Sakal Newspaper Article - Date: 22 June 2025 - English Translation

Arunachal – The Land of the Rising Sun 

India is adorned with natural beauty in all four directions. Among these, Northeast India captivates us with its lush greenery and cultural diversity. One of the most enchanting and culturally vibrant states in this region is Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal literally means “The Land of the Rising Sun”, as it is the first place in India to witness sunrise. 

Located in the northeastern part of the country, the state is known for its rich indigenous culture and strategic importance. It shares its borders with China (Tibet Autonomous Region) to the north, Bhutan to the west, Assam to the south, and Nagaland to the east. Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state in the Northeast in terms of area, but has the lowest population density in the country. Its capital is Itanagar. 

Snow-covered peaks, hilly terrain, dense forests rich in biodiversity, and wide rivers are the hallmarks of this state. Most of Arunachal is covered by the Eastern Himalayas. Nature has blessed this land with immense beauty and wealth. The region experiences heavy rainfall between June and September, leading to abundant farming, fruits, flowers, and forest growth. 

Various festivals are celebrated here. Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its untouched natural beauty and is often referred to as a place of pristine beauty. It offers scenic landscapes that attract nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure seekers alike. 

In Arunachal, particularly in places like Tawang, Thukpa is a popular noodle soup made with a flavorful meat broth and served with noodles, vegetables, meat, or eggs. There’s also a vegetarian version. The local momos are steamed or fried dumplings typically filled with vegetables or meat. Other traditional delicacies include bamboo shoot curry and apong, a local rice beer. 

Tawang Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. Nearby lies the Sela Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass surrounded by snow-clad peaks. The Tawang War Memorial stands in honor of the soldiers martyred in the 1962 India-China war and holds educational significance as well. 

Madhuri Lake, a scenic lake in Arunachal, was one of the shooting locations for the Bollywood film Koyla. Arunachal, still in its developing stage, wins hearts in every season with its winding roads, stunning snow-capped mountains, and misty surroundings. 

So, when are you planning to explore this breath-taking land of nature? 

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Oh! I didn’t know this…

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is considered one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. The sculptor Gutzon Borglum had originally planned to carve full figures — from head to waist — of four U.S. Presidents into the mountain. The work began in 1927, but only the heads were completed before Borglum's death. After that, the project was brought to completion by his son, Lincoln Borglum. The entire project took fourteen years, from 1927 to 1941. 

Despite its massive scale, the memorial was created using relatively basic tools and techniques. The four presidents chosen for Mount Rushmore represent key aspects of American history. The monument was built as a tribute to former leaders who helped shape the country’s foundation of law and order. 

• George Washington symbolizes the birth of the United States, 

• Thomas Jefferson represents the expansion of the nation, 

• Theodore Roosevelt reflects the development of America through his initiatives in the industrial sector, and 

• Abraham Lincoln stands for unity during the Civil War. 

Their giant busts are carved into the face of Mount Rushmore, offering visitors a glimpse into 150 years of American history. 

Behind Abraham Lincoln’s head is a hidden chamber, intended to house important historical records and artworks. However, due to lack of funding and the death of Borglum, this hall remained mostly empty. In the 1990s, some items were placed there — including a granite replica of the Declaration of Independence. 

Today, Mount Rushmore National Memorial attracts over 2 million visitors every year. As part of Veena World’s American Explorer, American Discovery, and American Delights tours, one gets to visit this legendary site. 

So… have you visited the USA yet? 

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Travel Means Relaxation! 

"I’m Chhaya Nahar, a resident of Pune. I book my tours through the Veena World office on Bhandarkar Road, near Deccan Gymkhana. So far, I’ve been on 19 tours with Veena World, out of which 14 were Women’s Special tours. I choose Women’s Special because I travel solo. 

In the past six months, I’ve completed three international tours. In November, I did the South Korea–Taiwan tour. In February, I went on the Myanmar–Laos tour, and in March, I joined the Azerbaijan–Georgia–Armenia tour. All three were group tours, as these are offbeat destinations and available only in group tour formats. 

I met a friend during my post-lockdown Turkey tour, and the two of us have done all these last three tours together. 

Both my children are settled abroad, so I explored European countries and London while staying with them. I’ve also done the USA East & West Coast Offbeat tour with Veena World. So far, I’ve travelled to 42 countries. I now live alone in India. Since I prefer good company when I travel solo, I choose to travel with Veena World. Their Tour Managers are excellent and caring, and their office team is prompt. Once I’ve paid for a tour, there’s nothing left to worry about. Even though I travel solo, I never have to look for a room partner. 

My first tour with Veena World was to Kashmir. After that, I visited Rajasthan-Marwar, Leh-Ladakh, Shimla–Kullu–Manali, Nainital–Jim Corbett, Jagannath Puri–Bhubaneswar, and Ayodhya–Varanasi–Sarnath–Lucknow. 

Internationally, I’ve travelled to Bhutan, Nepal, Bali, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mauritius, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, and recently the three new countries I mentioned above. 

I’m now 71 years old, and for me, travel is relaxation. When you travel solo, you get to know many women and their stories of joy and sorrow. Your own troubles start to feel small. Your perspective widens. 

Overall, travel enriches you in every possible way. " - Chhaya Nahar, Pune, Maharashtra 

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Private Holiday Ideas
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For those who want to do something different from the usual touristy routes, Veena World Customized Holidays brings you ‘Hidden Gems’ – a fabulous new holiday segment. This isn’t just about your regular destinations; it’s about going beyond the popular and discovering hidden treasures that truly match your personality. 

Imagine staying in a 150-year-old haveli, or a 70-foot-high treehouse! A wilderness lodge by the Tungabhadra River, a pool villa in Bali, or a mountain lodge with breathtaking Himalayan views – these are just some of the amazing options waiting for you. 

And along with the stay, you can enjoy curated experiences like pottery workshops, cooking sessions, jeep safaris, nature walks, sundowners, candlelight dinners, heritage walks, and much more. 

The Hidden Gems itineraries by Veena World Customized Holidays are designed to be more relaxed, immersive, and personalized. Best of all, you can take this private holiday on any date you like and even tweak the itinerary as per your preferences – no need to say more! 

But remember – these never-before prices for Hidden Gems Holidays are available only for travel until September. Prices will rise significantly during the high season. 

So, whether it's Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, Bali, or Nepal, book your special Hidden Gem holiday today.
And don’t worry – we’ll take care of everything else!
Chalo! 

Plan your private holiday with Veena World Customized Holidays today!
Call us today: 1800 22 7979 | Write to us at: customizedholidays@veenaworld.com 

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Venice Carnival

The Venice Carnival is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural festivals in the world. It is held annually around February in Venice, Italy. This pre-Lenten festival offers a glimpse into the rich Venetian culture dating back centuries. 

The masks are the highlight of the carnival. People dress in traditional Venetian masks and costumes from the 13th to the 18th century. The city comes alive with entertaining events, contests, and a lavish spread of food and drinks. Nearly one million people from across the world participate in this celebration dressed in historical attire. 

Behind the masks, social distinctions disappear—rich or poor, noble or common—all enjoy the festivities equally. The heart of the Venice Carnival is St. Mark’s Square, where daily events include parades, mask competitions, open-air performances, street theatre, and live music. 

Famous shows like “The Flight of the Angel” and “Festa delle Marie” are also presented. 

This carnival, steeped in history, imagination, and artistry, brings alive the grandeur of ancient Europe. 

So… are you joining the magic of Venice Carnival this year?