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Arab News News Travel & Tourism

Oman resume to GCC and western tourists

Al Wusta - Artisans in Al Wusta, Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is all set to welcome visitors from GCC and western countries…reports Asian Lite News

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is now ready and eager to welcome travellers and visitors from GCC and western countries, backing on the Supreme Committee’s decision to permit anyone holding an approved vaccine certificate to enter the country from September 1.

The Sultanate has eased its travel restrictions, lifting flight prohibition for people travelling from previously banned countries with reference to a statement issued by the Omani Supreme Committee, that is in charge of examining the mechanism of dealing with developments resulting from the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid_19) on August 19, 2021, and the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate.

Castle Al Dakheleyah – Jabreen Castle (62)

All Omani citizens, residents, those who don’t require a visa to travel to Oman, and those who can obtain a visa on arrival are allowed into the country in accordance with the pre-COVID-19 protocols. Visitors will be required to present a vaccine certificate containing a QR code that states they have received two doses of a vaccine that is approved in Oman which are – Pfizer Biontech, Oxford AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinovac, Moderna, Sinopharm, Cofshield AstraZeneca, or one dose of Johnson’s vaccine. The last dose of the vaccine needs to have been received not less than 14 days before the arrival date.

ALSO READ: UAE to open up tourist visas

Commenting on the foregoing, Haitham bin Mohammed Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said, “The decisions issued by the concerned authorities in the Sultanate regarding easing travel restrictions will contribute to the return of the tourist movement to the Sultanate of Oman. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the splendour and magnificence of Oman, as well as get a chance to enjoy the experiences on offer. “

According to the circular issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Sultanate of Oman, a few guidelines have been outlined that will contribute to the protection of all visitors coming to the Sultanate and enhance the Sultanate’s commitment towards the security and safety of visitors. These measures are already in place in different countries of the world, including submission of a negative PCR test result prior to travel, which must be performed within 96 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time for international flights more than eight hours and 72 hours for shorter flights.

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-Top News India News UAE News

Indians Welcome UAE Visa Rule For Vaccinated Tourists

Indians welcome UAE's decision to allow vaccinated tourists

An international holiday destination is set to reopen with the UAE announcing that it would issue visas to all fully vaccinated tourists…reports Asian Lite News

Indians are responding enthusiastically in kind to the UAE’s decision to reopen tourist visas to people from all countries who are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Travel agents from east to west and from north to south of India today reported a flood of enquiries for flight bookings to UAE airports and a surge in ticketing for flights which have already been confirmed.

Dubai EXPO 2020

“An international holiday destination is set to reopen with the UAE announcing that it would issue visas to all fully vaccinated tourists,” The Times of India reported. “Dubai was the second biggest destination for travellers after Bangkok before the pandemic,” the newspaper quoted Anil Punjabi, Chairman for the eastern states of the Travel Agents Federation of India.

With big attractions in the UAE, such as EXPO 2020 Dubai, T20 Cricket World Cup 2021and the game’s Indian Premier League on the anvil, Indians are eager to visit the emirates.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 reveals programme for People and Planet

“As UAE resumes tourist visa, flight rates soar,” a headline in The Hindu daily read. Many Indians, who had put off family visits to the UAE, are now rushing to take advantage of the opening up.

“The reopening of Dubai has come at the right time. EXPO 2020 Dubai is a global event. Thousands of Indians will be eager to attend this event that will be an experience in itself,” one newspaper quoted Manav Soni, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India, as saying.

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-Top News Travel & Tourism

UK updates travel rules, seven countries go green

The latest estimates also indicate that 82,100 hospital admissions have been averted, along with up to 24.4 million infections…reports Asian Lite News.

The arrivals from Canada and Denmark will no longer need to isolate as the UK’s latest Covid travel rules have come into force.

Finland, Switzerland, the Azores, Liechtenstein and Lithuania are also on the “green list” as of 04:00 BST, the BBC reported.

Travellers from newly red-listed Thailand and Montenegro now need to isolate in government-approved hotels. All arrivals must take at least one Covid test – but many countries have banned UK residents from entering.

Travellers coming from green list countries do not need to quarantine when they come back to the UK – whether or not they have had two doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

They still have to be tested before their return to the UK, however, and book a test for day two after their return, and fill in a passenger location form.

