Orange alert as rain leaves Gurugram waterlogged; disrupts traffic The Sector 52A market was among the most affected areas, with visuals showing commuters wading through knee-deep water Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:14:38 IST By Sampurna Panigrahi, Mihika Shah
‘Buy buy buy!’: Foreign tourist reacts to duty-free shopping after Delhi immigration A foreign tourist has posted a video of his Delhi airport experience, questioning the shopping pitches he encountered just after immigration. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
India security chief visits China for border talks India security chief visits China for border talks Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 14:06:38 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border
Twenty-one former international cricket captains, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar, on Sunday urged Pakistan to ensure that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is examined by a medical board, as directed by the country’s Supreme Court, The Hindu reported
A 25-year-old entrepreneur with a net worth of around ₹4.35 crore has turned to Reddit for advice after a sharp decline in the business that helped him build his fortune. Despite his wealth, he says he is now unsure about what to do next and feels “completely lost
Not a chief guests, celebrity or VIP, but a humanoid robot stole the spotlight at a sandwich shop inauguration. A video from the celebratory event has gone viral, where the robot was seen arriving at the venue with bodyguards. It then proceeded to greet guests and even broke into a dance
‘Jo bhi hai, tera ghar hai’: American compares Indian and US hospitality An American Hindi speaker’s take on Indian hospitality has viewers discussing the differences between socialising in India and the US. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:31:09 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share
Manipur: 1 CRPF personnel injured, 2 houses burnt by unknown armed individuals The gunfight broke out after two houses belonging to separate communities were set ablaze by an unidentified group of people Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:49:38 IST By Thomas Ngangom
From Doomscrolling To Dawn Safaris: Could Slow Travel Be The Antidote To Digital Overload?
From Doomscrolling To Dawn Safaris: Could Slow Travel Be The Antidote To Digital Overload?
How many times have you reached for your phone before your eyes are fully open? How often does the day dissolve into a blur of notifications, emails, reels and endless tabs left open in the background? In cities where traffic rarely pauses and Wi-Fi rarely drops, attention has become fragmented, sleep feels negotiated, and stillness almost indulgent. It is no surprise then that in 2026, slow travel is gaining ground not as escapism, but as recovery.
Across forests and riversides where connectivity weakens and mornings begin with birds rather than alarms, travellers are discovering something deceptively simple: when the signal fades, the mind steadies. A 2025 JAMA study found that even a one-week break from social media can reduce anxiety symptoms by 16.1%, depression by 24.8%, and insomnia by 14.5% among young adults.
Excessive screen exposure disrupts melatonin production through blue light, delays bedtime, shortens total sleep duration by minutes per hour used, and correlates with heightened stress levels, as cross-sectional studies among students in India and elsewhere have shown.
Slow travel, often intertwined with quiet luxury, emphasises deeper immersion over rapid itineraries—staying longer in fewer places to savour local rhythms and foster genuine connections. In 2026, this approach dominates forecasts, with data and trend analysts labelling it the year of “quietcations," where comfort and silence eclipse spectacle.
Expedia’s Unpack ‘26 report highlights destinations like Savoie in France and Big Sky in Montana as hotspots for extended, exploratory stays, while in India, regions such as Coorg’s misty forests and Kerala’s tranquil backwaters draw those craving low-key elegance.
According to recent travel data from Vrbo’s 2026, roughly 91% of travellers are expressing interest in “slow travel" or vacations specifically built around rest, relaxation, reading, and nature, rather than high-activity itineraries.
Trip durations are stretching, multi-city itineraries are declining, and off-grid stays are seeing stronger forward bookings as urban travellers prioritise depth over volume. Even booking windows are lengthening, suggesting people are planning fewer but more intentional journeys. In that sense, a recent winter stay at the ZANA resort near Jim Corbett felt less like an indulgent escape and more like participation in a broader shift, where weakening network signals and riverside mornings replaced the reflex to scroll.
Travellers often recount how dawn safaris, with the sun piercing misty trails, replace doom-scrolling with present-moment awareness. In places like Nagarhole National Park or Jim Corbett’s buffer zones, limited connectivity transforms potential frustration into liberation, allowing minds to wander freely.
