Importance of Educational Tours
A Chinese philosopher and the paragon of Chinese sages once said,
What I hear, I forget;
what I see, I remember;
and what I do, I understand.
Of these, the last two show much relevance to knowing the importance of
educational tours.
In general, educators use various teaching methods to educate their
students. For imparting knowledge to students, though classroom teaching is the conventional and best method, educational tours can be considered the next best technique. There are umpteen reasons why educational touring has a vital role to play in the educational journey of students. Briefed in the article are the top five benefits of taking students on field trips and educational trips.
Importance of Educational Tours and Their Unparalleled Benefits
- Practical and interactive learning
- Social bonding and fun
- New learning through new experiences
- Community and Culture
- Improved academic performance
Practical and interactive learning
Education tours for students in India are quite prominent, as the country is
diverse in every aspect of business, society, and human welfare. There are a
lot of things to learn from the distinct people and places in the country.
Students can interactively learn from these kinds of learning trips. Thanks to the previous generations, who have shown how students can gain practical knowledge when taken out to the fields.
Social bonding and fun
Among the numerous benefits of educational tours, social bonding is
something special. Because students can collaborate, interact, and create a
social bond with peers. And most importantly, with the educator and the
faculties. Apart from an educator teaching or training a student, what is
special and the need of the hour is the interpersonal relationship. This will
enable the student to receive lifelong guidance. From higher education to
career advice, students can always stay on top of things when guided by
educators.
New learning through new experiences
Traveling to new places helps students gain new experiences and learn new
practical lessons. Yes, ‘travel and learn’ is a great concept as it deals with
the reality and actual occurrences of events. From meeting new people to
seeing new small and big companies to watching new types of machinery to
eating new cuisines, everything is afresh. Now, tell us, isn’t it great learning
for the students?
Community and Culture
Besides the technical knowledge and lessons learned from an educational
tour, students can explore the non-curricular aspects of the real world. For
example, staying in a new place enables them to learn about the local
communities and their ways of living (food, culture, language, fashion, etc.)
This is why education experts appreciate ‘learning through travel.’ And
undoubtedly, students can consider it a fun-filled excursion while learning
the curriculum. For customized budget tour packages for students, click
here!
Improved academic performance
When an educational tour package can offer so many practical lessons and
life experiences, as aforementioned in this article, will the student show
improvement in his or her academic performance? Indeed, this question is
beyond doubt. Every student must have learned something new, both in
curricular and non-curricular aspects, and will definitely show some
improvement in their overall academic performance. If not in terms of exam scores, at least in the way they see, perceive education, or grasp the
concepts.
Conclusion
For every student to gain this experiential learning, educational tours have
to become part and parcel of the course or curriculum. And educators can
increase students’ curiosity to learn more in practical ways by involving them in every aspect of the educational tour (identifying the relevant field,
company, venue, etc.)
Emperor Traveline is a legacy tour operator in India with customer-centric and quality services. They provide customized itineraries for both domestic and international educational tours.
7 Best Tourist Places in Assam
Being one of the famous northeastern states in India, Assam has an enriched flora and fauna. Housed at the south end of the eastern Himalayas, tourist destinations in Assam are many. The state is known for orchid flowers, silk, Kaziranga National Park, and the Brahmaputra River.
Below are the seven best tourist places in Assam, India, curated by Emperor Traveline.
Best Places to Visit in Assam: Top 7 Tourist Destinations
- Guwahati
- Kaziranga National Park
- North Cachar Hills
- Majuli Island
- Haflong Lake and Hills
- Barak Valley
- Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati
Located at the foot of the Shillong plateau, Guwahati is a gateway to Northeast India. The Assam State Museum, with innumerable artifacts, is located here. Families traveling with children must visit the Guwahati Planetarium to explore space and learn astrophysics!
Things to do in Guwahati: Assam sightseeing, Cruising the Brahmaputra River, Birdwatching, Wildlife safari
Best time to visit: October to February
Kaziranga National Park
Spread across around 1,100 square kilometers, this ranks number one on the list of the best tourist places in Assam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and Bengal foxes make this National Park world famous. It is commendable to see the park well preserved despite the tourists flocking here.
Things to do in Kaziranga Park: Jeep safaris, Elephant safaris, and other wildlife safaris
Best time to visit: October to March
North Cachar Hills
Are you looking for unique places to visit in Assam? Then this is a great choice, as it has beautiful landscapes, burbling waterfalls, and streams. This tourist attraction in Assam is the home of many tribal communities and is locally called “Dima Hasao.”
