HOLIDAYS

Ranthambore National Park is widely regarded as one of India's most iconic wildlife destination, offering an exceptional blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance. Renowned for its thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers and remarkable conservation success, the park provides visitors with an immersive safari experience that extends far beyond wildlife observation. 

My recent visit to Ranthambore was not merely a journey through a national park, but an opportunity to witness the remarkable harmony between nature, heritage, and conservation. The experience began in the early hours of the morning as our safari vehicle entered the park. The crisp morning air, the soft golden light filtering through the forest canopy, and the melodious calls of birds created a tranquil yet exhilarating atmosphere. Every winding trail and every movement within the forest heightened the anticipation of encountering wildlife, making the journey as rewarding as the destination itself. 

My safari was allocated to Zone 3 which is done by the Forest Department. I was instructed to report to the national park's boarding gate at least 30 minutes before the safari starting time. We arrived on time and met the naturalist assigned to me by the Forest Department. While we waited, the naturalist briefed us on the park's rules and regulations. We were also informed of an important new policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones inside the national park. According to the latest regulations, visitors are no longer permitted to carry or use mobile phones within the park. At exactly 6:00 a.m., the gates of the national park opened, marking the beginning of the safari.

Our safari began as we entered Zone 3 through Singh Dwar Gate, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of Ranthambore National Park. Like every visitor, we hoped to catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger. To our amazement, just a few minutes after entering the forest, we encountered one. It was an unforgettable moment—the safari had only just begun, and there, right before our eyes, was a magnificent tiger walking calmly across the safari track, only a few feet away from our gypsy. It seemed as though the tiger was peacefully enjoying the fresh morning air, completely unfazed by the vehicles around it.

Soon, several other safari vehicles arrived, and everyone watched in awe as the majestic tiger crossed the path. Witnessing such a close sighting so early in the safari felt incredibly fortunate and made for a truly memorable start to our journey.

After this remarkable encounter, we proceeded to Padam Talao, the largest lake within Ranthambore National Park. The lake is renowned for its rich wildlife, where visitors often spot deer grazing along the shoreline, marsh crocodiles basking on the banks, numerous migratory birds, and on occasion, tigers approaching the water to drink or cool off during the warmer months. On our way to the lake, we observed several species of wildlife, including Sambar Deer, Nilgai, and Hanuman Langurs, all thriving in their natural habitat.

Adjacent to Padam Talao are the historic Rajbagh Ruins, a centuries-old hunting pavilion surrounded by dense forests and open grasslands. The unique combination of ancient ruins, tranquil water bodies, and prime tiger habitat creates one of the most picturesque landscapes among India's tiger reserves.

After patiently waiting for nearly 40–45 minutes near the lake, our patience was rewarded when a tiger cub emerged near the water's edge. The sighting brought immense joy and made our safari even more special. During this time, we also observed several marsh crocodiles basking peacefully along the banks of the pond.

Following the cub sighting, we continued towards Jogi Mahal, a historic structure that is often visited by tigers and serves as one of their preferred resting areas. Although we were hopeful, we were unfortunately unable to spot a tiger there.

Our final stop was the High Point, an elevated vantage point that offers tigers an excellent strategic position for observing and hunting their prey. While we did not encounter another tiger, the panoramic views of the forest and the opportunity to explore one of Ranthambore's key wildlife locations provided a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary safari experience

As the safari progressed, the richness of Ranthambore's ecosystem became increasingly evident. The park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boar, langurs, marsh crocodiles, sloth bears, and an impressive diversity of resident and migratory bird species. Each wildlife sighting offered valuable insight into the ecological diversity that has established Ranthambore as one of India's premier national parks. 

The overall experience was greatly enhanced by the expertise and professionalism of the park's certified naturalists and safari drivers. Their extensive knowledge of wildlife behavior, habitat ecology, and conservation practices provided meaningful interpretation throughout the journey. Their ability to track wildlife while educating visitors about the park's delicate ecosystem transformed the safari into a truly enriching and educational experience. 

As our visit concluded, we departed with far more than memorable photographs. I left with a renewed appreciation for India's extraordinary wildlife heritage and a deeper understanding of the critical role that conservation and sustainable tourism play in safeguarding these invaluable natural landscapes for future generations. 

For wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, nature lovers, and discerning travelers alike, Ranthambore National Park offers an experience that is both inspiring and unforgettable. It is not merely a destination for observing the Royal Bengal Tiger; it is a place where visitors can truly connect with nature, appreciate India's conservation achievements, and experience one of the country's finest wildlife landscapes in its most authentic form.

By Rajan Mishra – August 2026

Maldives has won the title of World's Leading Destination 2020 at the World Travel Awards. The country is well known for its crystalline waters with beautiful shades of blue, swaying palm trees, and sparkling white sand under the limitless blue skies. With good weather throughout most of the year, Maldives makes a great choice for an idyllic beach getaway. It is the ultimate dream of luxury and tranquility.