Is Slow Travel An Antidote to Digital Overload?
In a year where global travel spending is projected to hit record highs, driven by intentional journeys amid economic headwinds, slow travel stands out for its restorative power. Data from adventure specialists like Explore Worldwide show rail bookings a quintessential slow travel mode, up 41% year-over-year for 2026, as travellers opt for scenic, unhurried routes over flights. This aligns with a broader shift: 74% of travellers seek local recommendations to live like residents, per Hilton’s 2026 trends, rising as sustainability and wellness demands grow.
A stay near Jim Corbett during what locals call the pink winter offered a clear illustration of this shift. Crisp mornings, rose-hued skies and near-absent connectivity created conditions that many urban travellers are now actively seeking. We arrived at ZANA resort that served as a quiet enabler, its cottages blending European-inspired warmth cosy fireplaces, wooden claddings, and homely suites with characterful architecture makes the stay feel grounded in its setting — rustic yet refined — rather than overtly luxury in a generic way. Built on principles of sustenance without environmental harm, the architecture used earthy materials to harmonise with the wilderness, offering views that pulled us outdoors rather than to screens.
The digital detox began unintentionally. Signals faded as we settled in, phones becoming mere clocks. The initial restlessness is familiar to many travellers accustomed to constant notifications, yet research suggests that this discomfort is short-lived. By the second day, the absence of alerts can sharpen attention in ways that feel both subtle and profound. But research backs the benefits, according to Georgetown University study, even brief reductions in screen time improve focus, sleep quality, and overall well-being, with effects comparable to cognitive-behavioural therapy. By day two, we embraced it, our days unfolding at nature’s pace.
How Does a Forest Retreat Reset the Mind and Body?
Jim Corbett, India’s oldest national park, offers far more than tiger sightings—though the elusive stripes are a thrill. Its 520 square kilometres encompass diverse flora: sal forests, grasslands, and riverine belts teeming with over 600 bird species and rare plants like the ghost tree.
Slow travel here means absorbing this biodiversity mindfully, as 2026 forecasts predict a surge in nature-driven escapes, with 76% of high-income travellers willing to pay more for sustainable options, per American Express.
Dawn safaris in Jim Corbett offer a form of enforced presence. Rising before sunrise, travellers move through mist-heavy trails where the only interruptions are deer grazing or langurs shifting through sal trees. Without notifications slicing through the silence, attention settles naturally into the landscape. This immersion echoes findings from a PNAS Nexus study which says blocking mobile internet for two weeks boosts subjective well-being, mental health, and sustained attention, partly by encouraging more time in nature and socialising.
Afternoons led us to the Kosi riverbank, its waters gushing loudly over boulders, flanked by lush green forests on either side. We skipped stones, the rhythmic splash drowning mental chatter. Evenings brought simple pleasures: dining on global cuisines with local twists at the resort’s restaurants, where live grills and tranquil ambiences fostered unhurried conversations.
A 2025 Frontiers study highlights how such digital detoxes enhance eudaimonic well-being promoting self-reflection and emotional regulation through cognitive breaks from overstimulation.
What Hidden Gems Does Jim Corbett Hold Beyond the Safari?
Venturing deeper, we discovered Sitabani Temple, an ancient shrine in the park’s dense buffer zone, tied to Ramayana lore as Sita’s exile site. The rustic stone structure, surrounded by whispering trees, invited quiet contemplation steps winding upward, air thick with incense and serenity. This spiritual layer adds to Corbett’s allure, where slow travel reveals cultural depths amid the wild.
The resort facilitated this seamlessly its proximity to the park allowed effortless exploration, while interiors provided a cosy retreat. Fireplaces crackled as we read books undisturbed, metabolism resetting through natural rhythms and mindful meals.
A Harvard study affirms that short social media breaks yield real-time mental health gains, with nuances showing durability in diverse groups.
The effects of such trips often linger beyond departure: sharper focus, deeper sleep, a noticeable resistance to slipping back into reflexive scrolling. As bookings for longer stays rise and off-grid retreats expand, slow travel appears less like indulgence and more like recalibration. In 2026, with Expedia reporting 35% of travellers planning grocery tourism for authentic immersion, slow travel’s growth bookings for trips over eight days up 19%, signals a paradigm shift.
