Historic City, Timeless Charm: Exploring The Best Things To Do In Bath

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  Mashum Feb 13, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Nashville? Do you want to know what romantic activities there are in Nashville, Tennessee? Are you confused about planning the perfect romantic weekend for you and your partner? Then you have arrived at the right destination. Stay tuned to read about all the romantic things you can do with your partner in Nashville, Tennessee! Top Fun Things To Do In Nashville TN For Couples - Fun Guide   Welcome to Tour & Travel’s ultimate Nashville guide! Today we will talk about all the fun things to do in Nashville for couples. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you can find the closest beach to Nashville and go for a weekend getaway. But that’s not the only thing you can do - hitting the beach seems like a pretty great idea, but there’s so much more to do in Nashville. Stay tuned to find out! 1. Visit The Grand Ole Opry:   The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic spot and perhaps the top attraction you will find in Nashville. This is the show that actually made country music really popular. How can you miss this show, especially when you are traveling with your partner? Review By Lisealleyne:   I fulfilled my wish to visit the Opry, and it was really everything I thought it would be and more. We didn't arrange a tour but were able to pick one up easily when we arrived and did the backstage tour, which gave us views of the dressing rooms and culminated with going on stage and seeing the 'golden circle. 2. Explore The Ryman Auditorium:   A Nashville romantic getaway would be incomplete without a visit to the Ryman Auditorium. The auditorium is so much more than just a tourist spot. It’s literally a slice of history. This is exactly where Johnny Cash first met June Carter - come on!!! Review By Isa B:   We did the VIP tour on a Wednesday's summer morning. To learn all the intimate information about the Ryman and its singers, we had reserved the VIP tour. We were very pleased. George was an awesome tour guide, and he was very knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend it, this was customizable, and we really loved it. It is about 2 hrs of walking, including steps. 3. Spend Quality Time At Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery:   If you are seeking fun things to do in Nashville TN for couples, then you must plan a visit to Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery and spend some quality time here. Hospitality and history - that is exactly what Belle Meade stands for, and we can promise that’s exactly what you will get here. Review By Matt M:   Great historical horse plantation. If you enjoy history, specifically southern history, this is a great half-day visit. A guided tour of the house takes around 45 minutes. Complimentary wine tasting after. You are then free to walk the extensive grounds, including a carriage house, mausoleum, diary, old slave quarters, and more. 4. Check Out The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum:   There are so many fun things to do in Tennessee for couples, especially when you start looking for romantic getaways in Nashville TN. You can’t just spend days in a music city without visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Review By Elisa G:   Take your time to learn about the exhibits using the audio tour, and make sure you don't miss any of the areas in the museum and hall of fame. Add the tour to the famous RCA Studio B, which leaves from the Country Music Hall of Fame. You will never forget the experience. A piece of advice: learn about the many famous artists who recorded songs at the RCA Studio B, apart from Elvis, and think about as many as you can while visiting. 5. Go Partying In Downtown Nashville:   You don’t have to google ‘romantic getaways Nashville TN’ to find out that partying in downtown Nashville is perhaps one of the best things you can do with your partner! From honky tonks, historical attractions, and galleries to live music, there’s so much to do in Nashville. Review By Katie L: We had a blast being in the throngs of people who were smiling, dancing, singing, and having just as much of a good time as we were. What was also great was that it was people of all ages had a great time. From people in their 20s to people who look like they are in their 80s. I see why it's such a popular place. 6. Hiking At Forest Hills: The Forest Hills is a good neighbourhood where you can go hiking with your partner! It is one of the expansive parks because Nashville is filled with scenic views all around. The forest also has a 1200 acre Radnor Lake perfect to visit with a partner. With wildlife such as beavers, white tailed deer, river otters and muskrats, you can check out the animals while on the hike! This is only applicable if you and your partner both are adventurous! Review By Brandi S: This was a blast! 