China has removed Japan from its popular outbound destination list, a move seen as the latest flashpoint in the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. The decision comes amid rising strain in China-Japan relations, adding economic and tourism implications to an already sensitive political dispute.

China Removes Japan From Popular Destination List Amid Diplomatic Row

7 Underrated Beach Destinations in South India

Introduction 

1. Marari Beach, Kerala

2. Kappil Beach, Kerala

3. Karaikal Beach, Pondicherry

4. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Kerala

5. Bekal Beach, Kerala

6. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

7. Kanyakumari Beach, Tamil Nadu

South India is home to some of the most stunning and serene beaches in the country, Here are seven hidden gems along the South Indian coastline that are worth exploring:


<p><strong>Escape to These 6 Breathtaking Destinations for a Wonderful Good Friday Holiday</strong><br>Good Friday is a perfect opportunity to take a short break and explore nearby destinations. Whether you&rsquo;re looking for a serene retreat, a cultural experience, or an adventurous getaway, here are six fantastic travel destinations that are easily accessible and ideal for a memorable holiday.</p>
<h2>1. Goa &ndash; Beaches and Spirituality</h2>
<p><img alt="destination" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/17/nohZahnBbeLg3iufxcUF.png" style="width: 1600px;"></p>
<p><br>Goa is a top pick for Good Friday, offering a unique blend of relaxation and cultural significance. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa also holds special Good Friday processions and church services that are worth experiencing.</p>
<p>Highlights: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Palolem Beach, Anjuna Flea Market, and Portuguese architecture.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/im-really-excited-katy-perry-to-travel-into-space-tomorrow-aboard-blue-origin-rocket-8956981">'I'm really excited': Katy Perry to travel into space tomorrow aboard Blue Origin rocket</a></strong></p>
<h2><br>2. Pondicherry &ndash; French Charm and Serenity</h2>
<p><img alt="destination" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/17/3x5liLEhP53oqD5ek9zP.png" style="width: 1600px;"></p>
<p><br>Pondicherry, with its French colonial heritage and tranquil beaches, is a peaceful escape for Good Friday. The town&rsquo;s spiritual vibe and serene atmosphere make it a great destination for reflection and relaxation.<br>Highlights: Auroville, Promenade Beach, French Quarter, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.</p>
<h2><br>3. Munnar &ndash; Lush Tea Plantations and Cool Weather</h2>
<p><img alt="destination" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/17/Saw4ihSqrsTsMMoGUOvU.png" style="width: 1600px;"></p>
<p><br>For those seeking a hill station getaway, Munnar in Kerala is a paradise of rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool weather. It&rsquo;s an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.<br>Highlights: Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and serene churches.</p>
<h2><br>4. Jaipur &ndash; A Cultural Extravaganza</h2>
<p><img alt="destination" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/17/9xfvYxNjjEnCb3Mtw5M8.png" style="width: 1600px;"></p>
<p><br>Jaipur, the Pink City, is perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant markets offer a glimpse into Rajasthan&rsquo;s rich heritage.<br>Highlights: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and local handicrafts.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/half-a-million-tourists-visit-kashmirs-famous-tulip-garden-in-15-days-set-new-footfall-record-8954730">Half a million tourists visit Kashmir&rsquo;s famous Tulip Garden in 15 days, set new footfall record</a></strong></p>
<p><br>5. Coorg &ndash; The Scotland of India</p>
<p><img alt="destination" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/17/qV8k42STltEUwABy79Fd.png" style="width: 1600px;"></p>
<p><br>Coorg, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a haven for nature lovers. Known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and misty landscapes, it&rsquo;s a great destination for a refreshing break.<br>Highlights: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja&rsquo;s Seat, and local Kodava cuisine.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/katy-perry-and-jeff-bezos-wife-to-visit-space-tonight-heres-how-you-can-watch-it-live-8960809" rel="dofollow"><strong>Katy Perry and Jeff Bezos' wife to visit space tonight! Here's how you can watch it live</strong></a></p>
<h2><br>6. Mahabaleshwar &ndash; Scenic Hill Station</h2>
<p><img alt="destination" src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/04/17/7ZCMwrKnOMu6azM0O8tF.png" style="width: 1600px;"></p>
<p><br>Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station in Maharashtra, is known for its panoramic views, strawberry farms, and serene temples. It&rsquo;s a great spot for a family getaway or a romantic retreat.<br>Highlights: Arthur&rsquo;s Seat, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden, and Pratapgad Fort.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/5-iconic-flower-destinations-around-the-world-to-visit-1730038276489">5 Iconic Flower Destinations Around the World to Visit </a></strong></p>

Good Friday is a perfect opportunity to take a short break and explore nearby destinations. Whether you’re looking for a serene retreat, a cultural experience, or an adventurous getaway.

