What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard?

BY  Arnab Feb 22, 2023

You might be familiar with the term universal pass. It was quite popular during the covid-19 pandemic. People, especially the front workers of society, were allowed to have these passes, which helped them travel without restrictions during the covid lockdown. It is necessary to follow the covid 19 lockdown rules and regulations. However, living takes work, and work takes us outside our safe zone. That is why introducing the Universal Travel pass was a great decision. So, what is this travel pass, and how does it work? This article should give you a clean and complete overview of the same. What Is A Universal Travel Pass? The name of the passUniversal Travel passTypeQR code based.Levels of travel category5 different levels.Launched byMaharashtra governmentAdopted byCentral governmentApplicable inAcross IndiaPurposePublic transport free of covid restriction.EligibilityCitizens aged above 18 who have taken both doses of the vaccine and completed 14 days after their second dose.When to applyAfter 14 days of taking the second dose.Online applicationAvailable. Universal travel passes are electronic passes with a QR code. Fully vaccinated citizens of India are issued with QR Code-based universal passes that allow them restrictionless travel through different mediums of transport. The universal pass started with the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority. They started it in association with the Indian Railways. Two of these authorities ensured that people who are fully vaccinated and have the universal pass with them are eligible to travel through metros, local trains, and monorails in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government issued the pass in five degrees; people working at the forefront of society, like healthcare workers, utility, education workers, and other essential services, were prioritized to have the pass. Gradually, this travel pass became available to people from other cities in India. One only needs to get their vaccination done to be eligible for the universal travel pass. Why Was The Universal Pass Introduced? Following are the objectives for introducing the universal travel pass – People with this QR-based pass can travel safely across India during the covid pandemic. The travel pass was introduced to ensure that the education and healthcare system runs smoothly despite the obstacles caused by the covid pandemic. People had safer modes of transportation thanks to the e-pass or Qr code-based travel pass. There is no need for people with a travel pass to go through a physical examination to check whether they are fully vaccinated or not. The pass is proof of their vaccination. During the covid-19 restrictions, there were many incidents of people traveling with a fake ID. The universal travel pass put a stop to this practice. People with a travel pass can travel using any mode of transportation, be it a rickshaw or a train. The universal travel pass reduces the need for RT-PCR tests during any interstate travel. Who Are Eligible For A Universal Travel Pass? The adult people of India are eligible to have a travel pass. However, they need to fulfill two simple criteria to be eligible for the universal travel pass. Citizens need to have both doses of their covid vaccination done. Also, they need to spend a period of 14 days after the vaccination before they can apply for the universal pass. There is no need for children to apply for a travel pass. How To Apply For Universal Travel Pass? Here are the necessary steps for applying for a universal travel pass – First, navigate to epassmsdma.mahait.com. There, you will see the Citizen category. Under this category, you should click on Universal Pass for Double Vaccinated Citizens. Vaccinated individuals have to enter the mobile number they have used during their CoWin registration. An OTP will be provided to you. Now, you have to enter the OTP. The previous procedure will show the applicant’s Covid-19 vaccination details. The details of their beneficiaries will also be there. Now, the applicant's details will be visible along with a slot to upload their photos. Now, they must upload their photos (below 3 MB) and checkmark the declaration. Once they click on Apply, the photo will be uploaded. Then, the applicant will get a link to download their Universal Pass through SMS. Applicants now download and print their universal travel pass. One can use both computer and mobile devices to generate, download and print their universal passes. Once you go through these steps, universal travel pass downloading will be easier. Data Displayed On The Universal Travel Pass Here are the data displayed on the Universal travel pass - Name of the Travel Pass-holder. UTP holder’s gender. Age of the UTP holder. Picture of the applicant. Level of their travel category. The IDs of the applicant’s beneficiaries. QR code Date of both dozes of the covid vaccination. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): I hope you have found the information you were looking for regarding the universal travel pass Maharashtra. Here are some extra queries and answers in case you need them – 1. Can I Travel Using Universal Pass? Ans: The universal travel pass allows users to travel without any restrictions. The Indian railway and central government have issued this pass allowing citizens to travel across the country without any restriction. However, pass holders need to complete both the dozes of covid vaccines. 2. What Is The Process Of Universal Travel Pass? Ans: People with a universal travel pass can travel across the country without restriction. They need to have a printout of the travel pass while booking train tickets or using any other public transportation. Only fully vaccinated individuals are eligible for the pass. 3. Is Maharashtra Universal Pass Valid? Ans: You can use the universal travel pass all over the country, and the Maharashtra UTP is a valid government-issued document. This certificate is valid across all the states in India. The Central government has adopted the pass that the Maharashtra government initiated. 4. How Many Degrees Of UTP Are There? Ans: There are five degrees of UTP issued by the government of India. These degrees are issued according to the level of covid restriction applied to certain states. Bottom Line People having the universal travel pass can travel across different states based on the degree of their pass and the levels of restrictions applied to different states. If citizens need to go out during the covid lockdown, they should have the UTP with them along with other necessary documents. I hope that this article was helpful. If you have any questions about the same, you can approach us for clarification. Please comment below to engage with us. We cherish and encourage your support.

BY  Sibashree Feb 4, 2026

Now, whenever it’s about the iconic destinations such as Rome or Paris, making a “things to do” list is exhaustive.  And the extortion shows in the guides I check on the internet. So, this time, I planned to create a guide on things do in Rome and it is something very personal. After three trips to Rome over the years, I can safely say that I have started to know the real pulse of the city. It’s beyond the Colosseum and Roman history.  We have a different guide on the main attractions in Rome if you only want to learn about the iconic attractions.  So, let me take you on a trip to Rome through my eyes.  Also, I am happy that combating overtourism in Rome has finally been taken up seriously. If you are a foreign tourist, you will have to pay €2 to visit the Trevi Fountain during the daytime from February 2026.  Nevertheless, here are my favorite things to do in Rome.  What Are The Best Things To Do In Rome?  Timeless, Rome has the power to add a new favorite shade to your list of favorites. Or, you can have a trip to the past at every corner you look!  It takes a lifetime to understand the true essence of Rome.  1. Rediscover The Shade Of Ocher  Ocher is the color you begin and end your day in Rome with. The street light, which plays the perfect complement to the Sun, also creates the same magic when bouncing off the buildings.  Especially during the winter months, when the sky of Rome is bright blue, the old buildings stand as the eternal witness. Guess their color? It’s ocher.  Also, if you ask me which city wears decay the best, it’s Rome for sure. 2. Exploring The Pantheon (Yes Again!) The Pantheon never gets old for me. A building that has been standing for 2000 years feels magical.  Also, one great thing I noticed last time was how they are managing the crowd. You have to pre-book it. So, you cannot just walk in.  You can even book your fast-track tickets for the Pantheon.  It’s an irony that this temple for all (Pan) gods (Theos) is not revered as the other architectural icons of the world. However, for me, it’s most cryptic and intriguing, even the Colosseum.  3. Visiting The Colosseum And Roman Forum (You Cannot Miss It, Right)?  I got inside the Flavian amphitheater last time. However, if you are a first-timer, you can make proper plans and book a ticket online in advance.  Also, with each ticket, you will get an entry to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. However, if you want to explore the rare corners of the Colosseum, such as the attic or the underground, you will need to buy separate tickets.  