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TRAVEL & TOURISM OCTOBER 02, 2026 | The Indian Eye 40

Indian Travellers Show Interest National Parks
India’s Top 5

in European Cruises Offer a Visual Feast

for Photographers
ulti-destination European
cruising is emerging as an
Mappealing holiday option rom mist-covered rivers and
dense forests to grasslands,
for Indian travellers, with 67% of Frocky hills and ancient ruins,
Indian respondents expressing in- India’s national parks offer photog-
terest in exploring Europe by cruise, raphers an exceptional mix of wildlife
according to a YouGov study com- and landscapes. Among the country’s
missioned by Royal Caribbean. The most photogenic destinations are Jim
findings highlight convenience, com- Corbett, Kaziranga, Ranthambore,
fort and the ability to visit several des- Bandhavgarh and Nagarhole Nation-
tinations in a single trip as key factors al Parks, each offering distinct settings
influencing travel preferences. for capturing nature at its most striking.
The study surveyed respondents
Jim Corbett National Park in Ut-
across India, Singapore, Malay- tarakhand tops the list for its diverse
sia, Indonesia and the Philippines. landscapes, which include forests,
Among Indian participants, 45% hills and riverine belts. The Ramgan-
identified the ease of visiting multi- ga River becomes particularly atmo-
ple destinations as the leading ben- spheric at sunrise, when mist rises
efit of cruising. Safety and comfort over the water, creating dramatic
followed at 42%, while 40% valued photographic opportunities.
included meals and entertainment. Kaziranga National Park in As-
Avoiding airport procedures such as sam provides a contrasting setting
check-in, security checks and delays with its tall elephant grass, marshlands
was cited by 39%. The study also revealed that and Spain at 30%. Trains remained and tropical forests. The combination
The findings come as Royal Ca- nearly nine in 10 respondents across the preferred mode of intercity trav-
ribbean’s Legend of the Seas brings the five markets identified at least el at 25%, closely followed by cruises of open landscapes and dense vegeta-
tion offers photographers a variety of
its Icon Class vacation experience one challenge when travelling be- and short-haul flights at 24% each. natural backdrops for wildlife images.
to the Mediterranean, with sailings tween multiple European destina- Onboard entertainment and din- In Ranthambore National Park,
from Barcelona and Rome (Civita- tions, underlining the appeal of re- ing also featured prominently, with Rajasthan, lakes, dry deciduous for-
vecchia). The itineraries include des- ducing travel-related complexities. 42% of Indian respondents show- ests and rocky hills create varied van-
tinations across Spain, France and Italy emerged as the most pre- ing interest in America’s Got Talent tage points for photographers. The
Italy, including Palma de Mallorca, ferred European destination among LIVE and 28% anticipating the Roy- park’s distinctive terrain allows wild-
Provence, Florence, Rome and Na- Indian respondents at 51 per cent, fol- al Railway, Legend Station dining life to be photographed against both
ples/Capri. lowed by France at 48%, the UK at 45% experience.
rugged landscapes and historic sur-
roundings.
Bandhavgarh National Park in
Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse offers Madhya Pradesh is another promi-
nent destination, particularly during
panoramic view of Visakhapatnam coast early-morning safaris when animals
are active. Alongside wildlife, photog-
raphers can also capture ancient ruins
scattered across the park, adding a
erched atop the rocky Dol- proaching Visakhapatnam Port. The it was used as a military camp by the historical dimension to their images.
phin’s Nose hill, the historic lighthouse’s powerful beacon has a British Army. The area is associated Rounding out the top five is
Plighthouse overlooking Vi- range of about 32 nautical miles, ac- with the Battle of Vizagapatam in Nagarhole National Park in Karna-
sakhapatnam’s harbour is drawing cording to the Directorate General 1804, when British and French forces taka, known for its rich wildlife and
visitors with its sweeping views of the of Lighthouses and Lightships. clashed near the hill. striking scenery. Elephants, tigers and
Bay of Bengal, the city and the busy The present lighthouse was com- For visitors, the lighthouse pro- numerous bird species can be found
port. The lighthouse, located on the missioned on June 15, 1957, and vides a different perspective of Vi- within its natural habitat, while the
route towards Yarada Beach, is open inaugurated by then Transport and sakhapatnam, with the harbour, landscape takes on added visual ap-
to visitors between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Communications Minister Lal Ba- coastline and surrounding hills visible peal during the monsoon.
offering tourists a glimpse into the hadur Shastri. The 19-metre square from above. Its location also makes it Together, these five parks demon-
city’s maritime heritage. masonry tower, painted in black and suitable for combining a visit with a strate the extraordinary diversity of
The headland gets its name from white bands, replaced earlier lighting trip to nearby Yarada Beach. India’s natural landscapes. For pho-
its distinctive shape, which resembles arrangements at the site. The first With its combination of mari- tography enthusiasts, they offer op-
a dolphin’s nose. Rising prominently light at the present location became time importance, history and coastal portunities extending beyond wildlife
above the coastline, Dolphin’s Nose operational in 1940. views, Dolphin’s Nose continues to portraits, from atmospheric forests
has long served as an important The hill also has a significant his- remain one of Visakhapatnam’s nota- and rivers to grasslands, mountains
navigational landmark for ships ap- torical legacy. Before Independence, ble landmarks and tourist attractions. and historic remnants.

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