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India.com
24-07-2025
- India.com
Timing Is Everything: When To Visit Ahmedabad For Weather, Culture & Wow Moments
Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat and it is a mix of culture, history and modernity. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is certainly worth a visit for those with an interest in history, art, different cuisines and architecture alike. But when is the ideal time to visit Ahmedabad? Depending on the season, there are a variety of unique options to choose from. Let's go over all four seasons in Ahmedabad to narrow down when and why would be the perfect time to visit. Winter (November to February): The Prime Tourist Season February to November are the most famous months to visit Ahmedabad. The city can be enjoyed from a range of 12 to 25 degrees celsius. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing. Some of the historical places you can visit are Adalaj Stepwell, Jama Masjid, and Sabarmati Ashram. All three are must see places in Ahmedabad. A major highlight in January is the International Kite Festival. The sky is completely filled with multi-colored kites that come in every possible shape and size. They are an incredible experience that captures the festive spirit of the city. Undoubtedly kite enthusiasts love this time alongside food lovers as well. Sweeping servings of gajar ka halwa to piping hot undhiyu, Ahmedabad has an incredible range of cuisine that comes out in winter. Why Visit in Winter? All sightseeing places bloom during winter and come out in full glory. The International Kite Festival and other similar Kite Festival celebrate the unique kite flying culture of Gujarat India along with the Bhuj Festival which celebrates the magnificent firework displays during Diwali. Ahmedabad's midsummer foods can be best experienced during the winter months in Gujarat, especially during Shakarai Chaulmoogra. In Ahmedabad, During March and June: For the Temp-Fearing This region is ideally hotter than other parts of India with mercury soaring upto 45°C during summers. It is not the most hospitable nor the tourist friendly season. But there are some benefits for the heat tolerant folks. Crowd control is much better during this period. So measured with the lesser the number of tourists, the better the tranquil and peaceful experience at renowned spots such as the Sarkhej Roza, Kankaria Lake, and the Calico Museum Of Textiles. In addition, August has plenty of vacancies for hotel rooms and flight tickets. Explorers of ahmedabad during the summer months should consider staying indoors and only step out for activities during the mornings and evenings. Keeping hydrated is key, especially paired with tea and sherbates based around lemon. What is the Purpose of Summer Visit? Low levels of Tourist, which makes it easy to sight see and visit the many restaurants and parks that Ahmedabad has to offer. Lower prices for hotels and other accommodations. Perfect for assiduous travelers eager to see what is not thronged in the other half of the year. Monsoon (July to October): A Season of Rejuvenation The Monsoon season floods Ahmedabad with vivid colors while offering a cozy retreat from the hot months prior. The moderate rainfall during this season cools the temperatures down to a comfortable 25°C to 35°C, which is perfect for exploring this beautiful city. Ahmedabad's lakes and gardens start changing into unusually spectacular tourist sites during the monsoons. Vastrapur Lake and Kankaria Lake, as well as many majestic historical places like the Dada Harir Stepwell, start looking breathtaking when showered with rain. Additionally, cultural exhibitions and events are bound to occur in the city which also adds to the excitement around the monsoon season. One of the most notable events is Rath Yatra where numerous devotees gather to pull the chariot in the city of Ahmedabad in July. What Makes Monsoons Special? The city becomes greener and more appealing. The combination of rain and the landmarks is magical. Celebration of cultural festivals like the Rath Yatra. When is the Best Time to Visit? Undoubtedly, every season has its benefits, but during winters, the city shines brightest. The extravagant yet warm festive spirit accompanied with the delicious food makes visiting Ahmedabad in the winter the most enjoyable. Still, if your intent is to travel on a budget or want a serene vacation, summer and monsoon has its own advantages as long as you plan well in advance. Best season over-all: Winter (November to February). Best season for budget travel: Summer (March to June). Best season for nature lovers: Monsoon (July to October). Final Thoughts Ahmedabad is the city which is bound to offer you a reward at every corner regardless of the time you decide to visit. The most loved season is definitely winter but as summers and monsoons approach, the city does not lose its charm for those willing to be flexible with the weather. It doesn't matter whether you fall in love with the glorious history, the cultural diversity, or the mouth watering food, Ahmedabad will never disappoint you and guarantee some amazing memories. Make your travel Ahmedabad specific plans based on your likings and travel habits, and embrace the magic of the city in the season of your choosing.
