What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide

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]

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 29, 2024

Looking for a perfect destination to hang out with your family for a few days? Israel can be a good place to visit with your family. Family tours to Israel will provide you with a captivating experience of a journey through history and culture. Along with that, the jeeping journey can make the whole tour adventurous for you.  Being in the heart of the Middle East part, Israel is the hub for diverse cultures, rich ancient history, and awe-inspiring landscapes. With the perfect blend of history, education, relaxation, and adventure, family tours to Israel will surely become a unique travel memory. This article will help you to know Israel better by shedding light on the exclusivity of family tours to Israel.  Why Family Tours to Israel are Exclusive? There are several reasons for Israel being the perfect destination for a family trip. Touring in Israel, especially on four wheels, goes beyond a typical family trip experience. It’s a whole new world of adventure and excitement.  Rich Cultural Significance:  Israel is a place rich with a history of thousands of years. The mixture of people from different cultures has enriched the place and enhanced its value to a great extent. You can meet people from different cultures and have a huge variety of food which is difficult to get in other places. It opens up opportunities for great family experiences.  Educational Value:  The rich history and culture of the place will allow you to gain knowledge about ancient history. People from all age groups can learn and enrich their moral values by visiting this place.  Recreational Opportunities:  Apart from its rich history and culture, Israel also has places where you can relax with your family and relieve your stress. For example. Tel Aviv has beautiful and relaxing beaches that are perfect for recreational activities.  Safe and Secure Atmosphere:  Israel tourism maintains a strict focus on safety standards, and its tourist facilities are top-notch. So, you do not need to continuously worry about your family’s safety and security while you are on a trip. The people are also welcoming and hospitable, which will give you a comfortable experience.  Best Places to Visit With Family  Israel has a wide number of tourist places with historical values and natural beauty. However, I am going to recommend some of the places that are perfect for family visits. So, if you have limited time for the trip, make sure to cover these places first.  1. Jerusalem Well, you can not miss the most historically rich place in Israel, which also has a great religious significance.  Here you can explore the old streets and markets. Also, don’t miss the interactive activities of “Bloomfield Science Museum”. This historical place is not only a holy land for Christians but also for any other religion in the world.  Start your tour with Yad Vashem, which is a memorial dedicated to individuals dying in the Holocaust. The Golden Dome Mosque is another great attraction that boasts thousands of tourists every day. Some people also come here to visit the Western Wall, which overlooks it.  2. Tel Aviv Is Carmel Market something you want to see? Then, head over to Tel Aviv or take a leisurely stroll at Sharona. The latter is the oldest modern village in Israel even today and it offers epic sunsets. Along with that, you can visit beaches like the Banana, Frishman and Gordon beaches and rejuvenate yourself.  As I have mentioned previously, Tel Aviv is a great place to relax and recreation. Apart from beautiful beaches and museums, you can also enjoy water sports with your family. Tel Aviv is particularly famous for its nightlife because the place literally comes to life at dusk. 3. Haifa The outdoor lover inside you will call you out to visit Haifa. There are so many extraordinary places to eat and casually hang out that you will be simply mesmerized. Due to its strategic location, the port city lures large tourist gatherings. From promenades to monasteries, this place is a total blowout.  Now, let’s talk about places in Haifa that are worth visiting. The list begins with Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, where you can bask in the Mediterranean’s lap. Then, move on to the Artistic Village of Ein Hod to check out some amazing art galleries. BatGalim Beach is another extraordinary location where kiteboarding and windsurfing can be enjoyed.  4. Dead Sea  Explore the beauty of nature while effortlessly floating on the Dead Sea. Situated 400m approx below sea level, the Dead Sea is the heart of Israel. It is the true wonder of nature with sweeping landscapes and untouched charm. Those visiting Israel can never end the trip without actually visiting this.   Additionally, there are a number of resorts here that provide family-friendly activities suitable for all age groups. There’s Dead Sea Resthouse, Qumran Caves, and Adventure City Fun Park. Apart from these, you can also visit Mujib Nature Reserve and the infamous Masada Mountains. The water body in the Dead Sea has a higher density with super saline water.  5. Eilat Last but not least, we have the water wonder or “Eilat.” This infamous beach lies to the South of Isreal and is a top tourist spot where enormous marine life can be witnessed. One might try a range of watersports such as scuba diving and snorkeling. There are other cultural tours along with wildlife parks that are certainly unmissable.  Eilat Bird Sanctuary and Coral Beach Nature Reserve are some popular destinations that are popularly referred to as the Big 3 Park Tour. You will see most of Eilat here, along with planning a hiking session in the mountains.  Parting Thoughts Israel, the prized jewel of the entire Middle East, deserves a place on your holiday list. It is quite significant for all religious people since they get to see an overall new version of ethnicity. With the above tips, you will be able to visit the most extraordinary places in Israel.  That marks the end of this article. If there’s anything you would like to add to the list, do comment below and let us know. Thank you for reading. Keep following us to read more such content.  Read Also: Israel Government Declares War: Multiple Flights Cancelled Kenya Is Targeting 5.5M Tourist Arrivals By 2028

