Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the state's winter pilgrimage initiative has been extended to a year-round event.Taking to X, CM Dhami wrote, "Under the guidance of the respected Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, our double engine government has started the winter pilgrimage. Now the pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is being conducted for the entire 12 months instead of 6 months."The move comes as part of a broader strategy to increase the state's tourism and promote spiritual travel throughout the year. The winter pilgrimage, which was previously limited to the colder months, now allows devotees to visit the Char Dham temples in all seasons."Devotees are getting spiritual experience by visiting the winter seat of Char Dham and at the same time, in view of the winter season, the number of tourists is also increasing at various tourist places in the state," Dhami said.He further wrote that the initiative would not only benefit religious tourism but also create significant local employment opportunities."Through this visionary initiative of the Prime Minister, on the one hand, travel is being conducted throughout the year in the state and on the other hand, local people are also getting new employment opportunities," Dhami added. Also Read: Taj Mahal clears of fog as Varanasi records surge in winter tourists This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 January,2025 01:05 PM IST | Uttarakhand | ANIGlobal travel app, Skyscanner today has released its ‘Wanderlost’ report, revealing that 94 per cent of Indian travellers tend to overthink their holiday plans, making it harder for them to commit to a trip. The report offers a closer look at how Indian travellers plan for the year ahead, with nearly half (49 per cent) already planning their next getaway. It further highlights the key factors that shape their travel decisions and what often holds them back from booking their next adventure. January is all about fresh beginnings and the perfect time to map out 2025 adventures, with 89 per cent of Indians using this month to make important decisions for the year ahead. However, for 75 per cent of Indian travellers, the process of planning a trip can feel overwhelming - almost as much as figuring out their relationship goals. Key stressors like the fear of making a less-than-perfect choice (96 per cent), cost concerns (95 per cent), and overthinking (94 per cent) hold many back from booking their holidays. Travellers also tend to be extra cautious about their travel plans, revisiting their options multiple times—whether it's flights (41 per cent), hotels (35 per cent), or activities (30 per cent) — to make sure everything is perfect before they hit 'book'. The travel application's 'Wanderlost' report uncovers this growing travel planning stress experienced by Indian travellers. Mohit Joshi, travel and destinations expert shares, “Planning a trip should be exciting, but for many, it can feel like a daunting task. Our Wanderlost report highlights that over 1 in 5 (22 per cent) Indian travellers take up to a month to finalise their holiday plans – a timeframe akin to deciding on higher education! Despite this, nearly half (45 per cent) Indians ended up taking more holidays than they originally planned in 2024. He adds, "At Skyscanner, we want to fuel this passion for travel and make the planning experience hassle-free. Whether seeking great deals or new destinations, our money-saving tools and features are designed to simplify every step of the trip planning process. When flexible with dates, our Cheapest Month feature reveals the most budget-friendly time to fly and helps you discover the most cost-effective month to visit any destination. Meanwhile, our Explore Everywhere search inspires travellers to uncover incredible destinations within their budget, all ranked by price. With a wealth of travel hacks and tips available, we want to ensure 2025 is the year when travel dreams take flight.” To further explore the mental strain behind this phenomenon, Skyscanner collaborated with neurology doctor and neuroscientist Dr. Faye Begeti, neurology doctor and neuroscientist who explains, ‘Wanderlost,’ a state of indecision during travel planning, stems from mental fatigue. Planning a holiday can feel overwhelming, especially when each decision - whether it’s choosing a destination or booking flights, hotels, and activities - requires significant mental effort. When a choice is difficult to make, it’s often because we need to shift our attention between various options, compare them and analyse the pros and cons. The constant mental juggling of information, particularly when it’s scattered across multiple online sources, relies heavily on our prefrontal cortex and can drain our cognitive resources, further amplified by the pressure to make the ‘perfect’ choice. This can turn the usual excitement of ‘wanderlust’ into the exhaustion of ‘wanderlost.’ I’m glad to be working with Skyscanner to help travellers overcome this challenge.” Brain hacks to overcome the 'Wanderlost' feeling Tackle 'Wanderlost' with these five neuroscience-backed exercises, developed with Dr. Faye Begeti, to help travellers simplify decisions and plan confidently for 2025 1. Combat decision fatigue: Decision fatigue can overwhelm your brain, making even simple choices feel exhausting. Narrowing down your options is key. 2. Prioritise key decisions early: Tackle the big decisions - like selecting flights or accommodation - when your mental energy is highest. For less important choices, adopt a "good enough" approach. If a choice meets your criteria, select it and move on to avoid overthinking and decision fatigue. 3. Balance mental energy with the right holiday: Choose a holiday that aligns with your mental state. If you're feeling mentally overloaded, opt for a nature-focused retreat to reduce sensory input and recharge. If you’re under-stimulated, consider a city break or an adventure holiday for a burst of novelty and excitement. 4. Leverage anticipatory dopamine: Our brain thrives on anticipation, making the build-up to a holiday feel as exciting as the trip itself so use it to your advantage. Bookmark your dream destinations in a saved list and revisit them as you refine your plans, making the planning a less stressful and more exciting experience. 5. Break free from routine: As we get older, time can feel like it’s moving faster, often because we get stuck in familiar routines. Overcome the status quo bias that keeps you locked into these patterns. Try stepping out of your comfort zone when planning your holiday and explore unexpected destinations; this can lead to more memorable experiences.
08 January,2025 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEvery year, Indians set their travel goals for the next six to 12 months. While that comes from everything they have heard, it is also influenceed by the amount of money need to save up to travel to the destinatons. While some spend lavishly, there are others who look at affordable options to see more places. According to Skycscanner's latest report, one in three Indian travellers (31 per cent) are inspired by affordable travel destinations, while almost one in four (23 per cent) are motivated by knowing the cheapest places to visit. In 2024, high costs were a key barrier for Indian travellers, with 32 per cent citing it as the reason for taking fewer holidays. Global travel app Skyscanner has curated a list of the best value-for-money locations for 2025 that Indian travellers can look forward to, with prices as low as Rs 8,390. Cheapest Destinations for 2025 Flight prices in 2025 1 Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh From Rs 8,390 2 Kochi, Kerala From Rs 9,898 3 Jaisalmer, Rajasthan From Rs 9,898 4 New Delhi, India From Rs 10,220 5 Phnom Penh, Cambodia From Rs 12,262 6 Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir From Rs 12,370 7 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia From Rs 17,425 8 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates From Rs 22,588 9 Muscat, Oman From Rs 22,588 10 Davao, Philippines From Rs 23,557 While one may think about the basis of cheapest destinations, the application has said that the methodology includes "analysis of millions of flight bookings and calculated the median return economy seat price for all departure cities within each market. The analysis covers all departure and return dates in 2025, based on data available as of November 2024. It includes both direct and connecting flights, while excluding promotional fares and sales to focus on standard economy pricing. The top 10 destinations were then carefully curated by considering additional factors such as traveller suitability ensuring the list is both data-driven and highly relevant for travellers."
