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Singapore's High Commissioner to India, HC Wong, expressed admiration for the breathtaking beauty of Ladhak, describing it as a must-visit destination for spiritual journeys in incredible India.

In a current post on X, Wong shared beautiful pictures taken by First Secretary Sean Lim capturing Ladakh's serene landmarks, highlighting its appeal as a place for profound natural and cultural richness. "Happy Sunday, everyone! Ladakh is a must-make spiritual journey in incredible India. These were pictures by First Secretary Sean Lim. I hope you enjoy them!" said Singapore's High Commission to India, HC Wong, in a post on X.

The High Commissioner Wong emphasises the relevance of Ladakh as a destination that mixes spiritual exploration with awe-inspiring scenery. The High Commissioner's endorsement of Ladakh's charm underscores Singapore's appreciation for India's diverse cultural and geographical wonders. Visitors and spiritual lookers alike are encouraged to explore Ladakh's ancient monasteries, participate in local cultural festivities, and engage with its hospitable communities. The region's mixture of spiritual history and natural splendour provides a meaningful travelling experience.

The close ties between India and Singapore have a history of strong commercial, cultural and people-to-people links across a millennium. India-Singapore relations are based on shared values, approach to economic opportunities, and convergence of interests on critical issues. Ethnic Indians constitute about 9.1 percent of 3.5 lakhs of the resident population of 3.9 million in Singapore, which has the highest concentration of IIT and IIM alums in any city outside India. Tamil is said to be one of the four official languages of Singapore.

#indianews #indiaupdate #ladakh #indiatourism #leh #roadtrips #destination

The world's biggest renewable energy and transmission project has received vital approval from government officials.

The Australia Asia Power Link project would send Australian solar power to Singapore via 4,300-kilometre-long undersea cables. SunCable is leading the AAPowerLink project, which would start by constructing a mammoth solar farm in Australia's Northern Territory to transmit around-the-clock clean power to Darwin and export reliable, cost-competitive renewable energy to Singapore.

The principal environmental approval recently obtained from the Northern Territory government rubber stamps the building of a solar farm at Powell Creek with a clean energy generation capacity of up to 10 gigawatts plus utility-scale onsite storage. It also greenlights an 800 km/500-mile overhead transmission line between the solar precinct and Murrumujuk near Darwin.

A converter facility would convert electricity from high-voltage direct current to high-voltage alternating current to supply Darwin. The setup is expected to supply up to 4GW of 24/7 green electricity to green industrial customers. This would be rolled out over two stages, the first delivering 900 megawatts and the second adding 3 gigawatts.

The project aims to convert another 1.75 GW of power from AC to DC and send it through 4300 km of sub-sea cabling to Singapore. The environmental approval would allow the company to lay a cable from Darwin converter station past the end of Australian territorial waters and up to the Indonesian border.

The company, acquired by billionaire Mike Cannon Brookes last year after a bidding war with former project partner Andrew Forrest, still has several hurdles to jump before the AAPowerLink project gets moving. These include negotiating land use with local owners, nailing agreements with other bodies along the route, and even financing the ambitious project. "Sun Cable is delighted to receive environmental approval from the Northern Territory government to proceed with our flagship Australia Asia Power Link Project said company MD Cameron Garnsworthy. "This approval allows us to progress the development, commercial and engineering activities required to advance the project to the Final Investment Decision targeted in 2027."

If all dominoes line up ideally, the first clean electricity supply is estimated to start in the early 2030s. An overview graphic on the project page shows that the eventual end game for the Powell Creek development appears to be the generation of up to 20 GW of peak solar power and some 36-42 GWh of battery storage on site.

#singaporenews #singaporeupdate #solarpower #australia #seacables #suncable

Situated in the heart of Katong, one of Singapore's most culturally rich districts, the Indigo Singapore Katong, an IHG Hotel, provides a distinctive and immersive luxury experience that seamlessly mixes the old-world charm of Peranakan culture with modern sophistication.

This award-winning IHG hotel has earned the prestigious title of Best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Singapore for 2024 by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, underscoring its commitment to excellence, cultural indulgence and personalized luxury. A consistent winner in the hospitality sector, the hotel was also named one of the Top 100 Hotels of the World in 2023.