Things to do in North Cachar Hills: Interacting with aboriginal tribal people, sightseeing, and strolling
Best time to visit: October to February
Majuli Island
This Assam tourist spot is a fantastic and must-visit destination. It is one of the many riverine islands formed by the Brahmaputra River. Notably, this is the largest riverine island in the world. When touring here, do visit Kamalabari Satra and Samaguri Satra
Things to do on Majuli Island: Birdwatching, Experiencing the homestays, and Fishing
Best time to visit: November to March
Haflong Lake and Hills
Among the best tourist places in Assam, this hill region occupies a special place. The hill has a viewpoint at its peak and is most loved by adventure seekers. It has lush green grasslands and azure-blue lake waters to captivate tourists.
Things to do in Haflong Lake and Hills: Trekking, Hiking, Boating, and Bird Suicide Observatory
Best time to visit: November to January
Barak Valley
While most Assam destinations are located in and around the Brahmaputra River, this valley is found around the Barak River. Couples choose this tourist destination for its utmost serenity and peace.
Things to do in Barak Valley: Exploring Silchar and Cachar towns, Badarpur Fort, Photography, and Shopping
Best time to visit: April to July
Kamakhya Temple
You cannot see one Assam tour package or an Assam tourism catalog not covering this temple. It is one of the ancient Hindu temples in Assam. The deities Lord Shiva and Daksha Yagna are worshipped to protect oneself from evil eyes. Though there are many spiritual places in Assam, this is a distinguished religious destination.
Things to do in Kamakhya Temple: Nilachal Hills, Ambubachi festival, Divine blessings
Best time to visit: October to May
Did you know? Visiting Assam is such a tranquil experience, and you cannot miss it if you’re in India.
Conclusion
Popularly called the land of blue hills, Assam is a wonderful, mesmeric, and untapped destination in India for most travelers. So, plan your vacation to Assam and start exploring nature with flora & fauna.
11 Best Hill Stations in North India
North India itself is diverse in terms of geography, climate, and culture. Because it has the Himalayas on its north-east, the Thar desert on its west, and Gangetic plains on its south. It has a temperate climate and thus winters are much colder (below 5°C) and summers are much hotter (above 5°C)
In this blog, we’ve curated the eleven best hill stations in North India for you to plan your vacation this year 2023. As the Himalayan belt majorly crosses the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, most of the North Indian hill stations house only here.
Eleven Most Popular Hill Stations in North India
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
An absolutely serene touring destination that mesmerizes you with its lakes, gardens, and cultural sites. This capital city of Jammu and Kashmir stands top of the list of best hill stations in North India.
Top things to do in Srinagar: Boating, Cultural tour, Shikara ride
Places to visit: Dal Lake, Char Chinar, Tulip Garden, Nishat & Shalimar Bagh
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
You can witness snow-clad mountains in winter and lush green-scapes in summer here. It has one of the world’s largest golf clubs and serves as a great destination if you’re an adventure seeker!
Top things to do in Gulmarg: Gondola ride, skiing
Places to visit: Indian Institute of Skiing, Golf Club, Alpather Lake
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
An epitome of culture, heritage, and biodiversity! This is popular both as a honeymoon destination and summer hill station in North India. Do not miss the splashing waterfalls, alluring meadows, and astonishing viewpoints.
Top things to do in Manali: Trekking, Strolling, Shopping
Places to visit: Mall Road, Pir Panjal Range, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Jog Falls
More attractions in Manali >>>
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
This place acts as a gateway to spectacular mountains, holy temples/ churches, enriched flora/ fauna, and snowy winters. Unfortunately, this is not one of the offbeat hill stations in North India and tourists flock to this place every season.
Top things to do in Shimla: Toy train ride, Trekking, Strolling
Places to visit: Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, Green Valley, Bird Park, The Ridge
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Located on the foothills of the Garhwal range of the Himalayas, you can expect perfect tranquility here. If you’re planning for a North India tour, then remember to add this destination.
