Tag: beyond

Beyond cherry blossoms: Japan has some of the most underrated beaches

Loknath Das

Known for its rich culture, Japan is also popular for its amazing beaches. Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. Here are four most underrated and must visit beaches in the country: Goshiki-hama Beach A famous spot for a sunset view Goshikihama is a beach of colourful pebbles. The name Goshiki (meaning five colours) comes from the fact that the pebbles filling the beach shine in five different colours like gems when washed in…

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10 Income Tax-Saving Options Beyond Section 80C Limit

Loknath Das

Many taxpayers exhaust the Rs. 1.5 lakh tax deduction limit under Section 80C (Representational image) Income tax deductions on life insurance premium, an employee’s contribution towards EPF (Employee Provident Fund), PPF (Public Provident Fund), children’s tuition fees, pension plans, principal repayment on home loans and a host of other investment options are covered under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Many taxpayers exhaust the Rs. 1.5 lakh tax deduction limit under Section 80C. Additional investment in the various options will not provide further tax benefits. Here are some of…

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Hillsides, nature trails and country parks: The world beyond Hong Kong’s famous skyscrapers

Loknath Das

There is more to Hong Kong than its stunning skyscrapers. Wooded hillsides, craggy ridges and wheeling birds of prey may seem like a world away from its trademark skyscrapers but the city’s country parks are a necessary balm for its stressed out residents. With some of the world’s highest property prices, many can only afford tiny apartments, some living in infamous “cage homes” big enough only for a bed. Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle and long working hours also take their toll. Fortunately, within easy reach of the densely packed tower…

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Travellers, take note: Here’s what to do in Peru beyond visiting Machu Picchu

Loknath Das

Whether it’s an experienced traveller or an enthusiastic backpacker, thousands of tourists visit Peru for a peek of its awe-inspiring archaeological star attraction — Machu Picchu. But the fact is that Peru is a country replete with hidden treasures waiting to be explored and experienced. Look past the mesmerising sight of stunning vistas atop the majestic mountain peaks of one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, and you will find much more to be discovered. With a rich abundance of sights and sounds spread across this diverse country, we are certain that…

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Asian growth pushes global tourism beyond 1.2bn arrivals

subhadip

The world’s destinations welcomed a combined total of 1.235 billion international overnight visitors in 2016, driven by the strength of the Asian market. According to the full-year data released this week by the UNWTO, global tourist arrivals increased by 3.9% in 2016, as an additional 46 million travelled overseas compared to 2015. And this growth was led by destinations in the Asia Pacific region, which increased 8% year-on-year, with an additional 24m arrivals taking the region’s total to 303m. This means that Asian destinations now handle approximately a quarter of…

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10 of the best Russia holiday destinations – beyond Moscow and St Petersburg

subhadip

Majestic lakes, mountains, history and even ecotourism resorts, opt for Russia’s lesser-known cities and nature parks and there’s enough to keep you exploring for weeks. Share your Russia tips in the comments below Marvel at … Marble canyon, Ruskeala, Karelia. Photograph: Shamukov Ruslan/Corbis Ruskeala, Karelia Why go? Karelia, a republic in north-west Russia, is known as one the country’s most beautiful places. The nature here is breathtaking and more Finnish than Russian, with lakes, waterfalls and trees growing on giant rocks. Ruskeala is a village close to Sortavala, one of…

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0 of the best Russia holiday destinations – beyond Moscow and St Petersburg

subhadip

Majestic lakes, mountains, history and even ecotourism resorts, opt for Russia’s lesser-known cities and nature parks and there’s enough to keep you exploring for weeks. Share your Russia tips in the comments below Marvel at … Marble canyon, Ruskeala, Karelia. Photograph: Shamukov Ruslan/Corbis Ruskeala, Karelia Why go? Karelia, a republic in north-west Russia, is known as one the country’s most beautiful places. The nature here is breathtaking and more Finnish than Russian, with lakes, waterfalls and trees growing on giant rocks. Ruskeala is a village close to Sortavala, one of…

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