Dekho Apna Desh!
Araku
Nature’s Green Canvas
In today’s fast-paced world, don’t we all crave a pause, a deep breath, and a place where nature lives in every breath? Sometimes, you long for a destination not just to see with your eyes, but to feel deeply from within. A place where time seems to freeze, the mind finds calm, and your inner voice gets space to breathe. And no, you don’t need to go abroad to find such a place. India is home to many such gems, and one of them is Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh. Just 120 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, Araku is nestled among lush green hills and misty villages. The valley showcases natural wonders like the Borra Caves, the soothing sound of Katiki Waterfall, stories within the Tribal Museum, and the rich aroma of organic coffee blended into everyday local life. The artistry of the Gond and Koya tribes, their handwoven textiles, and their cultural presence transport you into another world. As you witness all this, you unknowingly become a part of their culture. 'Araku Coffee' has now become an international brand. The global recognition it has earned and the sense of pride it brings to the locals is the real treasure of this region. The second colour in this journey is Vizag, also known as Visakhapatnam – a modern and well-developed city nestled beside Araku Valley. With the sea by its side and waves for company, this city offers a unique glimpse into Eastern India. Places like Ramakrishna Beach, Rushikonda Beach, the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, and the Eastern Naval Command make this city not just a tourist destination, but a symbol of India’s strategic and cultural pride. Its Simhachalam Temple, Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple, delicious seafood, traditional Andhra meals, and vibrant festivals make Vizag a place that stays in your heart. In 2024 alone, 51,000 international tourists visited this region, proving just how special Araku and Vizag are on India’s travel map. Your next travel dream could be anything, but this green canvas deserves to be painted with your colours at least once. Because places like these are not just seen with the eyes, they are felt on the deepest level of the heart.
Oh! I didn’t know this…
Just hearing the name Dracula makes you feel nostalgic. It brings back memories of the stories we read as children. A mist-covered mountain, a mysterious castle perched on top, a whispering voice from somewhere, and the bloodthirsty Dracula. It used to send chills down the spine! But did you know? That castle isn’t just a story. It actually exists. Its name is Bran Castle. Located on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia in Romania, this grand stone castle, built in Gothic style, began construction in 1377. Standing tall on a mountaintop, it is a living piece of history. Thick walls, narrow winding staircases, secret doors; everything makes you feel like you’re inside a mysterious movie. The castle has more than 60 rooms, including royal chambers, dining halls, music rooms, and servant quarters. Its main attraction is the thrilling Dracula-themed exhibitions, which are both spooky and fun! The surrounding beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, local markets, handmade souvenirs, and the region’s unique café culture attract tourists from around the world. Bran Castle was originally built to protect the border. Its main role was to defend Transylvania from Ottoman invasions. Later, in 1920, after Transylvania became part of Romania, the castle was gifted to Queen Marie of Romania. Today, Bran Castle hosts Dracula-themed guided tours, night tours, and Halloween events throughout the year. In 2023 alone, more than one million tourists visited the castle.
If you love immersing yourself in history, have a fascination for mystery and thrill, and still carry the curiosity to hear stories then Bran Castle is just the place for you. So come, step out of the stories and into reality, and join Veena World on the Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and North Macedonia tour to experience the incredible truth of Dracula at Bran Castle!
Veena World Women’s Special
The high of travel never wears off!