Top things to do in Mussoorie: Paragliding, Wildlife safari, Horse riding, Rafting
Places to visit: Bazar Road, George Everest House, Mussoorie Lake, Bhatta & Mossy Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill Point
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Popularly called the “City of Lakes,” this place is housed amidst the Kumaon hills of the Himalayas. Experience the emerald lakes, stellar peaks, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Top things to do in Nainital: Boating, Rope riding, Trekking, Mountaineering
Places to visit: Naini Lake, Naina Devi temple, Tiffin Top, Bhimtal, Jim Corbett National Park
Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
One of the unique hill stations wherein you enjoy the monasteries more than mountains with snow-caps. This is definitely an offbeat hill station in North India.
Top things to do in Dharamshala: Walkthrough amid Cedar trees, Visit Buddhist Monasteries
Places to visit: Kangra Valley, Dhauladhar Ranges, St. John Church
Leh, Jammu & Kashmir
Amongst the best hill stations to visit in North India in summer, this is a perfect choice for young tourists and backpackers. It has crystal-clear lakes, cultural sites, and amazing landscapes.
Top things to do in Leh: Biking, Trekking, Cultural tour
Places to visit: Leh Palace, Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, Nubra Valley, Shanti Stupa
Almora, Uttarakhand
A place rich in British/ cultural heritage, wildlife, and cuisine. It is renowned for its unique handicrafts. Though it has picturesque mountains, people call it the “Town of Temples” as it has numerous Hindu temples.
Top things to do in Almora: Temple Visit, Shopping, Mountaineering
Places to visit: Jageshwar, Kesar Devi Temple, Zero Point, Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Temple
Auli, Uttarakhand
This place is a heaven on earth with snow-covered hills, ancient hill resorts, and apple orchards. Visit this place in winter to experience enthralling skiing and ropeway. Indeed, a must visit hill station in North India.
Top things to do in Auli: Skiing, Viewpoint, Rope ride, Strolling
Places to visit: Trishul Peak, Joshimath, Chattrakund Lake
Explore more tourists places to visit in India in Winter >>>
Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Apiti Valley separates India from Tibet and is famous for its rugged desert-like terrains. This place experiences the coldest climate in India as it lies above ~12,500 feet above sea level.
Top things to do in Spiti: Solitude walks, Cold desert mountain trekking, hiking, camping
Places to visit: Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Kunzum Pass, Key Monastery
7 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, ranks high on the list of most visited tourist places in the world. Most international tourists visiting Thailand pick this city for touring or at least as a gateway to the country. This city has more than 15% of the country’s population and makes a key contribution to the country’s economy.
In terms of Tourism, the multifaceted country attracts varieties of tourists. The majority of tribe includes cultural tourists, history/ heritage tourists, shopaholic tourists, nightlife tourists, sex tourists, etc.
Curated below are the top seven picks or places to visit in Bangkok for first-timers.
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Bangkok – Top Seven Picks
Grand Palace
Your vacation in Bangkok will not get complete without visiting this Grand Palace, the former residence of the King of Rattanakosin Kingdom. Tourists can admire the grandeur of this palace throughout the year except for royal ceremony times. The world-famous “Emerald Buddha” temple is located here.
Wat Arun Temple
Housed on the banks of the river Chao Phraya, it comes first on the list of most incredible sites to see in Bangkok. The sunset here is breathtaking. You can feel awestruck looking at the architectural beauty of the temple. Locally, this temple is referred to as “The Temple of Dawn.”
What are the other best things to do in Bangkok?
Lumphini Park
This park was named after the place Lumbini, the birthplace of Budha. It has 58 hectares of the man-made lake amidst lush green lawns, strolling walkways, kid’s play areas, etc. You can enjoy rowing and paddleboat rides. The photogenic Chinese-style clock tower is located here. What not? Isn’t this park one of the best destinations for kids to visit in Bangkok?
Chatuchak Weekend Market
From food, flowers, apparel, art and crafts, home decor, beauty products, cafes, antiques, and souvenirs you can get anything and everything here. It encapsulates more than ten thousand shops and for sure you’ll get lost or stranded in these busy streets. Watch out! There are information centers to help you catch hold of the main walkways. Nothing to worry about.
Reclining Buddha Temple
This 46-meter-long reclining Budhha temple is a globally recognized tourist site. Next to the temple of Emerald Buddha, tourists visit this destination in Bangkok. This stunning statue is found to be covered in a golden leaf. Also, has around thousand images of Buddha images and more than ninety small shrines.
