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The Beypore International Water Festival 2024, scheduled to be conducted from December 27 to 29, will be held across the scenic venues of Beypore, Chaliyam and Nallur in Kozhikode. Recognized as India’s largest water festival, the event promises a spectacular combination of adventure sports, cultural festivities and culinary celebrations, positioning Kozhikode as a key destination for adventure tourism in India. This grand event will feature adrenaline-pumping water sports such as white water kayaking, sit-on-top (SOT) kayaking, bamboo rafting, sailing regattas, sea kayak races, country boat races, angling and wing foiling. Additionally, community competitions in wooden boat paddling, net casting, and fishing will energize the local spirit, fostering participation and celebration. The event will also host thrilling demonstrations of paramotoring, flyboarding, rowing, surfing, sea rafting, windsurfing and surf skiing, attracting adventure enthusiasts from across the country. Beyond sports, the Nallur Mini Stadium will showcase the Responsible Tourism Fest, International Textile and Art Fest and an engaging Flea Market, where artists and craftsmen from over 20 states will conduct interactive workshops, promoting cultural exchange and creativity. Adding to the festivities, the Mega Food Fest will present a delicious array of Kozhikode’s ethnic delicacies, offering a unique culinary experience. Visitors will also enjoy music and art exhibitions across Beypore, Chaliyam and Nallur, making this festival a true celebration of Kerala’s cultural richness. The Beypore International Water Festival 2024 is expected to inspire wide participation, contributing to the promotion of sustainable tourism and enriching Kerala’s cultural heritage. Visitors are invited to experience three days of adventure, art and food, all set against the scenic beauty of Kozhikode’s coastal venues.

Asia’s leading travel trade show concluded with remarkable success, hosting over 45,000 business appointments, attracting more than 18,500 attendees from 85 countries, and featuring 1,950 exhibitors. Additionally, over 1,400 high-quality buyers contributed to a dynamic business and networking environment. 160 top speakers shaped the future of travel at the ITB Asia Conference. Berlin/Singapore, 25 October 2024 – This year’s edition broke records with unprecedented growth and innovation, setting the stage for a groundbreaking 2025 edition. ITB Asia is poised to expand its highly popular Travel Tech Asia cluster next year, providing deeper insights into cutting-edge hotel technology. The dedicated platform will showcase the latest advancements in reservation systems, equipment, AI tools, CRM platforms, design, and sustainability initiatives — set to redefine the future of accommodation and guest experiences. National Tourism Organisations Reflect on ITB Asia’s 2024 Success Exhibitors from around the globe praised ITB Asia for its ability to bring together the travel industry’s key players under one roof. Ingunn Sakshaug, Market and Travel Trade Specialist at Visit Norway, expressed her enthusiasm: “ITB Asia provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with travel organisers from multiple countries in one place, and this year’s event exceeded our expectations”. Similarly, Thorleifur Thor Jonsson, Senior Manager, Trade Delegations, at Visit Iceland, stated: “ITB Asia is an invaluable platform for Iceland to engage with the Southeast Asian market. The highly efficient meeting system ensures we maximize results.” Xiaolong Wu, Marketing Manager – APAC and MENA Market, at the Malta Tourism Authority, added: “ITB Asia is one of the best platforms for connecting with Asia-Pacific travel trade partners. We look forward to deepening these relationships further.” Joyce Wang, Executive Director of Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, stated: “ITB Asia remains the leading platform for the travel industry in the Asia-Pacific region. The remarkable growth and innovation displayed this year highlight the resilience and forward-thinking nature of our global travel community. We are excited to continue shaping the future of travel together, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.” ITB Asia 2024 Conference Highlights and Thought Leadership This year’s conference programme was nothing short of extraordinary, with over 4,000 minutes of high-powered content delivered through 100 sessions by 160 leading industry figures. The discussions focused on the future of MICE, corporate travel, leisure travel, and travel technology. Among the highlights were keynote speeches by Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director Asia Pacific & Sr Advisor to CEO of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Kevin Goh, CEO of Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Limited and The Ascott Limited, who shared valuable insights into sustainability trends and technological innovations reshaping the future of travel. The conference showcased high-powered discussions over three days in three distinct theatres, featuring impactful content. Esteemed industry leaders and C-suite speakers contributed their insights, making the event a significant platform for knowledge exchange. Knowledge Theatre: Exploring Travel Trends and Innovations In the Knowledge Theatre, industry leaders engaged in thought-provoking discussions on a range of important topics such as travel behaviour, customer loyalty, sustainability in hotels, or the evolution of extended stay experiences in Asia Pacific: Scott Wegener, Head of Asia Pacific at Tripadvisor, led a session on How Life Stages Influence Travel Behavior, exploring how different life stages affect travel decisions, with a special focus on Japanese travellers. In a Fireside Chat on Customer Loyalty, Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer & President Asia Pacific, Collinson International, discussed how brands can use travel experiences to drive customer loyalty, revealing key regional and global travel trends in Asia Pacific. Ananth Ramchandran, Head of Advisory & Strategic Transactions, Hotels & Hospitality, Asia, CBRE, presented on Mainstream and New Hotel Brands Embracing Sustainability, showing how sustainability has moved from a “nice to have” to a core part of hotel brand identity. Chew Hang Song, Deputy COO, Frasers Hospitality, and Sophie Brinsley, EVP – APAC, SilverDoor, joined a Fireside Chat on the Evolution of Extended Stay Experiences, examining the impact of digital transformation and flexible living solutions on the hospitality industry. MICE Show Asia: Insights on Digital Transformation and AI At MICE Show Asia, digital transformation took the spotlight with several key discussions: Errol Lim, COO of Jublia, James Kang, Managing Director of MEPS International Korea, and Dylan Sharma, Co-Founder of TRICOM Events, explored the Role of Digital Transformation in MICE, with a focus on AI-driven tools like personalisation and data analytics that are reshaping event management. Abel Zhao, CEO of Connexus Group Holdings, discussed Globalisation and Localisation in Travel Management Companies (TMCs), highlighting how organisations can successfully integrate localisation into their global strategies to meet evolving market demands. Rita Kuan, Market Development Manager at GSTC, Ian Gan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Singapore EXPO, and Adam Piperdy, Founder of Unearthed Productions, delivered actionable strategies in Driving Sustainability: Strategies for a Greener Future in the MICE Industry, outlining how the industry can adopt sustainability standards and collaborate for long-term impact. Travel Tech Asia: Shaping the Future of Travel Technology Innovation was front and center at Travel Tech Asia, with sessions highlighting the evolving needs of today’s tech-savvy travellers: Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda, delved into Redefining Travel with digital and localised solutions, emphasising the need for hyper-localised experiences to meet customer demands and improve satisfaction. Apo Ozkececi, Senior Vice President at Accelya Group, introduced the New Distribution Capability (NDC), discussing its potential to transform airline retailing and deliver more personalised offers and transparent pricing. David Hughes, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Uniglobe Travel International, led an insightful session on Building a Travel Programme Fit for the Future, revealing how emerging technologies like Generative AI and Web 3.0 are reshaping the travel management landscape. Yoshiyuki Takano, Group Managing Executive Officer at Rakuten Group, explored Japanese Travel Trends with data-driven insights, showcasing Japan’s growing inbound travel market and addressing challenges like overtourism and environmental changes. Investment Insights for the Travel and Hospitality Sector The Investment Panel brought together experts like Rayner Loi, Co-Founder & CEO of Lumitics, Nicholas Cocks, Managing Partner at Velocity Ventures, and Bennett Lee, Partner at Velocity Ventures, to discuss Strategic Outlooks for the travel and hospitality sector. The panel highlighted key opportunities in data-driven innovations and sustainability, positioning the industry for long-term growth.

Indian food is known the world over for the rich aroma and thoughtful and planned combination of spices. As soon as you enter a market, you are transported to a different world as the rich aroma of food surrounds you. Just as the country is so diverse in everything else, the different regions also have a variety of food options, hence wherever in the country you may be, you will not fall short of options. While there are different types of food, in this snapshot we focus only on street food, which represents the true essence of a destination’s culture and cuisine. Here is a list of top 86 handpicked street food items of India (yes, there are just so many of them) to help you chose. These special items can tickle your taste buds and even get you drooling! Vegetarian / Non-vegetarian  Dosa, all across India  Dosa is the most famous of all South Indian food and comes with a variety of fillings. It is basically like a crispy thin pancake, that is prepared from the fermented batter of rice, and rolled with a filling of potatoes, spices, other vegetables, paneer, cheese and so on. It is served with coconut chutney and sambhar, which is a spicy and soupy curry of vegetables and lentils. Dosas can be very big in size, and is a full meal in itself. Dosas are generally available in stalls and street-side vendors serving South Indian food.  Jalebi, all across the country Contrary to popular belief, Jalebi is not originally an Indian dessert. It originated probably from Iran and is also called in other parts of the world by the name Zulbia. It is made by deep frying in oil a fermented flour batter in circular shape (2.5 concentric circles to be precise) and then soaking it in hot sugary syrup. A bigger version of jalebi comes in a more complicated shape and is called Imarti or Amirti. Jalebis can be had either hot or cold and is often taken in combination with rabri.  Banana Chips, all across India Originally a delicacy of Kerala, banana chips are now found in every major city in the Hot Chips stores, as also in small market stores selling pre-packed salty snacks items. Under ripe banana are sliced and fried in coconut oil and either salt (salty and more popular version), spices (for the spicy version) or jaggery (sweet version) is added to them.  Pakora, North India Also called bhaji, Pakora originated in Northern India and moved to the other parts of the country. These are the national favourite when it comes to tea-time snacks and naturally, it is also very easy to find. Cooked with gram flour, spices and vegetable like potato, cauliflower, onion, chillies etc. these were essentially a vegetarian food. The vegetable pieces are dipped in the spiced gram flour mixture and deep fried in oil. In the eastern part of the country, especially in Kolkata one can also find non-vegetarian varieties like chicken pakora, prawn pakora etc. With prolonged frying on low flame, the outer layer turns crispy.  Chhole Bhaturey, Punjab (all over India) ‘Chhole bhaturey’ or ‘Chana Bhaturey’ is the staple breakfast item in Punjabi cuisine and is found all over India. The origin of the food is however from Uttar Pradesh. It is basically a dish of fried hugesized leavened flat bread (Puri or Bhaturey), a spicy curry which based on the main ingredient, would be called Chhole Bhaturey (main ingredient is chick peas) or Chana Bhaturey (where main ingredient is white peas), pickle and salad. This is a quick-food, healthy and has lip-smacking taste at the same time. From street-side stalls to posh restaurants, this food item has made its place in the menus across the nook and corner of the country, and one does not actually need to travel to Punjab to taste it.  Paya Soup or Paya Shorba, Bhopal Originating from a confluence of South and Central Asian cuisine, the Paya Soup or Shorba is now a delicacy that can be tasted across many places in India. One of them is Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, and the best address to have it here is at Chatori Gali, a real paradise for meat lovers. The Mutton Paya Soup here is worth drooling over. It is soup made from lamb trotters or legs using a heavenly blend of aromatic spices. And it is not just a bundle of flavours, but a very healthy food too. This dish has a high dose of calcium and is also good for those with joint pain. Sipping on the hot stew is a delightful experience. Lakhanpur De Bhalley, Jammu & Kashmir Lakhanpur is the entry point to Jammu & Kashmir and is also known for its ‘Bhalley’. It is a fried snack made from pulses and served with shredded fresh salad and green chutney. The road leading to the clearing point for trucks at Lakhanpur is bordered with several small stalls selling this lip-smacking Bhalley and naturally the aroma of the snack fills the air around making the wait for clearance worth.  Thukpa, North-Eastern States Originally a Tibetan noodle soup, Thukpa gradually became famous in Nepal and Bhutan and travelled to the north-eastern Indian states as well. Today it is one of the most popular snacks items here, and is especially helpful in beating the chilly cold winter evenings. Long noodles and fresh vegetables cooked in strong spices bring out the best in the dish. The non-vegetarian version may have added chicken or other meat, crab or prawn and if you are a non-vegetarian, it is always better to go for the non-vegetarian version as it has stronger flavour than the vegetarian one.  Mirchi Bhajji, Hyderabad While Hyderabad is known the world over for its Biryani, there is a snacks item which the locals cannot do without. Mirchi Bhajji is basically a stuffed green chilli that is coated in a spicy mixture of gram flour and deep fried. It is generally eaten hot, with lemon and chopped onions, standing right at the roadside stall. However, one finds a variation of the same snack in different regions, at some places the same being grouped under ‘pakora’ category, but the Hydrabadi variety is by far the most popular. While Indian chillies can be very hot, the ones used for the bhajji are not extremely so; thus unless you are used to very bland taste, the spicy fry should not be a big problem, but it is a good idea to have some sweets or candies when trying them to help putting off the fire in your tongue, just in case.  Kathi Rolls, Kolkata Often regarded as the King of street food in India, Kolkata’s Kathi rolls are also known as Frankies in some other parts of the country. But ‘frank’ly speaking, they come nowhere close to the Kolkata original. Roll shops dot the entire city and all of them, irrespective of whichever location they are in, are always crowded with hungry or even not-sohungry people. As the name suggests, these are basically rolls, Indian bread rolls to be precise. With a filling of cooked and uncooked veggies and chicken kebabs (may also be fish, paneer, mutton or potato), that are rolled into an Indian flatbread that is pre-fried in oil (with or without a layer or two of egg), and made tastier by adding ketchup, lemon juice, salt, spices, chilly and so on (depending upon preference), Kathi Rolls are a perfect treat to your taste buds, and you don’t always bother to be hungry before ordering that. The roll is wrapped in an oil-soaking paper to make holding it easier for you. The roll centres across Kolkata are experts in delivering you your choice of Kathi rolls, which depending on the layers you add, gets fatter. So you can have Egg Roll, Chicken Roll, Double Egg Roll, Double Chicken Roll, Egg Chicken Roll, Double Egg chicken roll, Egg Double chicken roll, Double egg double chicken roll and so on. The word ‘double’ here doesn’t mean two rolls, but two times the specific ingredient.  Variety of Chaats, all across India Having its origin in Uttar Pradesh, Chaat is a savoury snack item that is available today all across India in different varieties. It originated as a mixture of leftover items whose taste was enhanced by the use of yoghurt, chutney, spices and some garnishings. Today these are sold at roadside stalls or hand carts with variation in ingredients depending upon the weather and local preferences. Chaats of Delhi and Hyderabad are especially popular. Bittu’s Aloo Tikki wala and Nathu’s sweets are two of the best known chaat shops of Delhi. Sardaarji’s Chaat at Gachibowli and Gokul Chaat at Koti are two of the best chaat joints at Hyderabad.  Fish Fingers, Kolkata This is another favourite fish item of Bengal. Boneless fish fillet is chopped into thin strips and marinated in spices, then coated with breadcrumbs and fried. When ready they look like fingers, hence the name. These are often eaten with chilli sauce or mustard sauce.  Aloo Chaat, North India and West Bengal Another popular Indian chaat is the aloo chaat found mainly in North India and West Bengal. Crispy fried potato cubes are mixed with spices, sweet and sour chutneys and garnished with pomegranate pearls and sev. It is also one of the easiest chaats to make at home and especially goes well with masala tea from a road-side stall.  Fish Fry, Kolkata When in Kolkata, you surely can expect a lot of delicacies made of fish. But Fish Fry is more than just fried fish. This is one of the iconic non-vegetarian snacks item of the City of Joy. However, the history of this preparation goes back to the time of the British Rule when this dish was conceived as Indian version of Fish and Chips. While over the centuries, the chips went missing, the fish remained. So basically it is a big boneless fillet of fish marinated in spices and then coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried. It is served hot with salad and mustard sauce. The most famous Fish Fry in Kolkata is that of Bijoli Grill.  Variety of chops, Kolkata The streets-sides of Kolkata are dotted with small shacks or stalls, often with glass counters, on the other side of which one can see ready to fry breadcrumbs-coated cutlets in various shapes and sizes. The glass often doubles up as a menu card displaying the variants available. During your visit to the city if you come across one, do not hesitate to peep and try. Chops are basically various types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian filling inside a rounded (or oval) ball of mashed potatoes which is then coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried before being served with salad and ketchup. The filling is cooked in various types of spices making each one taste different, and based on the filling the chop is named. Hence it may be a capsicum chop (meaning a filling of capsicum), cauliflower chop, chicken chop, fish chop, egg chop and so on. Sometimes the potato outer layer and breadcrumbs are replaced with a mix of gram and rice flour coating for instant preparation. There are innumerable varieties of chops available in the city, and tourists must not miss out on this quick bite item.  Phirni, Hyderabad, Lucknow or Delhi Phirni or Firni is a creamy sweet rice flour pudding that originated in north India. Originally prepared mainly during the Ramzan festival, Phirni is now available more or less throughout the year in restaurants serving moghlai food. There are two variants of phirni, the white and the yellow. The main ingredients of phirni are rice flour, milk, sugar, rose syrup, almonds and cardamom. In the yellow variant saffron is added for the flavour and look. Phirni is garnished with rose petals, chopped almonds or pistachio nuts and the dessert is often served in terracotta bowl for an added earthen flavour. Unlike kheer, phir is not too sweet, hence one does not need to stop at just one. Some of the best places to try phirni are Hyderabad, Lucknow and Delhi.  Vada Pao, Mumbai This Indian version of burger is every Mumbaikar’s favourite. Vada Pao stalls are to be found across the nook and cranny of the city and Mumbaikars, from students to corporates, frequent the stalls for a quick bite. This is because it is believed that the best version of this snack is available on the roadside stalls. The stalls have never ending queues and the snack is definitely a try when you are in India. For those who are not used to the extravagantly spiced Indian foods, it is important not to be misled by the usage of the word ‘burger’ here. Vada Pao can get very spicy and are often served with extra chilly that might heat up your mouth and tummy. It is often served with different types of chutneys (Indian home-made sauces), some of which are also spicy.  Kulfi, Northern and Western India Kulfi is the Indian version of ice-cream and is a punch between an icecream and a creamy Indian dessert. It is prepared by thickening the milk, just like in Indian desserts and comes in various flavours, including saffron and those of nuts like almonds, pistachios and coconuts. Often presented in sticks, the kulfis are also garnished with chopped nuts. Kulfi brings great respite during scorching summers and is eaten either as a snack or as a dessert after meals. Kulfis are available in road-side stalls or even restaurants.  Momos, Delhi, Kolkata and Northeast India Spicy and tangy, steaming hot dumplings that originated from Tibet and Nepal, has made its inroads into the heart of Indian food lovers, so much so that in some cities of India these momos are the most sought after street food. Stuffed with vegetables or chicken, this delicious snacks item has graduated from ‘just the road side’ eatery item to food courts in shopping malls with brands embracing them and experimenting with their variations. The result is a hundred variation of momos, starting from baked momos, tossed momos, grilled momos, burger momos to tandoori momo and chocolate momo, and all that with a variety of filling like chicken, mutton, vegetable, mushroom, fish, paneer and so on.  Puchkas, West Bengal (Golgappas or panipuri elsewhere) Gol Gappas or Pani Puri is an iconic food item found across the country, and depending on the place, may take a different name, although the basic concept of the dish remains the same – a spicy, tangy and sour tamarind and lemon based water poured into the hollow of a mini wheat bomb that has a filling of mashed potato and boiled peas inside. The water is often flavoured with mint, coriander leaves or aromatic lemon. Men, women, old and the young alike have a craze for puchkas or panipuri and the roadside phuchka vendors are often seen surrounded by people waiting for their turn to grab one and gulp the mini taste bomb. Some prefer it spicier; some go for mild, while some totally avoid the water content and rather have it dry. Some regions offer a choice of the water flavoured with various ingredients, some come with warm versions of the water, while some regions provide extra minced onion to garnish the mini bombs. Phuchka is the Bengali version, and phuchkas of Bengal take the prize when it comes to the tastiest version of this food in India.  Thattu Dosa, Kerala & Tamil Nadu Unlike the regular dosas, Thattu Dosas are soft and thicker and appear more like bread. The batter used to cook it is a looser version of that of idly, hence there is a similarity in colour and taste with idli too. It is a common breakfast item in South India and is sold in the street-side stalls, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These are named after ‘Thattukada’ or the street food vendors, who actually popularised this version of dosa. Thattu Dosa is served with sambhar and coconut chutney.  Dabeli, Gujarat Another street food that is a close cousin of the western burger is the Dabeli, an evening snack of Gujarat. With sunset many stalls come up across the road sides that sell Dabeli along with other Gujarati snacks items. The snacks item originated in Kutchh region of Gujarat and is now not only popular in Gujarat, but is also exported to western countries every day. Spicy mashed potato is put into a burgerlike bun, called ladi pav, and then garnished with roasted peanuts, chopped onions, bhujia (a fried snack) and pomegranate and finally served with various chutneys like garlic, tamarind, date, chilli, coriander etc. You can have it standing at the stall or on the go and it costs a few pennies.  Akki Rotti from Karnataka It is a common breakfast item of the people in Karnataka and is available both during morning and evening. The best place to get this rice bread is from the roadside stalls. It is generally served with coconut chutney.  Kulfi Falooda, Delhi Having its origin in the Irianian kitchen, falooda has made a place for itself in the hearts and tummies if foodies in India. It is basically a cold dessert made by mixing vermicelli with milk, rose syrup and sweet basil seeds. Often a Kulfi is also added to enhance the flavour and experience. Delhi is the best place to try Kulfi Falooda.  Dahi Puri or Dahi Gol Gappe, Mumbai Originating from Maharashtra, Dahi Puri is now a popular delicacy all across India. It is variously called Meethe Golgappe, Dahi Chutney Gol Gappe or Doi Phuchka depending upon the place of offering. This dish is essentially of pani puris or golgappe, but the sour water is replaced with sweet curd and the garnishing is just like that in any yoghurt based chaat dish like dahi bhalla or Raj Kachori. Crispy waferlike mini puris are filled with a spicy mixture of peas and mashed potatoes and then topped with sweet yoghurt and tangy chutneys of tamarind, mint and coriander flavours. The sweet, sour, tangy and spicy balls when put inside the mouth leads to a sudden burst of flavour and taste. No wonder it is loved by the young and the old alike.  Chow Mein, Kolkata, Hyderabad A classic Chinese dish of stir fried noodles with veggies, meat and seafood, Chow mein has become a staple fast food in most Indian cities. Long noodles along with veggies, egg and meat in sauce getting tossed on red hot pan on open flame is what comes to mind when you think of this street food. It was introduced in India by the Chinese people immigrating to Calcutta. From here it spread to rest of the country. For vegetarians in India, a vegetable chowmein dish was introduced which consisted of vegetables like cabbage, green peppers, carrots and spring onions. Depending on the region, chowmein can range from very less spicy to extremely spicy.  Kebab, All across India Although Kebabs originated in the Middle East, it is a favourite street food item of India, especially in regions with a history of Muslim rule for centuries. So Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Delhi are the best places to try Kebabs, as also Kolkata, which although does not have a history of being under Muslim rule, has embraced Mughal food and other delicacies from rest of India for the twin reasons of Nawab Wajid Ali’s exile here and the city people’s eternal love of exquisite food. Mainly referring to non-vegetarian meaty delights, kebabs can make you drool with its scrumptious taste and aromatic smell. Boti Kebab, Seekh Kebab, Reshmi Kebab, Hara Bhara Kebab, Shammi Kebab, Tangdi Kebab, Ajwaini Kebab and Achari Kebab are the most popular kebab varieties.  Bhutta, All over India India is a country of foodies and rains are revered here. No wonder there would be food items specially meant to be had during the rains. Roasted Bhutta (Corn) is one of the favourites here when it comes to rain food. That does not mean that corns are not available at other times. During most part of the year one can find roasted, boiled and spiced bhuttas being sold on the highways, by the street-sides, near market places and on the pavements. This is a favourite street food of most Indians. For boiled bhuttas, there are many spices to choose from.  Halwa, all across India While halwa essentially had a Central Asian origin, and appeared jellylike, the Indian halwa is rather different. It is a sweet pudding made from various cereals, fruits or vegetables and has a strong aroma, mainly because of the generous usage of ghee. The dish is garnished with chopped dry fruits like almonds, pistachio and cashews and whole raisins. It is served as a hot desert. The most common types of halwa in India are Gajar ka Halwa (made from carrots), Sooji ka Halwa (made from semolina) and Badam ka halwa (made from almonds). These are generally found in sweet shops and confectioneries.  Tender Coconut, all over India Coconut is an important fruit of India and produced in abundance. As to why this fruit found a place in this list of fast / street food of India, mind come to one’s mind. It is definitely not a fast fruit, but a street food nonetheless as it is one of the most easily available food items / drinks for tourists. Be it the beach side, the road side, the market or the highways, a fresh green coconut is always readily available to quench your thirst. The fresh soft creamy layer inside can satisfy your hunger too.  Fruit Flavoured Ice Cream Falooda, Hyderabad The Kulfi Falooda version has a variant in Hyderabad wherein vermicelli is mixed with milk, rose syrup and ice-cream and is topped with sweet basil seeds, jelly pieces and fruits. This is one of the favourite dessert items of the city.  Bengali Sweets, West Bengal The Indian state of West Bengal is known for its luscious sweets. But if you thought that Rosogolla, sandesh and mishti doi are its only offerings, you are grossly mistaken. Bengali sweets come in a thousand varieties and at least a hundred of them are quite popular and have an interesting history or tale behind. So when you are in Kolkata, or as a matter of fact anywhere in the state, you must definitely try as many varieties as you can. If you are anywhere outside Bengal, and spot a Bengali sweets shop, you can still try some variants and would definitely like them, although they will surely not be as good as their original version in Bengal. Apart from the above three, rajbhog, rasamalai, payesh, pantua, kalo jam, lyangcha, amirti, sitabhog, mihidana, chomchom, patishapta, kheer kadam, shar bhaja, kacha golla, jalbhara etc. are just some names to remember. Chana Chips, Kolkata Often also termed as ‘Chana Zor Garam’, these are basically chips made from peas. Boiled peas are flattened by pressure and then fried using spices. To add more taste further spices like mango powder, chilli powder etc are added when the chips cool down. These are very crispy and are sold on the streets by men dressed in white kurta, dhoti and a Nehru cap. When they prepare your order they add a few drops of lemon juice, chopped onions and some extra salt and spices.  Fafda, Gujarat Fafda is a popular Gujarati snack that is made with gram flour, turmeric and cardamom seeds. These are made into lengthy strips and deep fried to make it crispy. It is offered with chutney. But often Fafda is also eaten in combination with jalebis to balance the sweet and salty taste. Although originally a Gujarati snack, Fafda is available all over the northern and western part of the country.  Aloo Parantha, all across the country It is beyond doubt the most famous parantha variety available in the country and is served generally with pickles and sour curd. It is one of the most favourite breakfast items across the northern and western regions of India, both at homes and in the restaurants. It is a flat bread prepared with a filling of spiced or plain potato and then fried in ghee or oil in a flat pan. The best place to try them is at a Punjabi Dhaba on the highway.  Malpua, all across the country Having its origin in North Indian cuisine, the malpua has become a national favourite now. It is like a small sweet pancake that has traditionally been a festival favourite. The pancakes made with flour are soaked in sugar syrup to give them the sweet taste. Malpuas are often had in combination with rabri. Nowadays these are found all round the year in sweet shops across the country. These are also often prepared at home and form part of the menu at weddings and parties.  Gulab Jamun, all across India These are sweet and soft ping pong ball-sized dessert found all over India. These balls are made from milk solids and deep fried in oil or ghee which gives its outer crust a golden brown colour. The fried balls are then dipped in sugary syrup and when soaked properly, these are served either hot or cold.  Paan, Varanasi and all over India Paan is an after food digestive treat. The sweetened version incorporate the elements of a dessert in them. In some parts of India, especially the northeast, offering paan is also a sign of hospitality. Paan is everything but a food item, it is a stimulant, a digestive, a thing that you chew on to and ultimately swallow the remnants after spitting off the juices. Yet paan is definitely one of the ‘street foods’ that one must try in India. There are some very strong versions; it is better to avoid them. The best ones to try are the sweetened or flavoured ones. A traditional paan is a combination of betel nut, betel leaves, lime, tobacco and / or some condiments. The sweetened paan is more like a dessert and is devoid of tobacco, lime or hard betel nut but is filled with sweetened jelly, cardamom, cloves, fennel seeds, coconut, soft betel nuts, and other sweet spices and flavours. Sweetened paan has been the subject of a lot of experiment in recent years. So today, across the fancy paan shops, you have varieties ranging from Butterscotch Paan and Strawberry Paan to chocolate paan and fire paan. These are definitely worth a try. Indore, Delhi and Mumbai are some places to look for flavoured paans. Banarsi Paan is famous all over the country; so that’s a must when you are in Varanasi.  Gola or Chuski, Mumbai & Delhi You never grow too old to have a gola. Called variously as Barf ka Gola, Chuski, Gola or Gola Ganda, this is a dessert with no rivals. Shaved ice is made into large balls (gola) around a wooden stick for ease of holding. The ice gola is then splashed with different flavoured syrups as per your choice and offered in a plastic glass to hold the melted ice. You go on licking and sipping the gola, dipping it in the molten syrup in the glass from time to time, till you exhaust the ice on the stick. In the end you drink the remaining syrup. The gola may hold numerous flavours at a time, looking literally like a rainbow. Juhu beach shacks have good gola options.  Chana Chaat,  Chana Chaat is one of the more popular street foods in the smaller Indian towns. It is basically a tangy mixture of boiled (or just soaked) black peas with various vegetables like tomatoes, chillies, potato cubes, chopped onion and ginger and minced coriander leaves and spices and condiments like salt, chilli powder, black peper, mango powder, lemon juice and rock salt.  Coconut crush, Northern & Central India This is a very healthy drinking option for travellers. If you are bored of coconut water and lassi and want to have something different, or new, coconut crush can be your pick. It is basically a blend of coconut water, the coconut cream from tender coconut, sugar and ice. This drink is mainly available in northern and central India.  Paddu, South India A younger brother of the famed Dosa, Paddus are sold at street-side stalls across south India. The batter for it is prepared from rice and black lentils, then poured into a mould to get the small dosa balls. These are best eaten with coconut chutney.  Litti Chokha, Bihar & Jharkhand Litti Chokha is the staple food of the people of Bihar and Jharkhand and can be eaten at any time of the day. Available at street side stalls, these small dough balls (litti) of whole wheat stuffed with grams are a great solution to your hunger. To go with it is a spicy curry (chokha) that is made from mashed potato, eggplant and tomatoes. This snacks item has made its way from these two states to all other parts of the country with a significant population of people from here.  Pav Bhaji, Mumbai This item comes in a compartmented dish and consists of three parts, the burger-type buns called the ‘Pav’, the spicy thick mixed vegetable curry or the ‘bhaji’ that is topped with a generous amount of butter and the salad containing mainly the lemon, coriander and onions. The butter-tossed buns are dipped in the curry and eaten. From handpulled stalls to five star hotels, from home kitchen to road and beach sides, this food item is found everywhere across Maharashtra, and especially in Mumbai.  Tunde Kabab, Lucknow Kebab and Biryani are among the best offering for food lovers in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Amongst kebabs, Tunde kebab features at the top of visitors’ checklist, the reason being the interesting history behind it and the delectable taste that it brings to your tongue. It is a boneless kebab of pasted meat that is incredibly soft and blended perfectly in spices. It melts in your mouth as soon as you put it in and the heavenly taste lingers for some time. Haji Murad Ali, the person who invented this kebab to fulfil the dying wish of a toothless royal, had only one hand and was called ‘Tunday’ (in Hindi a person with one hand is called Tunday) and his invention came to be known after him.   Aloo Tikki, All across India (especially North) The origin of this north Indian snack item cannot be traced to a specific location, but today it is available all over India. The main ingredient is potato (aloo) which are mixed with spices and made into cutlets (tikki) and fried using less oil and low heat on a flat pan over a long period of time. This makes the upper crust of the potato cutlets crispy and the same dipped in a variety of sweet and sour chutneys like tamarind, mint, coriander or simple ketchup tastes heavenly. The simple item has made way to the menus of food courts, weddings, birthday parties, picnics, school fests, fairs, markets and road-side stalls and makes for a very uncomplicated dish.  Poha Jalebi, Madhya Pradesh Luscious jalebi paired with mildly spiced poha (pre-soaked flattened rice prepared in basic vegetables and spices) is one of the favourite breakfast items of Madhya Pradesh. This unique combination of sweet and sour is especially popular in Indore and Bhopal. Poha tastes best when garnished with minced onion. The occasional bite of jalebi helps break the monotonousness of the food. While there are numerous street food items in Indore, this one needs a special mention  Raj Kachori, Rajasthan Raj Kachori is a chaat-type preparation which is often regarded as a King of all chaats. No other chaat can probably come even close to it whether in taste, presentation or flavours. The preparation basically starts with a huge sized crispy puri or golgappa (about 5 to 6 inches diameter). A small portion on the top is broken and the puri is stuffed with dal, boiled potato, fried wafers called papri, chana or peas, spices, yoghurt, sweet tamarind chutney and spicy coriander chutney and garnished with pomegranate pearls and sev (a fried snack) and the whole thing is presented in a plate to be eaten part by part with a spoon.  Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Vada, all over India It is another type of speciality chaat found in India, and while in most part of India people call it Dahi Vada, in North India the name Dahi Bhalla is more popular. It is a dish of a spongy, pillowy fried doughnut (made from lentil or peas) that is soaked in cold water to soften and then served with a topping of sweet yoghurt, spices, sweet and sour colourful chutneys, pomegranate pearls and other crispy fried snacks to add the crispy element. It is one of the most popular street foods in India, and at the same time, almost a must in parties and weddings having mainly vegetarian guests. Its sweet and sour combination makes it a favourite with most Indians, and in addition, it is a great food to beat the hot and humid temperatures of India during summer.  Jhaal Muri, Kolkata Jhaal Muri is the Bengali cousin of Mumbai’s Bhelpuri, and a little drier in appearance than the latter. The total preparation time is hardly 2 to 3 minutes as puffed rice is mixed with chopped onions, chillies, tomatoes, coriander, spices, roasted peanuts, fresh coconut and a few drops of mustard oil (many a times a little bit of pickle oil is also added). The entire mixture is tossed nicely in a container and offered in a newspaper plate or cone. For a good amount 10 to 15 bucks is enough and it is available all across the city. For tourists the best place to taste jhaalmuri would be Outramghat, Victoria Memorial or the Maidan.  Bhelpuri, Mumbai A savoury chaat-type snack, Bhelpuri is a famous street food of Mumbai, although found in many parts of India already. The main ingredient is crispy puffed rice, raw vegetables like tomato, onion, coriander and chilli and boiled potato. All of these are mixed with spices, other fried and crispy snacks and sweet and sour tamarind chutney to complete the lip smacking street food. Often sold by the roadsides or beaches and offered in leaf plates, use and throw plastic plates or coned paper, the taste of bhelpuri lingers in your mouth for a long time after you have already finished it off. Based on one’s taste preferences, the bhelpuri vendor will add the spices, chutney and chilli, so it is important to pay attention when your order is being prepared. Bhelpuri is not only easy on your pocket, it is also very low in calories.  Ghugni Chaat, West Bengal Ghugni is a typical snack item of Bengal and is made using the main ingredient of white peas. The peas are boiled and then fried in spices along with potato cubes and then the whole thing is turned into something like a curry. It can be eaten like this, or in the form of a chaat by adding chutneys, chopped onions, chillies and coriander and sprinkling some extra spices. This is one of the most inexpensive snacks items one can have. However, some restaurants add boneless chicken, mutton or eggs to the ghugni making it more expensive than it’s vegetarian version.  Idli Sambhar, South India The spongy rice cakes called Idli or Idly, served with a vegetable curry called sambhar is what you cannot miss if you are in India, especially in the southern part. Chennai is the best place to try these healthy vegetarian snacks. The cakes prepared by steaming a batter of rice and lentils are served with chutneys and sambhar. These are among the best street food in India, especially for the vegetarians and are sold all over the country in carts, stalls or even restaurants and hotels and hence there can be no excuse good enough for missing to try them.  Irani Chai and Biscuits, Hyderabad Irani Cafés were originally set up by Parsis settling across India. Today they are found at some places in Mumbai and mainly in Hyderabad. Having roots in Iran, the Irani Chai is a Hyderabadi delicacy today and must not be missed if you are visiting the city. More than a chai, it is a dessert type beverage and a special ingredient here is the mawa or khoya which makes it exceptionally sweet and creamy. There are other added spices like cinnamon and cardamom which add the much needed flavour. Served with buttery melt-in-the-mouth Osmania biscuits (named after the last ruler of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan and sold across all Irani cafes in Hyderabad), the Irani Chai is a must try during your Hyderabad visit.  Moghlai Paratha, Kolkata This is one of the most unique variety of parantha that one can eat anywhere in India. How the round parantha becomes square is a question that might strike you while having this lip-smacking food at a street-side joint in Kolkata. Let me answer that. It all starts with making a regular parantha, a little bigger in size and thinner. Then a spicy filling of egg, vegetable and most often meat too, is poured in the middle part and spread over to the middle circle sparing the border. Then the borders are folded from four sides and joined in the middle. Next step is to fry this parantha in oil. When ready, the parantha is cut into smaller squares for ease of holding while you eat. It is served with salad and potato curry. The next question that might come to your mind is as to why is it named after the Mughals. In fact it is believed that this parantha had its origin in the hands of a Bengali chef in the court of Mughal Emperor Jahangir who was fed up with the same parantha and meat every day and asked for something unique. He came up with this and the emperor was so delighted that he rewarded him handsomely. Lassi, Punjab (all across India) It is a very popular yoghurt-based drink from India that has made its way in packed form to different parts of the world. But there is nothing like a classic Indian freshly made lassi, especially during summer. The main ingredients of traditional Punjabi/ lassi are fresh yoghurt, sugar, salt, water, spices and sometimes flavoured syrups or fruits. Lassi not only energises you instantly, it is also a very healthy drink that comes with good bacteria or probiotics. These are mixed well and served in glasses with a chuck of yoghurt cream and chopped nuts on the top. While the drink originally hails from Punjab, it is available in stalls and restaurants all over India and almost round the year. Telebhaja, Kolkata Literal meaning of telebhaja is ‘fried in oil’, but the name is no dampener to the food crazy people of Bengal. The deep-fried snacks made from different types of vegetables are worth drooling over. Often had with ‘muri’ or puffed rice, that reduces some of your guilt for taking the extra oil by balancing the calorie, telebhajas are live food on the streets. Telebhaja vendors often do not even wait for a stall; these are sold literally on the streets or footpaths. A cup of tea in an earthen pot is the best accompaniment with telebhaja, and over this people of Bengal can have innumerable debates about politics, sports and literature. For starters, the best telebhaja options are ‘beguni’ or brinjal fries, ‘aloo chop’ made from potatoes and ‘peyaji’ made from onions.  Poori Sabji, North India Poori or Puri is an Indian deep fried bread served with a gravied potato or vegetable curry. ‘Poori’ stands for the bread and ‘Sabji’ for the curry. It is one of the most favourite breakfast items in Indian households and for the outsiders or those who skipped breakfast at home in a hurry, there are puri sabzi stalls everywhere. Be it office lunch, dinner for train travel, refreshment in school functions or in picnic, puri sabzi is an easy solution for all types of hunger. While in most part of India Puri is a vegetarian food, for many eastern Indian states, the best accompaniment for puri is a chicken curry with thick gravy.  Samosa, all across India Samosas originated in Punjabi kitchen and today it is one of the most identifiable India fried snack known to the western world. It is an Indian patty (with a spicy filling inside) that may take different shapes, triangular being the most common shape available. The most common vegetarian fillings are potato, peas, peanuts, cauliflower, onions, ginger, coriander leaves, carrot and beans. A parallel version also comes with a filling of lentils. Non-vegetarian options often have chicken or mutton as the filling. The snack is deep fried in oil, but there are baked versions available too. The crispy and flaky samosas are often served with sweet tamarind chutney or tomato ketchup. It is a perfect snack for wintry or rainy evenings and is best accompanied with masala tea.  Kachori, all across India It is basically a deep-fried hard bread with a spicy filling of gram and lentils inside the hard crust. This is an anytime snacks item and available all across the country. Hot kachoris are served with sweet or spicy chutneys.  Bombil Fry, Mumbai Bombay duck is an iconic seafood loved by all non vegetarians. Bombil fry is a shallow fry of Bombay duck (pre-marinated in spices and then coated in rice floor and breadcrumbs) and has a strong flavour. This Goan inspired cuisine is a favourite with the beach visitors in Mumbai, and is usually only available in the beachside stalls. While cooking it has a very bad smell and unless you are used to it, it is advised to stay away. Once ready, the fry tastes amazing. But of course it may still be a little too smelly for beginners.  Haleem, Hyderabad Haleem is a stew-type dish that originated in the Middle Eastern countries. The main ingredients are wheat, meat, lentils, dry fruits and ghee (clarified Indian butter). Due to its high protein and calorie content, it is an important food item during the fasting days of Ramzan. For non-Muslim foodies, the month of Ramzan means tasting the best of Haleems across various restaurants. The consistency of the stew varies from places to place and the best places to try Haleem are Hyderabad and Kolkata. It is an important street food in Hyderabad and is found in most restaurants and eateries, the best versions being available at Shah Gouse Café, Pista House, Paradise Food Court, Y2K Restaurant, Shadab and Cafe Bahar.  Boti Kebab, One of the most popular types of kebab, these small boneless meaty delights is a favourite with non-vegetarians in the country. Prior to cooking above open tandoor, these meaty balls are marinated using various spices. Best places to have these kebabs are Hyderabad, Delhi and Kolkata.  Misal Pao, Mumbai Another super street snack from Mumbai is Misal Pav or Misal Pao. It is a cousin of the more popular Pav Bhaji and is equally tasty and filling. It is served in a compartmented plate and includes two to three, a spicy curry made from beans, other spicy fried snacks and chopped onions. Most of the street vendors selling street food like Vada Pao or Pav Bhaji also sell Misal Pav.  Lachha Parantha, Lachha Parantha or Lachhedar Parantha is a famous variety of Parantha, the favourite bread of North Indians. Made from whole wheat flour, it is a layered parantha and the individual layers turn crispy making the bread unique. It is an all-time snack that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner or with evening tea. The best way to have it is by tearing the layers or flakes and dipping them in a curry. A great place to have any variety of Parantha is the Paranthewala Gali in Delhi.  Pesarattu, Andhra Pradesh Also known as Pesara Dosa, this is Andhra Pradesh’s own version of Dosa. It is a gluten-free vegan item cooked from mung bean or green gram paste in the form of a crepe and is a popular breakfast item. Loaded with protein, it is a healthy snacks item and is yummy at the same time. These dosas are found in the tiffin centres across the state and are served with mouth-watering ginger chutney.  Aloo Bonda, South India The bonda as a snacks item originated from South India and has various versions. It is basically a round shaped ball rolled in gram paste, deep fried in oil and served with chutney or ketchup. The most famous version is the ‘Aloo Bonda’. Aloo stands for potato, meaning that it is a spiced mashed potato ball. While it is a common snacks item sold at the street-side eateries across South India, it is also a commonly available snacks item in railway stations.  Qubani ka Meetha, It is a signature dessert of Hyderabad that is made from dried apricots. These are served with ice-cream or garnished with thick cream or thickened milk and topped with almonds.  Papri Chaat, Kolkata Back to the City of Joy, but this time with a vegetarian snacks item. It is one of the more popular chaat options in the country, and although it originated in North Indian Cuisine, the best version, they say, is available in Kolkata. Small flat crispy fried breads are topped with a mix of tiny cubes of boiled potato with tomato, coriander, chutneys and spices. 5 to 6 of these are placed on a paper plate and then the same is topped with yoghurt, different types of sweet and tangy chutneys, roasted groundnuts, chopped coconuts and sev. Crunchy, crispy, tangy, hot, sour and sweet, all these blend in a single plate to give you a burst of flavours and taste. Papri Chaat is sold at road side hand carts or even on the footpath by vendors and is a must try if you are in the city.  Mirchi ka Salan, Although not a snack by itself, it is a must try if you are in Hyderabad. It is an accompaniment to Hyderabadi Biryani and is basically a curry made with long hot chillies, peanut paste, coconut paste and sesame seeds. It can be very spicy and hot and is not for those not used to Indian chillies. Mirchi ka Salan is served with the aromatic Biryani in the best street food eateries of Hyderabad and complements the rice dish.  Lukhmi, Hyderabad A variation of the samosa, this is a non-vegetarian snack of Hyderabad. Square shaped lukhmis are filled with spices infused minced meat, generally that of mutton. The outer crust is flaky and crispy while the inner meaty filling is soft and tangy. It is a popular starter at all functions including weddings and can be found at street side eateries.  Nihari, Hyderabad Nihari is a delectable stew made from lamb or mutton by slow cooking. The most important ingredients for cooking Nihari are the marrow and the brain of the lamb. It is an Eid-time speciality which is cooked overnight and often even buried underground to allow the spices and flavours to seep deep into the meat. The best place to have Nihari is at the Charminar Market in Hyderabad.  Double ka Meetha, Hyderabad It is a sweet bread pudding made by soaking fried slices of bread in thickened milk that is flavoured with saffron and cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts. The bread thickens in size when soaked (hence double). While it sounds so simple, the taste of this dessert is heavenly. The confectioners of Hyderabad sell this delicacy.  Sheek Kebab, Delhi, Kolkata & Hyderabad It is an Indian kebab made from ground meat. The meat is mixed with various spices and formed into a long and thin cylindrical shape on skewers and then grilled on a tandoor. When cooked the kebab is removed from the skewer, often cut into smaller pieces and served with a green chutney, onion and lemon.  Kachori Sabzi, Central and Eastern India Starting from eastern side of Uttar Pradesh to Bengal and Bihar, the Kachori Sabzi or Kachuri tarkari is a popular breakfast item. The kachori is a whole wheat bread fried in hot oil and has a filling of spicy mixture made of lentils and are served with the sabzi which is a spicy curry of half mashed potatoes. While in places like Varanasi this is a street food item, in Bengal, apart from street-side stalls these are also sold hot in the mornings at sweet shops.  Ram Laddoo, Delhi These are moong dal (green gram) pakoras that are deep fried in oil and served with a topping of shredded radish and lemon juice. The accompanying chutney adds the much needed tangy element to the taste. The crispy laddoos are utter delight especially during the wintry chill or rains.  Choora Matar, Varanasi This snacks item is a version Poha available in Varanasi. It is a dish of flattened rice soaked in ghee is cooked with green peas and dry fruits and spices like black pepper, garam masala and hing. Choora Matar is an anytime snack in Varanasi.  Dhokla, Gujarat (and all over India) This spongy and fluffy Gujarati snacks item is a favourite with most Indians and one of the best vegetarian options. It is basically a steamed cake that is prepared from the fermented batter of rice and chick peas and garnished with tossed green chillies, roasted mustard seeds, chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut and served with sweet and tangy chutney. The spongy treat tastes sweet and salty and melts in your mouth as soon as you put it in. Although originally a breakfast item, it can be relished at any time of the day.  Tamatar Chaat, Varanasi Tamatar Chaat is a local favourite in Varanasi and is a version of the more famous aloo chaat. It is made from a mixture of mashed potatoes, tomatoes, onions, green chillies and fresh coriander leaves. Added ginger, red chilli powder and garam masala along with the already present green chillies make it really spicy and the dish is not for beginners. It is to be found in street side stalls in the alleys and near the ghats.  Makhan Malaiyyo, Lucknow & Varanasi Also called Nimish or Makhan Malai, this is a winter season street dessert that originated India in the Awadhi cuisine. These are just like saffron flavoured clouds that have been influenced by Persian way of cooking. It is prepared by churning the milk slowly to create a creamy texture. Soft foam gathers at the top, which is then flavoured with saffron, rose water and cardamoms and garnished with chopped pistachios and almonds. The foamy dessert is very light and sweet and it is served in earthen bowls. It is a must try especially in Varanasi.  Thandai, North India The original Indian cold drink, Thandai is prepared with milk, saffron strands, rose water, rose petals, cardamom, peppercorns, fennel seeds and chopped nuts. Extremely refreshing and delicious, the drink is mainly prepared during the festive occasions of Holi and Maha Shivaratri in India. ‘Thandai’ means ‘cooling’ and by implication the idea behind the drink is to cool the body. In Varanasi, often seasonal fruit puree is also added to Thandai and it is topped with Rabri. Thandai is generally served in earthen glasses which help it retain a unique flavour and coolness. During Holi Indians are known to add Bhang (cannabis) to Thandai. So tourists taking Thandai during this time should be careful.  Karachi Halwa, Delhi Don’t get confused by that name. Karachi Halwa is actually an Indian sweet that is made with corn flour, ghee and sugar. It is garnished with chopped nuts. The amber coloured cube melts in your mouth as soon as you put it inside. It is available in the confectionary shops in Delhi.  Sev Usal Pav, Baroda, Gujarat A popular snack that originated in Baroda, Gujarat, the delicious Sev Usal comes in many varieties. It is prepared from boiled peas cooked in a spicy tomato based gravy and is topped with sev and served with Pav (buns) and chopped onions and lemons.  Rabri, all across India Rabri is a traditional North Indian dessert. It is a sweetened and thickened milk dish that is served with a topping of chopped dry fruits and nuts. The milk is thickened by prolonged boiling on low heat. The pale yellow coloured dessert is served cold. It is available in sweet shops.  Khakhra, Gujarat This is a thin cracker that is a common snack in the western states of India. Made from mat bean, wheat or chick pea flour and oil, this item, originally meant for breakfast, is now had at all times of the day. The crispy, flaky and spicy cracker goes well at any time of the day with tea and is a healthy food option. Often vegetables are also added to make khakhras more tasty and healthy.  Thepla, Gujarat A typical Gujarati snacks item, Thepla is a spicy flatbread that is mainly popular during breakfast. Theplas are served with pickle and are now eaten at all times of the day. Spices and seasonal vegetables are added to the dough of the bread to make the bread tastier. Theplas are not restricted to Gujarat anymore; these are found in supermarkets and snacks stores all over northern and western India.