4 friends on a weekend getaway and this was a great addition to our trip! Would highly recommend. There was minimal hiking. 7. Centennial Park It is a well known place even though a little out of place but one of the unique things to do in Nashville TN! The park has a Parthenon which is quite a replica of the popular temple at Athen, Greece. It was during the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897 that a temporary structure was intended. It was appreciated so much that the structure was not removed. The statues inside of the structure have also been replicated so it creates a significant and substantial art collection. There are tree-shaded paths and monuments across the park! Review By Christine C: The park is gorgeous and parking is free. Lots of places to lay out or have a picnic or run around. Family friendly place and shaded areas if you get too hot. The Parthenon makes a great backdrop. It only costs $10 to go in and it tells how the state of TN… 8. Get A Free Admision At An Art Gallery! There are several art galleries in Nashville so you can get admission in one of the Art Crawl! You can either go to studios or art galleries where you can check out art by renowned artists. If you are an art enthusiast, you gotta visit The Arts Company, Hatch Show Print Haley Gallery and Rymer Gallery. What can be more romantic than couples sharing colors thus creating pictures and paintings together! Aww! Do not let go of this opportunity especially when there are literally guided tours which will help you to know the place better. Review By Brian C: Thanks to torrential rain we dashed into Legends Bar on Broadway Nashville......thank you rain,it led us to a fabulous night, great live music, tasty local food,drinks and brilliant atmosphere...... 9. Going Dancing At Honky-Tonk This is one of the coolest places to visit Nashville with a street lined by bars with some of the best live music to offer! You can enjoy your heart out with this play as they do not cover any extra charges when you visit these venues. So go dancing with your partner and enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content. You can visit some of the best places in this area such as Legends Corner, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Robert’s Western World. Review By SophieWilliams: We were looking for a meal & they were still serving food at 9pm which was great. It was quite loud even at the back of the room but it's a great atmosphere in there when bands are playing. My husband ordered the nachos & our eyes nearly… 10. Celebrate Love At Love Circle A Hilltop landscape, the Love Circle is a perfect escape for you to take your partner for a picnic. The hilltop is located 745 feet above sea level and is a mile north of the Centennial Park!  The address is Nashville, TN 37212, USA! One of the vantage points in Nashville, it is quite high and implies that couples can share their time either to picnic, romantic evening strolls or scenic views of Music City! Review By William M: This is a local spot to get great views of Nashville, grab a picnic lunch and make a time of it. Today we saw someone propose. It was great. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):   Check out the most frequently asked questions about the fun things to do in Nashville TN for couples mentioned below in detail! 1. What Should Couples Do In Nashville?   Ans: Couples can do several fun things in Nashville, like,Take a walk to admire the beautiful murals.Check out a popular Nashville Absinthe Bar called Green Hour.Take a ride on a carriage and explore downtown Nashville.Check out Ryman Auditorium.Take a scenic ride on horseback. 2. Is Nashville A Good Place For Couples?   Ans: There are serval cities in the United States that are great couple getaways, and Nashville is one of those places. Known for being the flagbearer of country music, Nashville has some of the best dining options and other exciting romantic attractions. 3. What Is The Number One Thing To Do In Nashville?   Ans: The most popular activities to do in Nashville are as follows,Go to the Nashville Zoo.Visit the Frist Art Museum.Check out The Hermitage.Hog at Bluebird Cafe.Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. 4. What Is There To Do In Nashville, Not Bar Hopping?   Ans: So you don’t want to do bar hopping in Nashville, but you still might be up for some alcohol. In that case, you will be happy to know that Nashville is not just home to country music - the city is also home to several distilleries, breweries, and Wineries. And It’s A Wrap!  And that’s a wrap on the top five fun things to do in Nashville TN for couples! What next? Are you already planning a trip to Nashville? Please, tell us about your thoughts on choosing Nashville for your next romantic getaway. Don’t forget to share your travel experience with us in the comments below!

