How about a rustic monsoon walk to reset your mind?
Once seen as a season to stay indoors, the monsoon now draws travellers in hordes to Kerala. With rivers in spate, hills veiled in mist, and the earth blooming in green, what better time than this 'offbeat' window to experience the true splendour of God's Own Country?
That's precisely what prompted GDM Travel to launch its Monsoon Walks programme. It offers curated, small-group journeys into Kerala's lush countryside. The 2025 edition features three nature-immersed experiences from Kochi.
Their flagship offering leads guests through the forests of Paniyeli Poru, Thattekad and Bhoothathankettu — three lush pockets on the Periyar basin that truly come alive in the rains.
The trip begins from Marine Drive (7am) and winds its way inland, ending at GDM Thambaaz Heritage, their riverside homestay.
'From Palayalipuram, small groups trek and off-road through villages and riverine forests. At Bhoothathankettu, there are fishing tours, local cooking sessions, guided nature walks, and optional night herping to spot amphibians,' says Dilraj N P, who manages the programme.
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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- New Indian Express
How about a rustic monsoon walk to reset your mind?
Once seen as a season to stay indoors, the monsoon now draws travellers in hordes to Kerala. With rivers in spate, hills veiled in mist, and the earth blooming in green, what better time than this 'offbeat' window to experience the true splendour of God's Own Country? That's precisely what prompted GDM Travel to launch its Monsoon Walks programme. It offers curated, small-group journeys into Kerala's lush countryside. The 2025 edition features three nature-immersed experiences from Kochi. Their flagship offering leads guests through the forests of Paniyeli Poru, Thattekad and Bhoothathankettu — three lush pockets on the Periyar basin that truly come alive in the rains. The trip begins from Marine Drive (7am) and winds its way inland, ending at GDM Thambaaz Heritage, their riverside homestay. 'From Palayalipuram, small groups trek and off-road through villages and riverine forests. At Bhoothathankettu, there are fishing tours, local cooking sessions, guided nature walks, and optional night herping to spot amphibians,' says Dilraj N P, who manages the programme.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Foreign tourist nearly crushed by train on Hanoi's cafe street, viral video sparks outrage
A foreign tourist in Vietnam had a near-death experience that was captured on video and is now going viral, reigniting concerns over the safety of Hanoi's infamous railway cafe street. The clip, shared by Instagram page @mustsharenews, shows tourists lounging dangerously close to the railway track, which runs through a tight corridor lined with cafes. As a train approaches, the driver sounds the horn multiple times. But just as the fourth coach passes, a man – distracted by his phone – gets his knee hit by the train. Nearby tourists immediately leap into action, pulling him back just in time. Drinks spill and furniture topples in the panic, but disaster is averted thanks to quick reflexes. The video, now with nearly a million views, has sparked alarm and anger online. A post shared by MS News (@mustsharenews) Another praised the bystander's quick actions, saying, 'God bless the dude behind him who yanked him out of the way to save his life. That's some fast survival skills there.' A third viewer commented, 'There should be a boundary so that no one would get closer.' A fourth Instagram user said, 'I mean, you get this close to the train! This answers my question if accidents like this do happen. It can. It did!' Despite authorities declaring the area off-limits in September 2022, large crowds still continue to flock to the cafes along the railway tracks, drawn by the thrill and viral appeal of witnessing a train pass within inches of their seats. Local residents are frustrated too. Doan Quang Hai, from Dong Da District, told VietNamNet, 'After what was captured in this video, I hope authorities act decisively before a real tragedy occurs.' Another resident, Nguyen Linh from Thanh Xuan District, criticised the continued attraction of such a risky spot for foreign tourists. 'This sends a poor message about Vietnam's traffic safety standards and risks leaving a bad impression on international visitors. It should be shut down,' she told VietNamNet. Authorities appear to be taking the incident seriously. A representative from the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security confirmed to VietNamNet, 'In recent times, the traffic police, in coordination with local authorities, have carried out campaigns to educate, persuade, and take firm action against businesses encroaching on railway safety corridors. Yet some continue to evade enforcement and violate regulations.' The train cafe zone, which straddles Dien Bien (Ba Dinh District), Cua Nam, and Hang Bong (Hoan Kiem District), has been a popular yet controversial tourist destination for years. In October 2019, the Hanoi People's Committee issued a strict directive to crack down on businesses operating illegally along the tracks. Confirming the violations, Hoan Kiem District authorities stated that vendors along the railway in Phung Hung 'do not meet rail safety standards.'
