Published in the Sunday Sakal on 20 July 2025
Dekho Apna Desh!
Buddhist Circuit – A Pilgrimage to Key Buddhist Sites
The Buddhist Circuit is a joint diplomatic and religious initiative between Nepal and India, covering several destinations connected to Buddhism. As one of the world’s major religions, Buddhism teaches the path of spiritual growth, meditation, and philosophy. The Buddhist Circuit is not merely a tourist route but is being developed as an international path to deeply instill the teachings of Gautam Buddha in people’s consciousness. Spanning approximately 1,500 kilometres, India has introduced a luxury train service called Mahaparinirvan Express, which takes travellers on an 8-day pilgrimage to major Buddhist destinations. This circuit begins in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Gautam Buddha) in 563 BCE. It includes Bodh Gaya in Bihar, where Siddhartha attained enlightenment at the age of 35 under the Bodhi Tree. The Mahabodhi Temple and the Bodhi Tree are key attractions here. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartan) at Sarnath to his five disciples. This location houses the Dhamek Stupa and other Buddhist monuments. In Rajgir, Bihar, Buddha spent some time and gave many significant teachings. In Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, he spent the longest period—nearly 24 years. At Vaishali in Bihar, he delivered his final sermon and granted women access to monasteries. At the age of 80, Gautam Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The remnants of Nalanda University in Nalanda, Bihar, mark a significant center of Buddhist learning. It was a residential university with over 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. Emperor Ashoka played a crucial role in preserving such important sites and built stupas at many locations. Chinese monks Faxian and Xuanzang traveled this circuit in the 5th and 7th centuries respectively, and their journeys are well-documented. Artistic styles such as Gandhara and Mathura flourished around this circuit, influencing Asian sculpture and architecture for centuries. Ashokan pillars at Sarnath, Vaishali, and Sankisa are among the original stone inscriptions from ancient India. Every year, a large number of tourists from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Bhutan, and Nepal visit the Buddhist Circuit. So, when are you planning your visit?
Oh! I didn’t know this…
Victoria Falls – Nature’s Thunderous Wonder
Victoria Falls, a world-renowned waterfall, is located on the Zambezi River in Africa, forming the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south. It can be accessed from both countries. Named Victoria Falls, it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. In terms of width and height, Victoria Falls is even larger than the famous Niagara Falls in North America. It spans the entire width of the Zambezi River and crashes down with a thunderous roar through numerous mouths. This creates enormous clouds of mist and sprays, giving it the local Kololo-Lozi name ‘The Smoke That Thunders’. Because of the constant spray, rainbows are almost always visible here, earning it the nickname ‘The Place of the Rainbow’. On full moon nights, visitors can witness the rare ‘moonbow’, a lunar rainbow created by moonlight reflecting off the mist. David Livingstone, a European explorer, was the first outsider to see the falls, and he named them Victoria Falls in honour of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
The surrounding areas include Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. Visitors can experience thrilling viewpoints like the Knife-Edge Bridge. These parks also offer recreational, adventure, and game activities. The best time to visit is from February to May, just after the rainy season, when the falls are at their most magnificent. The wide curtain of water and dense mist can be seen from kilometres away. For a breath-taking aerial view of Victoria Falls, one must take a helicopter or microlight ride known as the ‘Flight of Angels’. One of the most thrilling experiences here is the 111-metre bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge over the Zambezi River. To enjoy the beauty of the falls in a more relaxing way, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is one of the best options. Have you seen this spectacular wonder?
My Travel Mission
Travel = Fun, Excitement & Thrill!
I worked in BMC’s Town Planning Department and retired in 2008 from Dadar. By then, I had already travelled across various parts of India and the world. My journeys with Veena World began in 2016. I book my tours through Pegasus Hospitality Enterprises in Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai, which is a sales partner of Veena World. Now 72 years old, my wife Devaki Garibe and I have completed 12 tours together. Our first tour with Veena World was Russian Highlights. We then explored international destinations like Dubai-Abu Dhabi with Ferrari World, South Africa-Kenya-Victoria Falls, Jewels of Egypt, Best of Japan, Mauritius, Highlights of Thailand, and Best of Bali. Post-lockdown, we took domestic tours like Assam-Arunachal-Meghalaya, Dharamshala-Dalhousie-Palampur-Pragpur, Vizag-Dindi-Araku Valley-Borra Caves, and last year, Best of Kashmir. Staying in tents during the South Africa tour felt incredibly thrilling. Whenever we decide to go on a tour, I enthusiastically read about that place in advance. Sometimes, friends from previous tours plan the next one and ask if I’ll join. Sometimes people who’ve already been share their photos on WhatsApp, which inspires our next trip. We prefer Veena World because the tour managers are genuinely good. They assist senior citizens patiently, wait for them when needed, offer support, and provide excellent local insights. The activities are fun too. We prefer family group tours because of the mix of age groups. Traveling with younger people adds energy and excitement. Every journey is truly a blend of joy, fun, and thrill!
- Ramakant Garibe, Kalyan, Mumbai
Private Holiday Ideas
Singapore Disney Cruise with Veena World Customized Holidays
Singapore and Disney Cruise, a stunning combination, is now being offered exclusively by Veena World Customized Holidays! Starting this December, this Disney Cruise will sail in Asia for the first time. It’s the kind of holiday that gives your whole family a magical mix of fun, relaxation, excitement, and wonder. This 5-day holiday, starting from just ₹99,000, includes a world-class cruise experience, iconic Disney characters, and a beautiful destination like Singapore. Your holiday begins in Singapore, where you’ll board the brand new Disney Adventure Cruise. You and your kids will meet your favorited Disney, Marvel, and Pixar characters, enjoy live shows, jaw-dropping fireworks, colourful parades, and plenty of Insta-worthy moments. On the cruise deck, under the starlit sky, you can relax with popcorn and watch movies too. There’s something for everyone, from Broadway-style shows to themed restaurants, water slides, splash zones, and specially designed kids clubs. The stay on board is completely family-friendly, ensuring comfort and joy for all travellers. Adults can indulge in relaxation zones, scenic deck views, spa treatments, and gourmet food. Every day brings something new, exciting, and interactive, so there’s no room for boredom. Your private holiday package includes 1-night hotel stay in Singapore, 3-night stay on the Disney Cruise, all meals, and private airport-hotel-cruise-airport transfers. Singapore is close to India and has a very simple visa process, making it easy to reach. However, seats are limited and filling up fast. So don’t wait—book your dream cruise holiday today!
Around the World
Ziro Festival – Northeast India’s Musical Gem
The Ziro Festival is a four-day annual music concert held in the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. It was launched in 2012 by Bobby Hano and Anup Kutty to showcase the immense talent from Northeast India. Organized by the Apatani Tribe, this festival is celebrated every year in the last week of September. Over 40 top music acts from around the world are selected to perform. The entire stage and decorations are built using almost entirely biodegradable materials. During the festival, tourism in the region increases by 25–30%. Artists such as Lee Ranaldo, Steve Shelley, Louw Majao, Shye & Funk, Indus Creed, Peter Cat Recording Company, Menwhopause, and Barmer Boys have performed here and drawn thousands of fans. Visitors can enjoy delicious local foods like fish, chicken, prawns, ramen, and roasted vegetables, as well as beverages like millet wine, fruit wine, and Apong (rice beer). So, wouldn’t you love to attend this incredible concert too?
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