Dekho Apna Desh
Dil se! Pyaar se! Samman se!
Sikkim
Sikkim is a small and beautiful state nestled in the lap of the Himalayas in Northeast India. Towering mountains and vast, lush green tea gardens create a mesmerizing landscape here. Nearly 40% of Sikkim is covered with forests, and the region offers a glimpse of Tibetan culture. To the east of Sikkim lies Bhutan, while Nepal borders it to the west. The northern boundary shares its border with China.
Gangtok, the capital and the largest city of Sikkim, is a vibrant hub. About 40 kilometers from Gangtok lies Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The lake’s color changes with the shifting seasons—deep blue in summer and pristine white when frozen in winter.
Pelling, a charming town in western Sikkim, is famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga. The town is dotted with monasteries, waterfalls, and popular trekking trails. Sikkim’s food culture is deeply influenced by its diverse traditions. The state is also known for its rich biodiversity, with unique flora, alpine meadows, and subtropical forests. Rare species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Blue Sheep inhabit the high-altitude regions.
Among the local delicacies, Tibetan Momos (dumplings stuffed with vegetables or meat) and Thukpa (noodle soup with vegetables or meat) are quite popular. Phagshapa, a pork dish served with rice, and Sel Roti, a traditional Nepali rice doughnut eaten during festivals, are also must-try dishes.
If you wish to explore Sikkim’s scenic wonders and trekking trails, the best time to visit is between March and June, when the weather is pleasant, and the Himalayan landscapes are crystal clear. However, if you want to experience snowfall, plan your trip between November and February.
No matter the season, Sikkim is always a happening destination—so make sure to visit this enchanting state!
Indian Road Trips: What's Trending
India is a land of diversity—on one side, snow-capped mountains, and on the other, vast, endless coastlines. From the valleys of Kashmir to the lush greenery of Kerala, from the vibrant colors of Gujarat to the bustling streets of Kolkata, every corner of the country offers something unique. One of the best ways to explore these offbeat routes is through the trending road trips of today. These journeys allow you to witness some of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and extraordinary regions of India.
You, too, can embark on a road trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories—whether it’s from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Gujarat to Guwahati, or across the Great Indian Peninsula. Some of the most breathtaking and thrilling road trips in the Himalayas include Manali to Leh, Shimla to Spiti Valley, and Leh to Srinagar. These routes take you through stunning mountain landscapes, high-altitude passes, and scenic riverside drives. The Himalayas mesmerize travelers with their adventure, natural beauty, and deep-rooted cultural experiences.
For more details on these incredible road trips, visit our website!
Oh! I didn’t know this…
Teotihuacan
About 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City lies Teotihuacan, one of Pre-Columbian America’s greatest mysteries. This ancient city is renowned for its incredible pyramids and advanced urban planning. The name Teotihuacan comes from the Nahuatl language and means “the place where the gods were created.” Recognizing its extraordinary historical significance, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987.
By 100 BCE, Teotihuacan was home to thousands of people, known for its sophisticated architecture, grid-based street system, and the massive Sun and Moon Pyramids. However, the true origins of its builders remain unknown. The city predates the Aztecs, and no definitive evidence links its inhabitants to any particular civilization, adding to its enduring mystery.
If you visit Teotihuacan, don’t miss the Sun Pyramid, one of the most prestigious pyramids in Mesoamerica. At the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead, you'll find the Moon Pyramid, which is associated with the Goddess of the Moon. The Avenue of the Dead is the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with temples, palaces, and pyramids. A significant landmark here is the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, dedicated to Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity, who held great importance in Teotihuacan’s religious beliefs. Another remarkable structure is the Palace of Jaguars, featuring intricate murals of jaguars and other animals.
The massive Sun Pyramid is believed to have been built for the study of astronomical events related to the sun, while the nearby Moon Pyramid was likely constructed for tracking lunar cycles. These pyramids were probably used for both religious and astronomical purposes.
Despite centuries of prosperity, Teotihuacan's sudden decline remains a mystery. Scholars speculate that environmental overexploitation and resource depletion might have played a key role in its downfall, but the exact reason is still unknown.
If you want to experience this extraordinary historical wonder, be sure to join our Best of Hawaii & Mexico Tour!
