Published in the Sunday Sakal on 04 August, 2024

Veena World Travel Mission  
Travel… The Best Teacher! 

There's a saying in Marathi, ‘Kelyane Deshtan Manuja Chaturya Yetase Faar’, which means, ‘Travel indeed teaches us a lot of things’. I believe in this old saying because I have experienced it first-hand during many years of traveling the world. I travel to meet different people, learn about their cultures, and understand their traditions.  

Living in Bharuch, I have booked all my tours through Veena World's sales partner in Surat, Pretty Planet. Veena World's management and service are so professional that I have never needed to visit Pretty Planet's office in person. Everything is handled efficiently through phone calls and WhatsApp.  

To date, I have visited 27 countries, celebrating my silver jubilee of travels. Now, I am eager to reach my golden jubilee. For that, I have booked Veena World's "Tunisia, Malta, Sicily" tour in September, and in November, I will embark on the 21-day "Best of South America" tour. These tours will bring the total number of countries I have visited to 35. 

Of all the countries I have visited, Egypt stands out for its historical architecture and ancient traditions. The breath-taking landscapes of Scandinavia and the unforgettable vision of Antarctica's supernatural nature also hold a special place in my memories. The trip to Antarctica was particularly memorable because Antarctica experts on our cruise provided us with in-depth knowledge about the continent through their lectures.  

My main purpose for traveling is to gain knowledge and information. I love talking to everyone, from my room partner to the person sitting next to me on the coach. Everyone has a different reason for traveling, and by talking to others, I broaden my own understanding. Wherever I go, I make sure to visit the local markets. There, I buy souvenirs for my grandchildren and daughter-in-law and get a genuine glimpse into the lives of the locals.

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Egypt: Land of Pharaohs 
With World Customized Holidays 

Egypt is a country that has captivated the world with its magnificent structures, built by one of the oldest civilizations. This unique country straddles both Africa and Asia and is characterized by its vast deserts. The lifeblood of Egypt is the Nile River, which flows for about 6,600 kilometres through this arid landscape. 

In Egypt, you can explore the awe-inspiring pyramids, the stunning Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, and the ancient ruins in the Valley of the Queens. An Egyptian holiday feels like a journey back in time with modern comforts, as if you were sitting in a time machine.  

The main attraction of a holiday in Egypt is the Giza Pyramids. Located near Cairo, the capital of Egypt, these immense pyramids were built around 2500 BC. You can book a private tour of these pyramids, and an informative trip with a knowledgeable Egyptologist adds depth to your Egyptian adventure. For accommodation, the historic Marriott's Mena House Hotel, established in 1886, is a must. Surrounded by a 40-acre garden, this hotel offers a spectacular view of the pyramids. Staying here will make your visit to Egypt truly royal, as it has hosted illustrious guests such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Winston Churchill, and James Bond actor Roger Moore. 

In Luxor, you can stay at the Sofitel Winter Palace. In the Valley of the Kings, a hot air balloon ride at sunrise offers a breath-taking view, while a Nile River Cruise lets you enjoy the breeze along the world's longest river. A traditional two-deck boat, the Dahabiya, allows you to visit ancient temples and villages along the riverbanks. The boat’s comfort and delicious food make this trip memorable.

Egypt also boasts an animated coastline. With a private yacht, you can experience the thrill of diving or snorkelling while on an ocean safari, exploring sunken boats and natural coral reefs. The town of Hurghada on the Red Sea is popular for windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.

Another amazing tourist attraction is Sharm El Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, which is part of Egypt in Asia. Tourists flock to this seaside village to explore the underwater world, home to 250 different coral reefs and about a thousand species of fish. The diving experience here is truly unique. 

For an exciting experience, choose a holiday in Egypt. The Veena World Customized Holidays team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

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Ladakh! One of the Highest Pilgrimage Sites in the Himalayas 

We've embraced the challenge of taking as many tourists to Ladakh as possible. Due to COVID-19 and the collapse of an airline, tourism in Ladakh has suffered for the past three to four years, causing significant difficulties for the locals. This year, we must include Ladakh in our travel plans. 

Since the government declared Leh as the Union Territory of Ladakh, many improvements have been made. The roads are now much better, eliminating the issues that once made travel difficult. Now, what Ladakh needs is a steady influx of tourists. The tourism economy in Ladakh, which is entirely dependent on tourism and only thrives for five to six months a year, should support local small businesses. Our visits can uplift their spirits. 

Travel alone, with a group, or through any travel company, but make Ladakh a top priority on your travel list. Remember, we are not doing any favors for Ladakh. The Ladakhi people are humble but not helpless. The joy and natural beauty we experience, and the memories we create in Ladakh, are all invaluable. 

Visiting Ladakh is a golden opportunity to meet and express gratitude to the Indian soldiers who fiercely defend our motherland. Let us contribute to the economy of Leh Ladakh, which relies on tourism, and proudly say, "We have also been to Leh Ladakh!" 

I haven't detailed what to see in Ladakh because discovering it for yourself is part of the adventure. So Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado! Ladakh is calling…