Excessive screen exposure disrupts melatonin production through blue light, delays bedtime, shortens total sleep duration by minutes per hour used, and correlates with heightened stress levels, as cross-sectional studies among students in India and elsewhere have shown.
Slow travel, often intertwined with quiet luxury, emphasises deeper immersion over rapid itineraries—staying longer in fewer places to savour local rhythms and foster genuine connections. In 2026, this approach dominates forecasts, with data and trend analysts labelling it the year of “quietcations,” where comfort and silence eclipse spectacle.
Expedia’s Unpack ‘26 report highlights destinations like Savoie in France and Big Sky in Montana as hotspots for extended, exploratory stays, while in India, regions such as Coorg’s misty forests and Kerala’s tranquil backwaters draw those craving low-key elegance.
According to recent travel data from Vrbo’s 2026, roughly 91% of travellers are expressing interest in “slow travel” or vacations specifically built around rest, relaxation, reading, and nature, rather than high-activity itineraries.
Trip durations are stretching, multi-city itineraries are declining, and off-grid stays are seeing stronger forward bookings as urban travellers prioritise depth over volume. Even booking windows are lengthening, suggesting people are planning fewer but more intentional journeys. In that sense, a recent winter stay at the ZANA resort near Jim Corbett felt less like an indulgent escape and more like participation in a broader shift, where weakening network signals and riverside mornings replaced the reflex to scroll.
Travellers often recount how dawn safaris, with the sun piercing misty trails, replace doom-scrolling with present-moment awareness. In places like Nagarhole National Park or Jim Corbett’s buffer zones, limited connectivity transforms potential frustration into liberation, allowing minds to wander freely.
Is Slow Travel An Antidote to Digital Overload?
In a year where global travel spending is projected to hit record highs, driven by intentional journeys amid economic headwinds, slow travel stands out for its restorative power. Data from adventure specialists like Explore Worldwide show rail bookings a quintessential slow travel mode, up 41% year-over-year for 2026, as travellers opt for scenic, unhurried routes over flights. This aligns with a broader shift: 74% of travellers seek local recommendations to live like residents, per Hilton’s 2026 trends, rising as sustainability and wellness demands grow.
A stay near Jim Corbett during what locals call the pink winter offered a clear illustration of this shift. Crisp mornings, rose-hued skies and near-absent connectivity created conditions that many urban travellers are now actively seeking. We arrived at ZANA resort that served as a quiet enabler, its cottages blending European-inspired warmth cosy fireplaces, wooden claddings, and homely suites with characterful architecture makes the stay feel grounded in its setting — rustic yet refined — rather than overtly luxury in a generic way. Built on principles of sustenance without environmental harm, the architecture used earthy materials to harmonise with the wilderness, offering views that pulled us outdoors rather than to screens.
The digital detox began unintentionally. Signals faded as we settled in, phones becoming mere clocks. The initial restlessness is familiar to many travellers accustomed to constant notifications, yet research suggests that this discomfort is short-lived. By the second day, the absence of alerts can sharpen attention in ways that feel both subtle and profound. But research backs the benefits, according to Georgetown University study, even brief reductions in screen time improve focus, sleep quality, and overall well-being, with effects comparable to cognitive-behavioural therapy. By day two, we embraced it, our days unfolding at nature’s pace.
How Does a Forest Retreat Reset the Mind and Body?
Jim Corbett, India’s oldest national park, offers far more than tiger sightings—though the elusive stripes are a thrill. Its 520 square kilometres encompass diverse flora: sal forests, grasslands, and riverine belts teeming with over 600 bird species and rare plants like the ghost tree.
Slow travel here means absorbing this biodiversity mindfully, as 2026 forecasts predict a surge in nature-driven escapes, with 76% of high-income travellers willing to pay more for sustainable options, per American Express.
