Latest news with #RannUtsav
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Tourism will reach new heights in Kutch": PM Modi roots for hosting beach games simultaneously with Rann Utsav
Bhuj (Gujarat) [India], May 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the beach games, which recently gained popularity, to be hosted simultaneously with Rann Utsav, which will act as a catalyst in boosting tourism in Kutch. In the recently concluded Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025, held in Daman and Diu, 811 athletes took part in six medal sports, including pencak silat, sepak-takraw, soccer, volleyball, open sea swimming and kabaddi. Mallakhamb, tug-of-war were the non-medal demonstration sports. Forty-six gold medals were at stake, and 31 states and Union Territories participated in the beach sports carnival. While referencing the success of KIBG 2025, PM Modi believes that if such a tournament is hosted on the coast of Mandvi Beach simultaneously with Rann Utsav, Kutch's tourism will soar to a new level. 'Tourism will grow here. I request Bhupendra bhai and all leaders present here when our Rann Utsav takes place, then why don't we hold beach competitions at the same time? Beach games have gained popularity recently,' PM Modi said on Monday in Bhuj. 'Not long ago, a national competition was held in Diu with thousands of children participating in the event. I want the beach games to take place simultaneously with Rann Utsav regularly. In a way, Kutch will soar to new heights in tourism. If you want any help, I am always present,' PM Modi added. Earlier, PM Modi held a roadshow in Gujarat's Bhuj and later inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs 53,400 crore. He received a warm welcome. People waved at him and greeted him enthusiastically. The Prime Minister said that the projects launched today will accelerate progress in power, ports and other infrastructure. The projects from the power sector include transmission projects for evacuating renewable power generated in the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, transmission network expansion, and an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant unit at Tapi. It also includes projects of the Kandla port and multiple road, water and solar projects of the Gujarat government. (ANI)
NDTV
26-05-2025
- NDTV
6 Best Places To See Sunrise In India That'll Take Your Breath Away
There's something beautiful and poetic about waking up early to catch the sunrise. It feels like the Earth is all still. The calm hush before the world becomes hustling again and the golden light streaks stretching across the sky, it's like a whole vibe. And when you're in a geographically diverse country like India, sunrise watching can feel like a therapeutic journey. From snow-capped mountains to large white-sand deserts, the views of the sun rays touching your skin will leave you in awe. So, if you are looking for a reason to wake up early, here are six incredible places in India where sunrise can feel like a beautiful, animated show. Here Are 6 Best Places To Watch Sunrise In India 1. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Kanyakumari is the place where three seas meet: the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Not only is the southernmost tip of India known for this fact but also for offering stunning sunrise views. The sky here turns into a pretty picture of peach, pink and golden colours as the sun rises over the ocean. The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a famous spot amongst tourists and locals to watch the daily sunrise, as this spot offers beautiful views. Trust us, it's like watching a beautiful nature video from a front seat. 2. Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Have you seen those pictures of the majestic Himalayas glowing in shades of orange and pink? That's possible to view in reality at Darjeeling's Tiger Hill! Just a short drive from Darjeeling, this hilltop offers one of the best views of the world's highest peaks, Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. As the sun rises slowly, the snow-capped peaks reflect the sun's rays. Pair this sight with a hot cup of tea and you'll have the time of your lives. 3. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat The Rann of Kutch isn't a basic sunrise spot. It's a white salt desert that stretches in every direction. When the sun begins to rise here, it feels like the whole landscape starts glowing in every way. The natural colours of the sunrise, pastel pinks and blues, reflect off the salt crystals and make a scene that looks exactly like a canvas. During the Rann Utsav, you can wake up in a traditional tent and wake up and enjoy the stunning sunrise views. It is a totally unique experience! 4. Agumbe, Karnataka Also known as the 'Cherrapunji of the South,' Agumbe is based in the lush Western Ghats. Although it is known for its frequent rains and misty vibe, it also happens to be one of the best places to catch a sunrise. Just head to Agumbe viewpoint, where you can see the sun gently rise through a cover of dense forests. It's the kind of place where you'll feel the time slowing down, the sounds of the birds, and the nature wishing you the best of mornings. 5. Varanasi Ghats, Uttar Pradesh It is not an unknown fact that Varanasi ghats are famed for their serene vibes, but did you know they also offer stunning sunrise views? During the dawn, the Ganga reflects a golden glow and the ghats slowly come to life. You can smell the aroma of incense sticks in the air as the ghats slowly embrace the day. You can also take a boat ride at Assi Ghat right before sunrise to see it all explored. Head straight to Varanasi Ghats if you want stunning sunrise views and immaculate vibes. 6. Pangong Lake, Ladakh Cold, remote and absolutely serene, Ladakh's Pangong Lake is a dream sunrise destination. As the sun peeks over the rugged mountains, it casts its light across the lake, making the blue waters appear golden. But, make sure to pack yourself fully before you head to the lake as it becomes extremely chilly at this hour. But all your struggles will ultimately be rewarding when you see the surreal views of the sunrise. Keep your cameras charged and eyes open, this sunrise would be too good to miss! So, head to these beautiful places to catch sunrise like no other!