BY  sagnika May 20, 2024

Are you going to Europe? If Venice is in your plans, let me share some of the plans that will be perfect for you. So, how many days in Venice are you planning for the trip? The capital city of northern Italy, Venice, is built on 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Moreover, there are hardly any roads, only canals through which you can travel using gondolas. The place is filled with buildings that represent the Renaissance and Gothic periods. You will love the ambiance and surroundings if you are an old soul like me. So, are you wondering best places to go in Italy? You must also experience delicious food in Venice and visit these beautiful locations. It is very important to check out local food when you visit a place so that you can experience its culture. Factors to Consider When Visiting Venice! So, let me share with your certain aspects influencing your decision to plan your trip. The first thing you need to consider is the best time to visit! You must consider two things. If you are someone who does not like crowds, you can visit Venice during winter. However, if your plan extends for a few days, summer is the best time to visit Venice. Furthermore, you need to consider mobility issues because they will impact how long it will take you to travel across Venice. Apart from these factors, another important aspect is the Italian Itinerary! Your Itinerary will include the different places in Venice and the amazing eateries and restaurants. Accommodations come into the picture once you have decided on the places you must visit. A Few Hours in Venice There are several options based on the number of days. Accordingly, you can decide how long you want to stay in Venice and how to plan it. If you are only in Venice for a few hours, you should concentrate on St. Mark's Square. So, how many days in Venice? It is one of the most popular places in Venice, as it is the main public square of the city! Apparently, Napolean claimed that this was the world's most beautiful drawing room. The place is also known as Piazza San Marco, and it has a quite old history. There is quite an open space, with several trees lining the place. There are several government buildings and facilities in this square. Now, if you are hungry, you can go to Bacarandino, a warm and welcoming Veneziano restaurant. You can find gluten-free options, as well as vegetarian and vegan options! Another one is Osteria Numero 1, another Italian restaurant. It is a peaceful experience where you can spend a romantic evening with your partner enjoying delicious food. If you are craving Pasta, you can get hand-made Pasta here all year round. Very similar to some of the most romantic restaurants in Rome! You can take a vaporetto and travel to the Grand Canal, the major water traffic corridor in the city! A public water bus is a Venetian beauty, and you can enjoy several locations as there are about 19 scheduled lines. Then you can visit Rialto Bridge, which is an architectural genius. Another amazing place to visit is St Mark's Basilica. It is quite close to Piazza San Marco! So, once you have indulged in delicious food, you can take a stroll and visit the religious and political center of the Republic of Venice. One Full Day in Venice If you have a full day to spend, I will ask you to visit St. Mark's Basilica first and then go to Doge's Palace once you are done with the church. The church is significantly important for its religious relativity because it is the resting place of Saint Mark. If you want to check out some grandiose gothic architecture, Doge's Palace is a great place. Apparently, it houses one of the largest oil paintings in the world on canvas called The Glory of Paradise. The painting by Jacopo Tintoretto. Several masterpieces, including sculptural decoration and Gothic architecture, are exhibited here. The artists who are exhibited here are Veronese, A-Vittoria, Titian, and Tiepolo. Now that you are hungry, you can quickly go to Tuttinpiedi. A popular place in Venice, it serves food that feels like homemade street food pasta with different seasonings like wine or fish. Continue walking in the back streets after your lunch. Later in the day, you can take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. Two Days in Venice If your plans allow you to spend two days in Venice, I have the perfect Itinerary