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News18
5 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- News18
Hariyali Teej 2025: Beautiful Mehendi Designs To Celebrate The Festival
1/8 A prominent occasion in North India, it sets the stage for women to express their devotion and deepen their relationships. The festival is not only about fasting; it's about fostering love, trust, and mutual understanding between husbands and wives. (Image: Pexels) Traditionally, Hariyali Teej is a time of exchange and sharing. Daughters and daughters-in-law are presented with Sindhara, a traditional platter laden with delectable dishes like gujiya, ghevar, and fenny. (Image: Pexels) However, one of the most endearing aspects is the exchange of 'bayana." These are items that hold sacred value and are shared to enhance the relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. The act is symbolic of fostering harmony, peace, and happiness within families. (Image: Pexels) The essence of Hariyali Teej is embedded in strengthening the marital bond and cultivating mutual respect and trust between spouses. (Image: Pexels) This auspicious day is also marked by vows to shun negativity, dishonesty, and misbehaviour. (Image: Freepik)
Tatler Asia
9 hours ago
- Tatler Asia
7 ways to minimise your carbon footprint for sustainable travel that doesn't feel like a compromise
3. Rethink ground transport Above Using public transport makes you more efficient and closer to local culture. (Photo: Freepik) Hiring a private car for every short trip might be convenient, but it's far from climate-friendly. Instead, opt for public transport, bike shares or electric vehicle rentals whenever possible. The United Nations notes that shifting from cars to public transport reduces up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions yearly per person, so it's best to think twice about renting a car at your destination. Apps like Rome2Rio and Moovit make it easy to plan multi-modal, low-emission routes across unfamiliar cities. Plus, commuting lets you experience everyday local life in a way you just can't from a private car. 4. Spend locally and sustainably Supporting small, community-based enterprises not only preserves local cultures but also reduces the carbon intensity of your spending. Goods and services that don't require long-distance transport, such as handmade crafts or farm-to-table dining, tend to have a significantly lower environmental impact. According to the World Tourism Organisation, sustainable travel isn't just about how you get there but what you choose to support once you've arrived. 5. Offset, but do it right Carbon offsets can help mitigate the impact of unavoidable emissions, but not all programmes are credible. A 2023 investigation by The Guardian revealed that many 'carbon-neutral' schemes were overstating their effectiveness. Choose verified programmes certified by independent bodies like the Gold Standard or Verra. Offsets are not a guilt-free loophole; they are just one element of a broader sustainable travel strategy. 6. Pack light, pack smart The heavier your luggage, the higher the fuel consumption, especially on flights. An article in Aircraft Analytics puts it simply: extra weight on aircraft costs fuel. Bring only what you need, and prioritise multi-use items over single-function gear. Sustainable travel starts before you even leave your home, and a more mindful approach to packing can significantly reduce your overall carbon footprint. 7. Travel during shoulder seasons Peak season travel strains resources, from increased water and energy use to higher volumes of waste. Visiting during shoulder seasons, just before or after peak months, helps ease the burden on local infrastructure while also reducing your exposure to over-tourism. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, timing your travel thoughtfully can lower your carbon footprint by avoiding the resource surges that come with overcrowding. Reducing your carbon footprint doesn't mean giving up the joy of travel. It means moving with purpose, guided by data, research and a growing understanding that climate responsibility and luxury are not mutually exclusive. Sustainable travel isn't a trend; it is an evolution in how we explore the world and protect what makes it worth exploring. NOW READ What is micro-travel and which Asian cities are perfect for it? The tailoring capitals of Asia worth travelling for 10 perfumes that won't trigger your fragrance allergies
Tatler Asia
9 hours ago
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Wine, wellness and travel: 7 destinations for a luxurious vinotherapy experience
2. La Rioja, Spain For those who wish to experience Caudalie's vinotherapy treatments in Spain, La Rioja is the place to visit. Known for its centuries-old wine estates, La Rioja has leaned into vinotherapy with notable style. At Hotel Marques de Riscal—a striking Frank Gehry-designed property—Caudalie's full treatment menu is offered alongside panoramic vineyard views. The ingredients are locally sourced, and the spa makes use of grape polyphenols known for boosting collagen and improving skin elasticity. It's one of the few places where architecture, wine and wellness intersect with equal intensity. 3. Tuscany, Italy Above Clusters of Sangiovese grapes ripen under the Tuscan sun—rich in antioxidants, they're the foundation of local vinotherapy rituals. (Photo: Kstudio / Freepik) Vinotherapy in Tuscany feels less clinical and more rustic, though no less effective. At Castello di Casole, a Belmond hotel set on a historic estate, treatments focus on Sangiovese grapes grown on-site. Grape pulp, grapeseed oil and even red wine itself are used in various facials and massages. The spa menu includes antioxidant-rich wraps and exfoliations, drawing from both wine and olive oil traditions. It's a slower, more sensorial take on the vinotherapy trend. 