Moreover, let’s make this clear to you! You will need an English-speaking guide. It does not matter how much you have read about the Colosseum. The anecdotes they share and the way they help to navigate have no match. Also, it is through their stories that you will see the Gladiators in Rome coming alive in front of your eyes.  4. Exploring The Vatican Museums  We all know that Vatican City is one of the countries near Italy, and it is an enclaved microstate.  The Vatican Museums are like miles of artwork. The museums have around 70000 artworks in their 24 different sections.  The gallery of maps was the most fascinating for me as a traveler and travel writer. It took around 3 years to get completed.  Also, the Bramante Staircase itself is an attraction, and I spent quite some time near it. However, the Vatican Museums need better crowd management. Also, please note that the museums are now open at 8 AM instead of 9 AM for better visitor management.  5. Making A Wish At Trevi Fountain  I have already mentioned the fee imposed for visiting the Trevi Fountain. And it was much-needed, as the last time I was in Rome, there were around 60000 people near the front basin of the fountain.  Still, you cannot miss the fountain during the sunrise. And a tourist staple?  To make a wish and throw the coin in the fountain water. These little cheesy things never get old.  6. Walking Up The Spanish Steps  Are you looking for free things to do in Rome? Just walk up the iconic Spanish steps.  These steps are picture-perfect and a favorite for tourists looking for Instagram snaps. The steps get their name from the Spanish Embassy at the bottom. However, a Frenchman built the stairs, and the French Church at the top offers you some moments of quietude.  The steps are also pretty close to Via del Corso, the main shopping street of Rome. Also, you will find different cobbled alleys and quaint piazzas. Any particular favorite?  Yes, Piazza del Popolo won my heart.  7. Taking A Walk Around Trastevere Rome is walkable, and it is the epicenter of various trendy neighborhoods. Trastevere was my favorite among them.  Transtevere has beautiful cobblestone streets, exuding the perfect dark academia vibes. Also, drinking an Aperol Spritz and watching people here are some of my favorite things to do in Rome.  I had my food at Tonnarello, and the chef’s kiss was the gelato I had while walking back to Centro Storico. In this context, you will find many of the best hotels in Rome in the Centro Storico area.  I prefer walking across the Ponte Sisto to reach Trastevere and explore its cobblestone streets.  8. Browsing The Borghese Gallery Borghese Gallery is a small building on the eastern edge of Villa Borghese. It is a sprawling park, spanning an area of 200 acres.  Now, here comes the catch! With the “small” word attached to it, you will think that you can just walk in. However, the gallery limits the number of visitors.  So, if you don’t prebook, the tickets can get sold out.  Enjoy the works of Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio at the Borghese Gallery.  9. Exploring The Lesser-Known Side Of Rome: The Southeast I took a scooter from the Centro Storico, and it was great to explore places like San Saba and Ripa. Away from the crowd, the first major encounter here was the Circus Maximus.  And it was a goosebump moment, without exaggerating a bit! It was the place where chariot races took place, and 25000 Romans were witnesses to them.  Then, I continued walking toward Roseto Comunale and reached Giardino degli Aranci. It is a garden of orange trees, and it has Terrazza Aventino, or the terrace from where you can enjoy amazing views.  The next destination was the Piramide di Caio Cestio. A pyramid in Rome? Yes, it is. Finally, I reached the Baths of Caracalla. The history of the bath goes back to 215 AD. The fun thing is that here you will get 4D goggles for a small fee and get a virtual tour of what the Bath looked like back then.  If you want to explore further southeast, you can visit the Aurelian Walls and the Appian Way. 10. And The Piazza's Time!  I don’t know how many people care to talk about piazzas when discussing the best things to do in Rome.  From the beautiful Piazza Navona to the Piazza del Popolo, every piazza has a page to add to the glorious history of Italy.  11. Trying Out The Best Italian Food  Milky gelatos, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and homemade pastas are the three main attractions for a foodie in Italy.  However, you must also try the gnocchi, cannoli, and tiramisu. Also, you cannot ignore the Peroni or Moretti, or even the Aperol Spritz.  Want to have the best food experience in Rome with your partners? Explore these best romantic restaurants in Rome. 

