Tag: Travel

Special Occasion

Mount Fuji Day: Why This Mountain Means More Than You Think

Tanisha Cardozo

Why does a mountain get its own day?

Think about that for a second. Out of all the landscapes in the world, why does Mount Fuji stand out so much that Japan celebrates it every year on February 23?

It starts with something simple—and surprisingly clever. The date 2/23 can be read in Japanese as “Fu-Ji-San.” A small linguistic twist, but one that says a lot about how deeply this mountain is woven into everyday life. Not just seen, but felt.

Now imagine this. You’re standing at a distance. The sky is clear. And right in front of you is Mount Fuji—perfectly shaped, calm, almost unreal. What would you do? Take a photo immediately? Or just pause for a moment?

That pause… that feeling… that’s exactly what Mount Fuji represents.

For centuries, it hasn’t just been a place people visit—it’s been a place people connect with. Artists have painted it, poets have written about it, and travelers have chased the perfect view of it. But here’s the real question—why does it leave such a strong impact, even on people who’ve never been there?

Maybe it’s because it stands for more than just height or beauty. It carries a sense of balance, stillness, and quiet strength. The kind of presence that doesn’t demand attention—but naturally earns it.

And then there’s its deeper side. Mount Fuji has long been a spiritual site, where climbing it isn’t just an adventure, but a personal journey. That connection between nature and meaning is one of the reasons it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site—not just for how it looks, but for what it represents.

If you were there, would you climb to the top? Or would you stay back and admire it from afar?

Interestingly, not everyone chooses to climb it. Some people believe the best way to experience Mount Fuji is simply to observe it—watch how it changes with the seasons, how it looks at sunrise versus sunset, how it quietly dominates the horizon without ever trying.

In places like Shizuoka Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture, Mount Fuji Day is celebrated with local events, but the real celebration is personal. It’s in the way people stop, look up, and appreciate something timeless.

Now here’s one last question for you.

If a place can make you feel something without saying a word… isn’t that more powerful than anything else?

Maybe that’s why Mount Fuji has its own day. Not because it’s the tallest or the most visited, but because it stays with you—even from miles away.

So, what about you?
Would you chase the climb… or the view?

Special Occasion

Abu Simbel Sun Festival: When History Meets the Sun

Tanisha Cardozo

The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is one of the most fascinating examples of how ancient engineering and natural phenomena can come together to create something truly timeless. Held at the iconic Abu Simbel Temples in southern Egypt, this extraordinary event continues to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a rare glimpse into the brilliance of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The festival is closely tied to the legacy of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. It is celebrated twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, marking what are believed to be his coronation day and birthday. On these mornings, just after sunrise, a beam of sunlight travels through the temple’s long corridor and reaches the inner sanctuary, illuminating three of the four seated statues—those of Ramses II and the gods Amun and Ra. Interestingly, the fourth statue, representing Ptah, remains in shadow, symbolizing his association with the underworld.

This alignment is far more than a visual spectacle. It reflects the extraordinary precision of ancient Egyptian architects, who designed the temple so accurately that the sunlight reaches the sanctuary on these exact days each year. The illumination of Ramses II alongside the gods was also deeply symbolic, reinforcing his divine status and legitimizing his rule in the eyes of his people.

Originally, the phenomenon occurred on February 21 and October 21, but the dates shifted slightly after the temples were relocated in the 1960s to protect them from the rising waters caused by the Aswan High Dam. Despite this shift, the spectacle remains just as awe-inspiring, continuing a tradition that has endured for over 3,200 years.

Beyond the solar event itself, the festival transforms the area into a vibrant cultural celebration. Visitors can witness traditional Nubian music and dance performances, lively processions, and a festive atmosphere filled with local energy and heritage. As the day transitions into evening, sound and light shows illuminate the temples, adding another layer of drama to the experience.

Food also plays a central role in the festivities, with bustling markets offering a taste of Egyptian cuisine. Among the highlights is koshari, the country’s beloved national dish, combining lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and a rich tomato sauce—simple yet unforgettable in flavor.

For travelers, experiencing the Abu Simbel Sun Festival requires careful planning. Staying close to the site is essential to catch the early morning phenomenon, and bookings must often be made well in advance due to the influx of visitors. Whether arriving by road or air, the journey is well worth the effort for a chance to witness one of the world’s most enduring and meaningful spectacles.

Ultimately, the Abu Simbel Sun Festival is not just an event—it is a powerful reminder of humanity’s ability to blend science, spirituality, and art into something that transcends time.

Travel

Bengaluru to Goa in 13 Hours? Vande Bharat Set to Transform the Journey

Tanisha Cardozo

Travelling between Bengaluru and Goa may soon become significantly faster and more convenient, as plans for a new Vande Bharat Express service gather momentum. According to sources, the semi-high-speed train is expected to complete the journey in approximately 13 hours, offering a major upgrade over existing rail options.

The proposed service is likely to operate between Yesvantpur in Bengaluru and Madgaon in Goa, with a tentative departure at 6:05 am and arrival at 7:15 pm. For the return journey, the train is expected to leave Madgaon at 5:30 am and reach Yesvantpur by 6:40 pm. This schedule, while not yet official, provides a glimpse into how the service could reshape travel plans for both tourists and regular commuters.