Only British or Irish nationals and UK residents are allowed into the country if they have been to red list countries. They then have to pay to self-isolate in a government-approved quarantine hotel.

Most countries are on the amber list – fully-vaccinated adults do not have to quarantine on their return from these locations, but do have to have tests before returning and two days after they get back, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, according to official figures from the Public Health England (PHE), more than 100,000 deaths in England have been estimated to be prevented by the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Since the national rollout of vaccines in the UK in early December last year, between 91,700 and 98,700 fatalities have been avoided, the Independent reported quoting the PHE figures last week.

The latest estimates also indicate that 82,100 hospital admissions have been averted, along with up to 24.4 million infections.

“The pandemic is not over but vaccination is weakening the link between infection and serious illness,” William Welfare, Covid-19 incident director at PHE, was quoted as saying.
As of Thursday, a total 73,982,159 vaccines have been given in England, according to government data, including 39,771,795 first doses and 34,210,364 second doses.

The UK is also expected to begin offering vulnerable groups a booster shot next month, but is waiting for recommendations from independent advisory body Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The booster dose will be prioritised for people who received the Covid shots when the vaccination programmes were first rolled out last December, according to Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

As of Thursday, a total 73,982,159 vaccines have been given in England, according to government data, including 39,771,795 first doses and 34,210,364 second doses.

The UK is also expected to begin offering vulnerable groups a booster shot next month, but is waiting for recommendations from independent advisory body Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The booster dose will be prioritised for people who received the Covid shots when the vaccination programmes were first rolled out last December, according to Health Secretary Sajid Javid.

ALSO READ-UAE to open up tourist visas

READ MORE-Seven new destinations added to travel green list

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-Top News Travel UAE News

UAE to open up tourist visas

The move comes as the daily number of positive cases continued to drop in the country, having gone lower than 1,000 since last week…reports Joy Chakravarty

Starting from Monday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume issuing tourist visas to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

The move comes as the daily number of positive cases continued to drop in the country, having gone lower than 1,000 since last week. The vaccination rate was closing on the 92 per cent mark, the highest in the world after Malta.

Both Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) jointly announced that application for tourist visas will be open to people from all countries who have received the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines.

The UAE’s official news agency WAM said: “This comes as part of the country’s strategy to create a balance between public health and the activities of vital sectors, and in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth.”

Travellers who wish to receive the benefits provided to individuals vaccinated in the UAE, like visiting malls and public spaces in Abu Dhabi, can register their vaccination via the ICA platform or Al Hosn application.

As of June 3, the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines include AstraZeneca/Oxford/CoviShield, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

WAM added that “passengers arriving on tourist visas must take a mandatory PCR test at the airport”.

Despite an entry ban, India continued to be the Dubai International Airport’s) top destination country by traffic volume in the first half of 2021 with passenger numbers exceeding 1.9 million, reported Gulf News.

Emirates airlines continues to be the preferred choice of Indians travelling to the US and Canada and Dubai is a convenient place for transit.

Earlier this year in March, the UAE Cabinet had approved a five-year multiple entry tourist visa for all nationalities.

Otherwise, the tourist visa is granted for either 30 days or 90 days.

Indian citizens with valid visa of the US or UK are also eligible for visa on arrival.

ALSO READ: UAE leaders review national strategic projects

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-Top News India News UK News

UK eases travel restrictions for flyers from India

Moves India from “red” to “amber” list, which means fully-vaccinated Indian passengers will no longer be subjected to a compulsory 10-day hotel quarantine on their arrival, reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom has eased travel restrictions for India by moving the country from its “red” to “amber” list, which means fully-vaccinated Indian passengers will no longer be subjected to a compulsory 10-day hotel quarantine on their arrival in Britain.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has confirmed that all arrivals from India who have been vaccinated in India, which is on the amber list as at 4 am local time on Sunday, are required to isolate at home or their designated location mentioned on the compulsory locator form.

While the requirement for a compulsory 10-day self-isolation in a government-approved facility at an additional cost of 1,750 pounds per head will no longer apply, only travellers vaccinated in the U.K. or Europe would qualify for an exemption of the home quarantine requirement.

“We recognise there are a large variety of COVID-19 vaccines being administered worldwide and work is ongoing to determine which non-U.K. vaccines and certification solutions to recognise,” a DHSC source said.

