Egypt's $51 Million Pyramids Revamp Includes Electric Buses, E-Ticketing
Despite being the most popular tourist attraction, it lacks proper management. Tourists have also complained about animal cruelty and aggressive vendors forcing them to buy souvenirs or services.
What changes will tourists see?
The country has started a trial run for the changes at the Pyramids of Giza. Earlier, people used to make an entry near the Marriott Mena House Hotel, which used to be overcrowded. Now, they have opened a new entrance from the Fayoum Highway to reduce traffic and crowding.
Instead of private cars and tourist buses, the government is planning to run 45 electric buses in the Pyramids area. This will operate every five minutes. The move came after animal rights organisation PETA complained that horses and camels were often kicked, punched, starved, and forced to work until they died.
Several tombs will also be restored. In addition, visitor centres are being revamped to look more organised.
The government is also setting up an online ticket system so people can buy tickets online instead of standing in long queues.
Challenges
After the government replaced an old entry with a new one, horse and camel owners were told to move to a new parking area away from the main tourist spots. This has angered the animal ride owners, who say the new spots make it harder for them to find customers.
In return, the animal ride owners have started a protest by blocking vehicles.
Naguib Sawiris, founder of Orascom Investment Holding, said, "The well-being of the public and preservation of this treasure is far more important than catering to the interests of 2,000 individuals who have caused harm to the country for years," as per Karmactive.com.
He also said that vendors who don't follow rules will be banned from the area.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Ahmedabad, Inviting the Culturally Curious to Rediscover India's First UNESCO World Heritage City
Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Le Méridien Ahmedabad. The hotel opens doors following the transformation of Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad and represents a significant milestone in the city's hospitality narrative. With a timeless chic, mid-century modern design philosophy and a spirit that celebrates culture, creativity, and slow travel, Le Méridien Ahmedabad is poised to become a new cultural touchpoint in the city. Set in the heart of India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, where centuries-old façades and bustling bazaars coexist with riverfront promenades and modern architecture, the hotel invites guests to experience Ahmedabad anew—through moments that are quietly luxurious and instinctively refined. This is a destination for those who seek not only to stay, but to soak in every moment of their travels. 'We are excited to introduce the Le Méridien brand to Ahmedabad, bringing the brand's essence of savouring the good life to global tastemakers and locals' said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. 'Ahmedabad is a destination known for its rich history and thriving art, culture, and culinary scene, which makes it the perfect fit for Le Méridien. This hotel is a celebration of detail and design - inviting travellers to explore Ahmedabad with curiosity, in style.' The property features 164 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a calm palette, mid-century silhouettes, and bespoke accents that nod to Ahmedabad's textile legacy and architectural landmarks. Poised as the visual anchor, the bespoke lobby art is an ode to the rich heritage of Ahmedabad representing a confluence of movement, culture, and life - inviting guests to explore Ahmedabad's layered legacy at a single glance. Celebrating the city's identity as the once textile capital of India, the design elements of Le Méridien Ahmedabad pay homage to the local craft and its deep ties to the Sabarmati River. In a poetic gesture, slender panes of transparent and azure-hued glass are suspended in graceful alignment, each angled uniquely to suggest the movement of fabric flowing freely in the river breeze. Together, the design elements throughout the hotel represent a multisensory journey of the city's cultural and progressive spirit. It stands as a living story welcoming guests with a sense of place, purpose, and poetic elegance. Le Méridien Ahmedabad will offer an interesting and decadent mix of dining options. The Market serves global cuisine with local influence in a lively all-day setting. Java+, the artisanal coffeehouse, offers Illy Coffee while Drift transitions from a tranquil poolside retreat to sophisticated evening dining, and Bayleaf presents refined Awadhi cuisine. For moments of play, Le Scoop, the brand's signature programme, delivers sweet frozen treats that savour the flavour of sweet summers. The hotel boasts an expansive 20,000 square feet of versatile event spaces, including a grand pillarless ballroom and elegant outdoor lawns. Thoughtfully designed for seamless transitions and exceptional service, these venues cater to a variety of events, from conferences and boardroom meetings to social gatherings and weddings. For moments of relaxation, Explore Spa offers treatments drawn from traditional therapies, complemented by a newly outfitted fitness centre and serene outdoor pool. Signature brand programs enhance every stay. Under the Unlock Art programme Le Méridien Ahmedabad has partnered with Gujarat's largest art gallery, Archer Art Gallery to encourage guests to explore the best destination has to offer. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the art gallery by presenting their Unlock Art™ room key and browse through the extensive collection of artworks by both established and emerging Indian artists. The Le Méridien Family Passport turns exploration into a family affair through hands-on, engaging activities. Seasonal experiences such as Au Soleil, La Fête, Avec Amour, and the year-round La Vie programme reflect the brand's passion for celebrating life's moments. 'Le Méridien Ahmedabad is a celebration of design and culture,' said Prashant Chadha, General Manager, Le Méridien Ahmedabad. 'Inspired by the brand's spirit of savouring the good life, Le Méridien Ahmedabad celebrates the city's rich identity through thoughtful design, evocative cuisine, immersive programming, and curated experiences. From the art on the walls to the textures in every room, from the flavours on the plate to the sense of place that lingers long after check-out, this is a story waiting to be lived and shared.'
Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
Where is Trinidad & Tobago? How to reach Caribbean island? All you need to know about travel, food
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed in Trinidad and Tobago during his first official visit to the Caribbean nation. As part of his visit, Prime Minister Modi met with members of the Indian community, commending their significant contributions to the development and progress of Trinidad and Tobago. The visit of the prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island nation located in the southeastern part of the West Indies. Comprising the two main islands—Trinidad and Tobago—along with several smaller ones, the country forms the southernmost links in the Caribbean archipelago and lies just off the northern coast of South America. The nation gained independence from British colonial rule in 1962, the same year it became a member of both the Commonwealth and the United Nations. It transitioned to a republic in 1976. The capital, Port of Spain, is situated on the northwestern coast of Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago have a rich cultural and literary heritage. It is the birthplace of internationally acclaimed writers such as Samuel Selvon, Earl Lovelace, and V.S. Naipaul, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. The islands also produced renowned cultural historian and cricket writer C.L.R. James. Culturally, the nation is famous for its vibrant steelpan music, calypso, and the globally recognised dance form known as the limbo. Travelling from India to Trinidad and Tobago covers a distance of approximately 13,794 kilometres and typically takes around 29 hours, including layovers and transfers. A common route involves flying from Delhi to Mumbai, followed by an international flight to Port of Spain, usually with a connection through major hubs such as London, New York, or Toronto. Once you arrive at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad, it takes about 55 minutes by car to reach Port of Spain, covering a distance of 44.2 kilometres via the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. Trinidad and Tobago offer a blend of cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty. The country's food scene includes Indian, African, Creole, and European influences. Popular local dishes include doubles, a flavorful street food made with fried flatbread and curried chickpeas, and roti, filled with curries such as chicken, goat, or chickpeas. The visit of the prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries. Other local favourites are bake and shark, especially popular at Maracas Bay, pelau (a one-pot rice dish with peas, meat, and coconut milk), and callaloo, a creamy soup made with dasheen leaves and okra. Desserts like black cake, soaked in rum, and drinks such as sorrel, mauby, and local rum punch highlight the country's festive culinary traditions. Key Takeaways Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island nation with a rich cultural heritage and diverse influences. The culinary scene showcases a blend of Indian, African, Creole, and European flavors. Traveling from India to Trinidad and Tobago typically involves a multi-leg journey with major layovers.
India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Luxury on rails: Five top trains to see the world
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Spice issue dated June 2025)Discover legendary routes along which traders once traversed in the east, landscapes that vary from the lush green countryside to the stark vastness of the Saudi desert and pristine rainforests of Malaysia, from the comfort of your gilded luxe cabins aboard new luxury trains that revive the golden days of slow travel with a new layer of opulence. While some are already on track, others will launch in the coming months. Get set to turn back the OF THE DESERT, SAUDI ARABIA Dream of the Desert is Saudi Arabia's first luxury train with 34 luxury suites on board advertisementIf crisscrossing lush green countryside is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a train journey, then board the Middle East's first five star luxury train to uncover a dramatically different landscape – the mystique of endless stretches of brown and red sand. The Dream of the Desert will depart from Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh and go through some gorgeous terrain and natural sites which are expected to include Hail region, a UNESCO world heritage site. The itineraries are being finalised as it debuts towards the end of next year. Taking inspiration from what lies beyond its windows, the train, which has 34 suites will reflect the aesthetic of the desert while paying homage to Saudi culture and craftsmanship. It will all come with a touch of glamour -- think sandy and beige tones offset by shades of gold; intricate wood carvings, woven textiles and wood panelled walls. The reception lounge is designed like a traditional majlis, a communal sitting room in a Saudi home. Art pieces and photographs of Saudi cultural sites will adorn the corridors. When it comes to dining, the chefs will curate local and international cuisines. The train, a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways and Italy's Arsenale group, is being launched as the country steps up its game to woo by the end of 2026https:// The itineraries are being worked onLA DOLCE VITA ORIENT EXPRESS, ITALY Chug along with the gentle rhythm of the Italian countryside or the country's stunning southern coastline ensconced in a luxury cabin that evokes memories of the world's most famous train that once traversed Europe. The La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy, made its debut in April