Floating Markets
Enjoying the floating markets in Bangkok is indeed the best among the various cool things to do in Bangkok. There are many floating markets in Bangkok. The most acclaimed one is at Damnoen Saduak. You can have fun riding on the long-tail boats and relish Bangkok’s local cuisine, tropical fruits/ vegetables, etc.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Looking for a unique and best of the best tourist attractions to visit in Bangkok? This is the place! Yes, it has more than eight hundred selective works of Boonchai Bencharongkul. This museum is dedicated to Professor Silpa Bhirasri who is popularly called the father of Contemporary Art in Thailand. You can find the best of Thai art, creativity, and beliefs here!
Planning a trip to Bangkok? We’re here to help!
FAQs About Best Places to Visit in Bangkok
1. What is the nicest area of Bangkok?
Sukhumvit (best for stay, spa, and tourist attractions), Siam & Chinatown (best for shopping, and food), Pratunam (best for exploring local life and markets), Thong Lor (nightlife of Bangkok), etc.
2. What you can’t miss in Bangkok?
The above-listed seven best places to visit in Bangkok are the ones you cannot miss. Apart from these, you can also visit Rose Garden, Wat Saket, Siam Park City, Chao Phraya River, Madame Tussauds, Vimanmek Mansion, and Safari World.
3. What is very famous in Bangkok?
Temples, floating markets, shopping centers, spas/ massage centers, and parks are famous in Bangkok.
7 Best places to visit in summer in India
The hot and ferocious Indian summers are on. So, you need to plan the perfect summer vacation in India. India is an exciting destination for the summer holidays and is the most happening touring destination to make some exciting travel choices for your family, friends and loved ones. So what makes India, the land of numerous ancient cultures and traditions, the most popular destination for vacations during summer, and what are the best places to visit in India in summer and the best things to do while you’re in India for vacation during summer?
Shimla
What is that one place that instantly comes to your mind when you think of the best places to visit in summer in India? Shimla, is it? You guessed it right, as it’s the perfect getaway to spend the summer season with your kith and kin. Popularly dubbed as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is rated as one of the most visited holiday getaways. Shimla has a salubrious climate all throughout the year, such that in the erstwhile colonial era, it served as the summer capital of the British. You won’t be disappointed once you’re in Shimla with its range of accommodation, amusement and sporting options for the entire family.
Shimla is an ideal destination to spend the summer season in India. With its name derived from the goddess “Shyamala”, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is one of the favourite holiday getaways. The all-year-round salubrious climate was in fact the reason the British families settled here every summer pre-independence. There are several accommodation options and amusement choices. Come with your loved ones to the town, listed among the top places for summer vacations in India. You shouldn’t miss out on travelling in the Kalka Shimla toy train, river rafting at Tattapani, shopping and dining at Mall Road, visiting the gorgeous Christ Church near the mall, trekking to Jakhu Hanuman Temple nestled atop a hill, exploring the Viceregal Lodge and the magnificent British architecture, visiting the lovely hill getaways of Kufri Chail and Mashobra, and capturing a family group photo whose memory will linger forever.
Manali
There is a strong reason why Manali, another beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, has made it to the top of the list for the best places to visit in summer in India. Manali was for a long was the number one choice for honeymooners and newlywed couples, considering its ravishing picturesque locations, including the lush green meadows fed by the River Beas and snow-laden mountains. Manali also offers you sights that are reminiscent of Indian legends and mythology. Manali is truly one of the best summer destinations in India with a range of things to do, including visiting the famous Rohtang Pass and enjoying the snow sightseeing at the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa, Club House, Hadimba Temple enjoying adventure sporting activities at Solang Valley, river rafting in the Beas making short trips to Jogini Falls, Manikaran Gurudwara, Kullu, Arjuna Gufa, Vashisht Hot-Water Springs and Bhrigu Lake, trekking and camping and picnicking at the apple orchards. You can also try out paragliding, zorbing, parachuting and other high-adrenaline activities.
Darjeeling
Time for some quick trivia: name the most common beverage followed by the word Darjeeling? Yeah, you got it right. It’s tea. Now, the other way round, think of tea and what comes to your mind in a flash is Darjeeling, located in the north-eastern state of West Bengal, undoubtedly the best summer destinations in India. Set on the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m above sea level) and enveloped by fresh, green tea plantations, the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling is rated as one of the best places to visit in summer in India. The confluence of Mother Nature and man-made creations can leave you spellbound. You can study a bit about the Tibetan roots at the Buddhist monasteries here. Not to mention shopping, yummy treats and lots more. Don’t forget to enjoy the toy train ride to Darjeeling, visit the Gorkha War Memorial and Batasia Loop, discover the freshness of the tea gardens of Darjeeling’s Happy Valley Tea Estate, go to the Tiger Hill and view the fantastic sunrise, trek at Charlemont Hill to Peace Pagoda, enjoy the flora and fauna at Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and do some shopping at Mall Road.
