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Hindustan Times
31-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt unveils plan to revive Naini Lake as cultural, recreational hub
The Delhi government has launched an ambitious plan to transform Naini Lake in Model Town into a vibrant cultural and recreational space, aiming to turn the urban water body into a key tourism attraction. Technical upgrades — including water pumps, power panels, and LED screens — are already underway. Tourism officials have been asked to fast-track tendering and ensure all elements reflect Delhi's cultural heritage. (HT Archive) Announcing the redevelopment plan on Wednesday, tourism minister Kapil Mishra said the revamp decision was taken in a planning meeting he held with officials from Delhi Tourism and the Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC). 'A revamped Naini Lake will give Delhi tourism a new identity,' he said. Among the major upgrades planned are a state-of-the-art laser show on the lake's central island, an upgraded musical dancing fountain, and the installation of two new LED fountains to enhance the visitor experience. The lake will also be opened to a range of water activities including shikara and gondola rides, racing boats, and water scooters. 'All water sports will be launched only after safety measures are in place — including CCTV surveillance, trained lifeguards, and emergency rescue systems,' Mishra said. The minister stated that visitors can look forward to leisurely strolls along new walking tracks flanked by decorative plants and palm trees, while families will enjoy dedicated spaces, lakeside cafés and walking tracks. In a move to enhance the lake's ecological and aesthetic appeal, the department has proposed introducing ducks and swans, as well as a pneumatic system to improve oxygenation levels in the water. Cultural programming is central to the revival strategy, Mishra said, adding that annual events such as Dev Deepawali and a newly conceived Naini Lake Festival will be hosted to establish the lake as a cultural hub. The minister said strict deadlines will be set, and all developments must meet the highest aesthetic and safety standards. 'Chief minister Rekha Gupta has made it clear our lakes should be living spaces, not just decorative ones,' he said. Technical upgrades — including water pumps, power panels, and LED screens — are already underway. Tourism officials have been asked to fast-track tendering and ensure all elements reflect Delhi's cultural heritage.
NDTV
30-07-2025
- NDTV
Boating, Cafes, Festivals: Delhi's Naini Lake Set for Tourism-Focused Overhaul
New Delhi: North Delhi's Naini Lake is being repositioned as a tourism and cultural hub, with the Delhi government rolling out a series of development works aimed at attracting both local visitors and tourists. At a review meeting held on Wednesday, Tourism and Development Minister Kapil Mishra assessed the progress of the ongoing revival project and directed officials to fast-track the remaining work, stressing that the site must offer more than aesthetics. "This isn't just about beautification. The goal is to give Delhi tourism a new identity," Mr Mishra said. The lake, located in Model Town, will soon feature shikara and gondola boat rides, along with water scooters and racing boats. These activities, however, will be introduced only after CCTV surveillance, lifeguards, and a rescue system are put in place. A laser show is being installed on the central island, and work on upgrading the existing musical fountain and setting up two new LED-lit fountains is nearly complete. On land, the plan includes palm-lined walking paths, open-air cafes, and family seating areas. Officials said landscaping with decorative plants is also being taken up to improve the overall visitor experience. To promote cultural engagement, the lake will host annual events such as Dev Deepawali and a new Naini Lake Festival. The minister has asked the tourism department to draw up a comprehensive cultural calendar. "This lake needs to become a cultural hub. These events will bring people in and build a connection," Mr Mishra said. The minister also reviewed proposals to introduce swans, ducks, and other birds around the lake. A pneumatic oxygenation system is being considered to improve water quality, in coordination with the environment department. Mr Mishra has directed departments to expedite all pending components, including the installation of water pumps, power panels, and LED screens and to wrap up the tendering process without delay. "All development must be completed within the stipulated timeline, without compromising on aesthetics, safety, or technical quality," he said. The project is part of the Delhi government's larger push to activate neglected water bodies across the city and turn them into public-use spaces. Once complete, the revamped lake is expected to offer residents and tourists a combination of cultural programming, recreational activities, and nature-focused amenities, all within city limits.
