Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra is one of the most promising real estate markets in 2026. The region continues to attract investors and buyers alike thanks to its position as one of the most dynamic markets within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The reason behind this demand is largely because of infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and upcoming employment hubs and of course the arrival of the Navi Mumbai International Airport has changed the real estate game completely in the region. As per recent market data study, average apartment prices in Navi Mumbai have gone up by more than 22 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

The real estate market in Navi Mumbai in 2026 is being shaped by several factors, with Navi Mumbai International Airport, metro lines, expressways, and link roads playing major roles. Areas such as Kharghar, Ulwe and Panvel are showing immense growth and interest from investors and users. And it’s a fact that developers, investors and homebuyers in 2026 are paying more attention to connectivity and long-term growth.

On this note, let’s have a look at five real estate hotspots in Navi Mumbai in 2026, shaping the real estate market in MMR.

(PC: Canva)

Hania Aamir has that rare charm – winning hearts across Pakistan and India with her bubbly vibe, killer style, and unfiltered life updates. Even with stricter bans on Pakistani stars in India post-Pahalgam attack, fans sneak peeks via social media. Now, a dreamy video of Hania dressed as a glowing bride has the internet in meltdown mode. Is Pakistan’s sweetheart tying the knot? Spoiler: it’s got everyone guessing wildly!

The video that’s breaking the internet

Picture this: Hania in a stunning yellow lehenga, dupatta veiling her head, gajras adorning her wrists, dancing joyfully beside singer Asim Azhar. The vibe screams mehendi or sangeet night – perfect couple energy! Fans lost it, flooding comments with “Finally!” and heart-eyes emojis. But Reddit sleuths quickly debunked it: nope, not a wedding. It’s a wedding-themed birthday bash for Hania. One user nailed the confusion: “Someone about to marry in weeks throws a shaadi party? Hania could, though – she’s wild!” Another gushed, “They look so in love, Ma Sha Allah!” A third wrote, “Finally one frame together!” That’s pure fan frenzy.Watch the video here

Hania and Asim: From dating rumours to rekindled sparks?

For the unversed, Hania and Asim’s chemistry dates back years. Linked since 2018, they split around 2020–21 (Hania called them “just friends”). Asim got engaged to influencer Merub Ali, but that ended mutually in June 2025. Post-breakup, Hania and Asim’s sightings exploded: from airport runs with Asim masking up, to matching “yellow cap” moments, and Hania showing up at his events. Fans decode their every post – his album Asim Ali (“Lost n Found” vibes?), her flirty comments. And now, their wedding whispers for 2026 are everywhere, with astrologers chiming in (some predict bliss, others divorce?). When asked about it, Hania once cheekily replied to a fan, “Yes, I’ve heard it too.” So, is their relationship just a PR stunt or the real deal? Well, there are no confirmations yet.

Why Indians can’t easily follow Hania anymore

Post-Pahalgam attack in 2025, India’s government blocked Pakistani celebs’ interactions on social media. Hania’s main Insta went dark for Indian viewers, so she launched @Naamtousunahogaa – another social media profile. A post there- “Ye mere andar downfall me bhi mauj masti karne ki himmat aa kaha se rahi hai” won Indian hearts. But Pakistani fans trolled her, with some saying, “Not getting Bollywood entry anytime soon!” Meanwhile, Hania stays unbothered, sharing life boldly.Hania’s magic? She’s real – gaming geek, fashion icon, and relationship tea-spiller.What do you think of Hania and Asim – are they really together? Will they marry soon? Only time can tell!

If the idea of one snake makes you uneasy, imagine tens of thousands rising from the ground at once. Look no further than the Narcisse Snake Dens, a provincial wildlife management area located about six kilometres north of Narcisse in the Rural Municipality of Armstrong, in Canada’s province of Manitoba. Every spring, this quiet patch of prairie becomes home to the largest known concentration of red-sided garter snakes in the world.

