The Top 10 Clothing Optional Resorts in 2024 in The World!

BY  Pijus Maity Jul 17, 2024

Summer in Rome: Every traveller knows Rome is one-of-a-kind; no wonder it is widely recognised as the Eternal City.  Aside from the timeless architecture and history that lives in all of its paths, one cannot get over its ethereal beauty. And can you blame? The city is charmed with an eternity of times you may explore and still discover something new for yourself. You never know what you will find in its most notable landmarks because there’s so much to see and do. Let us now start our guide on things to do, locations to see, and spots you may enjoy during your Roman summer break. Exploring Rome: It All Begins With A Plan… First, we will explore the remains of the Roman Forum and visit the Colosseum. It is the most famous symbol of the city of Rome worldwide.  Both the Pantheon, which is well-known for its dome, and St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City offer a panoramic view from its dome. These are evergreen destinations that never fail to leave a lasting impression and have a strong and timeless historical aura.  1. The Sistine Chapel The Sistine Chapel, which is housed at the Vatican Museums, is another must-visit ​​location. However, pay attention – reservations are required in advance. Then, take in the views from the Spanish Steps and see the Trevi Fountain. Art lovers might visit the Galleria Borghese, which features paintings by Bernini and Caravaggio, and the Capitoline Museums, which are home to antique Roman artefacts. The National Gallery of Ancient Art is situated at Palazzo Barberini as well.  2. Catacombs of San Callisto For an experience like no other, visit the Catacombs of San Callisto and walk or ride along the Appian Way. The Orange Garden will offer breathtaking sunset views of Rome, and the Baths of Caracalla will provide insight into ancient Roman public baths. Rome also has an outstanding food scene. Crispy and thin Roman pizza and classic pasta dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia are examples of its traditional cuisine. Notable dishes are Carciofi alla Romana, or Roman-style artichokes, and Supplì, fried rice balls filled with cheese.  3. Relish The Roman Delicacies Also, take a chance to savour Saltimbocca alla Romana, which is veal cooked in butter and white wine with prosciutto and sage. Desserts not to be missed are classic tiramisù and maritozzo, a sweet bun filled with cream.  Take a chance to enjoy a meal at classic trattorias like Da Enzo al 29 or Armando al Pantheon, or venture to Michelin-starred restaurants like Il Pagliaccio or La Pergola for a premium experience.  4. Extraordinary Stays Of course, there are plenty of places to stay in Rome. For reasons related to transit, goods, and services, we advise selecting places close to the city centre.  Furthermore, the majority of the most well-known, highly regarded lodging options with top-notch service are found in Rome's historic centre. You may, for instance, consider the wonderful VRetreats hotels.  Rome may be chaotic, so pay attention to this step to ensure that you have the greatest holiday possible with excellent service and the ability to see all the places you want to see in less time. Here’s Your Rome Itinerary… Whether you are in the city for three days, five or a week, you need an itinerary to visit places that deserve priority. If I were to give an honest opinion, three days is fine for a tour of this ethereal destination. Here’s why: 1. Day 1 at the Palatine Hill Are you back from the Colosseum already? If so, it’s time to visit Palatine Hill and, of course, the Roman Forum. Count on me when I say this: Palatine Hill is absolutely unmissable!  Sure thing, everyone loves the Colosseum, and they’re most likely to hit their destination when they reach Rome. But why not go that extra mile to discover a not-so-hidden-gem? If you are dying for some epic views across the forum, this one destination should be on your bucket list. Welcome, home Christmas card photos dwelled with tour images.  2. Day 2 at Pane e Salame It is obvious that you should stop at a food destination with all that extra vacation stress you are carrying. I have found an incredibly amazing lunch spot in Rome, Pane e Salame. It is a paradise for those looking to gulp fresh cheese and delectable meats.  I saved some serious money on their charcuterie tray, which was the wanderer’s reward! It has got so many delicacies that you can share without feeling guilty to your friends. Also, add Aperol Spritz for that extra kick! While Venice and other north Italian cities are quite popular for their finger food-serving styles, this place does something unique. Have an amazing time at Pane e Salame and taste the authentic Italian culture in the form of food.  3. Day 3 is for a Walking Tour I will not immediately name the places, but nothing pays off like an accomplished walking tour of Rome. Art flows through every single vein of the city, and you are never going to be secluded! On this walking tour, you are most likely to cover Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Campo de Fiori, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. This tour shouldn’t take you more than an hour!  Important Consideration: These places are jam-packed with tourists. So, you can book your tickets for months with fewer tourists arriving, say during winter or autumn. Follow these tips, and you’ll be good to go! The Bottom Line So, what’s stopping you from discovering the gem of Italy? There’s literally so much to see and do in the city that boasts of art and culture.  Get ready to see something special and dine in the best places in Rome. Thank you for reading this article till the end!  We really hope we were helpful on your way to planning your vacation. Wishing you the best stay in Italia! Also read Roman Revelations: Unforgettable Things To Do In Rome, The Heart Of Italy! Find Hotels Near Rome’s Top Attractions And What Parts Of The City To Stay In. The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites.