Dawn safaris in Jim Corbett offer a form of enforced presence. Rising before sunrise, travellers move through mist-heavy trails where the only interruptions are deer grazing or langurs shifting through sal trees. Without notifications slicing through the silence, attention settles naturally into the landscape. This immersion echoes findings from a PNAS Nexus study which says blocking mobile internet for two weeks boosts subjective well-being, mental health, and sustained attention, partly by encouraging more time in nature and socialising.
Afternoons led us to the Kosi riverbank, its waters gushing loudly over boulders, flanked by lush green forests on either side. We skipped stones, the rhythmic splash drowning mental chatter. Evenings brought simple pleasures: dining on global cuisines with local twists at the resort’s restaurants, where live grills and tranquil ambiences fostered unhurried conversations.
A 2025 Frontiers study highlights how such digital detoxes enhance eudaimonic well-being promoting self-reflection and emotional regulation through cognitive breaks from overstimulation.
What Hidden Gems Does Jim Corbett Hold Beyond the Safari?
Venturing deeper, we discovered Sitabani Temple, an ancient shrine in the park’s dense buffer zone, tied to Ramayana lore as Sita’s exile site. The rustic stone structure, surrounded by whispering trees, invited quiet contemplation steps winding upward, air thick with incense and serenity. This spiritual layer adds to Corbett’s allure, where slow travel reveals cultural depths amid the wild.
The resort facilitated this seamlessly its proximity to the park allowed effortless exploration, while interiors provided a cosy retreat. Fireplaces crackled as we read books undisturbed, metabolism resetting through natural rhythms and mindful meals.
A Harvard study affirms that short social media breaks yield real-time mental health gains, with nuances showing durability in diverse groups.
The effects of such trips often linger beyond departure: sharper focus, deeper sleep, a noticeable resistance to slipping back into reflexive scrolling. As bookings for longer stays rise and off-grid retreats expand, slow travel appears less like indulgence and more like recalibration. In 2026, with Expedia reporting 35% of travellers planning grocery tourism for authentic immersion, slow travel’s growth bookings for trips over eight days up 19%, signals a paradigm shift.
Scan the QR code to download the News18 app and enjoy a seamless news experience anytime, anywhere.
Source: News18
Related Posts: slow travel, digital detox, quiet luxury, Jim Corbett National Park, nature retreats, sustainable travel, screen time reduction, mindful travel
No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader No need to panic over H1N1 surge in K'taka: Minister Khader Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 13:51:09 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Bengaluru, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader on Monday assured the public that there was no
8 hours ago
‘You endorse misogyny, cut the crap’: Shehzad Poonawalla joins BJP attack on Rahul Gandhi's ‘smash patriarchy’ call Shehzad Poonawalla and BJP were responding to Rahul Gandhi's call to "smash the patriarchy" during his party's 'Chhatro ki Goonj' programme in Pune. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
For Delhi-NCR residents, Guleria struck a reassuring note while explaining why this year’s wave has felt worse, but citizens need not panic The H1N1 virus driving Delhi-NCR’s current flu surge appears to be changing its structure — a process that is making it spread faster and slip past the
11 hours ago
A job applicant’s unusual rejection from a software engineering internship has left the internet divided after the candidate was reportedly turned down over the name of their resume file. The incident was highlighted in a now-viral post on X by user @adnaannasir_
11 hours ago
Elderly woman killed, husband injured in SUV hit-and-run at Delhi's posh GK-1 The woman, identified as Shashi, was declared brought dead at the hospital, while her husband Kulbhushan (65), was left injured. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 11:00:26 IST By HT News Desk Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy
11 hours ago
Woman reflects on high-rise living in big cities: ‘Even the slice of the sky is fixed for us’ A woman shared her thoughts on high-rise life, saying big-city living can feel confined despite better work opportunities. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
11 hours ago
Governor Abdullah Sarhadi gives money to treat a boy's broken arm and hands out funds for a local mosque - then, in his office in northern Afghanistan, an astonishing exchange unfolds. A young woman tells the grey-bearded former Taliban commander that she wants to divorce her husband
11 hours ago
Andy Burnham is marking his first foreign visit as prime minister with a trip to Kyiv - and will hand over blueprints so Ukraine can build its own long-range missiles. The prime minister will chair his first meeting of the "coalition of the willing"
11 hours ago
Apple’s next iPhone launch is getting closer, and the company’s usual September schedule is beginning to take shape. According to a recent Forbes report, Apple could hold its special event on Wednesday, September 9, where it is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
