Every spot has its own significance and treasure to be explored. The spots have strange names like Weaver’s Needle, Miner’s Needle, Peralta Canyon, Freemont Saddle and so on and they attract thousands of visitors. Rock climbing, trekking and hiking are the major events that people seek in here. Revolving around the folklore of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mines, every landmark is designated in connection with a sequence in the story. Mainly with a desert climate, this area has very less sources of water, and the temperatures rise high during summer. Interestingly, this mountain was once known as Sierra de la Espuma which means ‘mountain of foam’ in Spanish. 8. Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa The Table Mountain is located close to Cape Town in South Africa. It is a natural wonder and a major tourist attraction in the country. This flat-top mountain was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in November 2011. It forms a part of Table Mountain National Park and is featured in the National Flag of Cape Town. The Table Mountain is one the oldest formations of Earth, six times older than the Himalayas and five times as old as the Rockies. The process of formation is believed to have taken over 300 million years. The cliff of this mountain is very steep around the summit and hiking of different difficulty levels is a popular sport here. There are various pathways on the side of the mountain and is therefore a sought after trekking destination for many adventure seekers around the world. The Platteklip Gorge route is the most popular with tourists and making it to the top through this route is quite an achievement as it is an extremely steep climb. Also, a major crowd pulling attraction of this flat-top mountain is the cable car ride, which gives a breathtaking aerial view of the beautiful Cape Town City and further into the Atlantic Ocean. 9. Valley of the Ten Peaks, Canada This unique valley in the Banff National Park of Canada is one of nature’s glorious beauties. Anybody can get lost in nature’s paradise by counting truly what nature offers in this valley. The Moraine Lake in the centre is crowned by ten beautiful mountain peaks giving it a picturesque view. The ten notable peaks were originally named by numbering them from one to ten in the Stoney First Nations Language by an early explorer named Samuel Allen. Gradually, the mountains were renamed. The valley of the ten peaks is almost secluded but is nonetheless a popular tourist spot. The Moraine is a glacially fed lake. It is half square kilometer in area and lies 6,183 ft above the sea level. When the glaciers melt down and fill the lake almost to its brim, the reflection of the ten peaks on the lake makes this a panoramic affair. The color of the lake is blue, which is due to refraction of light off the rock floor sediments. The Canada Parks authority provides various trail conditions which are timely varied with different restrictions. The valley has several hiking and trailing options for the adventurers, however, many a times restricted due to grizzly bear threats. 10. Mount Roraima, South America Mount Roraima which is also known as Mon­te Roraima in Portuguese and Cerro Roraima in Spanish is a giant flat topped mountain in the Pakaraima Range of Mountains in the Guiana Highlands The Pakaraima moun­tains are a chain of tepui plateaus in South America. The giant flat topped mountain is a magnificent sight to behold, but that’s not the only reason why it is significant. It has another unique claim to fame and that’s pre­cisely why the mountain has found place in this issue of Touriosity. Mount Roraima is about 14 miles long, 9,094 feet high and 31 square kilometre in area, making it quite a gigantic structure. It is bounded on all sides by cliffs that rise about 1,300 feet tall. There are many waterfalls that originate from here thus making it the source of many rivers in South America in­cluding that of the Amazon and Orinoco river systems. In addition, it is the highest point in Guyana, while Brazil and Ven­ezuela have higher mountains. Part of the mountain falls in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela. Mount Roraima is also significant because it is at the foot of this giant mountain that the three South American countries of Brazil, Venezuela and Guyana meet, thus making it an important tri-point international bor­der. 85% of its territory comprises of the Venezuelan border, 10% of the territory comprises of the border of Guyana and only 5% of it falls along the Brazilian border. The mountain has very unique flora and fau­na. It has also held a significant role in the culture and local legends. Some indigenous people consider the mountain to be the stump of an ancient giant tree (it quite looks so) that bore all the fruits and vegetables of the world. Mount Roraima presents unparalleled beauty that is unique in every sense. The tabletop mountain structure is regarded by scientists as one of the oldest geological formations of the earth dating back to around two billion years. 