Sarnath Near Varanasi Edges Closer to UNESCO World Heritage Status
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, could soon have another jewel in its crown. Sarnath one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites is now in the final stages of its bid to join UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have been working to strengthen its nomination. Senior officials from both bodies met in Lucknow this week to prepare for UNESCO’s review scheduled for September. Why Sarnath MattersJust 10 km from Varanasi, Sarnath holds a central place in Buddhist history. It was here, in the Deer...
Five Rajasthan Cities, Five Colours And the Stories Behind Them
Rajasthan isn’t just a desert state; it’s a canvas of colours, each shade tied to the history, architecture, and traditions of its cities. From Jaipur’s blush-pink walls to Jaisalmer’s golden glow, each place wears its colour like a badge of identity. Jaipur - The Pink CityWhen Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh wanted to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876, he had the walled city painted terracotta pink a colour linked to hospitality. The tradition stuck. Today, Jaipur’s orderly streets, planned according to Vastu principles, are lined with heritage landmarks like Hawa...
Asia’s 10 Wealthiest Countries to Add to Your Wish list
Asia isn’t just the largest continent it’s an economic powerhouse of Wealthiest Countries. Home to breathtaking landscapes, deep cultural heritage, and world-class cities, it also houses some of the planet’s richest nations. Measured by GDP (Gross Domestic Product) the value of all goods and services produced in a year these countries are the engines driving global trade, innovation, and investment. (Data: World Population Review) From China’s manufacturing might to Singapore’s financial hubs and South Korea’s tech exports, each country’s wealth comes from a unique blend of resources, industries, and ambition. China -...
7 Reasons South Indian Hill Stations Deserve a Spot on Your Travel List
When people talk about hill stations, the conversation usually stops at Shimla, Manali, or Darjeeling. But here’s the thing down south, there’s a whole lineup of mountain escapes quietly delivering everything you want from a getaway, without the chaos. Misty peaks, unique culture, great weather, and food that will have you planning your next trip before the first one ends. Here’s why the south indian hills deserve your attention. Space to breatheNo shoulder-to-shoulder crowds or endless traffic jams. South Indian Places like Coorg and Wayanad feel like personal hideaways calm, scenic,...
Travel Health Insurance: What to Know Before You Buy
Most travellers put all their energy into planning flights, hotels, and sightseeing, but barely think about travel health insurance. For many, it feels like an optional add-on, something travel agents push for extra profit. The truth is, it can be the difference between a trip you remember for the right reasons and one that drains your savings. Travel health insurance is a policy that covers medical expenses and health-related emergencies during your trip, whether in India or abroad. It protects you from the shock of huge hospital bills, doctor fees, or...
Jharkhand Unveils India’s First Mining Tourism Project
Jharkhand just pulled off a national first it’s launched mining tourism. The state, already rich in mineral wealth, is now turning that legacy into something people can visit, learn from, and be inspired by. Recently, Chief Minister Hemant Soren officially kicked off the initiative, calling it a major step toward opening up the mining world to the public. The Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) has signed a five-year MoU with Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) to run the show. This idea didn’t come out of nowhere. Soren recently visited the Gava Museum of...
One Bag, One Goal: Travel Without Baggage
Packing a single backpack for your trip isn’t about compromise it’s about control. It means moving freely, skipping long luggage lines, and not being bogged down by things you never end up using. To pull it off, you need to be deliberate with every item and intentional about how you pack. Here's how to make that happen. Choosing the Right Bag Your backpack sets the tone for everything else. A huge bag might seem like a safe bet, but it almost guarantees overpacking. Instead, go with a backpack that fits your body...
Why Mexico Has the Most Snake Species in the World
Snakes aren’t just creatures that make you jump they’re critical players in our ecosystems. They help control rodents and pests, act as both predator and prey, and even contribute to seed dispersal. Despite the fear they often provoke, snakes are more helpful than harmful. Globally, there are around 3,900 recorded snake species (Reptile Database). When people talk about where snakes are most abundant, they usually mean the number of different species, not the total number of snakes. And in that category, Mexico tops the list, with 438 snake species, according to...
5 Stargazing Spots in India That Feel Like Another Universe
City lights drown out the stars. But step into India’s remote corners, and suddenly, the sky comes alive. No noise, no distractions—just a blanket of stars, the Milky Way, and maybe even Saturn’s rings if you’re lucky. Whether you're an astrophotography buff or just someone who loves staring into space, here are five destinations where the night sky steals the show: Pangong Tso, LadakhAt over 4,200 meters above sea level, this high-altitude lake offers skies so clear, the stars practically fall into your lap. The glassy lake surface reflects the stars...
The Village That Checkmated Alcoholism with Chess
Marottichal, Kerala- Not too long ago, this quiet village on the edge of a forest in northern Kerala was known more for its illicit liquor and gambling than anything else. The kind of place where bootleg stills outnumbered books. But that story is long over. Today, Marottichal holds the Asian record for the most people playing chess at once. And here’s the thing: this turnaround didn’t come from government bans or rehab centers. It began with a teenager, a chessboard, and a stubborn belief that people can change. In the 1970s, a...