Category: Travel

Kashi: Symbol of Godly presence wrapped in austerity

Arijit Bose

Varanasi: Kashi (Varanasi), often referred to as the spiritual capital of India, is not only a hub of religious and cultural significance but also a substantial driver of revenue. We look into the multifaceted role of Kashi as a spiritual hub and a revenue generator, supported by data and statistics: Kashi as a Spiritual Hub Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism Significance: Kashi is revered as one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and attracts millions of pilgrims annually to sites like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the ghats of the Ganges, and…

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Parks in Lucknow: A Blend of Heritage, Modernity, and Community Spirit

Arijit Bose

Lucknow: Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and architectural marvels. Beyond its historical edifices and bustling markets, the city’s parks hold a special place in the hearts of its residents. These green oases not only provide solace amidst urban chaos but also reflect the city’s evolving identity. Each park in Lucknow tells a story, blending heritage with modernity and fostering a sense of community. A Glimpse into History: The Origins of Lucknow’s Parks The tradition of lush gardens in Lucknow dates back…

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Yellow Taxis: The Kolkata Experience

Arijit Bose

Kolkata: Kolkata’s yellow taxis are more than just a mode of transport—they’re an iconic part of the city’s identity, deeply embedded in its culture and everyday life. These vintage cars, with their distinctive mustard-yellow paint and quintessential charm, offer a nostalgic slice of Kolkata’s character. 1. The Iconic Hindustan Ambassador The yellow taxis of Kolkata are predominantly Hindustan Ambassadors, a car model that became synonymous with reliability and class in India. Manufactured in Kolkata by Hindustan Motors until production ceased in 2014, the Ambassador holds a special place in the…

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Architecture in Kolkata: A Unique Colonial Feel

Arijit Bose

Kolkata: Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, boasts an architectural heritage that reflects a fascinating blend of colonial grandeur and indigenous creativity. Once the capital of British India (1773–1911), the city retains structures that echo its colonial past while coexisting with traditional Bengali architecture. Here’s a look at what makes Kolkata’s architecture unique: 1. Victorian and Neo-Classical Splendor The British colonial rule left an indelible mark on Kolkata’s skyline, introducing architectural styles such as Victorian, Gothic, and Neo-Classical. Victoria Memorial: A stunning blend of British and Mughal architectural styles, the Victoria…

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In the gumshoe of Himalaya – HIMACHAL PRADESH

Arijit Bose

Navneet Bansal Shimla/ Lucknow: Himachal Pradesh, often referred to as the “Fruit Bowl of India,” is indeed a stunning destination nestled in the Western Himalayas. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture earn it the titles “DevBhumi” (Land of Gods) and “Veer Bhumi” (Land of Bravery) also. With its picturesque valleys, it attracts tourists from all over, offering everything from serene trekking routes to vibrant local festivals.The state’s diverse attractions range from the lush apple orchards of Kufri to the historical temples of Chamba and the adventure sports in…

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In Lucknow, power of written word rules supreme

Arijit Bose

Lucknow: Lucknow, long celebrated for its rich cultural and literary heritage, is witnessing a revival of its literary flair through a growing number of literary festivals. These events are fostering intellectual dialogue and bringing a renewed interest in literature to the city, which has historically been a hub for writers, poets, and scholars. Here’s how Lucknow is rejuvenating its literary scene with lit fests: 1. Platform for Emerging Voices: Literary festivals in Lucknow, such as the Lucknow Literature Festival and Lucknow Book Fair, are providing a stage for emerging authors,…

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Kolkata: Where modernity meets tradition

Arijit Bose

Kolkata: Kolkata, often referred to as the “City of Joy,” presents a unique blend of modernity and tradition, reflecting its dynamic evolution while staying rooted in its cultural and historical heritage. Here’s how Kolkata stands as both modern and pristine: 1. Urban Infrastructure Meets Colonial Grandeur: The city’s skyline is increasingly dotted with sleek high-rises, modern shopping malls, and IT parks, particularly in areas like Salt Lake and New Town. Yet, the city’s colonial-era buildings, such as the iconic Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Raj Bhavan, are preserved as pristine…

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Darjeeling : Beyond the Obvious

Arijit Bose

Kolkata: Darjeeling is often seen through the lens of its tea gardens, the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga, and the heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. However, several unseen aspects contribute to its unique charm, culture, and history: 1. Indigenous Communities and Their Traditions: Darjeeling is home to a vibrant mix of communities, including the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Gorkhas. While the Gorkha identity is well-known, the intricate traditions and cultural practices of the Lepcha community, Darjeeling’s original inhabitants, are less explored. Their folklore, craftsmanship, and eco-centric lifestyle are unique aspects of Darjeeling’s…

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Can Ayodhya play tourism capital ?

Arijit Bose

Ayodhya: Developing Ayodhya as the tourism capital of India would be a multifaceted endeavor, drawing on its historical, cultural, and religious significance. The city’s association with Lord Ram, and the ongoing construction of the Ram Mandir, provides a focal point for tourism, but a successful strategy would require diversifying the tourism experience. Here’s how Ayodhya could evolve: Religious Tourism Hub: Ayodhya’s identity as the birthplace of Lord Ram has always attracted pilgrims. The completion of the Ram Mandir is expected to draw millions of visitors annually. To capitalize on this,…

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Four women from Maharashtra travelled to Ayodhya by bicycle

Arijit Bose

Ayodhya: Four women above forty, including a woman head constable of Maharashtra Police, a homeopathy doctor and two housewives, reached Ayodhya in fourteen days after cycling 1350 kilometers. All of them visited and worshipped Lord Rama here. These cyclists from Chiplun Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, after worshipping at the Peshwa period temple located at Tulsibaug in Pune, left for Ayodhya on 21st September. They include Jyoti Paranjape, 59 years old, housewife, Rama Karmarkar, 47 years old, Head Constable of Maharashtra Police, Dr. Ashwani Ganpatye, 45 years old, Homeopathy doctor, and Dhanashree Gokhale,…

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