From wartime tunnels and salt mines to temples and shrines deep inside the earth’s crust to historic cisterns and ancient settlements beneath the modern-day metropolis, from nuclear shelter to a treasury carved inside the rocky mountain, the world under the ground presents a series of attractions to tourists who love to explore. In this Snapshot we have dug up the most interesting subterranean sights around the world for our readers. 1. Al Khazneh, Jordan The ancient city of Petra in Jordan is known to all. One of the most imposing attractions here is the Al Khazneh treasury. This is a structure carved directly into a sandstone rock face. It is believed to be an ancient tomb of Nabatean King Aretas IV dating to 1st century AD. In the 19th century it got the name of ‘treasury’ because the local Bedouins believed that a large amount of wealth was stored inside. As you enter through the six-column facade, deep inside the womb of the earth you get to see a colossal inner chamber and sanctuary. 2. Stockholm metros, Sweden The underground rail network in Stockholm is important for reasons other than fast commuting. Each metro station in the city is a treat for the eyes, replete with unique art, murals and installations. Considering a hundred odd stations, if you plan to spend a day looking at the art in each of them, you will feel like being in the world’s longest art exhibition. 3. Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn, South Africa 29 km from Oudtshoorn, in the picturesque Cango Valley, one finds the spectacular underground wonder of Cango Caves. These are limestone formations on the foothills of the Swartberg Range. There are two types of tour here, the Standard Tour which is a one hour long heritage tour and the Adventure Tour which lasts for 1.5 hours. 4. Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel,  Iceland While this is the fourth largest lava tunnel in Iceland, it is a popular tourist attraction due to its proximity to the capital city of Reykjavík. It is a 100 foot-wide tunnel that was formed when lava gushed out through it during a volcanic eruption more than 5,000 years ago. There is a metal pathway with lighting that allows visitors to see the impressive colours and geological formations inside the earth. 5. Greenbrier Bunker, West Virginia, US A great memoir of the Cold War is this bunker that was built in the late 1950s to house all 535 members of the Congress in the event of a nuclear war. The US government asked the owners of the 700-room Greenbrier Hotel, a luxury hotel with white Sulphur Springs, in West Virginia, for permission to build this emergency relocation center underneath the property. The hotel authorities agreed, and construction was begun in 1957. Built 720 feet underground, it could easily survive a nuclear attack. It has two levels and each level is the size of a football field. The bunker was kept a secret even from the members of the con-gress and the entrance was heavily guarded by undercover government employees. The bunker would be fully stocked with food, medicines and other essentials for about 1000 people for 60 days at a time for 30 years and the same would be replaced with fresh stock regularly. The place was decommissioned in the early 1990s. Today it is West Virginia’s most popular attraction. There are daily tours of the place. 6. Ajanta Caves, India A cliff-face in the Maharashtra state of India hides beautifully preserved murals, carvings and sculptures dating from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD deep inside the earth’s crust. In this UNESCO World Heritage Site there are a total of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves with a network of halls that remained lost until in 1819 the tiger-hunting party of Captain John Smith accidentally stumbled across an entrance hidden inside the forest. The paintings inside depict the various lives and rebirths of the Buddha and have pictorial narrative of various Jataka Tales. These are considered as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. 7. Colosseum underground , Rome, Italy While we all know about the Colosseum in Rome, not many know that there is a lot to explore beneath the surface of the world-famous monument. There are dungeons where gladiators and animals waited before their fight. There is a reconstructed trap door and wooden elevator that was used to lift the fighters to the arena level. 8. Salt cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia About 650 feet under the ground, in an abandoned salt mine, in the vicinity of the Colombian capital city of Bogota, the Zipaquirá salt cathedral is located. The underground cathedral is built in the area hollowed out by miners. It is a place of pilgrimage of both locals and tourists. A tunnel leads visitors to the depth of the cathedral. It is open to visitors on all days except on Sundays when it is reserved for Catholic services. 9. Basilica Cistern , Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul is known to have several ancient cisterns beneath it. The Basilica cistern is the largest and most popular of them all. This subterranean colossal tank was built underneath an ancient basilica under orders of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD. Under the Ottomans it came to be known as Yerebatan Saray. It was gradually lost and was only rediscovered in the 16th century when a Frenchman, intrigued by locals who could fish from their basements, began investigating. Today it is open to public and is an important tourist attraction in Istanbul. Supporting the structure, there are a total of 336 columns, many of which originally belonged to ruined temples. The bottom is filled with water and there are raised platforms for visitors to move around. 10. Kiek in de Kök Tunnels,  Tallinn, Estonia Kiek in de Kök is an important tourist attraction in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. There are secret tunnels under these fortifications that are rich in history. The mysterious bastion passages were built during the 17th and 18th centuries to hide soldiers defending the city, redeployment of troops from one site to another, the movement of arms and ammunition and other equipment from the watchful eyes of the enemy. They were also used to monitor the enemy’s activities of planting mines. The massive walls surrounding the passages and the vaulted ceiling are made of limestone. Galleries are 1.5m - 2.5m in width and 2.5 - 3m in height. The scarp wall is over 3m, in places almost 4m thick. The bastions and passages were never really used for their intended purposes, but for storage space. Post the Crimean War, in 1857 it was no longer listed as military site and local municipality built parks on top of these man-made hills. In course of time the passages were completely abandoned, yet the curious people managed to get in through some opening and explore these from time to time, thus giving birth to countless stories and legends about the underground labyrinth. During World War II the bastions were used as shelter during the air raids and saved many lives. The shelters got a complete makeover during the Soviet era with stone slabs on the floors, ventilation, toilets, three-level metal bunk beds, electricity, telephone lines, pipelines for running water and all other necessary equipment to provide accommodation for people during a nuclear war. The nuclear war shelter was abandoned in the second half of 1970s. Thereafter it was temporarily used as a venue for storage of sculptures of the Art Foundation, documents etc. After the collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union, many people of re-independent Estonia were unable to cope up with rapid changes around and ended up living on the streets and in these tunnels. Finally these were vacated in 2004, and the local administration started renovating them to make them accessible for public. While the exact length of these tunnels underneath the Old Town is not known, a total length of 470m has been renovated and is open to visitors. 11. Metros of Moscow, Russia Of all the tourist attractions in Moscow, its metro stations feature among the top. They are spectacular examples of Soviet art and architecture, and are replete with impressive mosaics, columns, statues and chandeliers. Many tour providers take visitors on a guided trip to the most interesting stations. 12. Coober Pedy, Australia Located 846km from Adelaide, Coober Pedy is also known as the Opal capital of the world because of the many mines of precious opals located here. But it also has another claim to fame. To escape the extreme heat of the desert, its residents have dug their residences deep down the earth. There is an underground opal museum, a hotel, a restaurant, shops, campsite and even a Serbian Church. The subterranean town is a tourist attraction. It has been aptly named ‘Coober Pedy’ which comes from the Aboriginal term ‘kupa piti’ meaning ‘white man’s hole in the ground’. 13. Waitomo Caves, New Zealand In the North Island of New Zealand’s one finds the Waitomo Caves which presents a series of sculpted tunnels with stalactites and stalagmites. One can take a boat trip on the Waitomo River here. The caves are more famous for the vast cathedral grotto, where one can see the otherworldly constellations created by thousands of a particular glow worm species found only in New Zealand. 14. Bunker 42, Moscow, Russia This bunker was originally built in Moscow as a protection during nuclear tests by Soviet Union but was never used for the purpose. Rather it was used as an airstrike command base to communicate with aircrafts transporting bombers carrying nuclear weapons for over three decades from 1956 to 1986. After change in political power and disintegration of the Soviet Union, it was made a Cold War Museum and today it houses an interesting restaurant. The bunker is 180 feet (equal to the height of 18 floors) under the ground and a lift takes visitors into the depth in only a few seconds. The Cold War Museum and the restaurant, both are worth checking out. 15. Darvaza Gas Crater,  Turkmenistan Also known as the ‘Door to Hell’, this is a natural gas field that later collapsed into a cavern. In the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan, this ever burning sinkhole presents a surreal picture. While the exact story behind the fire is not known, it is believed that Soviet scientists, after the end of their drilling operations in 1971, set it on fire either by mistake or intentionally. This led to the collapse of a huge part of the land. The gas inside is still burning. This crater is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Turkmensitan. 16. Wieliczka salt mine,  Krakow, Poland This is a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Poland. It is a nine levels-deep salt mine that has been mined since the 13th century up until 2007. Today the first three levels are open to the public. Inside one finds chilly corridors leading to illuminated chambers that have sculptures carved from salt and vast underground chapels carved out by miners. The chandeliers here are also made from rock salt. 17. Chu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam This underground network of tunnels in Vietnam was once home to Viet Cong guerillas who fought against the US troops and South Vietnamese government. The tunnels were used during the Vietnam War as living quarters, hospitals, supply routes and storage areas. There are two complexes of extensive tunnel network located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City where underneath hundreds of miles of area are extremely narrow, claustrophobic tunnels, some of which have been actually widened for visitors. A 120km-long complex now serves as a war memorial and visitors, those who can squeeze through the tiny holes can explore the tunnels while literally crawling on their hands and knees. 18. Derinkuyu underground city,  Cappadocia, Turkey In 1963, one of the greatest discoveries was made – that of the hidden multi-leveled underground cities in Cappadocia region of Turkey. With the knocking down of a wall in his basement, a local resident found a honeycomb of secret passageways that led to bedrooms, bathrooms, and even churches, schools and tombs that had been carved into the soft rock beneath. Soon about 200 underground cities were discovered in the region. These were capable of sheltering thousands of people in the event of an invasion. The carving of the cities had started way back in the 8th century BC. It is not known as to who built these cities, but they have been home to people of different races and tribes across the centuries. Of all these cities Derinkuyu, that once housed 20,000 people and their livestock, is the largest one and extends to a depth of 60m. 19. Crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral,  London, England This Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London, is known for its impressive dome, but it also has an interesting attraction under the ground. In the crypt there are many tombs including that of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, Lord Nelson who was killed in the battle of Trafalgar and Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral architect. 20. City Market Catacombs,  Indianapolis, USA Among the thousands of people who visit the bustling City Market area of Indianapolis, very few know about the network of crisscrossing tunnels underneath. Built of limestone and bricks and connected by archways, the eerie feeling here is more because of the name and the grim history. Spread across 20,000 square feet, this place once used to be the basement of Tomlinson Hall, a vast municipal building that was demolished after a fire in 1958. The new City Market grew up gradually on top of it later. Today there are organised tours to explore the musty underground and is especially a favourite with ghost hunters. 21. Catacombs, Paris, France Housed in an abandoned quarry beneath the streets of Paris, the catacombs are a labyrinth of eerie underground passageways and galleries that display the bones and skulls of six million Parisians arranged in a decorative manner. The bones and skulls, interred between 1785 and 1860, were moved here from the city graveyards in the 18th and 19th centuries when the city’s cemeteries became full. Faced with a difficult situation, the city known for art and fashion, thought of giving these an artistic shape. The result was this place with a dark side. The neatly stacked piles of bones include the remains of many who lost their heads to the guillotine during the French Revolution. Of the 180-mile-long maze of tunnels, visitors can tour around one mile at a depth of 20m. 22. Berber village of Matmata,  Tunisia The Berber village of Matmata in southern Tunisia where part of the Star Wars series was filmed is yet another underground attraction. Here one finds typical Berber troglodyte homes that were built by first digging out a large pit to form the central courtyard. Thereafter outer subterranean rooms are carved out of the soft sandstone. 23. Mary King’s Close,  Edinburgh, Scotland Mary King’s Close was once over the ground, a busy street of Edinburgh until plague struck in 1645. The densely inhabited place was badly infested and quarantine was imposed on the people living here to contain the disease. Most of the inhabitants were left to die, leading to stories of haunting today. The close was later opened and the place was inhabited by people until 1753, when the residents were finally evicted to make way for new buildings to be built above the old street. This led to the permanent sealing of Mary King’s Close for 250 years. It was recently reopened for tourists who wish to have a glimpse of the 18th-century life. 24. City of Caves, Nottingham, UK This is a network of caves carved out of sandstone that were used for various purposes like housing, tannery, cellars and air raid shelters from the 11th until the mid 19th century, when St. Mary’s Enclosure Act banned the rental of cellars and caves as homes for the poor. Today it is open to visitors who can see medieval wells and cesspits inside. The entrance to the cave network is located in Broadmarsh Shopping Center. 25. De Ruien, Antwerp, Belgium The second largest city of Belgium is known for many modern attractions. But its history flows underneath the city. In the Middle Ages there were sewers, streams and ramparts criss-crossing the city which provided the city with water and a port. They were later covered with vaulted ceilings and disappeared from view and soon from memory too. Today, one can rediscover the old city by making a trip to De Ruien. It is a walk along vaulted ceilings, narrow canals, bridges and sewers in semi-darkness. The guide narrates the history as you walk along. 26. G-Can flood surge tunnels,  Tokyo, Japan This is the world’s largest underground flood water diversion facility that was built to solve the problem of flooding of the city’s major waterways and rivers during the rainy season. It brings to visitors excellent example of impressive underground engineering. There are 50 meters deep tunnels that are 6.4km-long which connect five containment silos with a height of 65m and a diameter of 32m. The highlight of this subterranean structure is the enormous, temple-like main tank, which contains 78-horsepower pumps and is supported by 59 enormous pillars. 27. Shanghai Tunnels, Portland, Oregon, United States The old Portland Underground, more popularly known as Shanghai Tunnels, are a series of passages that connect basements of many bars and hotels of the erstwhile Chinatown area to the waterfront on the Willamette River. The passages were in use prior to the 1800s to move goods from ships that docked here. These are also believed to be used for kidnapping men to serve as sailors, a practice more known as ‘shanghaiing’, from which the tunnels got the name. Regular tours are available now. 28. Domus Aurea, Italy After the great fire of 64 AD destroyed a large part of the ancient city of Rome, Emperor Nero built a huge landscaped palace on the ruins and it came to be known as Domus Aurea, Nero’s ‘Golden House’. A palace of unbelievable scale and magnificence, it got lost to humanity over the centuries until in the 15th century a young man accidentally fell through a cleft and found himself surrounded by beautiful frescoes. Later many locals and notable artists volunteered to be let down on shafts to study the art and architecture. The huge palace is now under the ground and excavation and renovation is going on for last few decades; frescoes are visible in excavated rooms and VR goggles allow visitors to see it as it was. Domus Aurea was built and destroyed before the Colosseum was constructed and today it lies next to the Colosseum. 29. Salina Turda, Turda, Romania It is an interesting museum of salt mining history (the largest salt mine museum in the world). It displays machineries used for the purpose that are in excellent state. The ancient mine was in continuous use for extraction of salt till 1932. During the Second World War it also acted as a shelter from bomb, and later as a place of storage for cheese. The underground mine is open to tourists and today there are add on facilities like swimming pool, spa, sunbathing, bar terrace, and so on. 30. St. Michael’s Cave,  Gibraltar This cave forms part of a network of limestone caves inside the Rock of Gibraltar and receives about 10,00,000 visitors a year. The Cathedral Cave, the largest of the chambers inside, had natural acoustic properties for which it was converted into an auditorium. It has a concrete stage and a seating capacity of 100. Regular show including musical concerts, light and sound shows, beauty pageants etc. are held here. 31. Burlington Bunker,  Corsham, England Underneath the historic market in Corsham there lies buried a secret underground city. The 35-acre city has living quarters with kitchens, laundries, storerooms, a hospital, a cafeteria, a phone exchange, a television studio, about 100km of road and even an underground lake to supply fresh drinking water to the inhabitants. There was also an internal communication system throughout the city. 100ft below the busy market, this subterranean city was built as a bunker during the Cold War as a shelter from bombs, poison gas and radiation for three months for about 4,000 people. Although never really used for the intended purpose, the bunker was kept a secret till 2004. 32. Port wine cellars, Porto,  Portugal A visit to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is incomplete without a trip to its famous port wine cellars. In the underground cellars the fortified wine is aged in tanks or wooden barrels for years and then exported. There are many guided tours available. 33. Copenhagen Cisterns,  Denmark Underneath the Søndermarken Park across the Frederiksberg Castle, there is a cathedral-sized underground reservoir that was once filled with 16 million litres of drinking water. Today it is a part of the Frederiksberg Museum and a venue for art exhibitions and events. The beautiful architecture of the former cistern adds value to the exhibitions. 34. Seattle Underground,  Washington, United States After the Great Seattle Fire destroyed swathes of the city in 1889, the city authorities decided to rebuild it one or two stories higher. Located on mudflats, the original settlement was prone to flooding. The new one was built 3 - 10 meters above the old. But one can still take a guided tour to the original Seattle and pass through shop-lined subterranean streets. 35. Khor Virap Monastery,  Armenia This monastery is located in the Ararat plain of Armenia close to the Turkish border. From here one can have a great view of the Ararat Mountain on the Turkish side. It is here that St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before he successfully cured King Trdat III of a disease. This resulted in the conversion of the King to Christianity and Armenia became the first nation in the world to officially adopt Christianity in 301 AD. On a visit here one can see the underground chamber in which St. Gregory was imprisoned. 36. Bund Sightseeing Tunnel,  Shanghai, China If you are visiting Shanghai, this is a ‘must do’. The 647m-long Bund Sightseeing Tunnel runs underneath the Huangpu River and connects the Bund and Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zones close to the Pearl Tower. It is a special public transport that costs more than the metro, but the journey is an unmissable experience. The 3-5 minutes of travel takes the passengers on rail cars through a fascinating sound and visual effect. 37. Llechwedd Slate Caverns,  Gwynedd, Wales These are underground slate caves near Blaenau Ffestiniog in northern Wales that depict the history of slate quarrying in the region. Today the site has been renovated and made an interesting subterranean playground with huge trampolines, zip lines and more for visitors. The highest trampoline at 180ft is almost the same height as a cathedral spire. 38. Postojna Cave, Slovenia With a length of 24km, this karst cave system in Slovenia is one of the longest in the world. Underground tourism at this place is more than 200 years old. There are interesting artworks on limestone created by the Pivka River inside. It is the first underground cave in the world to have a railway. It was illuminated much before the city of London, and has the only underground post office in the world. There are also hidden tunnels to explore and adventure activities to pump up the adrenaline. 39. Dambulla Cave Temple , Srilanka Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this cave temple located in central Srilanka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the complex there are about 80 caves of which 5 are particularly important. They contain paintings and statues related to the life of Gautama Buddha. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues here, three statues of local kings and four of gods and goddesses like Ganesha and Vishnu. These caves have been inhabited by local people for 2700 years, much before Buddhism came to the country. The temples were built in the first century BC. 40. The underground city,  Canada Above ground, Montréal is a fascinating city, but one must see the underground city here as well. La ville souterraine or the underground city consists of 14 miles of passages that provide access to the metro, ice skating rinks, hotels, restaurants, shops and underground parking. It might sound unbelievable, but the underground city is decorated with chandeliers, modern art and Canada’s largest indoor water fountain. 41. Portuguese Cistern of El Jadida,  Morocco The Moroccan port city of Mazagan (present day El Jadida) was ruled by the Portuguese for 250 years before being reoccupied by the Moroccans in 1769. Preserved remnants of the former Portuguese occupation of the place can still be found here. The fortress in the old town and the magnificent cistern underneath it still remain. The cistern was a filming location for Orson Wells’ Othello. 42. Butte underground city,  USA The secret world beneath Butte includes a barber shop, shoe shops and a prison. The place was an important copper mine and there are wellpreserved relics from early 20th century when mining was at its peak. Over ground it was highly populated and property prices were high. So people started using the underground for living and doing business. These were connected by tunnels. Today the underground city is open to tourists. 43. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan,  Canada Underneath downtown Moose Jaw, tunnels were built in early 1900s with a view to protecting Chinese railway workers from persecution during the Yellow Peril, a racist panic that gripped the city and affected the Asian immigrants who had arrived to find work. Immigrant families lived in the tunnels while working above ground, but when the immigration was prohibited the tunnels came to be used for smuggling. Al Capone was among the smugglers who are believed to have used these tunnels. Today there are interesting daily tours led by an Al Capone look-a-like. 44. King Arthur’s Labyrinth,  Wales Underneath the mountains of southern Snowdonia, lies a disused slate mine. Visitors can explore it by booking a tour with a cloaked boatman who takes guests past a waterfall, along winding tunnels and into vast underground caverns, while narrating the myths and legends associated with King Arthur and wizard Merlin. 45. Blair Street Vaults,  Edinburgh, Scotland Underneath the Old Town of Edinburgh, there exists a dark subterranean network of passages where the Blair Street Underground vaults from the 18th century were discovered in the 1980s. These underground vaults were once the haunt of the city’s most despicable criminals. Today there are spooky trail tours that take you inside to show the gloomy past of smuggling, murders and body snatching.