India.com
01-07-2025
- India.com
Locals Don't Want Tourists To Know This — The Ultimate Budget Guide To Varanasi
Varanasi is not only the spiritual hub of India, but also serves as a sensory overdrive with its mesmerizing ghats, dynamic markets, and breathtaking rituals, all of which can be enjoyed without emptying your pocket. However, let's face it – balancing your finances against all the chaos of this city feels more like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Fear not! If you are a smart traveler – student, a backpacker or a nomad, these tips will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of Varanasi without scraping the bottom of your savings. Your Visit Like a Pro The city is busy all year long, but Varanasi is less crowded just before and after the peak seasons (February–March or September–October), which allows for cheaper stays as well as less competition for spots at the ghats. You should also avoid the prices hikes around peak winter (December – January) where hotels and tours reach their peaks. The Monsoon period (July – August) is also very appealing for the scenic misty views of the river along with the 40% discount on hotels, however, it is wise to have waterproof shoes and an umbrella handy. Festival alert: Plan around Dev Deepawali (November) or Mahashivratri (February/March) for free cultural shows, but book accommodation 2–3 months early. Summer hack (April–June): Opt for AC dorm beds (₹300–500/night) in hostels like Stops Hostel or Wander Station. Train tickets:Book via IRCTC's Tatkal scheme 1 day before travel for last-minute discounts. Smart: Dorms, Guesthouses & Temple Stays Forget about luxurious hotels. The true beauty of Varanasi is in its affordable guesthouses and hostels. Assi Ghat and Godowlia areas have fans and clean rooms over ₹500-800 a day. Dorms at Hostel La Vie or Moustache Varanasi go for ₹200-300 a night. Want something more exotic? Temple stays such as Sankat Mochan Ashram offer basic rooms with free morning prayers (donation based). Bargain tip: Guesthouses tend to offer lower offline rates than those listed online. Free breakfast: Toast and chai are included in the nightly fee at numerous hostels such as Roadhouse Hostel. Wi-Fi zones:Open Hand and Aum Cafes supply free wi-fi with a coffee purchase of 50 rupees. Like a Local Here, street food costs under ₹100 for a decent meal. Instead of the overpriced riverside cafes, you can get crispy kachoris (₹20 each) for breakfast at Kachori Gali near Vishwanath Temple or tangy tamatar chaat (₹40) from Deena Chat Bhandar. For some breakfast, have malai toast at Blue Lassi for ₹30 or thandai for ₹50 at Pahalwan Lassi. Thali magic: Shree Shivay Restaurant serves unlimited veg thalis for ₹90. Non-veg? Grab a chicken curry + rice at Lotus Lounge for ₹120. Hygiene hack: For hygiene Stick to stalls with a crowd—they are more turnover-friendly and serve fresher food. Water:It's best to bring a reusable bottle and refill it at hostel filters. Bisleri is priced at ₹20–30 and that adds up quickly! Free (or Almost Free) Ghats & Alleys The free spirit of Varanasi is one to marvel at. The boat rides at sunrise are famous, but instead of taking a private shikara ride for ₹500 – 800, you can get on a shared boat for only ₹50 – 100 per person. In the morning, go for a walk on the ghats to catch free yoga lessons at Assi Ghat or evening Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. Get lost in the narrow and winding streets where you are sure to find some tucked away temples, silk weavers and chai stalls. Guided walks: Free heritage walks are offered by travel clubs (look for groups on Facebook), or students with tips for guides near Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Photography spots: The best place to catch the sunset is the rooftop of Manikarnika Ghat. (as a tip, just give a few coins ₹20-50 to the chai stall owner) Museum discounts:Banaras as a town has its history showcased in the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum (₹20 for students). Hard for Rickshaws & Souvenirs Firstly, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws charge 3 times more than the area rate. Always fix the price before sitting. If you are taking a short ride to the old city, it should cost prend ₹50–80, not ₹150! For silk scarves, or bronze idols the local stores at Vishwanath lane are a much better option than the overpriced boutiques. Bargain at 40% of the quoted price. Public transport: Shared tempos (e-rickshaws) cost between ₹10-20 for short hops Souvenir steals: Silk scarves start at rs200. Real Banarasi silk goes for over rs800. (Ask for the half-silk blends). Avoid touts:Guides that offer boat rides or puja packages should be politely declined. Trains & Budget Buses Instead of flying, book sleeper compartment train tickets from Delhi/Kolkata through the Indian Railway website. Similar to the Shiv Ganga Express bus which costs between 800 to 1200 rupees. In the morning you will arrive at Varanasi Junction. Shared jeeps are also available for fifty to a hundred rupees to nearby cities like Allahabad and Sarnath. Train hacks:Using apps like 'Where's My Train' aid in updating live train statuses. Bus booking: Red buses offer partial refunds of up to ten percent. Local commute:To bypass traffic, you can rent bicycles, for fifty rupees a day, from hostels. Cultural Experiences Varanasi has its most beautiful moments available at no cost. From March to June, you can witness traditional recitals at Tulsi Ghat where free sitar ensembles are held on the weekends. Go to the Sankat Mochan Temple in the evening to enjoy some free classical music during the aarti. Manikarnika Ghat offers free rituals, and gates provide free spacing so be sure to arrive early for best seats. Universities like BHU post free lectures and dance shows, check their notice boards. Music lovers: Tulsi Ghat hosts free sitar recitals on weekends. Yoga: Mornings are best, especially from 6 to 7. Be sure to go to Parmarth Niketan Ashram for free yoga sessions. Festive eats: Temples mostly give away sweets during the celebrated festivals, Holi and Diwali. Final Tip It's best to explore Varanasi's temples and busy lanes with a backpack. Carry crucial language bits like 'Kitna hua?' (How Much?) so you can haggle effectively. Always follow local customs (shoulders/knees must be covered at temples), and don't shy away from talking to shop owners. They might bring out some chai for you and offer some insightful suggestions. One does not need opulence for Varanasi to work its magic on them. With these tips, you will be able to spend on what matters the most: additional silk souvenirs, more boat trips, and an additional day to soak in the priceless beauty of Varanasi. As the expression goes 'travel smart, not hard,' the most interesting tales stem from clever tourists!
