Written by the TravelZeg team in New Delhi.
Sri Lanka: easier visas, and the hill-country train returns
Since May 2026, citizens of 40 countries can apply for Sri Lanka's electronic travel authorisation free of charge. Check whether your nationality is on the list before you apply.
The hill-country railway was badly damaged by a cyclone in late 2025. The line between Nanu Oya and Badulla, which includes the famous stretch to Ella and the Nine Arch Bridge, reopened in June 2026. The line from Colombo and Kandy up to Nanu Oya is still being repaired, so for now we drive guests to Nanu Oya and take the train from there. We will update our journeys when the full line reopens.
Bhutan: the daily fee is fixed until 2027
Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee stays at USD 100 per person per night, confirmed until 31 August 2027. It is included in the prices we quote for Bhutan.
India: a new flight and a faster road
From 25 October 2026, Air India flies daily between Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi during the winter schedule, with a direct flight between Khajuraho and Varanasi every day in one direction or the other. It makes our Classical India journey easier: the alternative is a long drive and a train.
The Delhi–Dehradun expressway opened in April 2026, cutting the drive from Delhi to Rishikesh and the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand to about four hours, depending on traffic in Delhi.
The Golden Chariot luxury train returns for the 2026–27 season after an upgrade, with routes through Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Nepal
In June 2026, Nepal's Supreme Court ordered full marriage equality for same-sex couples. The laws that put it into effect are still being changed.