Sakal Newspaper Article Date - 12 January 2025 (English Version)

Dekho Apna Desh
Dil se! Pyar se! Samman se!  

India is blessed with the Himalayas, a mountain range spanning 2,500 kilometres, touching 13 of its states. While the world hears of security walls being built between the USA and Mexico, India’s northern boundary has been safeguarded for centuries by the expansive and mighty Himalayas, akin to an impenetrable wall. We owe our gratitude to both God and nature for granting us this natural wonder. India enjoys a significant share of the Himalayas, with over 40% of it lying in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The majestic beauty of Kashmir owes much to the Himalayan range and the rivers and lakes it has nurtured. Despite challenges like terrorism, natural disasters, and a long 14-year shutdown in the 1990s, Kashmir never lost its charm or resilience. Credit also goes to us, as travellers, for never ignoring Kashmir. Whenever possible, we continued to visit this paradise on earth. 

In the past eight to ten years, tremendous progress has been made in Kashmir under the current government. Renowned global hotel chains have now entered the region, and it has undergone a remarkable transformation. That’s why we arrived in Kashmir with a renewed vision. 

Now, we offer tours ranging from five to nine days, tailored to individual preferences. Some travellers prefer staying in a single hotel and exploring nearby areas daily, while others wish to stay in Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Some adore houseboats, while others admire the distant mountains. From basic accommodations to luxurious four and five-star stays, we cater to all preferences. 

This philosophy shaped our 'Mission Kashmir' tour, which has been a great success. We are ready with ‘Kashmir for Everyone’, offering diverse options for summer vacations. Whether it's group tours, customized holidays, or corporate MICE tours, we’ve got everything covered. 

So, let’s head to Kashmir!

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I Am the Queen

Hemlata Patil, Nashik

For many years now, I have been exploring the world through Veena World. I have travelled to destinations like Europe, the USA, Japan, Australia, Mauritius, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Within India, I have visited Darjeeling, Nainital, Haridwar, Jim Corbett, Kullu Manali, Andaman, and the Statue of Unity. So far, I’ve completed nearly 40 tours with Veena World. My recent December trip was to Rajasthan’s Marwar region, covering Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Mandawa. 

I book my tours through Nashik’s Chocolate Holidays. Earlier, I used to go on 6–7 tours a year—three to four domestic and two to three international. But last year, after a long eight-month gap, I finally took a trip in December. It felt like something was missing in my life. 

I am particularly fond of Veena World’s Women’s Special Tours. These tours let me leave behind the worries and stress of daily life and immerse myself in a new world. Experiencing unique cuisines, diverse cultures, and different ways of living fills me with renewed enthusiasm. Sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zone makes our problems seem smaller, and we feel grateful for what we have. 

The dress codes on these tours make shopping fun, and since it’s an all-women’s group, there’s more openness to enjoy activities like jokes, dancing, parties, and fashion shows. The tour managers ensure every woman feels comfortable, and from the flights to the daily itineraries, they take care of everything. 

One of my most memorable tours within India was to Kashmir, especially because we celebrated Diwali there, and it felt just like home. Internationally, the Cherry Blossom season in Japan stole my heart. I was also part of Veena World’s first Europe tour for ₹99,000, which holds a special place in my memories. 

Now, I am gearing up for my third trip to Kerala on January 19. Each tour fills me with joy and excitement, leaving me refreshed and ready for more. 

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Private Holiday Ideas
With Veena World Customized Holidays 

Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner with your special someone in a private cable car in Singapore. Picture yourself swimming alongside dolphins at Dolphin Island or staying in an Ocean Suite where you can admire underwater views right from your bed. 

Yes, all this is possible, but you will need to head to Singapore. Once a small island, Singapore is now one of the world’s most prosperous and developed countries. With its diverse theme parks, family-friendly attractions, luxurious accommodation options, and vibrant street food, Singapore is a must-visit destination. 

If you dream of being a zookeeper, spend a day at Singapore Zoo in their zookeeper program. Perfume enthusiasts can try their hand at creating fragrances at Scentopia. For adventure lovers, the thrilling luge ride on Sentosa Island is a must-try. Want something offbeat? Charter a private yacht to explore Singapore’s Southern Islands or kayak through Pulau Ubin’s mangrove forests. 

Foodies can indulge in local delights like chili crab and laksa at hawker centres or savour gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. And how about breakfast in the wild at the Singapore Zoo? 

Accommodation options are just as diverse. Stay at Marina Bay Sands and take a swim in their iconic infinity pool overlooking the skyline. For privacy, opt for villas with private pools at Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island. Vintage charm lovers can experience colonial-style luxury at Raffles Hotel, while nature enthusiasts can stay in tree-top lofts at The Tree Top Walk on Sentosa. 

Shopaholics can enjoy everything from affordable fashion outlets to luxury boutiques on Orchard Road. Singapore offers endless unique experiences, making it an unforgettable destination. 

If you need help planning a private holiday in Singapore, contact Veena World’s Customized Holidays team today! Contact Veena World Customized Holidays today! Call us on 1800 22 7979 or write to us at customizedholidays@veenaworld.com   

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What's Trending Around the World? 

The cherry blossom is a unique marvel of nature's beauty. This festival can be witnessed in countries like Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and China. Known as Sakura in Japanese, cherry blossoms are an inseparable part of Japan's allure. The delicate pink and white flowers blooming on Sakura trees, combined with young Japanese women dressed in traditional kimonos, create a picturesque setting. Locals spend the day immersed in music and nature’s embrace. 

The tradition of ‘Hanami’, admiring cherry blossoms, includes organizing picnics or special tea parties under these trees. Pink-themed food and drinks are served, adding to the festive charm. This dreamy experience can be enjoyed across various Asian countries during March and April. 

So, which country will you visit this year to witness the enchanting Cherry Blossom festival?