There had been some speculation over Covishield, the Serum Institute of India made Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, being considered within the wider UK-approved vaccines ambit.

However, the government has clarified that the India-made version of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine so far approved by the UK’s Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is branded as Vaxzevria and that is the only one currently recognised under the exemption rules.

Under the legal rules for countries on the amber list of the UK’s traffic light system, passengers must take a COVID-19 test three days before departure and book in advance for two Covid-19 tests to be taken upon arrival in England as well as complete a passenger locator form on arrival.

On arrival in England, the passengers must quarantine at home or in the place they have confirmed as their location for 10 days and take a Covid-19 test on or before day two and on or after day eight.

Under-18s and those fully vaccinated in the UK are exempt from the home quarantine, as well as those who have received both jabs in the EU and US.

Also exempt are those “fully vaccinated in the UK or under the UK vaccine programme overseas; under 18 on the day you arrive in England and resident in the UK or in a country with a vaccination programme approved by the UK; and part of a UK-approved vaccine trial”.

All regularly scheduled international flights remain suspended. However, under a bilateral agreement between the UK and Indian governments, a limited number of flights between India and the UK continue to operate.

Airlines have reported a massive surge in bookings soon after the announcement of India moving off the Red List was made on Wednesday, a move overwhelmingly welcomed by the Indian diaspora in the UK hoping for India visits during the ongoing summer break in the country.

India has been on the Red list since end-April when the Delta variant was at its peak, which meant an effective ban on travel except for returning British residents who had to self-isolate in a government-sanctioned hotel at a considerable additional expense.

The update of the travel list this week came alongside an announcement that the cost for solo travellers from destinations still on the Red List staying at a quarantine hotel will go up from August 12, from 1,750 pounds to 2,285 pounds. The charge for an additional adult sharing a room will increase from 650 pounds to 1,430 pounds.

According to the government, this is to “better reflect the increased costs involved”.

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READ MORE-UK moves India from ‘red’ to ‘amber’ list

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Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism World

Least explored ideal off beat destinations

While it is rich in wildlife, Madagascar’s layers of history and a blend of cultures as well as its beautiful beaches are surprisingly diverse…N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

All of us are waiting for the end of pandemic era to chill out in the outer world. Following a massive dip in cases after the second wave, travellers are all set to pack their bags and get back to travel in the coming months. The travel industry has witnessed a surge in bookings and queries recently, with people keen on resuming their travel plans after being cooped up in their homes for over a year.

The rise in travel and tourism over the years has made a lot of destinations popular, however, travellers always yearn to discover new places as the thrill of exploring an unknown, undiscovered destination is unparalleled. In addition to this, consumer behavioural change is expected as travellers are likely to opt for unexplored destinations to avoid massive crowds amid the pandemic.Check out this list of least explored places across the world curated by EaseMyTrip.com :

Faroe Islands, Denmark

The Faroe Islands, located in the chilling waters of the North Atlantic Ocean sandwiched between Scotland and Iceland is an unexplored paradise. The untouched archipelago along with the striking views of mountains stretching in every direction brings the wilder side of the Danish kingdom to the fore. With its rugged coastlines and pristine waterfalls, Faroe Islands is also home to natural wonders that could truly be explored on an old fishing boat. The capital city of Tershavn is picturesque with eighteenth-century churches, museums, and rows of brightly painted houses. The Island also houses some good spots from where travellers can view the Northern Lights in all their glory.

Dominica Island

A hidden island country in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth of Dominica is adorned by lush greenery and scenic beauty. The topside landscape is perfectly complemented by the beautiful oceans and striking reef formations, which makes it an exciting diving spot. Nicknamed as ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’, Dominica is home to the second-largest hot spring in the world, the Boiling Lake. The Morne Trois Piton National Park and Emerald Pool Waterfall are some of the other key spots where people can indulge in adventure activities such as trekking and rappelling. The island is also rich in marine diversity with several species of Cetaceans, making the island an ideal destination for whale-watching.

