Travel

India’s most popular hill stations are increasingly becoming victims of their own popularity, with overcrowding, traffic jams, and long queues now defining peak tourist seasons. Against this backdrop, industrialist Anand Mahindra has drawn attention to a quieter alternative that he believes could offer travellers a much-needed escape from congested destinations like Munnar and Ooty.

In a post on X, Mahindra noted that many once-serene tourist hotspots have been overwhelmed by rising footfall, calling it a consequence of their own success. He added that India still has several lesser-known destinations that remain underexplored despite offering equally rich natural beauty.

To kickstart the conversation, Mahindra suggested Valparai in Tamil Nadu as his personal recommendation. He described it as “the Munnar many of us wish we had seen 30 years ago,” highlighting its untouched charm and relatively low tourist density compared to mainstream hill stations.

Located in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of around 3,500 feet, Valparai is known for its winding approach road with 40 hairpin bends from Pollachi. The route passes through dense forests, tea estates, and reservoirs, offering panoramic views that change dramatically with elevation.

The region lies within one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots. Wildlife sightings in and around the area include Asian elephants, gaurs, sambar deer, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. Birdwatchers are also drawn to species such as hornbills found in the surrounding forests.

Unlike heavily commercialised hill stations, Valparai has retained its identity as a plantation town, with sprawling tea estates shaping both its economy and landscape for over a century. Nearby attractions include Aliyar Dam, Sholayar Dam, and viewpoints such as Nallamudi Poonjolai, while the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary adds ecological significance.

Mahindra’s remarks have reignited discussion on overtourism in India’s hill regions, where infrastructure strain and environmental pressure are becoming increasingly visible. Experts note that diversifying tourism to lesser-known destinations could ease pressure on crowded hotspots while boosting local economies.

As travel demand continues to rise, Valparai’s relative isolation may prove to be its greatest asset—for now, keeping it a quiet alternative for travellers seeking space, silence, and unspoiled landscapes.

Vacations are considered a luxury in the hectic world of today. People delay holidays, forgo annual leave; work until they're exhausted, aiming for productivity and success. But increasingly, scientific evidence points to the fact that regular breaks are not just a fun thing to do, they're a significant part of mental health, physical wellbeing and long term productivity.

Interestingly, the concept of a vacation is relatively new, but stepping away from daily obligations to rest, reflect and recharge is not new. Balance, periodic withdrawal, spiritual journeys and personal renewal are important aspects which have been highlighted by elements of Sanatan Dharma for a long time.

Why Vacations are Important?

Studies have been conducted over the years and they all show that frequent vacations help alleviate stress, increase sleep quality, boost mood and decrease the risk of burnout. According to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, additional paid vacation leave was linked to decreased depression among working women.

Other research has found that vacations have a beneficial effect on psychological health, heart health, recovery from work stress, and life satisfaction. Vacations have become a vital component to a person's mental and physical health, not a luxury they can indulge from time to time.

Vacations also give you a chance to take a break from notifying, pressure, and digital overload. These activities give the mind and body a chance to relax, whether it be by traveling or spending time with family, nature, or simply stopping to breathe.

Was there any concept of vacations in Sanatan Dharma?

Apparently, there were no vacations, resorts or holiday packages as part of Sanatan Dharma. It did however value the need to take a break from the world, reconnect with oneself, nature and spirituality from time to time.

An example of this is pilgrimages referred to as Yatras which have been an important part of the Hindu tradition for centuries. The pilgrimages to Char Dham, Kashi, Rameswaram and other spiritual centres provided the opportunity to the devotees to abandon their daily routine and reflect, devote and transform themselves.

In the same way, festivals and religious ceremonies provided natural breaks in day-to-day life. These were occasions that united communities, helped to foster social bonding and offered moments of joy, gratitude and emotional renewal.

Although these practices were spiritual rather than recreational, they were similar in that they helped people to find balance in their lives.