The world’s biggest snake gathering of this type

The stars of this remarkable natural event are the red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis). During winter, they retreat into deep limestone caverns formed by water-worn bedrock beneath the surface. These underground dens protect them from Manitoba’s freezing temperatures.

But when spring arrives, typically in late April to early May, the ground seems to move. Tens of thousands of snakes emerge from the pits in what is one of North America’s most unusual wildlife spectacles. They gather in writhing clusters known as mating balls, where dozens of males compete to mate with a single female before dispersing into nearby marshes for the summer.By early September, the process reverses. The snakes begin their journey back to the dens to survive another brutal winter. Read more: Iceland’s iconic black beach is disappearing: What’s happening at Reynisfjara

A population in peril

For decades, the population around Narcisse was estimated at roughly 70,000. But in 1999, unusually severe weather struck before many snakes could safely return to their winter dens. Tens of thousands perished, dramatically reducing their numbers.The event exposed a critical vulnerability in the snakes’ biannual migration: their route crosses Highway 17. Each year, approximately 10,000 snakes attempting to reach or leave the dens had been crushed under vehicle tyres. When the population was large, these losses were sustainable. After 1999, however, they became a serious conservation concern.

Engineering a snake-saving solution

In response, conservationists, volunteers and Manitoba Hydro stepped in.Foot-high snow fences were installed along sections of Highway 17 to guide migrating snakes toward specially constructed six-inch (15-centimetre) tunnels running beneath the road. These underpasses allowed the reptiles to cross safely.During migration season, roadside signs also urge motorists to slow down.The results were dramatic. Snake deaths on the highway dropped from around 10,000 annually to fewer than 1,000 per season, a significant improvement that helped stabilise the population. Read more: The only passport offering access to 190+ destinations in latest Henley index — Full list inside

A remarkable rebound

By 2024, numbers had largely recovered. Annual estimates now range between 75,000 and 150,000 snakes, depending on environmental conditions.Today, the Narcisse Snake Dens stand as both a natural wonder and a conservation success story proof that small infrastructure changes can make a large ecological impact.The conservation area is open to the public, with viewing platforms that allow visitors to safely observe the spectacle without disturbing the animals.

The best time to visit is during peak activity:

Late April to early May (mating season)Early September (return migration to the dens)It may not be everyone’s idea of a dream holiday. But for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and curious travellers, few places on Earth offer a spectacle quite like Narcisse, where the ground itself seems to slither.

Early mornings at Puri’s Blue Flag Beach are calm and enchanting. Gentle waves wash over the golden sands as the first rays of sunlight stretch across the horizon. In a recently shared video, tiny sea creatures could be seen along the shoreline. The clip captures plough snails slowly moving with the rhythm of the tides. Early-morning walkers along the shores of Puri expected the usual calm start to the day, with a soft sunrise and gentle waves. Something far more unusual stretches of sand appeared to be covered in scattered shells. The unusual sight was reported from Niladri Beach and the well-known Puri’s Blue Flag Beach, according to local Odisha news reports.

Live sea snails appear in large numbers on Odisha beaches amid calm seas

Videos circulating online show live sea snails scattered across Blue Flag Beach. Their conical shells, many patterned and glossy, dotted the sand in dense clusters.Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik shared visuals from the beach and described the scene as “Incredible nature.” The footage shows the shells slowly shifting, some leaving faint trails in the damp sand. It gave the impression that the beach itself was moving. Tourists gathered quickly, but the reason remains unclear.Marine experts say the mass movement might be linked to seasonal shifts and calm sea conditions along the Odisha coast. When the sea is this quiet, creatures from deeper waters can drift slowly toward shallow areas. Locals say gatherings like this are rare. Cone snails aren’t unusual in tropical waters, but seeing them cover the sand like this is something else entirely.

