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India.com
26-05-2025
- India.com
5 Stunning Lakes Near Varanasi Perfect For Boating and Relaxing Picnics
Varanasi stands as a sacred Indian metropolis which celebrates its ancient history and spiritual prominence through its ghats and temples and lively cultural traditions. The calm lakes around Varanasi City beyond its active streets and sacred Ganges River section serve as ideal areas for boating and spending quiet time while enjoying picnics. The natural spots serve as tranquil points of escape from busy city life with their tremendous scenery and many recreation activities available. The following list features the top lakes near Varanasi that provide perfect conditions for both boating and family picnics. 1. Assi Ghat Lake (Assi Pond) Assi Pond represents a compact scenic body of water which lies adjacent to Assi Ghat that draws a significant number of tourists in Varanasi and which is fringed by verdant natural growth. Short visits are best enjoyed at this lake because of its close location to the riverfront. Both residents and visitors experience the tranquil atmosphere at this location because they wish to rest or explore the area through walking. Activities: Boat services operate only during specific times when water elevations allow them. Photoshoot enthusiasts find this area ideal because of its panoramic attractiveness. Local visitors use the shady tree area to have peaceful outdoor meals with packed food. Tourists can access it by local public transportation as well as through a brief stroll beginning at Assi Ghat. 2. Rajendra Nagar Lake The weekend destination of Rajendra Nagar Lake draws tourist and family visitors from Varanasi city center which lies 10 kilometers away. People can enjoy the natural beauty of this man-made lake along with functional pathways and planted gardens which circle the lake around. The water body offers visitors a tranquil setting that distances them from city commotion. Activities: Tourists can rent boats from the facilities at this destination to discover the peaceful lake surface. Visitors can enjoy picnics at the park using its furnished spaces that offer utility and shaded refuge. Open playing areas at the site allow children to have fun while adults seek relaxation in natural surroundings. The area can be reached by auto-rickshaw or private vehicles along with enough parking spaces. 3. Sarnath Deer Park Lake Sarnath stands as a vital location northeast of Varanasi which is famous because Lord Buddha made his first teaching here. On the vast grounds of Deer Park you will find a peaceful lake which enhances the sacred qualities of the spiritual site. Circled by forest trees and wild animals that stall deer as they wander at will, the lake provides a memorable union of historical monuments with natural scenery. Activities: The activity of paddle boat use is available for guests seeking relaxation while viewing the historic stupas and monasteries. Visitors from families come to have weekend picnics in this area because they enjoy both fresh air and the peaceful environment. Birdwatchers can catch migratory birds while visiting this area during the winter months. The travel link between Varanasi and Sarnath has regular buses and taxi services to facilitate easy site visits. 4. Kabir Chaura Lake The small Kabir Chaura Lake stands as a peaceful sanctuary not far from the spiritual neighborhood named after Saint Kabir. This place maintains its undisputed position as an attractive destination despite its limited size because it blends simplistic beauty with cultural roots of the area. Activities: The lack of boat services does not prevent visitors from taking peaceful walks at this beautiful lake. The lake banks host mat-spreading picnickers during peaceful moments when they eat home-made foods under the serene environment. The temple along with the ashram at the site offer visitors both religious and spiritual aspects. Residents can reach this site because it stands directly in the city boundaries and they can use both public transportation and cycle rickshaws. 5. Dhamek Stupa Lake (Sarnath) Within the Sarnath region you can find the attractive Dhamek Stupa Lake that enhances the historical value of the area. The lake next to Dhamek Stupa contributes to the site's complete attractiveness. The lake reflects the majestic monuments which results in a captivating view for visitors. Activities: Boating activities are available for visitors to drift along the peaceful lake waters according to their pace. Visitors can enjoy their meals at the lake area because the landscape consisting of green lawns functions well as a picnic spot. For history enthusiasts who visit this area it is possible to explore both the historical ruins and museums after spending time at the lake. Regular transportation services link Sarnath to Varanasi in the same way that they do Sarnath Deer Park Lake. Why Visit These Lakes? The lakes near Varanasi serve as oases of tranquility amidst the city's frenetic energy. People of all interests find suitable activities at these destinations which offer spaces for loved ones to spend time together and boat activities along with natural experiences. These sites offer Varanasi residents refreshed air when the humidity softens in the evenings. Every lake mentioned here offers unique characteristics to match all kinds of preferences. As a result these destination points unite to demonstrate the various attractors of Varanasi while presenting the traditional charm of Sarnath alongside the urban accessibility of Kabir Chaura Lake. Tips for Visitors The best time to visit the lakes of Varanasi falls during early morning hours or late afternoon due to their optimal climate and reduced crowds. During October through February you should visit for perfect picnic and boating conditions. What to Carry: Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and reusable water bottles. Use lightweight snacks and environment-friendly serving tools when going on picnics to reduce garbage production. People should follow all safety rules during Boating and maintain constant supervision of children who are near water areas. Final Thoughts The lakes in Varanasi district provide opportunities beyond casual enjoyment because they enable visitors to experience nature while forging precious life stories. When visiting Varanasi take time to escape its famous crowded ritual sites and discover peaceful sanctuaries located near the city.