A Cultural Mixture in Katong

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is a cheerful homage to the rich heritage of the Katong district, Singapore's first heritage town; situated just minutes from the East Coast Parkway Beach, the hotel has taken its inspiration from the cultural and historical mosaic of the Joo Chiat Heritage Area. This inspiration is evident in every hotel corner, from the lobby to the guest rooms, where traditional Peranakan aesthetics mix seamlessly with modern luxury. The hotel design celebrates the beautiful artistry and vivid colours of Peranakan culture with striking decor, intelligent LED lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding neighbourhood. Each room is a sanctuary of comfort and style, featuring luxurious amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a bathroom with a rain shower, and premium toiletries. The attention to detail is impeccable, ensuring guests experience the utmost comfort and luxury.

An immersive experience

Guests at Hotel Indigo Singapore are welcome to start on a cultural discovery and immersion journey. The hotel provides:

• Exclusive access to local art.
• Bespoke culinary experiences.
• Artisanal displays that bring Katong's spirit to life within its premises' opulent comfort.

The outdoor infinity pool overlooking the vibrant neighbourhood provides a serene spot for relaxing and unwinding while soaking in the area's distinctive atmosphere. The hotel's commitment to personalization is evident in every aspect of the guest experience. From human-made itineraries that explore the hidden gems of the Katong district to custom-crafted guest stays, they are as different from their fingerprints. The friendly and professional reception staff are always on hand to assist with tour and ticket arrangements, cleaning services, private check-ins and check-outs, and free luggage storage, ensuring a seamless and stress-free stay.

Culinary Excellence at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery

A highlight of the Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong experience is Baba Chews Bar and Eatery, situated in the former Joo Chiat Police Station. This distinctive dining venue pays tribute to Peranakan cuisine, providing a delightful mixture of traditional and modern dishes in front of the Straits of Malacca. The culinary team at Baba Chews is dedicated to using the finest ingredients to create exquisite meals that celebrate local flavours and heritage. Guess can savour various dishes, each meticulously prepared to provide an unforgettable dining experience.

Commitment to Sustainability

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is dedicated to providing luxury, cultural immersion, sustainability, and responsible luxury. The hotel has integrated eco-friendly practices into its operations, such as refillable glass bottles instead of plastic and wooden keycards to reduce plastic waste. This commitment to sustainability moves to responsible sourcing and community engagement, mirroring the hotel's dedication to positively affecting the environment and the local community.

Innovative and Designed Experiences

The hotel continuously provides innovative and curated experiences that set it apart from other luxury hotels. From private rooftop dinner views to bespoke tours of the neighbourhood's historic sites, every touchpoint is curated to leave an indelible mark on the heart. Guests can even indulge in personalized wellness programs that fit their needs and preferences, ensuring a holistic and rejuvenating stay.

Everything Considered

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong stands as a beacon of luxury and cultural immersion in the heart of Katong. It is a unique blend of traditional Peranakan aesthetic and modern luxury combined with its commitment to personalized service sustainability and innovative experiences, making it a standout choice for discovering travellers. As the Best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Singapore for 2024, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong provides an extraordinary and unforgettable experience that connects guests with the essence of the local culture, leaving them with cherished memories and a desire to return.

#indigo #singaporenews #singaporeupdate #innovation #modern #luxury #culture #tourism #hospitality

During a half-century of independence, Singapore fought to expand its territory inch by inch.

On the trip to the peninsula of Malaysia, the island city piled up sand to expand its coastline and reclaim land from the sea. In that time, Singapore grew by one quarter, adding a landmass over two times the size of Manhattan, and it plans to increase by an additional 4 % by 2030. It is a significant accomplishment, said that many coasts are receding due to rising sea levels and climate change. "We are not planning to lose any inch of land permanently," says Ho Chai Teck, a deputy director at PUB, the government agency coordinating the effort to save the nation's shores, "Singapore will build a continuous line of defence along our entire coast. This is something that we take very seriously." Roughly one-third of Singapore is less than 16 feet above sea level, low enough for flooding to cause punishing financial losses. Some of its most prized property sites on vulnerable land are the skyscrapers overlooking the Marina Bay waterfront known for its luxury mall and casino and the towers that house giant banks like the Singapore-based DBD Group Holdings Ltd Southeast Asia's most significant and UK-based Standard Chartered Plc.