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in the US: Date, time and history
Image credits: X A devoted belief in God and all things holy is not limited within boundaries. It flows and spreads with people who share the knowledge and love for God with others and help them find a guiding light in life. Thus, what is created is a big community that remains together in life and celebrates God during all the highs and lows. The Jagannath Rath Yatra, organised every year, is one such event where people forget all the troubles of life and come together to honour God and His blessings. The yatra will be carried out not only in India but also in the USA, South Africa, Canada and more places across the globe. In the USA, millions of people follow Hinduism and celebrate the gods of the religion with cultural and emotional fervour. Thus, the Jagannath Rath Yatra has been organised in the states for years since 1967. In 2025 as well, the Jagannath Rath Yatra will take place across varied regions. Here's all you need to know about it. History of Jagannath Rath Yatra Image credits: X The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival that honours the journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, alongside his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and his younger sister Goddess Subhadra from their home temple in Puri, Odisha to their aunt's temple in Gundicha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo The story behind the festival is that once, Goddess Subhadra expressed her desire to visit their aunt's place to her elder brothers. Thus, to fulfil her wish Lord Balabhadra and Lord Jagannath decided to accompany her on a chariot ride that has been commemorated year by year in their honour by their followers. The tradition was started in the 12th century CE, by King Aanantavarman Chodaganga Deva, who built the Jagannath temple in Odisha. The deities of the gods are carried in three massive chariots pulled by excited devotees. The festival begins on the second day of the fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June-July) and is held for nine days. In the US, the first-ever Jagannath Rath Yatra was organised in 1967 in San Francisco. This was also the first rath yatra ever to be organised outside of India. Jayananda Prabhu, one of the thousands of Westerners who attended Srila Prabhupada's preaching about Krishna Consciousness in the United States started the tradition of the yatra in the US. An engineering graduate from Ohio State University, he served Srila Prabhupada and built the first rathas that were used to carry the three gods through the streets of San Francisco, New York and Philadelphia. Since then, the tradition of the Rath yatra has spread with the increase of Krishna Consciousness among the people of the US. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in the US: Date & Time Image credits: X Some of the top American cities will be celebrating the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 with grandeur: Centennial, Colorado Enjoy a devotional and spiritual experience of the Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in Centennial. Date: June 27, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM MDT Location: Hindu Temple of Colorado, 7201 S Potomac St, Centennial, CO 80112 Fremont, California The Fremont temple will be hosting its annual rath yatra which is the West Coast's most energetic rath yatras full of traditional music, performances and rituals. Date: June 28, 2025, Saturday Time: 10:00 AM PDT Location: 3676 Delaware Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 Jackson, Mississippi Explore a stunning and moving celebration with the chariot rise and religious rituals in Mississippi. Date: June 29, 2025, Sunday Time: 4:00 PM CDT Location: Sitaram Hindu Temple, 1940 US 80, Jackson, MS 39204 New York City, New York I SKCON, International Society for Krishna Consciousness organizes the Jagannath Rath Yatra in New York City with an elaborate chariot ride and processions of cultural music and dance. While the date of the yatra is yet to be announced, it will begin at 45th Street & 2nd Avenues and end at Washington Square Park. Mauldin, South Carolina People interested in joining the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Mauldin will have to wait for the announcement of the date. However, its location is known which is the Vedic Center of Greenville, 520 Bethel Dr, Mauldin, SC 29662 Houston, Texas In Houston, the yatra is organised by the SKAI Foundation, aiming to bring the essence of Puri to Texas. The date of the yatra is yet to be announced, but it will be held in Discovery Green Park, Houston. Alpharetta, Georgia The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Georgia is known for its 26-foot-tall decorated chariot and community procession. The date for the yatra here remains to be announced yet.