BY  Nabamita Jul 19, 2022

Question: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? Options: A.Chilka Lake ( Surface area  347 sq mi) B.Wular Lake ( Surface area 12 to 73 sq mi ) C.Naini Lake ( Surface area 4.53 sq mi) D.Periyar Lake (Surface area 2,084 sq mi)  Answer: Wular Lake If we are talking about which is the largest freshwater lake in India, then the definite answer has to be Lake Wular in Kashmir. Declared the largest freshwater lake in India and also the second largest in Asia.  Before we talk more about Lake Wular, let’s see what the Famous Kashmiri poet Mahjoor has to say about the glory of Lake Wular.                                 "Wular Lake is still in floods, The North Wind howling strong;                                 The shore is far away, and you    Must steer your course with care." — Kashmiri poet Mahjoor (1885-1952) Which Is The Largest Natural Freshwater Lake In India? Located in the lap of paradise, Bandipora, Kashmir. Due to tectonic activity, the lake is formed from the Jhelum River. If we search for which is the largest freshwater lake in northeast India, then also Wular Lake comes up. The lake stretches over 100 sq. miles which are about 30 to 260 sq. km. The lake is surrounded by willow tree plantations that started in the early 1950s. Since then, Lake Wular has been considered among the most beautiful sites of natural heritage in India. History Of Lake Wular It has been said that Sultan Zain-ul-Abdin gave the order to build the artificial island Zaina Lake in Wular Lake in 1444. On the basis of folklore, it is believed that on the border of the lake was once a city ruled by Raja Sudrasen. But as a punishment for his crimes, the water of the lake rose at drowned the king and his subject and city with him. During winter, when the water level was low, submerged ruins of a temple were seen. This sighting gave fuel to the folklore. It was Zayn-Ul- Aabidin who constructed a huge barge in the Lake and built a brick wall that rose to the water level. Wular Lake: History Amongst Nature Lake Wular is among the 49 other wetlands of India; all are a part of the Ramsar Site. Although it falls under “The Conventions of Wetlands”, established by UNESCO in 1971, Lake Wular faces certain environmental threats. They include threats like fertilizer pollution, waterfowl & migratory bird hunting, agriculture, and also animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before. Wular has a number of fish habitation, which includes rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and also Schizothorax. The fish from lake Wular make up the diet of thousands of people living in the area and everywhere in Kashmir. About eight thousand fishermen depend on lake Wular for their livelihood. 60% of fish in Kashmir comes from the lake itself. People from the nearby villages also harvest the plants like the Nymphoides and the Phragmites for animal fodder. The lake is home to thousands of birds. A few of them are the short-toed eagle, alpine swift, common cuckoo, golden eagle, and also the Himalayan monal. Lake Wular: Tourism Lake Wular is not only a perfect tourist attraction for Indian tourists but also recognized by International tourists as well. Wular lake plays a very important role in further expanding the tourism of Kashmir. When people ask, “which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India” this is what they refer to. To improve the tourism industry better in Kashmir, the Government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in a joint collaboration with J&K and Kashmir tourism.  Sports such as water skiing and boating. The contract for this project was awarded in September 2011.  In 1986, lake Wular was made a part of the Wetland of National importance. This project was carried out under the Wetlands Programme by the Ministry of Environment & Forestry.  The lake was added was included due to its diverse hydrological, biological, and also socio-economic values. According to the Ramsar Convention project, the area surrounding the lake was a garbage dump. The inclusion in the Government project is for management purposes and also intensive conservation. Restoration Of Lake Wular In order to restore the former beauty of the lake, a development project under the National Lake Conservation Programme has been launched. For this, about 2 million trees are to be cut down.  