Munnar
It comes as little surprise to many that Munnar, located in the southern state of Kerala, God’s own country, has made it to the list of the best destinations to be visited during summer vacations. Take Kerala as such, the state has some of the best summer holiday destinations in India, and Munnar stands out among them in terms of its sheer beauty and unique flora and fauna. Nested in the verdant lap of the Western Ghats, Munnar is the perfect place to visit if you find the summer heat hard to take. With a pleasant climate all throughout the year, and a range of aromatic spices and dry fruits, Munnar has so much to offer to tourists; therefore, why travel anywhere else in South India? While you’re in Munnar, enjoy the greeneries of the tea garden estates, visit Elephant Lake, Anamudi Peak, Echo Point, and Kundala. Stop over at the Tata Tea Museum, stay for a day at a treehouse, take a break at Chinnakanal, Devikulama and Chithirapuram, trek to the echo point, take the unbelievably romantic Shikara ride on the Kundala Lake, do mountain biking in Vandanmedu, Periyar and Suryanelli and take a smooth elephant ride in Carmelagiri Elephant Park.
Lakshwadeep Islands
Lakshwadeep Islands, one of India’s union territories, is a gem in the crown of India’s most splendid tropical island destinations. Undoubtedly, the coral islands are one of the best summer destinations in India. Lakshadweep, a tropical archipelago comprising 36 islands and coral reefs in the Lakshadweep or Laccadive Sea, is 280 km to 480 km off Kerala’s coast. These islands, which make the perfect destination to spend summer holidays, dazzle like emeralds compared to the cerulean waters. If you’re on this awe-inspiring island, you get to discover the pristine beauty of the coral reefs, enjoy a range of adventure sporting activities such as windsurfing and diving, swimming, kayaking and snorkelling and take delight in savouring the fresh coconuts and tropical fruits, whilst enjoying the sandy beaches of the islands.
Rishikesh
We wanted to add a spiritual dimension to the list of summer vacations in India, and here we go. A visit to India, known for its spiritual roots and values, and where almost every faith coexists in harmony with one another, is incomplete without travelling to Rishikesh, one of the best places to go in summer in India. Spend time rejuvenating yourself on the banks of the River Ganges at the foothills of Mount Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. If you’re looking to learn Yoga, Sanātana Dharma and the Vedic truth and eternal teachings of Hinduism, Rishikesh is where you need to go.
When visiting the ancient temples of the region, you will also find spiritual teachers (Yogis) who discipline their followers in the area of Hindu spiritual practices. Rishikesh is also perfect for those seeking adventure sports, including cliff jumping, body surfing, river rafting in the Ganges, suspended fox-flying on wires between two mountains, camping on the banks of the river, bungee jumping and others. The world-famous Ayurveda treatment centres in Rishikesh offer holistic treatment for the mind, body and soul.
Ooty
Let’s travel down south again to another popular hill station, Ooty. One of the most stunning summer tourist places in India, Ooty is nestled in Nilgiris, the hill station that had once served as a favourite escape getaway for the British from the scorching Chennai (previously Madras) summer heat during colonial rule and is now one of the most important places to visit in India in summer vacations. That’s why you can see so many British architecture-inspired buildings in supreme condition here even today. Touring in and around Ooty in itself is an experience like the famous toy train ride from Mettupalayam. Enjoy the picturesque tea and coffee estates, the Ooty Botanical Garden and colonial buildings. Why not take a boat ride in Ooty Lake with your friends and family?
We recommend that you taste the delectable local homemade Ooty chocolates, set up a night camp and trek at the Avalanche Lake, enjoy a round of golf or two at the famous Golf Course, and of course, fete champetre at the Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Emerald Lake, etc. The highest peak in the region is Doddabetta, located at 2,637 metres above sea level. Take a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire landscape and all that surrounds the region, including the misty clouds hovering over the distant hills.
Hope we’ve covered the major places to visit in summer in India in this blog, and provided you with some basic information on the major touring destinations. You’re free to add your preferred destinations for summer to the above list.
Honeymoon Travel can wait!
