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India.com
24-05-2025
- India.com
Top 6 Weekend Escapes From Ahmedabad You Can't Miss
Ahmedabad: This bustling city of Gujarat, located in the center of India, is not just about rich history, vibrant culture and mouthwatering cuisines but also serves as an entrance to quite a number of captivating weekend getaways. If you are a history enthusiast or just want to escape the noise and chaos that comes with urban life and be one with nature for a while, then there are many options you can choose from to relax your mind and rejuvenate your spirit. Let us now take a trip through some of the finest weekend getaways in and around this beautiful city. 1. Gandhinagar: Gandhinagar-the capital city of Gujarat- is located just at a stone's throwaway from Ahmedabad. Due to its quiet environment, organized infrastructure and architectural marvels like Akshardham Temple, the place has become popular over time. Here visitors can explore Indroda Nature Park- the picturesque place boasting diversified flora & fauna; visit Swaminarayan Akshardham –an abode of spirituality or go shopping at Sector 21 market which is full of colors. 2. Modhera: A short drive from Ahmedabad will lead you to Modhera home for Sun temple – one among the seven wonders in India . Built during 11th century by Solanki dynasty with Surya Dev himself as central deity makes it the most visited place by history lovers as well as photographers' paradise due to the detailed carvings on walls , grand pillars and celestial beauty associated with it. Furthermore , Modheras peaceful environment makes it an ideal destination for contemplation and relaxation. 3. Patan: Just few hours away from Ahmedabad lies ancient town called Patan which revives stories about past ages. Rani ki Vav (stepwell) -UNESCO World Heritage site at Patan that reflects architectural grandeur of a by-gone era. Apart from that, the Patan Patola Heritage Museum is another place to visit to learn about the art of weaving-Patola, which is also known as a traditional weaving art passing through generations. With its great heritage and still air, Patan gives one an insight into Gujarat's rich cultural tapestry. 4. Polo Forest: Polo Forest is an ideal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers in serene environment amidst lush greenery, situated just few hours away from the city . The Ancient forest located around 150 kilometers away from Ahmedabad has always been famous for its scenic trails , gushing waterfalls and thrilling wildlife. Trekking, bird watching and camping are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy while experiencing the diverse beauty of this region. In short , it's a quiet Polo Forest where you can escape over weekend . National Park: For those who love nature, Gir National Park is a must go to. Gir is a home to various rare species and its location is about 350 kilometers from ahmedabad. It serves as the last refugee for the asian lion and is famous for its rich biosphere. Tourists can engage in exciting game drives that enable them to see lions, leopards, deer, and plenty of bird species among others within their natural habitat settings. The peaceable ambience of the park along with the chance of watching majestic fauna makes Gir National Park an enthralling stop for nature enthusiasts. of Kutch: A slightly longer journey will take you to Rann of Kutch -a mystical land with unimaginable landscapes. It stretches over thousands of square kilometers turning into surreal during Rann Utsav –a cultural event showcasing colorful tradition of this area every year. The white desert under moonlight, visits to traditional villages, cultural performances and shopping for handicrafts are all possible here… This blend between nature at its best and local culture makes it worth visiting for anyone who wants to have some unforgettable moments in life. Final Thoughts Ahmedabad acts as an access point to an array of fascinating weekend getaways that are characterized by diverse cultures, histories, natures and adventures. These include ancient temples in Modhera while Polo forest enables you to enjoy complete tranquility or experience such things as vibrant culture within Rann of Kutch which are some of them as amongst other numerous attractions near this city over weekends that will give lasting memories unto eternity like no any other place on earth else especially when one visits all these areas at once with friends so pack your bags take off a trip down memory lane rock yourself with Gujarat's unexplored jewels.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Madly in love with Usha, why JD Vance learned Indian cooking from her mother