Here, we share with you eight reasons why Maldives should be on your travel bucket list.

1. Most Romantic Place on Earth

A visit to the Maldives is a dream come true. Each resort is a private enclave perched on an individual island, providing its occupants with exclusive tranquility. This is a great place to relax and spend quality time with your other half or family. Imagine waking up on the private island, surrounded by swaying palm trees, azure blue sea and pristine soft white sand every day. Maldives is where you create magical memories with your loved ones.

2. Amazing Marine Life
No trip to Maldives would be complete without a dip in the waters teeming with rich marine life. Maldives is world-famous for its amazing myriad of marine life, and is considered to be one of the best snorkeling/ diving locations in the world. Resorts with private house reefs are exceptionally attractive because you get to snorkel at any time of the day. Swim freely in the Indian Ocean among the colourful arrays of corals, sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and a multitude of other underwater species! It’s almost like swimming in a giant aquarium.

3. Unrivalled Luxury and Pampering
If there were one luxury destination in Asia that comes to mind, it has to be Maldives. Over here, you will be treated like royalty. From the moment you arrive at the Male Airport, resort representatives will be there to escort you to your luxury speedboat or seaplane. This is where your fuss-free vacation begins. From the unparalleled top-notch personalized service to the romantic Dhoni cruises to dining on a private sandbank, you will enjoy unrivalled luxury and pampering.

4. Living on the Ocean

Overwater villas are all over the world but you should not miss out on the ones in Maldives. Everyone should experience staying in these villas at least once in their lives. Waking up to the paranomic view of the vast turquoise sea with only the sound of the waves lapping against your resort and gentle sea breeze blowing against your face, while watching the resplendent egg yolk sunrise, is the ultimate Maldivian experience. What’s more, the colourful corals and rich marine life are right at your doorstep.

5. Beautiful Scenery in Paradise
Well known for its picturesque beaches with sparkling soft white sand, beautiful azure sea, and impossibly clear skies, the term “tropical paradise” for Maldives is almost an understatement. Basking on your sundeck while enjoying the heart-stopping views of the Indian Ocean is like a dream. Every single angle seems to be the perfect vantage point for taking picture-perfect postcard-worthy photos.

6. A Paradise’s Race Against Time
You don’t want to miss out on this paradise, do you? Maldives is the world’s lowest lying nation, at just 1.3 metres above sea level. If the sea level rises by just another metre, the island nation would become uninhabitable. With global sea levels rising rapidly due to unpredictable climate changes, Maldives may disappear from the world in the near future. Start saving, start planning and visit Maldives before it’s gone forever.

7. The Ultimate Privacy and Seclusion

A trip to the Maldives is an ultimate vacation where you get to enjoy a combination of nature, luxury and privacy. Sandbank dining is definitely one of the most serene and romantic experiences in Maldives. Enjoy the sandbank in private with your special other half on the stark white sand while being surrounded by the endless Indian Ocean. Savour your meal as you witness the first rays of morning light on the horizon.

An unforgettable travel experience, Maldives on your travel bucket list because life is too short to miss out on this paradise! Maldives is truly one of the best vacation destination in the world and you will have unforgettable memories here.

India has fascinated travelers since centuries. Be it the history, heritage, culture or other charms, the country is matchless for its incredible experiences. While the Covid-19 Pandemic has kept you to the safety of your homes, there is no reason for you to not enjoy the charms of India. Here’s how you can experience India at the safety of your home; there are a number of popular Hollywood movies that has India has a backdrop and has intricately captured its charm. The fabled land has so much to offer that visitors are left in awe of the sights, experiences, cuisines, adventure, hospitality and more for a lifetime. The love for the country is shared by many movies and filmmakers.

So, if you are missing India and would like to experience the feeling, here’s a list of movies

     1. Octopussy

The classic James Bond movie is shot at the Lake Palace in Udaipur. The beautiful Taj property makes for the perfect setting for the thriller spy movie. If you haven’t been to the ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur or not actually had a stay in the Lake Palace, this movie is exactly a good look into the luxuries that the royal city of Rajasthan has to offer. The floating lake palace has been covered in its entire grandeur and with the movie you can actually relive the royal splendor.

             2. The Jungle Book

Inspired from the book of same name, this blockbuster movie is an all time favorite. The movie and the books are inspired from the jungles of Pench and the lush wilderness of Central India. If you have not been on a wildlife safari in the jungles of India, this movie will take you on a wild adventure. There is the wild child raised by the wolves, the pack of loving wolves, the severe panther, the loving black bear and the dangerous Royal Bengal Tiger. Relive India and its exotic greenery along with the thrilling adventure.