Sanatan Dharma emphasised the importance of not living a monotonous life. The daily ritual of collecting flowers from the garden, going to the temple or river side, and even the practice of visiting loved ones during festivals are all a type of break. Today, the definition might differ  but the essence of taking breaks is the same.

What Modern Society Can Learn

There is a valuable lesson to be learned from scientific research and traditional knowledge; it is that work without rest is not possible. The human body works best when it is alternated with rest.

The modern vacation serves many of the same purposes as spiritual retreats, pilgrimages and seasonal observances did in past times. They provide room to reflect, relax, connect with family, learn and grow.

The aim is not just to get from point A to B but to break out of stressful habits that cause mental exhaustion. Breaks throughout the year can be beneficial for well-being – even short ones.

Thing To Remember

As science increasingly proves, rest is not the opposite of productivity, it's a necessary part of it, as many traditional cultures already knew.

While the meaning of vacation in the modern world is not the same as in Sanatan Dharma, the importance placed on pilgrimage, contempation, spiritual retreats, festivals, and balance in life clearly shows the ancient understanding of the need for humanity to take a break in order to recharge.

A break is not a lack of activity, it can be a holiday, a pilgrimage, a family vacation or a couple of days spent in nature. It's an investment in mental health, emotional resilience and a healthier life.

In a major relief for students appearing in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, the governments of Bihar, Punjab and Haryana have announced free travel facilities on state-run buses for candidates travelling to exam centres.

The decision comes after the cancellation of the May 3 NEET UG examination following allegations of paper leaks in multiple states. The re-exam is scheduled to be held on June 21 in offline mode, with nearly 22 lakh students expected to appear once again.

According to official announcements, candidates in Bihar will be allowed to travel free on state transport buses by showing their NEET admit cards. Similar measures have been introduced in Punjab and Haryana, where Punjab Roadways and Haryana Roadways buses will provide complimentary travel facilities during the examination period.

Punjab has announced free travel from June 20 to June 22, while Haryana will extend the facility from June 20 to June 21. Authorities said the admit card itself will serve as the travel pass, eliminating the need for separate tickets or approvals.

The move is expected to particularly benefit students travelling from rural and remote regions, many of whom face long and expensive journeys to examination centres. Education experts said the initiative could help reduce logistical stress and financial burden on families already affected by the disruption caused by the exam cancellation.

The Centre has also stepped in to ensure smoother arrangements for the re-exam. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to all states and Union Territories urging them to make adequate arrangements for candidates amid severe heatwave conditions prevailing across several parts of the country.

The advisory asked state authorities to ensure the availability of drinking water, shaded waiting areas, fans or coolers, clean washrooms, uninterrupted electricity supply and proper transport arrangements near examination centres. Portable toilets and medical assistance have also been recommended where required.

Officials said the focus this time is not only on conducting a fair and transparent examination but also on ensuring student welfare and safety during extreme summer conditions.

The original NEET UG 2026 examination was cancelled on May 12 after reports of paper leaks and irregularities emerged from multiple states, triggering nationwide concern among students and parents. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is now under pressure to restore confidence in the examination process through tighter security and improved coordination with state administrations.

Indian travel creators, vloggers, podcasters, and digital storytellers now have an opportunity to explore Nepal through a specially curated creator outreach programme launched by the Embassy of Nepal.

The initiative aims to bring selected Indian digital creators to Nepal for an immersive familiarisation trip covering the country’s spiritual destinations, Himalayan landscapes, heritage cities, cuisine, wellness experiences, and adventure tourism circuits. According to the announcement, five creators will be selected for the programme.

The embassy is inviting applications from content creators active across platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X, particularly those working in travel, food, culture, lifestyle, wellness, and adventure storytelling.

The selected participants are expected to document and showcase Nepal’s tourism experiences for Indian audiences through short-form videos, travel vlogs, podcasts, reels, and digital storytelling formats. Organisers say the initiative seeks to strengthen cultural tourism links between India and Nepal while leveraging the growing influence of creator-led travel narratives.