US Vice President JD Vance and her wife Usha Bala Chilukuri received a warm and enthusiastic welcome during their four-day visit to India that concluded on Thursday, April 24. Usha, the daughter of Radhakrishna Chilukuri and Lakshmi Chilukuri, who migrated to the USA from India decades back, received a 'celebrity' treatment in India, in the land of her roots. 'She's a bit of a celebrity, it turns out, in India. I think more so than her husband,' Vance said in Jaipur about his wife. The couple visited Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, and went on sightseeing tours across Jaipur and Agra. In Jaipur, they explored the historic Amer Fort, while in Agra, they visited the Taj Mahal and the traditional crafts village of Shilpgram. A very special love story JD and Usha, who came together from different backgrounds, shared a deep connection from the word go. The daughter of Telugu Indian immigrants and the son of a drug-addicted mother, met at Yale University and despite their different backgrounds and personalities started to bond well, first as friends. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo At the university, Usha guided JD about subtle aspects of being at an elite institution. In his bestselling 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy : A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, JD Vance called his wife a 'spirit guide' and how she helped him adjust to life at the top law college. Enamoured by her, he called her a 'genetic anomaly, a combination of every positive quality a human being should have.' Chilukuri and Vance married in 2014 in Kentucky, in an interfaith marriage ceremony. Their life took a turn when Vance was elected a Senate from Ohio in 2022. During the 2024 presidential campaign at the Republican National Convention , Usha lovingly introduced her husband as a meat and potatoes guy, who also cooks Indian food for her. She noted that her husband learned how to cook Indian food from her mother. Why JD learned Indian cooking from Usha's mother "When JD met me, he approached our differences with curiosity and enthusiasm. He wanted to know everything about me, where I came from, what my life had been like. Although he's a meat and potatoes kind of guy, he adapted to my vegetarian diet and learned to cook food from my mother, Indian food. Before I knew it, he'd become an integral part of my family, a person I could not imagine living without," she said during her RNC speech. An experimental cook In an interview, Usha said Vance was an experimental cook and would cook anything from chana masala to dessert, to various lamb dishes. Vance too is in love with his wife's cooking skills. In a podcast with Joe Rogan, he raved about Indian food calling lab meats 'highly processed garbage'. He shared how his wife makes really delicious Indian food and recommended "paneer and rice and delicious chickpeas" to all vegetarians. Vance has admitted his association with Usha influenced his life deeply. She not only brought him closer to his religion but also instilled in him a deeper appreciation for family, tradition, and the values of hard work and perseverance that shaped both their lives. Musk Defends Usha Vance As First Hindu U.S. Second Lady Faces Racist Attacks; '3 Words Define...'
Hans India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
US Vice President Vance in Agra, visits Taj Mahal with family
Agra: US Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their three children -- Ivan, Vivek, and Mirabel -- arrived in Agra on Wednesday as part of his ongoing India visit and received a warm welcome from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Immediately after landing in Agra, the Vance family made their way to the iconic Taj Mahal. CM Yogi, sharing pictures from the visit on X, posted, "A warm welcome to Hon'ble US Vice President J.D. Vance and his family to Uttar Pradesh, the sacred heartland of India, renowned for its timeless devotion, vibrant culture, and spiritual legacy." Security arrangements in Agra were heightened ahead of the high-profile visit, with personnel deployed along key routes and near tourist locations. Vance, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday with a high-level delegation, began his India tour with a visit to the Akshardham Temple in the capital. He later held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the meeting, the Vance family flew to Jaipur late at night. In Jaipur, the US Vice President and his family visited the historic Amer Fort. Travelling in an open jeep from the Hathi Stand, Vance viewed the outer ramparts of the fort, Mavtha Sarovar, and the Kesar Kyari Bagh, soaking in the heritage of the Pink City. The visit to the fort was marked by vibrant cultural performances and traditional Rajasthani hospitality. Speaking at the Rajasthan International Centre later in the day, Vance praised Prime Minister Modi's leadership, saying, "I told Prime Minister Modi last night -- he has approval ratings that would make me jealous." He commended PM Modi as a "very tough negotiator" who "fights fiercely for India's commercial interests." Speaking on India-US relations, Vance asserted, "The US and India will move forward together through mutual cooperation across many sectors." He reaffirmed the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and underscored the strategic importance of the India-US partnership, stating, "The 21st century will be shaped by the strength of this relationship." Vance also outlined three key pillars that will define the growing collaboration between the two nations -- defending nations, building great things, and innovating with cutting-edge technologies. Highlighting President Trump's global economic vision, Vance said, "President Trump wants to rebalance global trade so that the US, along with allies like India, can build a better future." The US Vice President's visit marks a significant moment in bilateral ties, with both sides expected to explore deeper cooperation in areas ranging from defence and infrastructure to technology and innovation.