08 January,2025 03:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTravel booking platform MakeMyTrip on Wednesday announced it has introduced a part payment option for travellers to get a confirmed booking on international flights by paying between 10 to 40 per cent of the total fare upfront. The exact percentage of the upfront payment will be determined by factors such as the airline, travel sector, and the advance purchase window. The remaining balance must be paid either before the travel date or within 45 days of booking, whichever comes first, at no additional cost. "This industry-first feature addresses a common pain point for travellers, particularly larger families or groups, who may find it challenging to pay the entire ticket amount upfront when booking an international flight. Users opting for the part payment option can modify their confirmed bookings after completing the full payment as per fare rules," MakeMyTrip said in a statement. Saujanya Shrivastava, chief operating officer -- Flights, Holidays & Gulf, MakeMyTrip, said, "This industry-first part-payment feature exemplifies our commitment, empowering more Indians to book international flights with greater convenience and flexibility." The initial response has been encouraging, with adoption observed among solo travellers, pairs, and families for both long-haul and short-haul international flights, the company said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 January,2025 01:48 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThailand welcomed more than 35 million international tourists in 2024, surpassing the government's target, as the country strives to revive its sluggish economy, officials said Monday. The nation's vital tourism sector accounts for almost 20 percent of its GDP but has struggled in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and changing traveller habits. More than 35 million visitors visited the kingdom in 2024, around four million shy of its pre-pandemic high in 2019, according to the Ministry of Sports and Tourism. China has reclaimed its position as the top source of visitors in Thailand -- after seeing a decline post-pandemic -- with more than six million visitors last year, followed by Malaysia and India. The kingdom -- known for its pristine beaches and iconic temples -- generated more than 1.6 trillion baht ($46 billion) from tourist spending in 2024, according to tourism minister Sorawong Thienthong. The Thai government under former prime minister Srettha Thavisin introduced a number of measures to attract foreign visitors, including a free visa programme for Chinese and Indian tourists. After exceeding its target of 35 million tourists in 2024, the government has set a target of 39 million visitors in 2025. The World Bank has estimated that the country will exceed its pre-pandemic level in 2025, but tourists are spending less than they did before. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | AFPIn celebration of the New Year, Vietjet, Vietnam new-age carrier, presents an exciting opportunity for flyers to enjoy free hot air balloon rides during the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, India’s largest event of its kind. Passengers who book Vietjet flights by January 19 for travel between India and Vietnam (including connecting flights) will have a chance to experience this thrilling adventure. Passengers who book flights on Vietjet’s official website (www.vietjetair.com) or mobile app by January 19 can enjoy a free ride on the Vietjet balloon at the festival. Simply present your Vietjet flight ticket or boarding pass at the Vietjet booth to claim this exclusive offer, available on a first-come, first-served basis (*). Additionally, Indian flyers can avail Vietjet’s special Friday promotion every week, which offers tickets starting at INR 11 + taxes and fees (**). This deal is available on all Vietjet international routes with flexible travel dates (***). The 10th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, will take place across three cities and towns in the state of Tamil Nadu: Chennai (Jan 10-12), Pollachi (Jan 14-16), and Madurai (Jan 18-19). During the event, hot air balloons from more than eight countries will be flown in various shapes and colours. Vietjet has been instrumental in connecting travellers by air between Vietnam and India, now operating flights connecting New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Vietnam’s largest cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In 2024, the airline continued to expand its global reach by launching new routes and adding new aircraft to meet the growing demand, including the increasing number of travellers from India. (*) Terms & conditions apply. For more information about the festival, please visit its official website at www.tnibf.com(**) One-way ticket fare includes taxes and fees(***) Excluding public holidays and peak seasons