The pandemic has unleashed waves of uncertainty into our everyday lives, and couples that had tied knots during the pandemic have to play the waiting game until the pandemic is all over before they plan for their wedding honeymoon again. Undoubtedly, the usual fervour of the ‘big fat’ Indian marriages is clearly missing replaced by downsized mini ceremonies this year. This said the love for traditional wedding is far from over. With the international borders shut indefinitely, the Australian Government had even passed strict orders to even jailing passengers flying from India.
As per the Wedding Tourism Report by MRSS India in 2019, the size of the wedding market in India was estimated to be INR 110,000 crore of which nearly INR 23,438 crore accounts for destination wedding. This number was slated to double at a staggering rate to INR 45,000 crore by the end of the year 2020, growing at 25-30% per year. However, things changed dramatically post pandemic; honeymoon vacation and tours hit an all-time low. With no clue when this uncertainty will end in the near future, travel and tour operations have come to a screeching halt ever since the outbreak.
Come 2021, so what are the trends that will dominate in this space post the second wave of the pandemic? Drivable destinations are turning out to be a hot favourite among honeymoon vacationers to avoid long distance travel. The trend is driving travel and tour operators to tailor two- to three-day getaways packages to scenic hill stations, historical and adventure destinations. For a lot of couples, luxury resorts, home villas and rental properties promise a great deal of security as health and safety protocols are strictly followed. Also, honeymoon vacations that are usually full of itineraries have shrunk down to simpler and limited activities and planning for the day.
All said and done, if you’ve tied the nuptial knot, don’t rush to your favourite holiday destination, honeymoon travel can still wait.
How to plan a family trip during Covid-19?
Planning a family trip during COVID-19 is not without risks. Experts advise against making family trips during the pandemic. However, when planning such trips, great care has to be taken, especially with kids and senior citizens usually with low immunity levels around, to avoid direct exposure to infection. Here is how one can plan a family trip safely and enjoy the happy moments in nine essential steps.
- Check with the local laws first if you need to travel within the country or the law of the land regarding COVID-19 if you wish to travel abroad. Avoid travelling overseas as much as possible as several European and Asian countries are facing a second wave of pandemic, and consequently forced lockdowns to prevent public movement.
- Talk to your doctor regarding your family’s health and determine risk factors if any. Elderly people should talk to specialists if they’re suffering from diabetes, hypertension or blood pressure. It is important to get a clearance letter from the doctor before travel to avoid health complications.
- It’s important to understand the health risk profiles of individual members in a family before travel, and it is always a recommended practise to share the details with the family in the case of an emergency for preparedness.
- Avoid travelling to COVID-19 hotspots to avoid maximum exposure of infection. It is recommended to talk to your travel agency and get the ground details of COVID-19 of a particular touring destination including staying in quarantine, lockdown restrictions (if any), and the general rules and regulations of pandemic relief programs that apply in the region.
- Avoid over-crowed hotels and restaurants; check for a remote hotel to avoid mixing with other teams or hotel guests. Use touchless operation wherever required including contactless check-in.
- It is safe to travel in a car or cab to cover short distances than to travel by train or take a flight. As flight bookings are marked by uncertain timeliness, it is pertinent to check the booking and cancellation policies to avoid disappointments and save on unnecessary costs.
- Don’t forget to carry COVID-19 essentials such as hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, face masks, a thermometer, gloves, hand soap and health insurance cards.
- Plan only for outdoor activities. This is because visiting public places (not all follow safety protocols) can put you at greater risk of infection.
- And finally, it is important to keep your kids completely safe during the travel by educating them on pandemic guidelines during the tour.
Why Travel can be good for you post-COVID-19 lockdown?
The COVID-19 crisis has unleashed a paralysis of sorts in all spheres of life. Businesses have shut down, either temporarily or permanently, with normal life coming to a standstill and uncertainty looming in at large. Of all the business sectors, the travel and tourism industry is the worst hit sector as the general public mostly stayed indoors, advised not to step out of their homes until necessary. With a second wave of the pandemic rocking several European and Asian countries, the travel and tourism sector has to wait until a successful vaccination programme is in place. This brings us to the question: what good can travel do to the mind and body after a rather long hiatus? Though the long-term advantages of travelling can be myriad, here is how you can benefit from travelling.
- Travel is a stress-buster. Needless to say, a bit of travel to your favourite destination will make you feel more relaxed and stay focussed on your goals and aspirations. People who don’t travel much feel the heat of life’s pressure and struggles. So get a life, travel to the known and the unknown, the familiar and the unfamiliar.
