About seven or eight years ago, our group of friends traveled to Santorini Island in Greece to witness the sunset. We were seated on the terrace of a beautiful restaurant with a scenic view, chatting over dinner. Conversations in such moments tend to wander anywhere—ranging from Bollywood and Hollywood to cricket, football, and even blaming the government. There’s never a shortage of topics; discussions can shift in an instant.
As we, Girish-Supriya Karandikar, Arun-Leena Palkar, and my wife and I, indulged in lively conversation, the topic gradually turned towards the next generation growing up in Europe and America. We spoke about how most of them would likely become residents of those countries, a reality that brought both joy and a tinge of sadness. The discussion also touched upon the concept of brain drain—how talented individuals from our country were settling abroad.
The three of us were in the same boat. Our next generation, either fully or partially, had been drawn to the golden opportunities and comforts of foreign lands and had chosen to settle there. But there was no room for blame. After all, we live in a time when "the whole world is my home" has become a reality. Some step beyond their doorstep into another home, some move from villages to cities, some shift across states, and others even cross national borders to settle abroad. "It’s all a matter of time," as they say. This migration should be welcomed because history has proven that human beings are not meant to remain in one place forever.
However, as emotional beings, we sometimes have to silently swallow our feelings. The ever-jovial Arun Palkar, who was known for cracking jokes and who is no longer with us today, quipped, “In the future, our American-born generations will say, ‘Our ancestors lived in India. My grandfather migrated from India to America in such-and-such year. I have been to India… once.’”
We all burst into laughter, recognizing the humor tinged with a sense of melancholy. Is it a problem? Is it progress? Is it happiness or sorrow? This is a topic that exists in every home, woven with mixed emotions.
In our society, most households consist of just two or four elderly members—husband and wife, parents, or in-laws—while the younger generation is abroad. "Empty nesters." But everyone is determined to live life fully, saying, “We are enjoying our lives.” After all, until now, life had been completely consumed by family responsibilities. Who even had time to think about themselves? Now, it’s time to enjoy!
Being business-minded, always driven by marketing and innovation, we never sit idle. We observe societal issues and the silent pain within families with an open yet neutral perspective. The question "What’s in it for me?" always lingers in our minds. In business, top-line, bottom-line, profits, and losses are important, and they should be—because a business must grow continuously. But at the same time, it’s equally important to ask, "Through our business, what positive impact are we creating for society?" Every endeavor should bring joy to all without harming people, nature, or the environment. This mindset ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.
Our business philosophy is simple: “Let our work be such that we never have regrets.” That’s our prayer.
And so, while looking at families like ours, scattered across different countries due to careers and business opportunities, an idea sparked in our creative minds: why not bring together grandparents living in India and their grandchildren growing up abroad? Why not arrange a meeting point somewhere in between? If the grandchildren live in California, they could meet in Singapore, Japan, or Vietnam. If they are in London or New York, they could gather in Dubai or Switzerland. Grandparents would fly from India, and grandchildren would join them from wherever they are.
They could spend eight to ten days together, strengthening their bond. After all, grandchildren living abroad must connect with their Indian roots. And what better time than their December holidays to make this happen?
How does the idea sound?
And this isn’t just an idea—it’s a reality! When Veena World was founded, I personally traveled on these tours. Every time, they were "tried, tested, and satisfied." The joy on the grandparents’ faces was immeasurable. It was as if they had reached the "seventh heaven." Their expressions radiated the satisfaction of a life fulfilled, as if saying, "This is what I had longed for!"
At the same time, the grandchildren rediscovered the unconditional love of their grandparents. What made these tours special was that the kids were temporarily free from parental discipline and completely immersed in their grandparents’ affectionate embrace. For parents, this tour was a “spoilers’ week.”
I am sure that when these tours began, at the airport, parents handing over their children to their grandparents and Veena World would have had countless concerns on their faces. And that’s precisely why we have put up a “No Entry for Parents” sign for these tours! This is purely about love, affection, and pampering.
For eight to ten days, practical life takes a backseat. No school, no college, no studies, no rules.
So why not give this special grandparent-grandchild bond a beautiful experience every year or two? Let’s call it "Rejuvenation Therapy," a lifelong treasure of happiness and memories.
Parents may be excluded from the tour, but they do have one responsibility—to support both sides (grandparents and grandchildren) in choosing the tour and handling the financial aspects.
Relationships are delicate. They need nurturing and care to grow strong. Every family naturally works towards this, and institutions like ours contribute—both commercially and emotionally—like a small flower in a vast garden.
Looking back at my 41-year journey in the tourism industry and the last 12 years with Veena World, one thing remains constant—we have always placed family at the center of our travel experiences. We studied the needs of families, and from that understanding emerged the successful concept of Women’s Special Tours, which today has reached new heights of popularity.
