Thailand Welcomes Indian Travellers: Visa-Free Entry Starts November 2023

Thailand Welcomes Indian Travellers: Visa-Free Entry Starts November 2023

By Author

Published on November 3, 2023

Thailand, in an exciting move for international travellers, has announced a visa-free entry policy for Indians starting from 10th November 2023. This initiative, stretching until 24th May 2024, is part of Thailand’s strategy to boost tourism and make travel more accessible.

Highlights of the Visa-Free Entry to Thailand for Indians:

Duration of the Policy: From 10th November 2023 to 24th May 2024, Indians can enjoy the ease of travelling to Thailand without the hassle of a visa.

Stay Period: Tourists from India can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days upon arrival.

Tourism Boost: This policy aims to revitalise Thailand's tourism industry, attracting more visitors from one of its largest source markets.

Tourist Influx: India ranks as the fourth largest source of tourists for Thailand, following Malaysia, China, and South Korea.

2023 Tourist Numbers: Thailand has already welcomed approximately 22 million tourists, nearing the government’s target of 28 million for the year.

Further Insights:

  • Thailand is the second country, after Sri Lanka, to offer such a convenience to Indian travellers.

  • In the period from January to October 2023, Thailand saw 22 million visitors, contributing significantly to its economy.

  • The visa-free entry is expected to attract an additional 1.4 million tourists, generating substantial revenue for Thailand.

  • The move aims to capitalise on the high travel interest from India and Taiwan.

  • Previously, Indian and Taiwanese tourists needed a 15-day visa-on-arrival, with additional requirements like bank statements and proof of accommodation.

Why This Matters for Indian Travellers:

The visa-free policy by Thailand marks a significant step in simplifying travel for Indian tourists. It not only acknowledges the importance of the Indian market for Thailand’s tourism but also opens up new opportunities for travellers seeking international experiences with less bureaucratic hassle.

This policy could lead to a surge in travel plans to Thailand, offering a seamless and more inviting travel experience. For Indian travellers, this presents a perfect opportunity to explore Thailand's rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant city life without the burden of complex visa procedures.

Looking Ahead:

As we await further official statements from the Thai Embassy, this development signals a positive trend in international travel post-pandemic, with countries easing entry requirements to revive tourism. For travel enthusiasts from India, the allure of Thailand's scenic beauty, cuisine, and hospitality is now just a flight away, with no visa worries to dampen the excitement.


Abhay Prabhavana: India’s Museum of Ideas Redefines the Museum Experience

Abhay Prabhavana: India’s Museum of Ideas Redefines the Museum Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 17, 2025

As the world reflects on the role of museums this International Museum Day, one unique destination in India is shifting the narrative from artefacts to ideas. Abhay Prabhavana, envisioned by Dr. Abhay Firodia and developed by the Amar Prerana Trust, stands out as India’s pioneering Museum of Ideas — a space where timeless civilisational values and forward-looking thought converge in harmony.

Located on a vast 50-acre campus near the historic Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana isn't just one of the largest private museums in the world — it’s also one of the most thoughtfully curated. Spanning 3.5 lakh square feet, the museum’s real strength lies in its vision: to honour and celebrate Indian values like non-violence, ethics, education, compassion, and spiritual inquiry through immersive storytelling and intelligent design.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, shared,

"India's greatest heritage is the power of its values. Our aim was to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come."

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At the heart of the museum are thirty immersive galleries — each offering a reflective experience through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and interactive narratives. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate themes such as inner awakening, plurality, and self-restraint, all presented with sensitivity and subtlety. Here, technology enhances the message rather than overpowering it, ensuring an enriching and balanced experience.

The museum’s architectural marvels are no less evocative. The 100-foot Manastambh symbolises the stages of spiritual evolution, while the serene 43-foot statue of Rishabhdev — the first Tirthankara — pays tribute to the foundational ethos of Indian civilisation. The Plaza of Equanimity, centred around the Sarvatobhadra sculpture, offers a quiet space for introspection, embodying the museum’s meditative spirit.

But Abhay Prabhavana is more than a museum — it’s a living knowledge centre. Facilities such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library serve as platforms for learning, dialogue, and cultural engagement. With lectures, exhibitions, and research initiatives, the museum bridges the past and future through active scholarship and community interaction.

As museums globally evolve into more meaningful and experiential spaces, Abhay Prabhavana leads the way with conviction. It redefines the idea of a museum by placing ideals at its core — values that shaped a civilisation and continue to inspire the world.

On this International Museum Day, Abhay Prabhavana stands tall — not just as a keeper of heritage, but as a lighthouse of thought and timeless wisdom.


Top 6 Summer Travel Trends Among Indian Families in 2025

Top 6 Summer Travel Trends Among Indian Families in 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 16, 2025

As the world celebrates International Day of Families on May 15, 2025, Indian families are embracing a new travel mindset—one that blends leisure, learning, and safety. The era of cramming every attraction into a tight schedule is giving way to conscious, immersive travel that nurtures bonding and prioritizes well-being.