India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Helped us convey message that our unity, strength and determination will go to any extent in destroying terror infra: Indian envoy on MPs Japan visit
Tokyo [Japan], May 23 (ANI): India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, said that the members of parliament from different political parties affirmed their stance of 'zero tolerance to terrorism' in one voice, and the message was conveyed loud and clear from the Indian side to the Japanese. He said the all-party parliamentary delegation's visit, led by JDU MP Sanjay Jha, helped India convey the message that its unity, strength, and determination will 'go to any extent in destroying the infrastructure of terrorism.' In an interview with ANI, George said that the visiting MPs met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and members of Parliament and called it 'amazing' that the whole nation has come together in its fight against terrorism. He also mentioned that Japan was one of the first nations to condemn the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and recalled the conversations between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the importance of all-party delegation's visit to India, George said, 'India is the most peaceful country in the world, and India's connected with Japan. If you travel, you will find that they look at India as the land of Buddha. Lord Buddha, Lord Buddha is nonviolence, and again, Mahatma Gandhi, we have last year during the visit of the honourable Prime Minister in the Hiroshima National Peace Park, we have installed the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Why? Because he is the icon of peace. So, India is the land of peace and in Jammu and Kashmir, peace had returned, stability was there, democratic government was there, and life was normal. Schools were open, universities were open, tourism was flourishing. Business wise life was going very normal, that was the time the enemy hit.' 'Enemy hit and purpose was very clear, destroy the progress in Jammu and Kashmir, destroy the harmony, religious harmony, communal harmony in India, that was the purpose. There is no way we are going to let that happen. The whole country has to come together. Members of parliament from different political parties came together with one voice, zero tolerance to terrorism and the message was loud and clear from the Indian side to the our Japanese friends, to the diplomatic community, to the media. They went everywhere with one voice. This is a great achievement. I see it and you were seeing the interaction today and yesterday at every level. So, I think it was a good visit and it helped us convey our message loud and clear, our unity, our strength, and our determination to go to any extent in destroying the infrastructure of terrorism,' the Indian envoy said. He also talked about MPs' meetings with several Japanese officials and attending the Raisina Dialogue, where the lawmakers spoke on counter-terrorism and the fight against terrorism. He called it amazing that the whole nation has come together in its fight against terrorism. Elaborating on MP's meetings with Japanese officials, he said, 'We had received our members of parliament yesterday early morning and since then, it has been continuous meetings and interactions with the Japanese side. They met the Foreign minister. They met the former Prime Minister Mr Suga, Foreign Minister Mr. Iwaya, and members of the parliament from the Japanese side, also attended the Raisina Dialogue where we spoke about counterterrorism and fight against terrorism.' 'So, it has been a great day yesterday for the members of parliament visiting the Foreign Office, the parliament, and today again we started the day with an interaction with the resident ambassadors and you have seen how proactive the engagement and interaction where there were questions and answers and was very happy to see the members of the parliament replying to their questions in one voice,' he said 'It's an amazing India's diversity, the whole nation has come together in its fight against terrorism, and let me tell you this, Japan was one of the first countries to condemn the attack immediately after the incident on April 22nd. On 23rd itself, the Prime Minister of Japan telephoned our honourable Prime Minister and condemned the terror attacks, extended full support in the fight against terrorism, condolences on sympathies on the victims. So, then the foreign ministers spoke, I have received so many condolences messages and support messages from the Japanese at every level, and so it has been a period where everyone stood together in their commitment in their determination in the fight against terrorism,' he added. He stated, 'We saw a number of meetings that took place yesterday with the Foreign Minister and the former prime ministers. So, as I said, they were the one of the first to come out in open in support for India, conveying their sympathies, and they reiterated that position yesterday. So, they stand with us in the fight against terrorism.' An All-Party Parliamentary delegation from India, led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, is on a visit to Japan from May 22 to 24. The delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Japan. The delegation, led by Jha, will also travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore. India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people and injured several others. Emphasising the ties between India and Japan, he said that the two nations