for you. Please make sure to visit St Mark's Campanile. The bell tower is quite popular among tourists as people climb up to the tall structure and enjoy the beautiful views of the city from this bell tower. You can go anywhere in the city and see the tall structure from there. Entry costs 12 euros. You must visit this place, as it is one of the most picturesque places in Venice. If you have a problem climbing the stairs, do not worry; there is also a lift to the top. Nearby, there is also Ponte Dell' Accademia, which you can visit. The Grand Canal of Venice is quite popular, and one of the four bridges on this canal is Ponte Dell' Academia. It is at the southern end of the canal. If you or your partner dislike crowded areas, you can explore Cannaregio. When you visit Cannaregio, you will experience an authentic side of Venice. With reasonable glass pieces, you can enjoy your time with food and friends. Furthermore, after you plan a day for it, you can go on a walk to visit Museo Fortuny and Ca Rezzonico. You cannot miss Il Paradiso Perduto, where you can enjoy delicious traditional Venetian dishes. If you want to visit an opulent place to enjoy delicious food, you can go to Oro Restautant in the Cipriani hotel. It is quite extravagant and chic, so you can have a romantic lunch date with your partner. Three Days in Venice If you have three days to spend in Venice, I have an amazing plan for you! The first thing to do is head to the Murano and Burano Islands. The islands have the shape of a small Venice and are joined by bridges. They are quite popular for products such as lace, glass, and others. There are also colorful buildings across these islands, so they are a perfect heaven for photographers and visitors. Burano is quite a popular place for risotto and fresh fish, and you must taste meat, delicious desserts, and fresh fish in Murano. You can also take a gondola ride across the canals of Venice. It is one of the most romantic activities in life. Of course, you must visit St. Mark Square because, near it, you can visit different places such as St. Mark's Basilica, the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, and The Doge's Palace. If you are a museum lover, you must go to Museo Correr! With its 18th-century interior, you will lose your breath. With an extensive collection of architecture and art illustrating the history of Venice, you will experience some of the best art in life. Four or More Days in Venice This is one of the most wholesome days when planning an itinerary for Venice. If you want some beach time, go to Lido. There are also several beaches hence, there are many things to do in Venice Beach! A hamlet of the city, the water and the sand are quite gorgeous with limited crowds. For a beautiful siesta with a book, this is a perfect place to enjoy yourself and relax. A one-day trip to Padua or Verona is an ideal way to spend the second day in Venice. With the names, I am sure you will realize it is from the famous Shakespeare novel Romeo and Juliet!  There are many things to do with its gorgeous architecture, old-world charm, and quiet nightlife! If you like walking or taking a stroll when you visit a beautiful and romantic place like Venice. There is a Jewish Ghetto, which you must explore when you have time. This place shows you the culture of the place; however, it is a place where the government is forcing the Venetian people to live there. It would be best if you did not miss watching an opera at the Teatro le Fenice. An experience of a lifetime, the opera experience will stay with you forever. Conclusion In conclusion, we have provided several options based on the number of hours and days! If you are wondering how many days you will be in Venice, I am sure you have got your plan. You can decide on the places you will visit and the food you will enjoy when you visit Venice. Even though you will see a lot in Venice, it is packed a lot in a small space. Apart from the crowds of tourists, there are picturesque canals, medieval alleyways, charming cafes, and beautiful streets to walk. Starting from St. Mark's Basilica, the Central Square, and Piazza San Marco, you must cover all of it.   Comment on how many days you plan to stay in Venice and which plan suits you the best!  Learn More Also: How Much Time To Spend In Italy? 10 Best Beaches In Italy That Will Surprise You The Most