Madagascar

Madagascar is truly one of the most unique islands and is considered to be the most bio-diverse place on earth. Floating off the coast of Mozambique, this one of its kind islands is renowned for its vibrant wildlife, lush forests and vibrant coral reefs. An estimated 80-90 percent of Madagascar’s wildlife and fauna is so unique that it cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From lemurs and rare bird species to colourful chameleons and humpback whales, the country is a wildlife paradise like no other. While it is rich in wildlife, Madagascar’s layers of history and a blend of cultures as well as its beautiful beaches are surprisingly diverse. The island’s unique landscape enables travellers to indulge in adventure activities such as diving, surfing and rock climbing. Since the past few years, there has been a growth in airline routes to the region resulting in swifter travelling options. So, make sure that you figure out your travel options from EaseMyTrip.com before you decide your itinerary in this serene island.


Matera, Italy

Renowned for its ancient cave dwellings inhabited since the Paleolithic period, Sassi di Matera is fascinating as its history dates back more than 30,000 years. The “Sassi” is considered as one of the most unique landscapes in Europe and was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Referred to as the second Bethlehem, the charming city was the setting for Mel Gibson’s movie The Passion of the Christ. The stunning churches of Matera, which dates back to the Middle Ages, are carved out from calcarenite rock and filled with vibrant and delicate murals. Most of the hotels and restaurants in the city are made from refurbished caves, and the city also provides travellers with a unique experience of staying in a cave hotel.

Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Although a majority of Africa is covered with the Sahara desert, the continent has some hidden gems in the form of a small archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. One such island country is Cape Verde, a group of ten islands. One of the islands here, Boa Vista, is an untouched gem with its pristine landscape, dreamy beaches, sea turtles, and villages surrounded by the magnificent Atlantic waters. The Parque Nacional do Monte Roraima is a national park in the city that has unique monuments and sights, in addition to hiking trails. The region is also known for its sand dunes and moon-like landscapes in the Viana desert. The city is diverse as it has a few low mountain ranges as well, however, the city is primarily for travellers who wish to take a break from their busy lives and enjoy the sun, sea and serenity.

Magnificent architecture, scintillating beaches, lush green forests the world hasn’t fallen short of destinations that remain to be explored. Curiosity is the only thing that will drive you away from the hustle of the cities to broaden the horizon of inquisitiveness. More importantly, as we look to recoup from the second wave of the deadly pandemic, it is imperative to prioritize one’s health.

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READ MORE-Ireland eases curbs on foreign travel

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-Top News Arab News Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to welcome vaccinated tourists from Aug 1

Fully vaccinated tourists can enter the Kingdom without the need for an institutional quarantine period, provided that an official vaccination certificate is presented upon arrival…reports Asian Lite News

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced that the Kingdom will open its doors to foreign tourists, and lift off the suspension of entry for tourist visa holders, starting from August 1, 2021.

Fully vaccinated tourists can enter the Kingdom without the need for an institutional quarantine period, provided that an official vaccination certificate is presented upon arrival, and proof of a PCR test with its negative result within 72 hours from the time of departure.

Visitors to the Kingdom are also required to register their data related to vaccination doses via the new dedicated portal – https://muqeem.sa/#/vaccine-registration/home – in addition to registering their data via “Tawakkalna” application, which is mandatory to enter public places.

Those who are fully vaccinated are those who received two vaccination doses of one of the approved vaccines in the Kingdom, which is Pfizer, AstraZeneca or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.

Those wishing to obtain a tourist visa can apply through the “Spirit of Saudi” website, visitsaudi.com.

On this occasion, the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said: “We welcome tourists again, and we are very happy to receive the Kingdom’s guests again after a pause due to the repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

He added: “We focused our efforts during the pause on close cooperation with our partners in all sectors to ensure a safe return through which visitors to the Kingdom can enjoy exploring its tourist treasures, important destinations and landmarks, enjoy unique tourist experiences and learn about the culture of generosity and hospitality characterizing Saudi society.”

The Kingdom had launched the tourist visa in September 2019, in a historic decision in which the Kingdom opened its heart and its doors to tourists from different countries of the world.

At that time the Kingdom had achieved remarkable numbers as 400,000 visas were issued within 6 months, before the suspension of travel and the closure of ports and borders following the pandemic of coronavirus.

ALSO READ: UAE pledges AED 367 mn to support women’s education

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-Top News UK News

UK quarantine rules discriminatory: France

France has been singled out because of the British government’s concerns about the constant presence of the Beta variant of the coronavirus, but French officials said most of the cases come from the overseas island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

France said on Thursday that it did not understand why it was exempted from the new rule which allows fully vaccinated European Union citizens to enter England without quarantine.

