November 2018 – VAGABOND IMAGES

Jagmandir- island palace meant for fun and recreation

Upendra SwamiNovember 29, 20182064 Views7

Udaipur is famous world over as City of Lakes and is among the top cities in India to attract foreign tourists. Owing to its natural beauty, serene calm and rich heritage, it has also been most popular among loving couples for their most affectionate moments. So much so, that when the trend of destination weddings picked up at the start of this century, Udaipur was one of the top picks. People even started to call it as wedding capital of India. For many celebrities across the world, a wedding or engagement or a pre-wedding or post-wedding event or a Mehendi ceremony or a Sangeet ceremony at Udaipur is an essential part of their nuptial ceremonies. The trend continues with the about to happen wedding in Ambani household when a pre-wedding event is scheduled in December at an Udaipur Hot...

International

Get the wishes from Santa himself, hand-delivered at Lapland!

Upendra SwamiNovember 20, 20181012 Views0

Over the time Santa has become a character transcending the boundaries of festival, community and religion. He is being loved everywhere. The Christmas tree, gifts, and Santa Claus hat have become part of a celebration across countries and communities. He has become the ultimate wishmaster. That is why people around the world write to him and he perhaps wishes fortune to all of them. To many, Santa Claus is a mythological character. So, while Saint Nicholas was indeed a 4th century historical figure, his embodiment as Santa has continued for centuries as an icon for peace, joy, giving and caring. Hence all those in need used to convey their wishes to Santa. Thus a tradition to write letters to Santa, specially around Christmas came into being. But where all these letters go? There are m...

India

A full moon day with hand full of festivities!

Upendra SwamiNovember 17, 20182893 Views5

It is indeed the most eventful day of the yearly calendar, also one of the most auspicious. Kartik Purnima is day to travel and relish the different cultures, this day has to offer. It is the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, and most likely it falls in calendar month of November. I am not in praise of this day just because my b’day falls on this day every year as per the Hindu calendar, it is revered for many other reasons as well (just kidding!). Devotees taking holy bath in Ganges on the occasion of Kartik Purnima at Dashaswamedh ghat, in Varanasi. Photo: PTI It is considered as most auspicious of all 12 full moon days in the year. There are many mythological legends associated with this day. In India, it is celebrated across cultures. Interestingly, full moon h...

CruiseNewsPromotions

Norwegian Jewel ready after Bow-to-Stern renovation

Upendra SwamiNovember 15, 20182609 Views3

Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruising, announced the completion of the refurbishment of Norwegian Jewel as part of The Norwegian Edgeprogram, reaffirming the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across the fleet. Following a two week dry dock in Singapore for the company’s most extensive enhancement project in 2018, Norwegian Jewel will debut in Sydney, Australia on Saturday, Dec. 1, showcasing refreshed venues, updated spaces, premiere entertainment and redesigned staterooms. Offering seven to 19-day itineraries to some of the region’s most exotic destinations, she’ll spend her winter 2018 and spring 2019 seasons cruising from Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapo...

InternationalNews

Celebrating coffee where it all started- Ethiopia

Upendra SwamiNovember 13, 20181234 Views0

The ‘Horn of Africa’ is taking baby steps amidst chaos to transform itself from decades of authoritarian rule, but there is lot more about this nation. You might not think of it as your favourite tourist destination, but Ethiopia is one place you must visit to truly taste an exquisite blend. It is widely considered the birthplace of coffee. Witnessing the process of how the coffee is brewed is in itself something one would appreciate before they even enjoy their first cup of coffee. Pic credit: georgehowellcoffee.com It is said that coffee was discovered in Ethiopia as long as the 9th century. The aroma of the beans roasting in the fire fills the air… Its delicious. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is central to the communities of many Ethiopian locations. Coffee remains a...

InternationalNews

Experiencing a Winter Village in Oman

Upendra SwamiNovember 12, 20181368 Views5

Its like experiencing winter at most unlikely of places. One would hardly think to go to Gulf to enjoy some winter fun, but you can actually do so. Having already developed a panache for niche tourism in Gulf region, Oman is now also creating space for some winter fun. One of the performances at Winter village Winter Village is one-of-a-kind family event that will take place at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat from 22nd November to 1st December 2018. The event which was curated last year by Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), the government’s executive arm for the development of the tourism sector, has now emerged into an annual event for families to experience a vibrant kaleidoscope of non-stop entertainment, unique experiences and unforgettabl...

International

The spirit of Christmas at a mountain of surprise

Upendra SwamiNovember 10, 20181090 Views3

Stuttgart is said to be a very green city with a lot of forest and vineyards, even downtown in the centre of the city are vineyards located, this is a very unique, and typical Stuttgart, situation. Stuttgart offers a various and multifaceted cultural scene with a tremendous amount of events every day and a lot of museums like Mercedes Benz Museum, Porsche Museum the State Art Gallery or the Art Gallery of the City of Stuttgart and new library a very unique building. With the Beer festivals in spring (Frühlingsfest) and autumn (Cannstatter Wasen), both belong to the biggest in Germany and Europe there is another attractive reason to visit Stuttgart! Best Christmas markets Nowhere has more romantic Christmas markets than South West Germany, with medieval and Baroque palaces and ...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Spectacular views from the Station at the Top

Upendra SwamiNovember 8, 20181346 Views2

It had started raining when we reached the parking area of Top station. Weather in Kerala have been a unpredictable lot these days and every rain reminded of the floods that traumatised the state just a couple of months back. However Munnar region is generally unpredictable about its weather, than the other parts of Kerala, with more likelihood of rains, as the Neelgiris form the first mountain wall in the way of clouds coming from the Indian Ocean. Even the day before, it started raining in the second half, although it wasn’t heavy. That day, it was clear, when we left Munnar, and after a couple of mini halts, we thought that it was better to go to farthest place first and see other things on the way back to Munnar. Hence we drove to Top Station. Clouds kept gathering as we moved close...