have been 'great friends' traditionally and have a civilisational and cultural connection. He noted that India and Japan have excellent political, business, defence and security relationships. On India-Japan ties, he said, 'India and Japan has traditionally been great friends. We have a civilisational connection, a cultural connect. You go any part of this country, you will see an India connect and in the last few decades, this relationship has really grown. In 2014, Prime Minister, honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Abe, then Prime Minister established a special strategic and global partnership. Why is it special? It is special first and foremost because we have no history of conflict. We have only history of friendship, and that is the base, solid base on which we are building our relationship today, we have excellent political relationship, excellent business relationship, defence and security relationship, and they want the people to people connect and we continue to grow every day. We do events, we do interact with the people, we engage with the sole purpose of building this relationship brick by brick and you look at any part yesterday you saw the kind of engagement and the Raisina Dialogue, many people who have contributed immensely in building this relationship have assembled together with one determination, we will take it forward. It's a special strategic and global partnership. Every day we work towards building that at every field. The number of Indians in Japan is growing now. I would like to have more. We want a quantum leap in our relationship in terms of numbers.' 'I would like to have more. Indian students to come and study here, more Japanese students to go and study in India. The youth exchanges, engagement, the professionals we need to increase. I would like to have 50,000 more Indian professionals to come to Japan in the next 5 years, we are working on that. So then one important thing we would like to cooperate more closely in defence equipment cooperation. That's a very big area we want to engage in. The defence minister of Japan was in India two weeks back. The speaker of the National Assembly of Japan was in India last during the golden week. So, this is, this is how we build our relationship. Political establishment on both sides are working together. The business leadership is working together. We see that in all across Japan, Tokyo alone is not Japan. Japan is much bigger than Tokyo. So I went to all the prefectures, all 47 of them, engaged with them, and now they are engaging with us. So, it's a beautiful relationship we are building,' he added. He also spoke about India-Japan cooperation on the Indo-Pacific. He said that India, Japan, the US, and Australia are part of the Quad, and India brings credibility to the forum. He noted that India has 1/6th of the world's total population but not 1/6 of the world's problems. He also talked about his visits to semiconductor facilities in Japan, including Rapidus in Hokkaido or and the Tokyo Electron facilities in Yamanashi. On India-Japan cooperation on Indo-Pacific, he said, 'You know our message. The message of our Prime Minister on free and open Indo Pacific. We want every country small and big work together as sovereign countries freedom for everybody. That is what India believes in, and though India works with Japan and our like-minded friends to make sure that there is peace, stability, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Quad, we are working together four like-minded countries India, US, Australia, and Japan coming together and what we bring to the Quad? What does India bring to a forum like a Quad or a forum like a G20 or a forum like any forum you take it? What does India bring? India first and foremost brings credibility. It brings credibility. We are 1/6th of the total population of the world, but not 1/6 of the problems of the world. It is somewhere else. We bring solutions to the table whether it is Quad whether it is G20, whether it is BRICS, we bring solutions to the table. That is India's credibility. You go to any corner of the world, you see that this credibility, now our strategic autonomy that is appreciated and people are ready to work with us.' He called Japan a 'reliable partner' for India in growth and recalled how Suzuki came to India 40 years back. He also spoke about the growth of India's economy, calling it the 'fastest growing economy in the world.' He mentioned how both nations are investing in semiconductors. When asked how Japan and India are working together in technology sector, he responded, 'Japan has always been a reliable partner in our growth. You have seen it. Suzuki came to India 40 years ago, and Suzuki in India become bigger than Suzuki in Japan. Now there are more Suzukis in India than in Japan, but that is just one example. There are 1500 Japanese companies in India. These are 1500 success stories, but my target is to quantum leap there too. I want to make this 1500 into 15,000 small and medium-scale companies. With the technology, today, India is growing 6 per cent, 7 per cent, India is the fastest-growing large economy in the world, and we are growing more than any other country, faster than any other country in the world, which is appreciated, acknowledged, recognised, and people are working towards engaging with India. See it in Japan, any corner companies want to work with India.' 