Travel Guides & Articles
Govt allows select minorities to stay in India without passport
The Union Home Ministry on Monday, September 1, issued an order announcing that the government now exempts minority communities, namely, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian fleeing religious persecution from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, who entered the country by December 31, 2024, without requiring valid passports or travel documents.
“A person belonging to a minority community in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, namely, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian, who was compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution and entered into India on or before the 31st December, 2024,” read the order from the home ministry.
Interestingly, the order did not name Muslims. This is in line with the BJP-led government’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that was passed in 2019 to facilitate this. It had le to severe protests from Muslims and other citizens who said the law is discriminatory in nature and that it can also be misused to disenfranchise Muslims in the country.
In fact, over the last few months the central government and BJP-led state governments have been targeting Indian Muslims from West Bengal who were being picked up on false allegations of being Bangladeshi citizens. Several prominent activists including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are currently in jail having spent nearly five years in prison on charges of inciting riots in Delhi amid the anti-CAA protests.
It was issued as part of a series of directives made public by the Union Home Ministry, under the newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into effect on Monday, September 1.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to grant the Union government the power to control the entry and exit of individuals into and from India by regulations that outline requirements for travel documents, such as passports, and govern various aspects of foreign nationals’ stay, including visa rules, registration procedures, and other related matters.
Previously, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which was enforced last year, extended the eligibility for citizenship only to non-Muslim minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
While the recent directive allows certain individuals to stay in India without documentation if they arrived by December 31, 2024, it doesn’t guarantee citizenship.
In contrast, the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act offers a path to citizenship for persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 2014.
The CAA’s exclusion of Muslims sparked widespread protests and concerns about discrimination, secularism, and potential disenfranchisement.
India based travel distribution platform TBO has agreed to acquire Classic Vacations from Phoenix-based investment firm, The Najafi Companies.
The transaction value is estimated at up to $125 million.
The acquisition brings together TBO’s technology platform and worldwide inventory with Classic Vacations network of luxury travel advisors and suppliers.
Classic Vacations delivered revenue of $111 million and an operating EBITDA of $11.2 million in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
“We’re thrilled to bring Classic Vacations into the TBO family – the company’s longstanding delivery of outstanding services has earned the trust of its more than 10,000 travel advisors in the U.S,” said Gaurav Bhatnagar, TBO’s co-founder and joint managing director.
“Classic Vacations is led by a strong team of experts and will continue as an independent brand.”
“As we start working on integrating Classic Vacations with TBO, we will remain open to similar strategic alliances going forward,” added Ankush Nijhawan, co-founder and co-managing director.
Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, added: “Together, we’re strengthening Classic Vacations’ position as the premier luxury partner in the market while extending our reach onto the global stage.”
Classic Vacations was bought by The Najafi Companies in 2021 from Expedia Group.
Classic Vacations has a large network of high-value travel advisors and deep ties with major American consortia.
It delivers premium service across hotels, air, experiences, car rentals, and travel protection, specializing in bespoke luxury itineraries.
Related News Stories: Partner News – TravelMole
India is a haven for eco-conscious travelers seeking sustainable travel experiences. From lush rainforests to pristine Himalayan valleys, these are the places where natural beauty and responsible tourism go hand in hand. Here is a list of India’s greenest escapes, ideal for travelers who wish to explore and make the most of the outdoors while minimizing their environmental impact.
Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Known as Asia’s Cleanest Village, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is a model of sustainable living. Look around you and you will find bamboo dustbins. People do not litter here and they expect the tourists also to respect the village’s ways and not litter. Plastic is banned here. Take out time to explore the living root bridges, and interact with the local community. There are eco-lodges and homestays where visitors can stay, these stays offer authentic experiences.
Thenmala, Kerala
This is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, Thenmala in Kerala’s Western Ghats offers a sustainable escape amidst evergreen forests. Also known as “Honey Hill,” it features attractions like the Thenmala Dam, Butterfly Safari Park, and Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary. For those interested, there are activities like boating, trekking, and rock climbing.