Escape to These 6 Breathtaking Destinations for a Wonderful Good Friday Holiday Good Friday is a perfect opportunity to take a short break and explore nearby destinations. Whether you’re looking for a serene retreat, a cultural experience, or an adventurous getaway, here are six fantastic travel destinations that are easily accessible and ideal for a memorable holiday. 1. Goa – Beaches and Spirituality Goa is a top pick for Good Friday, offering a unique blend of relaxation and cultural significance. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa also holds special Good Friday processions and church services that are worth experiencing. Highlights: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Palolem Beach, Anjuna Flea Market, and Portuguese architecture. Also read| 'I'm really excited': Katy Perry to travel into space tomorrow aboard Blue Origin rocket 2. Pondicherry – French Charm and Serenity Pondicherry, with its French colonial heritage and tranquil beaches, is a peaceful escape for Good Friday. The town’s spiritual vibe and serene atmosphere make it a great destination for reflection and relaxation. Highlights: Auroville, Promenade Beach, French Quarter, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. 3. Munnar – Lush Tea Plantations and Cool Weather For those seeking a hill station getaway, Munnar in Kerala is a paradise of rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool weather. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature. Highlights: Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and serene churches. 4. Jaipur – A Cultural Extravaganza Jaipur, the Pink City, is perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant markets offer a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich heritage. Highlights: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and local handicrafts. Also read | Half a million tourists visit Kashmir’s famous Tulip Garden in 15 days, set new footfall record 5. Coorg – The Scotland of India Coorg, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a haven for nature lovers. Known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and misty landscapes, it’s a great destination for a refreshing break. Highlights: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja’s Seat, and local Kodava cuisine. Also Read Katy Perry and Jeff Bezos' wife to visit space tonight! Here's how you can watch it live 6. Mahabaleshwar – Scenic Hill Station Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station in Maharashtra, is known for its panoramic views, strawberry farms, and serene temples. It’s a great spot for a family getaway or a romantic retreat. Highlights: Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden, and Pratapgad Fort. Also Read 5 Iconic Flower Destinations Around the World to Visit

Escape to These 6 Breathtaking Destinations for a Wonderful Good Friday Holiday

<p>Imagine the trauma when you reach your destination through a flight during a festive time and get to know that your luggage is nowhere to be found. And airline officials tell you it will reach in the "coming days". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Well, it can be pretty tormenting, right? This bitter experience was encountered by several Australian travellers during the long weekend on Easter. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-authorities-on-alert-as-first-case-of-covid-xe-variant-emerges-471174" hreflang="en">Australia: Authorities on alert as first case of Covid XE variant emerges</a></strong></p>

<p>The people, who were bringing in gifts for their family and friends for the celebration, may now have to just wait for the luggage to arrive. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Got to tell you spending nearly 4hrs on a plane last night - 2.5hrs of them sitting on the tarmac because of baggage errors was a true joy. Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/Qantas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qantas</a>. <a href="https://t.co/alzPYnz5BZ">pic.twitter.com/alzPYnz5BZ</a></p>
— Matt Smithson (@mattsmithson) <a href="https://twitter.com/mattsmithson/status/1514733210210500611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>For the whole mess, the authorities seems to have blamed the busy travel period, Covid isolation orders, staff shortages and the need to ensure the flights don’t get delayed. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was on flight QF783 MEL- PER 13 April 22. Still no bag and no indication from Qantas when they will arrive. Tracking number Qantas gave me doesn’t work. Total 4 hours on hold yesterday in two phone calls. Spent $925 yesterday on replacing things as couldn’t wait any longer</p>
— Quinn McGuinness (@Q_McGuinness) <a href="https://twitter.com/Q_McGuinness/status/1514744745712828417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>It led to chaotic scenes, which&nbsp;could be witnessed at several airports across Australia. Several passengers reached their destinations without luggage. It may also take days for it to arrive. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Chocolate making with a difference, Easter eggs made from organically-grown beans</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, a Qantas spokesperson told the Guardian, “Decisions were made to have these flights depart without baggage to ensure that customers could get to their destination and not face long flight delays or cancellations.” &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At Brisbane Airport waiting to pick up family. An announcement just told an entire flight from Melbourne not a single piece of luggage was loaded. All their bags will now arrive “in the coming days”. Happy Easter!</p>
— Pippa Bradshaw (@pippabradshaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/pippabradshaw/status/1514471575147335682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>“We really appreciate people’s patience and understanding, and apologise for the inconvenience,” the spokesperson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">96hrs later … still no luggage. 🤷‍♀️🧳<br />
<br />
Now on a completely different <a href="https://twitter.com/Qantas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Qantas</a> trip so no idea when or where my bag might find me.<br />
<br />
Last seen Melbourne airport 🤣👇<br />
<br />
Hazard warning : contains dirty laundry from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusGP</a> 😷 <a href="https://t.co/wPU0qD3JUN">https://t.co/wPU0qD3JUN</a> <a href="https://t.co/GQM5Yypn54">pic.twitter.com/GQM5Yypn54</a></p>
— Dr Kirstin Ferguson (@kirstinferguson) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirstinferguson/status/1514382001481998336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>It seems the luggage will come on later flights and will be sent to the customers by courier. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Imagine the trauma when you reach your destination through a flight during a festive time and get to know that your luggage is nowhere to be found. And airline officials tell you it will reach in the "coming days".

