Sakal Newspaper Article - Char Dham English Translation

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 03 August 2025

Dekho Apna Desh
Char Dham,
Not just a journey, but a path to inner purification 

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the Char Dham Yatra is not merely a religious tradition. It is a radiant masterpiece in the spiritual crown of India. The four sacred sites, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, represent a divine confluence of nature, faith and spiritual peace. It is believed that this pilgrimage washes away all sins and leads one toward salvation. The origins of the Char Dham Yatra date back nearly 3,000 years. Each of these dhams is dedicated to a different deity. Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Gangotri to Goddess Ganga. Kedarnath to Lord Shiva. Badrinath to Lord Vishnu. The journey begins at Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River and home to the temple of Goddess Yamuna. From there, pilgrims proceed to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganga River, where the goddess is worshipped. The third dham is Kedarnath, one of the most revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, situated at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. Reaching here requires a trek of around 18 kilometers, typically taking 8 hours on foot. Alternatively, pilgrims can opt for helicopter rides, a 6-hour pony ride or a doli, a traditional palanquin. The final destination is Badrinath, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu. Along this spiritual journey, nature’s grandeur intertwines with devotion. Harsh cold, towering peaks and snowfall may tire the body. But they elevate the soul. This pilgrimage is rooted in traditions that span thousands of years. From the time of the Pandavas to Adi Shankaracharya, it has remained a cornerstone of Indian spiritual life. Before beginning the yatra, pilgrims bathe in the holy Ganga at Haridwar to cleanse negativity from the mind. The yatra is considered especially auspicious during Akshaya Tritiya, Ganga Dussehra and Ekadashi. Today, it attracts not just the elderly but also the younger generation. It is a true soul trip, one that purifies not just the body, but also the mind, thoughts and actions. Whether you are trekking or taking a helicopter ride for aerial darshan, the Char Dham Yatra is now more accessible than ever. In 2023, more than 5 million pilgrims participated in this sacred journey. With Veena World, the Char Dham Yatra is not just about visiting temples. It is a journey of deep spiritual enrichment. From origin to peace, from pilgrimage to liberation, this path across India is something everyone must experience at least once in a lifetime. So, when are you taking your first step? 

Oh! I didn’t know this… 

You may have seen many forests, but have you ever experienced a place where the morning feels like the breath of the jungle, and the evening like a rhythmic chant? Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa, is a priceless treasure trove that guards nature’s secrets. One of its hidden gems is the Andasibe National Park. Reaching there from India is no longer difficult, though the experience is certainly different. This is a place that breaks away from the usual “tick mark tourism” and finds a deep space in your soul. Here, the only rhythm that exists is nature’s own. You can hear the melody of droplets slipping off leaves and the soft sound of gentle footsteps on the ground. Andasibe National Park feels like a manifestation of the Earth’s inner power. Located just 150 kilometers from the capital city of Antananarivo, the park greets you in the morning with soft mist settling over the grass and the haunting, prayer-like call of the Indri lemur echoing through the air. Its sacred, soul-stirring cry feels as if the spirit of the forest is speaking. The local people consider it an angel, and hunting it is strictly forbidden. At every step, you feel nature’s presence. The scent of damp soil, rare orchids under your feet, and the surrounding ferns transform this trip into something spiritual. Here, silence feels more valuable than internet, living the moment matters more than taking selfies, intuition leads better than GPS, and moments of peace are worth more than packed travel itineraries. The best time to visit is between April and November, when the weather is milder. In today’s fast-paced life, Indian travellers should not view this island as just an offbeat destination, but as a sacred space for mindfulness in nature. Step out of the chaos of Indian life and into this magical rainforest. If you wish to rediscover your lost self, come along with us on our Kenya–Madagascar tour. 

