Hey there! Morning ☕️
Happy Diwali! Hope you’re having a wonderful festive weekend, surrounded by good food, good company and, of course, plenty of sweets. And if the celebrations have you dreaming of your next getaway, we’ve got a packed edition to fuel that wanderlust.
From watching migratory birds arrive at India’s wetlands to experiencing the spectacle of the Pushkar Camel Fair, there’s plenty to explore closer home. If you’re looking further afield, how about an all-expenses-paid trip to Finland to find love, or a trip to Dubai with the added convenience of UPI payments?
We’re also looking at changing travel preferences among Indians, new rules for crossing into Nepal and Bhutan, and flight disruptions in Chiang Mai ahead of its famous lantern festival. And for those who’d rather spend the festive weekend indulging in mithai, we’ve got a few tips on enjoying the treats without going overboard.
So, make yourself comfortable, keep those festive treats handy, and let’s get started!
Travelling to Nepal or Bhutan? Aadhaar won’t get you across the border
Indian citizens can continue to visit Nepal and Bhutan without a visa, but updated immigration rules spell out which identity documents they must carry. Adults need a valid Indian passport or an original Voter ID card; Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licences are not accepted at international checkpoints. The rules also set out documentation requirements for minors and clarify what applies to travellers using the two countries as transit points to a third destination. Here’s what you need to know before you travel.
Where to watch winter’s winged visitors in India
As temperatures plunge across Siberia, Mongolia and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, millions of migratory birds make their way to India in search of warmer wintering grounds. From flamingos painting coastal lagoons pink to vast flocks of geese, ducks and waders gathering across freshwater marshes, the country offers some spectacular birdwatching opportunities in November and December.
A Ramayana legend and world’s largest bird sculpture
Perched on a granite hill in Kollam, Kerala, the Jatayu Earth Centre is home to the world’s largest bird sculpture, inspired by the mythical Jatayu from the Ramayana. Spread across 65 acres, the attraction combines a multi-level museum and panoramic viewpoints with activities such as rock climbing, rappelling and ziplining. Visitors can reach the hilltop by cable car or climb 826 steps for the views.
Indians are looking beyond the usual holiday hotspots in 2027
From offbeat destinations and outdoor adventures to spiritual journeys and longer holidays, Indian travellers are rethinking their travel plans for 2027. Agoda’s latest survey finds that 55% of Indian respondents are likely to visit a lesser-known destination next year — the highest share among 11 Asian markets. Searches for spiritual destinations such as Pushkar, Dharamshala and Leh have also risen sharply. Here’s what the findings reveal about India’s changing travel preferences.
Chiang Mai-bound? Check your flight plans before the lantern festival
Thailand’s Chiang Mai International Airport has cancelled 108 flights and rescheduled 80 others between November 21 and 28, ahead of the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals. The changes are aimed at reducing aviation risks from the release of more than two lakh sky lanterns during the celebrations on November 24 and 25. With additional flight restrictions and shorter airport operating hours in place, here’s what travellers heading to Chiang Mai need to know.
Pushkar Camel Fair 2026: What to expect at this year’s festival
Rajasthan’s Pushkar Camel Fair returns from November 17 to 24, bringing together livestock trading, rural sports, cultural performances and religious ceremonies. This year’s programme includes a 60-km endurance horse race, Marwari horse competitions, camel pageants and even a cricket match inspired by Lagaan. With the festivities beginning unofficially on November 10 and culminating on Kartik Purnima, here’s what travellers can look forward to at the fair.
Finland is offering 16 singles a free trip — with a chance to find love
A holiday in Finland could come with a dinner date and the possibility of romance. The country’s tourism organisation, Visit Finland, is inviting 16 singles from around the world for a four-day, all-expenses-paid experience in February 2027. Participants will explore Helsinki or Tampere, sample Finnish food and meet local singles over dinner. Applications are open to adults aged 18 and above, except residents of Finland, until November 10. Here’s how to enter the campaign.
Richard Branson will pay someone ₹95 lakh to travel the world for six months
Imagine spending six months travelling the world, with your expenses covered and a pay cheque of up to ₹95 lakh. Virgin Group is offering just such an opportunity through its ‘Head of Yes’ programme, looking for someone to explore its businesses and document their experiences through social media content. Here’s how the unusual assignment works.
India makes a historic comeback on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
For the first time, two restaurants in India have made it to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking in the same year. Mumbai’s Masque debuted at No. 26, while Naar in Kasauli entered the list at No. 49 and also won the Sustainable Restaurant Award. The recognition ends a nearly two-decade absence for India-based restaurants on the global list, last represented by Delhi’s Bukhara in 2004. Here’s a look at the two restaurants putting Indian fine dining on the global map.
Shopping at Dubai Duty Free? You can now pay with UPI
Indian travellers shopping at Dubai Duty Free can now use UPI to pay for eligible purchases, with an added 10% discount capped at AED 100. The facility, announced by NPCI International Payments Limited, is available at participating payment terminals and requires travellers to activate UPI International or UPI Global through an eligible UPI-enabled app. Here’s how the facility works and what you need to know before your next trip to Dubai.
Enjoy your Diwali treats without going overboard
From laddoos and barfis to samosas and namkeen, festive food is an essential part of Diwali celebrations. But enjoying the spread need not mean overindulging. Simple changes such as watching portion sizes, choosing baked or roasted snacks, using fibre-rich ingredients and staying active can help you strike a balance. Here are some easy ways to enjoy your favourite Diwali sweets and snacks while keeping mindful eating in check.
11:11 Weekend | Birdwatching escapes, finding love in Finland & why Aadhaar won’t get you into Nepal or Bhutan
