Days 9–11: Italy – Venice, Florence and Rome (21–23 July 2026) Italy occupies a unique place in world civilization. It gave birth to the Roman Empire, inspired the Renaissance, and nurtured some of history’s greatest artists, scientists, and thinkers. Our Italian experience begins in Venice, the extraordinary city built upon canals instead of roads. A […]
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Days 6–8: Paris – The City of Light (18–20 July 2026) No European journey is complete without visiting Paris, a city celebrated for romance, culture, fashion, architecture, and gastronomy. Standing atop the second level of the Eiffel Tower, we hope to enjoy panoramic views across one of the world’s most elegant capitals. Built for the
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Days 3–5: Switzerland – Land of Peace and Magnificent Mountains (15–17 July 2026) Switzerland has long been admired for its political neutrality, efficient governance, precision engineering, and spectacular natural beauty. Our first destination is Geneva, internationally recognised as the headquarters of numerous global organisations including the United Nations. The famous Jet d’Eau, soaring nearly 140
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Days 1–2: Belgium, Luxembourg and the Rhine Valley (13–14 July 2026) Our European adventure begins with a visit to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the administrative heart of the European Union. Here we shall admire the remarkable Atomium, an iconic structure symbolizing scientific progress and modern engineering. We will also explore the magnificent Grand
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My 14-Day Europe Journey: From London to the Alps, Paris to Rome A Journey of Discovery with My Wife By Lokanath Mishra Travel has always been more than visiting new places. It is an opportunity to understand different civilizations, appreciate nature’s grandeur, experience diverse cultures, and reflect upon our own lives. After many years devoted
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FORTRESSES OF POWER: THE CASTLES OF LONDON AND THEIR ROLE IN BRITISH HISTORY By Lokanath Mishra, MA, LLB, IRS (Retd.)For Journal of Heritage, Architecture & Governance ABSTRACTLondon is not conventionally regarded as a “castle city” in the manner of Edinburgh or Cardiff. Yet within its boundaries and immediate periphery stand some of the most significant
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STEPPING INTO THE ECHOES OF POWER : A GUIDE TO THE UK PARLIAMENT AND THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE By Lokanath Mishra, MA, LLB, IRS (Retd.) Few buildings in the world carry the historical weight and global political influence of the Palace of Westminster. For centuries, the UK Parliament has been the stage for fierce debates, landmark
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LONDON : A CITY OF ENDURING APPEALReflections on My Seventh Visit Since 2013 By Lokanath Mishra This marks my seventh visit to London since 2013. Over these years I have had the opportunity to visit most of the significant historical, cultural, and institutional sites across the United Kingdom. London, however, remains unique. It offers an
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ABOVE THE THAMES WITH FAMILY: MY EXPERIENCE ON THE IFS CLOUD CABLE CAR By Lokanath Mishra London offers many ways to cross the River Thames. We chose the one that lets you soar above it. Last Sunday, my wife, my brother-in-law and his wife, my daughter and her little daughter, and I decided to experience
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SERVICE CHARGES ON YOUR DINING BILL: UK vs INDIAUnderstanding the 12.5% “Optional” Charge and Your Rights By Lokanath Mishra In the UK it is called “discretionary”. In India it was called “service charge” until the government intervened. The question is the same in both places: What is this charge, why is it collected, and can
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