     3.The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

A sweet and memorable movie of discovering India, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel captures the journey of travelers that make their home in the country. With the movie explore the labyrinthine of fascinating bazaars, opulent palaces and historic sights of the colorful ‘Pink City’ Jaipur and the romantic ‘City of Lakes’ Udaipur. A showcase of quintessential India at its best, this movie is a memory to cherish as are the sights you must be waiting to explore.

     4. The Darjeeling Limited

Based on the plot of a journey across India, The Darjeeling Limited is more of a photo album of the charms of India. Covering various landscapes from the desert to the mountains of the Himalayas, ancient temples to the fascinating luxury train ride, with the movie embark on a journey of India that teaches you, inspires you and makes you fall in love.

     5. The Dark Knight Rises

While this movie is not based in India, it shows a glimpse of the Mehrangarh Fort looming over the Thar Desert. The popular movie shows a scene where the magnificent fortress of Rajasthan in all its glory. And, even that glimpse fascinates you to explore India.

6. Slumdog Millionaire

Probably one of the best Hollywood movies to have shot in India, Slumdog Millionaire is a must watch to enjoy the charms of India. In the movie India, especially Mumbai is painted as a canvas for adventure, aspirations and dreams. The exciting pace of the movie is just a glimpse of the thrills of Mumbai.

While there are aplenty of Hollywood movies with India as a backdrop, this is the list that you can watch anytime and enjoy the quintessential charms of India.

Over the last several years, I’ve been asked by several friends as well as clients for recommendations on restaurants in Goa, so I finally decided to put together my own little list of places that I can recommend, both in North as well as in South Goa. While South Goa has the better beaches, the North certainly seems to have the better restaurants most of Goa’s iconic bars and restaurants are located in North Goa, in the stretch from Baga / Calangute to Vagator beach. Many of them have now become so popular, that reservations need to be made well in advance.

North Goa

1. Thalassa: Stylish Greek and Mediterranean Restaurant on Vagator beach in North Goa, about a 20-minute drive north of the Taj Holiday Village. Get there just before sunset for the best views of the sun setting into the Arabian Sea.

2. Brittos: Multi-cuisine shack on Baga beach in North Goa. Great food, great desserts, moderate prices, live music & more.

3. La Plage: The La Plage is undoubtedly the most stylish beach shack serving the finest French cuisine in Goa. Located on Ashwem beach in North Goa, about a 40-minute drive north of the busy Baga and Calangute beaches, the La Plage serves great food in an excellent ambiance overlooking the beach.

4. Tito’s: One of the most well-known landmarks of North Goa, Tito’s is located right in the tourist belt of Baga and Calangute, and offers not one, but several eating options and bars. Tito’s also houses Goa’s best-known nightclub, as well as a sports bar.

5. Fiesta: Very well known Italian restaurant, again in the tourist belt of Baga and Calangute, offering excellent wood-fired Pizzas and other Italian food, in an excellent beachside ambience.

6. J & A’s Little Italy: Set in the lush tropical gardens of a charming colonial cottage close to the Baga river, J & A’s offers excellent alfresco fine dining Italian cuisine in an excellent setting. Lovingly managed by the husband-wife duo of Jamshed and Ayesha, this is a place for a quiet romantic evening in Goa.

South Goa

1. Fisherman’s Wharf: Set on the banks of the Sal river, very close to Cavelossim beach and across the road from the Leela hotel and the Holiday Inn in Goa, is the Fisherman’s Wharf. Excellent Goan cuisine, with live entertainment, and a bar that rakes up great cocktails.

2. Martins Corner: Located in the Majorda beach area, a short walk from the Alila Diwa hotel, and a less than 10 minute drive from the Park Hyatt as well as the Taj Exotica, Martins is a family-style Goan seafood Restaurant, that has been around for almost 30 years , and is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. Martin’s has a live band playing almost every evening.

3. Zeebop by the Sea: In a beautiful setting on Utorda beach, accessible with in a 10 – 15-minute drive from the Alila Diwa, Park Hyatt as well as the Taj Exotica, Zeebop by the Sea is one of South Goa’s most popular beach shacks. Excellent seafood, with crabs and lobsters being their specialty. Moderate prices, excellent food, and service.

4. Sun and Moon, Benaulim: A very nice beach shack on the sands of Benaulim beach, a 2-minute walk from the Taj Exotica, and within a 15 – 20-minute drive from the Leela and the Alila Diwa, Sun and Moon is a great place for sundowners, and also for casual seaside dining. Again, excellent seafood and very reasonable prices for both food, and drinks.

5. Da Tita’s: Truly Italian: A very basic, but, nice Italian Restaurant, located about a 5-minute drive inland from Majorda beach, Da Tita’s is run by Giovanni Battista, an Italian who made Goa his home a few years ago. Undoubtedly South Goa’s best wood-fired Pizza’s and excellent desserts too. Excellent value for money.

The author, Kapil Goswamy is the CEO of Trans India Holidays, New Delhi.