The Traveller Trails

26/12/2024

Air travellers in India will need to scale down their carry-on baggage. New regulations from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), announced Wednesday, limit passengers to one handbag or cabin bag weighing up to 7 kilograms on all flights.

Air travellers in India will need to scale down their carry-on baggage. New regulations from the Bureau of Civil Aviation

25/12/2024

Christ Church, Kasauli, holds a rather singular distinction—a distinction recorded, of course, in the Limca Book of Records: it is home to India's oldest working turret clock. This clock, imported from W.H. Bailey & Co of Manchester, was installed in the 1880s at a considerable cost for that era—Rs. 2612 and 11 annas. The church tower was raised at this time to accommodate this impressive timepiece.

Unfortunately, the clock did not enjoy uninterrupted operation; it fell silent for many years, a fate not uncommon for such delicate mechanisms that struggle to endure the relentless passage of time. However, in 2015, it was revived through a restoration effort that secured its place in history. Today, it continues to function reliably, powered by its original weight-driven mechanical gear assembly.

The church itself, constructed from dressed sandstone with a cruciform floor plan, has humbler beginnings. Its journey began in 1844 when Rev. M.J. Jennings and Bishop Wilson conducted services in a barrack. The structure, then referred to as a 'shed,' was completed in 1853, but the church was not consecrated until January 8, 1857, under the authority of the Bishop of Calcutta. Over the years, its aesthetic and spiritual significance grew, turning it into a landmark of timeless charm.

Inside, one finds finely carved stone pillars and solid wooden pews, likely of Burma teak. Natural light filters through the lancet windows along the sides. The stained-glass windows above the high altar depict Christ on the cross, flanked by Joseph and Mary. A side altar features windows with Saint Barnabas and Saint Francis of Assisi—the latter depicted with doves, reflecting his connection to animals and nature. Since 1970, the church, with its Spanish and Italian stained glass—a touch of continental flair—has been part of the Church of North India.

Surely, it is an interesting place to explore. And as it's the season, a Merry Christmas to you all. May your own stories have such unexpected, yet joyful, turns.

24/12/2024

Enrich your travels, not your expenses

The true cost of travel often extends beyond flights and accommodation. Hidden expenses can quickly add up, turning a dream

19/12/2024

Every great city has its pulse, and in Kraków, it’s Rynek Główny. It is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, featuring elegant townhouses, surreal architecture, and historic landmarks to explore. At the center stands the imposing St. Mary’s Basilica, its two towers of differing heights are a distinctive feature of the Kraków skyline. Legend has it that the towers were built by two brothers, one of whom, in a fit of sibling rivalry, murdered the other— a rather dramatic addition to the city’s history.

19/12/2024

Don't leave home without these indispensable travel companions.

Every journey, no matter how thrilling, comes with its fair share of challenges. From staying organised to keeping devices powered

16/12/2024

If you love the wilderness, Ubud has beautiful walks in tropical settings, rewarded with gushing waterfalls. The Tegenungan Waterfall is the most popular, but you can go for long hikes and find many other cataracts all by yourself. Then there are the Tegallalang Rice fields – some of the most popular terraced rice fields in Bali – right in Ubud’s backyard. These step fields, jade green with rice and peppered with palms and coconuts, are worth a visit just for their grandeur and scale, not to mention that these are part of a larger UNESCO world heritage site that celebrates the Balinese Subak system of sustained water management for irrigation.

While Ubud’s natural wonders are extraordinary, its cultural and spiritual offerings are equally impressive. Visitors can explore ancient temples like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with its centuries-old shrines hidden among towering trees. The Pura Taman Saraswati temple, surrounded by lotus-filled ponds, provides a peaceful escape. For a deeper dive into Bali's spiritual heritage, Pura Tirta Empul invites travellers to take part in purification rituals at its sacred spring. Art lovers can engage with the vibrant Ubud Art Market, where local handicrafts and traditional paintings are sold. For history enthusiasts, Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, features striking carvings and quiet courtyards nestled in a calm, green setting.

16/12/2024

From cozy decor and familiar scents to smart storage solutions, these tips will help personalize your holiday retreat.

There’s nothing better than travelling and exploring new places in the world. Whether you are travelling for experience or to

13/12/2024

After months of silence, the railway chugs back to life.

Dharamshala: Northern Railways will resume train services between Nurpur Road and Paprola from 14 December, following a successful trial run.

11/12/2024

From the to , these destinations dominated Indian searches in 2024, with leading as the top domestic search.

The year 2024 saw diverse travel trends among Indian travellers, with a mix of well-loved domestic locations and exciting international

10/12/2024

Framed by towering and dense deodar , the Bijjat Maharaj Temple at Sarain in draws attention with its distinctive design and architectural finesse. The temple, dedicated to the Bijat deity, consists of two rectangular buildings made with alternating layers of stone and timber, a defining feature of Himalayan .

The slate-covered roofs slope gently downward, extending slightly at the centre. Along the eaves, wooden planks are adorned with carved pieces, known as bells. These small, intricate carvings, about 15 to 20 centimetres long, resemble the icicles that form when snow melts in winter.

Visitors will also notice the nailless wooden framework, a trademark of local craftsmanship, which complements the finely carved balconies and galleries. The doors and niches are framed by detailed wood carvings, featuring patterns inspired by regional traditions. The structure integrates effortlessly with its surroundings, illustrating the expertise of local artisans. While modern concrete buildings replace older structures in the village, the temple remains a lasting example of the Himachal's artisanal in every detail.

09/12/2024

The and its tributaries have spent centuries shaping a landscape of deep gorges and cliffs that not only dazzle the eyes of explorers but also offer a glimpse into the ancient history of our planet. With no vegetation to obscure its geological treasures and endless vistas to take in, the is an exciting destination for travellers and a living classroom for geologists.

06/12/2024

Timing is key for an unforgettable adventure—find your perfect match.

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous expeditions in Nepal. This exciting adventure allows trekkers to stand

05/12/2024

conjures a sense of for even the most seasoned . Visitors can hop aboard the iconic , not merely as a means to reach this hill station but also for the and nostalgic it offers along the way. Once there, wander through the lush where the world-renowned Darjeeling tea is cultivated. Marketed as the "Champagne of Teas," this delicate brew delights with its floral and fruity notes. Meanwhile, the vibrant markets invite exploration of local , and sipping a fresh cup of against the towering backdrop of makes every moment feel magical.

05/12/2024

Solo in ? These easy tips will help you with peace of mind.

Travelling solo around Europe can be an enriching experience, as you broaden your horizons and get a taste of many

04/12/2024

From luxury lounges to reward flights, discover what Air India's revamped loyalty programme has to offer.

Air India has introduced the Maharaja Club, a modernised loyalty programme that succeeds Flying Returns, one of India’s earliest frequent

28/11/2024

Get up close with the at these unforgettable destinations.

Few travel experiences rival the excitement of a safari. These journeys go beyond ordinary sightseeing, offering a front-row seat to

19/11/2024

Turn your into a story of giving and growth

Volunteer tourism involves participating in volunteer activities while you are travelling around the world and taking part in community projects

30/10/2024

You might wonder what this milestone is doing here, particularly given the absence of a direct road linking this part of to China today. Is it truly important to know the distance to Beijing when border disputes and mutual distrust separate us? Perhaps this is just a subtle way of saying, "We see you, China. We know you're there. While we can’t just drive over for a visit, we can still hope for open paths and shared one day on this route."

Image by Vaneet Rana