BY  Sibashree Feb 18, 2026

During my last trip to Jaffna, I got an idea about the inclusive soul of Sri Lanka. The Ambuluwawa Tower is another prominent example of how the country practices a peaceful, multi-religious coexistence.  Along with the top Hindu temples in Jaffna and the Ritigala Forest Monastery, this 48-meter-tall tower has been a highlight of the religious scene in Sri Lanka for me.  This tower has Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim sites. Also, it rises above the mountain and is truly called “Nature’s Stairway to Sri Lanka” for the views of the Knuckles Range and other surrounding mountain ranges.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the Ambuluwawa Tower in Sri Lanka. Let’s find out how it combines the beauty of nature with the excellence of human craftsmanship.  I will cover topics such as the location of the tower, how to reach it, what is so special about it, safety tips, and more.  What Is The Ambuluwawa Tower?  Ambuluwawa Tower is a human-made structure atop the magnificent Ambuluwawa Mountain, which has a height of 3,567 feet.  It is a part of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, which celebrates nature and the diverse religious philosophies.  Along with the surrounding mountains and peaks, on a clear day, you can see even Adam’s Peak from this tower.  Furthermore, the park has different religious sites, as I have mentioned.  Also, once you climb up the tower, you can experience the true beauty of Ambuluwawa and see how the clouds kiss the mountains.  Ambuluwawa Tower Quick Facts  Completed in 2006Height48 MetersElevation from the Sea Level1087 MetersNumber of Stairs to Climb 55ViewA 360-Degree Embracing ViewHours Open7:30 AM to 5:30 PMEntry Fee2,750 LKR or Around 806 INR • With Bike: 2850 LKR• With Car: 3200 LKR Where Is Ambuluwawa Tower Located?  Atop the Ambuluwawa Mountain, Ambuluwawa Tower is in Gampola, Sri Lanka. It is in the southwest of Kandy. The distance is around 20 kilometers.  It takes around 1 hour by road to reach the Ambuluwawa Tower from Candy. The duration may differ based on the traffic conditions.  You can even combine your visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower with the places to see in Kandy. As Jaffna is famous for its Tamil culture, Kandy remains a rich hub of history and Buddhist religious attractions.  The places to visit in Candy are the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the International Buddhist Museum, the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, etc.  You can even extend your itinerary by planning a trip to Nuwara Eliya, the coldest place in Sri Lanka.  How To Reach The Ambuluwawa Tower? Ambuluwawa Tower is a common stopover when someone is traveling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. 1. By Car Or Private Taxi  You can take a taxi or car to reach Ambuluwawa from Kandy in 1 hour. The cost will be around INR 3500.  However, the travel time can be more than an hour depending on the traffic conditions.  2. By Train However, I took a train from Kandy to Gampola. It is lighter on the pocket, and the commute time is a little less.  Moreover, it is perfect for someone like me who believes in the philosophy of TheLow DownUnder Travel.  Trains depart from Kandy to Ambuluwawa three times a day.  The first train departs at 3:35 AM and reaches Ambuluwawa at 4:18 AM. Furthermore, the next train departs at 8:47 AM and reaches Ambuluwawa at 9:32 AM.  However, the fastest train from Kandy to Ambuluwawa departs at 11:10 AM and reaches at 11:36 AM. Also, the average ticket price for this train journey is around INR 380.  Moreover, tuk-tuks are easily available from the Gampola Station to the Ambuluwawa Tower. You have to negotiate a bit, and for me, it cost around INR 400. From the station, you will reach the tower entrance in 15-20 minutes.  3. Reserve A Tuk-Tuk  Tuk-Tuks are the best for exploring Sri Lanka. A ride in Tuk-Tuks is fun and adventurous. Also, today, there are platforms such as tuktukrental. com to make your rides easier.  A reserved tuk-tuk ride from Kandy to Ambuluwawa will cost around INR 1500.  If you have reserved a tuk-tuk, the entry fee to the park for one adult will cost 2900 LKR, which is around INR 850.  Furthermore, you can get dropped off at the entrance and then book a taxi-tuktuk or walk the rest of the distance.  Reserved Tuk-Tuk, Taxi Tuk-Tuk, And Walk: Which Option Is The Best For You?  