Globe-trotting grandpas
Meet Madurai-based V Seshakumar, who has travelled to 60 countries, welcoming his 70s with a 50-day international trip
Kashmir’s 360 degree view from top: Lake by lake, meadow by meadow
The last time the mountain ranges encircling Kashmir were meticulously mapped on foot was between 1822-23 by William Moorcroft, a British veterinarian working for the East India Company. Cut to 2025, Mahmood A Shah, a passionate trekker in his early…
Custom holidays by India’s travel startups for seniors, women, the disabled
World on wheels @ Embarq Sujal Patwardhan and Medha Joseph went on a self-drive expedition from India to Morocco a decade ago. The duo covered 23,000 kilometres across 15 countries in 57 days. They returned and started Embarq to organise…
A far, green country once more: The renaissance of Sri Lankan tourism
In Vinland Saga, they speak of a faraway place, “a warm and fertile land, untouched by slave-raiders nor the flame of war” — where even the weary might find peace. Tolkien wrote of a similar “far, green country,” glimpsed on…
Inside the City of Dreams Sri Lanka: An integrated contemporary resort that reflects the island nation’s spirit
Mohammad Akram weaves his autorickshaw through peak evening traffic in Colombo. It is almost 6.30pm and he promises a quick tour of the must-see spots. The capital city of Sri Lanka is lit up in evening lights as Mohammad, in…
What makes monsoon the best season for train journeys in India
Megha Desai, 36, a senior art director at a Mumbai-based branding studio, found her perfect monsoon escape not in a remote hill station, but in a glass-roofed coach on the Executive Vistadome AC (EV) compartment of the Dadar–Madgaon Janshatabdi Express,…
Planning a monsoon break? Here’s why South Goa should top your list
You can tell a lot about a place by how it behaves in the rain. North Goa, with its sunny bravado and beach-bar buzz, tends to take a back seat come monsoon — shuttered shacks, quiet lanes, Aperol dreams on…
What makes monsoon the best season for train journeys in India
Megha Desai, 36, a senior art director at a Mumbai-based branding studio, found her perfect monsoon escape not in a remote hill station, but in a glass-roofed coach on the Executive Vistadome AC (EV) compartment of the Dadar–Madgaon Janshatabdi Express,…
How Chettinad’s cuisine holds the secrets of its mercantile people. We find out on a food trail
The sweet smell of marigolds mixed with the still humidity of a Tamil Nadu afternoon linger in the air. We are in a palatial Chettinad mansion, one of many that we will visit in the coming few days. The tiles…
Dasara elephants to be welcomed on Mysuru palace premises on August 10
Elephants Ekalavya and Bheema in a playful mood on the premises of Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM Dasara elephants, led by Abhimanyu — the Ambari elephant — that arrived in Mysuru on Monday following the grand…
A Greecian-style luxury villa in Chennai places Nature over all else
A view of the paddy fields at Midori | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Charanya Ramesh and Anil Jose are an interesting duo. Despite being avid travellers, these friends-turned-partners spent many years in different parts of the world, with Anil donning…
Crowds, Bollywood music and celebrity tigers: Are Indian safaris getting out of hand?
When Arrowhead, one of Ranthambore National Park’s favourite tigers, died of cancer, the Internet exploded with tributes. However, wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi, whose work focusses on the conservation of large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, believes that selective sympathies…
Badly behaved tourists crowd safari parks. How do you stop them from taking selfies with the lions?
It was a viral video of a group of cheetahs taking down a wildebeest that triggered Big Cat People, Jonathan and Angela Scott, to put together their latest e-book, Safari Etiquette: An essential guide. “There were five male cheetahs, unusual…
A guide to South Korea’s Gangwon province: K-Drama locations, mountains, regional delicacies and more
When you step out of Incheon airport in Seoul, you expect to drive into the city and be catapulted into scenes you have seen in a host of city-slicker K-Dramas and films — an impressive skyline, chaotic, yet orderly traffic,…
Henley Passport Index 2025: India jumps from 85 to 77; Singapore tops again, while US and UK slip
Detail of passenger’s hand holding Indian passport on the airplane | Photo Credit: Getty Images India has climbed eight places on Henley Passport Index 2025 to 77th rank from 85 last year though the number of countries allowed visa-free access…
A guide to Gingee fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The privilege of lounging on Monday afternoons is reserved for loafers and lovers. You do not have to take my word for it. Ask one of several hundred people who are scaling Gingee fort at the start of the week,…
Learn to dive at Kathadi North in Rameswaram and explore Palk Bay’s marine life
Thirty kilometres across the Palk Strait from Rameswaram temple lies Kathadi North, a boutique hotel offering a unique blend of adventure, environment and comfort. Located at Pirappanvalasai village in Ramanathapuram district, it is run by Quest Adventure Sports Academy that offers…
For hill-loving Bengal travellers, Uttarakhand is the flavour of the season
Valley of flowers in Uttarakhand. | Photo Credit: Getty Images This monsoon, seasoned travellers from Bengal, especially those who love the hills but are wary of Kashmir and bored of Darjeeling, are headed to Uttarakhand to mix sightseeing with spiritualism….
Jane Austen 250 | Inside Bath’s Regency revival
On a recent trip to London, with a few days to explore the British countryside, we choose Bath, for several reasons. It’s the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, a celebration currently lighting up the city. Bath is easily accessible…
More tourist beds, fewer homes: cost of ‘overtourism’ in EU
Last month, residents across southern Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, protested against “overtourism”. They held placards that read ‘tourists go home’, ‘your holidays, my misery’, and ‘mass tourism kills the city’, making clear their disapproval of unregulated tourism….
Monsoon treks near Visakhapatnam: Explore scenic Eastern Ghats trails
A view of Armakonda peak. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Each monsoon, the dusty calm of the Eastern Ghats near Visakhapatnam transforms into dense canopies, flowing streams and fresh trails. Mist wraps undisturbed hillsides, foot trails soften under cloudbursts and…
Mahindra expands XUV 3XO range with REVX variants
Mahindra XUV 3XO | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Mahindra has reinforced its presence in the competitive C-segment SUV space with the introduction of three new petrol variants under the ‘REVX’ nomenclature — the REVX M, REVX M(O), and the REVX…
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review: A compact luxury sedan for those who love to drive
There’s something undeniably magnetic about a BMW. There is a sense of precision, performance, and purpose that comes alive. ()In its latest avatar, the all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe captures that spirit more than ever. It is sleek, sporty,…
MG M9 redefines luxury with electric power and rear-seat comfort
India has seen luxury sedans and SUVs evolve over the years, but with the MG M9, the game shifts entirely. This all-electric MPV does not just redefine segment expectations, it rewrites the rulebook. Designed for those who believe that the…
Supermarket tourism offers an insight into local culture
Whenever I travel, I make my way to a colourful local museum that is free and interesting: the supermarket. Window shopping in a grocery store, walking through the stacked shelves and long aisles, is one of the best ways to…
A dawn to dusk food trail in Dindigul, the land of seeraga samba biryani
I have suitably skipped dinner the pervious night in preparation for my Dindigul trip. A crucial tip to those who plan to visit the town on a food tour: go on an empty stomach. If possible, fast for a week…
Explore the culinary heritage of the Chettinad region with The Suvai festival by The Lotus Palace Chettinad
The Lotus Palace, Chettinad | Photo Credit: Special arrangement The Lotus Palace Chettinad, by the Park Hotels, is a heritage property housed in a restored mansion that dates back to the 17th Century. Located in Kanadukathan, near Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu,…
UAE Golden Visa: Indians can now apply without trade license or property purchase
Image of Indian passport for representation purpose only. | Photo Credit: Getty Images The United Arab Emirates government has started a new type of Golden Visa, which will be based on nomination, albeit with some conditions, unlike the current practice…
Bean to cup with Starbucks in North Indonesia, with the active Mount Sinabung in the backdrop
North Sumatra, a province close to the Equator, enjoys a tropical climate. Sudden, unannounced showers keep the temperatures relatively low but add to the region’s humidity. The result is a lush, green landscape as far as the eye can see….
Missed flights, multiple layovers and surprise stops: My journey from Chennai to Vegas and back
I stop midway through a surprisingly great breakfast mid-air and try to make sense of what I am hearing over the intercom. Did the pilot just say we are turning back? Are we actually going to land in Chennai again? …
Taste the flavours of Koraput at Talamali Cafe
A traditional thali at Talamali Cafe, nestled in Koraput’s hills, which offers local flavors of food. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak At the base of Talamali, once the descent ends and tree cover gives way to farmland, a low wooden…
What makes JSan the ultimate destination for ramen lovers in Goa?
Ramen is not pretty. With all the elements converging inside a big bowl, it calls for a fair bit of slurping, swishing, messing, digging, pulling and simply surrendering to the umami. There is a focused attention to detail that goes…
Discover Koraput: Odisha’s hidden gem of peaks, tribes and pristine landscapes
The highway from Visakhapatnam leaves behind the coast and cuts inward, winding into hills, moving past roadside tea stalls and fields. In about four hours from the Visakhapatnam, I cross the Andhra-Odisha border into Rayagada and approach Similiguda in Odisha’s…
The Isle by Wonderla amusement park is a new water-themed resort on the edges of Bengaluru
The cottage by the lagoon at The Isle by Wonderla | Photo Credit: Anagha Maareesha An hour’s drive from Bengaluru, the Wonderla amusement park has been a summer holiday staple since it opened its doors in 2005. Located on Mysore…
This Pride month we talk to tour groups that curate travels and experiences for the LGBTQ+ community
This Pride month we talk to tour groups that curate travels and experiences for the LGBTQ+ community
Sunrise in Siruvani: A peek into Tamil culture and Kongunadu cuisine
The property is surrounded by lush greenery | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The picturesque Western Ghats bathed in pastel pink hues at twilight, and an absolute calm form our first impression of Dvara Siruvani. Before we get to the property,…
Ethiopian Airlines bets on Hyderabad’s medical tourism with launch of direct flights connecting Addis Ababa
Teklehaimanot G. Yohannes, managing director International Services Ethiopian Airlines Group, pose for a photograph after the announcement of the addition of a new passenger route to Hyderabad, on Tuesday (June 17, 2025). | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL Tapping into Hyderabad’s…
Monsoon escapes: Discover four stunning waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh’s Eastern Ghats
A view of the Katiki Waterfalls, originating from the Gosthani River and cascading through the lush hill forests near Araku in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak With the monsoon rolling in, the Eastern Ghats of Andhra…
Iconic clock towers of India
A view of the clock tower at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. | Photo Credit: SAJJAD HUSSAIN Clock towers gained prominence during the British colonial period, as mechanical clocks were difficult to source, according to a news report. These structures not…
Starry nights and sunshine: Luxeglamp eco-resorts have launched the country’s first eco-sensitive Luxe Chateau glass glamps, designed to offer an immersive experience with sustainable luxury
Luxe Chateau glass glamp at Luxeglamp | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement It’s 6am and I awake to the sound of birds heralding the morning outside my glass dome. I am glamping at the brand new Luxe Chateau, a double-glass dome at Luxeglamp’s eco-resort near…
Puducherry rolls out caravan tourism
Representational image. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Travellers visiting Puducherry, a former French outpost, for its scenic beaches and heritage architecture can soon hire fully-equipped camper vans with queen-size convertible beds, washroom, smart television, speaker systems, air-condition, and a kitchenette…
Want to stay in a palace? At The Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj, dive into art, culture and history
At Baripada, a small town in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, we take a sharp turn and find ourselves in front of white gates and a manicured driveway. The stretch in front of us, neatly paved and framed by bougainvillea on…
Luxury meets the wild: A weekend escape with the BMW X7 to Marchula Estate
Not every road trip is about chasing thrill. Some are about finding a pause — a chance to disconnect from the pace of city life and settle into a slower rhythm. This was one such drive. A getaway that starts…
Experience life by Odisha’s Chilika Lake at the Rambha Palace, a boutique hotel with European aesthetics
A forgotten palace, with peeling walls and cobwebbed ceilings, once stood at the far end of a quaint village in Odisha. Locals called it Rani Palace. Today, it stands with its original sheen intact, as a boutique hotel, by the…
Heritage gets a makeover at Patiala’s Ran Baas The Palace
Outside Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, spring’s exuberance is fast fading. Dust devils dance like dervishes across a golden brown land as the hotel car speeds towards Patiala, an hour-and-a-half away. The car manoeuvres a warren of streets, and…
The Old House in Kathmandu’s Durbar Marg is the newest cocktail bar by Indian mixologist Yangdup Lama
In the heart of Kathmandu’s Durbar Marg — dotted with luxury shops, upscale restaurants and hotels — stands The Old House by Minaskhi Singh and Yangdup Lama. The award-winning duo, best known for Sidecar, which features on World’s 50 Best…
Tiga at The Leela Hyderabad offers a menu with dishes from Singapore, Malaysia and China
Chef Shah at Tiga, The Leela Hyderabad | Photo Credit: Prabalika M Borah #Frames of India Shot on OnePlus At Tiga in The Leela Hyderabad, it is all about celebrating the best of Singaporean, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisines. ‘Tiga’ means…
Follow in the steps of Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift on a road trip through Memphis and Nashville
My journey begins with a fried peanut butter-banana sandwich and ‘Burning Love’. The sandwich, served beside golden sweet potato pancakes and strips of crisp bacon at The Arcade, Memphis’ oldest restaurant, was Elvis Presley’s favourite order here. I sit at…
Kambalakonda Eco-Tourism Park: Visakhapatnam’s green retreat with cottages, wildlife and thrills
As you enter the arched gate of the Kambalakonda Eco-Tourism Park, a soothing symphony of cicadas and birds replaces the din of the city. A trail meanders under a leafy canopy, where the scent of damp earth lingers after the…
Hyderabad’s 16-year-old Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti scales the Globe- Youngest Indian to complete 7 Summits challenge
Hyderabad teenager Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the legendary 7 Summits challenge | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement HYDERABAD Hyderabad teenager Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti has become the youngest…
What Miss World 2025 contestants are eating in Hyderabad
A salad spread at Trident Hyderabad | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As Hyderabad, Telangana, plays host to the Miss World 2025 pageant, we cannot help but wonder: what is on the menu for the 108 contestants? Are they nibbling on…
Exploring Tamil Nadu’s deep South: A three-day road trip through Valparai, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil
There are road trips you take to escape, and then there are road trips that remind you why the journey matters. Our three-day drive through the deep South of Tamil Nadu — covering Valparai, Thoothukudi, and Nagercoil — was one…
Mini World opens in Visakhapatnam with 12 global landmark replicas
Children going around the exhibits of Mini World at Viswanadh Sports Club at Port Stadium in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak A trip around the globe may be an expensive dream, but at the newly-launched Mini World at Vishwanadh…
Tour whisky distilleries in Scotland, India and Japan this holiday season
Earlier, Indians travelled abroad and bought back alcohol from duty free shops at the airport. Now, they are travelling to discover the legend of malts across Scottish glens and Japanese Alps, and how they are made. According to SkyScanner Travel…
Tour whisky distilleries in Scotland, India and Japan this holiday season
Earlier, Indians travelled abroad and bought back alcohol from duty free shops at the airport. Now, they are travelling to discover the legend of malts across Scottish glens and Japanese Alps, and how they are made. According to SkyScanner Travel…
Andhra Pradesh’s Baruva, a new diving hotspot with British-era shipwreck and marine adventure
The coastal village of Baruva in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district is waking up to a tide of transformation. Once known only to a few off-the-grid travellers, this town is in the spotlight with the recent visit of Union Minister of…
Live out your White Lotus fantasies with Four Seasons’ private jet
| Photo Credit: bigtunaonline Cornwall (Doc Martin), Dubrovnik (Game of Thrones), Husavik (Eurovision: Song of fire and ice)… a clutch of destinations over the years have owed their spike in popularity to television series and movies filmed there. This is…
Bettadmele Breakfast: A trek that rewards you with freshly made hot dosas on top of the hills
Crispy hot dosas on your plate are always a delight. Pair it with a breath taking view of the sunrise and that would be bliss. That plateful after an early morning trek is reward in itself and if that is…
Stranded tourists in Ladakh and Kashmir receive free accommodation and kindness from hospitality industry
Seventy two year-old Sushama Davar spends half her time in India and the rest in the US. When she arrived for a short trip during the summer months this year, her husband and she decided to flee the heat of…
This aviation enthusiast creates wooden propellers and furniture made of aircraft parts
An aircraft in the living room? Fans of aviation would argue that there is something satisfying about drinking their coffee at a table made of an Antonov 12 engine. Or perhaps, entertaining guests on a leather sofa made of an…
Discover the culinary heritage of Odisha and Southeast Asia at Jaatra, Taj Puri
Stepping inside Jaatra, the specialty restaurant of the newly-inaugurated Taj Puri Resort and Spa, feels like being transported into a beautifully-crafted time capsule. One that narrates the story of Odisha’s culinary heritage while paying homage to its Southeast Asian connections….