- Travel helps you to reinvent the wheel. Yes, it gives you fresh insights towards executing your most cherished goals. It can help you broaden your awareness and be open to new things. Learning different cultures through travel opens up a new realm of possibilities. Travel forces you to think independently and evaluate your own principles and values.
- Travel increases the happiness quotient, says a recent study. This basically is a result of travel killing boredom and idealness. Because travel is a shift away from the mundane and the monotonous, it essentially makes the traveller happy. The change of mood happens when the minds starts to appreciate the possibility of a new belief.
- If you want to toughen up your mental muscles and develop more adaptability and resilience in life, you need to travel…and a lot of it. Travel at times may not turn out as planned, and lot of adjustments have to be made and alternate plans charted out, especially in a new location, where finding resources can be can be next to impossible.
- Travel is a great means to enhance your cognitive abilities. For many, travel is a creative channel for responding to an entirely different situation. So, when have you planned to travel when the COVID is finally over?
All about the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Alleppey
- The Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu Temple believed to have been constructed by the local ruler Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran (Alleppey) between the 15th and 17th centuries AD in Alappuzha (Alleppey).
- The temple is linked to the famous Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor. The idol of the temple is held sacred on a par with Parthasarthi that is posing with a whip in the right hand and a sacred Shanku (conch) in the other hand.
- The Palpayasa Nedyam or Payasam, in the form of a sweet pudding prepared of rice and milk, served in this temple is delectable and highly popular amongst devotees. Legend has it that Lord Guruvayoorappan himself visits this temple everyday to have Payasam.
- It is widely believed by the locals that Lord Krishna showed up in the form of a sage and played chess with the king, a chess enthusiast, who ruled that time. The king was challenged by the sage to offer him a grain of rice if he emerges victorious, with the condition that each square would double the grain of rice. The king having lost the game was happy to donate the grain of rice but he soon realized this vicious game of doubling the grain of rice on each square as he ran short of the food grain stock. However Lord Krishna, benevolent in his name, grants him a favour to pay him in part and serve paal payasam until and unless he clears his debt.
- Adopting Kerala style architecture, the temple boasts of a splendid construction displaying a beautiful painting of different avatars of Lord Vishnu in its premises, a centre-piece of attraction.
- Most of all, Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is notoriously famous for its magical acts and the annual Ottanthullal ritual.
- The main festival of this shrine is Chambakulam Moolam celebrated on the Moolam Day every year. This place is always buzzing with pilgrims and tourists to receive the blessings from Lord Krishna. The popular Aaraattu festival during the months of March and April begins with the flag hoisting on the Atham star. Pallipana is celebrated in the temple once in every 12 years.
Things to know about the famous Naulakha Bazaar in Agra
- The city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is a potpourri of the diverse Indo-Islamic culture, whilst also conforming to the modern society. While there are several places to explore in Agra, the Naulakha Bazaar, meaning ‘a market worth nine lakhs’ in English, offers a wholesome shopping experience for Indian fashion and food lovers.
- This ever-bustling bazaar is located near Sadar Bazaar, another popular marketplace in Agra. Though tourists gather in large numbers in Naulakha Bazaar, its streets and bylanes are quite narrow like Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, so typical of Indian Bazaars.
- The market’s speciality items include a range of imitation jewellery and ornamental showpieces which you can find in Loha Mandi, an area located within the Naulakha Bazaar. In addition to metal goods, you can find a number of shops that specialize in ethnic wear manufactured locally in Uttar Pradesh.
- The Naulakha Bazaar is also popular for items made of timber. Besides, the local people purchase sundry items such as stationary and toys here.
- Buying cosmetics in the market would require careful consideration, as most items are either fake or counterfeit of popular international brands. Because these cosmetics contain toxic chemicals, they can easily harm the skin. Shoppers here also look for sport shoes, mojris and leather slippers and sandals that come in attractive designs for all ages.
- Bargaining for the right price is very much important at Naulakha Bazaar, which remains crowded from late morning hours (later than 10am) to even midnight during festival and peak season times.
- The mouth-watering local street foods including chats, milkshakes, desserts, kebabs, et al are guaranteed to satiate your hunger pangs after you’re done wandering the narrow lanes of the bazaar.
- The Naulakha Bazaar overall is a true reflection of the rich local culture and traditions of the city. Visiting the market can be an amazing experience, rest assured never to leave you disappointed.
