The Lost Community of Jews in Kolkata
This Wednesday Post: The lost community of Jews in Kolkata, how to spend money to save money, a mountaineer's thrilling rescue tale, and exploring the best of Arunachal Pradesh.
Have you ever heard of the amazing Baghdadi-Jewish community that has left an indelible mark on the bustling city of Kolkata? From a population of 4000 who came to ‘the City of Joy’ for trading, they have managed to hold on tight and still exist today with a dwindling 20 members. And they have preserved their history and heritage quite well.
They have given the city some of its most glorious architecture, and let's not forget the one and only Nahoum & Sons' bakery - the ultimate destination for anyone with a sweet tooth in Kolkata! Whether it's Christmas or any other day, people from all over the city flock to this bakery to get their hands on some of their famous rum balls and plum cakes.
So, if you're ever in Kolkata, take a moment to appreciate the history and contributions of the Jewish community, pay a visit to their beautiful synagogues including the Beth El Synagogue, and grab a bite from their bakery. Who knows, you might even get a chance to chat with one of the remaining 20 members!
Check out more about Kolkata’s Jewish Community, here!
In the Spotlight:
Know the Ultimate Hacks to Save Money on Your Next International Trip This Summer
You’re probably dreaming of London or Paris, or maybe Barcelona to explore this summer - but wait a minute. Have you got your travel insurance?
You can actually save a ton of money by buying travel insurance, because who knows about the unforeseen situations on a trip? That's why a good travel insurance policy is an absolute must-have! Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you're all set to dive into the ocean to explore the world under water, knowing that you're protected by your travel insurance. So, go ahead, book your summer trip abroad, and make sure to get yourself covered. It's the smart thing to do!
Here’s how travel insurance can save you from spending more!
Recommended reads this week:
This story has as many twists as a blockbuster thriller but this is a true account. Baljeet Kaur, a kick-ass mountaineer from India, went missing for several days on the infamous Annapurna 1 - one of the deadliest peaks in the world! Kaur had embarked on a challenging expedition to conquer the 8,091-meter peak in the Himalayas of Nepal, but unfortunately lost contact with her team on the descent. Find out how it unfolded in her story here.
Get ready to be spellbound by the festivals of Uttarakhand - The Land of God, as they say! From the vibrant Phool Devi festival that marks the beginning of a new year to the adrenaline-pumping annual Bikhauti Mela, the festivals of Uttarakhand are a delightful mix of tradition and celebration.
Take our word for it and experience these fascinating festivals yourself.
From the flashy Marina Bay Sands to the quirky Joo Chiat neighborhoods and their colorful shophouses, Singapore has got everything to make your heart go pitter-patter! But imagine being on a bachelorette trip, all excited to create memories with your BFFs, only to be left hanging at the last minute! That's what exactly happened with Marzia - until she decided to loosen up and have a blast on her solo adventures in the Lion City! Plus, who needs friends when you can make new ones?
Abandoned by friends, here’s how Marzia explored Singapore alone!
Are you itching to pack your bags and explore the world? Well, the good news is that with visas in place, you can now book some seriously affordable international flights from India and indulge in some much-needed globe-trotting! From the stunning beaches of Bali to the majestic landscapes of Europe, there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and we've got the scoop on some of the cheapest flights available to a variety of exciting destinations.
Know more about the cheapest international flights for April & May, 2023.
Destination of the Week: Arunachal Pradesh, India
Picture this: majestic mountains that seem to touch the sky, secret passes waiting to be explored, serene lakes that reflect the stunning surroundings, and valleys that will leave you absolutely mesmerized.
And that's just scratching the surface because there's more!
Arunachal Pradesh is also home to some of the most peaceful monasteries you'll ever visit, lush farmlands that stretch out as far as the eye can see, dense forests filled with exotic wildlife, and remote villages where you'll get to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. And let's not forget the cherry on top - this place is one of the richest biodiversity and heritage hotspots in the entire world! It’s time to get ready and experience the land of dawn-lit mountains like never before!
We’ve curated a 10-day itinerary for you to explore this quaint state of NE India!
Today's newsletter was sponsored by the chief of the Emperor Penguins’ clan, who’s completely in denial of the mid-week blues! Let me tell you that these penguins are incredible swimmers, able to dive to depths of over 1,800 feet in search of their favorite snacks!
Toodles for now, my fellow travel enthusiasts! But don't despair, I'll be back next week with a fresh batch of travel trivia and fun news from around the globe.
Signing off,
Riyanka Roy.