11 hours ago
Fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has, in an audio clip, purportedly claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, The Indian Express reported. The newspaper said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip
11 hours ago
Dad crashes daughter’s late-night work meeting over parcels: ‘Ek paise ki saving nahi karti’ A father’s surprise appearance during his daughter’s work call turns into a lecture on spending and saving. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 10:56:44 IST By Vaishali Kapila Prefer HTon Google Share via
11 hours ago
A Zimbabwean content creator’s tongue-in-cheek take on life in India has caught the attention of social media users after he shared 10 everyday conveniences that have completely changed his standard of living. From paying for almost everything with just a phone to having food
11 hours ago
Starting September 1, passengers traveling internationally will be required to use an e-boarding pass on their smartphones for immigration clearance, as announced by immigration authorities. This significant change comes as the Bureau of Immigration (BOI)
14 hours ago
The September 2026 US Visa Bulletin brings a mixed picture for Indian green card applicants. While some family-sponsored categories have moved forward, several employment-based categories remain severely constrained, with two India-specific categories listed as unavailable and the State Department
14 hours ago
The Maharashtra Transport Department has issued notices to 777 drivers for lacking practical knowledge of Marathi, The Hindu quoted unidentified officials as saying on Saturday. A total of 5,211 drivers were tested during a statewide inspection campaign that began on August 20, including 3
14 hours ago
19-year-old killed, friend injured after truck hits motorcycle on Delhi's Indraprastha flyover A police team reached the spot and found a motorcycle lying in a damaged condition and two people seriously injured. One of them died in the hospital. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Indian woman reveals why her family returned to India after 13 years in US: ‘You don’t really belong here’ A woman shared five reasons her family decided to leave the US and return to India after 13 years. Published on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:43:56 IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Prefer HTon Google
14 hours ago
New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office New UK PM Andy Burnham to make visit to Kyiv on Monday: office Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:28 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Kyiv on Monday on his first international
14 hours ago
Bengaluru vs Gurgaon? Man who lived in both cities explains why the comparison is ‘completely pointless’ A man said the Bengaluru versus Gurgaon debate was pointless and urged people to live in both cities before deciding. Published on: Aug 24, 2026
14 hours ago
Circle Wealth CIO and Managing Partner Chadha said the market was rewarding companies with strong earnings and improving outlooks, even as large-cap stocks remained under pressure. Diwali season is expected to bring a fresh boost for Indian equities following strong corporate earnings
14 hours ago
The restriction was imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which governs the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The central government on Saturday restricted the manufacturing, sale and distribution of all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)
14 hours ago
Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:41:29 IST AFP Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ukraine on Monday hosts a meeting of its key European backers to press for critical
14 hours ago
'Trouble proving citizenship after representing India in 3 countries': Ex-envoy to ECI over Punjab SIR Suri served as India’s ambassador to the UAE and Egypt and high commissioner to Australia. Updated on: Aug 24, 2026, 07:34:33 IST By HT Correspondent Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
14 hours ago
2 killed after illegal building in Hyderabad's Gachibowli caves in Officials alleged that the building was built over or adjacent to a drain without the required permissions. Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:41:02 IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link At least two
1 days ago
J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant J'khand: Compensation of ₹31 lakh each given to families of 3 engineers burnt alive at steel plant Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:43:04 IST PTI Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link Ramgarh
1 days ago
Jaiñtia Hills to the G7: Can Meghalaya turn ‘Lakadong’ into a global brand? The high-curcumin turmeric has gone from an obscure hill crop to a GI-tagged premium product showcased before world leaders. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:48:20 IST By David Laitphlang
1 days ago
Ex-NRI shares why she takes auto for 1 km ride to gym after moving to India: 'Life here is a compromise' The woman shared that she has to walk through an area where "everybody stares", while the pathway is "ubad-khabad", dirty and encroached. Updated on: Aug 23, 2026
1 days ago