Dubai – 22 October 2024: In a strategic move to harness untapped financial avenues, investment advisors Medallion Associates have unveiled its Institutional Investor Desk, aiming to capitalize on the thriving Dubai real estate market. With property transactions soaring by 32% and sales value climbing by 23%, this initiative comes at a pivotal moment for the city’s post-pandemic recovery. The resurgence of Dubai's real estate sector reflects a broader global demand for real estate, bolstered by proactive regulatory reforms from the Dubai government and the Dubai Land Department (DLD). As the market continues to evolve, Medallion’s Institutional Investor Desk seeks to align with the government’s ambitious Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aims to raise real estate transactions in Dubai to AED 1 trillion, while doubling the sector’s contribution to economic diversification.. The ”Desk”is expected to be a cornerstone of the visionary Dubai Economic Agenda D33, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. The “Desk” will focus on enhancing access to institutional capital by collaborating with investment consultants, advisors, and placement agents. By building strong partnerships and networks, Medallion aims to elevate its credibility in the market and facilitate greater investment flow into Dubai. Masood Al Awar, CEO of Medallion Associates, highlights the current investment landscape: “Dubai real estate industry has been something of an underachiever when it comes to attracting institutional investment. Despite controlling a staggering USD 120 trillion in global assets, institutional investors have only allocated USD 52 billion to Dubai. Our goal is to change that narrative and draw more of this investment to our vibrant market.” The Medallion Institutional Investor Desk will also offer bespoke investment mandates and separately managed accounts (SMAs) tailored to align with specific risk-return profiles and liquidity needs of investors. This personalized approach will ensure that institutional partners can confidently invest in Dubai’s dynamic real estate sector, maximizing their returns while mitigating risks. Dubai consistently outperforms other leading real estate markets, offering rental yields as high as 9%. Its favorable tax environment—characterized by the absence of property and capital gains taxes—makes it one of the most attractive destinations for real estate investment. Yet, Medallion’s analysis indicates that the real estate industry has captured only a small fraction of the institutional investment potential, a challenge the new Desk is poised to address. Al Awar emphasizes Dubai’s unique advantages: “The post-COVID investment landscape of the present offers few opportunities that match what Dubai has to offer. Our mission at Medallion is to transform these advantages into concrete results, driving enduring institutional investment flows that will benefit our economy now and in the future.” Through its Institutional Investor Desk, Medallion Associates aims to be at the forefront of enhancing Dubai's appeal to institutional investors. By building strategic partnerships and providing tailored investment solutions, Medallion is committed to ensuring that the city fully realizes its potential in the global real estate arena.

Most of us have grown up listening to stories of ice castles. Dazzling interiors, wide staircases of frozen blocks leading to glittering inner chambers and shimmering rays of light dancing off crystals of majestic ice chandeliers have been in our fantasies since then. While such ice castles may not exist in reality, luckily for us, finding an ice accommodation to spend a day or two is not really a big problem now. Eskimos have successfully created ice dwellings called ‘igloos’ for a long time. In addition, today there are numerous ice hotels that have sprung up in various places, catering to tourists across the globe. Here are some frozen marvels worth visiting. §  The Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden Constructed from ice and snow every winter, this magnificent structure is the world’s first and largest ice hotel located in a small village outside Kiruna in northern Sweden with 1,100 residents and 1,000 dogs. Spread over an area of 5,500sq m and constructed from 1,000 tonnes of ice and 30,000 tonnes of ‘snice’, a mixture of snow and ice that strengthens the unique structure, the Icehotel hosts some 50,000 visitors from all over the world during winter months every year. The year-round process of building the ice hotel involves the labour of a hundred people, half of which are visiting artists and designers exclusively invited to model particular areas of the hotel. 5,000 tonnes of ice is harvested from the Torne River between March and April and stored in a cold storage during the spring and summer months. Construction of the hotel commences in November with the first phase getting completed by December and the hotel operates till mid-April when the ice gradually begins to melt away into the Torne. The Icehotel starts running its business as soon as the structures of the first phase have materialised and the entire construction is over by January. On completion, the Icehotel consists of a bar, a church, main hall, reception area, an ice restaurant and around 60 rooms and suites with elaborate interiors that can house over 100 guests. No two rooms are same and the design of the ephemeral structure also varies as it is built out of scratch every year. There are beautiful ice suites where the temperature is a steady -50 C, with ice furniture and fittings and ice and snow artwork. Reindeer skins are spread out on the ice beds and guests sleep in polartested sleeping bags. There are no bathroom facilities in the ice suites, but they are located in the nearby separate warm accommodation that operates throughout the year. You can sip on cocktails or champagne at the IceBar in glasses made entirely out of nothing else but ice. The Ice Church operates like a regular church every winter and over 100 couples get married each year during this time and about twenty baptisms are held. Visitors to this part of the Swedish Lapland, only 200km from the Arctic Circle, come to experience the tranquility of the region and the mystic Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights as well as indulge in activities like snowmobiling, dog-sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, ice-sculpting or participating in cultural events of the ethnic Sami people. §  Hôtel de Glace, Quebec, Canada Since its opening in 2001, the Hôtel de Glace has catered to almost a million visitors. It operates between the first week of January and the last week of March. It was originally located on the shores of Lac-Saint-Joseph, Quebec, 31 minutes north of Quebec City but is now closer to the city, only about 10 minutes away from the Old Town Quebec. A team of 15 artists design a new architectural concept each year. Constructed out of 15,000 tonnes of snow and 500 tonnes of ice, it has 19-foot-high ceilings, furniture carved out of ice blocks, huge snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures. At Hôtel de Glace guests are greeted with iced cider in diamond-like ice flutes to sip while resting on beautifully sculpted ice couches cushioned with warm blankets, around smooth ice tables. Overnight visitors can stay in any of the 44 rooms and the premium deluxe suites which even come with own fireplace and private spa. There is an on-site café, an ice bar, outdoor hot-tubs and a sauna too. A ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour offers guests a glimpse of how the structure is constructed. Equipped with the knowledge the guests can also make their own ice cocktail glasses at the Ice Workshop. Other activities include crosscountry skiing, snow-shoeing, dog-sledding and hiking. §  SnowHotel, Kirkenes, Norway Situated near the Gabba Reindeer Park in Norway’s sub-Arctic north close to the Norwegian-Russian border, this snow hotel started operating in 2007. Since then, it has been opening in mid-December every year. The Kirkenes SnowHotel utilizes the concept of snow insulation as snow is a very good insulator. This means that when it is -300 C outside, the interiors will still be relatively warmer at -50 C. The SnowHotel offers 20-plus cavernous ‘Snow Suites’ which come equipped with sleeping bags and mattresses covered in thermal insulation and decorated with ice furniture and art made by artists from Japan, Finland and China as well as the local ice-sculptors. There is a small, warm sleeping area for guests who may encounter difficulty with sleeping in the ice suites. Lighted ice sculptures glow throughout the night at the SnowHotel which also has an ice bar and a snow-free restaurant where guests can mingle. Guests here are welcomed with a drink made from local berries. A one-night stay includes a special locally-sourced threecourse dinner prepared on an open fire and visitors can also get a sauna before or after their stay. Apart from the reindeer park, guests can visit a husky farm in the vicinity. Activities like Arctic king-crab fishing tour, northern lights tour by husky ride and cross-country skiing tour are popular among tourists. The hotel also offers northern lights wakeup calls for guests. §   Igloo Village at Hotel Kakslauttanen, Saariselkä , Finland Instead of rooms made out ice and snow, guests can choose between igloos made out of snow or glass in this igloo village. The snow igloos offer a peaceful, eerily silent albeit cosy getaway from the world outside while the glass igloos reinforced with frost-resistant thermal glass, offer splendid views of the northern lights and starry skies. The temperatures inside the snow igloos remain a consistent -30 C to -60 C even though outside temperatures may drop to as low as -400 C. Showers and saunas are available in separate buildings. The 20 glass igloos have attached toilets and are available throughout the Northern Lights season which begins around the third week of August and ends by the end of next April. The snow igloos are available from December till April. Apart from the igloos, the hotel also provides accommodations throughout the year in earth lodges, classy queen suites, rustic log cabins that can house up to 10 people, traditional 19th century houses with attached saunas and in the newly introduced ‘Santa’s Home’ and the idyllic ‘Gold Digger’s Cottages’. Guests can book their own reindeer safaris or visit the impressive ice sculpture gallery and even try their hand at ice-sculpting or request a unique personal ice sculpture to decorate their own snow igloos. Dog-sledding, ice-fishing, Northern Lights tours, skiing and snowmobile tours are common touristy pursuits in the area. §  Snow Village, Montreal, Canada About three hours down river St. Lawrence from the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec, this snow village was located in the Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau and was complete with a restaurant, a chapel and an outdoor recreation area. It was accessible by metro, making it exceedingly convenient for visitors. Unfortunately, it did not garner much attention since its initiation and unlike its other counterparts, it was somewhat lacklustre despite its array of attractions. Due to what the founders claim to be a result of lack of funding assistance, this snow village was closed down in 2014. §  Hotel of Ice, Balea Lake, Romania Accessible only by cable car in winter, this ice hotel built in 2005 is the first of its kind in Eastern Europe. It is set high in the Romanian Carpathian mountains at an altitude of 2,034 metres beside the picturesque Balea Lac, deep within the Făgăraş Mountains and is the most remote hotel of its kind. The hotel is generally completed by December every year and remains open till late April or early May when the ice begins to melt. The hotel has just 10 to 14 small rooms, each designed with a musical theme in mind, built by local craftsmen who wait for the lake to freeze before using the ice to build it as well as the adjacent ice church. The sculptures inside are imitations of the creations of Romanian modernist sculptor, Constantin Brâncuși. Guests can sleep in one of the hotel’s subzero rooms or claim own private igloos near the hotel. They are provided with bedding, furs and specially developed sleeping bags. Bathroom facilities are located nearby. Two chalets within walking distance also provide accommodation. Visitors can sample traditional Transylvanian and Romanian cuisine at Chalet Balea Lac’s restaurant. Activities nearby include skiing, sledging, snow-biking and the more adventurous heli-skiing, though the latter is arranged only on request. Apart from these, usual wintry activities like snowball fights, snowman-building competitions and ice-bowling are also arranged by the hotel’s Winter Park. §  Lainio Snow Village, Kittilä, Finland Easily accessible from Kittilä Airport that has a connecting service from Helsinki, this winter wonderland located between Ylläsjärvi and Kittilä, covering an area of about 20,000 sq m, operates from December through April every year and is complete with rounded snow corridors illuminated with colourful lights and decorated with intricate sculptures. Guests can opt for a grand entry to this snow village on a snowmobile. There is an a la carte ice restaurant with tables carved out of ice, an ice bar, several lobbies, an underground sauna, standard ice hotel-rooms shaped like igloos and snow suites in addition to outdoor buildings made of ice. Guests can sleep in high quality thermal sleeping bags and fleece-lined bags or opt for the two warm bedrooms in the hotel. Shower and toilet facilities are separately located in a warm subterranean building nearby. Cozy log cabins and a massive three-floor log castle are also available to guests who would rather sleep in normal beds than on ice slabs. Arctic adventures like snowmobile safaris under the Lappish night sky in the northern wilderness are a favourite among tourists here. §  Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Alta, Norway This igloo hotel started functioning in 2000 in Europe’s northernmost ice hotel in a rural area in the Finnmark region of Norway, about 250km away from North Cape and around 20km from Alta Airport. The 2,000 square metres structure has 28 regular rooms and 2 suites which are adorned with ice sculptures and ice furnishings including illumination schemes that enhance the grandeur of the varied array of crystalline formations. Not only is it aesthetically decorated but it also has a pleasant homely ambience. There are several common ice lounges in the hotel and an on-site saunas and hot tubs. It also features an ice chapel, an ice gallery, an ice bar and the restaurant ‘Laksestua’. The architectural designs showcase different themes every year and a few themes tested over the years are Viking theme, Norwegian fairytale theme and a theme featuring the wild animals of the region. Guests can glimpse the beauty of the icy fjords and panoramic views of the mountains on snowmobile safaris or go dog-sledding on sleds pulled by friendly huskies. River-boat excursion on the Alta River, one of Norway’s famous salmon rivers on the banks of which the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel is situated, is also very popular. Viewing the Northern Lights is another memorable experience and sometimes the lights can even be seen just above the restaurant building as well as above the hotel itself. §  Snow Castle, Kemi, Finland Situated right on the Bothnian Bay and rebuilt featuring a different architecture each year, the Snow Castle in Kemi was first created in 1996 as a gift from UNICEF. It is located in the SnowCastle Area in Kemi Inner Harbour, only 1km away from the city centre. It takes 5 weeks to build the structure and the area it covers has varied from 13,000 to over 20,000 square metres over the years. The tallest towers have been over 20 metres high and the longest walls, 1,000 metres long and over 12 feet high. The castle itself has featured three storeys. Although the configurations have fluctuated, a few components like a chapel, a restaurant and a hotel have remained constant. The hotel area also features an ice gallery featuring the ice sculptures of artists from all over the world. The Snow Restaurant has ice tables and seating arrangements covered in reindeer fur and decorated with ice sculptures. The Snow Chapel has 50-100 seats and has hosted weddings of couples from as far away as Japan and Hong Kong. The Snow Hotel in the castle has single and double rooms as well as rooms for bigger groups. A maximum number of 48 people can stay in the hotel at a time. Exciting snow mobile safaris, day trips to Rovaniemi and Ranua, snow-shoeing amongst the wilderness, kick-sliding, husky safaris and ice-fishing are a few touristy pursuits to indulge in here. §  Eskimska Vas, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia ‘Eskimska Vas’, means ‘Eskimo Village’ in the Slovene language. In 2008, the Sejalec Award Committee noted the comprehensive and financially efficient manner in which Koren Sports introduced a new feature to the Slovenian tourism industry, the Eskimo Village on Krvavec. Later, it was shifted to the ski-slopes in Kranjska Gora. This snowy village can be reached by a cable car ride up the mountain followed by a snowshoe hike. The Igloo Hotel was constructed as a part of the Eskimo Village. There are about 4 to 5 igloo accommodations. The beds are carved out of blocks of ice and first draped with an insulating material and then with warm sheepskins. Special expeditionary sleeping bags which can withstand temperatures up to -300 C are provided to guests. The Igloo Restaurant here provides traditional Slovenian dishes like Carnolian Sausage with Horseradish on the side and fresh bread. There is an idyllic snow bar which also hosts birthday parties, anniversary and wedding celebrations. The Eskimsa Vas operates between the end of December and the beginning of March. Apart from skiing and cross-country tracks, tourists can go snowboarding at Vogel or visit the free-style ski park at Rogla. §  Engelberg-Titlis Igloo Village, Engelberg, Switzerland Located 1,800 metres above sea-level with breathtaking, panoramic views of the wildly romantic Swiss Alps and twinkling stars set against dark skies, the Igloo Village in the popular mountain resort town of Engelberg in central Switzerland was built by the company Iglu-Dorf which also has other igloo villages elsewhere. It usually operates from Christmas to Easter and can easily be reached from Lucerne, Zurich, Basel and Bern. One standard igloo can hold up to six people. A maximum of 52 people in groups can be accommodated in the igloo accommodations out of which one is a completely private ‘romantic igloo’ for couples. The newly introduced ‘Hot-Iglu’ comes equipped with a Swedish stove. Savour the delicious Moitie-Moitie cheese fondue or fresh bread with a pot of bubbling Gruyère cheese at the Igloo Bar. There is no dearth of activities for visitors as this igloo village is located in Trübsee, in the middle of the ski area. The new SnowXpark in the igloo village offers rides on electric snow-bikes and paragliding. Visitors can also indulge in skiing, sledging down the mountain, snowshoe hiking and night-time local excursions. §  Schneedorf Snow Village, Oetz, Austria Conveniently located in Sölden, a popular Austrian ski resort, the first snow village of Austria has 18 Classic rooms and Romantic 2 and 4-person igloos, all made of snow and ice. This snow village, situated 8,850 feet above sea-level, is somewhat smaller than the other ice hotels but a lot more affordable and in no way less remarkable. It operates from the end of December to midApril. Winter sports like skiing, snowshoe hiking, snowboarding and tobogganing are popular. Guests can also relax in the mountain sauna made out of local Zirbenwood. Apart from these, there are a few other ice hotels across the globe. In the winter of 2011, Hotel Lumen in The Netherlands built a temporary ice hotel as part of the town of Zwolle’s ice-sculpture festival. It had 3 sleeping options – an ice cave, a mermaid room and a shell-themed room. The IgluDorf company has igloo-villages in various places, for instance, Iglu-Dorf Andorra in Grandvalira, Spain and Iglu-Dorf Zugspitze in Grainau, Germany. It has many igloo villages in Switzerland, viz., Iglu-Dorf Gstaad in Saanenmoser, Iglu-Dorf Zermatt in Zermatt and Iglu-Dorf Davos Klosters in DavosDorf. Located on Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, there is the Ice Cave, a snowy paradise on the premises of the magical Alpha Resort Tomamu Ski Resort. It has only one room to accommodate guests. Everything in the resort itself is hewn from ice, from igloos to trees, the plates and the glasses. Interested visitors can also carve their own ice goblet with an ice pick. There is also a snow hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland called the Arctic SnowHotel and the Bjorli Ice Lodge in the mountains in the Molde region of Norway.

