When the whole world is reeling down under the pressure of a new unfound virus the COVID-19 the travel and tourism industry in india is witnessing a revival of sorts. Needless to say, the travel & tourism sector has taken a back seat, and, in fact, devastated to the tune of losing between 38 million and 50 million jobs, as per industry body FAITH and CII. More than anything else, it is that uncertainty of revival that is posing bigger challenges than ever before.  But here is a quaint town of Goa, the smallest state in India, engulfed in the western part of India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian sea, which is slowly starting to buzz loudly over time. 

Goa shares a long cultural history and tradition as a Portuguese colony. Its well-preserved churches and religious institutions, right from the days of the colonial rule, stand as a testimony to its multi-diversity and cross-cultural confluence. Known for its tropical spice plantation, Goa is popular all over the world for its gorgeous beaches, ranging from stretches Palolem to Baga, and those in laid-back fishing hamlets like Agonda.

The coastal state of Goa also serves as a host to many small scale weddings, concept-based events and pre-wedding functions, no longer a prerogative of the elite and Bollywood celebrities. Simply put, Goa is the best place whether you need to host a private party or a mini wedding reception, let alone being a top-rated destination for wedding honeymoons. 

Goa, as a tourist destination, also tops the chart from pricing, connectivity and safety point of view. Most couples also plan for a second honeymoon in Goa because they feel it’s really worth it. It is such a different place to be when things normalize. Even the sea-side hotels and resorts can have a mesmerizing effect on the guests. Therefore, if you’re looking to plan a honeymoon this year, it doesn’t get as safe and comfortable like Goa!

The ongoing pandemic has changed the way travel is done, in fact it has changed the very definition of normal. This “new normal” almost became a way of life, and it is only recently travel is finding a way back into our lives, most definitely a welcome breath of fresh air. India, no doubt, is one of the favourite beach destinations. Again the question remains unchanged: Is travelling to beaches safe? The answer is yes, but not without following the COVID-19 protocols and safety regulations for a stress-free and relaxing trip. Here is a 3-step guide to a safe beach vacation. 

• First, following the COVID-19 protocols, including safety and hygiene regulations, is the key for a relaxing and peaceful vacation. Don’t forget to wear your mask, carry a pair of gloves and sanitizer with you on your beach vacation. Social distancing is still a norm in public places, whether you stay in a hotel or resort, or dine in a restaurant, or sweat yourself in a local gym or use the pool. Remember to get a temperature screening for entry into local malls and theatres, even though most of them operate only at 50 percent capacity.
• Second, don’t risk your health by booking a beach hotel or a resort that is not fully compliant with the COVID-19 safety protocols, however economical it may prove to be. A well-equipped hotel may take care of all your accommodation needs, yet complying to the hygiene standards. Most hotels or resorts nowadays adopt contactless technology and digital touchpoints in several levels right from check-in to check-out for a safer stay.
• Third, exercise precaution while using shared public accessories while on the beach or in the waters. This would guarantee both personal and public safety at large.  Follow the above-mentioned simple steps to ensure you and your family members or travel companions enjoy a hassle-free beach vacation.

When the entire travel and hospitality industry has been severely hit by the ongoing pandemic crisis, it comes as no surprise that educational travel too has had its share of hard spots. This is due to the fact that educational institutions have remained shut since March last year with no respite whatsoever. The fear of uncertainty has pushed the industry into a corner. With the new year signalling new signs of revival and return to normalcy, educational institutions are keeping their hopes alive. For educational tours and travel to resume, schools and colleges have to open and remain fully functional in line with the pandemic protocols and regulations.

Educational institutions should use this unprecedented time to adapt and evolve, linking all their efforts to the “new normal” associated with student travel so as to guarantee a safe, hygiene and memorable tour for the group. They should review all itineraries to ensure travel agencies and vendors are meeting or even exceeding the COVID-19 protocols. It is important to brief the group on the importance of a safe travel. If deemed necessary, new health and safety training must be provided to tour managers with a comprehensive plan, should any traveller show COVID-19 symptoms while on the trip. The travel group must be offered with a PPT kit including facemasks, gloves and hand sanitizers to guarantee all travellers are taking the necessary precautions to remain alert and safe. With health and safety at the core of operation, the travel agencies and tour operators must guarantee a memorable trip at the end of the day.

All efforts must be put to help tackle every added challenge that educational institutions undergo. Starting from itinerary creation to trip approval to expenditure and informal events, every item in the list should be prepared keeping safety and hygiene at the forefront.

With 2020, a year that will be obviously remembered for the wrong reasons, is now over. Industry experts opine that 2021 will be the year for travel, as an increasingly number of countries are coming out of the pandemic effects. The travel industry will bounce back amidst the prevailing cloud of uncertainty and turmoil. In other words, it’s definitely not the end of the road for travel and tours. Travel agencies and tour operators are now starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, with leisure and business travel picking up after the rather long hiatus owing to successive COVID-19 lockdowns. 

Travelling to hill stations across the length and breadth of the country remained a distant dream during the lockdowns. In fact, almost every hill station remained close shunting tourists from travel activities to check the furtherance of the pandemic. Locals are also at greater health risk when they get in contact with tourists. In India, most state governments have gradually relaxed the lockdown restrictions, the result of which tourists can visit their favourite hill stations, yet following social distancing norms and maintaining hygiene as per COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks and gloves and use of sanitizers to contain the pandemic. Many hill stations allow domestic tourists with package or pre-booked tours to enter the state only if they produce COVID-19 negative certificates at the border check posts.

