India chalks out roadmap to revive its tourism in 2021

Mumbai festival highlights
Maharashtra tourism dept, Things2do sign pact to jointly launch ‘The Mumbai Festival’
Maharashtra’s tourism department has signed a pact with social platform Things2do, which curates and co-creates multiple experiences across a host of local events, nightlife and food festivals, to jointly launch ‘The Mumbai Festival’ beginning January 25 of 2021. The Mumbai Festival aims to kick-start the consumer-driven industries in the city and play a crucial role in supporting the struggling enterprises across Mumbai in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement. Things2do has brought onboard over 1,000 establishments across some of the best restaurants, malls, shopping centres and resorts for their experiences and products. In addition to this, Things2do is bringing onboard multiple brands who will be supporting The Mumbai Festival with deals and offers. Maharashtra Tourism Minister Aditya Thackeray said, “Things2do is a platform for tourists as well as locals of the city to explore places and experience the specialties that Mumbai has to offer.


The Mumbai Festival will be jointly promoted and curated by us. The festival will be organised by keeping in mind all the safety measures and adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.” The memorandum of understanding with Things2do was inked on Tuesday. Things2do co-founders Yash Rathi and Rahul Agrawal said, “We are excited to announce one-of-its-kind festivals in Mumbai which brings together the entire business fraternity aimed at a single cause.” They added that their team is geared up to provide a special experience to Mumbaikars by bringing together unheard-of experiences. “It is the perfect opportunity for the people to enjoy and explore the city and on the other hand, support the local businesses.” — PTI

Winter Games in Gulmarg
Winter games organised to boost tourism in Gulmarg
The tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg District on Saturday started winter games here in an effort to boost tourism. Seven different winter sports competitions like alpine skiing, snow cycling, snowmobile race, sledging, ATV race, snow tube race have been organised. The winter games are an extension of the carnival organised by the tourism department on the occasion of New Year and will help attract tourists, especially those who are interested in winter sports.


“We are trying to make Gulmarg full of festivities so that tourists can enjoy their visit here,” said Nisar Ahmad Wani, Director Tourism, Kashmir. Wani further said that the festivities will continue till the time Gulmarg is covered by snow. He added, “We are trying to provide a platform for youths so that they can divert their energy for something positive and enjoy the snow. Through this, we want to convey a message to people around the world that we are ready to receive tourists.” “Gulmarg is a famous ski resort around the globe. There will be no foreign tourists this year due to COVID but will definitely attract the national tourists,” said Huma Rashid, a resident of the area. People have appreciated the steps taken by the government of J&K to promote tourism as well as winter sports.

IRCTC welcomes passengers
Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the IRCTC’s upgraded e-ticketing website and mobile app for online booking of railway tickets
“Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is launching a website which will bring transparency, at the end of this year. This is a New Year gift for passengers. IRCTC should focus on customer needs and work towards further improving the website,” Goyal said on the occasion. He also appreciated ‘Rail Pariwar’ in ensuring victories and fighting back against the challenges posed by corona and said that the upgraded website is in line with the 'Digital India' mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new website and app will assist users in booking meals, retiring rooms and hotels along with booking of the tickets. It will also predict entry suggestions using artificial intelligence. It will be easier for users to check their refund status with the upgraded website.


Back in 2014, the Next Generation E-ticketing (NGeT) system was launched by IRCTC to provide seamless eticketing services -higher booking loads and better user interface. The e-ticketing website launched by the Railways Minister is the upgraded version of the above-mentioned system. At present, this e-ticketing website of IRCTC has more than 6 crore active users, using it to book more than 8 lakhs tickets daily. Around 83 per cent of the total reserved railway tickets are booked through this online system. “The revamped features of the upgraded website and app will also be simple to scroll through. ‘Regular’ or ‘Favorite’ journeys can now be booked easily by automatically entering relevant details,” as per an official statement. —ANI

The Ultimate Travel Goals List: Take A Trip To India's 10 Heritage Sites This Summer

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Bond With Family And Friends

India has always treasured its perennial glory when it comes to culture and history. From man-made marvels to natural wonders, the country offers a plethora of stunning sites that should be at the top of every travelers bucket list.

Travelyaari, the leading online bus ticketing platform, shares an insight on the handpicked locations of top 10 world heritage sites listed by UNESCO.

Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden that encompasses nearly 17 hectares, in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal with construction starting in 1632 AD and completed in 1648 AD, with the mosque, the guest house and the main gateway on the south, the outer courtyard and its cloisters were added subsequently and completed in 1653 AD.

Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in northern India (State of Sikkim), the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world's third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.

(Image: www.knpsikkim.in)

The Jantar Mantar, Rajasthan

The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.