Our Seniors’ Special Tours—a truly remarkable journey for our senior travelers—have allowed them to explore the world with complete peace of mind. For newlyweds, we introduced Honeymoon Special tours, while young adventure seekers found thrill in our YOLO Adventure Tours. Middle-aged couples enjoy our Couples' Tours, and grandparents share unforgettable moments with their grandkids on Grandparent-Grandchildren Special Tours. We crafted Regular and Luxury Group Tours for families, Customized Holidays for those seeking personalized experiences, and India Tours for NRI relatives eager to reconnect with their homeland. Each of these tours has brought joy to families, making "Veena World – For Every Family and Every Member of the Family" a tagline that truly resonates.
The Women’s Special Tours have become so deeply rooted in Indian households that we are now receiving new requests. Since these tours are exclusively for women, we do not allow boys—regardless of their age. As a result, many mothers have expressed a desire for a version of Women’s Special Tours that includes kids—especially for moms who say, "Not Without My Kids!"
Responding to this heartfelt request, we have introduced Women’s Special with Kids, where only mothers and their children (up to the age of 15) can participate. This summer, after exam season, we are launching these tours to destinations that will delight both mothers and kids alike.
A mother-child bond is special, and it deserves to be nurtured. On these tours, moms can step away from their kitchens and careers and spend true quality time with their children.
While the commercial aspect of the business continues, there is immense satisfaction in creating concepts like Women’s Special or Grandparent-Grandchildren Tours and seeing them succeed. To keep fostering such meaningful experiences is not just about winning in business—it’s about winning in life.
Dekho Apna Desh
Dil se! Pyaar se! Samman se!
India is a land of diversity, with some states blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. One such state in Northeast India is Meghalaya. The name "Meghalaya" comes from Sanskrit, meaning "abode of clouds." This state is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant tribal culture. Meghalaya follows a matrilineal system, where property inheritance is passed from mother to daughter.
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a well-known city often referred to as the "Scotland of the East." It is particularly famous for its pleasant climate and picturesque beauty, attracting tourists from both India and abroad. Located near Shillong, the Elephant Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall. Another iconic destination in Meghalaya is Cherrapunji, known for receiving record-breaking rainfall for many years. Apart from its heavy rainfall, Cherrapunji is renowned for its waterfalls, caves, and unique living root bridges.
A few years ago, Mawsynram, a scenic location about 60 kilometers from Shillong, recorded the highest annual rainfall in the world. Another must-visit place is Mawlynnong, a village in the East Khasi Hills district, widely recognized for its cleanliness. Smoking and the use of polythene are strictly banned here. In 2003, the travel magazine Discover India declared it the "Cleanest Village in Asia." Mawlynnong is also famous for its community-based eco-tourism activities and the incredible living root bridges made from the roots of rubber trees.
Dawki, a beautiful spot in Meghalaya, is home to the Umngot River, known for its crystal-clear waters. The water is so transparent that boats appear to be floating in the air. Additionally, Jowai is another notable destination in Meghalaya, famous for its waterfalls and monoliths.
Some of the region’s popular local delicacies include momos, jadoh, kyat, and mee khautung. With its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, Meghalaya is a highly sought-after travel destination.
So, when are you planning to visit this mesmerizing land nestled in the lap of the clouds?
Oh! I didn’t know this…
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is a famous landmark known not only for its rich history but also for its minaret controversy. The mosque has six minarets, built in the early 1600s, which sparked a dispute. Until then, the Grand Mosque in Mecca was the only mosque with six minarets. To resolve this issue, Sultan Ahmed I ordered the construction of a seventh minaret in Mecca to maintain its spiritual superiority.
One of the fascinating aspects of the Blue Mosque’s design is its optical illusion. When standing inside, the central dome appears much larger than it actually is. This effect is created by an innovative architectural layering, where semi-domes form a cascading effect, enhancing the mosque’s grandeur.
The reason behind the name "Blue Mosque" is also intriguing. While the mosque is adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles, giving it a blue appearance, the name wasn’t originally given based on its color. In fact, this name was coined years later by European travelers. At night, the blue light filtering through the stained-glass windows created a mesmerizing effect, leading these travelers to refer to it as the "Blue Mosque."
The mosque was constructed on the site of Constantinople’s Byzantine Great Palace, and underground tunnels and palace ruins still exist beneath it. The story behind its construction is equally interesting. Sultan Ahmed I was considered an unlucky ruler as he suffered defeats in battle, weakening the empire. Unlike previous rulers who financed mosque constructions using war loot, he controversially funded it directly from the treasury. Strangely, he passed away at just 27 years old, shortly after the mosque was completed, and was buried within his own mosque.
Another unique feature of the Blue Mosque is its intentionally flawed tiles. Some tiles are slightly defective or asymmetrical because Ottoman artisans believed that only God could be perfect, and thus, human creations should contain intentional imperfections.
While many historical monuments fade over time, the Blue Mosque remains active even today. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering and dress modestly. The mosque closes five times a day for prayers.
If you wish to witness this historic and magnificent site, travel to Turkey with Veena World!