Assuming 1.5 C of warming, prime real estate in the city worth S$70 billion faces the risk of flooding as per Bloomberg estimates with the help of data from real estate company CBRE Group Inc. Jurong Island is another endangered and vital part of the country, where Shell Plc and Exxon Mobil Corp have oil and petrochemical operations. "You have got small nations, but they do not have this much economic wealth," says Benjamin Horton, a professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore who studies sea level change. "The actual value of every square meter in Singapore is off the charts. This country is more susceptible to rising sea levels than any other country." In 2019, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that Singapore would need to spend S$100 billion over the next 100 years to protect against rising sea levels. The government has since put S$5 billion toward a coastal and flood protection fund. "Both the Singapore Armed Forces and climate change defences are existential," he said. "These are life and death matters. Everything else must bend at the knee to safeguard the existence of our island nation." A day's bike ride along Singapore's coastal paths will take you past glittering skyscrapers and scenic dams, beaches and mangrove swamps, diverse scenes that make clear how the country must carefully tailor its approach. Other populous coastal cities include Bangkok, Miami, New York and Shanghai.

Fortifying the city

On a recent weekday, tourists and locals fly kites on a towering structure with dazzling views of Singapore's skyline. But what they are standing on is much more than an attraction. It is an SS226 million dam called the Marina Barrage. Some of the seven giant pumps drain water in the sea during high tide and extreme rainfall. Some kind of artificial barrier protects 70% of Singapore's coastline. However, the city-state must reinforce and improve the shields as tropical storms enhance and sea levels rise.

The Hydroinformatics Institute and the National University of Singapore are working with PUB to build a complete model stimulating the combined effects of sea level rise and rainfall on the country's coastlines; when finished in 2025, it will help assess which areas are most vulnerable based on the predicted depth and duration of floods. "We have to look at this in a very dynamic way," Grace Fu, minister for sustainability and the environment, said at a September event launching a new coast and flood protection institute. "Protecting us too much, you waste a lot of resources. If you build the coat protection solution too low, you must enhance it several generations later.

Government bodies are already considering storm surge barriers on Singapore's waterways. The barriers would usually be open so ships could travel to their destinations, but during a big storm, they would close, encircling the city's industrial areas. Other possible measures are raising the height of coastal reservoir dikes, establishing tide gates that block water, and constructing more embankments, usually raised piles on earth. Singapore is also building a substantial additional terminal at its airport on higher ground 18 feet above average sea level. More than 6 miles of drainage are planned to keep runways clear of the water. Businesses are getting into the act, too. City Developments Ltd has built barriers and water level sensors at the St. Regis Singapore Hotel, Palais Renaissance shopping mall and Republic Plaza skyscraper. In the business district, Frasers Property's 38-story tower has added floodgates. "More still needs to be done says David Fogarty, CBRE's head of ESG consulting services for Singapore and Southeast Asia. "Companies are thinking about rising sea levels but are not acting fast enough."

Enlisting Nature

At the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the roots of mangrove trees have all kinds of configurations. They can look like pencils or bent knees of a stilt. The tropical trees flourish in slaty tidal waters; their thick above-ground break waves and trap sediment, forming a natural barrier to rising seas. To adequately protect shorelines, mangrove forests should sprawl for hundreds of yards. In neighbouring Indoensia, they can even move for miles. In Singapore, mangroves can reduce storm wave heights by 75%; mangrove forests also soak up to four times as much carbon as rainforests.

But mangroves alone are not enough. Singapore is studying whether it can mix the trees with other barriers called revetments, usually made of stone or concrete. Experiments involving combined mangrove rock revetments are underway at Kranji Coastal Nature Park near the wetland reserved and Pulau Hantu, an island off the southern coast. Singapore's existing sea walls and revetments limit one possible solution encouraging the growth of more mangrove habitats, says Daisuke Taira, a mangrove researcher at the National University of Singapore's Center for Natur-based Climate Solutions. Researchers say that the country should protect the current habitat of tropical trees and their protective roots. However, it would likely rely more on barriers and other engineering feats. When cultivating mangroves to keep the seas at bay, Taira says, "Singapore is one of the most challenging places."

Borrowing from the Dutch

On Pulau Tekong, an island northeast of Singapore, giant machinery whirs and clanks as workers stabilize soil and lay out a network of intricately curated drains and pumps. The equipment collects and channels rainwater into a pond. Excess can then be pumped into the ocean. This system, along with sea walls, enables Sinagproe to do something extraordinary: reclaim land that is below sea level. Singapore is taking a page from the Netherlands, a third of which is below sea level; the Dutch built sea walls beyond their coastline, creating new traits of land they call polders. A bean-shaped plot of land on Pulau Tekong is the first polder in Singapore. At 3 square miles, it will add 1 % to Singapore's landmass once completed at the end of 2024 and used for military training.