Sikkim
The entire state of Sikkim is a beacon of eco-tourism. Sikkim is recognized for its organic farming and conservation efforts. No wonder, it is also India’s first fully organic state. Sikkim is home to the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also boasts diverse flora and fauna, including red pandas and snow leopards. There is no dearth of eco-friendly guesthouses, responsible trekking opportunities, and cultural immersion with Lepcha and Bhutia communities. And last but not least, Sikkim is very clean, thanks to the eco-conscious communities.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is known for its tea plantations, lush valleys, and biodiversity. It is where you will find the rare Neelakurinji flower and species like the Nilgiri Tahr. Munnar is a great place for those seeking romantic getaways, but it is equally perfect for those seeking adventure activities like trekking and wildlife watching. Eco-resorts and sustainable practices, like waste management and local sourcing, ensure a low environmental footprint.
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Monsoon may not be the right time to visit Spiti Valley, but come drier months, Spiti is one of the best in the country. This cold desert in the Himalayas, balances tourism with ecological preservation. Solar-powered homestays and community-based tourism initiatives support local livelihoods while protecting the fragile ecosystem. Travelers can explore ancient monasteries, trek through rugged terrains, and engage with sustainable practices, making Spiti a unique eco-destination. Here, it’s all about green energy and sustainable practices, because the greenery that comes with nature is a bit rare here, thanks to it being a cold desert.
Travel Guides & Articles
Top 10 adventure tourism destinations in India that can be enjoyed from Sept-Dec
For those who crave adrenaline over relaxation, India offers an incredible mix of high-energy adventure tourism destinations that are set against diverse landscapes. From snow-covered mountains to tropical seas and desert skies, the country is packed with opportunities to test your limits. Whether it’s plunging into rushing rivers, soaring above valleys, or diving beneath turquoise waters, every kind of thrill-seeker can find their perfect escape here. (Image: Reuters)
In case you are looking for a destination where you can enjoy an extended vacation and are not sure when to plan, the CNBC-TV18TravelDesk has handpicked 10 such destinations that you can enjoy an adrenaline rush all through the months of September to December. Not to say that these destinations are in accessible post December, it’s just that they either get crowded or the weather gets extreme, so plan your trip not and enjoy a holiday in the next three-four months. The 10 destinations are:
1. Rishikesh | Often called India’s adventure capital, Rishikesh is best known for white-water rafting on the Ganges. Visitors can also try cliff jumping, kayaking, or India’s first extreme bungee jump. For thrill-seekers, the kilometre-long flying fox ride is a must.
2. Auli | Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli is a skier’s paradise with slopes suited to both learners and experts. Its snow-clad landscape and crisp mountain air make it unforgettable. The ropeway ride here, among the longest in Asia, offers spectacular alpine views.
3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands | These tropical islands are a haven for divers and snorkellers, with vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. Scuba diving and sea walking bring travellers face-to-face with the ocean’s beauty. Crystal-clear waters make it one of India’s best spots for underwater adventures.
4. Sikkim | Adventure blends with scenery in Sikkim, where the Teesta River offers some of India’s finest rafting experiences. Paragliding over the valleys adds a dose of high-altitude adrenaline. The state also invites visitors to try mountain biking and skydiving amid the Himalayas.
5. Goa | Beyond its famous beaches, Goa caters to thrill-seekers with parasailing, jet skiing and windsurfing. Its unique bungee jump over a lake is a rare experience in India. The blend of sea, sand, and adventure makes Goa a complete package.
6. Jaipur | The Pink City surprises with hot air balloon rides that give sweeping views of forts, palaces and desert stretches. Adventurers can also explore the region on camel or elephant rides. Combining heritage with adventure, Jaipur offers a truly distinctive experience.
7. Munnar | Munnar’s rugged terrain and lush tea gardens make it a natural playground for trekkers and climbers. Rock climbing, rappelling and cycling through winding trails are popular draws. Waterfalls and scenic viewpoints add beauty to the adventure.
8. Leh–Ladakh | High-altitude deserts and mountain passes make Ladakh a mecca for bikers and trekkers. Riding over Khardung La or rafting in the icy Zanskar River pushes endurance to the limit. Its stark landscapes offer both challenge and awe.
9. Meghalaya | Known for its natural wonders, Meghalaya excites adventurers with caving, canyoning and trekking. Exploring the living root bridges feels like stepping into another world. The state’s waterfalls and lush forests create an unmatched setting for exploration. (Image: Shutterstock)
10. Manali | Manali draws adventurers year-round, with skiing and snow sports in winter and paragliding or rafting in summer. The nearby Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass add to its allure. It also serves as a starting point for many Himalayan treks.
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