Journey Through Varanasi: A Tale of Heritage & Spirituality

Varanasi, a timeless city on the sacred Ganga, captivates visitors with its historic ghats and temples. A trip included a visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple and an evening cruise on the Ganga aboard the Alaknanda luxury liner, offering breathtaking views and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The experience also encompassed exploring Ravidas Ghat and witnessing the city's rich cultural heritage. The day ended with a memorable Ganga Aarti and a peaceful float of a Floating Diya. The Alaknanda Cruise provided a unique perspective of Varanasi's iconic ghats, offering a tranquil escape from the lively streets, concluding with shopping, a temple visit, and a delightful dinner before departing for Ranchi.

Rediscovering Jeita Grotto: A Journey into Lebanon’s Hidden Marvel

Jeita Grotto, nestled in Keserwan, Lebanon, is a remarkable limestone cave network featuring spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, and a subterranean river. Home to one of the largest hanging stalactites globally, the 9-kilometre-long system encompasses two main galleries - the upper and lower, which can be explored by foot and boat respectively. Noted for its natural beauty, it's one of Lebanon's leading attractions. Rediscovered in 1836, Jeita Grotto's karstic structures were formed over millions of years due to the dissolution of limestone.

A Riverine Reverie: Cruising the Hooghly in Kolkata

Kolkata's rich cultural heritage is reflected through its landmarks such as the iconic Howrah Bridge and Hooghly River, both deeply intertwined with the city's history. The Hooghly river, a key distributary of the holy Ganga River, was vital for establishing several international trade settlements including the East India Company's base, Calcutta. Several sites of historic and cultural significance, including the Howrah Bridge, the Nimtala Crematorium, and Belur Math, reside along the river's banks, making a river cruise an immersive experience into Kolkata's past and present.

A Sunset Soiree on the Mandovi River: Our Family’s Goa Adventure

On their second day in Goa, the author booked a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River with Swastik Cruise, returning to the Reis Magos jetty in the evening to board the air-conditioned passenger vessel, Swasti. On board, guests were entertained with traditional Goan dances and music, and treated to a view of Goa's striking sunset. Despite the cruise not being their best experience, the author recommends it for anyone visiting Goa.

Discovering Paradise: A Journey to the Maldives

The writer reflects on their holiday to the Maldives 8 years ago, reminiscing about the exquisite natural beauty, warm waters, and white-sand beaches that make the group of over 1,000 coral islands unique. They stayed at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa, accessible only by speedboat, and spent their days exploring the magnificent coral reefs, relaxing on private beach islands, and enjoying the resort's top-notch amenities. Dolphins, water bungalows, and morning swims completed the remarkable experience.

Gopalpur-on-sea: Perfect Winter Destination

Gopalpur is the perfect place for holidays. During the days of Kalingas, this place was known as the port of Paloura from which traders sailed as far as Java, Bali and Sumatra and piled up wealth dealing in silk and pearl. Later Gopalpur regained its importance to maritime trade during British colonial rule. It was a transit point to export sugar and cheap labourers for the tea gardens of Assam in north-eastern India. Today it survives on fishing as its main industry, and a pristine beach with unforgettable views of the sunrise.

The Spiritual and Ecological Symphony at Triveni Sangam

In Prayagraj, the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga and Yamuna merge with the invisible Saraswati, holds immense spiritual importance for Hindus. During winter, migratory seagulls from Siberia add wonder to this sacred site. The birds' graceful presence enriches the spiritual ambiance and showcases the harmony between nature and devotion. Their journey also teaches lessons of resilience and solidarity, intertwining ecology with spirituality in a profound and humbling manner.

Sacred Shores: A Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Dwarka

The pilgrimage to Dwarka, a sacred city on the western coast of Gujarat, is steeped in religious and historical significance. Home to the revered Dwarkadhish Temple and Bet Dwarka Island, the journey encompasses spiritual immersion and exploration of ancient artifacts. Despite the rain, the pilgrimage remains a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience, culminating in reflection and strengthened faith.

Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj: A Spiritual Confluence of Three Rivers

In Hindu tradition Triveni Sangam is the "confluence" of three rivers. Sangam is the Sanskrit word for confluence. The point of confluence is a sacred place for Hindus. A bath here is said to wash away all of one's sins and free one from the cycle of rebirth. One such Triveni Sangam, in Prayagraj (Allahabad) has two physical rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible or mythic Saraswati River. The site is in Prayag (Allahabad).

The Kapil Muni Temple

Gangasagar: A Spiritual Journey to the Confluence of Ganga River and Bay of Bengal

Gangasagar is a charming tourist destination, which attracts both pilgrims and adventure lovers. Nestled in one of the delta islands is Gangasagar. Also called Sagardwip or Sagar Island, it is one of the largest islands on the Ganges delta and holds immense religious significance. Gangasagar has acres of silver sand and clear blue sky, and the calm sea to spend the time in tranquillity.