Polders use much less sand than the kind of reclamation Singapore has used in the past, which is a massive advantage because it is the world's largest importer of sand, which is costly. Singapore has adapted Dutch ways to the tropics side. Pacific corner is calmer than the North Atlantic, so sea walls do not need to be as high as in the Netherlands, as per Jan Jaap Brinkman, a director at the Dutch water research institute Deltares who has advised Singapore. Yet, it has more rain, so its ponds, canals, and pumps are curated to cope with more water. Brinkman says that the government is slowly learning and starting relatively small on Pulau Tekong: "Singapore wants to see if the technology is safe and ensure everything is working well before it takes the next step."

#singaporenews #singaporeupdate #singaporeislands #climatechange #globalwarming #territory

Turkey has increasingly become a leading exporter of television shows in recent years.

Millions of people watch Turkish TV dramas known as Dizi; many of the shows involve the nation's famous historical and cultural places. Experts say that the success of television dramas has created a billion-dollar industry that continues to expand; between 2020 and 2023, demand for Turkish TV series increased by 184 per cent; the number comes from Los Angeles-based research company Parrot Analytics.

Izzet Pinti is chief of the Turkish media company Global Agency. "We reach over 400 million viewers every night around the world," he said. Global Agency exports Turkish dramas to world markets. Pinto noted, "The soft power we create with Turkish dramas cannot even be compared to what could be done in politics." The Turkish drama Deli Yurek was the first to be exported. Turkey sent it to Kazakhstan in 2001, but the love story series called Gumus brought fame to Turkish dizis. The story is about a traditional woman who adapts to life in the city. Hummus grew hugely famous in the Middle East.

In 2006, viewers in Europe's southeastern Balkans enjoyed A Thousand and One Nights, a series based on Middle Rasetn folktakes. The stories were set in modern-day Istanbul. Turkish TV also produced Magnificent Century, a famous historical novel based on the life of Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Turkey was once an importer of Latin American TV dramas known as telenovelas, but now, it exports TV shows to Latin American countries. In 2018, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro visited the set of the Turkish drama Resurrection: Ertugrul. Haley Uganadi founded a website for fans of a Turkish TV series called Dizilah, and about 1.5 million people from the United States, Canada, Greece, India, and Pakistan visit her website monthly. Uganadi said the popularity of the dramas comes from their subjects; she said they are about family, friendship and love and usually involve rich people in Istanbul or historical stories.

Uganadi said the shows offer something for everyone and added that I see reflections of my mom, myself, and my siblings. OPinti of Global Agency that Turkish dramas are suitable for everybody. "There is no nudity, no cursing or bad words, not much late," he said "So it becomes watchable for the family." as the Turkeys industry grows, it is expanding the themes fr its series, for example, the series Red Roses explores problems affecting a family that is culturally Western and a frictional Islamic brotherhood. During a recent period, filming actor Ozcan Deniz told the Associated Press that diversification is essential for industry growth. He said, "Countries that could not transform a different genre are not lagging in the export of series. Turkey has snow that caught this momentum but cannot diversify if it cannot tell different things, and it will end somewhere."

Resurrection—Ertugrul is an example of the increasing success of the Turkish series. Mehmet Bozdag is a producer and writer. He said the first show of the series has over 157 million views on the Urdu-language YouTube channel of Turkish state broadcaster TRT. Another series, Foundation: Osamn, was broadcast in over 110 countries.

#turkeytourism #turkeytravel #travelnews #turkeyupdate #turkeynews #promotion #turkeydrama #turkeyshows #television 

Fireworks light up the sky during the rehearsal of Singapore's National Day parade in Marina Bay, Singapore. 

Singapore National Day is celebrated each year on August 9, celebrating Singapore's freedom from Malaysia in 1965. The celebrations begin with a National Day Parade and end with beautiful fireworks. Held at the Marina Bay National Day celebrations involve an address by the prime Minister and a dazzling fireworks show. While the National Day of Singapore is celebrated on August 9 each year, rehearsals begin at least 3 to 4 months in advance, and the purview showcases around two weeks. Singapore's National Day celebration incorporates a theme mirrored in the parade celebrations. The National Day Parade involves mass displays, marchpasts, school band displays, sky diving displays, choir performances and similar light-hearted performances to keep the spectators intact.