What exactly are sea snails

Cone snails belong to the Conidae family and are predatory marine snails known for their distinctive cone-shaped shells. There are reportedly between 800 and 1,000 species worldwide, mostly inhabiting tropical and subtropical seas. The calm exterior hides a highly efficient hunting mechanism. Cone snails use a sharp, harpoon-like tooth to inject venom into their prey. Depending on the species, they feed on marine worms, molluscs, or even small fish.Some species employ what researchers describe as a “hook-and-line” method to capture prey. Others, such as the Conus geographus, also known as the Geography Cone, can release chemicals into the water to stun fish before consuming them.

Stunning sea snails’ shells contain venom

Seeing cone snails covering Puri beaches looked almost magical. But experts warn they are not harmless. Their venom is strong and affects nerves and muscles. Some species, like the Geography Cone and the textile cone, can be dangerous, even life-threatening. A sting can cause sharp pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or trouble breathing. There is no specific antivenom. Doctors usually provide supportive care and careful monitoring.Because of this, marine researchers and local officials strongly advise people to avoid touching live cone snails, no matter how pretty their shells look.

Years after her husband John passed away, Diana Maver still receives a special Valentine’s Day bouquet. John meticulously planned this surprise before his death, ensuring Diana would continue to receive her favorite red roses and white lilies annually. This thoughtful gesture, now carried out by their daughters, serves as a poignant reminder of their enduring love.

Every Valentine’s Day, Diana Maver opens her door to the same surprise. A bouquet. A card. And a reminder that love doesn’t always stop when life does.Her husband, John Maver, passed away in 2017. But seven years later, flowers still show up at her doorstep on February 14, just like clockwork. Red roses mixed with white lilies. Her favourites and his. Tied together, the way they always were.It wasn’t an accident. John planned this.Long before he passed, he quietly arranged for Diana to receive flowers every Valentine’s Day. The same bouquet. The same card. Year after year. And now, with a little help from their daughters, that promise is still being kept.For Diana, it feels like a small piece of him still showing up.

John and Diana’s love story didn’t begin in some movie scene. They met as teenagers in Ontario, Canada. Sixteen years old. Awkward, young, and already drawn to each other.Diana had moved to Canada from China when she was a child. When she returned to Ontario years later, she met John through her cousin. And that was it.“He had this charm about him,” she once shared. “You just felt safe around him. I knew I loved him very quickly.”They went to different colleges but stayed in touch. Life pulled Diana west to California, and John followed. Soon after, he proposed.Their wedding brought together family and friends from both Canada and the US. Loud, joyful, full of people who had watched their love grow from teenage crush to real partnership.They built a life in California. Raised three children. Worked through the messy, ordinary parts of marriage. The bills, the tired days, the long years. And still, John never dropped one habit – bringing Diana flowers.For 47 years, every anniversary came with a bouquet. Red for her. White for him.

Everything changed in 2017

Then came October 2017.John passed away. The house grew quieter. The routines changed. Life moved forward, but something felt permanently missing.Four months later, on Valentine’s Day, Diana opened the door and froze.Flowers.Same colours. Same card. Same words.It felt impossible and yet deeply like him.Their daughters later shared that John had made the arrangements himself. He didn’t want Diana to feel alone on Valentine’s Day. Not that first year. Not any year after.One of their daughters described the bouquet as a mix of their parents’ personalities. Red roses for her mum. White lilies for her dad. “It’s both of them in one bunch,” she said. “That’s how they were in life too. Different, but perfect together.”The card never changes. It always carries the same message:I have but one heart and that is you. You will always be my Valentine.When the flowers arrive, Diana smiles the way she used to when John walked into the room. It’s not loud happiness. It’s the quiet kind. The kind that sits in your chest and hurts a little, but in a good way.She knows he’s gone. She’s not pretending otherwise. But in that moment, it feels like love still finds its way back home.Her daughters say it’s the most romantic thing they’ve ever seen. Not because of the flowers, but because of the thought behind them. The planning. The care. The idea that even after death, he wanted her to feel chosen.

This Valentine’s Day, like every year since 2018, Diana will open her door and find the same familiar surprise waiting for her.And for a moment, the years won’t matter.Because love, when it’s real, doesn’t run out of time.

