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BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

India is leading the dark tourism scenario With an expected CAGR of 5.1% (2024-2034),. Dark tourism in India thrives as it is the land of history and heritage. Also, travel a few miles, and you will get to know folklore or common myths related to paranormal activities.  So, dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or something that raises our curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood from time immemorial. Further, superstitions and oppressive customs in various parts of the country have caused human casualties that can give you a chill down your spine.  However, dark tourism in India or any part of the world is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or its inclination to encounter the grey zone. Many dark tourism sites like the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Jallianwala Bagh tell the tales of a collective past.  So, these are often popular destinations for educational tourism or excursions. With endless stories and mysteries spread in every corner, India will spoil you with the choices of dark tourism spots. Here is a list of places you just can’t miss! Dark Tourism In India: These Are The Places You Need To Visit  For me, dark tourism in India is like communicating with the past. These places and the remnants there convey a message that can trigger our moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. Further, these moral emotions can change our perspective about ourselves, various communities, and society.  Moreover, curiosity is present in people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially urge many to get into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings. So, which places does dark tourism in India take us to? Here is a curated list! 1. Port Blair Cellular Jail | Kala Pani | The Prison Of Death Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands  One of the most prominent witnesses of British atrocities in the country, the Port Blair Cellular Jail tops almost all the lists of dark tourism in India.  The British government made a hell of concrete in 1906 in the form of a prison, and it was almost impossible to escape or come out of it.  Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a freedom fighter in India, was the only person who had escaped the Port Blair Cellular Jail.  The British Raj sent convicts with the highest punishment to this jail. Once, this jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were the freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza” to lead a life of isolation.  Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides operated by the Japanese.  When at the Cellular Jail, don’t forget to attend the “Light & Sound” show in the evening. It is like time travel, giving you goosebumps.  2. Jallianwala Bagh Location: Amritsar City, Punjab The 13th of April 1919 saw one of the worst examples of British acts of barbarity in India. Innocent people had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar City to peacefully protest against British rule. Jalianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire at these innocent and unarmed people. The 1650 rounds of firing continued for 10-15 minutes, taking the lives of more than 500 people.  Today, when you visit Jallianwala Bagh, you can see many bullet holes struck in the structures there. In 1951, a memorial was built here to pay respect to the Indian revolutionaries. Further, in 2019, the inauguration of the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum took place. The museum depicts the most authentic account of the massacre.  A century later, in 2019, an official acknowledgment of “regret” came from British Prime Minister Theresa May on the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This substantiates how grave and gruesome the act of mass killing was.  3. Roopkund Lake  Location: Uttarakhand Located at a 5000-meter altitude, Roopkund Lake is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India.  However, you can see hundreds of human skeletons near the lake, named  the “Lake of Skull.”  Researchers have found that around 200 pilgrims died of heavy snowfall in the place in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and there are stories about the pilgrims getting turned into stones or the Goddess getting angry.  However, Veena Mushrif-Tripathy, a member of the 2004 investigation and a professor of archaeology at Deccan College in Pune, mentioned that the theory of the pilgrims was reasonable as there were no traces of weapons.  4. Shaniwar Wada Location: Pune, Maharashtra Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 by Bajirao I, is a historically significant fort and stands out for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. This fort became a tourist attraction after the 2015 magnum opus of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Bajirao Mastani. However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark tourism in India destination because of a popular ghost story or folklore associated with it. Narayanrao, the son of Bajirao I, was killed by his uncle Raghunathrao in 1773 in this fort. Since then, people have experienced paranormal activities in the fort. Many have claimed to have encountered the dead prince.  5. Kuldhara  Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan How about visiting a village abandoned by its people around 200 years ago? Kuldhara, the cursed village of Jaisalmer, was the residence of the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by Diwan. Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the daughter of the village head. The villagers did not agree to his demands and vacated the place overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there.  Further, some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activities. Whatever the reason, many people have tried but failed to spend a night in this village. Today, abandoned houses, temples, and other architecture speak of excellence, craftsmanship, and intrigue. It is also a favorite destination for movie-makers and photographers today. Films like “Agent Vinod” are shot here. Moreover, the village is now a “Protected Monument of the State Archaelogy Department.”  