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#Tourist

Good News

Iran Implements 15-Day Visa-Free Policy to Attract Indian Tourists

In a bid to boost tourism, Iran has recently announced a 15-day visa-free policy for Indian tourists. This new development comes as several countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, have also relaxed their visa rules for Indian travelers. This article explores the details of Iran's visa-free policy and its potential impact on Indian tourists. Iran's Visa-Free Policy for Indian Tourists The Iran Embassy in New Delhi revealed that, as of Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Indian tourists will be allowed to enter the country without a visa for a maximum stay of 15 days. This policy applies to those traveling on ordinary passports and can be availed once every six months. However, the stay cannot be extended beyond the designated 15-day period. Tourism Purposes Only It is important to note that this visa-free policy is solely applicable for tourists visiting Iran. Travelers interested in staying for a longer duration or making multiple entries within a six-month period will need to obtain the necessary visas through the Iranian representations in India. A Growing Trend Iran joins a growing list of countries that have implemented visa-free policies for Indian tourists. Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have already eased their visa rules, aiming to attract more Indian visitors. Last year, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a 30-day visa-free entry for visitors from India and China. Thailand also introduced visa-free entry for Indian tourists for a period of six months. Boosting Tourism and Strengthening Ties Iran's decision to implement a visa-free policy for Indian tourists is expected to have a positive impact on tourism in the country. The move aims to attract a larger number of Indian travelers who are keen to explore Iran's rich culture, historical sites, and natural beauty. Additionally, this policy is likely to strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Iran, fostering greater people-to-people interactions and cultural exchanges. Iran's introduction of a 15-day visa-free policy for Indian tourists is a significant step towards promoting tourism and strengthening ties between the two nations. As both countries continue to foster their relationship, this visa-free policy is expected to contribute to the growth of tourism and facilitate greater cultural understanding between India and Iran.

11 Feb 2024
Good News

Safeguarding Paradise: Goa's Beaches Get AI-Powered Protection

Goa, India’s western coast paradise, is becoming increasingly protected with the help of Aurus, an Artificial Intelligence-based self-driving robot, and AI-based monitoring system Triton.  According to a Drishti Marine spokesperson, the adoption of AI-based help comes in response to an increase in beach-related events brought on by the growing number of domestic and international tourists visiting Goa's coastline. According to him, more than 1,000 rescue operations along the coastal belt in the previous two years necessitated the assistance of the agency's life savers. The Aurus units have already been deployed at Miramar beach in North Goa, while the Triton units have been deployed in various locations including Baina, Velsao, Benaulim, Galgibag in South Goa, and Morjim in North Goa.  These robotic lifeguards are equipped with advanced features such as vision technology that can detect potential drowning risks and alert lifeguards on shore. The robotic lifeguards are set to take over a majority of the tasks performed by human lifeguards, allowing for more efficient use of resources and people.  The addition of these robotic lifeguards is not just an effort to ensure beach safety, but also an attempt to make Goa a more inviting destination for tourists. With the help of these robotic lifeguards, tourists can have peace of mind while they enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. As part of the state’s effort to ensure beach safety and save human lives, the government intends to deploy 100 Triton units and 10 Aurus units on its beaches.  The introduction of robotic lifeguards is a great example of how technology can be used to improve beach safety standards and make Goa a more attractive tourist destination.  With the help of these robotic lifeguards, Goa is sure to become an even more popular tourist destination.

13 Feb 2023
Good News

Positive Reads

Indian Tourists And Chinese Visitors in Maldives: A Look at the Rise and Fall in the Last Decade

In the past decade, the Maldives has witnessed a significant shift in its tourism landscape, with Indian tourists surpassing their Chinese counterparts as the top visitors to this tropical paradise. A recent article on Mint highlights the rise and fall of Indian and Chinese tourists in the Maldives over the last 10 years. The article reveals that in 2020, China held the highest share (18.31%) among the top ten markets for tourist arrivals in the Maldives. However, India claimed the third spot with a 7.99% share. It was only after 2020 that the Maldives experienced a surge in Indian arrivals, marking a turning point in the tourism industry. Notably, in the January-November 2023 period, Indian tourists ranked second in terms of nationality, following Russian tourists. However, the data released by the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism shows a significant increase in Chinese tourist arrivals during the same period. While the total arrivals by Indian nationals declined by approximately 12% in 2023 compared to the previous year, India maintained its second position after Russia. China, on the other hand, secured the third spot in the November 2023 report. These changes in tourist patterns can be attributed to various factors, including the political alignments of the Maldivian government. The current President, Mohamed Muizzu, is considered pro-China, while the previous government was seen as close to India. This shift in dynamics has had a noticeable impact on tourism trends in the Maldives. As the Maldives continues to attract visitors from around the world, the rise of Indian tourists and the evolving relationship between India and China as well as India and Maldives will undoubtedly shape the future of tourism in this exquisite island nation. 

12 Jan 2024
Positive Reads

What foreigners like about India?

Our country is a great tourist centre where millions of tourists come to our country to explore our great heritage. This trend is on for centuries. Indians never fail to amaze visitors. Let’s see what has made India to be among the top favourite tourist destinations for foreigners. Diversity The world accepts the fact of India being the largest democracy. We are a land of many religions, faith and cultures. Every part of our country has its own story and legacy to show. This is what amazes the foreigners a lot. They get to see variety here. Also the fact that despite of being a land of diversity we are a peaceful and merry place together makes them respect us more. Our respect and acceptance about each other’s customs and traditions is unique. Hospitality Indians are heartiest people when it comes to show hospitality. Every household follows the practice of “mehman-nawazi” as it is commonly and we never let our guests get disheartened. We ourselves are taught to greet guests well and give them a glass of water as they arrive with snacks to cherish. “Atithi Devo Bhava”is strongly in our roots which make the foreigners feel all the more special and privileged. Shopping Accept it or not but there is great craze of our desi goods out amongst foreigners. Right from handloom clothes, decors, artefacts to accessories, jewellery and a lot more; everything is found here in our country with a touch of Indianness in it that makes it more attractive. Foreigners enjoy street shopping here. Also the varieties found here is much to their expectations. We have regional specialities in clothing. Wool of Kashmir is famous. Every place have their regional attire which makes the visitors aware so as what to search for there. History and Architectures Our country had a rich past of princely states, royal families and their lavish mansions. There are also stories behind each architectural creation. The various architectures created right from that time are so rich and intelligently made that the foreigners admire the great skillsets and brains behind the magnificent sculptures. We have a variety in them too. There are so many manmade creations like the caves, paintings in there, the temples, mansions, palaces, stupas, sculptures etc. We even have many naturally built architectures or “swayambhus” as we say, that aren’t a thing of everyday for them there. Food No doubt, the diversity is also reflected in our food. The foreigners lie the way these food are made and how much homemade ad love is reflected in the food’s taste. Right from Delhi’s chaat to Lucknow’s Shahi cuisine, people love, savour and relish them all. India is also known for its regional specialities. Like the Rajasthani food, Punjabi thalis with extra ghee, South Indian dosas and idlis with sambars and so on. Spirituality If one wants to give up all the worldly desires for penance, then their destination is India- the land of spirituality. India is a land of deities. We have many great epics and stories of Gods and Goddesses taken birth on our land to preach wisdom to mankind. There are many of their teachings we still follow and nurture. We are people who are deep rooted with our customs and Gods. Who else can tell the importance of spirituality to foreigners than we ourselves?         