From next week, passengers who have received vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency will be able to travel from any country that has been on the British government’s orange list without the need for self-isolation for 10 days, it announced on Wednesday the British government.

Arrivals from France are the only exception.

“This decision is discriminatory towards the French. It is excessive and makes no sense in the context of health policy,” French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune told the LCI TV channel, adding that it has no foundation in science.

France has been singled out because of the British government’s concerns about the constant presence of the Beta variant of the coronavirus, which is believed to be more resistant to vaccines.

But French officials say most of the cases come from the overseas island of La Reunion in the Indian Ocean.

Speaking to BBC Today, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab made clear that France was on the amber plus list and this was the government’s policy.

“The announcement in relation to double vaccinations from Europe will not apply to them. There’s an exemption for them specifically,” he told BBC.

“Obviously the evidence presented on which the original decision was taken was based on the prevalence of the so-called Beta variant, in particular in the Réunion bit of France which of course is away from the mainland.”

The island is 5,800 miles from Paris. But Raab said that was irrelevant. “It’s not the distance that matters, it’s the ease of travel between different component parts of any individual country,” he said.

Britain will review the status of passengers from France at the end of next week.

French officials have complained about British travel restrictions for France.

“We should have kept reciprocity as a trump card up our sleeve at the European level. Maybe Europe, in general, should have been tougher in the negotiations,” Minister Beaune said.

France on Wednesday reported just under 28,000 new Covid cases in the previous 24 hours and 40 new virus deaths. According to the health authorities, 111,768 people died as a result of Covid-19 in France, AFP reports.

Health pass from Aug 9

A new law in France extending the use of a health pass to a wider range of public places will enter into force on August 9 to help the country battle with the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, government spokesperson Gabriel Attal said.

“The health pass is a small tool that can save many lives. It is the best way to protect our freedom and ensure that our country remains open,” Attal told the press on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting.

Under the law, only people who have completed their vaccination, tested negative or recently recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed to enter restaurants and cafes, and go to shopping centres, gyms and even hospitals except for emergencies, reports Xinhua news agency.

The use of the health pass has been compulsory since July 21 in cultural and leisure venues (cinemas, museums, etc.) where more than 50 people gather.

“Thanks to the vaccine we will be able to avoid a strong rush to hospitals in August,” Attal said.

Warning that “the sanitary situation continues to worsen and remains worrying” ,he urged his hesitating compatriots to get vaccinated.

To date, 50.5 per cent of the French population, or 34 million people, have completed their vaccination against Covid-19. (ANI/FENA/IANS)

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Etihad launches IATA Travel Pass to 7 cities

IATA Travel Pass is available for guests on all Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, Barcelona, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, New York and Singapore…reports Asian Lite News

 Etihad Airways has expanded IATA Travel Pass on flights between Abu Dhabi and seven destinations across its network as it continues to implement digital solutions to simplify the travel experience in the wake of the pandemic.

IATA Travel Pass is available for guests on all Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, Barcelona, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, New York and Singapore and offers the convenience of a one-stop platform for managing COVID-19 documentation.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad Aviation Group, said, “The feedback from the IATA Travel Pass trial has been positive, with Etihad’s guests appreciating its ease-of-use and data security. Etihad is pleased to now make IATA Travel Pass available on flights to and from seven major global cities, providing more guests with the option of simplifying their journey and airport experience.”

Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, said, “Etihad’s decision to expand IATA Travel Pass based on positive customer feedback is a strong endorsement of the solution. IATA Travel pass was designed to provide a one-stop-shop solution for travellers to safely and efficiently manage their COVID-19 documentation and generate an ‘OK to Travel’ which airlines can trust. It’s great to see the app in use facilitating the restart of international travel.”

Etihad Airways was one of the first airlines globally to begin testing IATA Travel Pass in April 2021 in support of a global, standardised solution for travellers to validate their documents and navigate COVID-19 travel requirements.

To access the IATA Travel Pass, guests need to download the IATA Travel Pass app for Android or iOS, where they can add their Etihad Airways travel itinerary, view their travel requirements and securely share their PCR test results.

The IATA Travel Pass app also includes functionality to upload vaccination certificates, opening up opportunities for travel where vaccination is a requirement. Currently the app is able to accept EU Digital Covid Certificates issued by all 27 member states of the European Union plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein as well as vaccine certificates from Singapore and Qatar.

