Veena World Travel Mission - Cultural Confluence through Tourism

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 21 July, 2024

Tourism brings us happiness, and when we cross the borders of our country to explore a new one, we get to know the traditions, history, lifestyle, and food culture of that country. The locals are also curious about the tourists visiting their homeland. This mutual curiosity makes tourism a great tool for cultural integration.

Whenever we travel abroad, Mrs. Sharda wears a traditional Marathi saree with a nine-yard drape and nath (nose ring), giving people a glimpse of Maharashtra's culture. As for me, Maruti Beldare, I like to wear the local attire of the country we are visiting. For instance, during our trip to Dubai, I wore the traditional 'kandura' everywhere.

We live in a village near Pune and are very fond of travelling the world. So far, we have visited 76 countries. It is our dream to visit 100 countries as soon as possible. To achieve this, we have been using the services of Veena World's Pune office for the past few years. Due to our busy schedules, we always book our trips by contacting Reshma Butala at the office. She is aware of our goal of visiting 100 countries, so she promptly informs us of new tour opportunities. Our trips for this year, 2024 (Qatar in November, Tanzania and Zanzibar in December), are already booked, and we have also started planning for 2025 by booking a trip to the Philippines in January.

We only speak Marathi, which is why we prefer Veena World, as their tour managers provide instructions and information in Marathi. We deeply miss Vivek Kochrekar, who passed away prematurely, as he was our trusted travel consultant. Of all the countries we have visited, New Zealand is our favourite, with Switzerland's nature also being remarkable. After every trip, we bring back a note of currency from that country as a memento. - Mr. Maruti Beldare and Mrs. Sharda Beldare, Pune 

Scotland Castle Stay with Veena World Customized Holidays 

Scotland, the second-largest country in the United Kingdom, conjures images of a Scotsman in traditional attire playing the bagpipes. The country is renowned for its historic castles, some dating back to Roman times. To truly experience the royal and comfortable lifestyle of Scotland’s history, a stay in one of these castles is a must.

Many of Scotland's historic castles have been converted into five-star luxury hotels. Some offer bed and breakfast accommodations, while others have campsites nearby. Activities like horse riding, archery, and falconry displays can give you a taste of the old lifestyle. Additionally, indoor activities such as whiskey tasting, ceilidh dancing, and bagpipe music can be enjoyed. One of the highlights of a castle stay is the opportunity to savour authentic Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, adding flavour to your holiday. 

A must-visit place in Scotland is the 19th-century Inverlochy Castle near Fort William in the Highlands. Staying at this castle allows you to re-experience its glorious history. Queen Victoria fell in love with Inverlochy Castle when she visited in 1873. Later, dignitaries such as Liam Neeson, Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, and J.K. Rowling also stayed in this magnificent castle with its seventeen rooms.

You also have the chance to live in one of the oldest houses in Scotland. The unique experience of staying at Traquair House, where the Stuart family has lived since 1491, makes your holiday memorable. Twenty-seven kings and queens have stayed in this house, including the famous Mary, Queen of Scots. For an authentic experience, a stay in Traquair House is a must.

Scotland is not only rich in history but also blessed with beautiful nature. You can visit the Sound of Mull's wildlife, including birds, otters, and red deer, while staying at Mingary Castle on the beach.

Ghost stories in Scottish castles are well known. For a haunted experience, stay at Dalhousie Castle in Edinburgh. The accommodations here are exceptional, with a restaurant, spa, and falconry centre.

Although the main part of Balmoral Castle, known as the British Royal Family's Scottish Home, is not open to the public, you can stay in several cottages on the estate. While staying there, take a guided tour of the castle to learn about the lifestyle of the Royal Family and the history of the castle.

To experience Scotland's royal tradition by staying at these castles and enjoying a royal holiday, be sure to contact Veena World's customized holiday team. 

 What to See? How to See?

The Americas  

India and the world share much in common, especially when it comes to tourism. Our India offers a diverse and balanced picture. No matter the season, any state in India welcomes visitors. While it might be raining heavily in one part of the country, Leh Ladakh greets tourists with open arms. Simultaneously, tourists in Europe, the USA, Iceland, Greenland, and Scandinavia are enjoying their travels. In a few days, the peak season will begin in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting visitors to destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South America, Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, and even Antarctica.

Countries such as the USA, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico, often referred to as 'the Americas,' have a rich history that many of us have studied. Among these, North America remains a top destination for Indians. South America, though a distant continent with diverse languages and higher travel costs, has seen limited tourism from India. However, in the past two to three years, the demand for these destinations has grown, prompting us to expand our tour offerings. 

South America is a treasure trove for tourists, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. It boasts the longest mountain range, the Andes, to the west, and the largest river and rainforest, the Amazon, to the east. The continent features the driest desert, Atacama, and the wettest place, López de Micay. It is home to the highest navigable lake, Titicaca, and the highest capital city, La Paz. At the southern tip of the world lies Puerto Toro, a Chilean village with just fifty-one residents. Must-see attractions include Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Christ the Redeemer, Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, El Calafate, and the Panama Canal.  

This vast continent offers endless wonders for travellers. So, Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado! It’s time to explore South America with Veena World.