BY  Mashum Jan 30, 2020

With a change in tourist behaviors, New York is all set to exceed the tourism records of pre-pandemic days. This upward graph in tourism numbers has been visible since 2023. In the same year, footfalls in New York crossed the 62 million mark.  Now, regarding the must see places in New York, the iconic ones like the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the High Line continue to cast their charm.  However, breaking the tourism lulls of the pandemic days, tourists are now eager to explore beyond Manhattan. Further, they want to experience the “Real New York City,” away from maddening crowds.  So, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have highlighted the most popular destinations in New York, along with some unique hotspots. It’s like the Frank Sinatra song, “I want to be a part of it, New York, New York Your vagabond shoes, they are longing to stray And step around the heart of it, New York, New York…” Must See Places In New York | Iconic Landmarks In New York  New York remains a dynamic hub for tourism, with a significant increase in visitors and visitor spending. In 2024, the number of tourists to New York City was close to 65 million, which was the second-highest number in the city’s history. “With nearly 65 million visitors this year — the second highest figure in our city’s history — New York City has once again solidified its position as the premier destination in the nation and one of the top travel spots in the world.”Eric Adams, Mayor, New York City So, the city is ready to make a massive economic recovery, with the tourism sector making a strong and steady comeback.  Further, the following must see places in New York remain the heartbeats of the city’s tourism.  1. Central Park | A Quiet Retreat Amidst The Bustling New York City Embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5WYDY2IRu0/ Entry: Free Hours Open: 6 AM to 1 PM Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s “The Gates” is making a comeback to Central Park. I was just checking out the Central Park Conservancy website and was elated to find that this transcendental art installation in saffron hue is once again ready to tell the tales of a park reborn. The Shed, a non-profit cultural organization, will be hosting an exhibition called “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City.”This exhibition will open on 12th February 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of “The Gates.”  Once home to the Indigenous Lenape people, Central Park became what it is today with the craftsmanship of Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. Walking, e-scooter tours or biking through the trails are the best ways to explore the manicured, yet natural-looking vistas of the park.  Moreover, Central Park is full of attractions, including the Strawberry Fields, a tribute to John Lenon, the Conservancy Garden, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, etc.  2. The Statue Of Liberty | The Symbol Of Freedom  Entry Fee: Free Ferry Charges: Free for Children below 4 Years, $16.50 for Children Aged 4-12, $25.50 for the Age of 13+, $22.50 for Seniors (62+) Hours Open: 9 AM to 5 PM The Statue of Liberty was a gift by France, built-in 1886. It is among the most popular symbol of freedom and one of the greatest icons in America. Standing at 152 feet tall, it is one of the tallest statues in the world and weighs around 450,000 pounds. Battery Park offers a great view of the statue from the land. However, the best way to see this statue is by taking a short ferry trip to Liberty Island. You can get up close, take a stroll around the ground and pedestal. And, if you make advanced reservations, you can even go up to the crown. When you take the ferry, you will also stop at Ellis Island and can explore the Immigration Museum. 3. Metropolitan Museum Of Art | Housing 5000 Year Old Artwork Entry Fee: $30 for Adults, $22 for Seniors and Visitors with a Disability, $17 for Students, Free for Children below 12 Years Hours Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday - 10 AM to 9 PM, Wednesday - Closed Metropolitan Museum of Art, also famously known as MET, was established in 1870. It is one of the most popular museums in the United States of America. The center has an extensive collection of over 2 million artworks, some of which date back to 5000 years. It has three sites. However, Met Fifth Avenue is the centerpiece of the museum. If you are a fan of art and history, this is a place that you should not miss out on. American arms and armors, decorative arts, Egyptians arts, photographs, musical instruments, etc. are some of the many items that you get to explore here. 4. The High Line | The Changed West Side Elevated Line After An Ideas Competition High Line was once a rail line, which has now become a popular tourist attraction of the city. The rail line has now been transformed into a walking trail over the city streets. The linear public park has a wide range of trees and plants. Further, The High Line, or the linear public park, has a wide range of trees and