The Ministry of Environment and Forest already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. And the work is estimated to take about 5 to 10 years of time. The schedule started in December 2011. The SAVE organization, or South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists, took an interest in this initiative and joined the project. Their aim is to conserve the ecology and the surrounding nature of Lake Wular. Restoring such an enormous lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in India in India-controlled Kashmir, is going to be difficult. Due to continuous violent attacks, such projects are difficult to proceed with.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Which Is The Largest Lake In India? The largest lake in India is the Wular Lake which is in Kashmir. It is also one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the whole of Asia. 2. Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In The World? The largest freshwater lake in the world is Lake Baikal which is in Russia. Its length is 31,500 sq. km and has a depth of 1,632 meters. 3. Is Vembanad Lake The Largest In India? Also known as the Punnamada, it is the longest lake in India, situated in Kerala. Vembanad is also the largest lake in India. It has a length of 2033 sq. km. Wrapping Up! So, now you know the answer to which is the largest freshwater lake in India. India is known as a land of wonders, and Lake Wular is definitely one of the wonders of India. Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia. The lake inspired many poets to write about its former glory, so restoring it is important. Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds and fish and underwater plants as well. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India

BY  Arnab Apr 11, 2023

The Vatican Museums was recently in the news for unveiling one of its restored masterpieces. Further, the unveiling on 15th August 2024 showcased the restored form of a stunning marble sculpture of the Greek God Apollo in the Pio Clementino Museum of the Museums.  Now, the sculpture known as the “Apollo Belvedere” has inspired poets and artists across generations. Further, the statue had damage to the legs and knees. Along with repairing these damages, the restoration work also increased the stability of the statue.  This type of restoration... is the expression of what we want the Vatican Museums to be. "A balance of tradition, linguistics and study, with a gaze that looks to the future."Barbara Jatta, Director, The Vatican Museums  Furthermore, this Apollo Belvedere was one of the first masterpieces in the museum, and the way it depicts the curled hair and musculature is impeccable.  Above all, along with the Apollo Statue, the Vatican Museums is home to some of the world’s most famous and historic museums, making it a must-see destination for visitors from around the globe.  So, with its impressive collections spanning art, history, and culture, there are countless opportunities for exploration at the Vatican Museums. It has the best artifacts of ancient Egypt and Rome.  Moreover, from guided tours to self-guided visits, here is a flavor of what you need to know about taking a tour of the region’s museums and what you might see. Did You Know?Pope Julius II brought the Apollo statue to the Vatican in the early 16th century.Further, the Apollo Belvedere statue in the Vatican Museums is an emulation of a Greek bronze statue.Moreover, The Vatican Museums is the most consistent source of income for the Holy See's. Every year, the museum has around 7 million visitors and it generates a yearly revenue of $100 million.  The Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums  One of the most popular ways to tour The Vatican's Museums is by taking a guided Vatican tour. These can provide visitors with an expert guide who can take them through the galleries and explain the art, history, and culture in each room. Tour guides will typically provide details about the artwork, architecture, and artifacts throughout the museum. If you want the information in addition to taking in all the magnificent sights, then this is a good way to get it into your head and have something of interest to take to the dinner party table back home. Guided tours typically cost a few extra Euros, but they are well worth the money. You cannot beat having some direction when visiting museums that are full of interest. Self-Guided Tour Of The Vatican Museums If you would rather explore The Vatican's Museums yourself, you can also opt for a self-guided tour. Self-guided visits allow tourists to explore their surroundings individually and at their own pace, as well as focus on what interests them most. Of course, you will need to purchase any tickets in advance, and all visitors must