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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'll come across folklore or common myths about paranormal activities.  Dark tourism in India takes you to places associated with human tragedy or anything that sparks curiosity. Endless warfare and the rule of various dynasties have drenched its soil in blood for centuries. 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 anywhere in the world, is not just about people’s fascination with the macabre or their inclination to explore 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 their remnants convey a message that can trigger moral emotions such as empathy, gratitude, disgust, or sadness. These moral emotions can also change our perspective on ourselves, different communities, and society.  Moreover, curiosity drives people’s love for the occult. Some categories of dark tourism, such as ghost tourism, thana tourism, and disaster tourism, especially draw many into the shadows. We absolutely agree with Karan Anand, the Head of Relationships at Cox & Kings. So, where does dark tourism in India take us? 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 built a concrete hell in 1906: a prison that was almost impossible to escape.  Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, an Indian freedom fighter, was the only person to escape the Port Blair Cellular Jail.  The British Raj sent convicts to this jail for the severest punishments. At one point, the jail housed as many as 80000 prisoners, and among them, at least a few hundred were freedom fighters. The freedom fighters received the “Kalapani ki Saza,” a life of isolation.  Constructed in the shape of a starfish, the Port Blair Cellular Jail is a witness to inhuman tortures and genocides. Along with the atrocities of the British Raj, it has also seen the genocides carried out 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 and gives 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. Jallianwala Bagh was blocked from all sides, and Brigadier-General Dyer ordered his men to open fire on 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 honor the Indian revolutionaries. In 2019, the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum was inaugurated. 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 Jallianwala 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 there in the 9th century. So, there are so many skeletons around the lake. Roopkund Lake is also known as the “Mystery Lake,” and stories say the pilgrims were turned to stone or that the Goddess grew 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 known for its architectural excellence. This fort was once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas. The fort became a tourist attraction after Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2015 magnum opus, Bajirao Mastani. However, Shaniwar Wada is a favorite dark-tourism destination in India because of a popular ghost story and 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, Jaisalmer's cursed village, was home to the Paliwal Brahmins. They left the village because of water scarcity and the high taxes imposed by the Diwan. Another story is about Salim Singh, the local prime minister, who wanted to marry the village head's daughter. The villagers refused his demands and left overnight. They also cursed the place, saying that no one could settle there.  Some even associate the overnight evacuation with paranormal activity. 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 Gujarat's most haunted places. 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. Although we couldn't see the moving orbs or any prominent paranormal activity, I still 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.  Reports say many tourists have gone missing from Dumas Beach. Also, one day, local people discovered the corpse of a man at the beach. His tongue was sticking 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 fort's architectural excellence is beyond question, and it speaks of a prosperous past.  However, Bhangarh Fort is India's most haunted place. It has stories and myths enough to scare you to bits.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 1 The Archaeological Survey of India has banned entry to, or staying in, Bhangarh Fort after sunset. According to locals, no one who enters the fort at night has come out alive. The fort becomes a site of paranormal activities in the darkness.  Bhangarh Fort Story: 2 Guru Balu Nath used to meditate here. When Raja Madho Singh visited him and asked him to build a fort there, he agreed on one condition. He asked the king to promise that the fort's shadow 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 the hermit's curse destroyed the roofs of those houses. 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, the Union Carbide Factory in Bhopal, Sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, the Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie, and Gandhi Smriti in Delhi.  Listen to hushed murmurs and the stories these places have to share as you journey into 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]

BY  Sibashree Jan 8, 2025

