attraction, but a visit to the Naida Caves behind it, the
Church of St Francis of Assissi (the oldest church in Diu),
and the secluded Gomptimata Beach for its serene stretch
of white sand, is a must. Just beyond Gujarat, the union
territory is also a major getaway from the state if you’re
looking for a nightclub that serves liquor.
WHAT TO DO If Goa is not your ideal destination with the
little ones, this less-crowded doppelganger has pretty
beaches like Nagoa, Ghoghla, Jallandhar, Simbor among
others where they can engage in water sports (banana
boating, jet skiing, speed boating) or parasailing, and get an
aerial view of the island from a hot air balloon.Majuli ASSAM
If you care for breathtaking scenery, sublime sunsets,
picturesque photographs, and to be on an island before
it sinks (which it is), pay a visit to the largest river island
in the world, situated between the Brahmaputra and
Kherkutia Xuti tributaries in Assam. One of the least
commercialised places in the country, Majuli is a harbinger
of the 16th century Assamese civilisation for its festivals and
prayer ceremonies. This is where you can learn a thing or
two about the neo-Vaishnavite philosophy—22 Vaishnava
Satras are located on this island. The local cuisine is unique
in its Khar, Laksa, Tenga, and Pitha.
WHAT TO DO Time your vacation with one of the popular
festivals like Raas Purnima which is not only a crowd
puller, but because cultural dance troupes from all over
Assam come to the island to showcase performances to
depict Lord Krishna’s life. The other festivals to look out for
are Paal Naam and Bathow Puja.Netrani Island KARNATAKA
Who knew this little island off the Karnatic coast could be the
visiting waters for whale sharks, turtles, cobias, string rays,
stonefi sh, the Napoleon Wrasse, and the Great Barracuda!Majuli AssamSHUTTERSTOCK
HEAVENLY INTERLUDE
The snow-clad TITLIS offers highest Alpine views and
a range of activities, how you get there is another
fascinating story—welcome to the TITLIS Xpress.For more information, http://www.titlis.chPROMOTIOND
on’t forget your sunglasses onboard the TITLIS Xpress; the
sweeping view of the snow-clad Mt TITLIS from Switzerland’s
new cable car, has a fantastic sparkle. Launched in December
last year, this 8-seater marks another masterpiece of Swiss
engineering, taking you from the base station in Engelberg valley
to the glacial world of TITLIS in a pleasant 30-minute ride. You may
choose to go to the Trübsee or Stand stations, without any transfer, to
enjoy various snow activities. As a treat to every mountain lover, the
Xpress train is only part of the journey. From Stand station, you can
take a fi ve-minute ride on the TITLIS ROTAIR, a revolving cable car
(also the world’s fi rst) to climb higher and reach the TITLIS summit,
the highest reachable point at 3,030 metres above sea level.
Activities are aplenty on the glacier and one will be spoilt for
choice. Make a 150-step Cliff Walk at a height of 3,041 metres on a
narrow suspension bridge to reach the Ice Flyer, a chair car. If you
feel inspired, walk further to reach the vantage point at Stotzig Egg,
or hop on to the chair car for a pulsating view atop the glacier valley—
heaven, is right here. In summer, the Ice Flyer takes you directly from
the base station to the TITLIS Glacier Park where you fi nd your inner
child as you pursue numerous snow activities—snake gliss, mini bob
or snow-tubing. When you want to get off the snow, embark on hiking,
mountain biking, or rowing trips near Trübsee, with a picnic in tow.
Winters are equally engaging; skiing, snow-boarding, toboganning,
winter walking are popular with families, with an après ski meal in one
of the mountain restaurants after a hectic day on the snow. Couples
with toddles can take a leisurely walk to the Igloo Village and the
Glacier Cave as well.