I got down at the entrance of the Ambuluwawa Park and then took a taxi tuk-tuk. It cost me around INR 400, and these are the best options because they are souped up and they can climb up the mountain faster.  I found these taxi tuk-tuks at the entrance, and the drivers were friendly. The price was around 400 INR or 1500 LKR.  You can even take your own tuk-tuk. However, I saw many tuk-tuks getting stuck in the middle. Then, the passengers had to walk for the rest of the route.  Now, walking here or on the ascent is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is very steep.  Visiting The Ambuluwawa Tower? Keep These Tips In Mind  Early morning or late afternoon (just before sunset) is the best time of day to climb up the Ambuluwawa Tower. Moreover, in the middle of the day, the view can become foggy.  So, here are a few more things to remember.  1. Enjoy The Unique Ascent Experience At The Ambuluwawa Tower You have to climb up 55 stairs to reach the top of the tower.  However, the staircase is narrow and spiral, and as I kept climbing up, the staircase started getting narrower.  Still, enjoy the 360-degree view before your eyes as you keep climbing up the stairs.  2. Combine Your Tower Visit With Other Activities Once you are done visiting the tower, you can visit the nearby Java Lounge or souvenir shop. You can also have an adrenaline rush at the Adventure Park.   Furthermore, you can combine a historical and cultural tour of Kandy with a visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower. You can even travel to Nuwara Eliya.  Moreover, there are many nearby tea plantations to explore.   3. Insider Tips  Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are a must as you need to climb up 55 stairs. Also, at the top, it is very windy.  Moreover, you have to hold your mobile phone or camera firmly as the wind is harsh at the top.  Also, you need to carry enough water and snacks. Is It Safe To Visit The Ambuluwawa Tower?  Yes, the Ambuluwawa Tower is safe to climb. However, the staircases are narrow and can sometimes be slippery.  Also, sometimes the crowd can move in the wrong direction, creating unnecessary traffic in the staircase.  Furthermore, it may be difficult for you if you have health issues such as vertigo and spondylitis.  Nevertheless, wear comfortable and sporty shoes and stay hydrated to eliminate most hazards while climbing up the stairs.  Where To Stay Near The Ambuluwawa Tower?  You can stay in Kandy or Gampola for a comfortable visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower. However, Kandy is a better option to find an accommodation if you want to combine the tower visit with other day trips.  Nevertheless, there are some of the best places to stay in Kandy.  1. Kandu This guesthouse is simple, and it is ideal for budget-friendly travelers. Furthermore, it is very close to the City Center, and you will get a complimentary breakfast here.  2. SWP Eco Lodge It is the most scenic of all the accommodations in Kandy, as it is on the Kandy Lake. So, it overlooks the Temple of the Tooth and the lake.  Furthermore, the rooms here have large balconies.  3. The Summit The Summit is known for its beautiful terrace. However, it is a bit pricey. So, it is ideal for luxury travelers.  4. McLeod-Inn I stayed at McLeod Inn. I chose it because of its location up the hill. Tuk-tuks are frequently available, and they took me to the McLeod Inn.  Moreover, the ambiance was very peaceful there, and the views were amazing. Ambuluwawa Tower: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Ambuluwawa Tower.  1. How Long Does It Take To Climb The Ambuluwawa Tower? As you take the tuk-tuk from the entrance, you will reach the base of the tower in 20-30 minutes. Furthermore, from the base, it will take around 15-20 minutes to climb up the tower. 2. Can I Visit The Ambuluwawa Tower With Children? Yes, you can visit the tower with young children. However, one has to climb 55 steep stairs to climb up the tower, and the stairs can be narrow. Also, it is very windy atop. So, I think, bring your children at least when they are 6-7 years old.  3. Who Built The Ambuluwawa Tower?  The completion of the Ambuluwawa Tower was done in 2006. The Local Government of Gampola and the Central Environmental Authority started the construction of this tower. Moreover, celebrating the religious harmony and inclusive spirit of Sri Lanka was the main intention behind the construction of this tower.