7 May 2017
Positive Reads

World's largest river island in Assam offers a memorable experience

Majuli, the largest freshwater river island in Assam is witnessing a stream of visitors as it offers a traditional living experience from where tourists return home with sweet memories. In 2005, a young Frenchman named Jim Chauvin came to visit Majuli. He was mighty impressed by the place and being an architect by profession, decided to build the best tourist accommodation on the island. He built a beautiful cottage with all the necessary amenities and named it  La Maison De Ananda, which means 'House of Happiness'. When Jim returned to his country, Manjit Risang and his family took over. Jim had built the cottage out of bamboo following the traditional Mishing architecture which is a hot favorite among the tourists. Manjit made seven more such cottages from bamboo, which grows in abundance in Assam and in the northeast region. The cottages have helped to meet the growing inflow of visitors. Gradually, Manjit who now owns the La Maison De Ananda, decided to extend his family kitchen with the tourists to give them an authentic taste of Mishing delicacies and a slice of the Mishing way of life. He began to serve authentic, mouth-watering delicacies of the Mishing tribe with the aromatic Mishing rice beer called apong. Traditional Mishing meal includes rice, vegetables, fish and meat. Rice is cooked in a leaf called tora pat which gives a distinct flavour to it, which is the essence of the food. Non vegetarian dishes like fish, chicken and pork are baked in banana leaf or cooked in bamboo pipes which is a traditional technique of cooking.   Manjit uses only traditional ingredients in his cooking. Care is taken to see that the ingredients are not diluted or adulterated as he wishes that all his customers should go back happy with good memories. His kitchen has also been constructed in a traditional way with an open fire place in the middle. Another specialty that has won many hearts is the mouth-watering apong, a home-brewed rice beer. There are two varieties of apong, one is poro, the sweet one which is very popular and sought after and the other is the sour one called nokjin. However, if the visitors wish to have beer, they must inform in advance as the beer takes a long time to brew. What makes Majuli an unforgettable experience is not just the food, but its culture. Since it is a river island, it does not support mass tourism. Manjit and his colleagues also explain to the guests about the food and culture. The guest appreciate this gesture and find it altogether a worthy experience. So next time, you can plan a holiday to this wonderful island of Majuli which is 300 km from Assam’s main town of Guwahati and can be accessed by  a ferry ride.

30 Mar 2017
Positive Reads

Wanderlust

Experience a Winter Wonderland at the World's Largest Igloo Cafe in Gulmarg

In the heart of the picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, a unique cafe has become the new talk of the town. Known as Snowglu, this cafe is not just an ordinary one but an igloo cafe, the world's largest of its kind. The Igloo Café is divided into two areas: one for dining and the other for wall carvings and art. To further enhance the feeling of authenticity, the seats are wrapped in sheepskin. The cafe measures 37.5 feet tall and 44.5 feet in circumference, and its construction took two months to complete.  Visitors can enjoy traditional Kashmiri cuisine here while soaking in the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings. The Igloo Cafe has become a popular tourist attraction in the union territory and is known for its unique concept. Tourists are spellbound by this place. A visitor from Pune named Ekta thanked the person who thought up the idea and said the cafe is nothing short of heaven. Another traveler, Swapnil Khandore, was astounded by the elegance of the cafe and its entire concept, from the building of the ice tables to the architecture. The Igloo Cafe has not only added to the tourist attractions of Gulmarg but has also provided an opportunity for the locals to showcase their culture and traditions. The cafe has put Gulmarg on the global map and has become a source of pride for the people of the region. As the sun sets behind the snow-capped mountains, the Igloo Cafe's enchanting beauty and unique experience leave a lasting impression on its visitors, making it a must-visit place for anyone traveling to Jammu and Kashmir.