6. Dumas Beach Location: Surat, Gujarat Dumas Beach is one of the most haunted places in Gujarat. With its black sand and paranormal activities, this beach transforms into a hellish spot as the Moon shows up.  The beach was earlier a cremation ground. The black color of the sand comes from the ashes of those corpses. While we could not see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I felt eerie at the beach. Also, I can’t explain, but there is something very depressing about this beach. It feels like you can hear the whispers of the lost here, and someone will suddenly appear in the shadows.  There have been reports of many tourists going missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was popping out. To date, no explanation has been found behind these tragic incidents.  7. Bhangarh Fort In the Aravallis, the Bhangarh fort has the remains of a deserted marketplace, Havelis, and temples. The architectural excellence of the fort is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past.  However, Bhangarh Fort is the most haunted place in India. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 1 The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entering or staying in the Bhangarh Fort after the Sunset. According to the local people, no one entering the fort at night has been able to come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 2 Guru Balu Nath used to meditate at this place. When Raja Madho Singh visited him with a request to build a fort here, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the shadow of the fort would not touch him. Despite the king’s promise, it did not happen. Furious, the hermit cursed the castle and the village.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 3 No house in the area has a roof. People believe that the roofs of those houses were destroyed due to the curse of the hermit. All attempts to rebuild the roofs went in vain. Many of those roofs also collapsed, causing human casualties.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 4 (Accidents And Deaths) Three people once decided to stay in Bhangarh Fort at night. They had a powerful torch, but one group member fell into a well. The two others rescued him and took him to the nearby hospital. However, they met with a fatal accident on the way to the hospital and lost their lives.  Do you want to explore more sites that are suitable for dark tourism in India? Visit the Taj Palace Hotel in Mumbai, Union Carbide Factory, Bhopal, Sites Of Indus Valley Civilization, Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti, Delhi.  Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share to make a journey to the past!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 4, 2023

Cruise ships are one of the best ways you can experience the world, but with so many different types of cruises available it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. In this guide you’ll find out about the many different types of cruises available, and how you can decide which one you should go for. Details About Different Types Of Cruises 1. Ocean Cruises One of the most popular types of cruise in the world, ocean cruises typically take place on a massive cruise liner and carry thousands of passengers. These big cruise liners tend to take the form of hotels, featuring many rooms, restaurants and activities like shopping, galas and entertainment. Many cruise liners offer children’s programmes, along with pools and water parks, making ocean cruises a great option for families. They tend to be more crowded, so if you’re looking for a more solitary experience then better options may be available. However, many cruise liners offer cheaper deals at different times of year. Take P&O Cruises for example –if you’re willing to shop around, you can get the best P&O cruises at a substantial discount, making ocean cruises one of the more affordable types of cruises. 2. River Cruises River cruises typically involve much smaller ships and fewer passengers than ocean cruises. While they may not feature entertainment for the whole family, river cruises can provide a more relaxing experience, making it ideal for couples, smaller groups or lone travellers. While ocean liners provide a host of on-board amenities, river cruises tend to be less all-inclusive, with the destinations the bigger attraction than the boat itself. Read Also: Best Places For River Rafting In India 3. Luxury Cruises Luxury cruises are naturally more expensive than ocean or river cruises, but the service provided will almost certainly be significantly better. Luxury cruises often involve smaller vessels and offer a range of high-quality (albeit costly) extras. These can include better dining and facilities, flexible itineraries and more exotic locations. If you’ve got the budget for it, luxury cruises can definitely be a memorable experience. 4. Adventure Cruises Adventure cruises are a great option for those who are more interested in the locations than the cruise experience. These cruises typically use smaller ships that are easily able to travel to more remote destinations. Often, these cruises will travel to various unique and hard-to-reach destinations such as Antarctica, the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands. Adventure cruises tend to be more educational – instead of galas or shows, you can expect lectures from experts in wildlife or history. They may not be appealing for everyone, but adventure cruises are great for those looking to learn more about the world. Which Cruise Is Right For Me? Whatever you’re interested in, you’ll likely find a type of cruise that’s perfect for you. If you’re holidaying with your family, then an ocean liner is almost certainly the best option – these all-inclusive liners feature an abundance of fun activities for all ages and can often be cheaper than other cruises. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, river cruises or adventure cruises can be a hugely enjoyable experience. Finally, for those looking for something extra, a VIP luxury cruise can give you the very best experience, although they are naturally more expensive. Read Also: What You Need To Know Before Going On A Trip To Las Vegas Does New Jersey Have Good Nightlife? Let’s Find Out! 8 Best Cinnamon Rolls In Las Vegas You Must Try