The programme reflects a broader trend where tourism boards and embassies increasingly collaborate with digital creators instead of relying solely on conventional advertising campaigns. By focusing on immersive storytelling, officials hope to highlight Nepal’s lesser-known experiences alongside its globally recognised attractions such as Himalayan tourism and spiritual travel.

The curated itinerary is expected to include visits to heritage sites, religious landmarks, local food trails, and nature-based destinations, offering creators an opportunity to capture both mainstream and hidden aspects of Nepalese culture.

Applications for the programme remain open until May 30, 2026. The embassy has encouraged creators across multiple storytelling formats — including video creators, writers, podcasters, and visual storytellers — to apply.

With creator-driven tourism campaigns becoming increasingly influential among younger travellers, the initiative signals how South Asian tourism diplomacy is adapting to the digital content economy, where travel inspiration is now shaped as much by social media narratives as by traditional tourism marketing.

More than two decades after becoming Kerala’s first baby born through the Assisted Hatching Technique, a young woman has returned to the same fertility clinic — this time as a doctor.

The emotional reunion recently unfolded at a fertility centre in Kerala, where doctors recalled the groundbreaking case that once offered hope to a woman struggling with infertility for 14 years. According to the clinic, the child born through the then-advanced reproductive procedure has now qualified as a medical doctor and revisited the institution where her life journey began.

The fertility specialist who handled the historic case described the moment as a “full-circle experience,” recalling how the child’s mother had undergone years of failed treatments and emotional setbacks before opting for the Assisted Hatching Technique.

At the time, the procedure was considered a major breakthrough in reproductive medicine in Kerala. Assisted hatching is an IVF-related laboratory technique that helps an embryo break through its outer shell before implantation, improving the chances of pregnancy in selected infertility cases.

Doctors at the clinic said the successful birth not only marked a medical milestone for the state but also became a symbol of hope for couples facing infertility challenges.

More than 20 years later, the same child walked back into the clinic as Dr. Mariya, carrying her own stethoscope and preparing for a career in healthcare.

The doctor who delivered her at birth said seeing the former “miracle baby” return as a healthcare professional was deeply emotional and reaffirmed the purpose behind years of work in reproductive medicine.

“She was once the newborn we carefully brought into this world. Today, she stands before us as a doctor ready to heal others,” the fertility specialist said while reflecting on the encounter.

The clinic noted that while reproductive medicine often focuses on procedures, technologies, and success rates, stories like this highlight the long-term human impact behind fertility treatments.

Medical experts say assisted reproductive technologies have transformed infertility care across India over the last two decades, allowing thousands of couples to conceive despite complex medical challenges. Cases such as this, they added, demonstrate how advances in fertility science can shape lives across generations.

For the doctors involved, the reunion served as a reminder that the children born through fertility treatments grow up to build lives, careers, and futures beyond the clinic walls — sometimes even returning to medicine itself.

For Gen Z, travelling has become a theraphy. Beyond the tradition, travelling is now seen as a need; it has sort of quietly turned into identity, escape, emotional reset, and sometimes even survival, like actually.  

A few years ago travelling was seen as a reward. People planned to go out after promotions, after retirement, after saving enough money, or after years of regular, routine work. It was something postponed until life became “stable”.  But Gen Z approaches travel in a different way.

Now young people are booking spontaneous trips between semesters, taking solo vacations after burnout , working remotely from hill stations, and spending their savings on experiences instead of long term possessions. If you scroll social media for like five minutes it becomes obvious , this generation is attached to movement.  

And that naturally leads to the question a lot of people search online now:  Why does Gen Z always want to travel?  The answer has way less to do with luxury and way more to do with psychology.  

Gen Z Grew Up Watching Stability Collapse

Older generations were raised around predictable life structures. Study well, get a secure job, settle down , and then slowly build a comfortable future. Gen Z inherited a far less certain world.  

They grew up watching layoffs happen to qualified professionals. They saw burnout become normalised inside workplaces. They entered adulthood during a pandemic that interrupted education, careers, relationships, and long term planning almost overnight.  

