The Phyang monastery in Ladakh, in the Indian Himalayas, plans to combine Western science with Buddhist cosmology to draw stargazing tourists to the desert region of Jammu and Kashmir state.
In April, the monks at the monastery, which dates back to 1515, will open an “astrohub”. The inspiration for it came after one of their number visited a Ladakh homestay run.
The rise of revenge travel post Covid-19 second wave
As restrictions ease and temperature soars, tourists throng to the hills and throw caution to wind by not following Covid safety norms
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It is why many have been flocking to the hills, and even flouting important Covid- 19 norms. (Photo | Express)
Express News Service
As soon as Himachal opened its borders, a few people started coming in to visit. But when the government announced that no RTPCR test or E-Pass was required any longer, so many people just packed their bags and ran towards the hill state. But at Meenabagh, RT-PCR test is mandatory, because this property is around a residential area,” notes Sanjay Austa, Owner, Meenabagh Homes, with a property in Shimla and Ratnari.
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2 Tucked away in picturesque locations, homestays in rural areas offer a glimpse of the local culture, traditions, besides freshly cooked organic vegetables. Pics courtesy: Meena Bagh Ratnari, Kotkhai, Shimla, & Sunshine Himalayan Cottage, Banjar, Kullu
Pratibha Chauhan
When Ashim and Garima from Gurugram planned a trip with their children to Manali, they skipped the luxury hotel they usually stayed at and booked a quaint rural homestay. “We were yearning to go on a holiday but didn’t want to compromise on health. We zeroed in on a cosy homestay since there was lesser chance of exposure to Covid,” says Ashim. Garima adds, “The 20-minute trek to the cottage was exhilarating, especially for our kids. The experience was surreal, virtually transporting us to a magic land amid apple orchards. With a kitchenette and a balcony to the mud-plastered rooms, it was the laidback holiday I had always dreamed of.”
The 2021 holiday dream-list: Unusual luxury journeys into India’s hinterland
International travel is unlikely to open anytime soon and Goa is packed to the gills with tourists, a situation likely to spill over into 2021. Eschew the crowds and the banal with our guide to rediscover India through these destinations and experiences. You may never want to leave. January 02, 2021 / 07:09 AM IST
Assam river cruises: Assam Bengal Navigation, India’s long-distance river cruises, is designed to champion the local. For every cabin or room booked, the cruise company contributes 5 percent to environmental, education and local community development efforts in Assam and Bengal. A private cruise aboard Assam Bengal Navigation’s M.V. Rudra Singha is an ode to luxury: premium accommodation in an air-conditioned wooden houseboat that navigates the mighty Brahmaputra River. There is a private butler onboard and a guide or naturalist on hand. Expect to enjoy sundowners with an alluring su