4. Napa Valley, USA California's wine country may be better known for tasting rooms than spa treatments, but Napa has carved out a niche in vinotherapy. Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort, located in an underground cave, offers Cabernet scrubs and grapeseed facials that highlight the region's signature varietals. The treatments are designed to counteract environmental stressors—particularly sun exposure—and offer a more grounded, no-fuss approach to wine-based skincare. 5. Mendoza, Argentina At the foot of the Andes, Mendoza brings a different altitude to vinotherapy. Cavas Wine Lodge offers spa services that use Malbec grapes, which are known for their high concentration of polyphenols. Treatments include warm compresses soaked in wine and detoxifying grapeseed oil massages. The approach is less about opulence and more about results, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks add a scenic layer to the experience. 6. Douro Valley, Portugal Six Senses Douro Valley takes vinotherapy seriously, integrating local grapes into its wellness philosophy. Treatments here focus on regional varietals, and the spa works with products that use crushed skins and seeds to exfoliate and repair. The Douro setting is as much a draw as the treatments, offering forest walks, river views and a quiet atmosphere that complements the restorative nature of vinotherapy. 7. Cape Winelands, South Africa Above Vineyards at Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo: Wirestock / Freepik) South Africa's wine regions are joining the vinotherapy conversation, with Stellenbosch leading the charge. At Lanzerac Spa and other nearby retreats, Pinotage grapes—unique to South Africa—are turned into oils and serums used in skin-brightening facials and tension-releasing massages. The treatments often include locally sourced essential oils and botanical infusions, giving them a distinctly regional identity.
Tatler Asia
9 hours ago
- Tatler Asia
In defence of ‘tourist traps': 10 tourist attractions in Asia that are worth the queues
2. Halong Bay, Vietnam Above Witness an extraordinary seascape that has shaped Vietnamese legend, art and identity for centuries.(Photo: Wirestock / Freepik) It's easy to dismiss the drone shots and bargain cruise deals—but Halong Bay offers more than just one of the tourist attractions to check off your itinerary. The towering limestone formations and mist-covered waters are genuinely otherworldly. Opt for an overnight junk boat away from the day-tripping crowds to experience it as slowly, silently and under the stars. Recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Halong Bay has been shaped over millions of years, forming more than 1,600 limestone islets. The name means 'Descending Dragon', tied to a myth where dragons were sent to protect Vietnam from invaders. It has inspired generations of poets and remains one of the region's most significant geological wonders. 3. Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia Above Uluwatu Temple showcases a dramatic blend of sacred architecture, coastal views and live Balinese ritual theatre. (Photo: Tawatchai07 / Freepik) Uluwatu checks every touristy box: dramatic sunsets, cheeky monkeys and nightly performances. Still, its location—perched on a clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean—remains one of Bali's most arresting views. The Kecak fire dance might be choreographed for tourists, but it's rooted in real tradition, and the setting elevates the spectacle. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's six key spiritual pillars. Built in the 11th century by Javanese priest Mpu Kuturan, it is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his aspect as Rudra, the god of storms. It's also a cultural landmark where Balinese Hindu beliefs blend with ancient animist rituals, visible even amid the visitor traffic. 4. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Above Gardens by the Bay is cutting-edge sustainability and public design at its finest. (Photo: Tawatchai07 / Freepik) There is no denying that Gardens by the Bay was built to impress. And it does. While some write it off as a hyper-controlled environment manufactured for tourists, the design and engineering behind the Cloud Forest and Supertree Grove are feats of vision. Go at night for the light show, which is more art installation than amusement. Opened in 2012, the Gardens were a key part of Singapore's transformation into a 'City in a Garden'. The Supertrees function as vertical gardens and generate solar power, while the conservatories replicate global ecosystems. Now one of Singapore's main tourist attractions, it is a masterclass in sustainability and urban planning—more than a visual spectacle, it's a policy statement. 5. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia Above Explore a vast, centuries-old temple complex that captures the height of Khmer civilisation. (Photo: Wirestock / Freepik) The sunrise at Angkor Wat is a tourist trap in itself, with hundreds lining up for the perfect reflection shot. But the real power of this temple complex lies in its scale and detail. Avoid the main rush and head to the outlying temples, or explore Angkor Wat at midday when it's quieter. It remains one of Asia's most profound historical sites. Built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu before it transitioned to a Buddhist site. It remains the largest religious monument in the world, and is a symbol of Cambodian national pride. The bas-reliefs and central towers exemplify Khmer architectural mastery at its peak. 6. Badaling Great Wall, China Above The Badaling Great Wall is an easy, but equally dramatic introduction to one of the world's most famous fortifications. (Photo: Fanjianhua / Freepik) Purists will tell you to avoid Badaling and head for the more rugged sections of the Great Wall, but there's a reason this is the most visited spot. It's accessible, well-preserved and offers cinematic views without requiring a full day's hike. If you're prepared for crowds, it delivers the grandeur you expect, without the logistical headache. Badaling was the first section of the Wall to open to tourists, and was extensively restored in the 1950s. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, it played a defensive role against Mongol invasions. Though other sections are older or wilder, Badaling's symbolism—both historical and national—is hard to ignore. 7. Boracay White Beach, Philippines Above Go for the flawless white sand and turquoise water that, on a good day, still feels untouched. (Photo: Trisha Marie Uvas / Unsplash) Boracay has become shorthand for overtourism, and with good reason. But following its rehabilitation, White Beach now offers a cleaner, more regulated experience. Yes, there are fire dancers and cocktail buckets, but the sand is still powder-fine and the sunsets surreal. Off-season or early morning, it's easy to see what drew everyone in the first place. But if we're being honest, there's something about its busyness that adds to its magnetism. White Beach stretches over four kilometres and has long been known for its talcum-soft sand. In 2018, the Philippine government closed the island for six months to reverse the environmental damage from unchecked tourism. Since reopening, stricter regulations have reined in excess, making it a rare example of a touristy destination learning from its own mistakes. 8. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Above The Petronas Twin Towers is a bold architectural symbol of Malaysia's rise as a modern Asian capital. (Photo: Takashi Miyakazi / Unsplash) Some call it just another photo stop, but the Petronas Towers are more than shiny architecture. They represent Malaysia's modern ambitions, and their sheer height and symmetry are best appreciated in person. The view from the skybridge is impressive, but standing at their base and looking up is just as memorable—and requires no ticket. Completed in 1998, the towers were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004, and remain the tallest twin towers today. Designed by César Pelli, their floor plan is based on Islamic geometric patterns. They symbolise Malaysia's vision for a high-tech future, standing atop what used to be a race track. Love or loathe the gloss, it's architectural theatre. 9. Taj Mahal, Agra, India Above A rare combination of technically brilliant architecture and storytelling (Photo: Rowan Heuvel / Unsplash) No landmark attracts the 'tourist trap' label faster than the Taj Mahal. It's crowded, tightly policed and endlessly photographed. Still, none of that diminishes its beauty. The symmetry, the marble inlay, the shifting colour under different light—this is one of the rare sites where reality lives up to the reputation. Just don't expect a serene moment at sunrise. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It combines Persian, Islamic and Indian styles, and its inscription-laced façade and floral motifs remain remarkably intact. Its symbolism—eternal love, empire, ambition—is as potent as ever. 10. Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan Above There's no better place to experience Tokyo's energy than Shibuya Crossing. (Photo: Nikolay Likomanov / Unsplash) A chaotic intersection surrounded by screens might not sound like a proper tourist attraction, but Shibuya Crossing is quintessentially Tokyo. Tourists love it, locals use it and the moment of mass movement is oddly captivating. Watch it from a nearby café or cross it yourself—it's all part of the scene. Yes, it's touristy, but it's also electric. The intersection outside Shibuya Station has become an emblem of modern Tokyo. Up to 3,000 people can cross at a time when the lights turn red in every direction. It first gained global attention in films like Lost in Translation and remains one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. It's a spectacle of order within chaos—an urban choreography that never gets old. It's easy to sneer at tourist attractions labelled as traps, but that misses the point. Popularity doesn't always equal inauthenticity. In many cases, these sites earned their reputation long before hashtags and tour buses. The key is knowing how to approach them—whether that means going at the right time, hiring a local guide or simply accepting that some places are worth sharing with a crowd.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Meet Worlds Safest Countries In July 2025: Latest Ranking Puts THIS Country At Top; Check Ranks Of India, US, Pakistan
photoDetails english 2935414 Do you know which country is the safest in the world? According to Numbeo Safety Index 2025, Andorra ranks as the safest country, followed closely by UAE, Qatar, and Taiwan. India stands at 67th, behind Pakistan and China but ahead of the US and UK. Updated:Jul 22, 2025, 10:37 PM IST 1 / 7 The United Arab Emirates has been ranked the safest country in the world with a safety score of 85.2. 2 / 7 Three Arab nations, including the UAE with a safety score of 84.5, Qatar with a safety score of 84.2, and Oman with a safety score of 81.7, feature in the top five safest countries. 3 / 7 Taiwan and the Isle of Man also secure high ranks with a safety score of 82.9 and 79.0, showing strong public safety frameworks. 4 / 7 India is ranked 67th with a safety score of 55.8, below neighbours like Pakistan, which ranks at 62nd with a safety score of 57.6 and China, which rank at 15th with a safety score of 76.0. 5 / 7 Sri Lanka ranks at 59th with a safety score of 57.9, and Bangladesh is far behind at 126th rank with a safety score of 38.4. 6 / 7 The United Kingdom and the United States are placed 87th and 89th ranks with a safety score of 51.7 and 50.8, respectively, making India comparatively safer. 7 / 7 Venezuela is ranked the least safe country in the world at 147th with a score of 19.3. (Images: Freepik)
