Undulating verdant hills, misty weather, and a serene golf course has earned Shillong the title of ‘Scotland of the East’. The state capital of Meghalaya, it can be easily reached from Guwahati (in neighbouring Assam), which is about 100km away by road, and the most convenient air and rail link.

The Maldives is to resume visa on arrival for tourists from South Asian countries--its largest market, particularly India-- from 15 July as Covid-19 caseload reduces significantly. Tourists will still be required to present a negative RT-PCR test result.

Shimla/NITN: Tourists can now look forward to a journey by the narrow gauge trains on the Shimla Kalka route as the Indian Railways have resumed operations of four trains from this week.

Dubai/NITN: Starting June 23, Indians will be able to travel to Dubai subject to regulations issued by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

New Delhi/NITN: Lothal in Gujarat has been chosen as the site for building the National Maritime Heritage Complex, the Union Ministry of Culture announced recently.

The hospitality industries in USA and India have experienced declines throughout 2020 while a devastating second wave in India crashed hopes of an early recovery. The industry relies on business travel for a significant portion of their revenue, but the pandemic sent business travellers home to meet online. Morgan Smith, Isabella Ledonne and Maddy Ryley from USA and Vanshika Lohia, Bala Singh and Pratibha Singh from India report on the crisis  

Kolkata/NITN: ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar, part of ITC Hotels, have come up with a specially curated menu on the occasion of Father’s Day.

Hong Kong’s COVID-19 vaccination drive has just taken a leap forward. The government of the Special Administrative Region of China has given the go-ahead to start vaccinating children as young as 12.

Port Louis: Mauritius will be welcoming international travellers from 15 July. The island will be opening in phases during 2021 and the first phase, from 15 July to 30 Sept 2021, will enable vaccinated travellers to enjoy a resort holiday on the island.

London: London’s Heathrow Airport has opened a separate terminal from June 1 for passengers arriving directly from Red List countries as a precautionary measure, according to media reports.

New Delhi/NITN: Starting June 1, air passengers from India are being allowed to visit the Netherlands, according to media reports.

Kolkata/NITN: Airline company Indigo has added a new destination, Darbhanga (Bihar) to their domestic network.

Bhopal/NITN: If you have not seen the pre-historic rock paintings of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, here is a chance to see them right from the comforts of your home.

June 8 was the World Oceans Day. We take a tour of eight popular aquariums in India.

Bangkok/NITN: Thailand’s famous beach resort Phuket will open its borders to fully vaccinated international visitors from low-risk countries starting July 1 this year, subject to conditions.

Rovaniemi (Finland): After a long winter, Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is ready to bask in the glory of spring.