All said and done, the gorgeous hill stations of India are calling tourists again to explore their picturesque beauty, and rest on the lap of Mother Nature. At a time when there have been millions of job layoffs in the travel sector, resuming travel operations will be a big boost to the local economy, either directly or indirectly.  If you have been craving for a hot cuppa with a green topped or snow-peaked mountain view, now is the time to make a move!

• Gangtok, the capital city of the state of Sikkim, is one of the most lovely hill stations in India, blessed abundantly with a charming beauty, and is located at an altitude of 1650m above the sea level.

• The Tashi View Point is a must-visit place once if you are in Gangtok. As the name indicates, this place lends a breathtakingly panoramic view of the region’s tallest peaks viz. Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Sinilochu. In terms of history, Tashi View Point was raised by Tashi Namgyal, the Sikkim king who ruled the state between 1914 and 1963. Thus, the place earned its name, and it continues to do so till date.  
• The Tashi View Point is bestowed with a beautiful location, from atop the point. You will get to experience some of the most scintillating views of the surrounding snowcapped peaks. The reason why this place is frequented not only by the domestic and international tourists but locals as well.
• This attraction is situated at a distance of 8km from Gangtok. Located opposite to the point are the Phodong and Labrang monasteries adding a dose of spirituality to the trip.  In order to reach the Tashi Viewpoint, you may have to take the steps from the road level. Remember that the point can only put up  15- 20 people at a time. 
• In addition to this, there are a lot of cafes and souvenir shops surrounding the place.  It pays to go for a cup of hot coffee and get some souvenirs for your family and loved ones.  There is no better place than the Tashi View Point in the state of Gangtok to get the best views of Mt Siniolchu, Mt Kanchenjunga, Labrang Monastery and Phodong Monastery. You simply cannot take your hands off your mobile camera or Handycam once you are at the Tashi View Point. 

• The Kishkinda Moolika Bonsai Garden is a popular garden located in Mysuru (also Mysore) in the state of Karnataka. The idea of developing this Bonsai Garden, a unique initiative in this part of the world, was conceived by His Holiness Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji, founder of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham.

• There is a huge variety of bonsai plants in this garden making it a favourite hangout amongst nature lovers of the city of Mysuru.
• Established in 1986 by Swamiji, it is part of his ashram. His view of bonsai as a mystic enterprise, kind of a rare human endeavour, led to the initiative of starting this bonsai garden. In the miniature plant, he saw a grand life, and further believed it as a reflection of the cosmetic creation, and as celestial paradoxes in action with the elements of time, space and dimension in motion. 
• What sprouted as an idea in the beginning quickly grew as a bonsai garden over the next two decades, turning out to be a major attraction at the ashram. Currently, the garden is spread at an expanse of over 4 acres. The major attraction, of course, is the different bonsai trees of the garden. 
• You can find over 100 varieties of such miniature trees in the garden, all placed in a structured manner in groups, according to the spiritual beliefs of the Swamiji, reflecting the rich Indian tradition values including The Rashi Vana Group, the Raga Vana, the Nakshatra Vana, the Panchayatana Vana and the Saptarishi Vana.
• Within the garden complex you can also find a deer park and a huge terracotta stupa for regular poojas. It is this combination of nature and spirituality which makes the garden a highly popular retreat in Mysuru. Nearby attractions include the Sri Nandi Bull Temple, Butterfly Park in Karanji Lake and Curzon Park.

• The Vattakottai Fort in Kanyakumari (or Cape Comerin) in Tamilnadu was built in the 18th century during the reign of Travancore kingdom. 

• Built as a coastal defense, the Vattakottai Fort was the last seaside fort constructed by the Travancore ruler Marthanda Varma (1729- 1758) under the guidance of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy. 
• Declared as protected site, the Vattakottai Fort is maintained by the Indian archaeological department. Another highlight of this touring destination is the black sand beaches that are located nearby.
•  The fort offers a mesmerizing view at the backdrop of the vast expanse of the serene ocean on one side and the magical Western Ghats on the other side, making it a memorable visit.
• Contrary to what it is called, Vattakottai fort, meaning circular fort, it is shaped like a rectangle. This rectangular shaped fort has an area of around 3.5 acres and is surrounded by grand walls of 25-26 feet height. The front’s front walls measure 29 feet in thickness, whilst on the side and and at the back, it measures 18 feet and 6 feet in thickness.
• Vattakottai Fort presents an amazing architecture, within its strong walls enclosing weapon rooms, watch towers and several other sections to discover and admire. It is built of granite blocks. You can find motifs of fish that are carved on the walls of the fort. The fish motif was the royal symbol of the Madurai Pandya Kingdom. According to most archeologists, it is believed that this fort must have been under the Pandya rulers for some time in the medieval period. 
• It is believed that in earlier days, the Padmanabhapuram Palace can be seen clearly from atop the Vattakottai Fort. The fort also encloses a secret path through a tunnel that is about 4 feet wide linking the palace to the Vattakottai fort. However, the path has been now close. The fort also has a small pond in the centre of the complex and a raised parade ground that offers a good view of the area surrounding the sea.