Category Archives: travel

A Cultural Pause on the Travel Calendar: Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel on Harvest Journeys

As India enters its annual harvest-festival season, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel observe that this period presents travellers with a unique opportunity for short, culturally immersive journeys. Rooted in gratitude, seasonality, and community, these celebrations unfold not in stadiums or auditoriums, but in homes, village squares, rooftops, and riverbanks—making mid-January an especially meaningful time to explore India at a slower, more intimate pace.

1. Tamil Nadu — Where Mornings Begin with Pongal

In Tamil Nadu, the harvest season begins with quiet, early-morning rituals—intricate kolams drawn at doorsteps, rice simmering in earthen pots, and temple bells echoing through neighbourhoods. Travellers visiting destinations such as Madurai and Thanjavur often find that the essence of the celebration lies in observing everyday traditions, from dawn temple visits to shared festive meals and heritage walks through historic streets.

2. Ahmedabad — When the City Looks Up

Uttarayan brings a visible transformation to Ahmedabad’s skyline, as rooftops turn into vibrant gathering spaces. Kite flying, conversations across terraces, and simple festive fare define the celebration. Beyond the rooftops, travellers often explore the old city, stepwells, and riverfronts, creating a well-rounded urban escape shaped by local culture.

3. Punjab — Lohri by Firelight

As winter evenings deepen, Lohri celebrations draw communities together around glowing bonfires. In cities like Amritsar and the countryside around Chandigarh, travellers experience folk songs, traditional dances, and shared meals in warm, intimate settings. The festival pairs naturally with daytime explorations of Punjabi cuisine, cultural landmarks, and rural life.

4. Assam — Magh Bihu Along the River

Magh Bihu in Assam is marked by community feasts, traditional games, and open-air gatherings. Travellers often combine the festival with Brahmaputra river journeys, visits to tea estates, and time near wildlife reserves, where celebrations remain closely tied to nature and the agricultural calendar.

5. Prayagraj — Along the Sangam at the Magh Mela

During the harvest-festival phase, the Sangam in Prayagraj becomes the focal point of the Magh Mela, often described as a smaller yet deeply significant counterpart to the Kumbh. Travellers encounter ritual bathing, spiritual discourses, and cultural performances across temporary riverbank settlements—offering an immersive view of faith, community, and tradition converging.

6. Gangasagar — Where the River Meets the Sea

At Gangasagar, where the Ganga meets the Bay of Bengal, pilgrims gather for ritual dips and prayers amid elemental contrasts of water, wind, and devotion. Travellers visiting during this time experience a deeply atmospheric journey, often pairing it with time in Kolkata or coastal explorations, making it a reflective addition to mid-January travel.

7. Rajasthan — Kites Against Heritage Backdrops

Across Rajasthan, harvest festivities unfold against dramatic backdrops of forts, palaces, and bustling bazaars. Kite-filled skies, temple visits, and seasonal delicacies add a festive layer to destinations such as Jaipur and Jodhpur, allowing travellers to blend heritage exploration with local celebrations.

According to Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, the mid-January harvest-festival period is particularly well-suited for short, experience-led travel. Defined by simple, authentic moments—shared rooftops, riverside gatherings, and evening bonfires—these journeys invite travellers to connect with India’s living traditions while exploring the country at an unhurried, meaningful pace.

Kittilä – Experiencing Lapland Beyond the Northern Lights

New Delhi, Dec 24:- Kittilä offers travellers a rare opportunity to experience the Arctic in its most pristine form. Surrounded by sweeping fells, untouched wilderness and some of the cleanest air in the world, it is an ideal escape from the pace of city life. Whether you choose to explore the vast landscapes of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park or enjoy the lively experiences at Levi Ski Resort, Kittilä promises unforgettable moments, be it a peaceful retreat in nature or an activity-led holiday set against breathtaking scenery.

Levi – Lapland’s Most Popular All-Season Resort

Less than 15 kilometres from Kittilä Airport, Levi Ski Resort is one of Finland’s most popular year-round destinations, attracting both domestic and international travellers.

In winter, Levi offers skiing for all abilities across 43 slopes, from the sunny South Slopes to the adrenaline-packed Levi Black, home to annual World Cup races. Children can learn safely at Kids’ Land and Leevilandia, while a visit to Santa’s iconic cabin from Christmas Story adds a magical Lapland touch.