'The number of business delegations visiting India is too many of them going there now same is the case from India. So there is this quantum leap in our relationship, and you mentioned about the technology that is the most important thing, our government has this three T's programme, one important element is technology. We are working with the Japanese at every level, the small and medium scale companies also semiconductors is one area. India is investing heavily on semiconductors. Japan is also investing heavily on semiconductors. I visited most of their Japan, whether it is Rapidus in Hokkaido or there are other one, the Tokyo Electron facilities in Yamanashi or Sinai City. We have gone there and we have seen how Japan is investing in the semiconductors, we are also investing. So, there is complementarity in our engagement. No day in my life in Tokyo goes without doing something about semiconductors every day, this is the kind of engagement we have with Japan,' he added. He also talked about the collaboration between the universities of India and Japan. Highlighting the India-Japan ties in education sector, he said, 'In the last two months, we have two major progress. One, we have set up a joint school first with the Tohoku University and Mumbai IIT. I was there present in that meeting. This is the first time, that means a joint acceptance of the degrees. Second, recently we have signed signed MOU with one of the Japanese universities very recently at the university which focuses on Raman effect. I, in fact unveiled the statue of Dr CV Raman there in that university. So that is with the IIT Hyderabad. So we work very closely with the Japanese, and, this is the process, so work progress. We are improving this connectivity between the universities of India and Japan. You would be interested to know that last year we celebrated Diwali in 140 Japanese universities. This is something unique because India is making good progress in its engagement with Japan at every level.' (ANI)
Listly
17-05-2025
- Listly
The Cultural Side of Colombo: A Traveller's Guide to Temples, Museums, and History – Enjoy a fascinating historic and cu
For those visiting Colombo, things to do must include a visit to the Sri Lanka National Museum, also known as the Colombo National Museum. As the largest and most significant museum of Sri Lanka, this museum in the heart of the city is home to about 10,000 exhibits that encompass paintings, historical and religious objects, artefacts, statues, curios and royal regalia like the throne and crown from the last kingdom of the island, Kandy. The stately white building is visually pleasing as you approach, with well-manicured gardens. It is well worth spending time going through the two stories with worthy exhibits on display. The first floor has randomly placed statues, including those of Lord Buddha and other traditional Sri Lankan objects, and the second floor is mostly dedicated to artefacts. As most of the sites to be explored are around the heart of Colombo, opt for a centrally located property. With numerous options possible for keen visitors, the likes of NH Collection Colombo are preferred due to special offers like direct booking benefits and room options.
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Adopt teachings of Lord Buddha: Himachal Sukhu
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu participated in a programme organised on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at Sambhota Tibetan School in Shimla on Monday. Extending his greetings on the occasion of Vaishakh Purnima and Lord Buddha's birth anniversary, the CM appealed all to imbibe the teachings of Lord Buddha in their lives to make a vibrant society. He said, 'Lord Buddha gave us the mantra 'Appa Deepo Bhava', which means 'Be your own light'. This was the essence of self-reliance and continues to guide us in our journey towards building a self-reliant India.' He said that Lord Buddha's teachings are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. 'In an age marked by violence, intolerance and distrust, Buddha's message offers a path of peace, compassion and tolerance. These were not mere teachings but a way of life,' he said
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Buddha teachings foster peace and harmony even today: Shahi
Lucknow: Agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi stressed the need to expedite the construction of the Mahatma Gautam Buddha Agriculture and Technology University in Kushinagar . During his visit on Monday, he offered robes and lotus flowers to Lord Buddha at the Mahaparinirvana temple on the occasion of Buddha Purnima .Shahi also inspected the ongoing university project, which spans 146 acres and is being developed at a cost of Rs 435 crore. The university, set to be Kushinagar's first-ever institution of higher learning, will play a crucial role in the region's educational and economic underlined the state govt's commitment to Kushinagar's development and directed officials to ensure the timely completion of the university, while maintaining the highest quality standards. He also acknowledged govt's broader efforts to enhance Kushinagar's profile on the international tourism govt has allocated Rs 62 crore for tourism development projects in Kushinagar, with Rs 28 crore designated specifically for the enhancement of the Mahaparinirvana site.A senior govt official said that on Buddha Purnima, Buddhist monks from around the world expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development initiatives. Shahi also took the opportunity to reflect on the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha, highlighting their significance in fostering peace and harmony in the world.
