Upendra Swami

Visit Sri Lanka for some warmth this winter

Upendra SwamiJanuary 9, 20191435 Views4

Is the winter too harsh here in the north? Well, if you need some sunshine, why don’t you move south… further upto Sri Lanka. And, its not just sunshine, it is a perfect holiday destination to give you some unforgettable experiences. I had a fantastic experience in Sri Lanka, every single time I was there. It’s close, its fun and its affordable too. So let me list out the reasons, why you should be in Sri Lanka right now or may be later this month. What an exciting first trip of the new year it can be. So, let’s go! Tea gardens of central Sri Lanka 1. Brilliant weather and immaculate beaches One of the perks of vacationing in an island country like Sri Lanka are the stretches of pristine beaches, azure ocean waters and seemingly endless horizon. The beaches of Southern Sri Lank...

InternationalNewsPromotions

Historic Al-Ula springs to life with violin strings at Winter at Tantora Festival

Upendra SwamiJanuary 6, 20191281 Views1

In a landmark concert, French violinist Renaud Capucon dazzled crowd at Saudi Arabia’s historic Al-Ula on Friday, 4th January 2019. Capucon performed at Al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia as part of the first Winter at Tantora festival and concert series. Capucon is the latest internationally renowned musician to perform at the home of one of the Kingdom’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Renaud Capucon performing at concert. Photo credit: Center for International Communication (CIC), Ministry of Media, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Winter at Tantora, which opened on December 20 and runs until February 9, is hosted by the residents of Al-Ula, a small town next to the ancient Nebatean site of Madein Saleh. Many weekend cultural events and musical performances by world-famous artists w...

International

An old fashioned ride on Yogyakarta streets

Upendra SwamiJanuary 2, 20191740 Views4

On all long drives, when I am not behind the steering wheel, I will normally sit on the seat adjacent to driver. I have two reasons, one I will like to have full view of the road ahead, secondly and most importantly, I will like to keep a close eye on the driving to keep it safe. I will like to ensure, driver is comfortable, not sleepy, attentive and careful. Well, Becak ride in Yogyakarta didn’t give me the option for the second one. A Becak on the streets of Yogyakarta Actually, Becak ride was one of the most unusual one in a sense. The passenger is right in front and the one who controls the ride is behind. You have no idea at all about what the person is upto. So, as a passenger I was sitting in upfront with full uninterrupted view of the road ahead—without any intention...

InternationalPromotions

This winter explore the romantic beauty of Greece

Upendra SwamiDecember 26, 20181253 Views2

We often recall Greece for its beaches and love to spend some time there in summers. But, Greece is so much more than just a summertime destination! If you are in the mood for a winter getaway, look no further as the country will leave you spellbound with various possibilities for the perfect holiday. Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Peloponnese, Western Greece, and well-known islands in the Aegean, the Ionian, and Crete are easily accessible by air, and have a very authentic atmosphere in the wintertime. Let's, see what can we do there in these winters. Snow-capped mountain thrill Along with enjoying the view of snow-capped landscape, enjoy the thrill of some sporting activities. The biggest ski resorts in the country are on Parnassos, Kalavryta, Kaimaktsa...

IndiaInternational

Thai Golf Pass gets into season two

Upendra SwamiDecember 19, 2018948 Views0

When it comes to hospitality, no country comes closer to perfection than Thailand. It offers something for everyone of diverse interest, every age and every budget. From pristine sandy beaches to lush jungles, bustling cities to traditional villages, Michelin star menus to roadside noodle stalls, historic Buddhist temples to 21st century sky scrapers, Thailand is truly amazing! Amazing Thailand also has amazing golf facilities. Ideally located more than 250 golf courses throughout the country, by the sea, by the mountains, by the lakes, inside the cities even besides the airports. Top quality courses, reasonable green fees, friendly caddies. From the beach resorts in the south such as Phuket to the mountainous surroundings in the north or the bustling cities of Bangkok and Pattay...

InternationalPhotogallery

Wonderful journeys: Bandung to Yogyakarta on train

Upendra SwamiDecember 16, 20182575 Views5

I had always believed that whenever you visit a place, once must experience the local public transport. It gets you connected with the people and also lets you feel the pulse of the place, its culture and growth. But, it is also true that whenever you get to have such experiences, there is no way that you can escape from having the comparisons on the back of your mind. Outside Bandung railway station in Indonesia However contrary you might try to do, you will always be reminded of the experience back home of the same public services. You will even remember it when you are back and using the same services in routine at your home town, trying to recall that how better or worse it was abroad. Although it is not always fair because the traffic, the volume of passengers, frequenc...

AdventureInternational

Watching Blue Whale and Dolphins at Mirissa

Upendra SwamiDecember 7, 20181208 Views0

Have you ever wondered, that how and where you can watch the biggest living animal on this planet without having to part with a fortune! Where you can watch the Blue Whale closest to India? Actually, despite having spotted a Blue Whale some years back off the Malwan coast in Konkan region, there is no place in India from where you can spot whales with regularity, hence there is no whale watching in India as per se. India does have dolphins in large number- fresh water as well as salt water. Fresh water dolphins can be seen in Ganges and Brahmaputra. While ocean dolphins can be seen at Chilika in Odisha and at many places off the coast in Arabian Sea including Goa and Lakshdweep. But even these dolphin sightings are brief and by chance, and that too from quite a distance. Whale watching...

International

Bruges is more atmospheric this winter

Upendra SwamiDecember 1, 20181292 Views2

Once the leaves have fallen, Bruges puts on its best winter dress. During the day you stroll past wonderfully decorated shop windows and when it grows dark, Christmas lights get you in the festive mood. From 23 November, the historic centre is transformed into one big Christmas market. One can certainly find some great gifts and stocking fillers in the stalls, and there is also ice-skating. Afterwards, you can reward yourself with a lovely hot chocolate or spicy mulled wine. How lovely! Bruges is called Venice of North for its canals During the most festive period of the year, Bruges has much to experience. Delightful Christmas markets, an ice skating rink: from the end of November up to the beginning of January, romantic Bruges will be the most ideal location to en...

AdventureIndiaPhotogallery

Jagmandir- island palace meant for fun and recreation

Upendra SwamiNovember 29, 20182197 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, 20181073 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...