Tourism in New Orleans, Louisiana, is growing. We have the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The data says that in September 2024, the hotel occupancy in Louisiana was 2.1% more than in September 2023.  Now, the places to visit and activities here have always helped tourism to this part of the world. If you are aware, New Orleans is a melting pot of jazz music, historic architecture, Cajun cuisine, brass bands, and so much more! However, traveling to New Orleans has always been a little expensive, and we often overlook it as a tourist destination for kids. So, when someone thinks of a kid-friendly destination or traveling on a budget, New Orleans is probably not the first choice. So, with this Tour and Travel guide of free things to do in New Orleans with kids, we want to bridge that gap. Here, you will discover New Orleans as a budget-friendly tourist destination for kids. Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Traveling On A Shoestring | Traveling Like A Local January to March is the best time if you want to explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids. The average temperature in these months ranges between 45-70 degrees F. Further, these months are the season of festivity in New Orleans.  Of course, you have the New Year celebrations. However, a friend of mine there says that Tet is the festival you must attend in New Orleans. An important festival for the Vietnamese population in the city, it demonstrates the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.  Furthermore, the Carnival Season in New Orleans begins on 6th January. The last day of the festival, Mardi Gras is in mid-February or early March. Moreover, the city celebrates Black History Month with great sincerity. The Black History Month will be celebrated from 1st February to 1st March 2025.  So, if you explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids during this time, they will learn about the history and culture of the city from these festivities.  The Economic Modeling Specialist International or EMSI data shows how inclusive New Orleans is as a city. According to the 2021 data from EMSI, 59% of the population in the city is black. In the other 41%, the city has white Latinos, non-white Latinos and Asians. So, visiting New Orleans can be a great thing to learn about inclusivity for a child with a sensitive heart and an impressionable mind.  Let’s check out what more the city has in store for them. 1. Visit The Audubon Nature Center https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW-62VRd5M/?hl=en Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 861-2537 Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday Closed) Entry Fees: Free Entrance to the Interpretative Center and Nature Center Walking Trails (Tickets Needed For Entry to the Zoo and Aquarium) Your to-do list of the free things to do in New Orleans with kids starts with a visit to the Audubon Nature Center. The aquarium, insectarium, and zoo are the prime attractions here. However, these three attractions do not allow free entry.  It is smart if you opt for a combo ticket. The combo ticket costs “$49.95 Adult / $44.95 Youth​ / $44.95 Seniors.”  Moreover, if your little one is interested in stargazing or astrotourism, you must visit the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Planetarium and Nature Dome Theater. It is temporarily closed. However, it will resume its operations from February with new films and content.  2. Visit A New Orleans Public Library Branch | Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZrMeGpt1L/?img_index=1 Main Library Location: 219 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 596-2610 Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM If your little one loves to read, a visit to any branch of the New Orleans Public Library will be fulfilling to them. However, I especially recommend visiting the Children's Resource Center Library.  The Children's Resource Center Library is located at 913 Napoleon Avenue. You can reach out to them at (504) 596-2628. The library remains open from 10 AM  to 7 PM. Further, it hosts regular events like Storytime, Craft and Lit, and Tween Chess Club.  I was exploring their Instagram page, and it’s so much fun! Particularly, one post drew my attention. It was a poster from a 2019 event where drag Queen Ariel Androgyny had a story-reading session. Further, the poster said that the event was about celebrating diversity.  Events like these are great for teaching diversity and inclusivity to the children.  3. Explore Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVONpWRDC9/ Location: 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans Contact Number:  (504) 523-5433 And Toll Free: (866) 230-8895 If your kid is eager to know about the history and true spirit of New Orleans, a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud's Restaurant will be great.  It has two dozen Mardi Gras costume collections of Germaine Cazanave Wells. These are the costumes worn by queens during this high society extravaganza.  So, take your kids to the Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum and let them cherish their moments of fantasy and wonder.  4. Plan A Tour Of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHMeMbO72W/?img_index=1 Location: 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 589-3882 Hours Open: 24 Hours  Do your little ones want some adventure, and you are looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids? Take them to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. At this historical park, they will meet the native snakes and alligators.  Further, the Barataria Preserve is at the epicenter of a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve consists of  26,000 acres of Louisiana Wetlands.  Other points of attraction in the park are Chalmette Battlefield, French Quarter Visitor Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, etc.  5. A Visit To The LA Children’s Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2KljRieGh/?img_index=1 Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., City Park, New Orleans Contact Number: (504) 523-1357 Entry Fee: Free Entry On The Second Sunday Every Other Month (11 AM to 4:30 PM) Hours Open: Wednesday to Saturday (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM - 4:30 PM), Monday and Tuesday Closed The Louisiana Children’s Museum has fun programs to boost the creativity of your children. Your little one can be a part of the camps. These camps offer interactive learning experiences in math, science, and nature.  