#singaporenews #singaporeday2024 #nationalparade #marinabay

The odds are growing that the Singapore dollar will be Asia's best-performing currency for a third straight year as the central bank looks set to keep using a firm exchange rate to combat inflation.

The country's currency presently ranks third in the region for 2024 behind the Hong Kong dollar, which is pegged to the greenback and the Indian rupee. However, it is catching up with those peers due to speculation that sticky price pressures will prompt the Monetary Authority of Singapore to maintain its appreciating exchange rate settings in its policy review due on July 26.

"We expect SGD to continue its outperformance in the second half as we don't expect MAS to aggressively reduce the slope of the S$Neer policy band this year," said Mr Alex Loo, the macro strategist at TD Securities. "SGD should continue  to benefit from the appreciation path of the policy band while the pickup in growth momentum and the upswing in global trade should bolster SGD's appeal to investors." The MAS, which uses the exchange rate as its primary monetary policy tool, will let the Singapore dollar appreciate against the currencies of the island's major trading partners in 2024 to tackle inflation. The central bank focuses on the nominal effective exchange rate of the currency, referred to as S$Neer, which allows it to move within a policy band.

According to a Bloomberg survey of economists, Singapore's central inflation probably slowed by 3 per cent in June. Before the data is published on July 23, the gauge is forecast to ease to around 2 per cent in 2025 without further shocks, MAS managing director Chia Der Jiun said last week. Singapore's strong growth prospects also bolster the case for the central bank to leave the currency on its appreciation path. GDP accelerated in the second quarter, expanding a faster-than-expected 2.9 per cent. MAS expects the economy to grow near the upper end of a 1 per cent to 3 per cent range forecast for 2024, even as geopolitical tensions and higher global interest rates continue to pose challenges.

While the Hong Kong dollar has been Asia's top performer in 2024, the increased likelihood of a US Federal Reserve rate cut in the coming months makes the currency vulnerable to a sharp reversal. The second-place Indian rupee also shows fresh signs of weakness as it hovers near a record low against the greenback. With Singapore's GDP growth still not performing too poorly in the second quarter of 2024, we suspect there is no urgency for MAS to ease monetary policy, given the strategist at the Bank of Singapore. "We expect SGD to remain resilient relative to most of its Asian peers against the risk of renewed USD strength going into the US election."

#singaporenews #singaporedollar #globalcurrency #asiancurrency 

Turkish TV dramas have gone global, and they are drawing tourists from all over the world.

Under the sweltering Turkish sun, tourists wander through sets that recreate Ottoman and Byzantine-era castles, take selfies with actors in traditional Ottoman costumes, and watch horseback stunt performances.

Among them is Riia Toivanen, 22, a devoted fan of Turkish television drama who travelled to Istanbul from Finland with her mother to indulge in the realm of her beloved shows. Some 12,800 kilometres across the globe in Villa Carlos Paz in Argentina, 66-year-old retired teacher Raquen Greco watches an episode of a Turkish romantic comedy surrounded by memorabilia from her once-in-a-lifetime trip to Istanbul, where she visited landmarks she knows from many years of watching Turkish shows.

"It seemed to me that I was dreaming. I couldn't believe I was living what I saw every day in the series," she said during her visit in April of this year. The global popularity of Turkish TV dramas or dizi in Turkish has thrust Turkiye into the position of a prominent exporter of television, significantly bolstering the nation's international image and drawing millions of viewers and tourists worldwide to its historical and cultural sites that are backdrops to many of the shows.

From Deli Yurek to Gumus: Turkish TV shows promote tourism and soft power

The success of television shows has fuelled a burgeoning billion-dollar industry that continues to expand into new markets, according to experts. The growing popularity of these shows has also greatly enhanced Turkiye's soft power on a global scale. Between 2020 and 2023, the demand for Turkish series globally increased by 184 per cent, positioning Turkiye as one of the biggest exporters of TV shows worldwide, according to Parrot Analytics, a research company.

"We reach over 400 million viewers every night around the world," said Izzet Pinto, CEO of Global Agency, which exports Turkish dramas to world markets. "The soft power we create with Turkish dramas cannot be even compared to what could be done in politics." Although Deli Yurek was the first Turkish series exported to Kazakhstan in 2001, the 2005 romantic series Gumus catapulted Turkish dizis to global fame. The series around a woman from a traditional background adapting to urban life became immensely famous in the Middle East. A Thousand and One Nights, a 2006 romantic drama loosely based on the collection of Middle Eastern folklore set in modern-day Istanbul, captured audiences in the Balkans. Magnificent Century, based on the 16th century Ottoman Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent led the way for historical fiction.

Why are Turkish TV shows so popular?

Once an importer of Latin American telenovelas, Turkey now exports its dramas to the region. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro visited the set of the historical drama series Resurrection Ertugrul in 2018, highlighting the appeal of the dizi in this nation. Haley Uganadi, the founder of the Turkish TV series fan platform Dizilah, says the popularity of the drams comes from themes that focus on family friendship and love, usually set against the backdrop of luxurious lifestyles in Istanbul or Turkey's rich history. "They offer something for everyone regardless of where you are from; watching Turkish dramas, I see reflections of my mom, myself and my siblings," Uganadi said. Her platform receives about 1.5 million viewers monthly, with fans from the United States, Canada, Greece, India and Pakistan. Pinto points to the family-oriented nature of Turkish dramas, "There is no nudity, no cursing or bad words, not much hate. So this becomes watchable by the family," he says.

As the company grows, it is expanding the themes of its series, such as Red Roses, which explores the dynamics between a staunchly secular Western-oriented family and a fictional Islamic brotherhood.

Istanbul witnessed an influx of 'Set jetters'

Toivanene and her mother were touring Bozdag Film Studios, a vast northern Istanbul complex where historical Ottoman-era blockbusters like Resurrection Ertugrul and Foundation Osman were shot. Toivanen says her love of the romantic dramas Black Money Love and Endless Love brought her to Istanbul. "I like Turkish culture very much," she said. "The series is very friendly and warm, and there is a lot of drama going on." the first episode of Resurrection Ertugrul had over 157 million views on the Urdu language YouTube channel of Turkish state broadcaster TRT, said producer and screenwriter Mehmet Bozdog, who created the famous historical drams that fictionalise the lives of Ottoman leaders and heroes. Foundation Osman was broadcast in over 110 countries.

During its run, Resurrection Ertugrul peaked as the fourth most in-demand show worldwide in May 2020, with demand more than 68 times that of the average show worldwide, according to Parrot Analytics. DR Deniz Gurgen Atalay, assistant professor of film and TV at Bahcesehir University in Istanbul, says the industry generated $1 billion in 2023 from overseas exports and has an essential impact on tourism, especially in Istanbul. "The TV series sector has a considerable share in this. The image of Istanbul presented by the series, the food eaten here, the drinks drunk, the music listened to, the living standards, and the culture here provide a charming place for appreciation within the framework of the series," Atalay said.

Mert Yazicioglu, a start of Red Roses whose eagerly anticipated second season is set to premiere in late September, was clad in the attire of his character, a member of an Islamic sect, when he took a break from filming of chat. The series has propelled the soft-spoken 31-year-old to stardom, with Turkiye media tracking his every step. "We have introduced Turkish culture abroad. That makes us very happy," he said, wearing his character's baggy beige trousers and matching waistcoat.

#turkeyupdate #turkeynews #turkeytourism #drama #television #theatre #istanbul #romcom

National Mango Day is celebrated in India on July 22. It is the day dedicated to the king of fruit. To experience the essence of National Mango Day, we suggest you visit these places to explore the diverse mango varieties and indulge in India's rich culture.

Millions across the globe enjoy the succulent taste of the tropical fruit, and each region mentioned flaunts a distinctive variety. As the mango season is fleeting, it is the perfect time to explore the mango heritage destinations in India while not missing out on some fun, touristy things to explore here. Rajeev Kale, who is the President and Country Head of Holidays MICE Visa Thomas Cook India Limited, and Daniel D Souza, President and Country head, share the list.

 City- Ratnagiri Maharashtra- Alphanso in Ratnagiri is known as Hapus, and the coastal region's distinctive soil and climatic conditions contribute to the unparalleled sweetness and flavour of its mangoes. While you enjoy the rich taste, vibrant colour, and smooth, creamy texture of the Alphonso, do not miss out on the scenic beauty of Rtangagiri. They must visit vast mango orchids to see the cultivation process along the beaches, hills, forests and rivers of Ratnagiri.

 Malda West Bengal- It is usually referred to as the Mango City. Malda is famous for its diverse range of mangoes, especially Langra and Fazil. Langra mangoes are larger and have a unique sweetness. Mangoes are so essential in West Bengal that the government hosts an annual Mango melas in Delhi as well. Here, you can sample and celebrate all the various varieties of mangoes. While enjoying Langra and Fazil delicacy, you can also discover the historical ruins of Gour or visit the Adina Mosque and admire the architectural beauty of Firoz Minar.

 Malihabad Uttar Pradesh- UP is not just a spiritual hub but also a place for magi lovers; the Dussheri mago, originally from the nearby village of Dussehri in Malihabad, is a small aromatic, intensely sweet and readily available in the region. The orchards in Malihabad near Varanasi showcase the traditional cultivation methods. Having enjoyed the delicious Dussehries of Malihabad, you can take a direct drive back to Lucknow to explore the intricate architecture in front of the Mughals time.

Srinivaspur, Karnataka—Located in the Kolar district of Karnataka, Srinivaspur is famous for its Benganapalli and Totapuri mangoes. Banganapalli mangoes are also amply present large with a distinct flavour and golden yellow colour, while Totapuri mangoes have a distinctive shape and are slightly tangy. Mango enthusiasts can visit farms in the region and see the mango harvesting process, sample different varieties, and enjoy traditional South Indian dishes made with mangoes such as ambe upkari. The district's other claim to fame is its rich, architected temples. A few to name are the Koti Lingrshwara Temple and the Kolaramma Temple.

 Junagadh Gujarat—The historic city of Gujarat is popular for its kesar Mango. The sweet, saffron-hued Kesar is a favourite among mango lovers. Explore local farms and experience mango-based culinary delights in this beautiful region. In addition, embark on an adventure to Gir National Park to see the majestic Asiatic lions, trek up Girnar Hill for panoramic views, and explore the ancient Uparkot Fort.

 Plan the Mango Journey—No matter whether you are in the east, west, north, or South, there is one town in every region that offers a mango-tasting journey across India. Each region offers a unique travel experience with a blend of its native mangoes. So what are you waiting for? Head out to one of the destinations and savour the king of fruit in all its glory before the season ends.

#indiaupdate #indianews #seasons #mangofestival #indiafestivals #indianculture

Turkey, Vietnam, top picks among Bengalureans Sri Lanka catching on Vietnam and Turkey have become sought-after countries in the past year while countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore remain favourites.

A travel company told Metrolite that Bengalureans are increasingly travelling to Sri Lanka because of the buzz around the Ram temple in Ayodhya. On January 25, it was World Tourism Day, and Metrolite asked experts which destinations are trending among Bengalureans. Vietnam and Turkey have become the sought-after destinations in the past year, while countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore remain favourites.

Ramayana Trail in Lanka

In the previous 3 to 4 months, Nesara Tours, Nagarbhavi, has received many enquires for the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka, "it covers areas like Nuwara Eliya, Jaffna, Colombo, and Yala National Park in Sri Lanka." said Karthik Marathe partner of the tour operator company

New Shores

Mahipal Singh partner Sonana Travel World Nagarathpete has observed a surge in bookings for Turkey, Dubai, Hong Kong, and various places in China; Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya are the most visited spots in Turkey. Explaining the charm of Turkey, Mahipal says, "Turkey offers a mixed vibe of Europe and Asia. Since getting a visa for European countries has been tough in the last few months, people have been flocking to Turkey.” Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand have long been a fixture on the itineraries of Indians. Now, people are searching for newer shores like Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Langkawi in Malaysia. Seychelles are another destination in demand, he observes.

Easy Visa

Thailand remains a famous choice for its easy visa-on-arrival failure, nightlife, and beaches. Vietnam is also seeing a lot of bookings. "The visa procedures to Vietnam are easy, and Indians have not explored them much," says Mahipal. Nesara also gets a lot of bookings for Bali and Vietnam. "These are cheaper travel options currently. Also, these places are close to nature and have beaches. March is a good season to travel there," adds Karthik.

Thailand and Malaysia are the top countries to be chosen at Sanman Travels because they are affordable reasons Shamnth.

Pilgrimage Tour

As per Rajiv Mehrotra, executive director of Wilson Garden's Holiday Concierge, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan have remained top choices among Bengalureans since 2022. "Other picks are Christian pilgrimages in Europe that cover around 45 churches spread across nine countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands," Rajiv says.

#indianews #indiaupdate #tourism #attractions #internationaldestination #travel #visa #tours