Here are the top 6 summer travel trends that are reshaping how Indian families are vacationing in 2025:

1. Smart Itineraries Over Hectic Schedules

Today’s families are ditching rigid sightseeing checklists in favour of flexible, slow-paced holidays. The focus is on quality time and immersive experiences, not ticking off landmarks. From personalized assistance to on-ground help, travelers are leaning on reliable travel support services to handle the details while they enjoy the journey.

2. Rise of Tier-2 & Tier-3 Destinations

Smaller cities like Hampi, Orchha, and Gokarna are now on travel radar, thanks to their cultural richness and peaceful surroundings. These destinations offer authentic experiences without the chaos of mainstream tourist spots. However, seamless local support is becoming essential to help families navigate unfamiliar terrains with ease.

3. Nature & Wellness Getaways

Families are unplugging from screens and reconnecting with nature at wellness resorts and eco-retreats. Whether it’s yoga in Uttarakhand or organic living in Coorg, wellness tourism is booming. Such off-grid travel requires reliable advisory and safety backup, especially when kids or elders are part of the trip.

4. Tech-Enabled Travel Planning

With families relying on mobile apps for everything—from bookings to navigation—digital tools that offer real-time assistance are now non-negotiable. Services like India Assist that provide emergency support and instant help on-ground are adding a layer of security and peace of mind to family holidays.

5. Educational Experiences for Children

Vacations now double as learning adventures. Visits to science parks, heritage sites, and space centers are thoughtfully included in itineraries. Parents are increasingly seeking educational value during travel—making access, guided visits, and informative tours more in demand than ever.

6. Safety Comes First

With a growing awareness of travel risks—from health concerns to misplaced passports—families are choosing travel solutions that offer 24/7 support, verified service providers, and quick crisis management. Being prepared for the unexpected has become the cornerstone of family travel in 2025.

The Indian family traveler in 2025 is informed, intentional, and experience-driven. They seek travel that is not just fun but also safe and enriching. With evolving priorities, having a dependable support system—like a discreet yet responsive travel assistant—has become key to turning holidays into happy memories.


International Day of Families: Discover Destinations That Bring You Closer

International Day of Families: Discover Destinations That Bring You Closer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 16, 2025

This International Day of Families, the focus shifts from group selfies at the dinner table to shared stories under foreign skies. From feeding giraffes in Kenya to dancing to Sega beats in Seychelles, here are a few handpicked destinations that make family time more memorable than ever.

Where Family Adventures Roam Wild

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If you’ve been planning that once-in-a-lifetime safari, Kenya is the ideal family starting point. Begin at The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi for those picture-perfect moments before heading to Laikipia. This underrated gem offers landscapes that inspired The Lion King, conservation-focused safaris, horse-back riding, junior ranger programs, and tailored wildlife encounters with zero age limits.

Where Family Horizons Expand

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Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE has quietly emerged as a haven for multigenerational holidays. With the Jebel Jais Mountains in the backdrop and 68 kilometres of beach, this one has it all. Visit the Bassata Desert Village to share meals by sunset, then thrill the teens with the world’s longest zipline or a race on the Jais Sledder. For downtime, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island offers beachfront villas and family perks including a kids-stay-free summer package, supervised floating waterpark, and beachside fun.

Where Family Journeys Meet Paradise

imageSeychelles is now even closer to Indian travellers with four weekly flights. Families can cruise to Moyenne Island via catamaran, explore vibrant coral reefs from a dry-seat submarine safari, and meet resident giant tortoises older than some grandparents. Snorkelling, hiking, and Sega dancing wrap the trip in laughter and unforgettable stories.

Where Family Stories Are Spiced

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Thailand is a top choice for all travel styles. Explore Bangkok via tuk-tuks, boats, and Skytrains, then escape to Chiang Mai’s peaceful temples. Families will love the “Jurassic Paradise” experience at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Krabi, featuring private island excursions, kayaking through Mirror Lake, and luxury blended with nature’s wonders.

Where Family Adventures Include Time Travel

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Israel invites families on a journey through time. Jerusalem’s sacred sites, hidden springs, and underground tunnels provide a gripping start. Continue to the Galilee for wine and cheese tastings, then head to Tel Aviv for street culture, art tours, and buzzing beach life. Whether it’s a rooftop dinner or jazz bar with the clan, every moment turns into a cherished memory.

Where Family Stories Are Steeped

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Sri Lanka’s diverse terrain caters to every generation. Kick off your journey at Teardrop Hotels’ Wallawwa near Colombo with kite making and cooking classes. Next, sip tea at Camellia Hills while the kids enjoy storytelling walks. Wrap up at Kumu Beach where hammocks, museums, and turtle conservatories promise both relaxation and discovery.

Where Family Stories Unfold

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For a quick escape, Qatar offers a mix of culture, adventure, and ease. Explore the interactive galleries of the National Museum of Qatar, learn stargazing at Katara Cultural Village, and shop and snack your way through Souq Waqif. With food, fun, and history around every corner, the weekend feels like a full-blown adventure.

Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or just a chance to reconnect, these destinations are all about creating timeless stories with the ones who matter most.

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