As vaccines continue to roll out globally, more and more travellers around the world will be able to upload their government issued COVID vaccine certificates to facilitate seamless travel.

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Lite Blogs Travel Travel & Tourism

Most enchanting destinations in India

Varkala, located in the southern part of Kerala, is known for its calm ambience and vibrant, serene beaches. The red sandstone cliffs and lush greenery around is a sight to behold… N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Travel is a passionate hobby for people in the modern generation. India is renowned for its diversity as it is home to not only a mix of cultures and cuisine, but also varied landscapes. While the country houses a plethora of well-known tourist attractions, it also has a myriad of such lesser-known jewels that make even the most intrepid traveller swoon in awe struck delight.

With travel restrictions easing and Covid cases consistently dropping across the country, domestic travel is booming. In fact, visiting smaller, unknown destinations, far from the city, away from the crowds and stress helps to satiate your travel appetite. EaseMyTrip.com shares list of India’s most enchanting and lesser-known destinations:

Jawai, Rajasthan

A hidden gem in India for tranquillity seekers is Jawai, named after the river with mesmerising views. The experience offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with nature and wildlife. The granite landscape and highlands that surround Jawai are a sight to behold. As leopards dwell wild and free, Jawai symbolizes human-nature coexistence. The leopard safari is one of its kind in this wildlife haven, the city is home to wild animals, including nilgai, bears, wolves, hyenas, and chinkaras. In addition, Jawai is a well-known winter haven for migrating birds.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

While rolling over Scotland’s lush green pastures may appear to be a distant travel goal on your bucket list, you can get all of this in India for half the price and twice the joy. With abundant reserves of untapped natural beauty, Ziro is a modest picturesque town, nestled away in the enchanting mountain-scape of Arunachal Pradesh. In addition to its unrivalled scenery and wildlife splendour, the tranquil town is known for its distinctive Apatani tribe. Verdant greenery and breathtaking paddy fields, a fascinating tribal culture unlike any other, and a pleasant weather all year round makes it a must-visit travel destination. Since the past few years, there has been a growth in airline routes to the region resulting in swifter travelling options.

Morachi Chincholi, Maharashtra

Located 50 km away from Pune, this quaint village is the unofficial peacock sanctuary of Maharashtra. As the name suggests, Morachi Chincholi is a village of tamarind trees and dancing peacocks. Legend has it that the tamarind trees were planted during the Peshwa dynasty, which attracted peacocks to the village. A visit to this picturesque village will provide travellers a unique Maharashtrian village life experience as the villagers here offer visitors a bullock cart ride to the farm and help them get a practical experience of irrigation and farming life. One can also enjoy a simple meal of organic vegetables against the backdrop of lustrous ruby-green farms and dancing peacocks, which is a perfect escape into tranquillity.

Varkala, Kerala

Varkala, located in the southern part of Kerala, is known for its calm ambience and vibrant, serene beaches. The red sandstone cliffs and lush greenery around is a sight to behold. The coastal area is home to a black sand beach which is a hidden gem within the area. It is also a hub for the adventure enthusiasts as it is known for its water sports and adventure activities such as paragliding, rafting and parasailing. The destination is home to several fisheries, freshwater springs, hills and forts. Apart from holding the charms of a quiet beach, the coastal area is also home to pilgrimage sites such as the 2000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt, which can be spiritually rewarding as you travel to explore the unexplored.

Chaukori, Uttrakakhand

With majestic Himalayan peaks and verdant woods surrounding it, Chaukori is a lesser-known hamlet with jaw-dropping splendour. It is one of India’s finest and most distinctive hill stations, with breath-taking views of Nanda Devi, the Panchachuli peaks, and Nanda Kot. It is noted for its numerous Hindu temples, picturesque scenery, and tranquil ambience, and should be in the travel wishlist for a peaceful getaway. In Chaukori, one may engage in leisurely walks and high-intensity treks, both of which provide a magnificent perspective of the landscape.

Right from the scenic hill stations to gorgeous beaches to peaceful getaways among nature and culture, there is an interesting melange of landscapes across the country which are perfect alternatives for curious travellers looking for something different from the hustle and bustle of big, crowded cities. While travel slowly resumes in the country, it is important to ensure that safety remains paramount.

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