All across the world there are unclaimed lands, disputed territories, regions under foreign occupation and so on. Each such piece of land often comes with a defined culture, history and a tremendous urge of the local populace to call themselves an independent republic. This often results in disputes and rebellions giving rise to many unrecognized nations in the world. So the question arises, how do you define a country? There isn’t enough space, nor the intention, to go into exploring into the debate. In this issue on micro-nations of the world we would like to give our readers information about the most prominent unrecognized countries and tips on how to visit them. The United Nations has 193 recognized countries, and three observer states, namely Palestine, the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. In 2011, South Sudan became the latest to join the list of recognized countries of the world. Similarly, Gibraltar and Kosovo gained partial recognition when they joined FIFA’s list for qualifying for a berth in the Football World Cup. 1.Abkhazia, Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, this historical land is an unrecognized country in the Caucasian region. In the United Nations list of countries, Abkhazia is considered a part of Georgia. However de facto it is an autonomous region and is recognised as a country only by Russia, Syria, Nauru, Nicaragua, Venezuela and other unrecognized countries of the Caucasian region being Artsakh, South Ossetia and Transnistria. Abkhazia has its own flag, its currency (Abkhazian Apsar) and an elected President and Prime Minister. The form of government here is unitary semi-presidential republic. The capital city is Sukhumi (also spelt as Sukhoumi) and the national language is Abkhazian. Russian language is also spoken Photo: New Athos Monastery dating from 1875 in New Athos, Abkhazia and Russian rubles are also accepted in transactions. The population of this unrecognized country is about 2,50,000. Abkhazia can be entered from both its neighbours - Georgia and Russia. But whichever side one enters the country from, one must keep in mind, that it is mandatory to come out of the same side. ·         Attractions There are many places worth visiting in Abkhazia. Of them worth mentioning are the ancient military citadel called Anacopia Fortress, the New Athos caves in the Iverian Mountain, the Krubera Cave in Arabika Massif of Garga Range of Western Caucasus Mountains, the New Athos Monastery in New Athos and the Lake Ritsa. ·         Visa Citizens of countries that recognize Abkhazia can enter Visa-free. Others should obtain an e-visa from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abkhazia in advance. The visa application form is available online at mfaapsny.org . This is the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abkhazia. ·         How to reach For those entering from Russia, Sochi is the best place to start. One can take a minibus or shared car from Sochi or even a long distance train from Moscow. For those coming from Georgia, the best idea is to take a bus or shared car from Kutaisi or any other town near the border. ·         Caution For backpackers and travellers who plan to visit Abkhazia from Georgia, it is better not to inform the Georgian Embassy of the same while entering Georgia as this might lead to unnecessary hassles in entering Georgia. 2.The Republic of Artsakh The Republic of Artsakh was previously called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (prior to 2017) and came into existence as an unrecognized nation after the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994. Located in between Armenia and Azerbaijan, internationally it is regarded as a part of Azerbaijan. But de-facto it is an autonomous region and Azerbaijan does not interfere in the governing of this unrecognized nation. It is recognized only by Armenia and other unrecognized states of the Caucasian region, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Historically, Artsakh has been part of Armenia. Its population comprises mainly of Armenian Christians, whereas Azerbaijan is a Muslim nation. In the early 19th century, it came under the rule of Imperial Russia and during the Soviet regime, the NagornoKarabakh Autonomous Oblast was part of Azerbaijan SSR. So when the country disintegrated, it was naturally made part of Azerbaijan. As a result of the NagornoKarabakh War, this region de-facto tore out of Azerbaijan and became autonomous. Artsakh has its own flag, but no currency. It uses the Armenian dram as its official currency. The capital is Stepanakert. The local population speaks a dialect of Armenian, called Karabakhi. ·         Attractions There are many important tourist attractions in the region starting from museums and memorials to ancient monasteries. In the capital city of Stepanakert there are a host of museums of visit and a few important monuments. In the nearby town of Shusha, which was the earlier capital during the Karabakh Khanate, the most important site is that of the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Panahabad Fortress and the Liberation Memorial. There are some ancient monasteries including the Gtichavank, Tzitzernavank, Dadivank, Gandzasar and so on. These are known for their unique architecture and history. Fortresses like Askeran, Myeraberd, Tigranakert and Handaberd are also famous. ·         Visa Visitors arriving by road from Armenia do not need a prior visa. At the border, there is a checkpoint where a visitor has to present oneself and then visit office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stepanakert within 24 hours of entering the border to get the visa. ·         How to reach The only legal entry to this region is through Armenia. Artsakh has a non-functional airport. Hence the only way to travel is by road, from anywhere in Armenia. As a budget transport option marshrutka (a minivan) is very popular in the region. In Yerevan one can get the marshrutka from the international bus station. From Yerevan to Stepanakert it takes about 6 hours. ·         Caution A traveller with travel history of Artsakh is a criminal in Azerbaijan. So those who visit Artsakh before going to Azerbaijan, must take the visa stamp in a plain paper and not on the passport. 3.Kosovo The Republic of Kosovo is a partially recognized state in Europe. It became a selfdeclared nation in 1991 by breaking out of the erstwhile Yugoslavia. It has an ongoing territorial dispute with the Republic of Serbia and the latter does not accept the former’s February 2008’s declaration of Independence from it. However, Kosovo is a member of the IMF and the World Bank. At present it is recognized as an independent country by about 100 countries around the world. Among those that recognize it are Australia, Canada, USA, the Scandinavian countries, majority of the members of the European Union and some North African countries. Among those that are yet to recognize Kosovo as a country are Serbia, India, Russia, China and a majority of other Asian countries. The capital city of Kosovo is Pristina and the language spoken here is Albanian. It uses the currency of Euro and has its own passport which allows the citizens visa-free travel in many countries. The size of the country is about 10,890 sq km and its population is around 19,00,000. Islam is the Photo: The uniquely domed building of National Library of Kosovo in Pristina with the Church of Christ, the Saviour in the background dominant religion, followed by Orthodox Christianity. Its form of government is Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Republic and it has a President and a Prime Minister. ·         Attractions Pristina is a vibrant city with a lot to see and explore. Its variety of architecture is its main attraction. There is a peaceful co-existence of senturies-old mosques with modern glass buildings. The National Library building is truly a weird one. The glass building is topped with unique white domes which seem rather out of the place. But nevertheless, this is the most photographed building of the capital city. Prizren, a smaller town, is more popular for its ‘out of fairy tale’ looks. It is replete with Ottoman-style mosques, beautiful cathedrals and ancient walls and cobbled streets completing the look. A drive along the country-sides of Kosovo is worth taking. These are full of beautiful waterfalls, undulating mountains and blue lakes. ·         Visa Citizens of all countries recognizing Kosovo as an independent country have a visafree entry and stay up to 90 days in 6 month period. ·         How to reach Many European airlines connect European cities directly with Pristina. By road also it is possible to reach Kosovo from most European countries. ·         Caution From Serbia to Kosovo it is easy to travel. However if one enters Kosovo via Montenegro, Albania or Macedonia, since the passport will not have Serbia stamp, the traveller will not be allowed to travel back to Serbia. For those will to see both Kosovo and Serbia therefore there are two options. 1. Enter Kosovo via Serbia 2. If entered Kosovo not via Serbia, then exit from Macedonia, Montenegro or Albania only. 4.Northern Cyprus Officially this micro-nation is called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It comprises of the northeastern part of the island of Cyprus and Turkey is the only country that recognizes it as a country. To the rest of the world, it is part of Cyprus. The island of Cyprus is sharply divided into two different parts – the northern part which has a Turkish population and the southern part which is home to the larger Cypriot (Greek) population. The northern part uses the Turkish Lira as its official currency (Euro is also widely accepted) and Turkish is the official language, although in the southern part Greek is the official language and Cypriot Pound is the official currency. Northern Cyprus has an area of 3,355 sq km and a population of 3,40,000. It roughly covers one-third area of the island of Cyprus. Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, lies exactly on the border between the two parts, and hence the city of Nicosia also has two distinct parts, the northern part is capital of Northern Cyprus and the southern part is the capital of Cyprus. ·         Attractions Nicosia has a number of attractions, starting from museums to monasteries, mosques and breweries. Other important destinations are Girne (Kyrenia) and Famagusta. Girne is home to the Girne Castle and a very happening harbourfront which has many restaurants and pubs. Famagusta is full of beautiful sites and ruins and is home to the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Othello Castle (also called Othello’s Tower). The Kantara Castle, the Buffavento Castle, St. Hilarion Castle, the Bellapais Monastery, St. Barnabas Monastery, Alagardi Turtle Beach, ancient Shipwreck Museum and the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Salamis are also worth checking out. The weather here is pleasant almost all round the year. ·         Visa For visitors holding a valid Cyprus visa, no separate visa is required for visiting Northern Cyprus. ·         How to reach There are numerous land border crossings between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus and all of them are open. The best idea is to use the border crossings at the capital, Nicosia. While there is no visa stamping, there are security checks and people are required to show their ID card or passport on both sides of the crossing. ·         Caution For travelers who arrive directly to Northern Cyprus, and not to the main Cyprus side, that is either by boat or air, there may be more stringent checks. 5.Palestine Palestine has been granted a non-member observer state status by the United Nations in 2012. It is also a member of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the UNESCO. It is officially recognised as a state by 138 UN member states, the Holy See, and the Sahrawi ADR. The remaining UN member states, including Israel, do not recognize it. The State of Palestine (also called just Palestine) was declared independent in 1988 by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which is recognised by a majority of UN member states as well as the UN as the sole representative of the Palestinian people. After a UN-brokered ceasefire at the Six-Day War of 1967 in which Israel went to a bloody battle against Arab states of Egypt, Syria and Jordan, Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and other Palestinian territories, but never formally annexed them. The State of Palestine considers itself to be the legitimate government of the West Bank, a large part which is under Valley. Inset - Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem occupation by Israel. The latter regards the area claimed by Palestine as a ‘disputed’ territory. On the other hand, Israel, which was founded in 1948, is not recognised by 31 UN members, mostly the Islamic countries of Middle East and North Africa. The Israeli government has over the years moved its armed forces and settlers, out of certain territories claimed by Palestine but maintains some control over most of it. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) runs the internal government over certain areas of Palestine. The capital of Palestine is Ramallah and population is about 50 lakhs. ·         Attractions The birthplace of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem, the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, the site of his crucifixion, some burial sites, the Mar Saba Monastery and other monasteries, temples, desert and desert palaces and caves are some of the historic places that one will come across in Palestine as important attractions. A trip to Palestine is also popular with pilgrims. ·         Visa There is no separate visa for Palestine. Those travelling to Israel may also visit Palestine. There are many entry points to Palestine from Israel. ·         How to reach There are no airports in Palestine. Hence the only way to reach is via land route from anywhere in Israel or Jordan. The borders are controlled by the Israeli authorities. ·         Caution While in general Palestine is a safe place, but it is important to be cautious and be aware about the latest development along the border before embarking on the trip. Petty thefts are also common in Palestine, hence one must take care of belongings. 6. Sahrawi ADR Towards the northwestern border of Africa, the Western Sahara is a disputed territory in the Maghreb region. After the Spanish colonizers suddenly left the region in 1975- 76, neither Morocco nor Mauritania ever gained the international recognition to rule over this geographical region resulting in the still continuing unrecognized state of the Western Sahara. In 1976 it proclaimed itself to be an independent republic in the name of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (or Sahrawi ADR). Today Sahrawi ADR is a full member of the African Union and is partially recognized nation amongst many. The claimed area is jointly controlled by Sahrawi ADR and Morocco. Sahrawi ADR government governs only a fourth of the land it actually claims, the remaining three-fourths they claim to be under the occupation of Morocco. Sahrawi ADR has its own flag and a population of half a million. It shares its borders with Algeria and Mauritania. The largest city is Laayoune or El Aaiún but the same is governed by Morocco. It continues to be the claimed capital of Sahrawi. Bir Lehlou is the de-facto capital city. Other important towns include Tifariti, Agwanit, Zoug, Meharrize and Dougaj. The main language spoken here is Arabic and Berber. Spanish and French are also widely spoken. Islam is the main religion followed here. ·         Attractions The biggest attraction is the Sahara Desert. There are also some pristine, unspoilt beaches to explore. One can also see the remnants of the Spanish Colonial rule in El Aaiún. This city is full of fountains, playgrounds and parks. Dakhla is another city of Western Sahara that is under Moroccan control now. It is located on a 50km-long narrow peninsula of the Atlantic Coast where on the one side you find a beautiful lagoon and on the other side the Atlantic Ocean. Water adventure activities and seafood are the other great attractions here. ·         Visa For visiting Sahrawi ADR no extra visa is Photo: Mysterious stone formations in Sahrawi; Inset - The Grand Mosque at Dakhla. 44 Vol 9, Issue 2, Touriosity Travelmag, July 2020 needed if one has the Morocco Visa. ·         How to reach It is not possible to cross the border to Sahrawi ADR from the neighbouring countries of Mauritania or Algeria as both these borders are closed. So only option is to cross over by land from Morocco. There are also direct flights to El Aaiún from the Moroccan destinations of Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Dakhla, Guelmin and Rabat and Gran Canaria. ·         Caution There are many unexploded land mines in Western Sahara. There have been reports of fatal explosions in the past. The roads are not in good condition, yet one must avoid driving off the road as this might be fatal. For those exploring the region, it is important to know that scorpions and cobras are quite frequently spotted here. So one must take care. While going for long drives it is important to take sufficient drinking water as the same may not be available on the road. 7. Sealand Officially called the Principality of Sealand, this is by far the most unique micro-nation one will come across in this list. It is a truly bizarre nation that is not natural but man-made. This is the smallest (micro) nation in the world. It is difficult to imagine a country that is located on a raised platform on a sea and not located on land. That’s exactly how Sealand is! It is located on a platform in the North Sea, 12 kilometres off the coast of England. But hold on, don’t underestimate it. Sealand has its own coins, banknotes, stamps, a constitution with a preamble and seven articles, a flag and passport. And that’s not all; it has a Prince, and a national football team! As for achievements, it has had its own moments. Sealand has been featured on music videos fetching it popularity. However, the biggest event that gave it a huge publicity was a half-marathon that was organized here in 2015. Although it is just a platform, it hosted the event on a treadmill. Quite unbelievable! The history behind the formation of this unrecognized country is very interesting. Roughs Tower was an illegal military fortress built on international waters during World War II. The idea behind was to circumvent UK laws surrounding pirate radio stations. On the Christmas Eve of 1966, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Roy Bates, a British Army veteran and then a pirate radio broadcaster, laid claim to this tower. Much later, in 1977, he declared it to be a country and named it as the Principality of Sealand. Since then the claim has been undisputed and although never recognized, nobody ever tried to dispute the claim of the founder. Paddy’s son Michael Roy Bates, a British Businessman and self-published author who inherited the Principality of Sealand from his father, went on to call himself ‘Prince Michael of Sealand’. It is also possible for anyone from anywhere in the world to apply to become a Lord, Lady, Baron, Baroness, Count, Countess, Duke or Duchess of Sealand in future by paying various fees. ·         Visa One may apply for a visa at the official website of https://sealandgov.org . However visas are currently on hold due to the global situation. ·         How to reach Being located in international waters, anyone can reach here by a boat or helicopter. ·         Caution Climbing up the platform, or landing in Sealand may not be allowed without prior consent. 8. Somaliland This self-proclaimed nation is situated along a dry stretch of land along the Red Sea. A former British colony, the Republic of Somaliland was an independent nation from 26th June, 1960 to 1st July, 1960, when it united with the former Italian colonies of Somalia to form the Somali Republic. Later it regretted the union, and when Somalia’s government collapsed in 1991, Somaliland held a referendum and declared independence. Presently it enjoys the status of an autonomous region within Somalia but it lacks international recognition. Somalia claims Somaliland as part of its territory. Somaliland functions de-facto as a nation. It has elections, a government, passport, its own currency the Somaliland Shilling, and uninterfered rule by Somalia. Its capital city is Hargeisa. But no other nation has recognized it as independent so far. However the neighboring countries of Djibouti and Ethiopia allow citizens with Somaliland passport to cross the border. ·         Attractions There are a number of things to see in Somaliland. Of them, by far the most famous is Laas Geel. These are ancient cave paintings dating from the Neolithic Age. The very well preserved rock paintings are believed to be more than 11,000 years old. The paintings feature humans and animals and the site is located just outside the capital city of Hargeisa. Another important tourist attraction is in the port city of Berbera. It is known for coral reefs, pristine beaches, seafood and ancient architecture. Another important city to visit in Somaliland is the ancient city of Zeila which is in ruins now. It is believed that this city was the entry point of Islam religion in the continent of Africa. Zeila had the first mosque outside the middle east. Located on the Gulf of Aden, Zeila has historically been an important trading centre. Zeila, located close to the border of Djibouti, also provides a great cultural experience. Of the coast from here are six islands which are home to beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and coral reefs. ·         Visa Somaliland does not recognize a Somali visa. Hence anybody willing to visit Somaliland has to apply for a Somaliland visa only. ·         How to reach While citizens from the neighbouring countries can cross over the border, people from other countries can take flights to the capital city. Hargeisa is connected with many cities around the world by flight, including Dubai and Djibouti city. ·         Caution Somalia is infamous for terrorist attacks and kidnappings. The same applies for Somaliland. So precautions must be taken while visiting the country. 9. South Ossetia This is another unrecognized nation in the Caucasian region that is, as per the United Nations, a part of Georgia. But unlike Abkhazia, here it is possible only to enter from the Russian side. One can have an organised tour of this place. South Ossetia was an autonomous region in the Georgian SSR in Soviet Union. It declared independence from Georgia in 1991, but Georgia refused to grant the region autonomy resulting in a war from 1991 to 1992. The war came to an end with the help of Russian interference. Following this there have been more conflicts in the region and in effect the region remains still disputed. It is recognized as an independent country by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, Nauru and the unrecognized countries of Abkhazia, Republic of Artsakh and Transnistria. The Republic of South Ossetia has a tiny population of about 54,000 people and its geographical area is 3,900 sq km. Its capital city is Tskhinvali (with about 30,000 people living here) and the currency used is Russian ruble. People speak mainly in Ossetian language, a dialect of Persian, although Russian is mostly used for official purposes. ·         Attractions There are some historical monuments, old monasteries and memorials and nature around is very beautiful. Hiking and horseback riding in the mountains is popular. The capital city is a quaint town and walking around the squares is pleasant. Worth checking out here are the National Museum, Church of the Holy Virgin dating from the 18th century, a former Armenian Quarter, a Jewish Quarter and a Synagogue and a very dark ‘Museum of Burnt Souls’ commemorating civilians who were burnt alive in their cars by the Georgian Military in 2008 while fleeing the violence zone. ·         Visa If you are visiting Russia ensure that there is a double entry Russian Visa. Travellers apart from Russian citizens also need a prior permission from the Foreign Ministry of South Ossetia which can be applied for and received by email. One can send the visa requests at consul.mfa-rso@yandex.com ·         How to reach Entry to South Ossetia is possible only from the Russian side, by road. There are regular buses from Vladikavkaz to Tskhinvali (164km). Travel time is generally about three hours but the border entry can sometimes take time. ·         Caution Stamping on the passport while entering South Ossetia will make a tourist unacceptable for entry in Georgia in future. This should be borne in mind. A number of Western countries have issued advisories against visiting South Ossetia stating chances of violence. However there have not been any instances of violence recently. Visitors must take appropriate precautions. Leningor, in South Ossetia, is under control of Georgia. One must avoid taking photos of government buildings here. 10. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta This is one of the most unusual ‘countries’. One must not confuse it with the Republic of Malta. It is a Roman Catholic religious order founded way back in 1099 in Jerusalem, by the Blessed Gerard. It is the world’s oldest surviving chivalric order. It is recognized by 100+ UN members and maintains diplomatic relations with 110 countries. Its official name is a little longer though: the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta. The official language of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) is Italian. It has its own flag, coat of arms, stamps, passport, currency (Maltese Scudo) but no official land. Yes, it’s a country without any geographical presence, hence no question of it appearing in the world map. So if you talk about the physical proof, all it can provide is a rented base in Rome, the residences of the Knights of the Order and a fort in Malta taken on a 99-year lease. SMOM has an elective monarchy and is ruled by a Prince and the Grand Master. This makes its population count of just two citizens; but there are 13,000 members and 80,000 volunteers. It is possible to visit this ‘country with no land’. The following three places are either partly owned by it or occupied by it: Palazzo Malta, Rome, Italy – This building located in Via dei Condotti 68, Rome is the capital of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. It is also known as Palazzo di Malta or Palazzo dell’Ordine di Malta. One can see the flag of SMOM flying outside. Villa Malta, Rome, Italy – It is officially called Villa del Priorato di Malta and is home to the Grand Priory of the SMOM. It is a beautiful building on the top of a hill. This building has the embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Italy. Both these buildings, although located in Italy, have been granted extraterritorial status. Fort St. Angelo, Vittoriosa, Malta – This is the largest of the three territories currently belonging to the SMOM and is on a 99-year lease (expiring in 2097). The Upper Fort is the residence quarters of one of the Knights of SMOM. There are private guided tours available here. For tourists it is also possible to pick up some souvenirs of SMOM, like stamps and coins. ·         Visa To visit the fort in Malta requires a Schengen Visa. Citizens of the Schengen area of the EU can visit without a visa. ·         How to go  Since it does not have any land of its own, the only way to visit this country is to go to any of the three places mentioned earlier. Fort St. Angelo on the island of Malta is the biggest of them all. 11. Taiwan This case is a little different from all others. Officially called the Republic of China (not to be confused with People’s Republic of China or China), Taiwan is a de-facto sovereign country and has no interference from China. Now, to put it simply, there are two claimants of the government of China, viz. the People’s Republic of China or PRC (often called only China) and the Republic of China or ROC (often called Taiwan). Each one considers itself to be the sole legitimate government of China and therefore claims exclusive sovereignty over all territory (mainland China plus Taiwan). The PRC, proclaimed in 1949, is the more widely recognised of the two claimant governments of China. However, the Republic of China (ROC), constitutionally formed in 1912, and located primarily in Taiwan Island since 1949 (hence ‘Taiwan’ is frequently used to refer to the state), enjoyed majority recognition as the sole government of China until the late 1960s, when a majority of UN member states started to gradually shift recognition to the PRC. The UN used to recognize ROC as the sole representative of China until 1971, when it switched its recognition to the PRC instead. It gave one of the five permanent spots in its Security Council to PRC and expelled the ROC from membership. PRC and ROC do not recognize each other and each has its own One-China Policy. This means that no country can recognize both of them at a time. Presently, 21 UN member states recognize the ROC as the legitimate government of China and hence do not recognize the PRC. It may be noted that Bhutan is the only UN member state that has never recognized either the PRC or the ROC. Taiwan maintains unofficial relations with many other states through its Economic and Cultural Offices, including states that do not formally recognize it. 56 states maintain some form of unofficial mission in Taiwan. Since ROC is a de-facto sovereign country, it has its own currency (the New Taiwan Dollar), flag, passport and government. Taipei is the capital city. Mandarin Chinese is the official language. ·         Attractions The capital city of Taipei has many attractions. The Taipei 101, a skyscraper with 106 floors, was once the tallest building in the world. In addition, the ruins of 17th century Dutch Fort Zeelandia, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung, the Rainbow Village, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei and the National Palace Museum are some human-made places to check out. Among the natural attractions are the Yushan National Park, the Alishan Scenic Mountain Area, Sun Moon Lake, Maolin National Scenic Area, the Penghu Archipelago and the Taroko Gorge. ·         Visa One has to apply for Taiwan Visa. ·         How to reach Taiwan can be reached either by air or water. Taipei is connected both by international flights and cruises. 12. Transnistria This is a long and thin strip of land sandwiched between Ukraine and Moldova. Although popularly known as Transnistria, its official name is Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Visiting here will take you back to the USSR as almost every square in the capital city of Tiraspol has statues of Lenin or other reminders of the Soviet regime. It has a communist rule and Russian is the main language spoken. No wonder Transnistria is often also called ‘the last reminder of USSR’. Transnistria was part of Moldovan SSR in Soviet Union. During the disintegration of USSR, on 2nd of September 1990, Transnistria declared its independence from SSR of Moldova. It declared itself independent from Soviet Union on 25th August 1991. Since then Transnistria has been a de-facto sovereign state. Internationally it is regarded as a part of Moldova and Moldova or any other country does not recognize it. It is recognized as an independent republic only by three other breakaway unrecognized countries in the region, viz. Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Republic of Artsakh. Transnistria has its own passport, flag, currency and a population of about 5,00,000. Most citizens of Transnistria also have Moldovan citizenship. Majority of the population follow Easter Orthodox Christianity. ·         Attractions  There are monasteries, historical monuments and museums across various towns in Transnistria. There are many places to visit in the capital itself. The Eternal Flame, Tank Monument, Suvorov Monument, the 19th century Orthodox Noul Neamt Monastery and the 16th century Bendery Fortress are the most important ones. ·         Visa For a visit up to 24 hours one does not need a visa. Once in the country the time limit can be extended. An entry permit given at the border must be kept ready to present at all times. ·         How to reach There are regular buses and trains to Tiraspol from Chișinău in Moldova and Odessa in Ukraine. The 70km journey from Chișinău takes about 2.5 hours. ·         Caution Do not click photos of military facilities or security personnel. 13.Tibet Tibet is an autonomous region that is internationally regarded as part of China today. It is largely regarded as having been de-facto independent from 1913 to 1950 when it was invaded by China following the Battle of Chamdo. The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India and has continued to remain in India ever since. The Tibetan-government-in-exile led by the Dalai Lama that operates from Dharmasala in Himachal Pradesh, India maintains that Tibet is an independent country that is unlawfully been occupied by China. (For more information please refer to the full article in page 8) ·         Visa For visiting Tibet one needs to have Chinese visa 14.Republic of Užupis This is not a country born out of political or territorial disputes. It is rather a quirky nation, born out of the whims of a few artists. Travelling here is free from any trouble. In 1997, the residents of an artistic neighbourhood (rather impoverished and dangerous at that time) in Lithuania’s capital city of Vilnius, declared themselves to be independent. They drew up a bizarre constitution that lays down the rights and duties of not only the citizens, but also of cats and dogs. The country has its own flag, a President, a Cabinet of ministers, an anthem, a national monument, and a national day, called the Užupis day, which is co-incidentally on the 1st of April. It has its own currency and a beer brand. It has a navy, rather ceremonial, and had an army, but not anymore. It has a population of about 7,000 people including 1,000 artists who reside within its geographical territory of less than 1 sq km. ·         Attractions Tourists can simply walk into the country. They can get their passport stamped in the post office or art gallery and even meet the President and ministers in a café or pub. There is a Constitution Avenue which displays the world’s most unique Constitution, the statue of the Angel, Tibet Square and a number of unique (some bizarre) statues and beautiful graffitis to check out. ·         Visa For those with a Schengen Visa, no additional Visa is required. ·         How to reach One can simply cross the bridge over Vilnia River and reach this country! There is no checking, no customs, except on the independence day (st April) when security personnel in uniforms welcome you at the entry

1. Ice Trekking If you want to look at it from the point of view of just trekking, it is pretty simple. But the element of adventure in it comes from the fact that the trekking takes place here on frozen snow. One of the famous ice trekking location in India is Ladakh. In winter the Zanskar River freezes, and trekkers take this route to complete the Chadar trek. The trek is basically a connecting route between the villages of Zanskar Valley and the Chilling town of Ladakh. The name comes from the Indian word ‘chadar’ meaning blanket and it implies the blanket of ice and snow that covers the route during this time. While the region of Ladakh is full of colours during summer, in winter it remains cut off from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall. 2. Camping on snow clad hills Trekkers and mountaineers will find this activity quite an interesting one during winter when the foothills of the Himalayas in the mountainous Indian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, northern part of West Bengal and Sikkim are covered in a thick layer of snow. These are the most favourite trekking destinations of Indian trekkers. In the mountain issues of Touriosity there have been numerous articles in the past about this activity. 3. Ski Mountaineering Ski mountaineering (in short skimo) combines skiing and mountaineering and the persons taking part must have expertise in both the disciplines. In ski mountaineering the climbers essentially climb the mountains in the way the mountaineers do. And depending upon the steepness of the mountain they descend on skis. This activity is practiced both as a competitive sport and a recreational activity. Touriosity’s July 2014 issue published an article about a ski-mountaineering expedition to a mountain in the Kamchatka range in Russia. 4. Dog sledding Dog sleds as a means of transport have been in existence for thousands of years. Historically hunters used the sleighs to go hunting. In areas covered permanently with snow like Alaska, Greenland, northern parts of Scandinavia and Russia, dog sledding has been the only means of transport for centuries until the snowmobiles were invented and brought to use. Today both coexist with each other. While for the inhabitants of these places, snowmobiles act as the day to day transport, dog sledding is more touristy and have been rather commercialised in these regions for attracting tourist revenue. During a visit to any of these places, one must ensure to have the unique experience. 5. Snowshoeing Walking in snow is very difficult because the foot seems to sink on the snow. The snowshoe was invented in order to make walking on snow easier. Snowshoes are somewhat like normal shoes but very big in size. The large size of the shoe ensures that the weight of a person is distributed over a larger area and hence, does his foot do not sink. Today, beyond just walking on snow, it has evolved as a form of hiking too. While originally these shoes were made from hide and wood, the designs have evolved over the centuries. At present there are many companies producing sturdy snowshoes that have become popular in recreational snowshoeing in snow covered tourist destinations of the world. 6. Ice swimming This has been a popular activity in colder countries. Ice swimming essentially involves swimming in the frozen water by breaking the ice or swimming in a waterbody that does not get frozen. Swimming in water with a temperacture lower than 5 degrees is also often referred to as ice swimming. It is said to be a good exercise with more calories being lost in it than in traditional swimming. This winter activity is becoming increasingly popular around the world and there are many ice swimming competitions also. However, spending too much time in ice-cold or freezing water can be very bad for health as well. 7. Kayaking in Polar regions Kayaking is a very good way of exploring the rugged shorelines of the polar regions with snow-capped mountains in the background, unique ice formations and icebergs. It not only helps one keep warm and working out (losing loads of calories) in the chilled weather, because of being a totally soundless activity, it also affords the opportunity of sighting the arctic and antarctic wildlife like Polar bears, walruses, penguins, sea lions and more. Kayaks come in different sizes; there are single kayaks, double kayaks as well as much bigger ones that can sit up to 14 people. Beginners should definitely avoid single kayaks, as well as double kayaks, unless the other person is a kayaking expert. But kayaking is subject to weather and water conditions. 8. Zodiac cruising Zodiacs are sturdy inflatable rafts filled with pressurised gas that are used by cruise ships all around the world for transferring luggages or passengers to the shores. In cruises to Antarctica or the Arctic region, they become all the more important. Most of these cruises provide zodiac cruises to its passengers for taking them up close to icebergs, and to other areas that are accessible only to small boats, or to view wildlife, to transfer passengers and their luggages to the shores and so on. Unlike when one is in the ship, in a zodiac he is in the ocean level and the cruise provides a much better view of all that the polar regions have to offer. 9. Cross-country skiing This is a type of skiing whereby skiers use their locomotion to move across snow-covered mountainous terrains. Two ski poles are used in addition to the skis to push the snow with the arms in order to help gain speed. This is in fact, the original form of skiing that came into existence some 5,000 years ago in Scandinavia as a mode of travel. From there it travelled to all the snow-covered regions of the world including northern Europe, Canada, Russia and Greenland. Today, cross-country skiing is both a competitive sport and a recreational activity. In regions with permanent snow cover, this is one of the tourist attractions too. 10. Paragliding over snowy mountains Paragliding is one of the most popular adventure activities not only in India but world over. A paraglider is like a free-flying kite which is either foot-launched or tow-launched into flight to become a glider aircraft. The paraglider is securely attached to the harness of the fabric which opens up and acquires its actual shape when suspended in the air. They may be of different shapes and in tourist places like beaches mostly the round one is commonly seen. There are many popular paragliding destinations in India where tour agencies provide these services. However, paragliding is also a hobby for many and there are people who undertake cross-country paragliding after taking necessary permissions. In our May 2013 issue there was an article on paragliding over snow-capped mountains of Central Asia. 11. Frozen waterfall climbing This is an important activity for mountaineers and rock climbers who undertake it for the purpose of training. The activity is extremely difficult for the regular tourists. In winter, the water in a waterfall freezes giving rise to icicles which are extremely hard. Sometimes the ice starts melting with the sun and climbing can get very dangerous during these times. So those taking part in this extreme sports must be cautious. In India ice climbing is very new and Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh are two places that can offer In this issue there is a detailed article on frozen waterfall climbing in Austria and Switzerland. 12. Sledding on frozen river Small wooden sleds, for the use of a single person, to slide down the frozen hills and slopes, was used as a transport many centuries back. Today there are more sophisticated snowmobiles. But in remote locations, the locals, especially the children, still play with the traditional wooden sleds. One such place you can get hold of a traditional sled is Mongolia. In case if you are visiting the country in winter, don’t miss the opportunity of bringing the child in you out. 13. Mountaineering Mountaineering is one of the most favourite adventure activities worldwide. While tourism and mountaineering do not exactly go hand in hand, because hardcore mountaineers are not interested in tourist attractions and travel enthusiasts do not generally take all the pain to climb mountains. But of course if you love adventure sports, mountaineering will attract you. It is a sport of attaining heights and can do wonders in boosting confidence in self. But for mountaineering, one must be in great physical health. Touriosity has so far published 9 issues themed on Mountains and all of those had great articles on mountaineering expeditions. 14. Glacier trekking or glacier hiking This adventure activity is increasingly becoming popular with adventure aficionades around the world. In every continent, except Australia, there are glaciers. Some countries are promoting this activity. This picture is from glacier trekking expedition in Himachal Pradesh published in Touriosity in May 2013 issue. While some glaciers may be easier to cross, like this one, there are others that require special equipment and gear like crampons, suspenders, ice axes, helmets and so on. The most popular glaciers for hiking are those in the Glacier National Park in Canada and US border, Alaska, Argentina, Switzerland and Iceland. Glacier hiking often forms part of mountaineering expedition but in these famous glacier locations, adventure enthusiasts come especially to do glacier hiking only. 15. Flying over snow-capped mountains Although no physical activity is involved in this one like all others in this list, it is an amazing experience nonetheless. There are many flight journeys around the world that take you on a flight over numerous snow-capped peaks like a dream, but a unique mountain viewing flight journey in Nepal needs special mention. One of the most unforgettable experiences in the world comes from this 50-minute mountain flight journey that takes you on a dream ride over snow-capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas. The flight is operated by Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines and it is an early morning flight from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. From your seat in the aircraft you can see the Himalayan peaks of Gaurishankar, Cho Oyu, Machhapuchhre, Karyolung, and Mount Everest. 16. Playing Ice hockey As a sport ice hockey is hugely popular in Europe and North America. It is the national sport of Latvia and the national winter sport of Canada. But it will not be wrong to say that this winter game is played in almost every country where there is good amount of snowfall resulting in freezing of lakes and rivers. This image is from Mongolia where children are seen playing ice hockey with basic handmade gears. Tourists who visit such places in winter may like to try their ice hockey skills as well. 17. Snow Trekking Many Indian adventure lovers wait for winter to set in so that the mountain trails of the Himalayas are covered in a thick blanket of snow. Trekking on these white landscape is a dream of many travellers and trekkers. For those who would like to take part in a trek like this, here’s the list of the most popular snowtreks in the country: Nag Tibba Trek (Uttarakhand), Kedarkantha Trek (Uttarakhand), Chopta, Tunganatha and Chandrashila Trek (Uttarakhand), Brahmatal Trek (Uttarakhand), Har ki Dun trek (Uttarakhand), Goeche La and Dzongri La Trek (Sikkim) and Sandakphu Trek (West Bengal). 18. Iceberg viewing Iceberg tourism is an important revenue earning industry in many parts of the world. As glaciers shrink and ice caps break due to climate change, the economy earns tourism revenue. Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada are making the best out of the melting of glaciers in the form of iceberg tourism. However, this has not been free from controversy. Apart from Canada, travellers may also see giant icebergs in their natural settings in Antarctica and the Arctic region. 19. Horse carts, sledges and racing on ice Horse cart racing, horse sledges and horse racing on ice are popular in many parts of the world. In Sartai, Lithuania, for more than 220 years in a row, an annual horse cart race has been held in February. The event brings in spectators in tens of thousands and participants in hundreds. The venue of the race is the frozen Sartai Lake. The lake is situated in the Rokiškis and Zarasai municipalities in northeastern Lithuania. Of all the lakes in the country, it has the largest shoreline. Similarly, the Ice Festival of Mongolia sees horse sleigh racing every year on the frozen Khövsgöl Lake. It is an ancient lake located on the northern border of Mongolia with Russia and is only 200 km from Lake Baikal. These two lakes are said to be sisters, Khövsgöl being the younger of them. St. Moritz in Switzerland has been hosting the White Turf International Horse Race on Ice every year since 1907 and the event attracts thousands of visitors and participants from all over the world every year. This is also an event that is not to be missed. 20. Taming/riding a reindeer Reindeer, a semi-domesticated animal, is the true icon of northern Scandinavia. Reindeer sleighs, unlike most sleds, are not a result of tourism, they have been the traditional mode of transport of the indigenous Sami populace. So while visiting the region one must not miss the chance of taming or feeding a reindeer in a reindeer farm or riding a reindeer sleigh, like Santa Claus. These experiences are common in the Finnish Lappland, Tromso in the northernmost part of Norway and Jukkasjärvi in the northernmost part of Sweden. 21. Visiting Penguin colonies Although penguins are found in many countries of the world, a mention of this unique creature brings visuals of Antarctica in mind. This southernmost continent of the world has the largest population of penguins in the world, including the exclusive home of the largest penguin species. If not for anything else, it is worth visiting Antarctica just for the sake of seeing the penguins in their unique natural habitat. 22. Ice-skating on frozen waterbodies Lakes, rivers and other water bodies in many countries freeze during the peak of winter thereby opening up more tourism avenues. Some of the most popular destinations for ice skating on frozen waterbodies are: the lakes and canals of Stockholm, the canals of Amsterdam, the Amstel River in Amsterdam, the Vecht River in Utrecht in the Netherlands, the Baltic Sea Lake, Assiniboine River in Winnipeg, Canada, the Placer River in Alaska, Canada, the Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Canada and so on. It must be remembered that this activity can be dangerous if proper precaution is not taken. The ice may be thin and incapable of bearing the body weight. So one must start skating only after ensuring that the frozen surface is sturdy enough to carry the body weight. 23. Snowmobiling A snowmobile is a motorized vehicle designed to run on the snow. It is also called variously as motor sled, snowscooter, motor sled, skimobile or snowmachine. It is used both for travel assistance and recreation. Like scooters or bikes these vehicles do not require any tracks to run. This is one of the greatest inventions of the past century. It can provide access to otherwise inaccessible areas. In most of the destinations of northern Scandinavia, Greenland, Siberia and Alaska which have a thick cover of snow in winter, snowmobiling provides an excellent way of seeing the beautiful landscapes as well as commuting between places. However, the open seating area is exposed to extremely chilled gush of air and hence one must wear sufficient protective winter clothes before embarking on a ride. 24. Wildlife viewing The permanently snow-covered regions of the world, in the northern Arctic region and the southern Antarctic region thrive in unique faunal variety that are not to be found elsewhere. A must do activity during a visit to these places is to embark on a wildlife sighting trip. In antarctica Penguins, Seals and whales are the biggest attraction, while in the Arctic region, the best sights are of polar bears, Arctic foxes and walruses.