11. Moose’s Tooth Mountain, Alaska, USA For those who love challenging treks, the Moose Tooth Mountain offers several trails of various difficulty levels. The Moose’s Tooth is a rock peak in the East of Ruth Gorge in Central Alaska Range. It is a famous mountain peak among the mountaineers. It has a low elevation as compared to some of the major peaks in Alaska. Nevertheless, it is not very easy to climb. The other mountains in the complex also have rather interesting names like ‘Eye Tooth’, ‘Sugar Tooth’ and ‘Broken Tooth’. What makes it all the more interesting is that the shapes of these peaks have a vague resemblance to their names. The climb from west ridge to the east ridge is difficult but, normally is reached by the south western side of the peak. The Moose’s Tooth was first climbed by four Germans, through the Northwest Ridge in 1964. In the July of 1975 three climbers, Jon Krakauer, Thomas Davies and Nate Zinsser discovered a relatively convenient route to the main peak, through couloirs on the south face. They named the route as ‘Ham and Eggs Route’ which is the most popular route on the mountain till date. 12. Ore Mountains, Germany The Ore Mountains in Central Europe forms a border between Saxony and Bohemia. This is indeed a must visit place for those who want to acquire an idea about Earth’s abundance of mineral-treasure. This mountain has grown over time, from the ancient age to the modern and has witnessed several human strategies to mining, exploration and industrialization. The border between Germany and the Czech Republic is to the north of this mountain. Tourists flock here in quite large numbers. The beauty of the mountain lies in its natural ores. Also the unique Bohemian Forest which was discovered in the 12th century is a great tourist attraction. These mountains are one of the most geologically researched into mountains in the world. Following the discovery of large number of ore mines, this place has acquired top interest with geologists. The formation has taken a long time and has gone through the process of dissection, by which the entire range has been added up with river valleys and also a strange steep towards Bohemia which is steeper than the German border. There are various protected nature reserves and natural monuments in these mountains. 13. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel Mount of Olives or Mount Olivet is located in the east of Jerusalem’s Old city. It used to be covered with olive groves once, hence the name. This mountain holds a lot of importance for Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. It is believed that Jesus Christ gave a final prophecy here. It has been also referred in the New Testament as the route to Jerusalem and it was here that Jesus stood and wept over Jerusalem. This unique mountain is visited by thousands every year not for its unusual beauty or religious significance but also for seeing the graves of many historically significant personalities. The mountain has also been used as a Jewish cemetery for long and has about 150,000 graves in it including those of many significant Jewish personalities. There are also several man-made burial caves. On the upper slope, the tombs of Prophets are situated, while down under various soldiers and notable officials are also buried. Apart from the graves there are more to see in this mountain, like the Church of all Nations, Tomb of Zechariah, Mary’s Tomb, Seven Arches Hotel, Emek Tzurim National Park and Temple Mount Antiquities Salvage Operation among others. 14. Black Hills, South Dakota, USA An aftermath of a volcanic eruption can never be imagined to be so stunning. Burnt trees, burnt rocks, resulting in a unique hill and a popular tourist spot are the Black Hills in the USA. These are a series of hills ranging from the Great Plains of North America in western South Dakota to Wyoming, USA. They appear gorgeous in black, and create several interesting options to explore in its cradle. There are quite a few tourist spots in the hills. The historic town of Deadwood is situated here. The largest monument in the world, the Crazy Horse memorial, also stands here. There are National parks, beautiful enormous peaks, coal mines, gold mines, specialty mineral ore mines and dense forests. The Ponderosa Pine Forest is located close by. Tourism is currently a flourishing industry, and many people reside here to explore the complex and unusual vegetation on the hills. The main tourism towns are Deadwood, Hill City and Custer. Several cultural events like motorcar or bike rallies are held here from time to time. Biking on the hills is a true pleasure. The scenic beauty of the hills has now indeed made it a tourist paradise. 