Meet the slow worm slithering across the garden like a tiny liquid shadow. A legless lizard, experts say, that somehow manages to fool everyone. Kids scream, gardeners blink, and people step over it thinking it’s a harmless snake. It’s long, smooth, scaly, and might sniff the air with its little tongue. It eats slugs, worms, and bugs. And, strangely enough, it can shed its tail if trouble comes calling.Found across most of Europe, creeping into western Asia, slow worms prefer damp places. Heathland edges, woodland fringes. Gardens too. Compost heaps are reportedly their favourite hunting grounds. They’re nocturnal, shy, and often overlooked. But stick around long enough and you’ll notice their sleek bodies gliding through the soil, eyes blinking at the moonlight.

What is a slow worm and how it is different from a snake

Despite appearances, slow worms aren’t snakes or worms. They arelegless lizards. A distant cousin of snakes, apparently. Snakes are in the suborder Serpentes. They have eyelids and blink. But, snakes don’t. Their tongues are short, thick, not the thin, forked snakes stick out to taste the world. Even their movement is different. Slow worms are a bit stiff. Less fluid. Their scales don’t overlap. It helps them burrow. No snagging, no fuss. They can disappear under a clump of soil in seconds.

How to spot slow worm

Slow worms can reach 16 to 18 inches long, give or take. Males are lighter, sometimes dotted with blue. Females bigger, darker, a stripe down their back. The head merges into the body. No neck. The tail just grows out. Skin is brown, gold, sometimes mottled. Smooth, shiny. Perfect for slipping under leaves or hiding beneath garden debris. If you find tiny patches of reptile skin, that’s likely a slow worm shedding bit by bit, not all in one go like a snake.

Slow worm: Behaviour and habits

They eat slugs, earthworms, and bugs. Gardeners might secretly love them for this. They brumate in winter. Not quite hibernation, more a slow-down. They choose different shelters than snakes, burrowing underground while snakes hide in cracks.The slow worm drops its tail, thrashes, and confuses the hunter. The worm escapes. Some even emit a smelly poo if threatened. Snakes hiss or bite, quick, aggressive. Slow worms are subtle. They save their bite for love, apparently. A gentle nip during mating, experts say.

Habitat and lifespan of the rarely seen slow worm

In the New Forest, slow worms can be found across the damper and heathier areas. They also occur in grasslands and village gardens, though sightings are rare. Across the UK, they are present throughout lowland England, Scotland, and Wales.Unlike many other British reptiles, slow worms rarely bask in the sun. Like amphibians, they prefer cool, damp habitats such as open woodlands, moist heaths, rough grasslands, and meadows with hedges and scrub. Gardens, particularly compost heaps, also attract them. Their appetite for slugs and snails makes them welcome visitors for gardeners. You might be just as likely to spot one in your own garden as in the New Forest.Slow worms are among the longest-lived lizards, with one recorded at 54 years old, although most live around 15 years.

Why we should care

Slow worms might look like snakes. They move like snakes. But they’re something else entirely. Harmless, fascinating. Little gardeners’ allies, predators of slugs, secretive residents of our green spaces. Keep an eye out. Blink, and you might miss them slinking by.

Happy Valentine’s Day 2026! February 14 has arrived, and the air is buzzing with romance—hearts fluttering, roses blooming, and couples (or solo lovebirds) everywhere celebrating what makes life sweetest. Whether you’re head-over-heels with your girlfriend, plotting a surprise for your boyfriend, marking anniversaries with your husband, or simply gazing at your wife with that forever-love sparkle, this day is your excuse to say it loud: “You make my world brighter.” On this day, couples spend quality time with each other and express their gratitude and love for each other. Singles spend it by indulging in some self-love and self-care. While some others spend the day with their beloved friends and family– thus celebrating love in different forms.In our hustle-filled lives, Valentine’s is a gentle nudge to pause and connect. For girlfriends: Add playfulness. Boyfriends: Keep it cool yet heartfelt. Husbands: Blend nostalgia with future dreams. Wives: Honour the partnership that’s seen it all. Below, we’ve curated some handpicked wishes—sweet, funny, deep, and flirty—grouped just for you. Copy-paste into texts, cards, or whispers over dinner. Mix ’em up, personalize, and watch hearts melt. Let’s spread the love!

For Your Girlfriend: Sweet Sparks and Flirty Fun

Make her blush with these playful, passionate notes—she’s your adventure buddy and heart-stealer.1. “To the girl who stole my heart: Keep it forever. Happy V-Day!”2.”You’re not just my girlfriend; you’re my safe place. Love you.”3. “You’re my favourite notification. Happy Valentine’s Day!”4. “Every kiss from you feels like fireworks. Love you more today—and always.”5. “You’re the peanut butter to my jelly: messy, sweet, and impossible to let go.”6. “You are my favourite hello, and hardest goodbye!”7. “If loving you was a crime, I’d happily do the time. “8. “Roses are red, you’re my boo… can’t wait for date night with you!”9. “You turn ordinary days into magic. Here’s to us, forever.”10. “Happy Valentine’s! You’re cuter than a puppy and twice as loyal.”11. “My heart chose you—best decision ever. Love you endlessly.”12. “You’re my sunshine on rainy days. V-Day vibes with you? Perfect.”13. “Flirting with you is my cardio. Happy Valentine’s, gorgeous!”

For Your Boyfriend: Cool, Confident, and Crazy About Him

Guys love straightforward affection with a dash of humor—show him he’s your MVP.1. “Happy Valentine’s, handsome! You’re my weakness and my strength.”2. “Boyfriend by day, heartthrob by night. Love you more than pizza.”3. “You’re the ‘he’ in ‘happy.’ Cheers to us this V-Day!”4. “If you were a superhero, you’d be my favourite—saving my heart daily.”5. “Happy V-Day! Loving you is my favourite adventure.”6. “You’re cooler than AC in summer. Can’t imagine life without you.”7. “To my boyfriend: Thanks for laughing at my jokes (even the bad ones).”8. “You’re my player one. Game on forever, babe.”9. “Happy Valentine’s! You make bad days good and good days epic.”10. “Love you like Netflix loves binges—non-stop and addictive.”11. “You’re the reason I smile at my phone. V-Day love!”12. “Boyfriend bonus: You get me. Happy Valentine’s, rockstar.”13. “With you, every day feels like a win. Love you always.”

For Your Husband: Deep, Grateful, and Timeless

Happy Valentine’s Day

Celebrate the man who’s your rock—nostalgia meets promises forever.1. “Happy Valentine’s, my love. 10+ years in, and I’m still crazy about you.”2. “Husband: My partner, protector, and best friend. Forever grateful.”3. “Through every storm, you’re my calm. Happy V-Day, hubby.”4. “You’re the father of my dreams and keeper of my heart.”5. “Happy Valentine’s! Our love story gets better with every chapter.”6. “To the man who chose me: Best plot twist ever. Love you.”7. “You’ve seen my worst and love my best. Here’s to us.”8. “Husband hugs > everything. V-Day magic with you.”9. “Our life together? My favorite love song. Play on repeat.”10. “Happy V-Day! You’re my always, even on ordinary days.”11. “Thank you for building this life with me. Love eternal.”12. “To my husband: You’re home. Always will be.”13. “Years later, my heart still skips for you. Valentine’s forever.”

For Your Wife: Elegant, Appreciative, and Adoring

Honour her grace and strength—she’s your queen, every day.1. “Happy Valentine’s, my queen. You make every day royal.”2. “Wife: My muse, my rock, my everything. Love you deeply.”3. “You’re the heartbeat of our home. V-Day devotion.”4. “Through it all, your love shines brightest. Grateful always.”5. “Happy V-Day! Aging with you is my privilege.”6. “To my wife: You’re more beautiful today than ever.”7. “Our love? Timeless. Here’s to endless tomorrows.”8. “You chose joy daily. Honored to be yours.”9. “Wife vibes: Elegant, strong, mine. Happy Valentine’s!”10. “Your smile starts my day. Love you beyond words.”11. “To the woman who holds my world: Forever yours.”12. “Happy V-Day, wifey. You’re my greatest adventure.”