I am from Goa and even at 72, the traveller in me is as young and energetic as ever! Back in 2019, I went on my very first Women’s Special tour with Veena World to Shimla, Kullu, and Manali. Since then, travel has become a way of life for me. Barring the two years of lockdown, I’ve completed 16 tours over the last five years; 9 within India and 7 abroad! Last year, I received my US visa, and today, I’m actually living my dream on a 15-day tour of the United States with Veena World. This is my 17th tour with them! In India, I’ve explored destinations like Ladakh, Sikkim-Darjeeling-Gangtok, Sarnath-Varanasi, Assam-Meghalaya, Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark-Chilika, Pondicherry-Mahabalipuram, Rajasthan-Marwar, and Kashmir. Internationally, I’ve had the joy of visiting Australia, Japan, Turkey, Croatia-Slovenia-Slovakia-Hungary, Vietnam, England-Scotland-Ireland, and the scenic wonders of Scandinavia. Of all these, Australia stole my heart, not just for its beauty, but also for how clean, organised, and disciplined it is. Another unforgettable experience was Kashmir during tulip season; simply magical! Initially, I only went on Women’s Special tours, but over time, I started joining group tours with friends I made along the way. Whenever I see a tour ad or a destination catches my eye, I waste no time in booking it! My three children are all settled now, so this is my time, to live life on my terms. Why do I keep choosing Veena World? Because of their excellent hotel selection, warm and helpful tour managers, and seamless planning. Right now, Spain, Portugal, and Egypt are on my bucket list. I usually go on three to four tours every year. The moment one ends, a new dream begins to take shape because travel is my ultimate high. And once you're hooked on it, there's no coming down. Thankfully, I’ve got Veena World to keep this travel passion alive!
- Ms. Roshan Karekar, Goa.
My Private Holiday!
My Choice, My Pace, My Budget, My Family Time!
With Veena World Customized Holidays, explore New Zealand your way.
Ever dreamt of a holiday where every day brings a new view, a new thrill, a new scent? A journey where you get to experience everything from glaciers to geysers, beaches to vineyards, and hot springs to snow-covered mountains, all in one trip? The Great New Zealand Train Journeys is exactly that celebration of experiences. This 15-day customized holiday, designed by Veena World, is one that stays in your heart forever. The journey covers eight cities, starting with Auckland. As it progresses, the tour introduces you to Rotorua’s hot water geysers and the richness of Māori culture. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a dream at the magical Hobbiton movie set. The journey continues with the artsy vibe of Wellington, the vineyards of Blenheim, and the beauty of Christchurch. You witness the stunning Franz Josef Glacier from a train, and then comes Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World, where you can experience the thrill of bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating. There’s also a chance to go whale watching in Kaikōura. The serene cruise at Milford Sound carves a place in your heart, and the shimmering blue waters of Lake Tekapo are simply unforgettable. The soul of this holiday lies in the three iconic train journeys. The Northern Explorer takes you through an incredible route between volcanoes and national parks. The Coastal Pacific, running along the Kaikōura coast, offers a tranquil experience with the sound of the ocean by your side. And then there’s the TranzAlpine, which takes you from the Southern Alps to the West Coast, a train journey that feels less like a ride and more like a moving movie, directed by nature with you as the star. This 15-day special holiday, The Great New Zealand Train Journeys, is brought to you by Veena World at an incredibly affordable price. So, what are you waiting for? Contact the Veena World Customized Holidays team today and turn your dream trip into reality! And hey, don’t delay or you might just miss the train!
Around the World
Style! Speed! Science!
Imagine this; the deafening roar of an engine, a racing car taking turns at a speed of 370 kilometres per hour, and a split-second decision that could decide victory or defeat! That’s exactly what Formula One is, the world’s fastest and most cutting-edge motorsport. A thrilling fusion of speed, technology, and adrenaline! Every year, 24 high-octane races take place across the globe, from Europe to the Americas, from Saudi Arabia to Japan. Teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari hit the tracks with their ultra-advanced cars, top-tier drivers, and brilliant engineers. From the driver's helmet to the car’s aerodynamic design to the lightning-fast two-second tyre changes, it’s all a mind-blowing showcase of science in motion. Formula One is also racing towards sustainability. With a pledge to reach net carbon zero by 2030, the adoption of sustainable fuels, and smart innovations, F1 is driving toward the future. In India too, its popularity is growing rapidly among the youth. You too can experience the world’s fastest race, Formula One!
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