15. Zhangjiajie Pillars, China There are as many as 3,000 pillars of karsts, that look like unique pillar mountains, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Zhangjiajie National Park. The park consists of quartz-sandstone peaks that were formed during Middle and Upper Devonian period. Erosion and weathering has resulted in the unique pillar-like shape of the mountains. The highest pillar here was the inspiration behind the Hallelujah Mountain in the Hollywood movie of Avatar, and had accordingly been named Hallelujah Mountain thereafter. 16. Rainbow Mountain, Peru This mountain, thanks to the immense popularity on social media of late, is on its way to become the second most visited tourist attraction in the country of Peru after Machu Picchu. Variously known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores and Montaña de Colores, this unique mountain is an easy day-trip from Cusco. The mountain is covered by shades of red, yellow, orange and blue, giving it the popular name of Rainbow Mountain. Until very recently though, the existence of this unique mountain was not known as the mountain was always covered by Andean Snow. But due to climate change, the snow started melting about 5 years back revealing its beautiful colours. While the phenomenon was actually alarming and environment concerns should have taken over, instead it drew attention of the tourists who started flocking here for photo ops. The beautiful striping of colours here is mainly due to mineral deposits and weathering. To reach here one must drive or take a bus from Cuzco and then trek for 7 km roundtrip. 17. Unique mountains of Moorea Moorea is an island of volcanic origin that is dotted with mountains of unique sizes and shapes. It is located in the archipelago of Society Islands in French Polynesia, 17 km from Tahiti. The mountainous landscape presents a very unique picture of the island. The highest mountain in the island is Mount Tohiea (1,207m), followed by Mount Rotui (899m), Mount Mouaroa with the evocative shape (880m), Mount Mouaputa (830m) that has a hole on the top, Mount Tearai (770m) and Mount Tautuapae (769m). All these mountains resulted from a volcanic eruption of a larger mountain here which made parts of the original mountain get scattered on the sea. Today it presents a unique landscape. 18. Brown Bluff, Antarctica It is a unique volcano mountain in Antarctica with a flat top. Being situated on a beach that is frequented by Adélie and Gentoo penguins for breeding, this mountain becomes all the more important and favourite with tourists. 19. Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland This mountain is one of the most photographed places in Iceland. It is a uniquely conical mountain in Iceland that is often referred to as the Church Mountain. Due to its sheer beauty, it even made to one of the episodes of Game of Thrones. In the vicinity of the mountain are beautiful beaches and the famous Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfalls making the trek to the mountain all the more rewarding. The one and half hour trek to the top of the mountain can be very challenging, but those bravehearts who make it up there, are often rewarded with the view of breathtaking dancing northern lights, especially in autumn or winter. 20. Preikestolen, Norway Not technically a mountain, this is a flat rocky cliff top overlooking the abyss rises to an altitude of 604m. To maintain the natural look of the place, no fences have been placed here, consequently this may become a little dangerous. However, the place is frequented by tourists all year round. 21. Trolltunga, Odda, Norway It is a rocky cliff that juts precariously out of a mountain horizontally (like a tongue, and hence the name) over the Ringedalsvatnet Lake in Odda in Hordaland County of Norway, 84 km from Bergen. While the altitude of the cliff is 1,100m in total, it hangs at a height of 700m from the lake. This is one of the best places for hikers and trekkers.

Far from the maddening crowd of the cities of India, secluding themselves in remote hills and jungles, live the adivasis, the natives of the land. The isolation has given each adivasi tribe a distinct culture, language, dress sense, ornamentation and food habit. One thing that however is common to them all is their way of entertainment through singing and dancing. They dance merrily in groups singing in chorus, playing indigenous instruments. Almost all adivasi groups have their own routine of group dancing. The dancing is mainly footwork, movement in circles and formations. The dance movements often is taken from their daily work, like reaping harvest, sowing seeds, grinding grains, hunting and fighting skills. Singing and dancing for them is often in the evening after a hard day’s work, or occasional, coinciding with marriage, harvesting, full moon day, spring and autumn seasons, religious beliefs and so on. The melody, footwork and rhythm are the key elements of Adivasi dance. Though the dance forms have minimal facial expressions the collective expression of joy through body