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News18
5 days ago
- News18
7 Budget To Luxury Trip Options For Siblings To Celebrate Raksha Bandhan This Year
This Raksha Bandhan, taking a short trip whether it's a weekend getaway or a five-day international escape is more than a trend. Raksha Bandhan has long been about sweets, rituals, and the classic gift exchange. But this year, siblings are rewriting tradition by swapping wrapped presents for travel tickets. The shift? A shared experience that strengthens bonds far more than any chocolate box could. From budget-friendly escapes to indulgent getaways, here are seven thoughtfully chosen destinations, each tailored for different kinds of sibling duos. Whether you're the adventure-seekers, the culture nerds, or just in desperate need of a digital detox, there's something here for everyone. 1. For the Thrill-Seeking Siblings Rishikesh, Uttarakhand If your bond is built on adrenaline and a little friendly competition, Rishikesh is your arena. Think white-water rafting, cliff jumping, bungee jumping, or simply hiking up to Neer Garh Waterfalls. The town also offers budget hostels and homestays perfect for late-night nostalgia sessions over Maggi and masala chai. 2. For the Culture & Culinary Nerds Pondicherry Charming lanes, French-style villas, coastal cafés, and a spiritual vibe make Puducherry perfect for siblings who bond over art, coffee, and curious conversations. Take a cycling tour, indulge in Franco-Tamil cuisine, or volunteer at Auroville together. Where to Stay: Plenty of boutique options—from budget homestays to restored heritage villas. 3. For the Peace & Detox Seekers Coorg, Karnataka For siblings needing a pause from chaotic schedules and city noise, Coorg offers green canopies, coffee-scented mornings, and enough silence to finish each other's thoughts. Walk through spice plantations, go birdwatching, or just let the mist wrap around your quiet conversations. Best For: Siblings who crave quality time without digital distractions. Where to Stay: Tamara Coorg or budget-friendly homestays that serve home-cooked Kodava meals. 4. For Siblings Who Bond Over Music Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Ziro is perfect for siblings who thrive on peace, nature, and low-key charm. Think pine forests, rice paddies, and a unique tribal culture untouched by commercial tourism. Time your trip with the Ziro Music Festival in late September—a haven for indie music fans, barefoot dancing, and tent stays under the stars. Best For: Introverted or artsy siblings who connect through music, quiet roads, and local storytelling. Travel Note: Requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens. 5. For the Island-Hopping Bond Builders Sri Lanka Sri Lanka blends adventure, spirituality, surf, and culture—ideal for siblings who want to do it all. Explore Sigiriya's rock fortress, take the scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella, or learn to surf at Weligama. The island vibe is relaxed yet enriching. Best For: Siblings who can switch from temple tours to beach bars without skipping a beat. Extra Tip: Add a wildlife safari in Yala or Udawalawe if you're into photography or nature spotting. 6. For Sibling Duos With Big Bucket Lists and Small Budgets Vietnam If one of you is always hunting cheap flight hacks and the other can live out of a backpack, Vietnam is your destination. From the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An to street food trails in Hanoi and breathtaking Ha Long Bay cruises, Vietnam blends affordability with diversity. Bonus: Indian meals are easier to find than you think. Best For: Frugal yet fun-loving pairs who don't mind navigating bustling markets and foreign menus. Tip: Fly into Da Nang or Hanoi, and do a backpacker circuit together. 7. For the Road Trip & Sunset Lovers Oman For siblings who bond best behind the wheel—singing 90s songs, arguing over playlists, and racing to catch a sunset—Oman is the hidden gem. Drive through Muscat's elegant coastline, head to Wahiba Sands for desert glamping, or hike in Jebel Akhdar's cool mountains. It's a mix of mystery, minimalism, and magic. Best For: Those who love the journey as much as the destination. Fun Fact: Oman's dramatic cliffs and empty highways are a dream for drone photography (especially if you're the sibling duo with matching GoPros). Why Sibling Travel Works Now More Than Ever This Raksha Bandhan, taking a short trip whether it's a weekend getaway or a five-day international escape is more than a trend. It's about making space for conversations that aren't hurried, building shared memories that go beyond childhood stories, and, frankly, just hitting pause on adulthood for a bit. After all, a sibling is your first best friend. So why not gift each other something that lives longer than a wristband a memory? About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : #HappyRakshaBandhan Rakshabandhan view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 06, 2025, 12:58 IST News lifestyle » travel 7 Budget To Luxury Trip Options For Siblings To Celebrate Raksha Bandhan This Year 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.
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GRT Hotels and Resorts launches travel package and green initiatives
In order to acknowledge Puducherry's inclusion in Lonely Planet's top destinations to travel in 2025, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay has announced the launch of 'Experience Pondicherry-Lonely Planet's Pick' travel package and GReat Green Meetings initiative. The hospitality major made the announcement at a special Green Press Conference held in Chennai on Thursday in the presence of Tourism Minister K. Lakshminarayanan and the CEO of GRT Hotels and Resorts Vikram Cotah. The Experience Pondicherry package offers guests a curated itinerary, including a sunshine buffet breakfast, welcome amenities, a half-day city tour, a Franco-Tamil dining experience at Bay Bristo and discounts on F&B. The GReat Green Meeting empowers corporate guests to host eco-friendly MICE events such as carbon footprint tracking, tree planting offsets and other green practices, the group said in a release.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
L-G underlines the need to conserve heritage structures in Puducherry
Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan has stressed on the need to preserve heritage structures in Puducherry. Speaking at the inaugural of the restored century-old Calve College Government School on Mission Street, the Lt. Governor said it was important to maintain and preserve heritage structures in the region. He expressed happiness over the restoration project which helped in preserving the Franco-Tamil architecture. Recalling the mid-day meal provided in the school during the French time, the Lt Governor said Puducherry has the distinction of introducing the mid-day meal scheme first in the country. He also announced the shifting of his office and residence to the new building at Old Distillery Complex in a few weeks to facilitate the restoration of Raj Nivas. In his address, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said the government had certain concerns in the beginning on taking up projects to restore heritage structures. The successful restoration of decades-old buildings, such as Calve College, Mairie Building and V.O.C School, has given the government confidence to take up work to protect heritage structures. The work to restore Raj Nivas would be taken up shortly and the government would continue to prioritise conservation of heritage buildings, he said. Praising Subburaya Chettiar's family for donating the land to erstwhile French establishment for starting a school around 150 years ago, Minister for Public Works Department K. Lakshminarayanan said the family's gesture should be appreciated by everyone as the move to donate the land happened at a time when education was not accorded prime importance in this part of the world. 'The territory has progressed tremendously in the education sector. The allocation of 13% of the total Budget estimate shows the government's commitment towards school and higher education. The restoration of Calve College also points to the commitment towards attracting children to government schools. However, some politicians only want to present a negative picture of Puducherry by highlighting the liquor business in the Union Territory,' he said. Education Minister A. Namassivayam said the administration was catering to all the needs of government schoolchildren. 'The government was giving books, bags, food, transportation and laptops free to the students. Several schemes that were pending have been restored in the recent times. With the assistance of the Central government, we will be able to ensure better development of the Union Territory in the days to come,' the Minister said. Speaker R. Selvam, nominated legislator V. P. Ramalingam, Consul General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, Etienne Rolland–Piegue, secretaries P. Priyatarshny and P. T Rudra Goud were among those present at the inaugural.