plants. The High Line you visit today survived a demolition order from Mayor Giuliani in 1999. However, four years later, the “ideas competition” hosted by Friends of the High Line highlighted the potential of this “ugly eyeshore” to get transformed into one of the must see places in New York. So, today, the 1.45-mile-long greenway with over 500 species of plants reminds me of the headline on the front page of the New York Times. It read, “Frog of a Railroad to Become Prince of a Park.” Moreover, glass railings line the park, which gives it a more natural feel. From here, you get an amazing view of the bustling city of New York. You can access the high Line on different points from Gansevoort to 34th Street. Some of the access points only provide stairs, whereas others have elevators as well. 5. Times Square | At The Crossroads Of The World Exhibiting tall, bright billboards and displays, Times Square is one of the must-visit places in New York. While it is exciting at any time of the day, it truly livens up in the evening. This is the site where New York celebrates its New Year's Eve and where the Ball Drop happens at midnight. It is a busy street, which is always crowded with people, but still has a unique character to it. Bleachers are installed on the other end of where you can sit and admire the hustling scene. Time Square got its name in the year 1904, and before that, it was known as Longacre Square. Also, if you are looking to find the best food trucks in NY, then I would recommend visiting vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. New York is considered the city that never sleeps, and it is true. No matter what time of the day it is, there is something you can do or explore here. Above are some of the places that you must visit in New York. And while you explore these destinations, you will come across a bunch of others on your way because they all are closely connected. Also, when in Times Square, you must not forget to explore the best food trucks in NY, especially vstreetfood.com/food-trucks/new-york/. The Must See Places In New York | Hidden Gems You Will Fall In Love With  As promised, here, I will discuss some hidden gems in New York. These must see places in New York are eclectic and they represent the true spirit of the city beyond the glitz and glamor of Manhattan.  Here we go! Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site https://www.instagram.com/p/DBo43aGy2u9/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Wednesday – Sunday:10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: Free Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is the boyhood home of the first US president born in the USA.  Today, this historic site offers a 45-minute tour guided by a ranger or volunteer. Stone Street Historic District  In the Financial District of Manhattan, Stone Street has created a world of its own. This cobblestone street or the Stone Street is one of the oldest in New York and a simple stroll through it is an experience for the dark academia fans.  Further, Stone Street will take you back to 1658, when the residents of the area petitioned this street.  Museum At Eldridge Street https://www.instagram.com/p/DEN06khzba7/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Sunday - Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday: Closed Entry Fee: Adults: $15, Students & Seniors: $10, Children 5 - 17: $8, ‘Pay What You Wish’ (Mondays and Fridays) Located in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum At Eldridge Street symbolizes the realization of immigrant dreams. The Eastern European Jewish immigrants built this synagogue in 1887, and it was the first grand synagogue (purpose-built) in the USA.  Today, the museum stands out with its architectural excellence and unique exhibits.  Morgan Library https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSHkw8o6um/?img_index=4 Hours Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 Am to 5 PM, and Friday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM Entry Fee: Free for Children below 12, $13 for Students, $17 for Seniors, $25 for Adults The Morgan Library and Museum is a treasure trove of rare books, prints, manuscripts, and prints.  Located in Madison Avenue, the library and museum has an opulent setup with the collections of financier Pierpont Morgan. Ground Zero Museum Workshop https://www.instagram.com/p/CTwub4yLFU1/?img_index=1 Hours Open: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12:30-2:30 PM, Sunday: 1-2:30 PM, Wednesday: 1:30-3:15 PM, Monday and Tuesday: Closed Entry Fee: Children (Ages 4-12) - $25.00, Adults (Ages 12+) - $32.00, Seniors (Ages 65+) - $25.00 Ground Zero Museum Workshop is the best place to find the most realistic account of the Ground Zero “Recovery Period.” You will find images, artifacts, and 100s of exhibits to take you through what happened at Ground Zero and how everyone recovered from that. Further, today, the Ground Zero Museum Workshop is one of the best places for dark tourism in the USA. Read Also: 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip