Author: Travel and Tourism Desk

By: Ananth Venkatesh I visited The Partition Museum in Amritsar on a quiet afternoon, just a short walk from Jallianwala Bagh. The museum is located about five minutes away on foot, along a stretch that feels like a Heritage Street. The walk itself prepares you for reflection. It slows you down. The museum opened in 2017. It stands as one of the world’s first museums dedicated entirely to the Partition of India in 1947. That fact alone gives it weight. This is not just a regional archive. It is a national memory space. Inside, the historical journey begins in the…

By: Ananth Venkatesh The Taj Mahal has long lived in my imagination as an icon of architectural grace, and when I finally walked through its grand entrance, it did not disappoint. Completed in 1653 under the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the monument rises with quiet authority, its white marble glowing softly under the daylight. Recognised globally for its cultural significance, the Taj Mahal was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1983. The symmetry, the intricate inlay work and the sheer balance of the structure make it clear why it remains one of the most admired landmarks in the world. The…

Mumbai is known for its traffic, its speed and its endless energy. But now, one stretch of the city offers something unexpected. As vehicles move at a steady speed on a section of the Mumbai Coastal Road, a familiar tune begins to play beneath the tyres. The melody is “Jai Ho”. And the choice of this song says a lot about the city itself. India’s first musical road has been introduced on the Mumbai Coastal Road project. The music is not played through speakers. Instead, engineers have created carefully measured grooves on the road surface. When cars drive over these…

Marriott International’s Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region delivered another stellar year of growth in 2025, marking its third consecutive year of record-breaking development. The region signed 187 new deals, adding over 28,000 rooms to its development pipeline, reflecting strong intra-regional travel demand and continued confidence from hotel owners and developers. “2025 underscores the strength of Marriott’s growth engine across the region,” said Rajeev Menon, President, APEC, Marriott International. “Sustained travel demand and a diversified portfolio have enabled us to scale across markets and segments while creating compelling experiences for today’s travelers.” Conversions and multi-unit agreements were key drivers of…

By: Ananth Venkatesh Walking into the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum in New Delhi was an experience that combined history, reverence, and reflection. From the moment I entered the premises, I was struck by how clean and well-maintained the museum was. The landscaping was immaculate, with neatly trimmed lawns and well-manicured pathways that made the entire visit feel peaceful and contemplative. The museum is housed in the very building where Indira Gandhi lived for many years, including during her tenure as Prime Minister. As I walked through the rooms, I could sense the weight of history. The living room, study, dining…

By: Ananth Venkatesh Travelling along the Yamuna Expressway is an experience that stands out among India’s roads. Conceptualised in the early 2000s and inaugurated in August 2012, the expressway was designed to connect Greater Noida with Agra, providing a modern alternative to the older, congested routes. As I set off on the journey, I immediately noticed the exceptional quality of the surface. The lanes were smooth and wide, free from potholes and uneven patches that often mar the driving experience elsewhere. The absence of any hawkers or roadside distractions made the drive not only safer but also genuinely enjoyable. Unlike…

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has introduced its E-Pantry service on 25 Mail and Express trains, marking a new experiment in digital catering for non-premium rail services. The initiative allows passengers to pre-book meals online and have them delivered directly to their seats during the journey. While digital food delivery is common in urban India, bringing that predictability to long-distance trains represents a significant shift. However, this rollout is still a pilot project. The larger question now is whether it can expand nationwide and permanently alter the way Indians experience train travel. E-Pantry is integrated into the IRCTC…

By: Ananth Venkatesh When I visited Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital built by Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century, I was immediately struck by its scale and architectural presence. The red sandstone structures rise with quiet authority. They reflect an imperial vision that still commands respect centuries later. As I walked through the Diwan i Aam, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Buland Darwaza, Anup Talao and Panch Mahal, I felt the historical weight of the place. The layout is vast and carefully planned. Courtyards open into corridors. Pillars frame the skyline. For anyone interested in India’s past, Fatehpur Sikri offers genuine…

Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) has unveiled an expanded line-up of curated guest experiences under Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™, reinforcing its commitment to intentional and meaningful travel across the region. Announced on 10 February 2026, the enhanced programme features nearly 100 unique experiences across close to 80 hotels in 12 APEC markets, offering travelers opportunities to connect deeply with local communities and environments. Designed around two core pillars Community and Environment Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ encourages guests to explore destinations beyond conventional tourism. The programme enables travelers to understand local cultures, contribute positively to ecosystems, and…

Building on the momentum generated at OTM Mumbai, South African Tourism successfully concluded the Bengaluru leg of its Annual India Roadshow, reaffirming India’s growing importance as a key source market. The multi-city initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with the Indian travel trade while unlocking new opportunities across leisure, corporate, and MICE travel segments. Led by Ms. Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), the Bengaluru roadshow brought together more than 40 South African exhibitors and witnessed strong participation from over 235 travel trade professionals. The platform enabled direct engagement, knowledge exchange, and discussions around evolving Indian traveller preferences, positioning South…