Short trip plans? 7 amazing places near Delhi under 250 km
They are close, easy to reach, and offer a variety of experiences, from adventure and spirituality to peace and luxury. So pack your bags, call your travel buddies, and make the most of your weekend with one of these quick and beautiful trips.- Ends
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Why Sarnath near Varanasi Could Soon Join the UNESCO World Heritage List
Good news coming from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh! Sarnath, one of the most revered Buddhists in India, is a step closer to earning a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department along with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is trying to strengthen the site's nomination for UNESCO. Recently, senior officials from both bodies had a meeting in Lucknow for the final preparations ahead of UNESCO's review in September. Why Sarnath is important Sarnath is a beautiful town situated some 10 km from Varanasi. This place is highly significant for the followers of Buddhism as it was here where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to five disciples after attaining enlightenment, setting in motion the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Dharma. Sarnath has been attracting people for centuries now. It draws pilgrims, scholars, photographers, and travellers from all over the world. Today, years later, this sacred site is on the brink of receiving global recognition. The Uttar Pradesh tourism department has intensified its campaign to have Sarnath inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sarnath's importance is more than its archaeological ruins. The Dhamek Stupa is a huge structure marking the spot where Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 42-year-old woman changed drastically in a few months! "This" sold at Watsons is too effective Body Design News Learn More Undo The Archaeological Museum here is a treasure house where one can learn about centuries past, including the original Lion Capital of Ashoka which is now India's national emblem. The Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a modern Buddhist temple built by the Mahabodhi Society. The journey towards UNESCO recognition is a process. For locals, the campaign is a source of pride. Many see it as a long-overdue acknowledgement of Sarnath's role in shaping the spiritual and philosophical traditions that continue to influence millions worldwide. Here are five interesting facts about Sarnath: First Sermon – It was here in Sarnath's Deer Park that Buddha first shared his teachings with five disciples. Ashokan Legacy – The noted Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka is now India's national emblem. It stood atop a pillar here as a symbol of moral authority. Ancient Monastic Centre – Archaeological remains reveal that Sarnath was once a thriving centre of Buddhist learning, attracting monks from as far as Central Asia. Mulagandha Kuti Vihar – This modern monastery, with its beautiful murals by Japanese artist Kosetsu Nosu, keeps alive the tradition of Buddhist art and storytelling. International Pilgrimage Destination – Sarnath continues to draw devotees from across the world, including countries like Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, making it a living example of Buddhism's global reach. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope Sarnath gets the UNESCO recognition.
News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Beyond Riyadh And Jeddah: Exploring Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Frontier
Saudi Arabia's western coastline, stretching for more than 1,800 km along the Red Sea, is fast becoming one of the Middle East's most captivating new travel frontiers. If your idea of Saudi Arabia begins and ends with Riyadh's skyline or Jeddah's cultural sprawl, it's time to look west – to the coastline. Stretching over 1,800 km along the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia 's western shore is emerging as one of the Middle East's most intriguing travel frontiers. Quietly spectacular and largely unexplored, it's a place where centuries-old fortresses overlook coral reefs, and overwater villas rise from glass-clear seas. Spanning three distinct regions, each with its character, the Saudi Red Sea is less a single destination and more a coastline of contrasts where volcanic mountains meet turquoise lagoons, and solar-powered eco-resorts sit alongside ancient trade routes. With more than 1,000 islands, 500 dive sites, and marine life among the most diverse on Earth, it's drawing divers, design-lovers, and travellers who like their luxury laced with history. King Abdullah Economic City: Saudi's Coastal Playground Less than two hours from Jeddah, KAEC has evolved from a futuristic commercial hub into a weekend escape by the sea. It's home to art districts, karting tracks, golf courses, and 4D cinemas. Yam Beach is the star: golden sand perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and kitesurfing. Adrenaline seekers can take on Juman Karting's 700-metre circuit, while golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, host to international tournaments. End the day at a beach café with views of the sun setting behind KAEC's sleek skyline. Northern Shores: Seclusion Meets Luxury Up north, where the water turns impossibly blue and the islands remain untouched, luxury tourism is quietly taking shape. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort offers overwater villas, personal butlers, and pristine beaches. Nujuma – a Ritz-Carlton Reserve delivers private island exclusivity, while Shebara by Red Sea Global sets a new benchmark in sustainability with its solar-powered, orb-shaped villas that float between sea and sky. Yanbu: Diving Into History Yanbu has long been a diver's paradise, famed for the Seven Sisters reef – an underwater maze alive with hammerhead sharks and kaleidoscopic coral. On land, Yanbu Beach is perfect for snorkelling or simply soaking up the sun. Inland, Yanbu Al Nakhal's 2,000-year-old ruins tell stories of ancient trade, best followed by fresh seafood at the harbour. Duba: Fortresses by the Sea Once a key stop for traders and pilgrims, Duba is steeped in history. The 14th-century Al-Ozlam Castle, a potential UNESCO site, still commands the skyline. Nearby, King Abdulaziz Castle, built during Saudi unification, has been restored using traditional methods, preserving its place in the region's heritage. Umluj: Islands and Volcanic Shores Between Al Wajh and Yanbu, Umluj feels almost too beautiful to be real: think white sands, turquoise waters, and more than 100 islands just offshore. Beneath the waves lie coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of exotic fish. Inland, black lava fields and volcanic mountains frame the coast in stark contrast. For an authentic touch, take a fishing boat to a hidden cove and end the day with seafood grilled on the beach. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Mahabodhi temple preservation gets Unesco backing
1 2 3 4 Gaya: Unesco director Tim Curtis has reviewed the ongoing conservation and maintenance work at the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya , the revered site of Buddha's enlightenment and a world heritage monument. His two-day visit concluded on Saturday. Curtis examined the preservation measures and discussed Unesco's continued support for safeguarding the temple's integrity in line with global heritage conservation standards. He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to working closely with local authorities and the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) to ensure the iconic heritage site is preserved for future generations. During his visit, Curtis joined evening prayers in both the Theravada and Mahayana traditions, performed by venerable monks from different nations in the sanctum sanctorum. He offered lamps, incense sticks and flowers before the statue of Buddha, accompanied by the chanting of sacred sutras, and meditated under the sacred Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi temple was inscribed as a world heritage site on June 29, 2002. In addition to serving as Unesco's Delhi-based director, Curtis is the organisation's representative for monitoring heritage operations in South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo When the temple received its world heritage status, Rathi Vinay Jha, then secretary of the department of tourism and culture, signed the agreement on behalf of the govt of India, committing to its conservation in accordance with Unesco guidelines. Unesco's recommendations emphasised preserving the shrine's spiritual atmosphere. They called for a two-tier buffer zone – within 1km of the outer wall, only ground-floor structures vital for religious use and sympathetic in design to the site are permitted; between one and two kilometres, buildings must not exceed 44 feet and should reflect Bodh Gaya's traditional architectural style. Lowering the eastern boundary wall was also advised to improve the shrine's visibility. These measures aim to maintain the serenity of the site for meditation and prevent intrusive concrete structures that could diminish its spiritual character. Curtis was received at the temple by chief priest Ven Bhikkhu Chalinda. BTMC secretary Mahashweta Maharathi and Virendra Singh, superintending archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India, briefed him on the site's ongoing development. Maharathi told this newspaper that the Unesco director was "entirely satisfied" with the committee's work. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