07 January,2025 04:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentWith only one week left for the Maha Kumbh Mela, thousands of devotees along with sadhus and saints from across India and the world have started arriving in Prayagraj. In this grand spiritual gathering, Naga sadhus have been captivating people with their special attire and Hatha yoga practice. Among them, Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri Maharaj has become a topic of discussion at the Mahakumbh Mela. He performs a remarkable ritual every morning at 4 am, bathing with 61 pots of cold water despite the biting cold when most people prefer to stay indoors during such freezing early hours. Pramod Giri Maharaj follows this by applying ash to his body and sitting by the sacred fire for meditation. The notable aspect is that the number of pots he uses increases daily. Speaking to ANI, Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri Maharaj of Atal Akhara said that he undertakes this practice for the welfare of humanity and society, with no selfish motive behind it. "We undertake this practice for the welfare of humanity and society, with no selfish motive behind it. With a mala in one hand and a bhala in the other, we are ready to stand for Sanatan Dharma whenever necessary. This is my ninth year of performing this Hatha Yoga practice, and as long as the grace of Guru Maharaj is with us, we will continue doing it," Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri said. He added that as naga sanyasi performing tapasya has been their main purpose for ages. "We are naga sanyasi, and performing tapasya has been our purpose for ages. Our gurus have followed this path, and we are continuing this tradition. The ritual bath with pots typically lasts for 41 days, but due to space and time constraints at the Mahakumbh Mela, we have reduced it to 21 days. From the very first day, the ritual began with water from 51 pots, as you have seen. I sit in one place, and people pour water over me from these pots. The number of pots increases day by day--three on some days, two on others. Today, there were 61 pots. When the 21 days are complete, we will perform the ritual bath with water from 108 pots," Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri said. "On the 14th, we Nagas will have our first Shahi Snan. On that day, this ritual will be the most challenging for me, as I will perform this ritual here first and then proceed for the Shahi Snan. After bathing, we apply ash to our bodies while still wet, and it remains on us throughout the day," he added. The Mahakumbh held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj. Over 45 crore devotees are expected to attend the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). #WATCH | Mahakumbh 2025 | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Naga Sadhu Pramod Giri Maharaj performs 'Hatha Yoga' in the Mahakumbh Mela by bathing with 61 pots of water. He performs this remarkable ritual every morning at 4:00 AM. pic.twitter.com/AWIPwthx9O — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025
07 January,2025 10:52 AM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIThe Taj Mahal, which had been veiled by thick fog over the past three days, experienced improved visibility this morning, allowing visitors to enjoy its iconic beauty under a lighter mist. Locals noted that earlier foggy conditions had significantly reduced visibility, making it challenging to view the monument clearly. However, today's clearer weather offered a much-improved sight for tourists. While the temperature in Agra was recorded at 12.4 degree Celsius at 8 am on Monday morning, a severe cold wave continues to grip Varanasi and the broader Purvanchal region. The temperature was recorded at 11.8 degrees Celsius at 8 am on Monday, with cold keeping many indoors. Despite the chill, Varanasi, renowned as the city of spirituality, is witnessing a remarkable increase in religious tourism this winter. The CEO of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Vishwabhushan Mishra, highlighted a notable shift in travel trends during winter vacations. "In the past, families usually opted for hill stations or coastal destinations during holidays. However, there is now a growing inclination toward spiritual destinations like Varanasi," he stated. This season, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has recorded an unprecedented influx of devotees. Families, including children and elderly members, have been lining up to offer prayers at the temple despite the harsh weather. The surge in visitors is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the rising popularity of religious tourism. Long queues of worshippers underscore a broader transformation in holiday preferences, with pilgrimage sites like Varanasi emerging as preferred destinations. Mishra observed, "This trend signifies a new era in tourism, where faith and spirituality are taking precedence over conventional holiday plans." The cold wave gripping the region has not deterred the steady flow of devotees, showcasing deep spiritual devotion. Varanasi continues to attract tourists from across the country, cementing its status as a key winter destination. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
06 January,2025 01:01 PM IST | Agra (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIAs many tourists visit Agra every year to marvel at the Taj Mahal, the last weekend saw many people struggle to see the celebrated Indian monument. It was because the city was covered in a thick fog and with that the monument was also shrouded for eager visitors coming to see it over three days. Locals had noted that earlier foggy conditions had significantly reduced visibility, making it challenging to view the monument clearly. Many seem to have come and left but not without taking photos of the ivory white monument. It was built between 1631 and 1653 in Uttar Pradesh by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz to house her tomb in it; the mausoleum also houses his tomb. Over the years, many lovers have visited the city to see it as it has grown to become a symbol of love. So imagine, when many of them and other tourists from all over were not able to see it in its full splendour. Some tourists had a funny take on it, as they pointed towards the monument while sitting on the bench, but not much appeared of it appeared in the photo, except a dense fog. However, that did not deter them from spending time there. In the latest update, the fog has cleared a bit improving visibility. The temperature in Agra was recorded at 12.4 degree Celsius at 8 am this morning.
