Sakal 24th Aug English Translation

Dekho Apna Desh!
Telangana  

Have you ever thought about how many gems are still hidden in our India? Telangana in the south is one such gem. History, tradition, nature and modernity all come together here. But more importantly, this journey gives you a renewed sense of pride in being Indian. Though this state received the status of a separate state in 2014, its history goes back thousands of years. The footprints of empires like the Satavahanas, Kakatiyas and Nizams are still alive in this region. Hyderabad is the heart of Telangana. The grand architecture of Charminar and Golconda Fort reminds Indian travelers of their heritage and pride. Walking through the arches of Charminar, you can feel the imprints of tradition at every step. The massive walls of Golconda Fort stand as testimony to how glorious our history has been. Hyderabadi biryani, a legacy of the Nizam tradition, offers a delicious feast for the taste buds while also bringing to life before your eyes a rich cultural heritage. Places like Warangal Fort and the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam not only bear witness to the past but also unfold the glorious chapters of our culture. With wildlife sanctuaries such as Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, lush forests and serene lakes, the journey reaches a different height. Countless trekking trails and wildlife viewing spots here remind us of the natural grandeur of India. Among the festivals here, Bonalu and Bathukamma hold special attraction. Watching Bathukamma, where women decorate plates of flowers, fills every Indian with pride in our traditions. The energy of drums, dance and devotion adds a rhythm of its own to the heart. These moments remind us how vibrant and colorful the culture of our country truly is. The bazaars of Telangana, its colorful handicrafts and folk arts become memorable souvenirs for Indian tourists. Even while progressing in education, industry and IT, this state has preserved the identity of its original culture. That is its true uniqueness. For Indian travelers, Telangana is not just about tourism. It is an experience that reminds you of the grandeur, the rich traditions and the unity of our country. If every journey must weave in a thread of patriotism, then a trip to Telangana is a must. 

Oh! I didn’t know this... 

There are some places in the world where, the moment you arrive, you feel as if you’ve slipped back thousands of years into the past. In Wiltshire County, England, there is one such place that pulls travelers from across the globe with its mysterious allure. Its name is Stonehenge. Looking at those rows of massive stones standing in the vast green meadows makes you wonder, who built this? Why? And how has it remained so solid even after so many centuries? This site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, between 3000 and 2500 BCE, Stonehenge is still a puzzle for scientists today. The huge stone pillars here rise between 13 and 30 feet in height and weigh more than 25 tons. The surprising part is that these stones are not local. They were brought from the Preseli Mountains of Wales, almost 200 kilometers away. Even now, one wonders how this was possible without modern machinery. Every year, thousands of tourists come here to witness the summer solstice. On June 21 each year, the sun rises exactly in line with these stones. Watching that moment, you feel as though humanity had mastered the mathematics of the skies thousands of years ago. According to some historians and researchers, this was an ancient astronomical observatory. Its design was used to calculate the positions of the sun, the moon, and the seasons. Some believe it was a sacred site for religious rituals. Others think it was a centre for ancient healing practices. Because of these mysteries, visiting Stonehenge is not just a trip, it is an experience of stepping into ancient times. For us Indian travellers, who carry forward thousands of years of culture, this journey feels even more special and creates a connection with this monument. Whether you are drawn by history, inspired by nature, or fascinated by mystery, Stonehenge has something for everyone. Today, it continues to attract millions of visitors, standing as a testament to human imagination, perseverance, and faith. So, on your trip to England, make sure you visit Stonehenge. Those stones will surely make you feel as though they are speaking to you from that ancient age. 

Veena World Seniors’ Special
Travel that fills your heart with memories!

Even after crossing the age of 86, my heart is still enchanted by the love of travel. In 2013, I went on my first Veena World tour to Mewar in Rajasthan and since then, the thread of this journey has remained tied. Every trip after that has filled me with new enthusiasm. To be honest, Veena World is not just about tour management. It is a true companion in the joy of travellers like me. The neat arrangements, the polite and cheerful tour managers, and the lively company of fellow travellers from different parts of the country make every tour feel like a special celebration. Together with my wife, I have travelled to places like Sikkim, Darjeeling, Pelling, Shimla-Manali, Gujarat, Assam-Meghalaya, Dalhousie-Amritsar-Dharamshala, and Nainital-Mussoorie. During our Assam-Meghalaya trip, we took a cruise ride on the Brahmaputra. That was an absolutely unique experience. In Mussoorie, visiting the waterfall was another unforgettable moment. The Seniors Special Tours of Veena World truly warm the heart because in these tours we get to enjoy the journey at our own pace, in a relaxed way. On the tour, nature, culture, and people can all be experienced up close. While visiting new places, witnessing different cultures, and listening to different languages, one can truly feel the essence of unity in diversity. The memories of all these tours are permanently etched in my heart. The real joy of traveling begins in the planning itself. The preparation fills you with excitement. And yes, from every place we visit, we always bring back a small keepsake for our children. Be it fridge magnets, local specialties, or souvenirs, seeing them brings the trip back to life again. After all, what is travel? It is learning, experiencing, and treasuring memories. Thanks to Veena World, travel for me is no longer just a hobby. It has become a celebration of life. 

• Mr. Mohan Karmarkar, Pune, Maharashtra  

My Private Holiday!
My Choice, My Pace, My Budget, My Family Time!
With Veena World Customized Holidays to the Maldives 

Have you ever dreamt of staying in a villa standing over the crystal-clear blue waters of the sea? The Maldives is where that dream comes true. Nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this paradise of islands has become a favourite honeymoon and luxury destination for Indian travelers. The best time to visit is from November to April. With bright sunshine, calm seas, and gentle breezes, the experience is unmatched. Staying in the water villas here is pure bliss. From the deck, you are always surrounded by the sea. The thought constantly tempts you to dive into the clear turquoise waters. Sometimes schools of fish glide past, and at times, the sight of a turtle leaves you delighted. After landing at Malé airport, you reach this heavenly island in no time by speedboat. Some hotels can also be reached by seaplane. Many resorts here offer all-inclusive stays. From the aroma of fresh seafood in the morning to enjoying global cuisine by the beach in the afternoon, and sipping cocktails in the magical hues of sunset, every bite and sip on these decks reminds you that this holiday is truly special. Do you love the water? Here, kayaking, paddle boating, and snorkelling are complimentary. Watching dolphins from a cruise, enjoying a private picnic on a sandbank island, the thrill of kayaking in the waves, or snorkeling among colorful marine life, every activity here fills you with joy. For peace of body and mind, indulge in soothing spa sessions on the beach, with the sound of the sea as your background. And on the last night, a candlelight dinner under a starry sky by the sea becomes a memory of a lifetime. That is why, whether it’s your honeymoon, an anniversary, or any special celebration, a Maldives water villa stay is a journey where every single moment stays etched in your heart forever. So why wait? Get in touch with our Customized Holidays team today and make the Maldives your next dream destination.