Summer turns Levi into an outdoor adventure hub, with downhill biking trails accessed by gondola and hiking routes ranging from short summit walks to longer fell trails, including scenic paths at nearby Kätkätunturi.

Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, reindeer and husky experiences, dog sledding, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and adventure parks, reinforcing Levi’s appeal as a true all-season getaway.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park  Finland’s Most Celebrated Wilderness

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park lies about 40 minutes from Levi and captures the essence of Lapland with its rolling fells, clear lakes and well-marked trails. Striking in every season, from the midnight sun and autumn colours to winter’s northern lights, the park is home to the iconic Pallastunturi silhouette, one of Finland’s national landscapes, and famed for its exceptionally clean air. Views from Taivaskero, the highest peak of the Pallastunturi range, are particularly memorable.

Adventure seekers can tackle the classic 50-kilometre Hetta Pallas route, explore extensive mountain biking trails, or enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. In summer, visitors can swim in Hietajärvi, hike to wilderness huts such as Pahakuru and Tappuri, and unwind at the Hannukuru wilderness sauna, with well-equipped cabins and open huts supporting longer stays.

Signature Arctic Experiences

About 40 minutes from Levi, beside Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Jerisjärvi is home to Arctic Sauna World a tranquil retreat featuring four element-inspired saunas with fell views and invigorating lake dips. Visitors can also unwind with HaliPuu Forest Cocooning in a forest hammock or try Arctic ice floating for a deeply calming experience on Lake Jerisjärvi.

Winter brings hands-on magic, from building a snow igloo to visiting Lapland Hotels Snow Village, rebuilt each year with a new ice-and-snow theme. Families can enjoy the Elves Experience Village near Levi, while those seeking immersive thrills can explore Arcandia.

Stay beneath the Arctic sky at Levin Iglut or opt for Design Hotel Levi or Hotel Levi Panorama for fell-side views. Art enthusiasts can visit the Särestöniemi Museum in Kaukonen, dedicated to renowned Lapland painter Reidar Särestöniemi.

Finnair flies to Kittilä all year round. With the airline’s direct flights from Delhi to Helsinki, this exceptional destination is now more accessible than ever for Indian travellers.

Avinesh Rekhi Explores the Spiritual Significance of Ashtavinayak Temples in Sony SAB’s Ganesh Kartikey

Mumbai, Dec 24: As Sony SAB’s mythological series Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki  Ganesh Kartikey brings the spiritually enriching Ashtavinayak journey to life, actor Avinesh Rekhi, portraying Lord Shiv, undertook a meaningful visit to two of the most revered shrines  the Pali and Mahad Ashtavinayak temples  exploring the spiritual significance of these distinct forms of Lord Ganesha.

At the Pali Ashtavinayak temple, dedicated to Ballaleshwar Ganpati, Avinesh reflected on the essence of unwavering devotion and childlike faith. This form of Ganpati symbolizes pure bhakti, serving as a reminder that sincere devotion transcends age, status, and circumstance. The journey then continued to the Mahad Ashtavinayak temple, home to Varadvinayak Ganpati  the bestower of boons. Here, Avinesh highlighted the importance of seeking inner strength and clarity before asking for divine blessings, as Varadvinayak’s presence is believed to inspire courage and wisdom.

The visit offered Avinesh a deeper understanding of the diverse manifestations of Lord Ganesha and their timeless relevance in today’s world. Each Ashtavinayak temple carries a unique spiritual message, collectively forming a journey of faith that has been cherished across generations.

Speaking about the experience, Avinesh Rekhi said;

“The stories of the Ashtavinayak are far more than mythological legends they are journeys of faith, patience, responsibility, and complete surrender. Visiting Varadvinayak in Mahad and Ballaleshwar in Pali was truly humbling, as these sacred temples carry the prayers and devotion of countless generations. In the show, we have aimed to present the Ashtavinayak saga with the same purity and reverence that form the soul of India’s cultural heritage. Through sincere and heartfelt storytelling, we hope viewers feel a deeper connection to these timeless stories, experiencing them in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.”