adhere to the museum’s dress code if they have one. If you have elderly family members who may struggle to keep up with the pace of the younger tourist, or you have children with particular educational interests, then it is good to be able to stroll around at your leisure. It does provide the opportunity to only explore what you are most interested in as a smaller group or perhaps a couple. Main Attractions These museums are home to some of the most iconic and historic collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel, for example, is an exquisite chapel decorated with artwork by Michelangelo that is sure to take your breath away. Other attractions include ancient sculptures and frescoes, galleries featuring European masterpieces, and more. Different Vatican Museums The Vatican Museums are composed of several different museums, each with its unique collection. The Pio-Clementino Museum, for example, is focused on antiquities and sculptures from Ancient Rome and Greece. Other museums include the Pinacoteca, which features European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries; and the Etruscan Museum, which is devoted to the art of the ancient Etruscans. Regardless of how you choose to explore, it is sure to be a memorable experience. With its stunning artwork and historic artifacts, visitors are able to gain insight into some of the world's most renowned collections. Gregorian Egyptian Museum Gregorian Etruscan Museum Pio Clementino Museum Chiaramonti Museum Lapidary Gallery New Wing Gregoriano Profano Museum Lapidario Profano ex Lateranense Pius-Christian Museum Christian Lapidarium Jewish Lapidarium Pinacoteca Ethnological Museum Anima Mundi Carriage Pavilion Christian Museum Profane Museum Room of the Aldobrandini Wedding Chapel of St. Peter Martyr Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art Sistine Chapel Raphael's Rooms Borgia Apartment Niccoline Chapel Chapel of Urban VIII Room of the Immaculate Conception Room of the Chiaroscuri Before you visit the Vatican Museums in person, you can also take a virtual tour by visiting its official website. Further, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the different museums and their masterpieces.  Moreover, the site has an online catalog that you can go through for an easy, self-guided tour. Also, there are so many things to see that you will need at least 4 to 5 hours to complete a tour of the museum.  Main Attractions Of The Vatican Museums These museums are home to some of the most iconic and historic collections in the world. The Sistine Chapel, for example, is an exquisite chapel decorated with artwork by Michelangelo that is sure to take your breath away. In many ways the ceiling is a compendium, of Michelangelo’s art, of the Renaissance, of Christian theology. Like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony or Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ceiling is a transcendent work of genius that can never be exhausted through looking or describing. In the words of Goethe: “Until you have seen the Sistine Chapel, you can have no adequate conception of what man is capable of accomplishing.William E. Wallace, Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture Moreover, other attractions include ancient sculptures and frescoes, galleries featuring European masterpieces, and more. Collections To Remember At The Vatican Museums  With its incredible collections and fascinating history, a visit to the Vatican Museums should definitely be on the bucket list of every avid traveler. After all, it is one of the world’s greatest cultural sites!  So, most sections of the Vatican Museums have several masterpieces.  Vatican Museums MasterpiecesGregorian Egyptian MuseumVatican NaophorousShroud of the “Lady of the Vatican”Sarcophagus of DjedmutGregorian Etruscan MuseumLarge Wall FibulaCalabresi AmpouleMars of TodiPio Clementino MuseumApoxyomenosApollo BelvedereRiver God ArnoGregoriano Profano MuseumAthena and MarsyasMarble from the ParthenonJulius CaesarPinacotecaMelozzo da Forli, An Angel Playing the LuteLeonardo Da Vinci, St. JeromeEthnological MuseumPukumani Grave PostsPhoenix Crown Throughout the centuries, the Catholic Church and the papacy have curated and preserved artwork from the world in the Vatican Museums. Moreover, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vatican City, this museum is a wonderful fusion of archaeology, art, and history.  Read Also: Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade LoraNocarter+Absecon: 10 Best Things To Do There Six Things To Do If You’re In Pigeon Forge