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
US VP Vance meets Indian PM Modi for tough talks on trade
NEW DEHLI, April 22 — US Vice President JD Vance met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a red carpet welcome in New Delhi yesterday, as India bids for an early trade deal to stave off punishing tariffs. Modi's office said that there had been 'significant progress in the negotiations' with the two countries negotiating the first tranche of a trade deal. New Delhi hopes to secure relief within the 90-day pause on steep tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump this month. Vance's office similarly reported 'significant progress' in the talks and said the two men had established a roadmap for how economic discussions would proceed. His four-day visit comes two months after Modi held talks at the White House with Trump, during which India pledged to buy more US oil and gas to offset its trade surplus with Washington. Yet that did not prevent India from being slapped with 26 per cent tariffs by Trump, later lowered to 10 per cent for the 90-day period. An honour guard and troupes of folk dancers greeted Vance after he stepped out into the sweltering sunshine of New Delhi yesterday morning, the start of a four-day tour that will include trips to the historic fort city of Jaipur and the Taj Mahal. 'Ad-Vance-ing' US-India ties, broadcaster NDTV headlined its stories. Modi, who welcomed Vance to his residence on Monday evening with a bear hug, photographs released by the Indian government showed, later hosted the vice president and his family for dinner. The men discussed boosting 'cooperation in energy, defence strategic technologies and other areas', Modi's office said, without giving further details. Boost Vance's visit comes during an escalating trade war between the United States and China. India's neighbour and rival faces US levies of up to 145 percent on many products. Beijing has responded with duties of 125 percent on US goods. New Delhi has reacted cautiously so far. After Vance's meeting yesterday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said he was 'pleased to confirm' that Washington and India's Ministry of Commerce 'have finalized the Terms of Reference to lay down a roadmap for the negotiations on reciprocal trade'. Vance and Modi were also expected to discuss China, seen as a challenger in different domains by both governments. The two democracies are also a part of the 'Quad' group with Australia and Japan. The US vice president is accompanied by his wife Usha, the daughter of Indian immigrants. Together with their three children, who were dressed in traditional flowing Indian attire, they visited the Hindu Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. Modi said during his visit to Washington that the world's largest and fifth-largest economies would work on a 'mutually beneficial trade agreement'. The United States is a crucial market for India's information technology and services sectors. Washington in turn has made billions of dollars in new military hardware sales to New Delhi in recent years. Modi said he 'looks forward' to a visit by Trump to India later this year, New Delhi said in a statement, with a potential Quad summit slated. Vance, 40, a devout Catholic convert, arrived in New Delhi a day after meeting Pope Francis in the Vatican. The vice president said his 'heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him', after the Vatican announced the death of the pope yesterday. — AFP
News18
21-04-2025
- Business
- News18
'Significant Progress': PM Modi, JD Vance Discuss India-US Trade Deal Amid Trump's Tariff Push
Last Updated: PM Modi on Monday welcomed US Vice President JD Vance during the latter's first official visit to the country as both countries are working on a bilateral trade deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed US Vice President JD Vance and his family to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, where the two leaders exchanged views on various global issues of mutual interest and hailed the progress made in the negotiations for an India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Vance arrived in India today as part of his first official visit to the country, accompanied by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance and their children, Vivek, Ewan and Mirabel. The Vance family also visited the Akshardham Temple and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. The Vice President received a warm welcome by the Indian Prime Minister, who fondly recalled his visit to Washington DC in January and his fruitful discussions with US President Donald Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the US, according to an official statement. #WATCH | PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Delhi — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2025 The two leaders reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations related to the trade pact and noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas. As per the statement, Vance and PM Modi also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the family for a productive stay in India and conveyed his warm greetings to Trump. First Published:
