Which City Is Known As The City Of Lakes?

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 Lake Wular is declared India's largest freshwater lake and Asia's second largest.                                  "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? Bandipora, Kashmir, and Wular Lake are formed in the lap of paradise due to tectonic activity. Jhelum River is the lake’s main source of water. At an altitude of 1,580 Km, Lake Wular is 24 Km in length. According to popular belief, the lake is the remains of Satisar Lake.  The lake has willow tree plantations that started in the early 1950s. Since then, Lake Wular has been considered among India's most beautiful sites of natural heritage. History Of Lake Wular Sultan Zainul-Abi-Din gave the order to build the artificial island Zaina Lake in Wular Lake in 1444. Based on folklore, a city ruled by Raja Sudrasen was once on the border of the lake. But as a punishment for his crimes, the lake's water rose and drowned the king, his subject, and the city with him. During winter, when the water level was low, submerged ruins of a temple were seen. This sighting gave fuel to folklore. Zainul-Abi-Din 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 animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before. Wular has several fish habitats, including rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and Schizothorax. The fish from Lake Wular comprise 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 the Himalayan monal. Lake Wular Tourism: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India 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 in Kashmir, the government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in 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 A development project under the National Lake Conservation Programme has been launched to restore the former beauty of the lake. For this, about 2 million trees are to be cut down.  The Ministry of Environment and Forest has already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. According to estimates, the work will take about 5 to 10 years. 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. They aim to conserve the ecology and the surrounding nature of Lake Wular. Restoring such an enormous lake, the largest freshwater lake in India in India-controlled Kashmir will be difficult. Due to continuous violent attacks, such projects are difficult to proceed with. Wular Lake: The Biggest Freshwater Lake In India And Its Maintenance Concerns (A Sneak Peek Into The Latest Developments)Keeping the Wular Lake clean has been a concern for the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee. On 3rd August 2024, Atal Dulloo, the state's Chief Secretary, met WUCMA, the JK Pollution Control Committee, and other concerned authorities to keep the lake clean.  Wular Lake has always been important in the tourism landscape of Baramulla and Kashmir at large.So, maintaining its cleanliness is crucial to boost tourist footfall in the area. The main agenda of the meeting was to ensure:1. Cleanliness of the lake2. Take strict measures against encroachers 3. Facilitate the ongoing beautification work of the lake4. Development of the surrounding area for tourism with Wular Lake at the coreEarlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the adoption of 30 villages around India’s largest freshwater lake. Saderkoot, Garoora, and Payeen are the first three villages to run the pilot project on solid waste management around the lake. Currently, the lake gathers the wastage of the Jhelum River and the lake’s surrounding villages. Solid waste management is crucial to keep the lake clean, maintain hygiene, and maintain tourism activities in the area.   Places To See Near Wular Lake: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India  Wular Lake, India's largest freshwater lake, has many nearby tourist attractions. The lakes within 50 Km of the lake will soothe your eyes and offer you moments of tranquility.  The nearby Krishnasar and Vishansar lakes have mystical charm. Further, the Vishankar Lake is the source of the Neelum River. Krishnasar Lake is more popular as a fishing spot, and anglers visit here for trout.  Other lakes near Wular are: Alpather Lake Gangabal Lake Gadsar Lake Mansabal Lake Further, if you are an adventurous soul, you can visit Apharwat Peak, just around 20 Km away from Wular Lake. It is a popular skiing destination.  The best time to visit Wular Lake is June to April. So, plan your trip accordingly!  Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia.  Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds, fish, and underwater plants. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Did You Know About The Top 10 Largest Lake In India? With Wular Lake being the largest freshwater lake in India, it’s time to know about the top 10 largest lakes in India.  Vembanad Lake in Kerala Chilika Lake in Odisha. Shivsagar Lake in Maharashtra. Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh. Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh. Loktak Lake in Manipur. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake in Andhra Pradesh. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh. Maharana Pratap Sagar in Himachal Pradesh Wular Lake in Jammu Kashmir All these lakes are prominent tourist attractions and contribute to the local lives, economy, sustainability and environment.  Things You Didn't Know About India’s Largest Lake | Fun Facts Wular Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in India was known as  Mahapadmasar in ancient times. Some people even call it Ullola as it has very high waves.  Further, it is the natural heritage of Kashmir. It has been a witness to the cultural evolution of Kashmir and development of Kashmir through centuries.  Largest Freshwater Lake In India FAQs Here are some popular queries about the largest freshwater lake in India. Let’s find the right answers to these questions.  What Is The Second Largest Freshwater Lake In India? Loktak Lake in the Bishnupur District of Manipur is the second largest freshwater lake in India. Its surface area keeps varying from 250 to 500 square kms. Further, this is an important lake for human lives and the ecosystem growing around it. Did you know that  Loktak Lake is the primary source of water for the nearby 55 villages?  What Is The Biggest Lake In India? Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the largest lake in India. Many people know Vembanad Lake by the name of Kochi Lake.  The lake has a length of 96.5 Kilometers and at the widest point, it is 14 Kms wide. Overall, it spans an area of 2033 square kilometers and a diverse ecosystem has grown up around it.  So, you will find various species of birds and fish around the lake. Moreover, today, Vembanad Lake is a popular tourist destination when it comes to Kerala tourism.  It is a brackish water lake and some other important brackish water lakes in India are Chilika Lake in Odisha and Sambhar Salt Lake. Sambhar Salt Lake is also the largest inland saline lake of India. Which Is The Biggest Sweet Water Lake In India? The biggest sweet water lake in India is Wular Lake in Jammu Kashmir. Further, Manipur’s Loktak Lake and Meghalaya’s Barapani Lake are some other choices if you want to name some freshwater lakes of India.  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  Sibashree Dec 17, 2024

Scottsdale has always been popular as an upscale tourist destination. However, if you have an explorer in you and you have a stringent budget to follow, there is no dearth of free things to do in Scottsdale. Almost 300 days of sunshine every year and a vast desert landscape have made Scottsdale ideal for all types of outdoor pursuits. You can swim in the clear lake waters, hike or bike along the trails to explore the city, and visit the museums without spending a fortune.  So, no wonder the “Scottsdale Tourism Study - Visitor Statistics” published by the Tourism and Events Department of the City of Scottsdale has promising figures to flaunt.  “Scottsdale hosted an estimated 4.8 million domestic overnight visitors, 1.5 million international overnight visitors, and 4.9 million domestic day trip visitors in 2023. The annual number of international visitors increased by 380,000, and the number of domestic day trip visitors increased by 100,000 over 2022.“ Nevertheless, we all love platforms like Free Fun Guides, and those really give us kick-ass ideas while planning travels on a shoestring. Here, in this Tour and Travel guide, I have tried to curate similar ideas backed by approvals from local experts.  Free Things To Do In Scottsdale | Traveling Scottsdale On A Budget  On average, a trip to Scottsdale will cost you around $250-300. A large portion of this expenditure will go into your passage money and hotel or resort charges.  So, the free things to do in Scottsdale will really help you control your budget without compromising on your travel experience. Let’s check out the options. 1. Visit The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art https://www.instagram.com/p/C1xDND7spVj/ Address: 7374 E 2nd St, Scottsdale Phone Number: +1 480-874-4666 Free Entry: 12-9 PM on Every Thursday As the name suggests, this museum is a hub of contemporary sculpture and art. As you explore the museum, you will get to see the best public art, like: Hopi Deity by C. Doug Weigel Mustang Wall by Ken Williams One with the Eagle by Pat Mathiesen Ambient Landscape by Janet Taylor Tree of Life, Papago Park City Boundary Project by Jodi Pinto, etc. Furthermore, the museum has the Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts. It celebrates the best of musical events, discussions, and other performances. Keep checking with the museum authority to know about the events during your visit to Scottsdale.  2. Explore The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market https://www.instagram.com/p/DDSI7dLPa_d/?hl=en&img_index=1 Address: 3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale Phone Number:  +1 623-848-1234 The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a seasonal marketplace in Arizona. In 2024-20525, the market will remain open between October 5th and April 26th. The market timing is 8 AM to 1 PM.  In its 14th year, the marketplace is the biggest hub of local farmers, growers and farming products. From more than 100 growers in the market, you can collect pesticide-free products.  Apples and ciders are the most in-demand specialties in the market. Further, you can collect essentials like pork, beef and fish from this market.  3. Be Familiar With Desert Life At McDowell Sonoran Preserve The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to desert vegetation and many multi-use trails. These trails are not motorized, and you can explore them on foot or horseback. The trails present in this preserve are: Gateway Loop Trail Bajada Nature Trail Tom’s Thumb Trail Furthermore, this desert preserve is the largest in the area, and it offers free entry every day. You will find at least 1000 types of plants and animals here. Various types of animals here include amphibians, mammals, birds, and reptiles.  Rattlesnakes are found in abundance across all trails. So, wear appropriate footwear and carry a hiking stick.  