with a run from Rome to the medieval hilltop town of Montalcino along the 'Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards' route. It is the first of six trains that will wind along towns like Venice, Siena, Matera and the shores of Sicily for one or two nights offering eight itineraries. This luxury train fleet is not just reviving a legacy, it is redefining the world of slow travel from the moment you step into the plush La Dolce Vita lounge at Roma Ostiense its design inspired by 'the sweet life' (la dolce vita), the train's 12 deluxe cabins come with double beds, carpeted floors and wooden beamed ceilings. In its 18 suites, lounge on a sofa or armchairs as you watch Italy disappear in a blur from your window. For a more opulent experience, check into the signature La Dolce Vita suite. Sip the best wine from the region you are traversing as singers belt out Italian numbers and dine on crisp linen laid out with the finest porcelain on a menu curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck with local culinary traditions in in April 2025Https:// train runs along eight different itineraries varying from 1 to 2 nightsBRITANNIC EXPLORER, UNITED KINGDOM There are two gorgeous dining cars at Britannic Explorer Come July and explore a slice of the English countryside, whether it is the rolling hills of Wales, the shimmering coast of Cornwall or the peaks and serene water bodies of the Lake District in the country's first luxury sleeper train by the Belmond Group. Starting from London, it will glide along these three regions offering either three or six night journeys. Besides 15 plush, oak panelled suites, it has three grand suites that come with double beds, marble bathrooms and personal butler service. Meals are curated by award-winning British Chef Simon Rogan The experience will be quintessentially English all the way—from a typical afternoon tea to meals crafted by award-winning British Chef Simon Rogan. They will be served in two dining cars where soothing cream and green interiors reflect an English country garden. When you want a tipple, head to the Observation car—the train's social hub— stocked with artisan gins and craft beers or choose a cocktail mixed with botanicals inspired by Victorian apothecaries. Depending on the route you are traversing, stroll in a lavender meadow, hike, swim, party at a Cotswolds pub, or attend a gala dinner in a 15th century mansion in Oxfordshire when the train halts. And while on board, take time out to indulge in relaxing therapies and massages in the Wellness will run from July train offers seven itineraries varying from 3 to 6 nightsEASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS,MALAYSIA There are two dining cars on board offering cuisine from East Asia; One of the train itineraries goes through a national park You wouldn't have experienced South East Asia like this before. Winding its way from Singapore to Malaysia's tropical jungles, islands and small towns, the luxury Eastern and Oriental Express was relaunched last year after the pandemic. While its trademark green and gold exterior is unchanged, the interiors have been given a facelift and it has added two new seasonal routes to the six itineraries it offers. On 'Wild Malaysia,' the hero stop is the Teman Negara National park, one of the world's oldest rainforests which one explores in open jeeps, hoping of course to sight the endangered Malayan tiger. The other new route - Essence of Malaysia - goes through Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang allowing time for activities like the three nights on the train, spend time in revamped cabins, suites and two Presidential Suites that come with cherrywood panelling, silk fabrics and patterned carpets. Dine on sumptuous East Asian cuisine prepared by chef Andre Chiang in the two beautiful dining cars. The train's social heart is the gorgeous Piano Bar where performers entertain passengers as they sip wine or a signature cocktail in crystal glasses. The pampering does not end here – when there is time to spare, head to Southeast Asia's first Dior spa on a train. Done up with the brand's iconic Toile de Jouy motif, it offers five treatments in two rooms. But the journey's best moments may well be just sitting back in the Observation Car to enjoy the train's gentle rhythm as picturesque rice fields and small towns roll in February 2024Https:// train offers six itineraries – five are for 3 nights and one is for 6 nightsGOLDEN EAGLE SILK ROAD EXPRESS, ASIA The train goes through various terrains including a desert The bathroom of the Han Dynasty Suites comes with a bathtub For centuries, merchants plied the ancient Silk route in horse and camel driven caravans. Starting next year, explore some of those legendary trails in the lap of luxury on board the new Golden Eagle Silk Road Express via three different itineraries. Take a 22 day journey from Beijing to Tashkent in Uzbekistan that will cross historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, a 13 day journey from Urumqi to Lhasa in Tibet. Whatever you choose, ancient cultures will unravel. In its two restaurant cars—Western-style and Chinese-style—the smallest details scream sophistication. The luxury quotient will go up many notches for those checking into the Han Dynasty Suite that comes with a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, a separate living room and dining table. The Observation Car is the perfect place to watch the landscape rolling by and when you want to unwind with a cocktail or wine, head to the Bar Car where tunes from a grand piano fill the room each train will launch in train will have three itineraries varying from 12 to 22 daysSubscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