So, a lot of young adults don’t really fully trust the whole idea of delaying happiness forever. For them, travelling isn’t simply recreation. It often feels like reclaiming life before routine completely eats it up. That shift explains much of modern travel culture.

Social media transformed the way GenZ view travel

To be honest, it's easy to say that Instagram is to blame for the addiction of Gen Z to travelling. The desire to explore was not born in social media. It amplified it.

Travel was once far away and costly. Nowadays, creators, freelancers, students and remote workers are all documenting affordable trips, workcations, backpacking experiences, and solo adventures on the internet.

Travelling is no longer just for celebrities or rich tourists. It feels accessible. Meanwhile, social media also altered people's emotional definitions of success. The previous generations had a different idea of success, which was owning property, a house, a car, a permanent job.

Gen Z more and more equates success with experience: freedom, flexibility, memories, mobility and personal growth. Hence, travel content is so successful online. It doesn't just feature places to visit. It's a seller of emotional possibility.

Travelling is a way to get away from the emotions

Modern life is draining in a way that was not experienced by previous generations on a continual basis:

• Notifications never stop.
• Work comes home with people.
• Social comparison exists 24/7.
• Resting can also be performative in an online context.

For a lot of young adults, travelling breaks the emotional cycle. The mental rhythm is altered by a different environment. New locations demand attention. Details are observed again, weather, conversations, food, silence, movement. Even a brief vacation can help you feel disconnected from the stress-filled routine.

The importance of novelty in enhancing cognitive flexibility and preventing mental stagnation has been a topic of discussion among psychologists. Travel is not therapy, but it can affect mood, attitude and emotional reactivity. That's why many Gen Z travellers say that travelling is “healing” even if the trip itself is not easy.

Why Gen Z values experiences over possessions

Economic reality is also a significant factor in the present-day travelling behaviour. Other milestones like owning a home or having a stable financial situation seem to be further away for many young adults. The concept of success has evolved for younger generations due to factors such as increasing expenses, fluctuating employment and work cultures.

Experiences often feel more achievable than long-term permanence.

A trip is possible, but the purchase of a house may not. This psychological turn is what makes many Gen Z adults spend money on travel, concerts, cafés, experiences, and short-term memories. Rather than waiting years to get to the point where you can finally “start living.” It's not necessarily about being financially irresponsible, it's usually emotional practicality based on uncertainty.

Travel is now a part of identity

Another reason for the increased travel amongst Gen Z is that travel is now a part of self-expression. Today's younger tourists are not as interested in tourism and more interested in personal experience. That's why people opt for local cafés over luxury resorts and slow travel over rushed itineraries and cultural immersion over tourist checklists.

It's not just “Look where I went.” It's evolved to become, “Look, how this experience transformed me.” That's also why there's been a surge in people travelling alone in their youth. For many, travelling alone is a sign of independence, confidence, emotional clarity, and personal freedom.

Corona Changed Gen Z’s Relationship with Time

Young people around the world were significantly impacted psychologically by COVID-19. Schools were closed, friendships were lost, internships were canceled, graduations were delayed, travel plans were canceled, and important events were missed during formative years. 

Many young adults began adulthood with a sense of having missed crucial years of their lives. Following that encounter, it seemed like a risk to put off life forever. This attitude continues to shape travel behaviour in the present day.

Gen Z is more and more interested in being flexible, mobile, experiencing, in the moment and

Emotional satisfaction, as uncertainty is now more tangible and visible than in the past to the same age.

So, why does Gen Z always want to travel?

For many young people, travelling is no longer about tourism, it is a symbol of freedom in a generation that is overrun by structure; it's a reflection of screen-dominated lives moving. However, travel is often the one thing that Gen Z doesn't get most of the time from modern life:

the sense of being in the emotional moment.

And maybe this is why this generation continues to pursue airports, road trips, mountains, cafés and strange cities. Not because they're escaping reality but because they're working hard to get back into it.