The habitat of giraffes once ranged all over Africa but due to various reasons the same has considerably shrunk over the last centuries and today the beautiful animals are concentrated only in a few wildlife reserves and national parks in the eastern and southern part of Africa. One of the reasons is extensive poaching for their beautiful skins. Another reason for concentration of these animals in only a few protected areas and national parks is due to the conversion of land into ranches and agricultural farms. The growing charcoal industry is also a reason for the dwindling population of these animals. Nevertheless, if you are visiting one of the national parks anywhere in Africa, a safari will simply not be complete without a giraffe sighting. This article is intended to give our readers information about the best places to go for sighting the giraffes. It lists 16 national parks, reserves and other places to have the best sightings of giraffes. ·         Giraffe Manor, Kenya This is beyond any doubt the best place to see giraffes up close. Here you don’t need to go to see giraffes, they come to see you. One can even feed the animals here with one’s own hands. But don’t mistake this to be a forest area, it is a historic boutique hotel (a hunting mansion dating back to the 1930s) on a sprawling 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in a quaint neighbourhood in Nairobi, now owned by The Safari Collection. With almost a royal façade, classy interior, manicured gardens, sunny terraces and beautiful courtyards, visitors are often made to feel like being inside a movie set. As one sits down for meals, it is not surprising to have a curious visitor poking its head inside through the floor-to-ceiling windows to pick up some food from the table. It has a resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes making it a sanctuary of this extremely rare and endangered subspecies of the animal. One can book the Giraffe Manor for night stays or as part of a tour with The Safari Collection. ·         Serengeti National Park, Tanzania The Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania has an abundance of wildlife and a safari here is truly an amazing experience. It is most popular for the annual migration of wildebeests and zebras. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among all the species, the Masai giraffe, which is East Africa’s most widespread species of giraffe, and the tallest of all the subspecies, can be spotted roaming freely in the Serengeti. It is not impossible to sight them in groups of more than 40. Giraffe is the national animal of Tanzania, and it has strict laws to protect this endangered creature. ·          Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya This national reserve, also called ‘Mara’ is a key tourist attraction in Kenya. This game reserve is named after the local Maasai people. It lies on the southwestern part of Kenya, close to Tanzania border. Although it is mainly known for the Big 5 and the annual migration of the wildebeest seeking better grazing grounds, it continues to be a great place to sight the Masai giraffe. These giraffes can be found in good numbers here and any safari is bound to bring you close to big herds of them. ·         Etosha National Park, Namibia The flat, open spaces of the wilderness areas of Namibia, covered in thorny acacia trees, ensure a great giraffe sighting experience. The best place to go for sighting a giraffe here is the waterhole where the tall animals come to drink water. The predators target these places to prey upon them. This national park is home to the Angolan giraffes. ·         Kruger National Park, South Africa This national park is home to the Big Five - African elephant, African lion, African leopard, Cape buffalo and Rhinoceros, but apart from these, it is also a great place to see herds of giraffes. The presence of Africa’s biggest predators here also ensures plenty of game-viewing chances. The expert guides here are a great reason to visit this park for sighting giraffes, for the singular reason of knowing about these animals in more details. The best way to visit here is to take a self-driving trip of the national park. ·         Amboseli National Park, Kenya Offering views of the Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain peak, this park is one of the popular places for wildlife enthusiasts. This national park famously boasts five different habitats, including the dried-up bed of the lake, wetlands, savannahs and woodlands. This is a great place to see the Masai giraffe. ·         Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda While the number of giraffes in East and Central Africa has greatly decreased, Uganda has successfully done the greatest conservation efforts in the region. In the last two decades the population of the Rothschild giraffe in the region has gone up from 250 to about 2,000 and this national park, the largest in the country of Uganda, alone has 1,800 of them. One can come here to see the Nubian giraffes here. ·         Skeleton Coast National Park, Namibia This national park of Namibia apparently seems to be too barren to support any life. But in reality, its windswept sand dunes and shipwreck strewn coastline is home to a wide variety of fauna including elephants, hyenas and giraffes. It is also the world’s largest ship cemetary due to the large number of shipwrecks that took place historically in the region. ·         Kouré, Niger This is a very less known place to visit but if one is around, it is worth all the pain to visit the rural community of Kouré, which is located 37 miles from the capital, Niamey. The locals here have helped drive a conservation initiative which has pulled the West African giraffe back from the brink of extinction. While two decades ago there were only 49 of these giraffes left, today there are 549 of them. ·         Akagera National Park, Rwanda This national park is characterised by the presence of woodlands, savannahs, swamps and lowlands. Although not having a huge population, yet tourists visiting here may check out the national park for sighting giraffes. This national park was destroyed during the Rwandan Genocide and subsequent refugee crises. But it has made a remarkable comeback, reintroducing animals like giraffes, elephants and lions. So it is definitely worth visiting here to encourage the conservation efforts. ·         Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania This huge reserve in Tanzania is still unexplored. Yet it is so jam-packed with giraffes that it is often also referred to as the Giraffic Park. It has Africa’s greatest concentration of the animal. So if one wishes to see giraffes, this is definitely one of the best places. Some lodges offer game drives, boat cruises, walks and flycamping adventures. ·         Okavango Delta, Botswana This freshwater wetland at the heart of the Kalahari is home to large number of giraffes. One can go for helicopter safaris over the Delta’s glittering floodplains and during the flight one can spot herds of giraffes. ·          Arusha National Park, Tanzania For those who want to see giraffes up close, this is the best place to visit. One can take walking tours here with an armed ranger who takes visitors quite close to the giraffes and one can appreciate just how huge these animals are. ·         Garamba National Park, Congo If you want to see one or more of the last remaining Kordofan giraffes, this national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the place for you to visit. ·         Samburu National Park, Kenya This is a fairly small national park in Kenya but a visit here can be very rewarding. It has a great concentration of some of the most sought after wildlife species of Africa, one of them being the Reticulated giraffe. It is also home to some very rare species of animals. It is also blessed with beautiful landscapes. ·         South Luangwa National Park, Zambia This national park is home to the very rare Thornicroft giraffes (regarded as similar to Masai giraffe), which is a pride of Zambia.

As one of the most sought-after tourism destinations, Goa offers a diverse experience with the array of its tourism services ensuring seamless and unforgettable experience to the visitors. One can explore Goa’s rich culture with the help of the Department of Tourism comprehensive tourism services especially tailored to meet the needs of travelers. The blend of its warm hospitality with an infectious energy, Goa is the ultimate destination for those seeking serenity, adventure and lifelong memories. The Department of Tourism, Goa now also offers even more exciting activities through GTDC like paramotoring and shooting range experience in addition to white water rafting, bungee Jumping, scuba diving– catering to the growing demand for unique and adrenaline – pumping experiences. Water rafting, scheduled only between the months of June to October ‘Goa Rafting’ takes thrill enthusiasts on the adventurous rafting trip on the river Mhadei. Here, one can experience the stunning scenery while paddling through the lush green forest and witnessing the beauty of nature. Besides, bungee jumping by ‘Jumpin Heights’ includes thrilling rides over a serene and exhilarating experience which provides a unique aerial perspective of Goa’s stunning landscapes, rivers and beaches with professionally trained pilot and crew members. This activity is a must try for thrill seekers. The introduction of shooting range activity by ‘Fun Shooting Goa’ is the addition of yet another adventure activity to your bucket list. Shooting range activities provide an enhanced controlled environment for visitors to practice their shooting skills, offering both recreational and competitive experiences. Additionally, hop on hop off buses have become the most convenient and hassle free way for the tourist to explore the top destinations of the state. Konkan Explorer offers customized nautical adventure to create unique journeys. The customized trips are designed as per the convenience of the passengers. One can also explore other activities to discover Goa's underwater life with ‘Flying Fish’, offering thrilling adventures and the offbeat experience that every visitor wishes to seek. The newly added paramotoring by ‘Flying Safari’ offers an unparalleled perspective of Goa’s breathtaking landscapes as participants will be able to explore the coastlines, lush greenery and bustling towns taking in breathtaking views. The Department of Tourism is committed to elevate the experience of tourists with the help of its stakeholders. By collaborating with different stakeholders, the Tourism Department aims to create a cohesive and sustainable ecosystem and showcase the best of Goa to the world. With residencies in the North and South Goa one can embrace the unique blend of Goan culture and modern amenities, offering a variety of experiences and a gateway that caters to every travellers’ need. From thrill seekers, tourists keen on spiritual tourism to nature enthusiasts, Goa Tourism has something for everyone.  These activities add new dimensions to the state's adventure offerings. Come and enjoy an adrenaline-pumping ride, explore rugged terrains, and discover hidden gems of Goa.

This year's content campaign, in partnership with eleven renowned online media outlets, will showcase Slovenia as an attractive, inspiring and sustainable destination across seven international markets. The focus this year lies on highlighting stories centred around arts and culture. A Content Campaign to Elevate Slovenia's Visibility as a Unique, Inspiring and Sustainable Destination In line with its strategic plan, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) will continue to prioritize content marketing in 2024. By using advanced technologies and digital tools, this approach is crucial for promoting Slovenia and enhancing its visibility, reputation and appeal as a tourist destination among selected target groups. Recently launched, the campaign in reputable global online media outlets with extensive reach in key markets aims to serve as an umbrella promotion of Slovenia as an inspiring, boutique and sustainable destination that offers unique, personalized experiences. Through visually captivating content articles and dynamic digital guides, Slovenia will be prominently featured in various media outlets. In Austria in Der Standard and Kurier; in Germany in Focus and Welt; in Italy in the online edition of Corriere della Sera; in France in Le Figaro and Le Monde; in the United Kingdom in The Guardian and BBC; and in the Nordic markets in Berlingske in Denmark and Iltalehti in Finland. The primary objectives of this advertising campaign are to enhance awareness of Slovenia as a boutique, sustainable and inclusive tourist destination among high-end guests, while also inspiring and motivating (the so-called consideration) target segments to increase the likelihood of choosing Slovenia as their preferred travel destination. As a supportive goal aligned with the overarching communication theme of Arts and Culture for 2024, the aim is to elevate Slovenia’s visibility as a modern, creative and attractive cultural tourism destination. This includes highlighting rich cultural heritage and showcasing renowned artists and inspiring events year-round. To achieve this, the STB is working with the editors to create new online stories that emphasize this important theme. The content campaign complements and strengthens other promotional activities in the targeted countries, sparking guests' interest in the key products of Slovenian tourism: historical cities and culture – this year with a special emphasis on arts and culture – active outdoor holidays, health and well-being and gastronomy. Within the articles, links to landing pages and stories on the slovenia.info are incorporated. This approach allows readers to discover even more quality information, tips, and experiences to enrich their future holidays in Slovenia. A distinctive feature of this year's campaign is its dual focus: in addition to special articles showcasing Slovenia as a unique destination for arts and culture, the campaign partly serves as a reactivation. In the second half of 2023, the STB closely worked with the production teams of these very same media outlets to create 55 high-quality articles and landing pages about Slovenia, all adhering to the latest content marketing trends. Throughout the campaign's duration, an impressive 63 million views and 186,000 reads were achieved. This year, content is presented in a refreshed format, supported by a carefully crafted media plan targeting select audiences and distributed through established media channels. By partnering with prominent European online media for a campaign that will run until December, the STB strategically engages with a market segment of discerning visitors seeking diverse and active experiences, serenity and personal fulfillment. The campaign invites environmentally conscious and responsible guests who appreciate authenticity and local character, while also encouraging visits during the less busy months of the year and promoting the dispersion of tourist flows across all four macro-regions and various destinations.

For many years, ITE Hong Kong is the city’s only and Asia’s leading international travel fair. Each year since 2021, TKS has been holding physical edition of ITE which all with over half non-Hong Kong exhibitors; and been conducting survey on tourism recovery.  With recovery quickening pace in 2024, TKS held two separate surveys. The first one is on its public visitors which was published in July, and this one on its MICE visitors which focus on recovery status of Outbound (O/B) MICE.     Between March and May this year, TKS sent online invitation to join this survey largely to MICE visitors of ITE from the travel and MICE trade in Hong Kong and neighboring cities. Also, our warmest thank to the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Asia Chapter which provided many professional inputs during the survey’s preparation!   FINDINGS SUMMARY   Though a late start in 2023 comparing to the public, by mid- 2024 some 60% of MICE survey respondents restarted recovery while nearly 70% expect full recovery by mid-2025. While there certainly are attempts to control costs, around half respondents will keep or spend more. With say flight cost yet to go back to pre-pandemic level, organizations are realistic on per capita spending. While majority think there will be a new normal in post pandemic O/B MICE, sustainability remains highly important. Likely, negative impacts more focus on holding fewer activity with fewer participants.   (A)   RESPONDENTS   The respondents are familiar with O/B MICE. In fact, a total of 131 organizations / companies replied, of whom 82% have held such activities in pre-pandemic years. ( A1 )   A significant portion of them have outside origin, as 22% respondents have their head office outside Greater China which includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. By size, slightly over half are SME with 56% having fewer than 25 staff, while over one-third have 50 or more. ( A2 & A3 ) (A1) How frequent holding Outbound MICE in a pre-pandemic year?   (A2) Size of organization (Number of employees) (A3) Location of Head Office   (B)   RECOVERY   Around 60% of respondents replied their organization already re-started O/B MICE, and specifically, 25% in 2023 though flights then costly and limited, and 34% in 2024. ( B1 & B2 )   Comparatively, MICE recovery according to this survey far slower than Hong Kong public which by outbound spending (*1) and departure (*2) in 2023 already recovered respectively to 84% and 77%.   (B1) Restarted Outbound MICE (B2) When to Restart Outbound MICE? Remarks: Hong Kong residents in 2023 spent US$ 22.7 billion (1) on outbound and made 72.2 million departures (*2), respectively 84% and 77% return to pre-pandemic level.   (C) POST-PANDEMIC OUTBOUND (O/B) MICE   As many as 76% respondents agree there will be a “new normal” for post-pandemic outbound MICE. Coincidentally, the same percentage of 76% respondents expect full recovery by mid-2025 who perhaps use the perceived new normal as yardstick. ( C1 & C2 ).   (C1) New normal in Post Pandemic O/B MICE       (C2) When a full recovery for your organization?   Comparing with pre-pandemic, 21% to hold fewer activity and19% more; 23% to have fewer participant and 20% more; while 15% reduce per capita spending and 30% to increase. ( C3 , C4 & C5 ). Adding up percentages of “same” and “more”, C3 total 48 (29 + 19), C4 total 53 (33 + 20) and C5 total 60 (30 + 30). Overall, findings indicated cut back in total will more likely be small.   Post-pandemic Outbound MICE Fewer ò Same – More ñ Not Sure C3 : # of Outbound MICE activities 21% 29% 19% 41% C4 : # of Participants 23% 33% 20% 24% C5 : Average Per Capita Spending 15% 30% 30% 25%   However, C3 and C4 also indicated respondents try holding down the total cost with fewer activity and participants. Rather contradictory in C5 as there more to increase per capita spending than cutting back which would have boosted the total cost per activity! We believe it is the result of realistic planning as flight cost still higher than pre-pandemic. In another word, per capita cost less controllable than numbers of delegate and number of activity.           For reference, Table C6 below on pre-pandemic per capita spending and C7 on interested post-pandemic destination are enclosed. With only 3% not considering this factor, sustainability is another important factor in post-pandemic O/B MICE ( C8 ).    C6: Per capita per day spending (inclusive) in pre-pandemic O/B MICE Below HK$1000 HK$1001–3000 HK$3001-5000 Over HK$5000 21% 44% 20% 15%   C7: Post-pandemic O/B MICE interested Destination(s) Greater China 69% Europe 24% North Americas 10% South & SE Asia 58% Africa + Middle East 7% South Americas 1% NE Asia 27% Oceania 13% Notes: Multiple answers so total over 100%   C8: When sourcing suppliers, how important (as primary criterion) is sustainability? Preferred but not compulsory Important Not Important 51% 46% 3%                                                Next ITE Hong Kong   ITE Hong Kong 2025, which comprises of the 39th ITE (Leisure) and the 20th ITE MICE, will be held from 12 to 15 June 2025 in 5 halls from Halls 1A to 1E of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.   Again, ITE2025 is strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China with Hong Kong Tourism Board, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong and Macao Government Tourism Office etc. as supporters.

Gurugram, 15th October 2024: Sarovar Hotels proudly announces the grand opening of Golden Tulip Vagator, a stylish retreat located in the heart of North Goa. Known for its golden sands, dramatic red cliffs and thriving nightlife, Vagator is one of Goa’s most scenic and exciting destinations. This latest addition to Sarovar’s upscale Golden Tulip portfolio enhances the group’s growing presence in Goa, delivering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for both leisure and business travelers. Golden Tulip Vagator offers 30 elegantly designed rooms across 2 categories - Superior and Deluxe with modern amenities and captivating views of greenery or pool. The hotel provides guests with a rejuvenating escape, offering a wide range of facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and two dining options: Tulipe, an all-day dining restaurant with a capacity of accommodating 60 guests and Chill, a tropical bar and lounge with a capacity of 25 guests. The hotel’s proximity to Vagator Beach, Chapora Fort and other major attractions makes it the ideal choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Goa. Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels and Director, Louvre Hotels India, commented, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Golden Tulip Vagator in partnership with Prime Avia Consultants. Located in the heart of North Goa, Vagator is truly a hidden gem, and we believe our guests will be captivated by its stunning landscapes, exceptional service, and modern design. Our vision is to create an unforgettable experience that harmoniously blends Goa’s unique charm with world-class hospitality, establishing it as the go-to destination for travelers in search of both adventure and serenity. Recognizing Goa as a vital market for Sarovar Hotels, we are dedicated to expanding our footprint in this dynamic region to meet the rising demand for quality accommodations.” Navin Luther, Managing Director, Prime Avia Consultants, added: “We are excited to collaborate with Sarovar Hotels on the opening of Golden Tulip Vagator. The property is a true reflection of the spirit of Goa, with a focus on comfort, style and authentic experiences. We look forward to welcoming travelers from across the globe to this picturesque destination, where they can enjoy the best of Goan hospitality and culture.”

India’s organised luggage industry will see revenue growth reduce to 8-10% this fiscal from ~18% last fiscal, primarily due to a high base, as industry size almost doubled between fiscals 2022 and 2024.   Demand remains stable, backed by continued penetration of hard luggage, steady tourism and corporate travel.   However, realisations have reduced due to two factors. First, increasing competition among manufacturers with the entry of new players and, second, increased inventory levels due to moderation in volume growth, which has led to aggressive pricing and impacted average selling prices, mainly in the economy segment.   With falling realisations, operating margin dipped 150 basis points (bps) in fiscal 2024 and will drop a further 30-50 bps between 13.5-14.0% this fiscal. The impact would have been higher but for increased contribution from own manufactured hard luggage segment, as against imports, and stable raw material prices.   Nonetheless, inventory rationalisation during this fiscal will limit any further downside on average selling prices and reliance on external debt, which will support credit profiles over the medium term.   A CRISIL Ratings analysis of the luggage makers it rates, accounting for ~85% of the organised sector’s Rs 7,800 crore revenue, indicates as much. The Indian luggage industry is dominated by a few large organised players, which have increased domestic capacity and backward integrated over the last three fiscals, while the unorganised sector remains largely dependent on China for its requirements.   A strategic shift of luggage makers to own hard luggage manufacturing segment is reflected in imports growing slower (than industry) at ~5% in the past five years.   Says Himank Sharma, Director, CRISIL Ratings, “Rising preference for hard luggage and better quality at competitive prices has benefited organised players, with their share in Indian luggage industry increasing to ~45% this fiscal. However, risks are rising, too, as tapering of growth after three years of double-digit runup and rising competition from new entrants will lead to higher promotional expenses and, thereby, moderation in margins.”   That said, some support is expected from stable prices of raw materials – polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyamide, which comprise 40-45% of the cost for luggage makers – even as continued consumer preference towards hard luggage aids operating efficiency.   The inventory level, which rose to 114 days in fiscal 2024 on account of moderation in demand, is on the mend and is expected to moderate to 100-105 days for this full fiscal.   Debtors remain stable, indicating the control of organised players over their sales channels even as they expand retail networks to Tier 2 and 3 cities. This will lead to lower reliance on short-term borrowings by the luggage makers.   Given continued balance sheet strength, steady demand and almost-full capacity utilisation, the players are expected to further increase the manufacturing capacity for hard luggage.

18 October 2024: CzechTourism successfully concluded a three-city roadshow in India, its first since the pandemic, to boost travel interest to Czechia. Held from October 7-10, the roadshow visited Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, with representatives from CzechTourism, the Czech Embassy and CzechTrade collaborating to showcase Czechia’s unique offerings to India's travel trade and media.   Ranked as the 8th safest country in the world in the 2021 GPI (Global Peace Index) Report, Czechia offers an array of landscapes and experiences to Indian audiences. From Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," that mesmerizes with its awe-inspiring Gothic and Baroque architecture set against a vibrant, modern cityscape, to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that teleports you into a medieval fairy tale, with its winding cobblestone streets and an impressive castle overlooking the serene Vltava River to Karlovy Vary, Europe's largest spa town, a luxurious haven known for its healing hot springs, grand colonnades, and elegant 19th-century architecture to Plzeň, the birthplace of the world famous Pilsner beer, a style that revolutionized brewing globally showcased at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, one of the oldest and most iconic breweries in the world with an award winning interactive beer museum, the event presented the many culturally and architecturally inspiring regions and cities of Czechia and how they offer unique experiences to Indian audiences   Organized by VFS Global, Czechia’s strategic partner in India, the roadshow featured private sector partners from the destination including hotels, Prague shopping outlet and DMCs, highlighting regions beyond the capital city - Prague. The Delhi event was hosted at the Czech Embassy and keynotes included a speech by Czech Ambassador, Her Excellency Dr. Eliška Žigová, alongside visa presentations by Ms Laura Vlachová, Economic and Commercial Counsellor who was present in all three cities giving valuable insight in the Czech Embassy activities and VFS Schengen visa team. The program also included an India focussed destination presentation highlighting Czechia’s tourism offerings, connectivity to the rest of Europe and readiness to welcome Indian tourists. Similar sessions were held in Bengaluru and Mumbai. The Bengaluru event welcomed Mr. Janardhan HP, Joint Director, Tourism Department, Ministry of Karnataka, who discussed India's emerging travel trends and Karnataka’s growing interest in cultural and experiential tourism aligning well with Czechia’s offerings.   Commenting on the positive feedback for Czechia, Ms Jana Štumpová Konicarová, Director of Marketing and Foreign Offices, remarked, “It was a true pleasure to engage with passionate travel professionals from both the leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors across key Indian cities. India is a priority market for us in the coming years and we are committed to fostering a strong, steady flow of Indian visitors to Czechia, catering to diverse demographics and interests. While expanding the leisure travel segment remains a key goal, we are equally focused on tapping into the growing MICE market, offering tailored solutions to meet specific needs and preferences of Indian businesses and organizations. Furthermore, we continue to engage with key stakeholders to enable a direct connectivity between India and Czechia by 2025.”   The three-city event also highlighted the reopening of the Mumbai Consulate by early 2025, aimed at improving visa accessibility for Indian travellers and encouraging longer stays beyond Prague. Ms Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager, stated, “given the growing interest of Indian travellers in European destinations, alongside emerging travel patterns that extend beyond summer season and an increasing emphasis on experiential travel, Czechia is poised to captivate Indian visitors with its stunning landscapes, inspiring architecture and remarkable culinary offerings. In the coming years, we aim to highlight the 14 regions of Czechia and unique gastronomical and wellness experiences through targeted trade and consumer campaigns focused on the Indian market.”   The event fostered robust B2B interactions across three major Indian cities, enabling Czech partners to present their offerings and strategic plans for the Indian market over the coming years. Mr. GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global, emphasized, "As a strategic partner to Czechia, it was essential for us to reconnect the Czech delegation with a diverse array of travel trade and media representatives in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai as they return to India post-pandemic. Our commitment to promoting Czechia will be unwavering, focusing on streamlining visa facilitation and cultivating strong trade relationships to enhance leisure, 'b-leisure' and corporate travel to Czechia. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly increase visitor arrivals to the ‘Heart of Europe’."

Hong Kong, (China) Hong Kong - Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) Hong Kong Cyclothon will return on October 13, 2024 (Sunday), with an exciting new format as a sports-themed carnival. The city’s largest cycling event is open to both locals and visitors. The Hong Kong Cyclothon offers a fantastic opportunity for Indian cycling enthusiasts who often travel abroad for similar events, bringing the excitement closer to home. The online registrations for all participants open on August 16, 2024. The event will also have a 1 km segment of Salisbury Road open to 300 participants including children aged six or above, who can ride alongside their parents.  New routes have been designed for two popular cycling events: the 50 km and 32 km rides. One more tunnel has been added to the 50 km ride to include four tunnels and three bridges which are usually closed for cyclists. For the first time, cyclists of the 32 km ride can immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s scenic harbour view from the Ting Kau Bridge, in addition to the Stonecutters Bridge. Both rides have been expanded to the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), where the cyclists will finish their rides. In addition, HKTB will host a brand-new carnival at the WKCD for the first time, incorporating elements of sports, local delicacies and drinks, large-scale photo-worthy installations, and a cycling-themed market. Together with the on-site audience in Tsim Sha Tsui East, the event will ramp up sports excitement across the city for both locals and visitors! Mr. Dane Cheng, Executive Director of HKTB , said, “ The Hong Kong Cyclothon this year includes leisure fun, healthy rides and professional races. In addition to the two most popular rides, with enhanced routes, a sports-and-leisure-themed carnival is a highlight of this year’s event. I believe the edition this year will attract more locals and visitors to join and experience the dynamic vibe of the city. A wellness and health-centric lifestyle has become an emerging trend for in-depth tourism. Leveraging the Cyclothon, HKTB aims to further promote Hong Kong as a sports and leisure tourism destination .” Sun Hung Kai Properties Executive Director Adam Kwok  praised SHKP’s continued support for being the title and charity sponsor of the Hong Kong Cyclothon again. He said, “ The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon has grown into a major local and international sports event. Thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, this year’s event now features a carnival that allows all members of the public to participate. Last year, together with SHKP’s top-up donations, the event successfully raised HK$1.3 million for The Community Chest of Hong Kong to support services for cardiovascular disease, dementia patients, and their carers ."   Registration opens on FridayNew routes with four tunnels and three bridges for the 50 km ride and Ting Kau Bridge for the 32 km ride  The “ SHKP Hong Kong Cyclothon ” will provide cycling lovers with a number of cycling activities. The 50 km and 32 km rides will accept more than 6,000 registrations starting this Friday (16 August). The technical skills test will be held in September. Sign up for the rides and enjoy Hong Kong’s unique cityscape and landmarks up close along major roads, bridges, and tunnels. The 50 km ride route covers six districts, passing famous landmarks such as Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong Palace Museum, and the International Commerce Centre (ICC). Cyclists will navigate through four tunnels—Cheung Tsing, Nam Wan, Eagle’s Nest, and the newly added Sha Tin Heights Tunnel—and cross three bridges: Tsing Ma, Ting Kau, and Stonecutters. The 32 km ride, extended from the previous 30 km route, takes participants through notable landmarks including the International Commerce Centre (ICC), Stonecutters Bridge, and the newly added Ting Kau Bridge. Bikes equipped with wheels that are 20 inches in diameter can be used for the rides (including folding bikes). The rides end at the Jordan Road Flyover via Lin Cheung Road and Nga Cheung Road (next to Elements); the cyclists will be dismissed at the WKCD. Interested parties can sign up on the event’s registration webpage ( www.discoverhongkong.com/cyclothon ) starting at 10 am on 16 August (Friday). Each event has a quota and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure participants’ safety, all cyclists are required to take and pass a technical skills test arranged by the event organiser, except for participants in the 2022 or 2023 Hong Kong Cyclothon and athletes recognised by the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China. First-ever Cyclothon carnival in WKCD to share the fun with the public  On the event day, WKCD Wonderland will be transformed into a carnival with four highlights. After completing their rides, cyclists can join the public and enjoy the carnival experiences. The Carnival will include photo-worthy installations, a cycling-themed market, yoga, stretching, and dance fit workshops, and various refreshments. There will be a live broadcast of the events in Tsim Sha Tsui, including the CEO Charity & Celebrity Ride and the City Cycling Challenge around Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) – Sun Hung Kai Properties Men's Open and Women's Open, on-site to spread the cycling excitement. Also returning this year is the Family Fun Ride on a 1 km segment of Salisbury Road. Three hundred participants will get a chance to cycle on roads where cyclists are normally not allowed. Children aged six or above can ride alongside their parents. Interested families can sign up on the event website starting on Friday (16 August). Ride for charity  To echo SHKP’s charitable spirit, the event encourages participants to make a donation of HK$100–$500 when signing up for the event. All registration fees for the CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride and Family Fun Ride will be donated to the Community Chest of Hong Kong with a matching donation from SHKP to support people in need. Over 100 professional cyclists to compete for championship amid the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui  The City Cycling Challenge around Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong) – Sun Hung Kai Properties Men's Open and Women's Open will be staged in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui again this year, with top professional cyclists from various cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) competing for the championship, promoting Hong Kong as an international tourism hub and the mega-event capital of the GBA as the cyclists dart past the skyscrapers in downtown Hong Kong. The races will be conducted in a lap race along the Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Bypass, each lap 3.7 km. Racers in the Men’s and Women’s Opens will race for eight and two laps, respectively. Audience zones will be set up at different locations along the race route. Come and cheer for the cyclists on-site! Traffic arrangements To facilitate the staging of the Cyclothon, road closures, and traffic diversion will be implemented in the vicinity of the routes and the event venues starting at 1 am, 13 October 13. HKTB will inform the public about details of the arrangements in advance. The public is advised to plan their itinerary in advance. Details of “ SHKP Hong Kong Cyclothon 2024 ”:  www.discoverhongkong.com/cyclothon

Mumbai, September 2024 – Bintan Resorts and VFS Global recently orchestrated an engaging familiarisation trip for the Indian travel trade media fraternity to experience the allure of Bintan, an Indonesian island 60 minutes’ ferry ride away from the shores of Singapore. Six travel journalists were immersed in the destination's opulence and adventure, from its diverse accommodations to its thrilling activities. The aim was for them to experience and then share stories of their escapades with their readers.    The journey commenced with a seamless arrival at Singapore's Changi Airport, featuring a showcase of its state-of-the-art facilities. A comfortable, air-conditioned ferry ride transported the group to Bintan within sixty minutes. A owed by a brief drive to Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott. This distinctive resort, renowned for its expansive man-made lagoon, in-house ATV course, and stunning glamping options, perfectly embodies the luxury and uniqueness of Bintan.    The participants enthusiastically shared their experiences on social media, highlighting Bintan’s accessibility, its selection of 4- and 5-star accommodations, and the destination’s exciting activities. They explored the world-class Ria Bintan Golf Club, exhilarating water sports, serene Bintan Mangrove Discovery Tour, and iconic landmarks such as the Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (500 Lohan Temple) and the Gonggong Building (the Landmark of Tanjung Pinang City). The itinerary also included visits to notable properties like Mövenpick Resort & Spa Bintan Lagoon, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton Bintan Lagoi Bay, as well as Grand Lagoi Hotel Bintan a prime choice for large MICE events.   In promoting the 'Fly, Stay, Ferry' concept, VFS Global is positioning Bintan as a premier extension of a Singapore visit. Travelers can enjoy a vibrant city break in Singapore and then unwind with a peaceful island escape in Bintan. With convenient visa-on-arrival facilities for Indians at Bandar Bentan Telani (BBT) Ferry Terminal, Bintan is poised to welcome families, young Indian travelers, MICE groups, weddings, and celebrations, offering warm hospitality and memorable experiences.

Kisumu, Kenya 24th September… The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has selected Kajulu Forest as the prime location to launch the countrywide "One Tourist, One Tree" campaign, aimed at transforming the forest into a premier eco-tourism destination. Led by the Kenya Tourism Board, Kajulu Forest is poised to become the centrepiece of eco-tourism in Kenya’s Western Tourism Circuit, showcasing its rich biodiversity and ecological relevance of indigenous trees. This initiative encourages visitors to plant a tree, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. The initiative takes place during UN’s World Tourism Week, an annual global event whose 2024 theme is “Tourism and Peace”. The Kajulu eco-tourism initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the County Government of Kisumu and the local community. Speaking during the launch of the Sustainable Travel Initiative, "One Tourist, One Tree" campaign, Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua emphasised that the tree-planting initiative aligns with the government's ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. This effort, he noted, will not only enhance Kenya's standing as a sustainable tourist destination but also positively impact local communities across the country. Stakeholders and members of the tourism value chain are encouraged to actively join and support the "One Tourist, One Tree" initiative, which aims to significantly enhance eco-tourism efforts in Kenya. “We are providing tourism stakeholders with an opportunity to position Kenya as a leading destination for eco-conscious travellers through this initiative. This partnership will not only improve Kenya’s green cover but also reinforce the industry's commitment to pursue sustainable practices that benefit local communities and ecosystems,” said June Chepkemei, the CEO, Kenya Tourism Board. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, KTB will allocate a portion of its marketing budget to promote eco-friendly facilities, including eco-lodges. In collaboration with Eco-Tourism Kenya, KTB will co-host a Sustainable Travel Awards Contest as part of the annual Eco Warrior Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in sustainable tourism practices across the country. The Story of Kajulu Forest Kajulu Forest is more than a destination. It is a testament to nature's resilience and a reason to embrace more dynamic environmental conservation. Once home to lost springs, this forest is now being revived, with indigenous trees preferred for the restoration of this unique ecosystem. The ongoing rehabilitation efforts hold the promise of enhanced wildlife habitats and more scenic views for hikers, birdwatchers, campers, and potential zip-line boardwalks. With the "One Tourist, One Tree" initiative and continuous efforts to restore this exquisite ecosphere, Kajulu Forest is set to become a leading eco-tourism destination that will engross and fascinate travellers while transforming the fortunes of the local community for generations to come.

