Travel Guides & Articles
The Wall That Travellers Can’t Resist: How The Iconic 9 Mudras At Delhi’s IGI Airport Narrate India’s Story | Travel
The Wall That Travellers Can’t Resist: How The Iconic 9 Mudras At Delhi’s IGI Airport Narrate India’s Story. (Image: Canva)
Airports usually happen to be places of rush where people are hurrying to catch flights, announcements are echoing and luggage wheels are rolling across shiny floors. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, something makes travellers pause. No, it is not a duty-free shop or a luxury lounge, but a breathtaking wall of nine giant hand gestures: the mudras. Shining bright in copper against a golden backdrop, these mudras are not just decor pieces, they tell a story. A story of India’s culture and spirituality – something that still finds a place in our fast-paced modern lives.
A Grand First Gesture
Every traveller who steps into IGI Airport is greeted by this larger-than-life installation. The iconic wall has been designed by sculptor Nikhil Bhandari in collaboration with art collective Ayush Kasliwal Design Studio. The project was commissioned when Terminal 3 was being developed ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The main aim was to showcase India’s ethos to the world.
The Meaning Of The Nine Mudras
Mudras, which translate to “gesture,” have been practiced for thousands of years in yoga, meditation and dance. Each mudra carries its own significance. These nine mudras at IGI are carefully chosen to represent India’s values, they include:
- Abhaya Mudra (Gesture of Fearlessness): A raised right hand symbolizes protection and peace.
- Varada Mudra (Gesture of Generosity): The open palm facing downwards showcases compassion.
- Vitarka Mudra (Gesture of Teaching): The thumb and forefinger joined in a circle represents wisdom and guidance.
- Dhyana Mudra (Gesture of Meditation): Hands placed in the lap showcase serenity and spiritual awakening.
- Prithvi Mudra (Gesture of Earth): The joining of the ring finger and thumb symbolizes stability.
- Kartari Mukha Mudra (Scissor Gesture): Commonly seen in Indian classical dance, it symbolizes the separation of good and evil.
- Kapittha Mudra (Gesture of Strength): Used in Bharatanatyam, it represents power and devotion.
- Alapadma Mudra (Gesture of the Lotus): Hands shaped like a blooming lotus signify purity and beauty.
- Tripataka Mudra (Three-Part Flag Gesture): This gestures symbolizes victory.
India’s Popular Philosophy And An Instagram Sensation
The wall beautifully showcases India’s popular philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” which translates to: the guest is god. By showcasing these gestures, IGI Airport subtly extends hospitality to millions of international visitors who land in Delhi each year.
Beyond its spiritual depth, the mudra wall has also become a visual landmark in the digital age. From Bollywood celebrities to common traveller, almost every traveller passing through the spot definitely stops to take a photo in front of the installation. It has become one of the most Instagrammed airport spots in the world. In fact, creators have also started curating reels around the installation.
Even more than a decade after it was first unveiled, the mudra wall continues to mesmerize travellers. The next time you find yourself at IGI airport, look up at the wall of nine gestures. You will now understand that it is not just art; it is India greeting you with open hands and narrating a story that is as old as time and relevant even in today’s day and age.
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Travel Guides & Articles
Bullet Train in South India to connect 4 cities, including Hyderabad, Chennai; know key routes, travel time
A bullet train project has been proposed for South India, connecting Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, and Bengaluru. CM N Chandrababu Naidu confirmed that a survey has been ordered. The project aligns with PM Modi’s vision to expand India’s high-speed rail network.
Bullet Train in South India to connect 4 cities, including Hyderabad, Chennai; know key routes, travel time
Andhra Pradesh CM, N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that a survey has been ordered for a bullet train project in South India, connecting four major cities. After the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, the government is now moving forward with South India as the next big hub for high speed connectivity.
South India bullet train route
The proposed bullet train project will connect Hyderabad, Chennai, Amaravati, and Bengaluru. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, speaking at the India Food Manufacturing Summit in Visakhapatnam, said that the survey for the project has already been ordered.