Imagine the trauma when you reach your destination through a flight during a festive time and get to know that your luggage is nowhere to be found. And airline officials tell you it will reach in the "coming days". Well, it can be pretty tormenting, right? This bitter experience was encountered by several Australian travellers during the long weekend on Easter. Also Read | Australia: Authorities on alert as first case of Covid XE variant emerges The people, who were bringing in gifts for their family and friends for the celebration, may now have to just wait for the luggage to arrive. Got to tell you spending nearly 4hrs on a plane last night - 2.5hrs of them sitting on the tarmac because of baggage errors was a true joy. Thank you, @qantas. pic.twitter.com/alzPYnz5BZ — Matt Smithson (@mattsmithson) April 14, 2022 × For the whole mess, the authorities seems to have blamed the busy travel period, Covid isolation orders, staff shortages and the need to ensure the flights don’t get delayed. I was on flight QF783 MEL- PER 13 April 22. Still no bag and no indication from Qantas when they will arrive. Tracking number Qantas gave me doesn’t work. Total 4 hours on hold yesterday in two phone calls. Spent $925 yesterday on replacing things as couldn’t wait any longer — Quinn McGuinness (@Q_McGuinness) April 14, 2022 × It led to chaotic scenes, which could be witnessed at several airports across Australia. Several passengers reached their destinations without luggage. It may also take days for it to arrive. Watch: Chocolate making with a difference, Easter eggs made from organically-grown beans × On Friday, a Qantas spokesperson told the Guardian, “Decisions were made to have these flights depart without baggage to ensure that customers could get to their destination and not face long flight delays or cancellations.” At Brisbane Airport waiting to pick up family. An announcement just told an entire flight from Melbourne not a single piece of luggage was loaded. All their bags will now arrive “in the coming days”. Happy Easter! — Pippa Bradshaw (@pippabradshaw) April 14, 2022 × “We really appreciate people’s patience and understanding, and apologise for the inconvenience,” the spokesperson said. 96hrs later … still no luggage. 🤷‍♀️🧳 Now on a completely different @Qantas trip so no idea when or where my bag might find me. Last seen Melbourne airport 🤣👇 Hazard warning : contains dirty laundry from the #AusGP 😷 https://t.co/wPU0qD3JUN pic.twitter.com/GQM5Yypn54 — Dr Kirstin Ferguson (@kirstinferguson) April 13, 2022 × It seems the luggage will come on later flights and will be sent to the customers by courier. (With inputs from agencies)

Tormenting: On Easter long weekend, air travellers reach destination in Australia without luggage  

<p>Omicron, the new variant of Covid was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world. It has created panic all across the globe as countries have banned flights from South Africa and introduced new travel restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While countries continue to impose travel bans, each week, certain top tourist destinations move up on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel risk list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France, which was the world's top tourist destination before Covid, has now moved into the 'highest-risk' category. Also, it happens to be among the seven destinations that are at "very high" risk. France is in the midst of a fifth wave of the virus.</p>

<p>Not just France but six other countries belong to this list - Andorra, Cyprus, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Portugal and Tanzania.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-hiv-behind-the-emergence-of-omicron-here-is-what-we-know-so-far-436192"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far</strong></a></p>

<p>The countries which fall under this category have had over 500 cases per 100,000 residents in&nbsp;28 days. As per CDC, people should avoid travelling to these countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A statement by the agency says, "Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in late November, French Health Minister Olivier Veran said that the government was taking measures to contain the spread of the newly discovered Covid variant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Omicron, the new variant of Covid was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world.

Omicron, the new variant of Covid was first detected in South Africa on November 24. Ever since then, the variant has been rapidly spreading all across the world. It has created panic all across the globe as countries have banned flights from South Africa and introduced new travel restrictions. While countries continue to impose travel bans, each week, certain top tourist destinations move up on US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel risk list. France, which was the world's top tourist destination before Covid, has now moved into the 'highest-risk' category. Also, it happens to be among the seven destinations that are at "very high" risk. France is in the midst of a fifth wave of the virus. Not just France but six other countries belong to this list - Andorra, Cyprus, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Portugal and Tanzania. Also read | Is HIV behind the emergence of Omicron? Here is what we know so far The countries which fall under this category have had over 500 cases per 100,000 residents in 28 days. As per CDC, people should avoid travelling to these countries. A statement by the agency says, "Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants." Meanwhile, in late November, French Health Minister Olivier Veran said that the government was taking measures to contain the spread of the newly discovered Covid variant. (With inputs from agencies)

This top tourist destination is now on CDC's 'very high' travel risk list

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