travel – Page 11 – VAGABOND IMAGES

Charm that brings me again, and again to Rishikesh

Upendra SwamiJanuary 24, 20191360 Views0

Rishikesh is one of those places which hold a special place in my life, hence no doubt that I have a special liking for this spiritual township. My first memories of this town are from 1987 when I came here as a teenager and spent more than a week alone in search of myself. That’s altogether a different story, but since then I developed a close affinity to this place. I have come here a number of times since then, and what is significant that almost my every subsequent visit to this place has been part of a defining trip, as much as my first visit here. Magical colours of Rishikesh Haridwar nearby was the more heralded one always- mythologically as well as religiously. It was bigger and more accessible, but it still couldn’t make Rishikesh less attractive for me. Whenever I had a ...

InternationalNews

When a city gets illuminated: Bright Brussels

Upendra SwamiJanuary 20, 20192388 Views17

Brussels has got a many amazing things and Bright Brussels is one among them. European capital gets light up like no other place you would have seen anywhere. We in India have our own festival of lights- Diwali, but Bright Brussels is pure art. Its a magic, you can witness coming February. From 14 to 17 February, Bright Brussels will showcase the historic heart of Brussels. Large-scale lighting installations designed by national and international artists will draw all eyes to some of the capital city’s iconic venues. A new route of 14 illuminated artworks will illuminate the capital Bright Brussels Festival of Light CHASING TWILIGHT (JJMA - 2018) Rue L√©on Lepage - L√©on Lepagestraat ¬© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier - 2018 For four days, the Quais and Sainte-Catherine districts wi...

AdventureInternationalPromotions

Paradisiacal Seychelles has too much to offer

Upendra SwamiJanuary 18, 20191476 Views1

Heard a lot about Maldives, Mauritius and Fiji? Let’s go to Seychelles then. Yet another gem of the Indian Ocean. Situated off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands that can enchant anybody with its beauty. Blessed with pristine beaches and breathtaking natural beauty, Seychelles has a lot more to offer to the young adventure seekers. Topping it up with visa on arrival that is free of cost for tourists and direct flights from India, this paradise destination makes for a great getaway with your loved ones. Also read: Seychelles waits with its creole So, if you are already contemplating on a holiday destination in coming holiday season starting April, then here are some fantastic reasons to visit the paradisiacal...

AdventureInternational

Visit Sri Lanka for some warmth this winter

Upendra SwamiJanuary 9, 20191620 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, 20191402 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, 20191966 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, 20181410 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...

InternationalPhotogallery

Wonderful journeys: Bandung to Yogyakarta on train

Upendra SwamiDecember 16, 20182754 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, 20181335 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, 20181433 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...