movements thrills the audience. The patterned movements of the dancers are varied, from slow and simple body movements to dynamic and rapid movements. Santhali Dance, West Bengal, Jharkhand & Odisha The most renowned are the dances of Santhals, the third largest tribe of India, found in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa and Assam. Such is the rhythm of their Tamak, tumda drums that it is bound to touch the deep core of the heart. In the evening, with the flute Tirio playing, the women folk sing and dance in an arc, holding each other’s hand, with a lead drummer at the center. The rustic melody and the rhythm have universal appeal. They dance during Karam festival marking the end of rainy season and Disum sendra festival. The dancing has a boldness reflecting the nature of the Tudus, Murmus, Baskeys, Kore, Marandi, Soren and Hembroms. Bamboo Dance, Mizoram The bamboo dance of the Mizo people is also very famous. They wear feather headgears during dancing. With start of the earthly beats, men sitting on the ground both hands holding tightly onto one end of a bamboo each move the bamboos with the rhythm and young girls dance within the checkers in perfect sequence. The Mizo and Naga tribes are very colourfully dressed people. The North eastern tribes of India are warrior groups, so their all-male dance forms shows off the fighting instruments and their valor. The songs often sing of the past winnings and glories. The soothing sight of well ornamented ladies dancing elegantly with soft earthy tunes in the backdrop of the picturesque hilly landscape is a common sight as North Eastern India has a majority tribal population. The ladies weave their own dresses which they wear in the dancing rituals. Kalbelia Dance, Rajasthan Kalbelia Tribal Dance of Rajasthan is another very famous tribal dance, with dancers wearing gorgeous black ghagra choli and dancing in the tune of been. Moving in rounds and pulsating like a snake the dancers have a mesmerizing effect on the audience. The tune of the been creates the perfect atmosphere for the dance. Both men and women of Garasiya tribe also perform on various occasions like Holi festival, marriage etc. with accompanying musical instruments dhol and nagada. Elelakkaradi Dance, Kerala In Kerala, Elelakkaradi is a dance form of the Irular tribe. It depicts every stage of fighting with wild bears, which often attack their home. With drums beats and shouts, children, men and women show their heroism in facing the wild bears. The dance has a drama element to it. Bhagoria Dance, Madhya Pradesh In western Madhya Pradesh, the young Bhils, Bhilalas, Patalias and Ranths perform Bhagoria dances in their best fineries during the spring season and select partners for life. Chhau Dance, West Bengal, Jharkhand & Odisha Seraikella Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau and Purulia Chhau of Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal are highly evolved dance forms with movements and colourful masks. It is a martial tribal dance with combat techniques and often has a drama component in it. Chhau has become an art form by itself and the Mundas, Mahatos, Sahus get advance booking for performing it and teaching non tribals their dance style and the art of mask making. Dhimsa Dance, Andhra Pradesh In Andhra Pradesh, the Valmiki, Bagata, Khond and Rotia tribes are known for the Dhimsa dance. It is performed during weddings, special gatherings and during Chaitra month (March-April). Ladies in colourful sarees sing with spirited dances in circles. It has many variations of which one is Bhag Dhimsa which teaches skills to evade a tiger attack. Shad Suk Mynsiem, Meghalaya This dance is held to signify not just the advent of spring but also to express man’s gratitude to God for His bounty and blessings, for peace, tranquillity, happiness and love. It is a kind of Thanksgiving Dance. Amongst girls only the unmarried ones are allowed to participate while the men of all ages, married or unmarried, take part. The girls dance alone or in groups in the centre of a large circle formed by the men who go round the circle waving their white whisks. The girls, dressed is yellow silk ‘dharas’, red long-sleeved blouse with silver armbands, golden necklaces and a silver crown, move in a shuffling kind of graceful movement with downcast eyes to show their demureness while the men prance around to exhibit their protection of the maidens. On a platform, a group of musicians play traditional instruments. The men wear ‘dhotis’ with a black sleeveless jacket and long silver necklaces and carry a decorated silver quiver with three arrows, signifying their commitment to protect their womenfolk, the community and their land. The tribal dancing had been the contact point between the primitive and the modern. The modern city dwellers have always been curious of the lives of the tribals. To the city dweller it intrigues that such poor and hardship ridden people can be so joyful and merry. This advancing wave of the city culture often harms the stable simple lives. But that they are getting newer opportunities to showcase their dance to the world is definitely a welcome sign. Tribal tourism is at a nascent area, which is often seen in the form of nature walk to tribal villages. However enough care should be taken so as not to disturb and interfere with their life and habitat. ..by Pratiti Moulik