Observer
23-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman Kite Festival shares the beauty of Al Ashkhara
MUSCAT: The penultimate leg of the Oman Downwinder, part of the Oman Kite Festival 2025 set off from the Pink Lagoon headed for Al Ashkharah, demonstrating the untapped natural beauty in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. Organised by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival reflects the commitment of all stakeholders to develop sports tourism and capitalise on Oman's unique coastline as a world-class tourism experience. Ayman bin Abdullah al Ghafri won the leg, ahead of Al Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim al Mujaini in second and Ahmed Mohammed from Egypt in third. These results puts Al Mukhtar bin Abdulkarim al Mujaini on top, with Ayman bin Abdullah al Ghafri second and Ahmed Mohammed in third. With just one more leg remaining, from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 24, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has successfully showcased the potential of the Omani coastline to attract domestic and international tourists as well as reinforced the Sultanate of Oman's position on the international map of adventure and marine sports events. A slalom competition will also take place on July 24 at Ras Al Hadd, showing the complexity of kite surfing and the visual appeal from a spectator perspective with 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes all taking part. This will be followed by the closing ceremony at Sur Waterfront where the prizes will be presented. In attendance will be the Governor of Al Sharqiyah South, Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Dr Hashil bin Obaid al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr Khamis bin Salim al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, Senior management from both organisations, and representatives from event sponsors and partners. Abdullah al Farsi, Operation Manager, said, 'The Oman Kite Festival is a key part of OMRAN Group's ongoing efforts to promote adventure tourism and harness Oman's natural assets — especially in coastal destinations like Bar Al Hikman, Ras Al Hadd, Masirah Island, and Al Ashkharah. To be able to do this with such a high calibre of athlete and of competition highlights the potential for Oman's distinctive coastal destinations to become exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. 'The geographic and thematic expansion of this year's festival activities, building on the success of last year's Oman Downwinder, reflects the Group's vision to develop high - quality events that drive tourism movement.'
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Chandigarh: Jamun Day celebrated with awareness drives in schools
St Stephen's School, Sector 45-B, and GMSSS-46D, in collaboration with the Environment Society of India, marked Jamun Day with programmes aimed at highlighting the nutritional, medicinal and ecological significance of the indigenous fruit. At St Stephen's, Principal Barry Francis welcomed the gathering, followed by secretary N K Jhingan tracing the Society's efforts to institutionalise Jamun Day since 1997. Assistant Professor Shrikant Acharya of Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College spoke on the fruit's medicinal properties, especially in managing diabetes and boosting immunity, while vice-president Hem Raj Satija highlighted its utility in water purification and skin health. Herbal plants educator Om Parkash Manauli urged schools to exercise caution while planting fruit trees to ensure student safety. Renowned singer-composer K C Rahi presented a specially composed song on Jamun, and students were given fruit to take home. At GMSSS-46D, members of the Sohanjana Eco Club made presentations on the health and ecological benefits of Jamun. Baljinder Kaur, associate coordinator of Eco Clubs of Chandigarh, encouraged students to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Jhingan also briefed students on the Society's awareness campaigns, including Mango Day, the Kite Festival and Saturday School, calling on them to take active roles in preserving native biodiversity.