The route is planned through the Mangaluru railway region, with a notable operational change — the train is expected to bypass both Mangaluru Junction and Mangaluru Central by using the Padil Bypass. This adjustment is aimed at improving travel time and operational efficiency. Additionally, the South Western Railway has proposed increasing speeds on key sections of the route, including boosting the maximum speed between Chikka Banawara and Hasan from 110 kmph to 130 kmph. The challenging Sakleshpur–Subramanya Road ghat section, known for its terrain, may also see a speed increase from 30 kmph to 40 kmph.

The proposal has already been submitted by South Western Railway to the Railway Board, and discussions are currently underway. The announcement of the service will depend on final approval, along with the availability of two Vande Bharat trainsets required to operate the route efficiently.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier indicated plans for introducing the service, following which the ministry sought a formal proposal. With the groundwork now in place, the project appears to be moving steadily toward implementation, though timelines remain subject to official clearance.

Before the service becomes operational, trial runs will be conducted using two Vande Bharat rakes equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking system, ensuring enhanced safety standards. However, these trials are contingent on the certification and energisation of the overhead electrical equipment on the Hassan–Thokur section, which was recently electrified.

If approved, this new connection could mark a significant step forward in rail connectivity between Karnataka and Goa, benefiting tourism, business travel, and regional mobility. For travellers, it promises not just reduced journey time, but a more comfortable and modern travel experience — potentially making train travel the preferred choice between these two popular destinations.

Travel

Goa Tourism Showcases Regenerative Vision at SATTE 2026 in New Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to participate in the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2026, which will be held from February 25 to 27 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre) in New Delhi. Recognised as one of South Asia’s most prominent travel and tourism exhibitions, SATTE brings together destinations, travel professionals, hospitality brands, and key stakeholders from across the global tourism ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and business growth.

Goa Tourism will showcase its diverse and evolving portfolio at Stall No. A-62, engaging with industry stakeholders and partners over the three-day event. The State’s participation is centred on reinforcing its identity as a year-round destination driven by quality, sustainability, and regenerative tourism practices. Visitors to the Goa pavilion will experience a curated mix of offerings, including spiritual circuits such as Ekadasha Teertha, hinterland and village tourism, homestays, wellness retreats, adventure activities, heritage trails, monsoon experiences, and vibrant cultural festivals that highlight Goa’s rich and living traditions.

The delegation will actively participate in business-to-business meetings with domestic and international tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, hospitality partners, and aviation stakeholders. These engagements aim to strengthen strategic alliances, enhance market visibility, and promote responsible tourism practices while attracting travellers seeking deeper, more meaningful, and immersive experiences.

Tourism Minister Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte emphasised that Goa’s presence at SATTE 2026 aligns with the State’s broader vision of becoming a regenerative and future-ready tourism destination. He highlighted that the focus remains on empowering local communities, preserving cultural identity, and encouraging responsible travel while leveraging global platforms to build impactful partnerships.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted that SATTE continues to serve as a significant forum for engaging with stakeholders across the travel and tourism sector. He added that this year’s showcase will focus on curated experiences that reflect Goa’s evolving tourism narrative and its shift towards sustainability and innovation.

Through its participation, the Department of Tourism aims to further strengthen Goa’s brand presence in key domestic and international markets while placing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation at the core of its tourism strategy. The State looks forward to meaningful engagements and collaborations that will support its continued growth as one of the world’s most preferred travel destinations.

Travel

Goa Tourism Welcomes Delegation from Almaty, Strengthens Ties with Kazakhstan

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, recently welcomed a delegation of 12 guests from Almaty, Kazakhstan, at Paryatan Bhavan as part of their eight-day visit to the State. The delegation was received with flowers in a traditional gesture of Goan hospitality, reflecting the State’s focus on creating warm, meaningful, and memorable travel experiences for international visitors.

Officials from the Department of Tourism and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation were present to welcome the guests, underlining Goa Tourism’s coordinated approach to global engagement. The visit was facilitated by Caper Travel, with its leadership accompanying the delegation to ensure a curated and immersive experience in the State.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte noted that Goa continues to place strong emphasis on emerging international markets, recognising the importance of building trust and long-term relationships with new traveller segments. He highlighted that such interactions help showcase Goa’s diversity beyond beaches, positioning the State as a safe, welcoming, and enriching destination for global tourists.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik expressed optimism about strengthening tourism ties with Kazakhstan, stating that these engagements help create sustained interest and collaboration between destinations. As part of the interaction, a detailed presentation was delivered highlighting Goa’s cultural heritage, festivals, wellness and spiritual tourism, hinterland experiences, adventure activities, and premium hospitality offerings, reinforcing the vision of promoting Goa as a year-round destination.

During their stay, the delegation will explore various facets of Goa, gaining insight into its traditions, cuisine, and thoughtfully curated tourism initiatives. The visitors expressed appreciation for the warm reception and shared enthusiasm about discovering the many layers of Goa’s cultural and experiential landscape.

The Department of Tourism looks forward to deepening engagement with Kazakhstan and expanding collaborative efforts to position Goa as a preferred international travel destination, built on cultural exchange, sustainable tourism, and meaningful global connections.