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By Author
Published on September 6, 2023
In an exciting development for tourism in Visakhapatnam, the much-anticipated Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) is set to be inaugurated on September 4th by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Located within the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) premises, this terminal is part of a series of projects totaling Rs 333.56 crore that the Union Minister will inaugurate.
One of the primary projects is the VICT, with an investment of Rs 96.05 crore, partially funded by the Union Tourism Ministry. The terminal is designed to accommodate passenger vessels with a capacity of 2,000 passengers and a draft of 8.1 meters. Its objective is to attract international tourists and put Visakhapatnam on the global cruise tourism map.
Besides the VICT, the Minister will also unveil three other projects, including a covered storage shed, a revamped berth, and the Truck Parking Terminal (TPT). The covered storage shed, constructed at Rs 33.80 crore, aims to reduce pollution caused by open cargo storage. The TPT, spanning 20 acres and costing Rs 36.05 crore, will accommodate 666 vehicles.
Visakhapatnam's International Cruise Terminal is poised to boost tourism and the economy, with the potential to cater to 2,000 passengers, offering world-class facilities, and fostering employment opportunities. It's a significant step toward transforming the city into a prominent international tourist destination.
With an eye on future growth, the Union Minister also mentioned plans to attract nine lakh port-bound tourist arrivals by 2030 as part of the Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030 initiative. The projects inaugurated underscore India's commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure and economic prosperity.
The Cruise Terminal Building, spanning 4,580.46 sq. meters across two floors, is equipped with essential facilities such as lounges, customs, immigration, quarantine counters, baggage handling facilities, scanning, concourse, restaurant, entertainment, shopping, health, business exhibitions, money exchange outlets, CCTV coverage, and ample parking space.
It features a 180-meter-long berth with four mooring dolphins, a terminal building covering 2,000 sq. meters, and adequate parking space for seven buses, 70 cars, and 40 two-wheelers. The terminal will operate as a Cruise Terminal from November to March, catering to passengers from around the world, and as a Coastal Cargo terminal from April to October.
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By Hariharan U
Published on June 18, 2026
As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.
At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.
In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.
Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.
Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.
Father’s Day in India is increasingly being redefined by experiences rather than material gifts, as families choose to celebrate through travel, shared adventures, and meaningful time together. Insights from travel companies such as Thomas Cook India Limited and SOTC Travel highlight a clear shift toward experiential getaways that bring fathers and families closer through curated journeys.
Adventure travel continues to be a strong favourite, with families heading outdoors for trekking experiences that combine physical activity with bonding moments. Destinations like the Valley of Flowers, Kashmir’s alpine meadows, Coorg’s coffee trails, and Meghalaya’s living root bridges are among the most sought-after choices, alongside international hiking routes in Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan.
Road trips remain equally popular, driven by nostalgia and spontaneity. From Ladakh’s high-altitude highways to Rajasthan’s heritage circuits and coastal drives through Karnataka, families are embracing the journey as much as the destination. International scenic routes across Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand are also gaining traction for Father’s Day getaways.
Sporting experiences are emerging as a key travel driver, with families planning trips around live events such as cricket matches, Formula 1 races in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and football fixtures across Europe. These experiences are increasingly seen as bucket-list moments shared across generations.
Wildlife safaris continue to attract families seeking immersive, nature-driven holidays. Parks such as Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kabini, Gir, and Kaziranga remain top domestic choices, while Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are popular international alternatives offering rich biodiversity and unique wildlife encounters.
Multi-generational travel is another growing trend, with families choosing destinations that cater to all age groups. From Kerala’s backwaters and Rajasthan’s heritage stays to international favourites like Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland, these trips are designed to bring grandparents, parents, and children together in shared celebration.
Wellness-focused travel is also gaining momentum, with families opting for slower, restorative breaks in destinations like Kerala, Goa, and Bali. Ayurveda retreats, spa resorts, and forest escapes are becoming preferred ways to help fathers unwind and reset.
Short-haul international escapes continue to appeal to families seeking quick but enriching holidays, with destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Mauritius offering a balance of accessibility and experience.
A growing trend within Father’s Day travel is passion-led holidays, where trips are designed around a father’s interests from golf and photography to culinary trails, cycling expeditions, and heritage journeys.
Overall, Father’s Day travel reflects a broader cultural shift: experiences are replacing gifts as families prioritise connection, shared memories, and meaningful time together over traditional celebrations
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 15, 2026
Wildlife enthusiasts have received more time to explore Uttar Pradesh's Amangarh Tiger Reserve, with the eco-tourism season being extended by 15 days. Visitors can now enjoy jungle safaris and wildlife experiences at the reserve until June 30.
The fourth eco-tourism season at the reserve was originally scheduled to end on June 15. However, the extension was approved by Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri, providing additional opportunities for tourists to experience the reserve's rich biodiversity and observe tigers in their natural surroundings.
Confirming the development, Bijnor Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jai Singh Kushwaha said the reserve would remain open until the end of June before closing for the monsoon season.
"The tiger reserve will be closed after June 30 for the monsoon season as movement becomes difficult due to waterlogging and other challenges during the rains," Kushwaha said.
He added that the extension would benefit wildlife lovers by offering extra time to visit the reserve and witness its diverse flora and fauna, including tiger sightings.
Located next to the renowned Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Amangarh Tiger Reserve has steadily gained popularity among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Spread across the Terai region of western Uttar Pradesh, the reserve shares a landscape with the Corbett tiger habitat, making it an important wildlife corridor and tourism destination.
Forest department data highlights the growing interest in the reserve. During its first eco-tourism season in 2022-23, the reserve welcomed 3,068 visitors. The second season saw a significant rise, attracting 6,500 tourists. In the third season of 2024-25, 3,104 visitors participated in jungle safari experiences.
Officials said that across the three tourism seasons, the reserve generated more than ₹17 lakh in revenue, reflecting its increasing appeal among domestic travellers seeking nature and wildlife experiences.
With the season now extended until June 30, Amangarh Tiger Reserve is expected to attract more visitors before operations pause for the annual monsoon closure.
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