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With Diwali around the corner, travel plans are taking shape across India and beyond. From a surge in bookings among younger travellers to festive deals in Singapore and special packages for Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali celebrations, this week’s stories explore how people are choosing to travel, celebrate and discover new places. But with flight disruptions affecting journeys to Saudi Arabia, staying informed is just as important as planning the perfect getaway.
If adventure is more your thing, Sikkim’s upcoming tourism festival promises a week of high-altitude thrills, while India’s scenic train journeys offer a slower way to soak in the country’s landscapes. We also look at wildlife escapes beyond tiger sightings, destinations celebrated for their hospitality, and three Indian sites that have earned a place on UNESCO’s Tentative List.
And for those fascinated by the natural world, we travel from underwater biodiverse ecosystems to extraordinary geological wonders shaped by volcanic activity, erosion and even cosmic impacts.
So, settle in, grab your beverage of choice, and let’s get into it!
Riyadh airport shutdown: What Umrah pilgrims need to know before flying
Riyadh’s airport shutdown following missile and drone attacks has triggered flight cancellations and disrupted travel across Saudi Arabia. While the main pilgrimage gateways in Jeddah and Medina remain operational, reduced flight frequencies and connecting disruptions could complicate journeys for Umrah pilgrims. Here’s what travellers need to know about flight disruptions, alternative routes and travel advisories before heading to the holy cities.
Sikkim’s first adventure tourism festival promises a week of high-altitude thrills
From paragliding and river rafting to mountain biking along the historic Silk Route, Sikkim is gearing up for its first Adventure Tourism Fest from November 1 to 7, 2026. The festival will bring more than 20 activities across all six districts, with packages ranging from a ₹7,500 adventure relay to multi-day trekking and birdwatching expeditions. Here’s a look at the activities, package prices and booking details for travellers planning an adrenaline-fuelled Himalayan getaway.
Planning a Dev Deepawali trip to Varanasi? UP Tourism packages start at ₹15,999
Varanasi’s Dev Deepawali celebrations are getting a dedicated travel package, with UPSTDC offering a four-day, three-night itinerary starting at ₹15,999 per person. The Budget, Deluxe and Premium options cover temple visits, the Ganga Aarti, boat rides and an excursion to Sarnath, along with accommodation and transport. Here’s what each package costs, what’s included and how travellers can book a front-row experience of the ghats illuminated with lamps.
A Bollywood-themed Diwali in Singapore: Madame Tussauds offers a Buy 1 Get 1 deal
Madame Tussauds Singapore and MakeMyTrip have joined hands for the Icons of India campaign, bringing Bollywood favourites including Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Varun Dhawan and the newly unveiled Deepika Padukone wax figure into the spotlight. Indian travellers can avail of a Buy 1 Get 1 ticket offer on bookings made between October 21 and November 15, 2026. Here’s how the festive deal works and what visitors can expect from the attraction beyond its Bollywood stars.
Seven Indian train journeys where the views are as memorable as the destination
From the misty hills of Shimla to the lush Western Ghats and the forests of the Dooars, India’s scenic rail routes offer a slower, more immersive way to explore the country. Vistadome coaches, with their expansive windows and glass roofs, bring the landscapes into focus as the train winds through valleys, tunnels and riversides. Here are seven journeys to consider for your next getaway, including routes from Mumbai to Goa, Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley and Ahmedabad to Ekta Nagar.
From volcanic islands to ancient temples: Three Indian sites enter UNESCO’s Tentative List
India’s geological wonders and cultural heritage have earned fresh global attention, with three sites added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List. The additions include Baratang’s limestone caves and mud volcanoes, the volcanic landscapes of the Andaman Sea, and Chhattisgarh’s historic Sirpur archaeological complex.
Beyond tiger sightings: Planning the perfect Indian wildlife escape
From tiger reserves and birdwatching wetlands to boat safaris and guided nature experiences, India’s wildlife holidays offer far more than a chance to spot big cats. The best time to visit, safari costs and permit availability vary by destination, making advance planning essential. Discover how to budget for safari drives and stays, how long to plan your trip, and how to explore India’s wilderness responsibly.
Earth’s most extraordinary geological wonders, shaped by cosmic impacts and volcanic forces
From ancient meteorite collisions and towering basalt formations to volcanic calderas and surreal mineral-rich landscapes, these natural wonders reveal the immense forces that have shaped our planet over millions of years. Some bear the scars of cosmic impacts, while others showcase the slow, relentless power of erosion, tectonic shifts and volcanic activity.
Eight spectacular marine reserves around the world every diving enthusiast should explore
From vast coral reefs and turquoise lagoons to remote atolls teeming with sharks, manta rays and sea turtles, these extraordinary marine reserves offer a window into some of the planet’s richest underwater ecosystems. Many enjoy UNESCO World Heritage or Biosphere Reserve status, protecting remarkable biodiversity while offering unforgettable experiences through snorkelling, scuba diving and guided marine excursions. Discover eight spectacular destinations where colourful coral gardens, rare marine life and crystal-clear waters make every underwater adventure count.
Jaipur makes the world’s friendliest cities list, but who takes the crown?
India’s Pink City has earned a place among the world’s 10 friendliest cities for 2026, ranking seventh in Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Based on nearly 300,000 votes, the list is led by Melbourne, Australia, with Portugal’s Porto and South Korea’s Seoul rounding out the top three. From Jaipur’s famed hospitality to the café-lined streets of Melbourne, discover which cities made travellers feel most welcome around the world.
Gen Z takes to the skies as Diwali travel bookings surge across India
Diwali travel demand is soaring, with flight bookings among 15–24-year-olds up 60% and bus bookings rising by as much as 80% in several cities, according to Cleartrip. Leisure hotel bookings have jumped 135%, led by destinations such as Udaipur, while offbeat domestic hotspots including Agatti and Gaya are seeing a surge in flight demand. International travellers are also looking beyond the usual favourites, with Taipei, Cebu and Dublin recording sharp growth in bookings.