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 12, 2023

Heading down to Texas for a one-of-a-kind adventure? Get ready for amazing food, incredible people, and the time of your life! With so much to explore and experience throughout Lone Star State, planning your trip will take a bit of thought. Where to go? What to do? How much time to allot for each activity? All these decisions can make it all overwhelming. But do not fret! Here's our guide on planning the most amazing Texas trip ever so you can make the most of your journey. Read on to learn essential tips for creating an unforgettable getaway you'll want to take again and again! Pick A Home Base Texas is a big state, and with so many attractions to see and places to explore, it can be hard to fit everything into one trip. Consider picking a home base where you’ll stay for most of your stay. It will help save both time and money as you won’t have to pack up, move hotels, and pay for transportation to each destination. Fredericksburg is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe to destress while enjoying the spectacular views of Hill Country. Here you'll find plenty of restaurants and outdoor activities. There's also the Fredericksburg resort, Firefly, where you can relax in the hot tub and spa. Fredericksburg is also close to Austin and San Antonio. So, you can explore both without having to pack up and move hotels. Choose The Best Time Of Year Texas is an incredibly diverse state, with temperatures ranging from the triple digits to below freezing. Depending on your interests and tolerance for heat, it’s important to map out a timeline for your Texas trip that fits your needs. Do you want to hike in the mountains or explore the desert? Maybe you’re just looking to catch some rays at a beach on the coast. Understanding what climate you prefer will help narrow down when the best time of year to go is. Generally, late October/November, March/April, and May/June are great times to visit Texas. During these months, you'll be able to avoid heavy rainfalls, extreme heat, and shivering cold. Bring Your Best Communi Texans are some of the most spirited people you’ll ever meet. If you want to experience a true Texas adventure, it helps to bring your best communication skills. You don't have to learn a new language. But understanding the culture of Texas, its colloquialisms, and its unique sense of humor can go a long way in making friends. From the old-timers in small towns to the hipsters in big cities, you’ll make unforgettable memories if you get to know the locals and ask them for their recommendations. Travel Strategically Texas is big. It means you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car. Make your trip more efficient and less tiring by planning out your routes strategically. Take the Texas State Highway System or any other major roadways that will help you get from point A to point B quickly and safely. If you’re looking for scenic routes, consider the Old Spanish Trail or the Texas Hill Country National Scenic Byway. The naturally beautiful countryside can often be overlooked on a map, so make sure you take the time to explore these areas. If you don't have a car, don't worry. Texas is one of the few states where you can rent an RV and drive it. It is an experience like no other! Don’t Forget To Have Fun Of course, fun is inevitable when traveling to Texas. From some of the craziest rodeos and epic festivals, there are endless possibilities for making memories. Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, Hill Country Film Festival, and Gillespie County Fair are all must-visit events. If you're staying for long, you can also head to Austin for the legendary SXSW music festival. Besides music and art, Texas is also home to some amazing outdoor thrills. For adventurous spirits, horseback riding is a must-do activity. Or why not try fishing and boating on one of the many lakes and rivers? And if you want to explore the Lone Star state, take a canoe or kayak tour of one of Texas’s many rivers. Relish The Delish Cuisine Texas cuisine is unlike any other. From mouthwatering BBQ to rich Mexican dishes, it’s sure to make your taste buds dance. No matter where you go, Texas has something delicious to offer. The farm-to-table movement is alive and well in Texas. Farmers' markets are an excellent way to get a real taste of the area. Local restaurants serve up some amazing dishes using fresh ingredients. Or you could go for something more rustic and try cowboy cooking over an open fire or on a campfire. If you're in the mood for Texas BBQ, Mac's Bar-B-Q and David's Old-Fashioned BBQ will not disappoint. At Mac’s Downtown Fredericksburg location, try their signature green chili mac and cheese, while over at David’s on Main Street, West End, enjoy some of their delicious pulled pork! There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and family-style eateries, too, so even the pickiest eaters won’t be disappointed. Read Also: 6 Best BBQ In Kansas City You Must Visit Shop Your Heart Out, But Don’t Overpack is also great for shopping. Antique stores, boutiques, and eclectic shops line the streets in towns like Fredericksburg, Austin, and San Antonio. Don't forget to pick up a souvenir or something that reminds you of your Texas adventure. It could be a vintage t-shirt or even some artisanal leather goods. You can also check out the local art galleries and museums for unique gifts. Keep in mind that you’ll be on the road for a while, so keep your packing light. Opt for items with multiple uses and use your super-packing skills. Final Thoughts Whether you’re looking to head off on a spiritual retreat or party in the streets, Texas has something to revive your spirit. The culture, the cuisine, and the people of Texas will ensure you never forget your trip. Just make it a point to give yourself ample time to explore, make friends and let loose. We also highly recommend visiting the wineries and vineyards of the Texas Hill Country to complete your Texas experience. Now, start planning that amazing trip to Texas with these tips! You May Also Like: Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 6 Amazing Facts About Gobi Desert – You Should Know Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California