He highlighted that these four cities together represent a population of over five crore and one of the biggest markets in the world, making the project a game-changer for regional connectivity and economic growth.
ALSO READ: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: First photos of stations of high-speed rail REVEALED, check here
PM Modi on expanding bullet train routes
The announcement came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in a bullet train in Japan alongside Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba. During his visit, PM Modi reiterated India’s ambition to expand the high-speed rail network and stressed that the government is committed to making bullet trains a part of India’s transport revolution.
Why does the bullet train project matter?
The South India bullet train project aims to drastically cut travel time between the four metros, boost business opportunities, and create a stronger regional economy. With improved connectivity, it is expected to benefit industries, tourism, and trade across Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka.
ALSO READ: PM Modi’s Japan visit: AI, semiconductors, batteries, bullet trains…how can India-Japan stop China?
Travel Guides & Articles
Good News! South India To Get A Bullet Train Connecting These 4 Major Cities, Announces Andhra CM
Good news! India is now gearing up to welcome a bullet train in South India. It will connect four major cities and serve nearly five crore people across the region. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced this major project on Saturday during the India Food Manufacturing Summit. Here’s what we know.
A New Bullet Train Project In South India
India’s first-ever bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad is already progressing in full swing and is expected to become operational next year. But in a recent development, one more bullet train might be added to the country. As per a report by Times Now, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu addressed the India Food Manufacturing Summit on Saturday. He announced that a bullet train is soon going to come to South India.
This major infrastructure project will connect Hyderabad, Chennai, Amravati and Bengaluru. Furthermore, the CM announced that road infrastructure will be upgraded to international standards. These large-scale infrastructure plans aim to transform the region into a major logistical hub.
Also Read: India’s First Bullet Train Update: Stations On Mumbai-Ahmedabad Corridor Nearing Completion
The Project Aimed To Boost Connectivity & Tourism
Reportedly, this bullet train will cater to a population of nearly five crore people across these four major South Indian cities. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also added that a survey has been ordered so people can understand how logistics and transport will improve once the bullet train materialises.
The announcement comes at a significant time as India is already working on its first bullet train project. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, which spans over 500 km, will feature 12 world-class stations. With this new project announced for South India, connecting Hyderabad, Amravati, Chennai and Bengaluru, travel time between these cities is expected to be cut drastically. Moreover, the project also aims to boost trade, manufacturing and tourism. It will make commuting much easier for millions of passengers.
The South India bullet train project marks a major move in upgrading the country’s transportation system. Surveys are still underway, but if this vision comes to life, the high-speed train will seriously redefine how people travel in the South. What do you think of this initiative? Let us know.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ David Dibert (Representative Image)
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First Published: August 31, 2025 12:08 PM
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Thomas Cook (India) Limited ( (IN:THOMASCOOK) ) has provided an update.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel have signed a long-term strategic MOU with Queensland Tourism to boost travel from India to Queensland, Australia. This collaboration aims to enhance Queensland’s visibility and inspire year-round visitation from India by leveraging Thomas Cook India’s digital platforms and retail network. The MOU will focus on content creation, education, training programs, and joint marketing efforts, positioning Queensland as an ideal destination for various traveler segments. This initiative is expected to expand Thomas Cook’s product portfolio and showcase Queensland’s unique experiences, appealing to multi-generational families, millennials, GenZ, and MICE groups.
More about Thomas Cook (India) Limited
Thomas Cook (India) Limited is a leading omnichannel travel services company in India, offering a range of travel-related services. The company, along with its group company SOTC Travel, focuses on providing leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), B-leisure, and sports tourism services across India’s metro, mini-metro, and Tier 2 and 3 markets.
Average Trading Volume: 101,683
Technical Sentiment Signal: Buy
Current Market Cap: 83.52B INR
Learn more about THOMASCOOK stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.
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