India, September 26, 2024:  In a survey conducted by Samarth, India’s leading elder care organisation, new facets of urban Indian seniors' travel behaviours have been uncovered, revealing that travel is not just a leisure activity but a profound expression of their quest for joy, independence, and exploration. As many as 90% of the participants identified travel as a crucial element of their emotional and psychological well-being, with a significant 68% favouring domestic destinations that showcase the diversity and beauty of India. The study also brings to light some unexpected insights. While affordability and companionship remain important, the reasons seniors travel are deeply intertwined with their desires for autonomy and purpose: 42% associate travel with joy, 38% with exploration, and 6% see it as a way to maintain a sense of purpose in their lives. Samarth has thoughtfully designed its travel offering to enhance the travel experiences of seniors, prioritising flexibility and safety to ensure their journeys are both enjoyable and secure. This aligns with their innovative elder care framework, known as the 1-2-3 manifesto:  One Wish: Every senior wishes to maintain their independence; Samarth enables this through travel plans that respect their desire for self-discovery and exploration.  Two Concerns: Addressing health and safety, two prime concerns for travelling seniors, Samarth ensures medical support is readily available and travel accommodations are senior-friendly.  Three Joys: By facilitating travel to preferred destinations, whether mountains, beaches, or cultural sites, Samarth enhances the joys of discovery, companionship, and relaxation. Asheesh Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Care Officer of Samarth explains, "Our approach is holistic, ensuring that travel for seniors is not only about changing scenery but about fostering independence, enhancing social connections, and experiencing the profound joys of life's twilight years." The survey also noted that 33% of seniors embark on trips lasting more than ten days annually, indicating a robust appetite for extended explorations. Despite some barriers like health concerns, a resilient 26% reported no impediments to travelling, underscoring a significant segment of active, enthusiastic senior travellers. Samarth's dedication to redefining elder care resonates through their commitment to providing not just care, but a platform for seniors to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, proving that age is just a number in the quest for adventure and self-discovery.

Festivals, apart from their social significance, are also great tourist attractions. They certainly have a fascinating charm and the potential to contribute to the sustainable local economic development, the latter being directly linked with development of tourism. No wonder the tourism bodies around the world have woken up to this need of the hour. And so we have flower festivals, community wedding festivals, mud festival, beach festivals and so on. While a mammoth percentage of such festivals today originated as tourist-tempters, there are some that have been culturally rooted for centuries and that have evolved over time and yet do not fail to attract tourists from far and wide. But there is definitely a negative side to over-commercialization of socially and culturally important festivals. They stand the chance of losing their inherent character and charisma due to artificial makeup driven by tourists’ demands. Beclouding the ethnicity of festivals by excessively commercialized tourism needs to be carefully checked both in the interests of ensuring social sustainability of festivals and of promoting tourism. Here’s a compilation of 13 unique festivals around the world that are great tourist pullers. RETURN OF THE SUN FESTIVAL, GREENLAND Greenland sees very less of the Sun. Naturally the return of the sun in January after several weeks or even months of darkness calls for celebration here. The exact day varies from year to year. People throughout the country celebrate the occasion with coffee, cakes, sweets, music and family get-togethers. People of all ages drive dogsleds to Holms Hill and sing songs to greet the sun. It is pleasing to see the sun reappear on the horizon. Several excursion trips and dogsled competitions are held to commemorate the day. The 2013 festival was held on 10th January. UMBRELLA FESTIVAL, BO SANG, THAILAND Chiang Mai is the largest and the most culturally important city in northern Thailand. Located just 9 km eastward of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, an otherwise nondescript village but famous for its innumerable umbrella manufacturers. Nearly the entire village is dotted with crafts shops selling colourfully painted umbrellas. Over a period of time the village has earned a name for itself as an internationally renowned umbrella manufacturing centre. In the latter half of January every year, the village comes alive with the Umbrella Festival. The main feature of the festival is a colourful umbrella procession. Numerous pretty young girls hold aloft umbrellas in a brilliant display of colourful creativity. The streets of the village are adorned with lanterns and innumerable varieties of umbrellas of various shapes, sizes and colours are seen hanging from the beams of the houses and shops. The bands play soothing tunes and the villagers compete with each other in designing the most colourful and attractive umbrellas. Apart from the umbrellas, concerts, a beauty contest and a food festival all vie for the tourists’ attention. Buzzing activities engulf this village during the three day festival. The 2013 festivals were held recently from 15th to 17th of January. VENICE CARNIVAL, VENICE, ITALY The internationally renowned Venice Carnival in Italy is held annually in the month of February. The Carnival ends with Lent, forty days before Easter on Shrove Tuesday, which is also celebrated with the eating of pancakes. The festival sees the gathering of a large number of masked people from all walks of life. An ancient festival, its origin can be traced way back to the early fifteenth century. During the festival, the streets of Venice come alive with people in all kinds of colourful masks and beautiful attires. Under the guise of the masks, almost everybody is able to hide his identity, so much so that it is not possible to differentiate between common people and those belonging to the nobility. During the festival, there is no dearth of interesting performances and entertainments, apart from the traditional Italian parties reflecting the Venetian cultures and tastes. The streets of Venice are also adorned with numerous souvenir shops for the tourists during the festival period. So if you make it to the next festival, wear your mask, shed off your inhibitions and experience an adventure of a different kind. The upcoming festival dates are 2nd to 12th February, 2013. SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL, JAPAN Each year during the month of February, Japan plays host to the Sapporo Snow Festival. The origin of the festival dates back to 1950 when a few high school students built some statues at Odori Park at Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, the second largest, northernmost, and the least developed among the four main Japanese islands. Since then the festival has grown in popularity with every passing year, and today it has become one of the largest and most popular Japanese festivals, attracting about two million people from all over Japan and the world. The main attraction is to see the innumerable snow statues and ice sculptures which line Odori Park, and the adjoining areas. Seeing the whole landscape dotted with the statues and sculptures will somehow deport your mind to a fantasy world of snow. The larger statues on display measure more than 25 meters in width and 15 meters in height, and are lit up daily till 10 pm. Besides the larger statues, the site also exhibits more than hundred smaller statues. Various concerts and events are also organised at the festival, using the sculptures as the stage. The 2013 festival will be held from 5th to 11th of February. CARNIVAL, RIO DE JENEIRO, BRAZIL Another internationally renowned festival held annually before Lent every year is the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the single biggest carnival in the world where about two million people are out on the streets during each day of the carnival! It is an ancient festival dating back to 1723 AD. It provides one with an excellent opportunity to get an insight into authentic Brazilian culture and Brazilian way of life and to appreciate that they know how to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, in spite of the myriad day-to-day problems facing everybody. The carnival is a joyous event where people dance, sing, party and have loads of fun. Throughout the carnival and on the days preceding and after it, innumerable parties are held, offering the people the chance to have unbounded enjoyment. Once the carnival starts, festive mood engulfs everybody and it is fun and frolic everywhere. All the venues and streets, squares, bars and clubs buzz with an atmosphere of pure festivity. If you manage to be there during the next festival, the spontaneous joys and laughter sprouting everywhere will help you forget the worries and tensions of daily life. The upcoming festival dates are 9th to 12th February 2013. LANTERN FESTIVAL, SINGAPORE The Lantern Festival is held every year to commemorate the first full moon of the Chinese New Year. The festival is hugely popular with the Chinese people. As in other locations with concentrations of Chinese people, it is also celebrated in Singapore with lot of enthusiasm. People get together and organise family feasts. Over the years, the Lantern Festival has also become known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day as lovers normally show their mutual affections under the full moon. The festival is held at three places, viz., Chinatown, Singapore River and Chinese Garden where many local Chinese reside. The festival attracts a large number of tourists every year, and showcases some unique Zigong lanterns of exemplary craftsmanship skills. The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, and are created in the form of animals, insects, flowers and even machines and buildings. Scenes from popular Chinese stories are also depicted preaching devoutness and traditional values. A favourite theme is the zodiac animal of the year. Besides the lanterns, there is cuisine and entertainment galore at the festival. Tourists from all over the world visit Singapore at this time. The 2013 Lantern Festival date is 24th February. QUEEN’S DAY CELEBRATION, THE NETHERLANDS The Queen’s Day is celebrated every year by the Dutch people with much fanfare. 30th April is a National Holiday in the Netherlands and is the most widely celebrated among all the holidays in this country, so much so that on this day, Amsterdam is absolutely full to the brim, with up to two million visitors all ready to party. While celebrations take place all over the country, Amsterdam is particularly popular with visitors as it hosts the largest number of events and parties. Amsterdam turns into an enormous sea of orange colour. Quite literally, it is orange everywhere, people are in orange clothes, wigs, caps and shoes. Some even paint their bodies orange. Orange balloons fly in the air, and there are fountains spraying orange coloured water. It does not take long for one to realise that the colour orange is deeply embodied as a way of life and has deep rooted nationalistic implications for the Dutch. It is the colour of the Dutch Royal Family (the lineage of the present royal family dates back to William van Orange). Today the colour signifies something much more and it reflects a sense of nationalistic pride among the Dutch people. Being in Amsterdam on this day is a lifetime experience. Orange Day is celebrated on 30th April unless it is a sunday, in which case the celebrations take place on 29th. DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, CHINA The 5th day of the 5th month of Chinese Lunar Calendar is considered to be important and auspicious by the Chinese people and on this day the popular Dragon Boat Festival is held. The festival is organised to honour and remember the great patriotic Chinese poet Qu Yuan, whose legendary story associated with courage, valour, patriotism and loyalty is deeply embodied in Chinese culture and traditions. For many, the festival is also an occasion to ward off evils and taboos. During the festival competitions of boats shaped like dragons are held. Competing boats vie with each other to be the first to reach the finishing point, and all this takes place to the accompaniment of drumbeats. The competition and the rituals of the festival are but symbolic attempts to rescue the zealous poet Qu Yuan who was drowned on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month way back in 277 B.C. People throw bamboo leaves filled with cooked rice into the water, to divert the attention of fishes away from the body of the heroic poet. Eventually, this custom also led to the practice of eating tzongzu (rice dumplings), in various shapes and fillings. In 2013, the festival will be celebrated on the 12th of June. THE GALICHNIK WEDDING FESTIVAL, MACEDONIA Macedonia, a landlocked country located in the south eastern part of Europe, offers myriad attractions for the tourists. Apart from the natural beauty and historical monuments, one of the greatest tourist attractions in this country is a unique event held annually here – the Galichnik Wedding Festival. It is an exclusive and rare commemorative event. The festival is held every year in the village of Galicnik over the weekend nearest to the 12th of July (St. Peter’s Day). During the event, a selected couple gets married in the traditional “Galichka” style. The wedding feast is sponsored by the state. In the past, as many as 30 couples got married at a time and a huge feast followed. But today only one couple .gets the privilege and for this many couples apply to be wed on the day. To be eligible, at .least one of the partners must have roots in the village. During the ceremony, men dance Teskoto, a traditional Macedonian folk dance. The dazzling costumes, spectacular ceremonies and unique rituals of the festival will undoubtedly leave one spellbound. The festival has gained in significance once it got the UNESCO recognition as an event of important spiritual values of humanity. MUD FESTIVAL, BORYEONG, SOUTH KOREA Boryeong is a South Korean town located at a distance of about 141 km from Seoul. The place is well known for the annual mud festival which is generally held in the first fortnight of July, and is most popular during the final weekend of the fortnight. The festival apparently attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world, who throng the festival grounds in large numbers to experience the beneficial and curative properties of the mud at Boryeong. Visitors to the festival also enjoy the numerous fun filled events like mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud super slides, mud marathon, mud painting, mud massage and other such events related to mud. For a swimming experience of a different kind, one can also head straightaway for the mud mega tub. The festival was first introduced in 1998 mainly to promote the wide range of cosmetics which were manufactured using the mud from Boryeong. Over the years the festival has gained in popularity internationally and it is .reported that nowadays more than two million visitors from all over the world throng the festival venue every year. The 2013 festivities are scheduled to take place from the 19th to 28th of July. OCTOBERFEST, MUNICH, GERMANY Every year Munich eagerly looks forward to Octoberfest, a festival celebrated with gala consumption of beer and food. With over six million visitors thronging the festival grounds every year, it can undoubtedly claim to be the largest single public festival in the world. Consumption of beer is the main attraction of the festival. Lovers of the golden brew look forward to having the time of their lives at the fest. Beer served here is usually of the darker and stronger variety with a higher concentration of alcohol. The tradition of the festival dates back to 1810 AD when a wedding party was thrown by King Joseph Maximilian to celebrate his marriage to Princess Theresa of Saxony. Beer loving people enjoyed the party so much that they decided to celebrate again next year, and it has been held regularly since then. A notable feature of the Octoberfest is the large variety of tents, usually run by families for generations. Each tent is markedly different from the other, and has something special to offer. The tents have cafes serving delicious food to go with your beer. The festival is usually held for a period of 16 to 18 day. In 2013, it is scheduled to be from 21st September to 6th October. HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Every year, Hermanus Coast, situated 80 km from Cape Town, plays host to the unique ‘Hermanus Whale Festival’, an amazing celebration of these majestic mammals which have fascinated and captivated mankind over the ages. People of all ages are drawn to the unique festival year after year in multiples of thousands. The whales are the star attraction and kids too enjoy whale-watching. Hundreds of whales make their way back from Antarctica where they have spent the winter feeding on plankton. Now it is time to breed and warmer water beckons them. On their way back, they put up a magnificent show for spectators. They stick their tails up out of the water, take their heads out of the water to look around and splash the water with their tails. They seem to be in playful mood. First held about 21 years ago, the festival has gained in popularity over the years. Besides watching the gigantic mammals, visitors can also soak in the unique natural environment and enjoy the variety of music and taste the cuisine of the numerous restaurants dotting the festival grounds. Dates of the 2013 festival have been tentatively fixed for the period starting from 28th September to the 1st of October 2013. However, final confirmation is still awaited. WATER FESTIVAL, CAMBODIA Cambodia celebrates the water festival for 3 days in November every year. For Cambodians, it is a significant festival and an important holiday in their calendar. During the festival, a carnival atmosphere grips the country, especially Phnom Penh. People arrive in hordes to Phnom Penh from the provinces to witness the annual boat races, availing of various forms of transports like buses, cars, bikes, bicycles and even trucks. They choose to stay back in the city during the festival days to lend support to their respective teams. Many also avail of the opportunity to explore the city as it is the only opportunity for them to visit the city. More than 400 boats are propelled by expert oarsmen. The Water Festival also marks a one- of-its-kind natural phenomenon. The Tonie Sap river starts flowing in the opposite direction during this time. It is the only river in the world which reverses its flow in opposite directions in different times of the year. Tonie Sap Lake is also an important geographical feature here. It is a vast expanse of water, which was once a part of the sea. Today, the rivers Mekong and Tonie Sap feed the lake. The date for this year’s festival is 27th November.

Karnataka Tourism is pleased to announce a roadshow in Surat, scheduled to take place on the 21st August 2023 at Surat Marriott Hotel . This event is geared towards showcasing Karnataka as a leading travel destination, boasting a delightful array of attractions tailored to cater to the preferences of every discerning traveller. With a focus on promoting the state's heritage, wildlife, adventure, and modern urban experiences, the roadshow aims to entice travellers to explore the wonders that Karnataka has to offer. The main objective of this event is to introduce the people of Surat to the myriad offerings of Karnataka, a state known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. The roadshow will feature engaging presentations, audio-visuals, interactive sessions, and captivating cultural performances, all of which are designed to transport attendees into the heart of Karnataka's beauty and charm. Tourism Service providers from Karnataka will be participating in the roadshow, presenting a unique opportunity to connect with industry experts, travellers, and potential business associates. The event aims to cultivate partnerships that will significantly enhance Karnataka's thriving tourism industry and establish Karnataka as a comprehensive and top-notch tourism destination. Kapil Mohan IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Karnataka Tourism Department, expressed his enthusiasm for the roadshow, stating, "The Karnataka Tourism Roadshow in Surat signifies the state's commitment to fostering tourism ties with Gujarat. Our collaboration aims to strengthen cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our regions. Karnataka's diverse offerings, including its historical sites, scenic beauty, and modern urban experiences, are poised to captivate the discerning travelers of Surat. We look forward to a fruitful engagement that will not only boost tourism but also enhance the socio-cultural bonds between our states." Dr. Ramprasath Manohar Varatharajan, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, expressed his enthusiasm for the roadshow, stating, “The Karnataka Tourism Roadshow is a significant endeavor aimed at showcasing the splendor of our state to the discerning audience of Surat. This roadshow symbolizes our dedication to fostering stronger connections with communities, and showcase the many facets of our beloved state making Karnataka a premier destination for travelers." Karnataka has a glorious past intertwined with renowned dynasties such as Kadamba, Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Wodeyar, contributing to its cultural diversity. The intricately carved temples and palaces are a testament to their influence. The state is home to 747 unique protected monuments, encompassing ancient temples, palaces, historical landmarks, hill stations, pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. Among these treasures are UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hampi and Pattadakal, the grandeur of the Mysore Palace, and the intricate marvels of the Hoysala temples in Belur and Halebidu. The breathtaking Western Ghats is a home to 35 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks, fostering diverse flora and fauna. Stretching across a 320 -kilometre coastline, Karnataka's beaches are renowned for their scenic allure and offer an array of exhilarating water sports. Additionally, the state boasts enchanting hill stations like Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakaleshpura, and Kodachadri, providing an opportunity to relish homestays, savor local coffee, and cuisine, and engage in unique traditions. For unparalleled jungle experiences and the chance to spot elephants and tigers, destinations like Kabini, Bandipur, Dandeli, and Nagarhole stand as prime locations. Karnataka's culture is a beautiful blend of traditions and modernity. The state celebrates its art forms like Yakshagana, a traditional dance-drama, and Carnatic classical music. The state's vibrant & joyous festivals such as Dasara, Karaga, and Ugadi, exemplify the state's colourful traditions, captivating both locals and visitors alike. Moreover, Karnataka's cuisine is a reflection of its diverse regions and communities. From the iconic Masala Dosa and Bisi Bele Bath to coastal delights like Mangalorean seafood and Udupi vegetarian fare, the state's culinary offerings are a treat for food enthusiasts. Karnataka's appeal is further enriched by the bustling city of Bengaluru, known as India's IT hub, has attracted global attention for its technological advancements. The city is home to numerous tech parks, research institutions, and startups. It has earned the nickname "Silicon Valley of India" for its IT prowess. Karnataka offers authentic Ayurvedic experiences for holistic wellness. From wellness retreats to Ayurvedic treatments, the state provides a serene environment for rejuvenation. Traditional Ayurvedic practices are deeply rooted in Karnataka's culture. Karnataka's allure lies in its rich heritage of silks, spices, and sandalwood, coupled with beautiful hill stations, mesmerizing waterfalls, revered pilgrimage centers, and pristine coastal beaches. With diverse landscapes encompassing archaeology, religious sites, ecotourism, wildlife, and more, Karnataka promises a wealth of experiences for discerning travellers to embrace. Karnataka Tourism is keen to host the Roadshow in Surat , offering an exceptional platform to unveil the states diverse and captivating tourism offerings. From the exploration of ancient archaeological wonders and sacred religious destinations to immersive ecotourism experiences and thrilling wildlife adventures, Karnataka stands as a premier tourist destination in India. It promises something truly special for every discerning traveler, all year round.

An observation deck or viewing platform is an elevated platform or deck for sightseeing that is usually built in tall towers or archi­tectural structures like skyscrapers as also often on mountains and canyons. Often these observation decks double up as places offering thrill to those looking to have their adrenaline rush with activities like bungee jumping, augmented reality and other excit­ing rides. Many of us love observation decks, not necessarily for the same reason. While most would agree that the breathtaking bird’s eye view of the surroundings is a reason that attracts us, others often visit observation decks to test their fear of heights, or to check out how the world looks like from our favourite landmarks. There was a time when most of the highest observation decks, except for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, were located in the continent of North America. But in the last one decade, Asia and the Middle East have taken the lead and today, the world’s highest views can be experienced in these regions only. The following are some of the observation decks around the world that one may visit. The heights men­tioned against the names of tower or deck here refer to the height of the observation deck and not the tower itself. Entries have been listed in descending order of heights. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,841 ft. The highest observation deck in the world is located at a height of 561.3 metres (1,841 ft) in the 632-metres-tall (2,073-ft) Shanghai Tower (which is also known as Shanghai Center). It is an office-cum-hotel building in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Shanghai, China and was completed only recently in 2015. It is currently the tallest building in China and is said to have the world’s fastest elevators. The observation deck is located on the 119th floor and amongst other things it provides a view of the nearby Shanghai World Financial Centre, another super-tall skyscraper which is ranked 10th highest in the world now. The Shanghai Tower is expected to come up with more observation decks in the recent years. Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Mecca, Saudi Arabia Height: 1,831 ft. Mecca is the holiest place in the world for the Muslims. You can enter here only if you are a Muslim; hence, this attraction is just to read about if you are a non-Muslim. This is a huge complex with a maximum height of 601 metres. It is the world’s third-tallest building, after the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower and contains more floor space than any other building in the world. It houses a hotel, a five-storey shopping mall and a prayer room that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The soaring towers of this building are the world’s largest clock faces and are visible from a distance of 25 kilometres. There is an observation deck both at the clock face and just beneath the central tower’s summit, but as stated earlier, only Muslims can visit here. The viewing platform located at the central clock tower just below the golden crescent has a height of 558 metres. The other viewing deck below the clock facade has a height of 400 metres and this one is located adjacent to an exhibition hall. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE Height: 1,821 ft. Reaching a height of 828 metres (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and has the maximum number of floors (163). This tallest manmade structure in the world was opened at the beginning of 2010. However, it missed out on having the world’s highest observation deck; the one here, although located at the 148th floor, is at a height of 555.7 metres, about 5.5 metres lower than the one at Shanghai mentioned at the top of the list. There is an outdoor observation deck that is accessible at 1,483 feet. The Sky Deck, at a height of 1,821 feet, was opened in late 2014 and provides magnificent views over this mag­nificent desert city dotted with skyscrapers. Readers may note that in less than two years, the feat of being the tallest building in the world is going to be handed over by Burj Khalifa to the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. This upcoming tower has been writ­ten about later in the article. Shanghai World Financial Centre, China Height: 1,555 ft. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, this super tall skyscraper is home to the hotel Park Hyatt Shanghai (which is located in the 79th to 93rd floors making it cur­rently the third highest hotel in the world). This tower itself is the second tallest in the city and looks like a bottle-opener, giving it its popular name. Apart from the hotel, offices, conference rooms, restaurant and shopping malls, the tower also has three observation decks on its 94th, 97th and 100th floors. These decks were opened soon after completion of the building in 2008. The obser­vation deck on the 100th floor has transparent glass-walled walkways. The decks offer views of the Huangpu River and the marvelous sky-rises of the city and one must target going up the decks on a clear day, as both weather and pollution can play a spoilsport otherwise. So it is important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip here. The sightseeing hall is also a venue of exhibitions and has a café and a souvenir shop in case if you are looking forward to spending some time or having some food and drinks. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada Height: 1,465 ft. Dating back from 1976, this tower was the world’s tallest manmade structure when com­pleted. Not any more! There are three observation decks here, all of which are very popular with locals and visitors alike. At 1,136 feet is the LookOut deck, at 1,168 feet is the hands-free outdoor EdgeWalk deck and at 1,465 feet is the SkyPod deck, which, on a clear day, provides a visibility of more than 160 kilometers. From the LookOut deck one must board a special elevator for the SkyPod that takes you up 33 storeys. Visitors come to SkyPod for a chance of spotting the famous Niagara Falls on the horizon. Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan Height: 1,456 ft. This is the world’s second-tallest structure and the tallest in Japan reaching a total height of 634 metres. The Sky Tree houses communica­tions satellites, television and radio broad­casting facilities, a restaurant and observation decks at various levels (the last level deck is a transparent spiral staircase with views all the way back down to busy street level). From the deck visitors may have views over To­kyo’s mind-boggling urban sprawl up to a distance as far as the iconic Mt. Fuji. Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China Height: 1,421 ft. The Canton Tower reaches a height of 600 metres and is located on the south bank of the Pearl River in the Haizhu district. The skyscraper has a spectacular design of two subtly twisting ellipses that is narrow at the ‘waist’, taking inspiration from the female body structure. In the evening time, the tower is beauti­fully lit with LED lights with changing colours and patterns. On special occa­sions fireworks are also launched from its sides. The tower is home to restaurants, entertainment rides and many lookout platforms. The observation deck located at 1,421 feet provides beautiful views of the city and over the Pearl River Delta. This deck has the Guinness World Record of being the world’s second-highest out­door observation deck. There are also the Cloud Observation Deck on the 107th Floor and the Star Observation Deck on the 108th floor that give visitors the chance to see the starry skies and clouds. There is also a space post office here. Apart from this there are many other attractions also like the Engineering Marvel Tour on the 109th and 110th floors, the Bubble Tram that has 16 glass cabins that take tourists to travel along a track circum­navigating the rooftop in about 30 minutes and the 100-foot freefall, the highest vertical free fall in the world. Skydeck at Willis Tower, Chicago, IL, USA Height: 1,353 ft. Often referred to as the Sears Tower, the Wil­lis Tower (renamed in 2009) in Chicago is a 110-storey skyscraper which, when completed in 1973, was the tallest building in the world. It held on to the title for quarter of a century. To­day it is the 16th tallest in the world and the 2nd tallest building in the United States. It overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan and being one of the biggest attractions in this part of the world, attracts more than 1.7 million visitors every year. There is an observation deck on the 103rd floor, the highest in the US. Elevators take visitors to the top in less than a minute and one can feel the sudden change of pressure. There is another observation deck on the 99th floor. Yet more exciting is The Ledge, installed in 2009, that comprised of all-glass boxes, including glass bottom that extend four feet out from the building to hover high above the street below. These are like glass bot­tom balconies and can give you butterflies in stomach as you look below. You must definitely not miss visiting here. Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Height: 1,310 ft. This is the tallest building in Southeast Asia with a total height of 462 metres and a total of 81 floors. The top three levels at 79th, 80th and 81st floors come with well equipped observation decks that are increasingly becoming popular with tourists ever since these were opened to public in April 2019. These observation decks start at about 400 metres in height. At the 79th floor there is a Café lounge that offers photo opportunities. The 80th floor has a Japanese Fine Dining restaurant and the 81st floor has the observation deck called the SkyTouch that comes with some adventure activity options. There is an open space but visitors are required to wear protective gear. There is also a virtual reality game called Top of Vietnam that gives viewers the feeling of skydiving from 461 meters. The 47th to 77th floors belong to the Vinpearl Luxury Hotel which has the distinction of being Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong, China Height: 1,289 ft. This is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the sixth tallest in China. It is home to the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton that occupies the floors 102 to 118. This tower also famously houses the Sky100 observation deck, a 360-degree indoor observation deck on the 100th floor. Lifts take visitors up the 100 floors in just about a minute. However, the build­ing lacks the floor numbers 4, 14, 24 and so on (as the number ‘4’ is regarded as inauspicious in many parts of Asia). Hence the actual floor numbering of the deck as well as the entire tower is disputed. The deck offers views of the Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula and the highest peak of Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong. Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan Height: 1,284 ft. This post-modernist structure is the tallest and largest LEED-certified building in the world and has a height of 509 metres. Opened in 2004, this building became the first one to cross the half kilometre mark. The structure of the build­ing is said to resemble a lotus blossom. It has three observation decks of which two are inside at the 89th floor and one juts outwards at the 91st floor. The decks can be reached in superfast elevators that climb 84 floors in just 37 seconds. Initially it was also claimed that these were the world’s fastest elevators, stating that it travelled at a speed of 17 metres per second. However, this has not been confirmed. The view from the 91st floor outdoor observa­tion deck can be a little dizzying and is open only when weather permits. One World Observatory, New York, USA Height: 1,250 ft. Located on the top of the One World Trade Centre, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Observatory deck on the 102nd floor is a ‘must visit’ for all visitors and locals in New York City. An elevator takes just about 60 seconds to take visitors up there. From there one can have views of all attractions of New York including Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Hudson and East rivers, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey. The observatory uses state-of-the-art technology and that enhances the quality of the experience for visitors. They can take an augmented reality tour of the skyline of New York by using a tablet to explore the city’s landmarks. As you go up the floors on the elevator, the floor to ceiling monitor gives a time-lapse recreation of the skyline of Manhattan. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 1,214 ft. When opened in 1998, the 452 metres-tall Petronas Twin towers held the record for the world’s tallest building, but that feather in the cap has since gone. Nonetheless, the twin towers did bring the country of Malaysia and city of Kuala Lumpur a lot of worldwide attention. The twin towers however continue to hold the record of being the tallest twin towers in the world and are connected by a double-decker bridge located at the 41st and 42nd floors. The observation deck is to be found on the 86th floor of the second tower. The tower was in the news when Alain Robert, the renowned French ‘Spiderman’, scaled the outside of the building by using only his bare hands and feet. He was arrested at the 60th level. Thankfully, for visitors, ascending is easier. There is a double-decker lift that takes one to the skywalk that joins the two buildings. From there one can continue to the floor obser­vation deck. One must keep in mind that being one of the most popular attractions in the city of Kuala Lumpur, visitors start queuing up for tickets as early as 6.30 in the morning. Empire State Building, New York, USA Height: 1,211 ft. One of the oldest skyscrapers in the world, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931. With a height of 443 metres to the tip, the iconic building remained the tallest in the world for nearly four decades and has been featured in numerous Hol­lywood movies ever since its completion. Although much overshadowed now as far as the height is concerned, the Empire State Building remains a cultural icon and a big tourist puller. It has two observa­tion decks, at the 86th and 102nd floor respectively. Its 86th floor outdoor deck is among the world’s most visited one and the one at 102nd floor is not quite as popular. The decks remain open until 2 am every night. Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,152 ft. This is the second tallest TV tower in China, and the sixth tallest in the world. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai by the Huangpu River right opposite the Bund, this tower has a unique design, with three 7-meters-wide slanting stanchions support­ing its base. There are many spheres along the height of the tower, each housing variety of activities and recreation. Inside there is a 25-suite Space Hotel, a revolving restaurant and sightseeing floors. At night the exterior of the tower is decorated in colourful LED light. There is a Space Capsule sighting floor at 1,152 feet and double-decker elevators take visitors up there in the wink of an eye. The Shard, London, United Kingdom Height: 1,076 ft. The historical city of London got its tallest building in the year 2013. Located near the Thames River and London Tower Bridge, this skyscraper has superfast elevators that climb 20 feet per second and take visitors to two observation decks at the 68th and 72nd floors respectively. One of the decks is indoors, and the other one is partially located outdoors. It provides a 360-degree view of the 1,000 years of the city’s history. While you look at the breathtaking views from the deck, there is a computer here that allows you to replace the current views with the corresponding historical views at the same place in London. While there are very few entries of tallest tow­ers and observation decks in Europe, the Shard holds a position of pride. It also houses the Shangri-La Hotel. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Height: 906 ft. This wrought iron lattice tower was erected in Paris for the 1889 World Fair to act as the entrance to the big fair venue. For more than 40 years thereafter it remained as the world’s tallest manmade structure and one with the highest observation deck for 41 years. Initially the tower had come in for huge criticism from artists and intellectuals and the government even contemplated to bring it down. However, over the centuries it has become a cultural icon and the biggest landmark of the whole of France. While the total structure is 1,163 feet tall, the highest floor and observation deck is at 906 feet. There are three levels of observation decks with restaurants on the first and second levels. There are elevators to go up there but those looking to shed some calories may also climb the stairs, there are 300 stairs to reach the first level and 300 more to reach the second level. The Eiffel Tower of Paris is the most visited paid monument in the whole world and about 7 million people visit it every year. This also makes it the most popular observation deck in the world. KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 906 ft. The highest viewpoint in the touristy city of Kuala Lumpur, this communications tower opened to the public in 1996, has a revolving restaurant and an observation deck that can be reached by super-fast elevators in less than a minute. It is the 7th tallest communications tower in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. The tower is also popular with sports enthusiasts and hosts a run up the interior staircase competition every year and is also a regular venue on the International BASE Jump Circuit. Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas, USA Height: 869 ft. The Stratosphere is a Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas and its tower houses the tallest free-standing observation deck in the United States. The tower itself is 1,149 feet high but the observation deck is at a height of 869 feet. It is second in the world only to the CN Tower in Toronto. It provides two observation decks, a restau­rant and four ‘thrill rides’ that take visitors on an aerial show over the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas. Top of the Rock, New York, USA Height: 850 ft. Located on the rooftop of the iconic Rock­efeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, the Top of the Rock is the place to be in, if you want to have a bird’s eye view of the city of NYC. Up there one finds three indoor and outdoor viewing decks that provide a 360-degree view of the city. Opened in 1933, the Rockefeller Centre is a historic Art and Dine centre in the city of New York. The viewing deck is often said to have the best views in the city. The open deck also has a restaurant up there. Tianta Radio and TV Tower, Tianjin, China Height: 830 ft. Tianta is the tallest building in Tianjin with a total height of 415 metres. It has an observation deck at 253 metres and a high speed elevator takes visitors there in a matter of few seconds. There is a telescope at the viewing deck to have a 360 degrees close-up view from top of the city. At night the tower is beautifully lit up presenting a spectacular night sky view of the city. Thyssenkrupp Test Tower, Rottweil, Germany Height: 761 ft. This is a test tower for elevators owned by the elevator manufacturer Thyssenkrupp. Visitors who go up the observation deck are rewarded with spectacular views, which on a clear day, can go up to the Swiss Alps since there are no other tall structures around. It is the tallest elevator testing tower in the whole world and acts like a laboratory for testing high-speed and innovative elevators. It is a twisty engineer­ing wonder and is currently the highest viewing deck in Germany. SkyTower, Auckland, New Zealand Height: 720 ft. Built as a part of the SkyCity Auckland Casino complex, this is a telecommunica­tion tower with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of Auckland, the ocean, and the rolling mountains of New Zealand. If you have vertigo, you may not want to visit the glass bottomed observation deck here. With a total height of 1,076 feet from ground level to the top mast, this tower is the tallest free standing structure in the southern hemisphere and the 25th tallest tower in the world. It also offers two types of adventure activities for the adventure aficionados at extra cost – the SkyWalk and the SkyJump. The SkyWalk provides walking on an open-air ledge, and the SkyJump offers breathtak­ing bungee plunge options. Both are at a height of 620 feet above the ground. The SkyTower is beautifully lit on special occasions like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day decorating the night skyline of the city of Auckland. Berliner Fernsehturm, Berlin, Germany Height: 666 ft. Built as early as 1969 by the government of the then East Germany, this is the city’s iconic Radio and Television tower located in the famous Alexanderplatz area in cen­tral Berlin. Due to its location near Alex­anderplatz, it is also often called the Alex Tower. The tower was originally intended to be the symbol of Communist power here, but today it is a true symbol of Berlin city. It is the tallest structure in the entire country with a total height of 1,207 feet, although the viewing deck is not the tallest one. In addition to having a famous indoor observation deck, this tower also has a revolving restaurant and a bar and attracts more than a million people every year. Calgary Tower, Calgary, Canada Height: 627 ft. Originally called the Husky Tower, this observation tower was built to mark the centennial of Canada in 1967 and opened to the public in 1968. It was then the tallest structure in Calgary and the tallest in Canada outside of Toronto. It was once the world’s highest 360-degree-viewing observation deck, and became the found­ing member of the World Federation of Great Towers. There are colourful exterior light that are turned on daily between 5 in the morning and sunrise, and then again at dusk and at midnight. The Space Needle, Seattle, WA, USA Height: 520 ft. Our last entry in the list of highest obser­vation decks is located in Seattle. Built in the Seattle Centre for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower measures 605 feet in height and has an observation deck and rotating restaurant at 520 feet. From the deck one can have a view of the Seat­tle skyline, Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and the nearby islands on the Bay. There are elevators to take you up there. Today the Space Needle is famous for having the world’s first revolving glass floor at the observation deck. Other observation decks Talking of the highest Observation decks in the world, it must be remembered that not all of them are located in towers. While in our Tower special issue, above we have presented the highest ‘Tower-based’ observation decks, the following should not escape a special mention. These are the other very high observation decks that are not located in towers. Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA Height: 4,000 ft. This horse-shoe shaped skywalk is 10 feet wide and extends 70 feet out over the rim of the canyon at Eagle Point. The glass-bottomed observation deck, although actually at ground level, is located 4,000 feet above the floor of the Canyon below giving you bouts of vertigo. That makes it more than twice as high as the observation deck at Shanghai Tower or Burj Khalifa. It is a difficult walk for even the toughest hearted visitors. As a consequence, very few tourists actually go for a walk on this skywalk and prefer to take the helicopter ride instead. Yuanduan, Chongqing, China Height: 2,356 ft. This is the world’s longest glass skywalk making it one of the most terrifying tourist attractions in the world. The skywalk arches out 90 feet from a cliff’s edge in the Longgang National Geological Park in south-western China. With a height of 2,356 feet from the ground, this is also the highest observation point in the world, and only visitors with very strong heart conditions must visit here. Although the glass skywalk can hold up to 200 people at a time, only about 30 people are allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes. Stegastein Viewpoint, Flåm, Norway Height: 2,123 ft. This viewpoint juts out 100 feet over the Aur­landsfjord and is located half an hour north of Flåm in Norway. The viewpoint provides visitors with views across to the UNESCO World Herit­age Site of Næøyfjord. The viewpoint is located on the National Tourist Road and provides unparalleled views of the fjords. Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, Austria Height: 1,300 ft. It is a suspension bridge with a viewing plat­form, a rather terrifying one at that. Located 1,300 feet above the Dachstein Massif, it presents spectacular views of the Austrian Alps and the rock-face below. Located an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Salzburg, the suspen­sion bridge is 100 metres long and located near the Dachstein Glacier. At the end of the bridge those with very strong hearts can descent 14 steps into a glass viewing platform that juts above the glacier. Future tallest Observation Deck Jeddah Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Height: 2,113 ft The Jeddah Tower, that is all set to be com­pleted in 2020, is going to be the future tallest building in the world with a total height of 3,280 feet (558 feet higher than the current tallest building Burj Khalifa). This building is set to become the first building in the world to surpass the distance of 1 kilometer in height. With that it is also planned to house the world’s highest observatory at 2,113 feet. The outdoor terrace at the deck is planned to be a huge one (697 square meters) that will overlook the Red Sea and have many glass bottomed panels to let visitors challenge their nerves.