News18
12-05-2025
- News18
7 Indian Destinations To Visit On A Full Moon Night
1/9 For centuries, poets have whispered to the moon as the keeper of love, while scientists have studied it as a vessel of celestial mystery. Yet, to the traveller's heart, it is something else entirely, a quiet companion, casting silver dreams across landscapes both wild and regal. 2/9 If you long to chase the moon's magic across India, here are seven spellbinding places where a full moon night becomes nothing short of divine. 3/9 Agra – The Taj Mahal's White Glow of Love: There's love, and then there is the Taj Mahal under a full moon, a vision that stuns the soul. On such nights, this marble wonder opens specially for visitors. Bathed in silver light, it appears less a monument and more a dream in stone, forever tethered to the moon's tender gaze. Rann of Kutch – A Desert That Shimmers Like Snow: In Gujarat's salt-baked expanse, the Rann of Kutch glows like a vast mirror under the full moon. During the Rann Utsav from November to February, this ethereal land transforms into a moonlit spectacle of folk dance, camel rides, and glowing salt plains that feel like stardust beneath your feet. Kerala – Moonlight on the Backwaters: In God's Own Country, the moon is best admired from the bow of a houseboat. Drift through Kerala's tranquil backwaters, where palm silhouettes sway and the moon's reflection ripples on water like a lullaby. For couples, there may be no more romantic setting than a full moon night in Alleppey or Kumarakom. Tso Moriri, Ladakh – A Moonlit Jewel at Altitude: At over 14,000 feet in Ladakh, Tso Moriri lies still and sacred under the stars. By day it dazzles in hues of sapphire, but by moonlight it becomes something surreal. Reflected stars twinkle in its saltwater surface, and the silence of the Himalayas makes the experience feel like time has paused for you alone. 7/9 Neermahal, Tripura – The Water Palace Under Silver Skies: Built upon Rudrasagar Lake, Neermahal—the water palace of Tripura—glows like a ghost of royalty when the moon rises. The palace, its reflection, and the shimmer of lake waters merge into one hypnotic vision. Few places blend history and beauty so poetically.
NDTV
08-05-2025
- NDTV
8 Best Places To Spot Flamingos In India
Wish to spot flamingos in India? Absolutely. These elegant pink birds aren't just found on African safaris — they flock to India's lakes, salt pans, and coastlines every winter and early summer. From the surreal white desert of the Rann of Kutch to the unexpected mudflats of Mumbai, India offers some seriously photogenic flamingo hangouts. Whether you're a birdwatching pro or just chasing that perfect Insta shot, there's no shortage of scenic spots to catch them in action. So grab your binoculars (or your camera) and head to one of these top destinations where flamingos strut their stuff in full, feathered glory. Here Are 8 Destinations To See Flamingos In India: 1. Thol Lake, Gujarat A short drive from Ahmedabad, Thol Lake is a birdwatcher's dream. This freshwater lake is surrounded by marshes and farmland, making it an ideal nesting and feeding ground for both greater and lesser flamingos. Visit between November and February, and you'll catch them wading through glassy water under golden skies. Bring a pair of binoculars — and maybe a thermos of chai. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Ahmedabad (25 km) 2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat The surreal white expanse of the Rann of Kutch isn't just for the Rann Utsav crowd. It's also the only known breeding ground for the greater flamingo in South Asia. The birds gather in thousands at the 'Flamingo City' in the Rann's mudflats. Getting there isn't super straightforward (you'll need local guides), but the sight of thousands of pink birds against a white desert? Worth it. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest City: Bhuj 3. Sewri Mudflats, Mumbai Yes, you read that right. Mumbai may be all high-rises and traffic, but come January, its eastern coast transforms. The Sewri mudflats, tucked near a smelly dockyard and old oil tanks, are where thousands of flamingos chill like they're at a spa retreat. The Bombay Natural History Society even organises flamingo-watching events here. Best Time To Visit: January to May Nearest City: Sewri (Harbour Line) 4. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan Sambhar Lake, India's largest inland saltwater lake, sits just a couple of hours from Jaipur and turns into a flamingo hotspot during winter. The lake's high salinity makes it ideal for algae — the pink bird's favourite snack. When thousands of flamingos descend here, the white salt flats and pale waters turn into a surreal pink-and-white canvas. It's popular with photographers, so come early if you want front-row views. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Jaipur (80 km) 5. Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh Border Pulicat Lake is India's second-largest brackish lagoon, stretching across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Flamingos love the shallow waters here, especially between October and March. The annual Flamingo Festival held by the Andhra Pradesh government draws birders and tourists alike, and the vibe is more coastal than typical birdwatching. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest City: Chennai (60 km) 6. Chilika Lake, Odisha India's largest coastal lagoon, Chilika Lake is a flamingo hotspot with a twist. You might also spot Irrawaddy dolphins here. Birds arrive in massive flocks, particularly near Nalabana Island, which becomes a temporary flamingo colony in the winter. It's not as famous as Bharatpur, but it should be. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Puri or Bhubaneswar 7. Bhigwan, Maharashtra Often called Maharashtra's mini Bharatpur, Bhigwan is a little over 100 km from Pune and lies on the backwaters of the Ujani Dam. Every year, flamingos arrive along with other migratory birds, turning the otherwise sleepy landscape into a flurry of colour and camera shutters. Boat rides here are super chill and highly recommended. Best Time To Visit: December to March Nearest City: Pune 8. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat Located near Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar is a sprawling wetland that attracts flamingos, pelicans, and over 200 species of birds. It's a quiet spot, with early mornings offering the best chance to watch the birds take flight. Renting a boat here is the move — you'll glide past feeding flocks and get Insta-worthy views. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest City: Ahmedabad (60 km)
Mint
02-05-2025
- Mint
PICTURE-PERFECT INDIA
The white salt desert of Rann of Kutch is a paradise for photographers, especially during the Rann Utsav, when the landscape fills with cultural performances, local crafts, and camel rides. Credit : GO KITE