Living with Water is another great program to learn about the survival and evolution in wetlands and wet environments.  Moreover, the museum hosts Sensory-friendly Playtime. If your child has sensory-specific needs, they can explore the museum at their own pace without noise and crowd.  Reaching New Orleans | Know This Travel Details Before Exploring The Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids  New Orleans is well connected to the other states of the USA and the rest of the world thanks to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Further, you can take the service of the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to reach your hotel or destination from the airport. Airport Shuttle New Orleans is located at 4220 Howard Avenue and you can reach out to them at +1 504-522-3500.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Arnab Apr 28, 2023

If you're contemplating a significant transformation in your life, you might discover that relocating to a different country could be the best decision for you. Whether you're pursuing a professional opportunity, seeking personal growth, or looking to spice up your life, you're unlikely to regret this decision. If Paris, the city of lights, is your chosen destination, get ready for an exciting adventure. However, before you start packing your bags and hopping on a plane, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure a smooth transition. If you're interested in discovering the essentials of moving to Paris, you've come to the right place. Keep reading to learn how to begin a new chapter in Paris, and embrace the romantic Hollywoodian dream as the lead character. Find a house Finding a place to live is essential when moving to Paris. The city is divided into twenty districts, known as arrondissements, each with its unique character and atmosphere. The first step is to determine your budget and research the different arrondissements that fit your criteria. Renting an apartment in Paris can be a complicated process, especially if you don't speak French. It's highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a bilingual real estate agent or a property lawyer in Paris. They can help you navigate the legalities of renting an apartment in France, ensure that all the necessary documents are in order, and help you negotiate the terms of the lease. Settle into the city Once you've secured your accommodation, the next step is to settle into the city and make the most of your new surroundings. Paris is a city full of history, art, culture, and gastronomy, and there's always something new to discover. One of the best ways to get to know Paris is to walk or bike through its best neighborhoods, parks, and gardens. The city has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the very famous metro system of Paris. The metro system is not only the most used and efficient mode of conveyance and transportation, but it is also a tourist attraction in itself. This is because of its stations that are beautifully designed and art installations that are unique. Learn French Learning French is crucial to fully immerse yourself in Parisian culture. French is the official language of the country of France. While it is true that many Parisians can speak English fluently, if you know some French, it will make your transition smoother. You can take a few language classes, join language exchange groups, or hire a tutor in order to practice the language and meet new people. You can enroll in some French online lessons in order to be prepared before moving to the country. Discover Parisian lifestyle Paris has a reputation for being romantic, sophisticated, and fashionable. While these stereotypes are not entirely accurate, they do reflect some aspects of the Parisian lifestyle. Parisians value quality over quantity and enjoy spending time with friends and family over long meals and drinks. They also appreciate art, culture, and intellectual discussions. To fully experience the Parisian lifestyle, consider exploring the city's museums, art galleries, and cultural events. Joining a social club, taking up a new hobby, or participating in community activities can also help you meet new people and integrate into the local community. Bonus: Should You Settle In Paris? Paris is most definitely one of the best places to stay in France, if not in the world. Rich in culture and architecture, Paris has endless opportunities for work and life.  From companies that pay you hefty amounts to world-class education facilities, there is absolutely no end to the things that you can settle in Paris for. While it is true that Paris is the fifth largest metropolitan city in the world, this city of the muse has a lot of flaws as well. That is the reason why you should take a look at this part of the blog. Pros Of Living In Paris The metropolitan economy of Paris ranks fifth in the world. The system of public transportation in Paris is extensive. Paris's nightlife is very active. Paris has excellent connections to Europe as a whole. France's largest expat community is located in Paris. There is a lot to see and do in Paris. France's most English-speaking population is found in Paris. Paris is one of the best culinary centers in the world. Cons Of Living In Paris The world's second-most expensive city is Paris. Paris has too many people. Paris has a lot of traffic. The Paris metro framework is a labyrinth. Paris is extremely noisy and chaotic. It's not always safe in Paris. Getting to know local people can be troublesome. Wrapping It Up! Now that you have reached the end of this blog, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the topic of moving to Paris, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Main Reasons To Travel As A Student Where Is The Most Popular Spot In The World To Take A Selfie? Best Places To Visit In South West France