A visit to a waterfall is a favourite of most of us. It brings the much needed break from the urban hustle and bustle as you can enjoy soothing environment near a waterfall in the midst of nature. Foamy white water cascading from the top of a rocky or green mountain making a gurgling noise is a sight to behold. The experience is to be had in person and is difficult to describe. There are different types of them, from the ones that fall from hundreds of metres to those that provide adventure options. For those who like to take bath in the water (wherever it is allowed, and not dangerous), it is nothing short of a thrill. To provide our readers with a bucket list, we have drawn up a list of 100 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. But it is important to be cautious and follow the directions and warnings to avoid mishaps. 1. Iguazú, Cataratas del (Place: Parana, Argentina; Famous for: Largest waterfall system in the world) 2. Kaieteur Falls (Place: Mazaruni-Potaro, Guyana; Famous for: The world’s largest single drop waterfall by the volume of water flowing over it) 3. Victoria Falls (Place: Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe; Famous for: The largest waterfall in the world) 4. Kerepakupai Merú or Angel Falls (Place: Bolívar, Venezuela; Famous for: World’s tallest waterfalls with a total fall of 979m or 3,212ft) 5. Gocta, Catarata (Place: Amazonas, Peru; Famous for: Third highest waterfall in the world) 6. Sutherland Falls (Place: Southland, New Zealand; Famous for: Tallest waterfalls in New Zealand) 7. Virginia Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Famous for: Glacier National Park, Hiking) 8. Ventisquero Colgante, Cascada de (Place: Aisén, Chile; Fa­mous for: One of the top five falls in South America) 9. San Rafael, Cascada de (Place: Napo, Ecuador; Famous for: Ac­tive Reventador volcano) 10. Cerberus Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Icefall Canyon) 11. Jog Falls (Place: Karnataka, India; Famous for: One of the high­est waterfalls in India) 12. Helmcken Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Fourth highest waterfalls in Canada) 13. Takakkaw Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Second tallest waterfalls in Canada) 14. Dettifoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: The most powerful waterfall in Europe, into Iceland’s largest canyon, the Jokulsargljufur canyon) 15. Odegaard Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Bella Coola Valley, 4X4 drive) 16. Kalandula Falls (Place: Malanje, Angola; Famous for: One of the largest waterfalls by volume in Africa) 17. Gullfoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Staircase type shape) 18. Grande Cascade de Gavarnie (Place: Hautes-Pyrénées, France; Famous for: Highest waterfall in mainland France) 19. Langfoss (Place: Norway; Famous for: The fifth highest wa­terfall in Norway) 20. Sivasamudram Falls (Place: Mysore, India; Famous for: Tem­ples, fishing) 21. Mardalsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: The tenth highest waterfalls in Europe) 22. Vettisfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Tallest free-fall­ing waterfall in Europe) 23. Augrabies Falls (Place: Northern Cape, South Africa; Fa­mous for: Orange River) 24. Hafragilsfoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: the largest canyon in Iceland) 25. Middle Cummins Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Picnicking, hiking and fishing) 26. Søtefossen Falls (Place: Kinsarvik, Norway; Famous for: High­est in cascade of four waterfalls in Husedalen Valley) 27. Cummins Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Cummins Falls State Park) 28. Helmet Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Height: 352 m; Famous for: Hiking) 29. Niagara Falls (Place: Ontario, Canada; Famous for: Approx 30 million visitors every year, Maid of the Mist boat tour) 30. Hunlen Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: One of the highest free falling waterfalls in Canada, Hiking, Trekking) 31. Twin Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Snake river canyon, drive or walk across Perrine Bridge) 32. Basaseachic, Cascada de (Place: Chihuahua, Mexico; Famous for: One of the tallest waterfalls in the world) 33. Lofoi, Chutes (Place: Katanga, Congo; Famous for: One of the largest waterfalls, both in volume and height, in Africa) 34. Wapama Falls (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Hik­ing, trails) 35. Tjørnadalsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Watching sunset, trekking, hiking) 36. Oshi, Salto (Place: Mazaruni-Potaro, Guyana; Famous for: High­est falls in Guyana) 37. Nevada Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Yosemite National Park, Nevada Fall Trail) 38. Lower Yellowstone Falls (Place: Wyoming, United States; Famous for: Grand canyon of the Yellowstone) 39. Depot Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Fa­mous for: North Cascades National Park, long hikes) 40. Ruacana Falls (Place: Namibia; Famous for: River rafting, canoe rides, hydro-electric power plants) 41. Skytjefossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Scenic beauty; Hydro-electric power plants) 42. Shoshone Falls (Place: Idaho, United States; Famous for: Shoshone Falls Park, Shoshone Falls Dam, Bridal Veil Falls) 43. Nyastølsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Hiking, Trek­king) 44. Goðafoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: Mythological importance) 45. Snoqualmie Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Fa­mous for: TV and movie shoots) 46. Vøringsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Most famous falls in the country) 47. Alexandra Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Fa­mous for: Beautiful spot to enjoy picnic) 48. Krimmler Wasserfalle (Place: Salzburg, Austria; Famous for: Beautiful backdrops found while hiking) 49. Wapta Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Yoho National Park) 50. Selfoss (Place: Norðurland eystra, Iceland; Famous for: Of­ten regarded as one of the natural wonders) 51. Ramnefjellfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Third position in World height ranking) 52. Yosemite Falls (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park) 53. Kalambo Falls (Place: Northern Zambia, Zambia; Famous for: Second highest uninterrupted fall in Africa) 54. Barron Falls (Place: Queensland, Australia; Famous for: One of the Q150 Icons of Queensland) 55. Shomyo-daki (Place: Toyama, Japan; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Japan) 56. Wallaman Falls (Place: Queensland, Australia; Famous for: Australia’s tallest single drop waterfall) 57. Ædnafossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: Peculiar and unique shape) 58. Green Lake Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: North Cascades National Park) 59. Parijaro, Catarata de (Place: Junin, Peru; Famous for: The Ashaninka jungle tribe) 60. Wagenia, Chutes (Place: Orientale, Congo; Famous for: Fishing) 61. Vernal Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Happy Isles Trail, Yosemite Valley) 62. Upper Yellowstone Falls (Place: Wyoming, United States; Famous for: Yellowstone National Park) 63. Louise Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Famous for: Ice climb­ing when frozen) 64. Háifoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Fourth highest waterfall in Iceland) 65. Berdeen Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Bacon Creek) 66. Della Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Among the tallest waterfalls in Canada) 67. Pétain Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Elk Lake, hiking) 68. Sju Søstre (Place: Norway; Famous for: Consists o seven separate streams and hence is known as “The Seven Sisters”) 69. Cumberland Falls (Place: Kentucky, United States; Famous for: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, also known “Little Niagara”, “Niagara of the South, “Great Falls”) 70. Lady Evelyn Falls (Place: Northwest Territories, Canada; Fa­mous for: Camping, hiking, canoeing) 71. Bow Glacier Falls (Place: Alberta, Canada; Famous for: Sunrise watch, Bow Glacier Falls trail) 72. Skógafoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Skoga river, Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano) 73. Multnomah Falls (Place: Oregon, United States; Famous for: Tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon, second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States) 74. Nordre Mardalsfossen (Place: Norway; Famous for: One of the ten highest waterfalls in Europe) 75. Mollisfossen (Place: Reisa National Park, Norway; Famous for: Fishing) 76. Blanche, Cascade (Place: Réunion; Famous for: One in a group of very high waterfalls) 77. Vinnufallet (Place: Norway; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Eu­rope) 78. Upper Stevens Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Unique shape and structure) 79. Comet Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Known as the best falls in the Mount Rainer region) 80. Yutajé, Salto (Place: Amazonas, Venezuela; Famous for: Third highest waterfall in Venezuela) 81. Sulphide Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: North Cascades National Park, Sulphide Lake, Mount Shuksan) 82. Serio, Cascata del (Place: Lombardy, Italy; Famous for: Italy’s highest waterfall) 83. Cohoes Falls (Place: New York, United States; Famous for: Mohawk river, small version of Niagara Falls) 84. Jordan Creek Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Fa­mous for: Blue-green color and distinctive travertine formations) 85. Dawson Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Murtle River, Camping) 86. Feather Falls (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Most impressive waterfall in the state north of Yosemite National Park) 87. Skálabrekkufoss (Place: Suðurland, Iceland; Famous for: Ey­jafjallajokull and Katla volcanoes) 88. Nohkalikai Falls (Place: Meghalaya, India; Famous for: Tallest plunge waterfall in India) 89. Tjøtafossen (Place: Sogn og Fjordane, Norway; Famous for: Briksdal Trail) 90. Angeline Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: West Fork Foss river, Delta Lake) 91. Svøufallet (Place: Norway; Famous for: Deep gorges, can­yons and rivers) 92. Salt Creek Falls (Place: Oregon, United States; Famous for: Oregon’s second highest single drop waterfall) 93. Illilouette Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: Yosem­ite National Park) 94. Keyhole Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Largest waterfall along the Lillooet River) 95. White Falls (Place: British Columbia, Canada; Famous for: Spa lodg­es, Northern lights) 96. Bridalveil Fall (Place: California, United States; Famous for: One of the most prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley in California) 97. Strupen (Place: Norway; Famous for: One of the three significant melt water streams originating in the Myklebust Icefield) 98. Tugela Falls (Place: Kwazulu Natal, South Africa; Famous for: The world’s second tallest waterfall) 99. Ice Falls (Place: Oregon, United States; Famous for: Ice climbing) 100. Drury Falls (Place: Washington, United States; Famous for: Fishing, walking, picnicking and hiking)

India is truly a land of waterfalls. There are so many of them. Some states, especially Sikkim, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya and Karnataka have many beautiful cascades worth checking out. There are glacier-fed falls as well as river-fed ones, single cascade as well as multiple cascades. The following is Touriosity’s compilation of the 56 ‘must see’ waterfalls in India. 1. Dudhsagar Waterfall – Goa’s prestigious falls (Height: 320 m; Place: Sonaulim, Goa; Famous for: India’s fourth largest waterfall) 2. Jog Waterfall – The wonder fall of Karnataka (Height: 253 m; Place: Shi­moga, Karnataka; Famous for: Second-highest plunge waterfall in India) 3. Nohsngithiang Waterfall – A surprise waiting at Mawsmai Village (Height: 315 m; Place: Mawsmai, Meghalaya; Famous for: Seven-segmented waterfall, also known as Seven Sister Falls) 4. Thosegharh Waterfall – Maharashtra’s pride waterfall (Height: 20 m; Place: Thosegarh, Maharashtra; Famous for: Great scenery with windmill farms nearby) 5. Athirappilly Waterfall – India’s very own Niagara (Height: 25 m; Place: Thissur, Kerala; Famous for: Movie shoots) 6. Courtallam Waterfall – Tamil Nadu’s largest waterfall (Height: 160 m; Place: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Also known as ‘Medical Spa’) 7. Talakona Waterfall – Sri Vankateswara National Park (Height: 82 m; Place: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh; Famous for: Highest Waterfall in Andhra Pradesh) 8. Khandadhar Waterfall – Odisha’s gem water fall (Height: 244 m; Place: Sundergarh, Odisha; Famous for: Historic importance) 9. Chitrakot Waterfall – a stunner fall from Chhattisgarh (Height: 29 m; Place: Bastar, Chhattisgarh; Famous for: Kanger Valley National Park) 10. Dhuandhar Waterfall – an odd but spectacular fall (Height: 30 m; Place: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh; Famous for: Cable Car Service covering the entire falls) 11. Kunchikal Falls – Ghati’s hidden treasure (Height: 455 m; Place: Shimoga, Karnataka; Famous for: The Highest Waterfall in India) 12. Barehipani Falls – Simlipal National Park, Odisha (Height: 399 m; Place: Mayurbhanj, Odisha; Famous for: Simlipal National Park) 13. Langshiang Falls – a sight to behold (Height: 337 m; Place: Nongs­toin, Meghalaya; Famous for: Third highest waterfalls in India) 14. Nohkalikai Falls – India’s largest water fall (Height: 340 m; Place: Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya; Famous for: India’s tallest plunge waterfall) 15. Meenmutty Falls – Kerala’s spectacular water fall (Height: 300 m; Place: Wayanad, Kerala; Famous for: Jungle Trekking) 16. Kune Falls – Pune’s secret weekend outing (Height: 200 m; Place: Pune, Maharashtra; Famous for: Stunning backdrop of the famous Sahy­adri Mountains) 17. Thalaiyar Falls – an impressive gift from Tamil Nadu (Height: 297 m; Place: Theni Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu) 18. Vantawng Falls – Serchhip’s tourist attraction (Height: 229 m; Place: Thenzawl, Mizoram; Famous for: Highest uninterrupted waterfall in Mizoram) 19. Umbrella Falls – God’s wonder in Ahmed Nagar, Maharashtra (Height: 52 m; Place: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra; Famous for: Wilson Hydropower Dam) 20. Hogenakkal Waterfall – Tamil Nadu’s majestic falls (Height: 20 m; Place: Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Boating during the dry season) 21. Abbey Falls – A surprise awaiting at Madikeri (Height: 20 m; Place: Madikeri, Karnataka; Famous for: View from the hanging bridge) 22. Kiliyur Waterfalls – a treasure hidden in the Eastern Ghats (Height: 91 m; Place: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Boating and swimming) 23. Papanasam Waterfall – The Majestic Falls (Height: 91 m; Place: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Nearby temples) 24. Shivasamudram Falls – one not to be missed while in Karnataka (Height: 98 m; Place: Mandya, Karnataka; Famous for: India’s second hydro-electric power station) 25. Soochippara Falls – the misty cascades (Height: 200 m; Place: Vellari­mala, Kerala; Famous for: Rock climbing) 26. Bhagsu Waterfall – Mcleodganj pilgrimage offers a treasure (Height: 20m; Place: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh; Famous for: Shiva temple nearby) 27. Amritdhara Waterfalls – a fair and a fall at the same place (Height: 27.4 m; Place: Koriya, Chhattisgarh; Famous for: A very auspicious Shiva temple and a very famous mela is held every year) 28. Barachukki Falls – a double treat awaits at Mandya Karnataka (Height: 107 m; Place: Mandya, Karnataka; Famous for: Coracle ride that takes travellers up to the mouth of the waterfall) 29. Bear Shola Falls – where bears come to drink! (Height: 20 m; Place: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Trekking and popular picnic spot) 30. Chunnu Summer Falls – Darjeeling’s wonderful waterfalls (Height: 20m; Place: Darjeeling, West Bengal; Famous for: Rock Garden, a small lake, boating) 31. Elephant Falls – Shillong’s icon (Height: 135 m; Place: Shillong, Megha­laya; Famous for: Step type falls, also known as ‘Three Steps Waterfalls’) 32. Ethipothala Waterfalls – falls and crocodiles make a double treat (Height: 21 m; Place: Guntur; Andhra Pradesh; Famous for: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Crocodile breeding) 33. Ghatarani Waterfalls – Chhattisgarh’s furious falls (Height: 9 m; Place: Durg, Chhattisgarh; Famous for: Biggest waterfall in Chhattisgarh) 34. Hanuman Gundi Falls – a jewel at Kadremukh National Park (Height: 22 m; Place: Chikmagalur, Karnataka; Famous for: A famous Shiva temple, Kem­managundi National Park) 35. Hajra Falls – lush greenery, a feast for the eyes (Height: 50 m; Place: Dhanegaon, Maharashtra; Famous for: Lush green surrounding, nearby rail­way station) 36. Iruppu Falls – the elongated Karnataka fall (Height: 40 m; Place: Kadago, Karnataka; Famous for: Rameshwara Temple, Pilgrimage) 37. Karumalai Falls – Tigers and Waterfalls (Height: 37 m; Place: Valparai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Tiger Reserve) 38. Kempty Falls – Mussoorie’s towering icon (Height: 15m; Place: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand; Famous for: One of the longest waterfalls in India, fishing) 39. Rajdari Waterfall – a staircase made by nature (Height: 65m; Place: Chakai, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: Unique step type formation) 40. Sirimane Falls – Perfect weekend getaway (Height: 12m; Place: Sriheri, Karnataka; Famous for: Weekend getaway for nearby residents) 41. Thommankuth Waterfalls – in remembrance of a great hunter (Height: 40 m; Place: Thodupuzha, Kerala; Famous for: Exotic flora and fauna) 42. Kanchenjunga Waterfall – A perennial waterfall in Sikkim (Height: 90 m; Place: Pelling, Sikkim; Famous for: Trekking, Sewaro Rock Garden) 43. Barkana Falls – India’s tenth largest fall (Height: 259 m; Place: Agumbe, Karnataka; Famous for: One of the top ten largest falls in India, Trekking) 44. Duduma Falls – Orissa’s biggest waterfall (Height: 157 m; Place: Badigada, Odisha; Famous for: Matsya Tirtha pilgrimage centre) 45. Lodh Falls – the marvel hiding in Burhaghaugh (Height: 143 m; Place: Latehar, Jharkhand; Famous for: Tallest waterfall in Jharkhand) 46. Nuranang Falls – The pristine beauty (Height: 100 m; Place: Ta­wang, Arunachal Pradesh; Famous for: Movie shoots) 47. Bhimlat Falls – The melodious falls (Height: 60 m; Place: Bundi: Rajasthan; Famous for: Mahadev Temple and a green lake) 48. Kynrem Falls – Highest waterfall in Meghalaya (Height: 305 m; Place: Sohra, Meghalaya; Famous for: 7th highest falls in India, Thang­kharang Park) 49. Magod Falls – The jewel of the woods (Height: 198 m; Place: Yel­lapur, Karnataka; Famous for: Trekking) 50. Palani Falls- The utmost surge waterfall (Height: 150 m; Place: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh; Famous for: River rafting, paragliding, camp­ing, local festivals) 51. Kalhatti Falls – The traveller’s hub (Height: 122 m; Place: Kallattipura, Karnataka; Famous for: Veerabhadreshwara Temple) 52. Tambdi Falls – The immaculate and wild (Height: 130 m; Place: Surla, Goa; Famous for: Shaivite temple) 53. Arvalem Falls – The tranquilising and reinvigorating (Height: 50 m; Place: Sanquelim, Goa; Famous for: 6th Century ancient caves) 54. Gira Waterfall – The Misty Cascade (Height: 23 m; Place: Waghai Town, Gujarat; Famous for: Nearby Saputara Lake) 55. White Surf Waterfall – Into the wild (Height: 25 m; Place: Little Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; Famous for: Adventure Sports) 56. Changey Waterfall – Tranquil falls with observation decks (Height: 300 m; Place: Pelling, Sikkim; Famous for: Crystal clear water)

Dotting the map of India there are a number of beautiful towers that are worth checking out for tourists. Some of them are historical ones, some modern day constructions, and each one was built for a different purpose. There are TV towers, clock towers, temple towers, historical minars (towers), watchtowers, light houses, commercial and residential buildings. The following is a list of the top 45 towers of India. 1. INS Kattabomman (Height: 471 m; Year: 2013; Structure Type: Guyed Mast; Place: Tirunelvali, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: Tallest military structure in the world) 2. Rameswaram TV Tower (Height: 323 m; Year: 1995; Struc­ture Type: Concrete and Lattice; Place: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: It is the tallest structure in India) 3. Fazilka TV Tower (Height: 305 m; Year: 2007; Structure Type: Lattice Tower; Place: Fazilka, Punjab; Famous for: Second tallest man-made structure in India) 4. O. P. Jindal Knowledge Centre (Height: 282 m; Year: 2009; Structure type: Steel; Place: Hisar, Haryana; Famous for: Tallest of its kind in Asia and the second tallest steel tower in the world) 5. The 42 (Height: 268 m; Year: 2017; Structure type: Residen­tial building; Place: Kolkata, West Bengal; Famous for: The 42 is Kolkata’s and India’s tallest residential building) 6. Imperial Towers (Height: 254 m; Year: 2010; Structure type: Residential building; Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Fa­mous for: Tallest in India from 2010 to 2017,The Imperial 3 is a proposed 396.2 m 116 floor super tall residential skyscraper in Mumbai, India, when completed it will be the tallest building in India) 7. Rajabai Clock Tower (Height: 85 m; Year: 1878; Structure type: Clock tower; Place: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Famous for: The tower is part of The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, which was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018) 8. Fazilka Clock Tower (Height: 27 m; Year: 1939; Structure type: Clock tower; Place: Fazilka, Punjab; Famous for: A archi­tectural mixture of Mughal Empire, British India and Vaastu Kala) 9. Chaura Bazaar Clock Tower (Year: 1906; Structure type: Clock tower; Place: Ludhiana, Punjab; Famous for: Marked the silver jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign) 10. Husainabad Clock Tower (Height: 67 m; Year: 1881; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: Constructed by Husainabad Trust to mark the ar­rival of Sir George Couper, 1st Lieutenant Governor of United Province of Avadh) 11. Secunderabad Clock Tower (Height: 37 m; Year: 1897; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Secunderabad, Telangana; Famous for: To honour the progress achieved by the British of­ficers stationed at Secunderabad Cantonment in Hyderabad) 12. Clock Tower Dehradun (Height: 85 m; Year: 1953; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Dehradun, Uttarakhand; Famous for: Six face clock tower with a clock in each face, this monument stands much before independence) 13. Clock Tower Kollam (Year: 1944; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Kollam, Kerala; Famous for: Non official em­blem of the city and major landmark of Kollam) 14. Ghanta Ghar Mirzapur (Year: 1891; Structure type: Clock Tower: Place: Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: British Architecture, built by the British East India Company) 15. Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur (Year: 1911; Structure Type: Clock Tower; Place: Jodhpur, Rajasthan; Famous for: Promi­nent landmark in Jodhpur) 16. Mint Clock Tower (Height: 18 m; Year: 1909; Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: The first standalone clock tower in the city) 17. Clock Tower Murshidabad (Structure type: Clock Tower; Place: Mur­shidabad, West Bengal; Famous for: Hazarduari Palace) 18. Clock Tower Mysore (Height: 22 m; Year: 1927; Structure Type: Clock Tower; Place: Mysore, Karnataka) 19. Kolkata Clock Tower (Height: 30 m; Year: 2015; Structure Type: Clock Tower; Place: Kolkata, West Bengal; Famous for: Replica of Big Ben in London) 20. Mahabodhi Temple Tower (Height: 55 m; Year: 500 CE; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Bodh Gaya, Bihar; Famous for: The location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment) 21. Brihadeeswarar Temple Tower (Height: 65.9 m; Year: 1010; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: One of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of a fully realized Dravidian architecture) 22. Annamalaiyar Temple Tower (Height: 66.4 m; Year: 1260; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: The temple has six daily rituals and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar) 23. Qutb Minar (Height: 72.5 m; Year: 1368; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: New Delhi; Famous for: Tallest minaret made of bricks) 24. Chaturbhuj Temple (Height: 104.8 m; Year: 1558; Structure Type: Temple; Place: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh; Famous for: The tem­ple has a complex multi-storied structural view which is a blend of temple, fort and palace architectural features) 25. Tazia Tower (Height: 18 m; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan; Famous for: This tower was built by Muslim craftsmen in the shape of a Tazia – the tableaus made by Muslims during Muharram festival) 26. Vijay Stambh (Height: 37 m; Year: 1448; Structure Type: Mina­ret; Place: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan; Famous for: victory monument to commemorate Rana Kumbha’s victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji) 27. Kirti Stambh (Height: 22 m; Year: 1185; Structure Type: Mina­ret; Place: Chittorgarh, Rajasthan; Famous for: Built for the glory of Jainism) 28. Sargasuli To wer (Height: 43 m; Year: 1749; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Jaipur, Rajasthan; Famous for: Tallest historical building in Jaipur) 29. Tower of Mandvi (Height: 63 m; Year: 2004; Structure Type: Light House; Place: Mandvi, Gujarat; Famous for: One of the two towers, built in a bid to make Jamnagar a walled city to protect it against any invasions) 30. Charminar (Height: 56 m; Year: 1591; Structure Type: Mosque; Place: Hyderabad, Telangana; Famous for: Global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India) 31. Jhulta Minara (Height: 34 m; Year: 1452; Structure Type: Mosque; Place: Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Famous for: Vibrating or shaking towers, when one minaret is shaken the other begins to vibrate, though the con­necting passage between the two remains vibration-free; what causes the vibration is unknown) 32. Minarets of Taj Mahal (Height: 40 m; Year: 1653; Structure Type: Mausoleum; Place: Agra, Uttar Pradesh; Famous for: Slight inclination towards the outside of the terrace, in the event of an earthquake they would come crashing into the gardens and the Yamuna, and not on the mausoleum) 33. Shaheed Minar (Height: 48 m; Year: 1828; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Kolkata, West Bengal; Famous for: Egyptian, Syrian and Turkish architecture) 34. Chand Minar (Height: 30 m; Year: 1445 C.E.; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Daulatabad, Maharashtra; Famous for: It is considered to be among the finest specimens of Persian architecture in South India) 35. Fateh Burj (Height: 100 m; Year: 2011; Structure Type: Minaret; Place: Chappar Chiri, Punjab; Famous for: Tallest Victory Tower in India) 36. Ek Minar (Height: 20 m; Year: 1445; Structure type: Mosque Minaret; Place: Raichur, Karnataka; Famous for: One of the famous mosques in Raichur) 37. Thangassery Light House (Height: 42 m; Year: 1902; Structure Type: Masonry Tower; Place: Kollam, Kerala; Famous for: Tallest lighthouse in Kerala and on India Coast) 38. Mahabalipuram Lighthouse (Height: 26 m; Year: 1887; Structure Type: Stone Tower; Place: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: India’s oldest lighthouse, built around 640AD by Pallava king Mahendra Pallava stands next to this modern structure) 39. Bonnie Camp Watch Tower (Height: 15.24 m; Structure type: Con­crete; Place: Sunderbans, West Bengal; Famous for: Highest watch tower in the Sunderbans, Tiger and other wild animals spotting) 40. Neti Dhopani (Structure Type: Concrete; Place: Sunderbans, West Bengal; Famous for: The watch tower presents one with a unique expe­rience of watching wildlife from its Canopy Walk which is about half a kilometer long and at a height of about 20 ft from the ground) 41. Shri Mangeshi Temple Lamp Tower (Height: Seven story tower; Structure type: Lamp tower; Place: Mangeshi Village, Goa; Famous for: 450 year old temple, temple architecture consisting of several domes, pilasters and balustrades and also a magnificent water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple) 42. Meenakshi Temple Gopuram (Height: 51.9 m; Year: 1238; Place: Madurai, Tamil Nadu; Famous for: The south gopura is the tallest and curvilinear. The colorful sculptures narrate legendary scenes from Hindu texts) 43. Alai Minar (Height: 24.5 m; Year: Started in the year 1311 AD, construction was abandoned after the death of Alauddin Khalji in 1316; Structure type: Minaret; Place: New Delhi; Famous for: The tower was conceived to be two times higher than the Qutub Minar. The first storey of the Alai Minar, a giant rubble masonry core, still stands today, which was evidently intended to be covered with dressed stone later on. It lies in ruins today) 44. Kovalam Lighthouse (Height: 36 m; Year: 1972; Structure type: Lighthouse; Place: Kovalam, Kerala; Famous for: Kovalam Beach is also known as lighthouse beach) 45. Khandoba Temple Lamp Tower (Height: 21.33 m; Structure type: Lamp tower; Place: Beed, Maharashtra; Famous for: The temple is said to be built in the Nizam era)