For an ardent lover of nature, it is difficult to ignore the majestic UNESCO designated World Heritage site of Western Ghats in India. If one makes a trip to this glorious region once, the innumerable and varied attractions of the imposing mountains are sure to beckon him again and again. The landscapes, full of lush greenery, are absolutely marvellous, and create the perfect picture post card settings. Adding to the sublime beauty of the region are the numerous waterfalls which are literally a treat for sore eyes. Words alone may not be sufficient to describe the charming waterfalls dotting the landscapes. Only a firsthand experience will help the reader to soak in their enchantment and allurement. The 1600 km long Western Ghats, a group of hills running parallel to the western coast of India, is also one of the world’s ten ‘hottest biodiversity hotspots’. It is extremely rich in flora and fauna and is home to innumerable species of flowering plants, mammals, birds and amphibians. The range commences from Gujarat’s border with Maharashtra, and runs right through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, before ending at Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. For the travellers, these mountain ranges provide an array of trekking prospects and opportunities to explore wildlife. The not so adventurous can simply hang out in the cooler climes of the innumerable pretty locations dotting the region. The major hill ranges of the Western Ghats are known as the Sahyadhris, Nilgiris and Anaimalai Hills. The Ghats are home to some stunningly beautiful and magnificent hill stations amidst serene natural surroundings. Ooty, Coonoor and Kodaikanal (all in Tamil Nadu) are the more popular ones. Here is a list of five of the lesser known, yet pleasant hill locations in these mountain ranges. KUDREMUKH Kudremukh is a small town located at the Chikmagalur District in Karnataka. In local parlance, ‘Kudremukh’ means ‘horse-faced’, and this refers to the extravagantly beautiful and picturesque view of the side of a mountain that looks like the face of a horse. With its rolling grasslands and thick dense forests, the place is also well known for bio-diversity conservation and is identified as one of the twenty five hot spots in the world. To reach Kudremukh one can board private or state operated buses from the nearby Kalasa town. A visitor to Kudremukh should not miss out on an opportunity to visit the Kudremukh peak, situated at an altitude of approximately 6214 feet above sea level. The views one will be treated to from top of the peak are spectacular. Particularly, that of the Arabian Sea is mesmerizing. The location is also ideal for the adventure-minded who are on the lookout for trekking opportunities and exploring the forests. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, the lion-tailed macaques can be easily spotted near the Kudremukh Peak. In this tiny hill station, another major attraction is the Kudremukh National Park. It is home to animals like sambar, lion-tailed macaque, wild pig, tigers, wild dogs and leopards. To reach the park, one can take local buses, autos or rickshaw. However, in order to explore the entire national park, tourists need prior permission from the authorities. Accommodation: There are plenty of forest lodges and guest houses to take care of your accommodation needs. One may also check out the set of five guest houses and resorts run by the various wings of Karnataka Forest Department. The guest houses offers accommodation in permanent structures as well as in tents. For those who would like to splurge, the Silent Valley Resort with cottages amidst picturesque locales is the best option. Double occupancy cottage rates start from Rs. 4000. (Ph. No. +91-824-2211672). The budget options are Hotel Chandan and Seethanadi Nature Camp. The latter has two options available, dormitory accomodating upto 14 people where per person charges comes up to Rs. 300 and tents sleeping two persons costing Rs. 1500 (both rate includes the entry fees for the National Park) Contact No. 09480807650 Major distances: Kalasa – 22 kms, Chikmagalur – 25 kms, Bangalore – 340 kms. MALSHEJ GHAT This quaint little town is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range in Pune district. It lies nestled between the lofty rugged hills of the ghats. Being here, one realizes how being away from the scorching sun and oppressive heat of the plains can have an invigorating effect on the senses. The refreshingly cool weather and