
Independence Day 2025: 6 Weekend Getaways From Chennai
Yelagiri Hills: A quiet hill station nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Yelagiri is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can enjoy boating on Punganoor Lake, trek up Swamimalai Hill, or simply relax amidst the cool mountain breeze. (Image: Canva)
Mahabalipuram: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and shore temples. (Image: Canva)
Kodaikanal: Known as the 'Princess of Hill Stations,' it offers misty valleys, waterfalls, lakes, and cozy vibes. Ideal for a cool, romantic, or family-friendly retreat. (Image: Canva)
Vellore: A historic town known for its impressive Vellore Fort, ancient temples, and the golden Sripuram Mahalaxmi temple. (Image: Canva)
Pulicat Lake: An offbeat destination, Pulicat Lake is India's second-largest brackish water lagoon and a paradise for birdwatchers. (Image: Canva)

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Kothari completes full marathon at 90 degree north pole
At 90° North, where every direction is south and the Arctic Ocean lies frozen beneath, the Indian tricolour was raised — not on a pole, but in the hands of a man running into history. On July 13, 2025, Kolkata-born entrepreneur Ram Gopal Kothari became the first Indian to finish a full marathon at the Geographic North Pole, joining a select group of athletes to conquer one of the planet's harshest racecourses. The North Pole Marathon takes place on drifting sea ice over water three metres deep, under –8°C temperatures, biting winds, and occasional polar bear sightings. In 2025, Kothari — in his debut full marathon — ran alongside participants from around the world. The journey began in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, aboard the French icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, navigating to 90°N through solid ice, spotting polar bears, walruses, and blue whales along the way. Kothari crossed the halfway mark in 2 hours 45 minutes, but from kilometre 28, melting snow turned to slush, soaking his shoes and causing severe cramps. 'I had every reason to stop,' he said. 'But I wasn't just running on ice — I was running on a promise and a belief that India belongs everywhere, even at the top of the world.' He finished in just over eight hours. Raised in Kolkata's Burrabazar in a modest home, Kothari overcame early financial struggles and a personal crisis in 2012 that nearly claimed his life. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Seniors Are Snapping Up This TV Box, We Explain! Techno Mag Learn More Undo A call from his wife urging him to live for their children became his turning point. Now a seasoned traveller, he has visited all seven continents and scaled Kilimanjaro. His next goals: seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, the Seven Summits, and 100 countries by 2027. 'If I can run my first marathon on the toughest terrain on Earth, anyone can take that first step,' he said. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
‘A little SOF': Connor McDavid and Lauren Kyle spends offseason getaway in the South of France amid his contract uncertainty
Connor McDavid and Lauren Kyle spends offseason getaway in the South of France (Image via IG) Edmonton Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have taken their on-ice partnership to a new level—vacationing together off the ice with their wives. Just days after Draisaitl's wedding to Canadian actress Celeste Desjardins on August 2 in Les Baux-de-Provence, France, the newlyweds were joined by McDavid and his longtime partner, Lauren Kyle, for a sun-soaked getaway along the French coastline. A glamorous escape filled with laughter, style, and sea views Lauren shared glimpses of the trip on Instagram, capturing the couples enjoying breathtaking ocean views from a boat, wandering picturesque streets, and relaxing in chic summer outfits. One standout post featured McDavid and Lauren dancing, each holding a drink, radiating a carefree vacation mood. In another, Lauren stunned in a white seaside dress while McDavid kept it casual in a white t-shirt and beige pants. The captions were short yet heartfelt, with one reading, 'A little SOF 🌊 🌞', hinting at the South of France's serene charm. Another post from the rehearsal dinner showed Lauren in a striking blue cut-out dress and Celeste in a classic white gown, a nod to the elegant pre-wedding celebrations. 'The rehearsal 💜🤍🪻,' Lauren wrote, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the festivities. Fans get a rare peek at the NHL stars' personal lives before the grind resumes In addition to the lighthearted moments, Lauren's posts included intimate group shots—like one of her hugging McDavid from behind, while Celeste perched on Draisaitl's lap, all four sharing smiles. These rare glimpses into the players' personal lives gave fans a chance to see a different side of the Oilers' dynamic duo, far from the high-pressure atmosphere of the NHL season. Also Read: Connor McDavid caught in a cheating scandal that rocked his long-term relationship with Lauren Kyle Now, with training camp around the corner, both McDavid and Draisaitl are preparing to shift gears from leisure back to the grind of chasing hockey's ultimate prize. After back-to-back playoff heartbreaks, the Oilers are entering the 2025–26 season with one mission: lifting the Stanley Cup. But for now, the two stars and their wives seem content making memories that will last well beyond the final buzzer. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
What do EU passports have in common?
Passports issued by the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) share a common design and confer EU citizenship rights upon their holders. Although the EU itself does not issue ordinary passports, its member states follow a recommended layout aimed at visual uniformity. The standard cover colour is burgundy, which has been adopted by all except Croatia, and features the title 'European Union' in the issuing country's official language(s), sometimes also in English and French. Then the name of the member state appears below, its heraldic arms, the word 'PASSPORT,' along with the biometric passport symbol at the bottom center. Some member states issue non-EU passports to individuals whose nationality does not grant EU citizenship, such as Danish nationals living in the Faroe Islands. Additionally, the European Commission issues European Union Laissez-Passers to certain officials and civil servants. Read more: Best hill stations in India for starry nights and mountain vibes, ideal for sky gazers A valid passport gives EU citizens the right of free movement within the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, as well as Switzerland. This means they do not require a visa, proof of funds, or a reason for travel, nor a residence permit to settle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3–6 BHK luxury residences at Address by GS S3 Raymond Realty Learn More Undo Until 31 December 2020, this right also applied to the United Kingdom. Within the Schengen Area, EU passports are not stamped upon entry or exit. Many holders of biometric passports can use automated ePassport gates at certain borders, such as in UK airports for travelers aged 12 and over. Those with non-biometric passports, national ID cards, or accompanying young children must use standard immigration counters. EU citizens can also travel within the EEA, Switzerland, and, until 1 October 2021, the UK using a valid national identity card instead of a passport. In theory, even without these documents, proof of nationality through other means, such as an expired passport or citizenship certificate, permits entry. Border officials must allow reasonable time for documents to be obtained if a traveler cannot initially present them. Read more: Travel green: Top 10 cleanest countries leading the fight against pollution While key elements of the passport cover are harmonized, there are design variations across member states, such as the placement of the data page at the front or back. Some types, like diplomatic, service, emergency passports, or Ireland's passport card, remain outside harmonization rules. Since February 28, 2008, EU member states have been required to include fingerprint information in passports, except Ireland. Croatian passports, despite the country's EU membership, retain a dark blue cover rather than burgundy. The push for uniformity stems from a series of non-binding Council resolutions adopted between 1981 and 2004.