An observation deck or viewing platform is an elevated platform or deck for sightseeing that is usually built in tall towers or archi­tectural structures like skyscrapers as also often on mountains and canyons. Often these observation decks double up as places offering thrill to those looking to have their adrenaline rush with activities like bungee jumping, augmented reality and other excit­ing rides. Many of us love observation decks, not necessarily for the same reason. While most would agree that the breathtaking bird’s eye view of the surroundings is a reason that attracts us, others often visit observation decks to test their fear of heights, or to check out how the world looks like from our favourite landmarks. There was a time when most of the highest observation decks, except for the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, were located in the continent of North America. But in the last one decade, Asia and the Middle East have taken the lead and today, the world’s highest views can be experienced in these regions only. The following are some of the observation decks around the world that one may visit. The heights men­tioned against the names of tower or deck here refer to the height of the observation deck and not the tower itself. Entries have been listed in descending order of heights. Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,841 ft. The highest observation deck in the world is located at a height of 561.3 metres (1,841 ft) in the 632-metres-tall (2,073-ft) Shanghai Tower (which is also known as Shanghai Center). It is an office-cum-hotel building in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Shanghai, China and was completed only recently in 2015. It is currently the tallest building in China and is said to have the world’s fastest elevators. The observation deck is located on the 119th floor and amongst other things it provides a view of the nearby Shanghai World Financial Centre, another super-tall skyscraper which is ranked 10th highest in the world now. The Shanghai Tower is expected to come up with more observation decks in the recent years. Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Mecca, Saudi Arabia Height: 1,831 ft. Mecca is the holiest place in the world for the Muslims. You can enter here only if you are a Muslim; hence, this attraction is just to read about if you are a non-Muslim. This is a huge complex with a maximum height of 601 metres. It is the world’s third-tallest building, after the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower and contains more floor space than any other building in the world. It houses a hotel, a five-storey shopping mall and a prayer room that can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The soaring towers of this building are the world’s largest clock faces and are visible from a distance of 25 kilometres. There is an observation deck both at the clock face and just beneath the central tower’s summit, but as stated earlier, only Muslims can visit here. The viewing platform located at the central clock tower just below the golden crescent has a height of 558 metres. The other viewing deck below the clock facade has a height of 400 metres and this one is located adjacent to an exhibition hall. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE Height: 1,821 ft. Reaching a height of 828 metres (2,722 feet), the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and has the maximum number of floors (163). This tallest manmade structure in the world was opened at the beginning of 2010. However, it missed out on having the world’s highest observation deck; the one here, although located at the 148th floor, is at a height of 555.7 metres, about 5.5 metres lower than the one at Shanghai mentioned at the top of the list. There is an outdoor observation deck that is accessible at 1,483 feet. The Sky Deck, at a height of 1,821 feet, was opened in late 2014 and provides magnificent views over this mag­nificent desert city dotted with skyscrapers. Readers may note that in less than two years, the feat of being the tallest building in the world is going to be handed over by Burj Khalifa to the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. This upcoming tower has been writ­ten about later in the article. Shanghai World Financial Centre, China Height: 1,555 ft. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai, this super tall skyscraper is home to the hotel Park Hyatt Shanghai (which is located in the 79th to 93rd floors making it cur­rently the third highest hotel in the world). This tower itself is the second tallest in the city and looks like a bottle-opener, giving it its popular name. Apart from the hotel, offices, conference rooms, restaurant and shopping malls, the tower also has three observation decks on its 94th, 97th and 100th floors. These decks were opened soon after completion of the building in 2008. The obser­vation deck on the 100th floor has transparent glass-walled walkways. The decks offer views of the Huangpu River and the marvelous sky-rises of the city and one must target going up the decks on a clear day, as both weather and pollution can play a spoilsport otherwise. So it is important to check the weather forecast before planning a trip here. The sightseeing hall is also a venue of exhibitions and has a café and a souvenir shop in case if you are looking forward to spending some time or having some food and drinks. CN Tower, Toronto, Canada Height: 1,465 ft. Dating back from 1976, this tower was the world’s tallest manmade structure when com­pleted. Not any more! There are three observation decks here, all of which are very popular with locals and visitors alike. At 1,136 feet is the LookOut deck, at 1,168 feet is the hands-free outdoor EdgeWalk deck and at 1,465 feet is the SkyPod deck, which, on a clear day, provides a visibility of more than 160 kilometers. From the LookOut deck one must board a special elevator for the SkyPod that takes you up 33 storeys. Visitors come to SkyPod for a chance of spotting the famous Niagara Falls on the horizon. Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan Height: 1,456 ft. This is the world’s second-tallest structure and the tallest in Japan reaching a total height of 634 metres. The Sky Tree houses communica­tions satellites, television and radio broad­casting facilities, a restaurant and observation decks at various levels (the last level deck is a transparent spiral staircase with views all the way back down to busy street level). From the deck visitors may have views over To­kyo’s mind-boggling urban sprawl up to a distance as far as the iconic Mt. Fuji. Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China Height: 1,421 ft. The Canton Tower reaches a height of 600 metres and is located on the south bank of the Pearl River in the Haizhu district. The skyscraper has a spectacular design of two subtly twisting ellipses that is narrow at the ‘waist’, taking inspiration from the female body structure. In the evening time, the tower is beauti­fully lit with LED lights with changing colours and patterns. On special occa­sions fireworks are also launched from its sides. The tower is home to restaurants, entertainment rides and many lookout platforms. The observation deck located at 1,421 feet provides beautiful views of the city and over the Pearl River Delta. This deck has the Guinness World Record of being the world’s second-highest out­door observation deck. There are also the Cloud Observation Deck on the 107th Floor and the Star Observation Deck on the 108th floor that give visitors the chance to see the starry skies and clouds. There is also a space post office here. Apart from this there are many other attractions also like the Engineering Marvel Tour on the 109th and 110th floors, the Bubble Tram that has 16 glass cabins that take tourists to travel along a track circum­navigating the rooftop in about 30 minutes and the 100-foot freefall, the highest vertical free fall in the world. Skydeck at Willis Tower, Chicago, IL, USA Height: 1,353 ft. Often referred to as the Sears Tower, the Wil­lis Tower (renamed in 2009) in Chicago is a 110-storey skyscraper which, when completed in 1973, was the tallest building in the world. It held on to the title for quarter of a century. To­day it is the 16th tallest in the world and the 2nd tallest building in the United States. It overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan and being one of the biggest attractions in this part of the world, attracts more than 1.7 million visitors every year. There is an observation deck on the 103rd floor, the highest in the US. Elevators take visitors to the top in less than a minute and one can feel the sudden change of pressure. There is another observation deck on the 99th floor. Yet more exciting is The Ledge, installed in 2009, that comprised of all-glass boxes, including glass bottom that extend four feet out from the building to hover high above the street below. These are like glass bot­tom balconies and can give you butterflies in stomach as you look below. You must definitely not miss visiting here. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong, China Height: 1,289 ft. This is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the sixth tallest in China. It is home to the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton that occupies the floors 102 to 118. This tower also famously houses the Sky100 observation deck, a 360-degree indoor observation deck on the 100th floor. Lifts take visitors up the 100 floors in just about a minute. However, the build­ing lacks the floor numbers 4, 14, 24 and so on (as the number ‘4’ is regarded as inauspicious in many parts of Asia). Hence the actual floor numbering of the deck as well as the entire tower is disputed. The deck offers views of the Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbour, the Kowloon Peninsula and the highest peak of Tai Mo Shan in Hong Kong. Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan Height: 1,284 ft. This post-modernist structure is the tallest and largest LEED-certified building in the world and has a height of 509 metres. Opened in 2004, this building became the first one to cross the half kilometre mark. The structure of the build­ing is said to resemble a lotus blossom. It has three observation decks of which two are inside at the 89th floor and one juts outwards at the 91st floor. The decks can be reached in superfast elevators that climb 84 floors in just 37 seconds. Initially it was also claimed that these were the world’s fastest elevators, stating that it travelled at a speed of 17 metres per second. However, this has not been confirmed. The view from the 91st floor outdoor observa­tion deck can be a little dizzying and is open only when weather permits. One World Observatory, New York, USA Height: 1,250 ft. Located on the top of the One World Trade Centre, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Observatory deck on the 102nd floor is a ‘must visit’ for all visitors and locals in New York City. An elevator takes just about 60 seconds to take visitors up there. From there one can have views of all attractions of New York including Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Hudson and East rivers, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey. The observatory uses state-of-the-art technology and that enhances the quality of the experience for visitors. They can take an augmented reality tour of the skyline of New York by using a tablet to explore the city’s landmarks. As you go up the floors on the elevator, the floor to ceiling monitor gives a time-lapse recreation of the skyline of Manhattan. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 1,214 ft. When opened in 1998, the 452 metres-tall Petronas Twin towers held the record for the world’s tallest building, but that feather in the cap has since gone. Nonetheless, the twin towers did bring the country of Malaysia and city of Kuala Lumpur a lot of worldwide attention. The twin towers however continue to hold the record of being the tallest twin towers in the world and are connected by a double-decker bridge located at the 41st and 42nd floors. The observation deck is to be found on the 86th floor of the second tower. The tower was in the news when Alain Robert, the renowned French ‘Spiderman’, scaled the outside of the building by using only his bare hands and feet. He was arrested at the 60th level. Thankfully, for visitors, ascending is easier. There is a double-decker lift that takes one to the skywalk that joins the two buildings. From there one can continue to the floor obser­vation deck. One must keep in mind that being one of the most popular attractions in the city of Kuala Lumpur, visitors start queuing up for tickets as early as 6.30 in the morning. Empire State Building, New York, USA Height: 1,211 ft. One of the oldest skyscrapers in the world, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931. With a height of 443 metres to the tip, the iconic building remained the tallest in the world for nearly four decades and has been featured in numerous Hol­lywood movies ever since its completion. Although much overshadowed now as far as the height is concerned, the Empire State Building remains a cultural icon and a big tourist puller. It has two observa­tion decks, at the 86th and 102nd floor respectively. Its 86th floor outdoor deck is among the world’s most visited one and the one at 102nd floor is not quite as popular. The decks remain open until 2 am every night. Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai, China Height: 1,152 ft. This is the second tallest TV tower in China, and the sixth tallest in the world. Located in the Pudong District of Shanghai by the Huangpu River right opposite the Bund, this tower has a unique design, with three 7-meters-wide slanting stanchions support­ing its base. There are many spheres along the height of the tower, each housing variety of activities and recreation. Inside there is a 25-suite Space Hotel, a revolving restaurant and sightseeing floors. At night the exterior of the tower is decorated in colourful LED light. There is a Space Capsule sighting floor at 1,152 feet and double-decker elevators take visitors up there in the wink of an eye. The Shard, London United Kingdom Height: 1,076 ft. The historical city of London got its tallest building in the year 2013. Located near the Thames River and London Tower Bridge, this skyscraper has superfast elevators that climb 20 feet per second and take visitors to two observation decks at the 68th and 72nd floors respectively. One of the decks is indoors, and the other one is partially located outdoors. It provides a 360-degree view of the 1,000 years of the city’s history. While you look at the breathtaking views from the deck, there is a computer here that allows you to replace the current views with the corresponding historical views at the same place in London. While there are very few entries of tallest tow­ers and observation decks in Europe, the Shard holds a position of pride. It also houses the Shangri-La Hotel. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France Height: 906 ft. This wrought iron lattice tower was erected in Paris for the 1889 World Fair to act as the entrance to the big fair venue. For more than 40 years thereafter it remained as the world’s tallest manmade structure and one with the highest observation deck for 41 years. Initially the tower had come in for huge criticism from artists and intellectuals and the government even contemplated to bring it down. However, over the centuries it has become a cultural icon and the biggest landmark of the whole of France. While the total structure is 1,163 feet tall, the highest floor and observation deck is at 906 feet. There are three levels of observation decks with restaurants on the first and second levels. There are elevators to go up there but those looking to shed some calories may also climb the stairs, there are 300 stairs to reach the first level and 300 more to reach the second level. The Eiffel Tower of Paris is the most visited paid monument in the whole world and about 7 million people visit it every year. This also makes it the most popular observation deck in the world. KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Height: 906 ft. The highest viewpoint in the touristy city of Kuala Lumpur, this communications tower opened to the public in 1996, has a revolving restaurant and an observation deck that can be reached by super-fast elevators in less than a minute. It is the 7th tallest communications tower in the world and the tallest in Southeast Asia. The tower is also popular with sports enthusiasts and hosts a run up the interior staircase competition every year and is also a regular venue on the International BASE Jump Circuit. Stratosphere Tower, Las Vegas, USA Height: 869 ft. The Stratosphere is a Casino, Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas and its tower houses the tallest free-standing observation deck in the United States. The tower itself is 1,149 feet high but the observation deck is at a height of 869 feet. It is second in the world only to the CN Tower in Toronto. It provides two observation decks, a restau­rant and four ‘thrill rides’ that take visitors on an aerial show over the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas. Top of the Rock, New York, USA Height: 850 ft. Located on the rooftop of the iconic Rock­efeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, the Top of the Rock is the place to be in, if you want to have a bird’s eye view of the city of NYC. Up there one finds three indoor and outdoor viewing decks that provide a 360-degree view of the city. Opened in 1933, the Rockefeller Centre is a historic Art and Dine centre in the city of New York. The viewing deck is often said to have the best views in the city. The open deck also has a restaurant up there. Thyssenkrupp Test Tower, Rottweil, Germany Height: 761 ft. This is a test tower for elevators owned by the elevator manufacturer Thyssenkrupp. Visitors who go up the observation deck are rewarded with spectacular views, which on a clear day, can go up to the Swiss Alps since there are no other tall structures around. It is the tallest elevator testing tower in the whole world and acts like a laboratory for testing high-speed and innovative elevators. It is a twisty engineer­ing wonder and is currently the highest viewing deck in Germany. SkyTower, Auckland, New Zealand Height: 720 ft. Built as a part of the SkyCity Auckland Casino complex, this is a telecommunica­tion tower with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of Auckland, the ocean, and the rolling mountains of New Zealand. If you have vertigo, you may not want to visit the glass bottomed observation deck here. With a total height of 1,076 feet from ground level to the top mast, this tower is the tallest free standing structure in the southern hemisphere and the 25th tallest tower in the world. It also offers two types of adventure activities for the adventure aficionados at extra cost – the SkyWalk and the SkyJump. The SkyWalk provides walking on an open-air ledge, and the SkyJump offers breathtak­ing bungee plunge options. Both are at a height of 620 feet above the ground. The SkyTower is beautifully lit on special occasions like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day decorating the night skyline of the city of Auckland. Berliner Fernsehturm, Berlin Germany Height: 666 ft. Built as early as 1969 by the government of the then East Germany, this is the city’s iconic Radio and Television tower located in the famous Alexanderplatz area in cen­tral Berlin. Due to its location near Alex­anderplatz, it is also often called the Alex Tower. The tower was originally intended to be the symbol of Communist power here, but today it is a true symbol of Berlin city. It is the tallest structure in the entire country with a total height of 1,207 feet, although the viewing deck is not the tallest one. In addition to having a famous indoor observation deck, this tower also has a revolving restaurant and a bar and attracts more than a million people every year. Calgary Tower, Calgary, Canada Height: 627 ft. Originally called the Husky Tower, this observation tower was built to mark the centennial of Canada in 1967 and opened to the public in 1968. It was then the tallest structure in Calgary and the tallest in Canada outside of Toronto. It was once the world’s highest 360-degree-viewing observation deck, and became the found­ing member of the World Federation of Great Towers. There are colourful exterior light that are turned on daily between 5 in the morning and sunrise, and then again at dusk and at midnight. The Space Needle, Seattle, WA USA Height: 520 ft. Our last entry in the list of highest obser­vation decks is located in Seattle. Built in the Seattle Centre for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower measures 605 feet in height and has an observation deck and rotating restaurant at 520 feet. From the deck one can have a view of the Seat­tle skyline, Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, Elliott Bay and the nearby islands on the Bay. There are elevators to take you up there. Today the Space Needle is famous for having the world’s first revolving glass floor at the observation deck. Other observation decks Talking of the highest Observation decks in the world, it must be remembered that not all of them are located in towers. While in our Tower special issue, above we have presented the highest ‘Tower-based’ observation decks, the following should not escape a special mention. These are the other very high observation decks that are not located in towers. Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona, USA Height: 4,000 ft. This horse-shoe shaped skywalk is 10 feet wide and extends 70 feet out over the rim of the canyon at Eagle Point. The glass-bottomed observation deck, although actually at ground level, is located 4,000 feet above the floor of the Canyon below giving you bouts of vertigo. That makes it more than twice as high as the observation deck at Shanghai Tower or Burj Khalifa. It is a difficult walk for even the toughest hearted visitors. As a consequence, very few tourists actually go for a walk on this skywalk and prefer to take the helicopter ride instead. Yuanduan, Chongqing, China Height: 2,356 ft. This is the world’s longest glass skywalk making it one of the most terrifying tourist attractions in the world. The skywalk arches out 90 feet from a cliff’s edge in the Longgang National Geological Park in south-western China. With a height of 2,356 feet from the ground, this is also the highest observation point in the world, and only visitors with very strong heart conditions must visit here. Although the glass skywalk can hold up to 200 people at a time, only about 30 people are allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes. Stegastein Viewpoint, Flåm, Norway Height: 2,123 ft. This viewpoint juts out 100 feet over the Aur­landsfjord and is located half an hour north of Flåm in Norway. The viewpoint provides visitors with views across to the UNESCO World Herit­age Site of Næøyfjord. The viewpoint is located on the National Tourist Road and provides unparalleled views of the fjords. Dachstein Stairway to Nothingness, Austria Height: 1,300 ft. It is a suspension bridge with a viewing plat­form, a rather terrifying one at that. Located 1,300 feet above the Dachstein Massif, it presents spectacular views of the Austrian Alps and the rock-face below. Located an hour and a half’s drive southeast of Salzburg, the suspen­sion bridge is 100 metres long and located near the Dachstein Glacier. At the end of the bridge those with very strong hearts can descent 14 steps into a glass viewing platform that juts above the glacier. Future tallest Observation Deck Jeddah Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Height: 2,113 feet The Jeddah Tower, that is all set to be com­pleted in 2020, is going to be the future tallest building in the world with a total height of 3,280 feet (558 feet higher than the current tallest building Burj Khalifa). This building is set to become the first building in the world to surpass the distance of 1 kilometer in height. With that it is also planned to house the world’s highest observatory at 2,113 feet. The outdoor terrace at the deck is planned to be a huge one (697 square meters) that will overlook the Red Sea and have many glass bottomed panels to let visitors challenge their nerves.

Rock formations can be really interesting not only for a Geologist or a rock-climbing enthusiast, but also for tourists in general as they present a unique but beautiful picture of mother nature. There are notable rock formations all across the globe but in this issue we thought of focussing more on the beauty of our own land. Even when it comes to rocky landscape, India is a land of diversity and sheer magic. So, this is a list of all the major spectacular rock formations in India that a traveller must see at least once in a lifetime. Touriosity brings this Snapshot exclusively for its readers. 1. Savandurga monolithic hill Savandurga is a hill located about 60 km west of Bengaluru (Karnataka) off the Magadi Road. The hill is considered to be among the largest monolithic hills in Asia. The hill rises to 1,226 metres above the mean sea level and forms a part of the Deccan plateau. It consists of peninsular gneiss, granites, basic dykes and laterites and is worth visiting. The Savandi Veerabhadresh­wara Swamy and Narsimha Swamy temple at the foothill of it draw many pilgrims. In addition, this hill is also popular with adventurers, spelunkers and rock climbers. 2. Marble rocks of Bhedaghat Bhedaghat Marble Rocks are simply magical, to say the least. The entire 8 km stretch is formed by River Narmada near the city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The flowing water of the river has carved the soft marble on the banks in such a way that it looks like a beautiful white gorge. Locals here create beautiful figurines, by carving these marbles, which are exported across the country. 3. Krishna’s butterball Krishna’s Butterball is a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline in the historical town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. The boulder is approximately 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs around 250 tons. Legend has it that this pre­cariously balanced boulder is actually a chunk of stolen butter that was dropped by the Gods from heaven. This is one of the most photographed places in Mahabalipuram. 4. Anegundi This small village in Karnataka is believed to be the old king­dom of Kishkinda where monkey king Baali and Sugriva once ruled. There is a place which is believed to have ashes of Baali. There are many places in Anegundi which are associated with Ramayana. Hanumana was believed to have been born around this area. At Anegundi there is a prehistoric settlement called Onake Kindi. The boulders with rock art, a rock with some red and white markings had figures of human and bull. On another boulder there is a circular diagram like sun and moon and with some symbolism. Located close to Hampi, this place is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. 5. Mawsmai cave There is a network of underground caves at Mawsmai in Megha­laya. These caves are full of beautiful, and sometimes scary, stalac­tites and stalagmites. Fossils of pre-historic creatures preserved in time on the walls of the cave. Located close to Cherrapunji, this cave location has become quite popular with tourists nowadays. This is one of the explorable caves in Meghalaya. 6. Mahishashur Rock, Mahabalipuram Mahishasura Rock is positioned in Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) in Tamil Nadu. This is probably the most secret and most left out archaeological sculpture in the whole of Mahab­alipuram. Other rock-cut structures in the town like Five Rathas, the temples, Arjuna’s Penance or Krishna’s butterball are quite popular with tourists. 7. Dwar Ksuid, Mawsynram The name literally translates to ‘entrance to devil’s home’ in Khasi language. This place is a waterfall with a charming pool that has sprawling and rocky banks. The rock formations in the region are quite unique due to their unusual lotus-like shape 8. Mawmluh Also located in the northeast Indian state of Meghalaya, Mawm­luh Cave, locally known as Krem Mawmluh, is one of the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent. Situated very near to Cherra­punjee, there are multiple entries to this cave. It is a great thing to explore for the adventure minded. 9. Siddara betta Located in Tumkur, about 100 km from Bangalore, Siddara Betta is surrounded by rocky hills, caves and temples. Siddara Betta trek is an easy climb with scenic landscapes. The hills will mystify you with its rock-cut majestic appearance and its caves that enshire Lord Shiva. 10. Hyderabad unique rock formations For every visitor to the city of Hyderabad, the first few minutes of drive across the city brings something unique in sight. The city is home to a landscape that is replete with unique ancient rock for­mations. The spectacular rock formations come in various shapes and sizes – toadstools, mushroom rocks, hanging monsters, turtle back and so on. These rocks are said to have formed 2.5 bil­lion years ago due to spheroidal weathering, a kind of chemical weathering that creates rounded boulders and domed monoliths. 11. Yana Karst Rock formations, Karnataka Yana village is located in Karnataka in the Sahyadri Mountain Range in the Western Ghats and is known for unique rock formations. Yana is also regarded as the second cleanest village in India after Mawlynnong. This village is known for two mas­sive rock formations (limestone) which are found in the forests. These rocks are called Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. 12. Borra caves The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, are located along the eastern coast of India, in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Val­ley of the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh. These are very popular tourist attractions of the region. 13. Riverine potholes of Nighoj Nighoj is a village in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra. It is about 90 kilometres away from Pune and is famous for the naturally created potholes (locally called tinajas) on the riverbed of the Kukadi River. Experts from all over the world come here every year to study the phenomenon of their formation. This is the biggest geological attraction of Maharashtra and attracts tourists and geologists from all over. 14. Gandikota Canyon and Fort Gandikota is a small village in Andhra Pradesh. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota has a spectacular gorge that has been formed by River Pennar by cutting through the Erramala Hills. There are other attractions too. There is a fort here that got its name from this ‘gorge’ (which in Telugu is called ‘gandi’). It is called the Gandikota Fort and one finds it sitting majestically on the top of the gorge. The village is a true treasure for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. 15. Hogenakkal Falls Hogenakkal Falls is also often referred to as the Niagara Falls of India. It is a waterfall on the Kaveri river in the Dharmapuri dis­trict of Tamil Nadu. The place is located 180 km from Bangalore and 46 km from Dharmapuri. The entry of this falls in this list is due to the Carbonatite rocks here which are considered as the oldest of the kind in India and one of the oldest in the world. 16. Krem Liat Prah Cave One of the greatest attractions of Meghalaya, Krem Liat Prah is the longest natural cave in the country. It measures an unbeliev­able 25 km in length, so far as the discovery till date is con­cerned, there are chances that more parts of it are discovered in future. It is one of the 150 known caves in the Shnongrim Ridge of the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. For spelunkers, Meghalaya is truly a paradise. 17. Umngot Riverbed This is another rocky attraction of Meghalaya. Water of Umngot River is so clear that the river-bed can be seen even from a sus­pension footbridge located high above. A boat ride on the river can be a mesmerising experience for tourists. Looking at the water one discovers that the river-bed is clearly visible through the crystalline waters. 18. Columnar Basaltic rocks, St. Mary’s Island St. Mary’s Islands, also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar, are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka. These islands are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava. The volcanic rocks look like pillars and the formation dates back to more than 88 million years when Madagascar was attached to India and thereafter gradually rifted apart. 19. Belum Caves The Belum Caves is the second largest and longest cave system in India. These caves are known for speleothems, such as stalac­tite and stalagmite formations. The Belum Caves have long pas­sages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. The deepest point of the caves is called Paatalganga. 20. Balancing Rock, Jabalpur This roadside rock formation is comprised of a big oval stone steadied over another large stone. It is located at the base of the Madan Mahal Fort which is 6 km from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. These rocks are basically volcanic rock formation that have eroded over the years and have even withstood the trem­ors of big earthquakes. 21. Gilbert hill, Mumbai Gilbert Hill is a 200 ft monolith column of black basalt rock at Andheri, in Mumbai. The rock has a sheer vertical face and was formed when molten lava was squeezed out of the Earth’s clefts during the Mesozoic Era about 66 million years ago. 22. Natural Arch, Tirumala Natural Arch, Tirumala hills, a notified National Geo-heritage Monument, is a distinctive geological feature 1 km north of the Tirumala hills temple, near the Chakra Teertham in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The arch is also called Silathoranam in the local language. 23. Balancing Rock, Mahabalipuram The boulder, also known as Krishna’s butterball, is approximately 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs around 250 tons. 24. Phantom Rock, Wayanad Phantom Rock is a tourist destination in Ambalavayal in the district of Wayanad in Kerala. It is a natural metamorphic rock formation resembling a human skull, and thus is known as Phantom Rock. This structure is situated 17 km from Kalpetta and can be reached by trekking. 25. Pillar Rocks, Kodaikanal One of Kodaikanal’s most famous attractions, these three mam­moth rock pillars stand shoulder-to-shoulder, looming 400-ft-high in the sky. Affording a bird’s eye view of the surrounding vista, these granite structures are located at a distance of about 8 km from the lake tower, and encompasses little hidden nooks and crannies within them, which are great to explore. 26. Toad Rock, Mount Abu This is a rocky lookout point in Mount Abu in Rajasthan. From here one has views over the Nakki Lake. Toadlike shape of the rock distinguishes it from other rocks, and hence it is named so. 27. Himalayan Rock, Leh The Trans-Himalaya is made up of granitic and volcanic rocks formed from 110-40 million year ago. These igneous rocks in­truded the metamorphic and sedimentary rocks of the southern Tibetan block. 28. Nijagal Betta, Bengaluru There is a rock cut Hindu temple in Nijagal Betta, which is a rocky hill with caves. It is in the state of Karnataka and is very popular with trekkers. 29. Ramanagar Rocks, Ramanagaram The Closepet granites are a major geological feature of this region and are from the Lower Proterozoic era. This belt of rocks extends in the north-south direction in 50 km belt. This belt has younger potassic granites and is believed to separate two dis­tinct crustal blocks of Archaean age. The block to the west has low-grade granite-greenstone belts with iron-manganese ores and to the east are younger gneisses of granitic and granodior­itic composition with gold-bearing schist belts. 30. Sidlaphadi, Badami The natural rock bridge structure looks like a wide arch between two sandstone boulders (served as a roof). The rock structure has large, gaping holes in the arch and allows sunlight to enter inside which provides the required light for interiors. It was a shelter for hunter-gatherer prehistoric people. 31. Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, Bangalore Peninsular Gneiss is a term coined to highlight the older gneissic complex of the metamorphics found all over the Indian Peninsu­la. This term was first fashioned by W.F. Smeeth of the Mysore Geological Department in 1916 based on the first scientific study of this rock exposure 32. Bugle Rock Bugle Rock is a massive rock in the Basavanagudi area of South Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka. It is an abrupt rise above the ground of peninsular gneiss as the main rock formation and with an assessed age of about 3,000 million years. Bugle Rock has generated wide interest among the scientific community. 33. Hampi Boulders The Hampi’s boulder strewn landscape is one of the oldest exposed surfaces on earth. Unlike most of the mountain ranges, the boulder heaps of Hampi were not formed as a result of volcanic eruption or of any changes in the earth’s crust. The boulders were once part of gigantic granite monoliths. 34. Bear’s Nose, Shilparamam, Madhapur This is one of the unique rock formations in Hyderabad and is to be found in the Shilparamam area of Madhapur. 35. Cliff Rock, Jubilee Hills This is yet another unique rock formation in Hyderabad located at Jubilee Hills. 36. Monster Rock, Jubilee Hills Another beautiful rock formation in Jubilee Hills of Hyderabad, this is a single formation rock with no access. One has a good view from Nandagiri Hills. 37. Obelisk, Jubilee Hills It is a small single formation on Sidewalk in Jubilee Hills. 38. Sentinal Rock, Moula Ali It is a single formation with a few surrounding boulders. It is a good place for short climb. 39. Marble Rocks, Jabalpur The Marble Rocks is an area along the Narmada river in central India near the city of Jabalpur in Jabalpur District of Madhya Pradesh state. The river has carved the soft marble, creating a beautiful gorge of about 8 km in length. It is a popular Indian tourist destination. The local marble is mined and carved into various figures and transported all over India. 40. Kyllang Rock, Nongstoin Some 78 km away from Shillong is a unique giant rock made out of red granite. Kyllang Rock is a giant dome placed in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.