06 January,2025 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUttar Pradesh is all set to host Mahakumbh 2025, one of the most anticipated spiritual gatherings and tourism events in the country. While the Uttar Pradesh government has made several provisions to make the pilgrims’ experience more efficient, they are also pulling out all stops to highlight the event’s importance on the global stage. Yogi Adityanath government is set to showcase the state's tourism offerings at the International Tourism Trade Fairs in Spain’s Madrid and Germany’s Berlin. Mahakumbh is set to be presented as a cultural heritage of humanity, highlighting its spiritual, historical and cultural significance. The state’s tourism department has meticulously prepared to present the grandeur on the global stage, ensuring maximum visibility at both international fairs. Invites will also be sent to people from across the world to experience this event while also showcasing other diverse tourism offerings and special attractions of Uttar Pradesh. The tourism fairs will feature thematic grand pavilions focusing on Mahakumbh 2025 and Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural legacy. A 40-square-meter pavilion will be constructed at the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), scheduled from January 24 to 28 in Madrid, Spain, displaying the tourism attractions of the state. Similarly, another 40-square-meter pavilion will be set up at the ITB Berlin Fair, which will take place from March 4 to 6, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. To maximise global engagement, VVIP lounges will be constructed at both fairs, facilitating B2B and B2C sessions. Promotional materials will be made available in multiple languages, including English and local European languages, to ensure wider outreach. Culture and tourism at Mahakumbh 2025 Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to provide a major boost to Indian tourism. Various events and programmes will be arranged to showcase Indian culture and spiritual heritage. The Uttar Pradesh Pavilion, spanning 5 acres near Nagavasuki Temple, will showcase the state’s tourism circuits (e.g., Ramayana Circuit, Krishna-Braj Circuit, Bundelkhand Circuit) and feature a handicrafts market along with cultural programmes. Performances of classical music, dance and exhibitions on India’s spiritual heritage will also be organised. (With inputs from IANS) Also Read: From travel to health, know all about the special provisions at Mahakumbh 2025
04 January,2025 08:22 PM IST | Prayagraj | mid-day online correspondentA total of 64.5 million passengers were carried on international routes by scheduled Indian and foreign operators in the January-November period of 2024, witnessing a growth of 11.4 per cent from the same period in 2023 (58 million air travellers), according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Out of the 64.5 million passengers last year, 29.8 million passengers were carried by Indian carriers while 34.7 million passengers were carried by foreign carriers, the data showed. In the January-November period, domestic airlines operated a total number of 1.02 million flights, carrying a total of 146.4 million passengers, against 0.97 million flights carrying a total of 138.2 million scheduled passengers during the previous year 2023 (January-November), according to the earlier data shared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “The number of domestic passengers carried by scheduled domestic Indian carriers has witnessed a growth of 5.9 per cent in the year 2024 as compared to the previous year 2023 during the same period,” said the ministry. Marking a new record, domestic air passenger traffic crossed 5 lakh for the first time in a single day on November 17, 2024. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, which came into force on January 1, is aimed at modernising India’s aviation sector by re-enacting the Aircraft Act, 1934, in alignment with contemporary needs and global standards. The new legislation will foster indigenous manufacturing under ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, align with international conventions like the Chicago Convention and ICAO, and streamline regulatory processes, such as simplifying the issuance of licenses, said the government. As part of the expansion, significant infrastructure development last year included laying the foundation for new terminals at Varanasi, Agra, Darbhanga and Bagdogra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also inaugurated airports in Sarsawa, Rewa and Ambikapur, strengthening regional connectivity. The government has also accorded 'in-principle' approval for setting up of 21 Greenfield Airports across the country. “In order to promote gender equality in aviation section, an advisory has been issued for stakeholders to increase the number of women in various positions to 25 per cent by 2025 in India's aviation industry,” according to the ministry. Also Read: 15 per cent of India’s pilots are women, notes PM Modi Moreover, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, has been driving adoption of conventional sources of energy at airports reducing the carbon footprint of operations. According to the ministry, 80 airports have switched over to 100 per cent green energy usage, with 12 airports making the switch in 2024. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 January,2025 11:21 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