Women’s Special: I Am the Boss
I am Madhavi Mutalik, 84 years young. I was born in a small taluka in Karnataka and have been living in Pune for many years. I started traveling at the age of 78 because I used to live alone at home. But once I began going on tours, my loneliness disappeared.
My first tour at 78 was the Women’s Special Kerala tour. It made me feel independent, and after that, there was no looking back. From Kerala, I went on to explore Rajasthan, Kullu-Manali, Andaman-Nicobar, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Europe, and many more Women’s Special tours with Veena World—even a 15-day Rome-Switzerland trip! These tours gave me the confidence that age is not a barrier and truly made me feel like I am the boss! They allowed me to travel independently, make my own decisions, and experience the world on my own terms. I fell in love with Kerala’s lush beauty, Andaman’s stunning landscapes, and Switzerland’s breath-taking charm so much that if given a choice, I’d visit Switzerland all over again!
Before these tours, I only wore sarees—so much so that I would even sleep in one! But on these Women’s Special tours, I experimented with different outfits, which gave me a newfound confidence. In a fashion show, I wore a skirt for the first time; on another occasion, I dressed in a dhoti and cap. I once became a cricketer, and another time, I took charge as a Veena World Tour Manager, proudly holding the tour manager’s flag while wearing jeans! I even won a Creative Queen award once and was honoured as Inspiration Queen twice.
Traveling taught me that there’s no age limit to learning new things. After crossing 80, I learned how to use Facebook, WhatsApp, and email. Since I enjoy playing cards, I even took a class to learn Bridge!
For the first time, I went to the airport alone at midnight for a Veena World tour. Traveling has made me fearless and has helped me rediscover myself—even after turning 75! Today, I don’t worry about what people will say, because this is my journey, my achievement.
Though I have missed traveling since the pandemic, the friends I made on my trips are still in touch with me. Our bond continues, and those of us in Pune even meet at each other’s homes for get-togethers. Veena World has given me such a huge family that I now consider it my second home.
- Madhavi Mutalik, Pune, Maharashtra
Private Customized Holidays
Turkey – A Unique Blend of East and West
Turkey is a mesmerizing destination that offers a perfect mix of rich history, breath-taking landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Whether you're an adventure lover, a history enthusiast, or a luxury traveller, Turkey has something extraordinary for everyone. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the serene beaches of Bodrum, every moment in Turkey will be an unforgettable experience.
Here are some incredible experiences you can enjoy in Turkey:
- Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus
Sail on a luxury cruise along the Bosphorus, where Europe meets Asia, and witness a stunning sunset over Istanbul’s skyline while savoring authentic Turkish cuisine.
- Private Shopping Tour at the Grand Bazaar
Explore one of the world’s oldest markets, the Grand Bazaar, and shop for exquisite Turkish jewelry, handwoven carpets, and rare antiques.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
Experience the magic of Cappadocia at sunrise in a private hot air balloon, floating above fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
- Stay in a Luxury Cave Hotel
Enjoy a unique stay in Cappadocia’s luxury cave hotels, carved into natural soft rocks, offering modern amenities and breathtaking panoramic terraces.
- Offbeat 4x4 Jeep Adventure
Embark on a thrilling jeep safari through Cappadocia’s hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, and mysterious valleys.
- Sunrise in a Vintage Car
Witness one of the most spectacular sunrises of your life as the sky fills with colorful hot air balloons.
- Exclusive Wine Tasting
Attend private wine-tasting sessions at the Urla Vineyards near Izmir or the Turasan Winery in Cappadocia to savour the finest Turkish wines.
- Luxury Escape in Bodrum
Relax on Bodrum’s stunning beaches, unwind at private beach clubs, or enjoy a luxury yacht tour to nearby islands.
- Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle & Spa Retreat
Soak in the natural thermal springs of Pamukkale’s white terraces and indulge in a luxury spa retreat.
- Step into History at Ephesus
Discover the ancient city of Ephesus with a private historian guide and immerse yourself in its legendary past.
- Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience
Rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath and massage at one of the country’s famous historic hammams.
- Savour Turkish Cuisine
Enjoy innovative Turkish dishes paired with fine wines and indulge in classic desserts like Künefe and Turkish Delight.
Which of these incredible experiences would you like to include in your Turkey holiday? For more exciting and customized experiences, connect with the Veena World Customized Holidays team today!
21 videos
Post your Comment
Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.