Veena World Seniors’ Special
My Travel Mission 

My journey with Veena World began in 2015. My very first tour was a memorable one. Lush greenery, calm backwaters, and people who warmed my heart. That trip gave me something truly special, and since then, there’s been no looking back. So far, my husband and I have explored Assam, Kullu-Manali, Darjeeling, Nainital and Kashmir. We’ve also travelled abroad to places like Nepal, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I book all my tours through ‘My Holidays’ in Nanded, a Veena World sales partner. I’m 68 now, but my heart is still young and eager to explore. We see the ads in the paper and decide, ‘Let’s go here next!’ There’s something so enriching about experiencing nature and discovering new places, it’s beyond words. Why only with Veena World? Because of the thoughtfully chosen hotels, the delicious food, and most importantly, the warmth and care shown by their tour managers. We never even consider any other company. Once, during a tour in Assam, I won a prize in a competition. Another time, my birthday was celebrated during a tour, I cut a cake and received wishes from everyone. I was truly overwhelmed. Even after returning home, the memories of the trip linger for months. And then, soon enough, the desire to travel again returns. Travel isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about meeting new people, forming new friendships, and rediscovering yourself. Among all our tours, I was especially taken by Dubai. Its cleanliness, towering buildings and the artificial snow world felt like a dream city. In Nainital, we witnessed snowfall. That evening’s scene is still fresh in my eyes. This September, we’re heading to France. After that, Andaman-Nicobar and Bhutan are next on our bucket list. There’s still so much to explore. As long as we can walk and move, we’ll keep travelling. Because travel is a beautiful and unique way of truly living life. 

• Salma Shaikh, Nanded, Maharashtra   

Private Holiday Ideas
Finland Glass Igloo Stay
With Veena World Customized Holidays 

Close your eyes and let your imagination take over... a serene, snow-covered landscape all around, a gentle chill in the air, soft flakes of snow slowly falling... the trees look as if a fairy has spread a white blanket over them. In this quiet, pristine moment, you are resting peacefully inside a transparent glass igloo, wrapped in a warm blanket. Above your head unfolds a magical show. The indescribable dance of the Northern Lights, with hues of blue, green and purple shimmering across the sky. In this light-filled ballet, you meet yourself in a new way, as if having a peaceful, soulful conversation with your inner self. For a moment, everything stops. Time, thoughts, the world... This is not just a photo or a memory. It is an experience that finds a home in your heart. Finland, still a fresh discovery for Indian travellers, became popular a few years ago when Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma spent their honeymoon there. Today, Veena World brings this same dream to life for you with a specially crafted four-day customized package, Finland with Glass Igloo Stay. Once you land at Ivalo Airport, a private transfer takes you to a charming wooden log cabin. Spend two peaceful days in the snowy embrace, sipping hot coffee beside a fireplace. The next day brings the unforgettable moment. A night in the Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Husky dog sledding, a reindeer safari, and aurora hunting. This isn’t fantasy, it’s real. This one-of-a-kind holiday starts from just ₹2,30,000. But remember, the best season for the Northern Lights is from November to March, and Glass Igloo bookings fill up fast. If you’d like, you can extend your holiday to explore Santa Claus Village, the Icebreaker tour and the traditional Finnish sauna. You dream it, we plan it. Just say yes, and we’ll take care of the rest to turn this fairy-tale into your reality!

 Around the World
The Land of Wolves 

Located on the border of Europe and Asia, the country of Georgia is known as the ‘Land of Wolves.’ Here, you can witness the breath-taking beauty of the Caucasus mountain ranges and the Black Sea coastline. In its capital city, Tbilisi, ancient culture walks hand in hand with modern lifestyle. Georgia’s major tourist attractions include the Gelati Monastery and the Historic Monuments of Mtskheta, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the ancient cave city of Uplistsikhe to the beach resorts of Batumi, and the skiing adventures in Gudauri, there’s a wide variety of experiences to be had. Delicious local dishes like Khachapuri (cheese bread) and Khinkali (dumplings), world-renowned traditional wines, and wine tours in Kakheti. Each flavour you experience here stays with you long after the trip. In 2024, a remarkable 1,24,300 Indian tourists visited Georgia. Now it’s your turn. Come, embark on a journey where every moment brings a new aroma, and every experience leaves a lasting imprint on your heart!