4. Make The Most Of The Scottsdale Fashion Square https://www.instagram.com/p/CrtLTq7spKi/ Do you want to explore the best shopping area of Scottsdale and the entire Southwest? Scottsdale Fashion Square will be the most premium destination to explore your shopping spree.  In every corner of the Scottsdale Fashion Square, you will find brands like Burberry, Gucci, Boss Hugo Boss, etc., offering their best collections. Furthermore, it is a prominent zone to relish the best dining and entertainment scenario in the city.  Taking a stroll through the Scottsdale Fashion Square is an experience in itself, and it’s absolutely free of cost.  5. Hike Through The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead Difficulty Level: Challenging Tom’s Thumb Elevation:  3,670 Feet Trail Distance: 4.6 Miles The Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is at 128 St near the Ranch Gate end. The final destination of this trail is the Tom’s Thumb, a dramatic rock formation with a terrain of loose gravel. The climbs here are very steep, making the hike more difficult.  Furthermore, throughout the hike, you will come across the following iconic vistas and landmarks. Windgate Overlook Gardener’s Wall Sven Slab Mesquite Canyon Windmill Trail However, the biggest highlight of this hike is the Marcus Landslide Trail. By exploring this trail, you will get to know about the “2nd largest landslide in Arizona.”  Throughout the trail, you will find amenities like restrooms and horse-trailer parking. However, there is no drinking water facility throughout the route. So, carry water and hydrating agents to sail through this hot desert weather.  6. Hike Through The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead Difficulty Level: Moderate Elevation Gain: Around 100 Feet Trail Loop Distance: 3.1 Miles The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead initiates a beautiful hiking trail in Scottsdale. It is located at 30301 N. Alma School Parkway. This trail remains open for hiking from sunrise to sunset. Further, you can park your car here for free.  As the trail winds through the Ranch area, you will get to explore the most beautiful desert landscape. The hiking path looks all the more beautiful during the springtime. Desert wildflowers are in their full glory in this season.  7. Visit The Eldorado Park  Address: 2311 N Miller Road, Scottsdale Phone Number: +1 480-312-2483 The Eldorado Park offers many outdoor pursuits if you are looking for the best things to do in Scottsdale. You can go fishing and swimming here. Further, this 60-acre park has outdoor and indoor basketball grounds. You can also pump it up at the soccer field, basketball court, or the sand volleyball court here.  In addition, the ongoing Indian Bend Wash Master Plan will make the experiences at the park even better by meeting user needs and catering to the residents.  This master plan will improve the amenities. Also, it will upgrade the aging infrastructure of the park for enhanced safety and experience. That’s it! Now, you know the things to do in Scottsdale for free. Pack your bags for a trip to this desert getaway in Arizona.  Scottsdale, being a warmer state in the USA, is a popular winter holiday destination. The city enjoys a warmer climate during the months of December, January, and February.  With an average temperature of 3-21 degrees Celsius here, these months are the best time to explore the things to do in Scottsdale.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Sibashree Sep 3, 2025

Travel has always been about chasing something new—different foods, different languages, even different versions of ourselves.  But these days, there’s a twist I never would’ve guessed ten years ago: people are flying abroad not just for beaches or ruins, but for cosmetic treatments.  It used to be this quiet, almost secret thing. Now? It feels like a full-blown movement, changing how folks see both vacations and healthcare. Why Is Cosmetic Surgery Tourism A Good Idea Moreover, there are multiple reasons to consider cosmetic tourism a good idea.  The Allure Of Transformation While Enjoying Cosmetic Surgery Tourism It’s wild when you think about it. People aren’t only booking flights for sightseeing anymore—they’re penciling in surgery appointments, too. Imagine wandering through old cobblestone streets, gelato in hand, while knowing your recovery is happening quietly in the background.  Two journeys are happening at once. And it makes sense. There’s this weirdly beautiful overlap between exploring new places and reshaping yourself. Like you’re writing your own little travel memoir, where the scenery isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of your healing. Affordable Luxury In World-Class Settings With Cosmetic Surgery Tourism Of course, the money side of it is a big deal. In cities like Bangkok, Istanbul, or Prague, you can get a nose job or facelift for a fraction of the price in London or New York.  And no, we’re not talking shady setups. We’re talking polished clinics, international certifications, and surgeons with Ivy League degrees hanging on their walls. It feels a lot like stumbling into a tiny restaurant down an alley and realizing the food tastes Michelin-star good but costs less than a takeout back home. That’s the thrill of it—luxury you can actually afford. Expertise Across Borders With Cosmetic Surgery Tourism And here’s the kicker: the doctors aren’t just good—they’re really good. Many of them studied abroad, learned the ropes in world-famous hospitals, and then brought that knowledge home.  So you end up with a mix of global skill and local hospitality. Sometimes, they’re even ahead of the curve. Offering techniques that aren’t common where you live yet.  