Sakal Newspaper Article - Date: 17 August 2025 English Translation

Dekho Apna Desh  Dil se! Pyar se! Samman se!  - Sundarbans

In India, there is a place where the moment you set foot, you feel as if you’ve entered another world – a world full of mystery, thrill, and raw natural beauty. This is where the mighty Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers meet before flowing into the Bay of Bengal, giving birth to the world’s largest mangrove forest – the Sundarbans. Spanning over 38,500 square kilometres from West Bengal to Bangladesh, it is nature’s own wonder. Here, safaris are not done in jeeps but on boats, gliding through winding creeks and calm waters with only the distant calls of birds breaking the silence. Sunrise here is magical – the golden reflection dancing on the water in complete tranquility is a sight to treasure forever. The Sundarbans are named after the “Sundari” trees found in abundance here. With over 80 species of mangroves, salty tidal creeks, mudflats, and tiny islands, the landscape feels like a film set. The undisputed star of the Sundarbans is the Royal Bengal Tiger – not the kind that lounges around, but one that swims across islands. Spotting a tiger is rare and feels like winning a lottery, but even without a sighting, a boat safari in its territory sends a rush of excitement down your spine. Apart from tigers, the forest is home to many animal species, and for bird lovers, this is heaven – kingfishers, eagles, herons, and the rare masked finfoot can be spotted here. In winter, migratory birds from Siberia paint the skies with colours. But the story of Sundarbans is not just about its wildlife. It’s also about the fishermen, honey collectors, and their deep connection with nature, showing us how beautiful life can be when lived in harmony with the environment. For Indian travellers, the Sundarbans offer a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Visiting here means stepping into a rare, fragile world that stays with you long after you leave. 

Oh! I didn’t know this…

Did you know that Chichen Itza, located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007? Built in the 6th century during the Mayan civilization, it was a major religious, trade, and cultural hub of its time, once home to nearly 35,000 people spread across 10 square kilometres. Thanks to its climate and strategic location, the city thrived as a centre of religious and commercial life. The most famous structure here is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan – a pyramid aligned with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. It has exactly 365 steps, matching the days of the solar year. During the spring and autumn equinoxes in March and September, the sunlight casts shadows that create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps – a spectacle that draws thousands of visitors every year. Another highlight is the Sacred Cenote, a holy water-filled sinkhole where offerings such as gold, silver jewellery, jade, and even human remains have been found, revealing the Mayans’ skills in science, art, religion, and justice. For Indian travellers interested in heritage, architecture, and astronomy, Chichen Itza is an inspiring destination – much like how Konark’s Sun Temple or Hampi’s ruins narrate the grandeur of ancient India, Chichen Itza tells the story of the Mayan people’s knowledge, beliefs, and craftsmanship. If you love witnessing the wonders of ancient civilizations, this must be on your bucket list, as every stone and every step here takes you back thousands of years. 

My Travel Mission  - Travel is a journey of joy!

We are Satish and Savita Pednekar from Sangli. Our first tour with Veena World was in 2013 – the magical 11-day European Highlights. Since then, we’ve explored three domestic destinations – Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Cultural Tamil Nadu – and six international ones, including European Highlights, Sri Lankan Jewels, All of Eastern Europe, England-Scotland-Ireland, Best of Bhutan, and Best of Bali. Each tour with Veena World has been a gift of unforgettable experiences. After retiring from our bank jobs, we decided to see the world. From the serene beauty of Windermere and the grandeur of Cambridge University to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the heavenly Plitvice Lakes, every moment of that first Europe trip is etched in memory. Standing at Lord’s Cricket Ground was simply beyond words. We’ve loved the colourful royalty of Mewar and Marwar in Rajasthan, the pearl-like beaches of Sri Lanka, the scenic splendour of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the peace of Bhutan, and the playful shores of Bali. Being pure vegetarians, food was never a priority, though once in Scotland we enjoyed trying a cosmopolitan spread. Even as seniors, we love group tours – spending time with younger travellers keeps us refreshed. The tour managers enrich each journey with historical insights, letting us experience places with both heart and mind. Travel is about culture, history, and emotional connections. Seeing in person what we’ve only read about is a joy like no other. Our next trip is to Vietnam and Cambodia this January, and we hope our journey continues because the world is vast, and our curiosity is even bigger. 

• Satish and Savita Pednekar, Sangli, Maharashtra 

My Private Holiday
My Choice, My Pace, My Budget, My Family Time!
Scenic Trains in Europe with Veena World Customized Holidays

When you think of Europe, images of snow-covered peaks, lush valleys, sparkling lakes, and picture-perfect landscapes come to mind. Now imagine experiencing all this through the window of a train, feeling the gentle rhythm of the tracks under your seat, a hot coffee in hand, and postcard views unfolding before your eyes – it’s magical. This is the charm of Europe’s scenic train journeys. The Glacier Express in Switzerland offers a leisurely eight-hour ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, with the Alps, green meadows, and deep valleys for company. In Excellence Class, you also enjoy window seats, champagne, a five-course meal, and private concierge service. The Bernina Express connects Italy to Switzerland through panoramic windows framing snowy mountains and blue lakes, with Swiss chocolate and organic herbal tea making the ride even sweeter. From May to October, the Chocolate Train takes you to cheese and chocolate factories – a treat for the senses. The Venice Simplon Orient Express offers a luxury journey from Paris to Venice, with Art Deco interiors, Michelin-star dining, and private butler service in the Grand Suite – you’ll feel like you’re in a movie. Norway’s Flåm Railway offers breathtaking views of the Kjosfossen Waterfall, while Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train is a dream for Harry Potter fans as it takes you along the Hogwarts Express route. Every one of these journeys is about creating memories to treasure forever, and Veena World Private Holidays can make them uniquely yours. So, see Europe from this enchanting perspective and make your European journey truly special. 

Around the World - Te Matatini

Travel is more than sightseeing – it’s about experiencing people, culture, and emotions. One such mesmerising experience is Te Matatini, a vibrant celebration of Māori tradition in New Zealand. Held every two years in March or April since 1972, this five-day festival brings together thousands of performers from across the country to showcase traditional Māori art forms like haka (war dance), waiata (songs), poi (performances using a ball on a string), and moteatea (chants). Te Matatini, meaning “many faces”, celebrates the diversity, unity, and creativity of the Māori community. For Indian travellers, especially those who love cultural immersion, it’s a treasure trove of experiences. The festival also features local cuisine, Māori handicrafts, and souvenir stalls, adding to its festive spirit. In 2025, the event drew 70,000 visitors, and the next one is set for 2027. If you have a passion for folk arts, traditions, and cultural experiences, this colourful world of Māori culture is something you must witness at least once in your lifetime.