27 Feb 2023
Wanderlust

Global News

Eternal Sun: Explore Five Unbelievable Places Where the Sun Never Sets

How would it feel to be in a place where the sun never sets? Will we continue to work into the night? We can never imagine being in a place where the day never ends, but you will be surprised to know that such places do really exist.  These locations are also referred to as the "land of the midnight sun," "land of the never-setting sun," and "no sunset lands."   Below is a list of 5 such locations where residents have never witnessed sundown. Norway: It is appropriate to start with Norway as this country is also called the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' Due to its location in the Arctic Circle, Norway does not experience sunsets for almost 76 days in a year. One of the country's northernmost regions, Hammerfest experiences nonstop sunshine for 76 days between May and July. Iceland: Iceland, famous for its breathtaking Aurora, also boasts of an unexpected perk - zero mosquitoes! Tourists from Asia are in for a treat as they can enjoy a mosquito-free evening. But what's more intriguing is that during the month of June, there's no evening at all as the sun doesn't set on this island. If you want to witness the midnight sun, head to Grimsey island or the city of Akureyri. Nunavut, Canada:  This small city, situated just two degrees above the Arctic circle, is a testament to human endurance in the face of extreme weather conditions. With only 3000 residents, it's a wonder how they survive in this bone-chilling environment, but it's a prime example of the survival of the fittest. For about two months each year, this city never sees the sun set, and during winter, it experiences 30 consecutive days of darkness. Despite the challenging conditions, this place is a popular tourist destination in Canada, ranking high in popularity after Toronto. Kiruna, Sweden:  Kiruna is the northernmost city of Sweden, where the sun is a bit of a rebel and refuses to set for almost 100 days each year! Among the top sights is the Art Nouveau Church of Kiruna, a true masterpiece of architecture that will leave you in awe. And if that's not enough to entice you, the city is also aglow for almost 100 days each year, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is sure to capture your heart. Barrow, Alaska:  Barrow, the largest city of the North Slope Borough in Alaska, is a place of contrasts. From May to July, the city glows with the light of the midnight sun, making it a haven for sunseekers. However, in November, the polar night descends upon the city, shrouding it in darkness and rendering the sun invisible for almost a month. If you venture far enough north, you'll reach Point Barrow, the northernmost point in the US and a place where the land meets the vast, icy expanse of the Arctic Ocean. Visiting these places during the summer months is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watching the Sun stay above the horizon for days is a surreal experience, and the natural beauty of these places is stunning. These places remind us that the world is not uniform and that there are places where time works differently. They are a reminder that our understanding of time is tied to the movements of celestial bodies, and that the Sun is at the center of it all.

17 Feb 2023
Global News

The World’s Longest Glass Bottomed Bridge Presents a Spectacular View

Vietnam’s Bach Long pedestrian bridge, also known as the ‘White Dragon’ is 632m (2,073ft) long and located 150m (492ft) above a huge jungle in the Moc Chau district of the Son La province in Vietnam. Coincidentally, the bridge was officially opened on the 47th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War. According to reports, the Bach Long bridge is the longest in the world and its structure is roughly three-fourths the height of the Burj Khalifa Tower. The bridge which was shut to tourists for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic can withstand a capacity of 450-500 people. The bridge is made of French-tempered glass. Guards who keep an eye on the bridge make sure that only one way of traffic is flowing. It surpasses the 526-meter Glass Bottom Bridge in Guangdong, China.  It has a distinctive architectural layout that makes it one of the top tourist destinations. The scary bridge eventually crosses a valley between two hills after winding around mountainsides. The Bach Long Bridge is undoubtedly the most spectacular of the three glass bridges in Vietnam. Another breathtaking mountain footbridge which appears to be supported by two gigantic stone hands was opened in the Central Vietnamese Ba Na Hills in 2018 and garnered international attention.

8 Dec 2022
Global News

Niagara Falls Has Got a New Attraction – A Century-Old Tunnel That Allows One To View the Falls From a Totally Different Dimension!

Niagara Falls comprises three waterfalls that straddle the US-Canada border. It gets an astonishing footfall of more than 30 million visitors each year. This year another fascinating attraction has opened up for tourists - A 100-year-old tunnel that exists right beneath the Falls, from where one gets a different view of the waterfalls. The tunnel, which is on the Canadian side of the falls, will provide an intriguing history of a power station that was erected here more than a century ago. This tunnel, measuring around 2,198 feet, is said to have been constructed here and helped to redirect water from the Niagara River. This water was used to run generators to provide electricity to regional industries. Even though it was functional, the tunnel was inaccessible to tourists. It opened up this month so that visitors may stroll along it, discover the power plant, and view the falls from a whole different angle . According to reports, a glass-enclosed elevator will take visitors to a location beneath the power plant where they may access a viewing gallery or area. Visitors can view the falls draining down from here. The tunnel has many interesting and unique features including hidden decks.

17 Nov 2022
Global News

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