Patients leave feeling like they’ve had a peek into the future of medicine. It’s not just about change—it’s about being part of something new. Discretion Wrapped In Adventure There’s also the privacy factor. Let’s face it, not everyone wants their coworkers or neighbors whispering about why their face looks different.  Traveling abroad gives people the space to heal quietly. You can hide out, relax, and be home by the time you’re home?  The recovery phase has already passed, and what people see is just the “after.” It’s sort of the modern version of the old grand tour. Except instead of coming back with art or stories, you return with a little glow-up no one saw coming. Healing In Idyllic Surroundings And healing doesn’t have to be sterile. It can mean resting by the Aegean Sea, or waking up in a boutique hotel where the windows open to mountain air. Many packages include spa stays, yoga sessions, or cultural trips alongside surgery. It’s very… Romantic poet energy. That mix of landscapes and personal renewal. Except now there’s anesthesia involved. Strange, but it works. Escaping The Waiting Game Here is another reason for Cosmetic Surgery Tourism? Timing. Back home, you might wait months—sometimes longer—for elective surgery.  Abroad, appointments are often faster, and that slots perfectly into a trip. You pick your destination, set the dates, and you’re in charge instead of waiting on a hospital calendar. Tailored Packages For Seamless Journeys Nobody’s winging this on their own either. Travel agencies, tourism boards, and even clinics themselves put together all-inclusive packages.  Pickups at the airport, a driver, comfy hotels, follow-up care, sometimes even guided tours once you’re okay to walk around. It’s not just surgery anymore. It’s an experience, planned almost like a vacation package—with a side of self-improvement. Cultural Immersion Alongside Renewal And honestly, half the fun is mixing in the culture. People don’t just sit in bed the whole time—they go out, taste tapas in Barcelona, wander temples in Chiang Mai, or simply sit at a café and people-watch while recovering. That blend of physical change and cultural immersion makes the trip more meaningful.  Almost like a pilgrimage—except instead of chasing spiritual enlightenment, you’re chasing both healing and adventure. Moreover, Cosmetic Surgery Tourism allows for cultural mingling along with cosmetic transformation. The Role Of Hospitality In Medical Travel This isn’t the cold, clinical hospital vibe most of us picture. Clinics abroad often feel like boutique hotels.  Multilingual staff, plush waiting areas, coordinators who hold your hand through every step. It has this old-school travel feel, when journeys themselves were meant to be savored.  Except here, you’re not just a patient—you’re a guest, and everything feels tailored. Wellness Beyond The Procedure And surgery’s just the headline. A lot of places weave in extras like yoga in Bali, mineral baths in Hungary, and Ayurveda in India.  Those little add-ons take recovery beyond physical, giving you that mental lift too. It ties back to that saying—healthy body, healthy mind. Surgery plus wellness feels more complete, more lasting. Building Global Friendships And Communities Here’s something people don’t expect: the friendships. In recovery hotels or shared clinics, strangers from all over the world end up swapping stories.  Suddenly, you’ve got this mini community forming around shared experiences. Even in the U.S., you’ll see the same vibe. Someone might go to New York for a smile makeover, then hit a Broadway show while they’re there.  Mixing medicine with culture just makes the whole thing stick in your memory. Those seeking a comprehensive transformation of their smile, for instance, may explore a smile makeover in New York, where top-tier cosmetic dentists offer tailored treatments in the heart of Manhattan. Like those old travel tales where strangers became lifelong friends on the road, patients today are finding that same connection. Sustainability And The Future Of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism With the industry booming, sustainability’s becoming part of the conversation.  Eco-resorts, green-certified clinics, and even responsible tourism options are sneaking into these packages.  People want transformation, but they also want to feel good about the impact of their choices. It fits with the times. Just like picking organic food or a hybrid car, choosing an eco-friendly clinic feels right. It adds another layer of meaning to the trip. A New Form Of Storytelling And at the end of it all, everyone comes home with a story. Maybe it’s sipping tea in Istanbul during recovery.  Maybe it’s strolling Buenos Aires streets with bandages tucked under sunglasses. These aren’t just medical stories—they become part of life’s narrative. Travel writing, but different. Instead of “the trip that changed my perspective,” it becomes “the trip that changed the way I see myself in the mirror.” A New Chapter In Travel With online consultations and digital planning, arranging this stuff has never been easier.  You don’t fly in blind. You know your surgeon, your package, and even your aftercare plan before you leave. This means less stress and more focus on the actual journey. Begin Your Own Journey Cosmetic tourism isn’t some fad. It’s an open invitation. A way to blend a little adventure with self-renewal.  So if you’ve been toying with the idea of change, maybe your next trip could give you more than just souvenirs. Your transformation? It might be just one flight away.