splendid beauty of nature at Malshej Ghat will inevitably captivate any visitor. The charming little town is an ideal summer retreat of a different kind. The place is rich in flora and fauna. Bird lovers, especially, will be delighted to have close encounters with a large variety of the winged species such as quails, rails, crakes, flamingos and cuckoos. Malshej Ghat is also renowned for the large number of migratory birds which fly into the region between the months of July and September. Visitors at this time of the year should also not miss out on the mating dance of the pink-legged flamingos which indeed is a spectacular sight. Accommodation: Malshej Ghat can conveniently make a day-trip from Mumbai or Pune but for those who would love to relax, staying is recommended. There are budget hotels in Malshej Ghat to accommodate those who look for budget options. There are star rated hotels too that provide the ultimate in style and opulence. Since the area is at a considerable distance from a small town, there are not many posh restaurants and shopping malls. The Flamingo Hill, a resort run by MTDC – Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is in the vicinity. (Contact no. +91-22-22024482) Other than the MTDC resort, there are other private resorts like the Ranvara Residency located by the picturesque backwaters of Pimpalgaon Joga Dam which are also good stay options. Accommodation is also available in a nearby village called Madh, 6 km away from Malshej ghat. Major distances: Mumbai – 160 kms, Pune 130 kms SAKLESHPUR Sakleshpur is a small pleasant hill station nestled amidst serene surroundings of the Western Ghats. Located at an altitude of approximately 3114 feet above sea level, Sakleshpur is an ideal, rejuvenating getaway for jaded city travellers. Located near the Bangalore – Mysore highway, the hill station is easily accessible. Sakleshpur is also well known as a major producer of coffee and cardamom in India. Nowadays, Sakleshpur is turning out to be a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. The Bisle Forest Reserve trek as well as the Kumara Parvatha trek is worth undertaking. Those who are not hardcore trekkers should not worry; taking long and leasurely walks around the town can also be quiet rewarding. Accommodation: In and around Sakleshpur there are quite a few resorts and homestay options to cater to all the different categories of tourists. Some of these resorts are cuddled amidst absolutely serene natural surroundings. Some of the homestay options are Prakritik Homestay, Swastha Homestay, Nyrit Villa Homestay and Megha Homestay. The discerning tourist can also check out The Hills resort (+91-9535511771). At this luxurious resort, travelers can allow their tired mind and bodies to recuperate and rejuvenate amidst the lush green mountainous surroundings of the resort. Hotel Ashrita is a mid budget option (+91-8173-243050 / 243412) Major distances: Mysore – 155 kms, Bangalore – 223 kms. ROTTI-KALLU This place is located just 24 km from Sakleshpur at an altitude of 3700 feet above sea level. The natural surroundings at Rotti-Kallu are absolutely heavenly. Accommodation: There is a homestay option at Rotti Kallu by the same name as the hill station. The resort, spread over 20 acres, amidst beautifully decorated landscapes, is equipped to cater to all the varied needs of travellers. Major distances: Sakleshpur – 24 kms, Mysore – 183 kms, Bangalore – 250 kms KEMMANAGUNDI This charming hill station is situated about 250 km from Bangalore at an altitude of approximately 4700 ft above sea level. Popularly known as the KR Hill Station, this quaint place was the summer retreat of Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV. A visitor to Kemmanagundi can expect to be completely enthralled by the spectacular views of the valleys. Gushing waterfalls and mountain streams amidst the coffee estates combine to add to the picture perfect serenity of the place. There are innumerable things to see and do while at Kemmanagundi. The Karnataka Horticulture Department maintains a guest house right on top of a hill. The department also maintains a rock garden and a rose garden on top of Kemmanagundi. From the guest house, a narrow trek route leads to the Z point with awesome views of the valley. Shanti falls is also on the trek route to Z point. Accommodation: There are homestay options at affordable rates here. The only private hotel is the Kemmanagundi Hotel (+91-8261258148, +91-8261258259). The hotel charges on per-person per-day basis. For single person, the per-day the rate is Rs 1750 and for two days it is Rs 3300 (food and lodging inclusive). The location is ideal to unwind and rejuvenate the mind of many a stressed-out urban dweller. Major distances: Sakleshpur – 71 kms, Mysore – 171 kms, Bangalore – 252 kms The best time to visit the Western Ghats: The best time to visit the ghats is during the monsoon season when the entire region is washed by the rains.