News Broadcasting
CNN’s ‘destination india’ explores the country’s most adventurous and exotic locations
MUMBAI: India is a vibrant combination of landscapes, traditions and cultures that houses spectacular destinations still unexplored and uncharted. Often famous for its spirituality, India is now attracting thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This month, CNN’s ‘Destination India’ delves into the finest adventure expeditions and eco-tourism locations ranging from trekking the foothills of the Himalayas to surfing on the South-Western coast.
Highlights of the 30-minute special include:
Free Falling
What’s more adventurous than throwing caution to the wind and jumping off India’s highest (and only) fixed platform bungee jump? Located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, the jump, designed by New Zealander David Allardice, a renowned jump master, drops those who dare down 83 meters (273 feet) towards a tributary of the River Ganga. If jumping is a bit too scary, visitors can opt to swing from the seat harness and become a human pendulum. It’s a leap of faith in an area known for its spiritualty.
Trekking with the Traveling Sisters of India
There may be no adventure greater than setting out on a trek in the Himalayas and no better guides than the traveling sisters of India: Prachi and Himadri Garg. Known as the ‘Ghoomophiro sisters’, Prachi and Himadri run trekking trips in Northern India including, female only weekend trips from Delhi. CNN joins the sisters on an exciting trip as they head out to Mussoorie in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Riding the Rails
Riding the rails on the vast network of Indian Railways is perhaps the best way to experience the true spirit of India. For decades it has sparked the imagination of writers and film makers, and it’s still a favorite mode of transport for locals and foreigners alike. But passengers don’t need to pack into a hot train to experience this throwback form of travel – in fact they can ride in style. Jump onboard the Maharajas’ Express and experience a luxurious journey to Rajasthan’s most popular destinations.
Surfs up in India
The waves of Hawaii have been tackled, the beaches of Bali are packed, and the coastline of California is too common… so where do surfers go when they are looking for an adventure? India. Call it the last frontier in surfing if you will. The country is rapidly becoming a must-visit spot for pro and amateur surfers looking to “hang-ten” on some of the most remote surfing spots in the world along the over 7,000 kilometers of coastline in India. India’s surf pioneers at the Mantra Surf Club have been teaching the sport to thousands since 2007 from a small beach located in a tiny fishing village in the state of Karnataka.
Eco-tourism in India
On the edge of Nagarhole National Park and surrounded by the Kabini River in Coorg, Karnataka, sits one of India’s best wildlife & jungle lodges – Evolve Back. The lodge was once named as one of the World’s 25 Best Eco-Lodges by National Geographic Traveler for a simple reason: incredible wildlife experiences while preserving nature and culture of the land. The lodge uses reverse osmosis water filtering in every room, has a state of the art sewage treatment plant and even produces its own electricity through windmills.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