Times of Oman
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
First day of Oman Kite Festival 2025 gets underway on the shores Bar Al Hikman
Bar Al Hikman –The first day of Oman Kite Festival 2025 brought the shores of Bar Al Hikman in Al Wusta Governorate to life with over 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes from across the Sultanate of Oman and internationally taking part in the first race series of the event. Organized by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival aims to promote sports tourism through a series of events that showcase Oman's distinctive coastal destinations as exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. The opening day saw the first Kite Course race featuring 30 surfers, using boards capable of reaching top speeds of 30 km/h in the exceptional conditions that the region is known for. The race was won by Ahmed Mohammad Jamal from Egypt, finishing ahead of Marta Marlowe from Poland and Marcelo Antonios from Brazil in second and third respectively. Leg 1 of the Oman Downwinder also took place, offering a day of exciting action as the wind propelled the fleet of 32 kites across the water during the 40 km course to Masira Island where the participants would enjoy the hospitality at Masira Beach Camp. Nawaf Al Ghadani, Race Officer at the Oman Kite Festival, commented on the first day, emphasizing the potential for high level races to be held along the Omani coastline, saying: 'The conditions are ideal for events like the Speed Race and Big Air competition to follow, as well as the Downwinder where participants thrive on strong and consistent winds. It has been an excellent first day and the caliber of athlete gives the event a global dimension which boosts competitiveness across the fleet while also showing how Oman can become a leading destination for international tourism and sporting events.' Ahmed Mohammad Jamal, an Egyptian competitor on the first day, added, 'This is my first time racing in Oman, and it has been one of the best race courses I have ever experienced. The wind is excellent and really allows us all to get the most out of our boards, while the surrounding environment is spectacular and adds a real sense of excitement to the event. Everyone taking part really enjoyed racing today and we cannot wait to get back out onto the water.' The opening day also demonstrated OMRAN Group's commitment to environmental conservation with a beach clean-up along the shores. Participants, representatives from OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman and the Oman Adventure Center, as well as members of the local community, joined hands to help, showing the shared determination of Oman's tourism sector to operate responsibly and care for the natural environment. The multi-stage 'Downwinder' race, which unfolds over four stages until July 24. The next race will be on 20 July from Masirah to Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. A Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd will run alongside the Downwinder, starting with a Big Air Competition on Masira Island from 17-19 July where participants will astound the crowds by using the wind to perform tricks, twists and turns. The Oman Kite Festival will also feature family-friendly entertainment and an SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, enhancing its economic impact on surrounding communities. The Oman Kite Festival serves as a platform to showcase the Sultanate's exceptional coastal and marine landscapes, reinforcing its presence on the global tourism map and attracting enthusiasts of adventure sports and international sporting events. Building on the success of the 2024 Oman Downwinder, the festival aims to position key coastal destinations as premier global kiteboarding venues. It also contributes to the promotion of experience-driven tourism in underexplored areas, supports domestic travel, fosters community development, and raises awareness of Oman as a leading destination for adventure and outdoor experiences. The event is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Center in collaboration with the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, as well as other key entities including the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Royal Oman Police, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, the Environment Society of Oman, Salt Rider, and Red Bull Oman.
Times of Oman
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
One week to go for the highly anticipated Oman Kite Festival 2025
Muscat: There is just one week remaining until the Oman Kite Festival 2025 gets underway in Barr Al Hikman. Set to commence on July 15th and run until July 24th, the festival promises an exhilarating fusion of world-class kitesurfing action, cultural immersion, and family-friendly entertainment, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Oman's pristine coastline. The Oman Kite Festival, an initiative by Omran Group in collaboration with Oman Sail, aims to position key coastal destinations as premier international venues for adventure and sports tourism. Building on the resounding success of last year's Oman Downwinder, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has been expanded in both geographical scope and duration, inviting a larger contingent of international athletes and offering a richer, more diverse experience for all attendees. Abdulhafidh Al-Harthi, Assets Manager Experiences at Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group), expressed his excitement for the event as it draws closer, outlining how the Oman Kite Festival 2025 is a cornerstone of the Group's commitment to showcasing Oman's unique natural assets and diversifying our tourism offerings. At the festival's core is the multi-stage "Downwinder" race, an awe-inspiring journey that will traverse some of Oman's most picturesque coastal regions. Kitesurfers will navigate four challenging phases from Barr Al Hikman to Masirah Island on July 16th, Masirah Island to Ras Al Ruwais on July 20th, Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah on July 21st, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on July 23rd. Beyond the "Downwinder," the festival boasts a dynamic calendar of complementary competitions, including the Kite Course Race in Barr Al Hikman on July 15th, the Big Air Show and Freestyle Show in Masirah Island on July 17th and 18th respectively, the Coastal Race in Masirah Island on July 19th, and the Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd Lake on July 24th—promising an action-packed experience for both participants and spectators. Off the water, the Oman Kite Festival is designed to be a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience. Visitors can look forward to a range of family-friendly activities and a vibrant SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, showcasing local businesses and Omani traditions. This truly unique event not only elevates Oman as a world-class destination for international sporting events but also supports the tourism diversification objectives outlined in the National Tourism Strategy 2040. The organisers extend a warm invitation to local residents and international visitors to join us in this extraordinary celebration of sport, nature, and culture: Prepare to be captivated by the artistry of kitesurfing and the unparalleled beauty of Oman. The festival is organised by the Omran Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Center.