Travelling After Retirement
I have had an immense love for traveling since childhood. I had decided early on that if I ever got the chance when I grew up, I would travel a lot. However, due to my job and later, worldly responsibilities, I couldn’t travel as much as I wished. I finally unleashed all of that after retiring from work, and I traveled extensively. After retirement, I almost toured the entire country of India. I even ventured abroad to several countries including Nepal, Bhutan, the Andamans, Dubai, and Sri Lanka, as well as North Eastern Indian states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
I am Ramesh Vasanta Abade from Pune, living with my wife and our son. I once took a tour with Veena World – it was a Europe tour! I booked the tour directly from the Veena World office near my home. Out of all my travels, I enjoyed exploring the thirteen European countries the most! The natural beauty of Europe is extraordinary, which made my European tour truly unforgettable. The pleasant climate in Europe ensured that we faced no discomfort during our journey.
At that time, our itinerary included Amsterdam (Netherlands) along with a place called “Madhuradam,” known as Mini Europe. However, for some reason, we had to cancel that destination. During that time, our tour managers, Rakesh Pawar and Pranay Thalakar, took us under their wing and calmly explained the situation, gaining our complete trust. It was remarkable that everyone on the tour accepted the change without any fuss! The head office even took notice and compensated us for the inconvenience after we returned from the tour.
After that, we all went to Mount Titlis in Switzerland, where we enjoyed the delightful experience of witnessing an ice fall. Both of the tour leaders provided us with thorough, well-prepared, and detailed information throughout the tour, taking meticulous care of all of us. This is why, from now on, I will continue to travel with Veena World. My next plan is to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Japan.
There is nothing enough to praise the management of Veena World. Everyone—from the office staff to the tour managers—is so wonderful that they earn the highest respect. They care for the tourists as much as we care for our own family, and that is the secret of their success.
I went on the European tour by myself, but once on the tour, I did not feel lonely at all. I found a great group and even a friendly room partner. We took many photos together on the tour, and we still keep in touch on WhatsApp. I travel because I want to see the world, and as long as I have the strength in my body, my goal is to travel as much as possible and to see every country in the world.
- Ramesh Vasanta Abade, Pune, Maharashtra
Private Holiday Ideas
New Zealand – For All Types of Travellers
New Zealand, primarily made up of the North Island and South Island, is a perfect destination for every kind of traveller. It is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty, rich Māori culture, thrilling adventure activities, and a variety of extraordinary experiences. The North Island is famous for its vibrant cities, Māori heritage, and geothermal activities, while the South Island is known for its majestic landscapes and adventure tourism. The sparsely populated South Island is truly blessed with nature’s wonders.
Let’s explore some of the most incredible experiences awaiting you on both islands of New Zealand!
North Island:
- Waitomo Caves: Take a magical boat ride through these underground caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the dark cavern ceilings like a starry sky.
- Rotorua: Witness the traditional Haka dance performance and savor a Hāngi meal (a traditional feast cooked in an underground oven). Refresh yourself with a natural hot mineral bath at Polynesian Spa, enjoying stunning views of Lake Rotorua.
- Hobbiton: Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies can visit the actual Hobbiton movie set and step into the world of Middle-earth.
- Bay of Islands: Located north of Auckland, this region is famous for dolphin-watching cruises. Experience the thrill of swimming with playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
South Island:
- Franz Josef Glacier: Take a helicopter ride to this magnificent glacier and experience the adventure of trekking across the ice. Enjoy the unique thrill of landing on the glacier itself!
- Queenstown: Known as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown offers exhilarating activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing for thrill-seekers.
- Marlborough: One of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions, Marlborough is famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc wines. Enjoy exclusive wine tastings and vineyard tours in this picturesque area.
- Kaikoura: Recognized as one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations, Kaikoura offers year-round sightings of sperm whales. You can also spot dolphins, seals, and majestic albatross birds here.
- TranzAlpine Train Journey: One of the most scenic train journeys in the world, this luxury ride offers private compartments, gourmet meals, and personalized service while you travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, witnessing the breathtaking Southern Alps.
The Ultimate Destination for Self-Drive Tours
New Zealand boasts well-maintained roads and picturesque winding routes, making it a paradise for self-drive travelers. With left-hand driving, just like in India, Indian tourists find it extremely convenient to explore the country at their own pace.
With such an array of incredible experiences, Veena World is ready to perfectly plan your private New Zealand holiday!
Spanish Art
The movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara made Spain a hot trending destination. Spain is a country with a rich heritage of offbeat and unique artworks by extraordinary artists. This artistic legacy dates back to prehistoric times, starting with cave paintings. Spain is home to some of the most prestigious monuments and museums in the world.
The Altamira Cave Paintings in Cantabria are absolutely stunning, featuring depictions of bison, horses, and handprints. During the 16th and 17th centuries, known as Spain’s Golden Age, remarkable religious and royal paintings were created. Prominent artists from this era include El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco de Zurbarán.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish art embraced Romanticism and Realism, depicting deep human emotions and political turmoil. The 20th century was marked by Modernism, Cubism, and Surrealism, characterized by bold colors and abstract forms. This era saw the rise of legendary artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí.
If you wish to explore the land of these iconic artists, travel to Spain with Veena World!
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