In global travel rankings, crossing the 190-destination mark is rare. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, only one passport currently offers access to more than 190 destinations, and that passport belongs to Singapore.As per the index, the world’s strongest passport currently belongs to Singapore, whose citizens can access 192 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa in advance. The index ranks 199 passports using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), covering 227 destinations worldwide. A destination counts if it allows visa-free entry, visa on arrival (VOA), or electronic travel authorisation (ETA/e-visa).

Below is the full list of destinations accessible to Singapore passport holders under these categories.

Visa-free access

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican CityAsia: Armenia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR China), Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, VietnamRead more: The world’s largest waterfall isn’t on land — it’s underwaterAmericas & Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, French West Indies, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Helena, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Venezuela. Africa: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde Islands, Congo (Rep.), Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, eSwatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mayotte, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, ZimbabweOceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, VanuatuVisa on Arrival (VOA)Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burundi, Comoro Islands, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nepal, Palau Islands, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates Read more: Thailand overhauls visa rules: 60-day visa-free stays, DTV, and digital entry system to boost tourism and economy

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) / E-Visa

American Samoa (ETA), Australia (ETA), Bhutan (E-Visa), Bolivia (E-Visa), Cameroon (E-Visa), Canada (ETA), Congo (Dem. Rep.) (E-Visa), Equatorial Guinea (E-Visa), Gabon (E-Visa), India (E-Visa), Israel (ETA), Liberia (E-Visa), Mauritania (E-Visa), Mozambique (ETA), New Zealand (ETA), Nigeria (E-Visa), Pakistan (E-Visa), Palestinian Territory (ETA), Russian Federation (E-Visa), São Tomé and Príncipe (E-Visa), Seychelles (ETA), Somalia (E-Visa), South Sudan (E-Visa), Syria (E-Visa), Togo (E-Visa), Ukraine (E-Visa), United Kingdom (ETA), United States (ETA)With access spanning Europe’s Schengen Area, key Asian economies, most of Latin America, parts of Africa, and major destinations requiring only digital authorisation, Singapore currently holds the highest mobility score among 199 ranked passports.The ranking is updated monthly and reflects standard entry rules rather than temporary travel restrictions.

A Kashmiri bride’s stunning transformation into a classic Malayali bride has captivated social media. Celebrity makeup artist Sona Nalinan shared the viral look, showcasing the bride in a traditional kasavu saree and temple jewellery. The elegant fusion of traditions highlights how beautiful cultural blends can be, proving style transcends regional boundaries.

This is one of those glow-ups that makes you pause and smile. A Kashmiri bride has gone viral for slipping into a classic Kerala bridal look, and honestly, she looks like she was born to wear it. The transformation was shared by celebrity makeup artist Sona Nalinan on Instagram, and it’s a lovely reminder of how beautifully Indian traditions can blend into each other.The bride, Charu, looks radiant as she steps into the elegant world of the Malayali bride. Wrapped in a traditional kasavu saree, she carries that soft, old-school Kerala charm with ease. The off-white silk with its rich gold border flatters her skin tone perfectly, while the detailed blouse adds just enough drama without stealing the spotlight.And the jewellery? That’s where the magic really kicks in. Heavy temple-style gold necklaces sit proudly on her neckline, paired with statement earrings that instantly lift the whole look. Her hair is tied into a long braid and covered with fresh white flowers, the kind that smell amazing and feel straight out of a wedding album from the ’90s. Gold bangles, a tiny maang tikka – nothing overdone, nothing missing. It’s simple, regal, and so satisfying to look at. The makeup stays soft and glowy, letting the saree and jewellery do most of the talking. Defined eyes, fresh cheeks, and a gentle pink lip keep things modern while still sticking to tradition. It’s the kind of bridal look that feels calm, classy, and powerful all at once.When Sona shared the video, she simply called it turning a “gorgeous Kashmiri into a classic Malayali bride” and people couldn’t agree more. The comments section is full of love. Many said the Kerala bridal style suits Charu’s features beautifully, while others were stuck on her warm smile and quiet confidence.What really stands out here is how natural the whole transformation feels. Charu isn’t from Kerala, yet the look fits her so well it doesn’t feel like she’s trying too hard to belong. It’s proof that good style doesn’t care about state borders or where you’re from. When something is done with heart, it just works.

