Travel

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Tongawallas of Sopore persist despite modernisation

Horse-drawn carriages have been the choice mode of transport for residents of Sopore, in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the pressure to modernise could take a toll on this environmentally-friendly option soon.

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These hidden Himalayan locales are perfect summer getaways

Craving a cool break from the heat of the plains? Head to these secluded Indian hill stations nestled in the Himalayas that are off the tourist map.

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Offbeat Buddhist heritage sites to add to your travel plans

As Buddhists across the world celebrate Buddha Purnima today, we take you to some lesser-known Buddhist heritage sites in India. From monasteries to ancient stupas, here are six destinations that will leave you awestruck.

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Swara Mountain Arts-the amalgamation of talent

Blending fun and learning, the Swara Mountain Arts Festival 2024 in Dharamshala brought together talented artists and mentors under one roof. Here are a few highlights from this vibrant event.

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Must-see museums showcasing Indian rural culture

Planning your next travel itinerary? Here are five fascinating museums across the country that will bring you closer to the vibrant cultural heritage of India.

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Top 7 river rafting sites across India for the perfect summer break

Taking off to the countryside to enjoy a break this summer? Why not marry the charms of the outback with a thrilling sport? We list some exciting destinations across India that offer you an opportunity to indulge in river rafting.

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The best regional summer festivals of 2024 

As the summer vacations approach, Village Square does a round-up of exciting regional festivals that you can head to this year.

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Stay at these lovely homestays to explore Sanchi, Bhimbetka in MP

An hour out of Bhopal, the village of Khari offers guests comfortable homestays run by villagers and nearby attractions such as the Kesla Dam, Bhimbetka caves and the Sanchi Stupa. Village Square does a recce.

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Escaping Mumbai’s heatwave in spectacular Spiti

Earlier in April, I went to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, momentarily escaping Mumbai’s brutal heat and humidity. Nestled at 14,000 ft., its cold, snow-covered mountainous landscape, sustainable living, and mystical beauty is truly a ‘world within worlds’ as Rudyard Kipling described it.

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The many shades of Varanasi ghats

Take a journey through the vibrant, colorful and iconic ghats of Varanasi - from bustling markets to tranquil sunrises and sacred evening aartis.

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5 offbeat Himalayan heritage sites to tick off your bucket list

On this World Heritage Day we shortlist five lesser-known historical sites from India’s Himalayan states that you can plan to visit as temperatures peak this summer.

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Art, spiritualism and more to delight you at this Dharamshala fest

Get ready to participate in uplifting workshops and performances by eminent artists like Piyush Mishra, Raj Zutshi, Navtej Johar and others at Swara Mountain Arts Festival at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The six-day event begins on April 21.

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Asia’s largest tulip garden and its 17 lakh blooms

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Nestled in the foothills of Zabarwan, Asia's largest tulip garden emerges as a rainbow of colours as different varieties of tulips blossom attracting tourists from all over the country.

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Celebrating the arrival of spring with the Fagli festival

Fagli, celebrated across Himachal Pradesh to mark the transition of the season from winter to spring, is a significant and colourful festival with traditional music and dance that brings communities together.

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Explore the village ways with this Uttarakhand venture

Village Ways, a social enterprise, takes tourists on walking tours of five villages within Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. This is a win-win not just for the visitors but also the hosts, who are all local residents.

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Exciting village festivals you can attend this March

Spring is here! And rural India is getting ready to celebrate the blooming season with festivities that reflect each region’s cultural richness. These are some of the most vibrant festivals you can enjoy this March.

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100-yr-old shawls to WW-II objects, Manipur woman preserves relics

From old traditional attire to ‘Mickey Mouse money’, Vasai Zimik Ringkhanring from Sirarakhong village in Manipur owns a collection of over 1,000 historical artefacts amassed over 20 years

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Display of India-Bangladesh friendship at Tripura’s Akhaura post

Akhaura, 10 km from Agartala, serves as a vital land port connecting India and Bangladesh. A zero line, marked near Agartala-Akhaura check post, symbolises camaraderie. On Bangladesh's Victory Day, guards exchange greetings, sweets, and flowers.

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Dry winter hits Gulmarg tourism

Kashmir’s Gulmarg doesn't have much snow this season. A dry winter has been devastating to Gulmarg, one of Asia’s highest ski resorts, in India.

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Pristine beauty meets cultural riches in Reiek

Reiek, a hidden gem celebrated for its unspoiled beauty in the heart of Mizoram, has earned its place among the country’s best tourism villages, captivating adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.