Want to recreate this Kerala bride look?

Pick a kasavu or cream silk saree with a rich gold border. Keep the blouse simple but well-fitted. Go bold with temple jewellery – layered necklaces, big earrings, stacks of bangles, and a waist belt (vaddanam) if you want that full bridal feel. Braid your hair and wrap it with jasmine flowers. For makeup, keep it fresh: glowing skin, softly lined eyes, and a nude-pink lip.Because when tradition meets your own vibe, the result isn’t just pretty – it stays with you.

Imagine a national park that does not sit firmly on land. Instead, it gently shifts with the water beneath it. A place where you can feel the ground seem to be spongy, where forests float, and where the deer appear to ‘dance’ as they move carefully across drifting vegetation.Welcome to Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park.Located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, the park spans around 40 sq km and forms an integral part of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. The lake itself has been designated a Ramsar site, recognising its international importance as a wetland ecosystem.

Why does it float?

The defining feature of Keibul Lamjao is its vast expanse of phumdis, thick, floating masses of decomposed vegetation, organic matter and soil. These phumdis are formed by the accumulation of biomass and organic detritus over time. Two-thirds to three-fourths of the park’s area is made up of these floating formations.The park lies on the south-eastern side of Loktak Lake and has often been described as being “too deep to be a marsh, too shallow to be a lake.” A waterway running through the park provides year-round access by boats from Loktak Lake to Pabot Hill in the north.The swampy reserve also includes three small hills, Pabot, Toya and Chingjao, which serve as refuges for large mammals during the monsoon season when water levels rise.

A sanctuary created to save a species

Keibul Lamjao was first declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1966 to protect the endangered Sangai, also known as the brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi). It was later gazetted as a national park in 1977.The Sangai, the state animal of Manipur, has deep cultural significance in local folklore. First recorded in Manipur in 1839 and formally named in 1844 in honour of Lt. Percy Eld, the species was declared extinct in 1951. However, it was rediscovered in the Keibul Lamjao area by environmentalist and photographer E.P. Gee, prompting stronger conservation measures.From a small herd of just 14 deer in 1975, the population rose to 155 in 1995. According to the wildlife census conducted in March 2016, the number increased further to 260, a significant recovery made possible by focused conservation efforts.The Sangai is often called the “dancing deer” because of its delicate gait while walking across the floating phumdis. Its survival is closely tied to the health and thickness of these floating meadows. Read more: This Himalayan village has a 500-year-old preserved mummy; who does it belong to?

Ecological significance

The park’s ecosystem is highly sensitive. The formation and regeneration of phumdis depend on natural water-level cycles in Loktak Lake. Any disruption to hydrology can affect the stability of the floating biomass and the species that depend on it.Originally covering 4,000 hectares in March 1997, the reserve area was reduced to 2,160 hectares in April 1998 due to pressures from local habitation and land use.Keibul Lamjao is currently on UNESCO’s tentative list under the title “Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area (KLCA),” which also includes buffer zones covering parts of Loktak Lake and Pumlen Pat.Keibul Lamjao offers a glimpse of a rare wetland ecosystem that is found nowhere else in the world. A national park that floats, sustained by nature’s layered accumulation of plant life and organic matter. It’s indeed an interesting place to visit where land drifts, deer dance, and an entire ecosystem survives on water.