Climbers from Assam summit previously unclimbed Ladakh peak, honour Lachit Borphukan
Part of the team on their way to the summit | Photo Credit: Prabalika M Borah Six climbers from Assam successfully summited a previously unclimbed 6,365-metre peak in Ladakh as part of the Triple Peak Expedition, organised by the Assam…
Nepal to restrict Mt Everest permits to only those who have already done 7,000m climbs
Representational image of a mountaineer during an ice climbing session at Everest base camp in Nepal | Photo Credit: Reuters Nepal is planning to restrict expeditions to Mount Everest only to those mountaineers who have climbed at least one peak…
The Science Quiz: Don’t go to these places for summer break
The Science Quiz: Don’t go to these places for summer break 1 / 6 | Visual: The red dot here shows the location of the world’s third-deepest trench, off the Philippines. It shares its name with a ship that bombed…
Pahalgam terror attack: Six in 10 families cancel travel plans to Kashmir, finds survey
Shikara owners at Dal Lake in Srinagar protest against the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, southern Kashmir. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s booming tourism industry. A…
Introducing omakase: The ultimate guide to Japanese dining concept
Omakase, the archetypal antithesis of the French-style à la carte menu, is taking India’s food and beverage industry by storm. With restaurants and bars kowtowing to the Japanese dining concept that quite literally translates to ‘I leave it up to…
At the Bhitarkanika National Park, set sail and spot a crocodile
As we settle down comfortably on the sun deck of our luxury catamaran, the MV Brahmani, we hear the shouts of the boat captain from down below. “Crocodile! Crocodile relaxing!” He almost sounds too jubilant for having spotted the mostly…
A look inside the UH-3H helicopter at Visakhapatnam’s new naval aviation museum
Once a soaring sentinel over the seas, the UH-3H helicopter is ready for its next mission. Not in the skies this time, but as a permanent museum exhibit that narrates a gripping chapter of India’s naval aviation history, offering visitors…
DC visits Raichur fort to assess infrastructure needed to attract tourists
Deputy Commissioner Nitish K. visited the fort in Raichur to assess the steps needed for conservation and improvement of basic amenities at the historic site, on April 22, 2025. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Deputy Commissioner Nitish K. inspected key…
Pahalgam terror attack: Six in 10 families cancel travel plans to Kashmir, finds survey
Shikara owners at Dal Lake in Srinagar protest against the attack on tourists in Pahalgam, southern Kashmir. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s booming tourism industry. A…
In the UK, Kerala restaurants serve tapioca, fish curry and Indian maps to diners
London’s Veeraswamys may be at risk of closing down, but regional Indian food is thriving. In the UK, restaurants like Tharavadu, Kayal and Kalpakavadi use maps and television sets to educate customers about the state’s fish curries, thorans and appams
In Leeds, Kerala restaurants serve tapioca, fish curry and Indian maps to diners
The enthusiastic campaign to keep Veeraswamys on London’s Regent Street open demonstrates Britain’s well-documented passion for Mulligatawny Soup, chicken tikka and vindaloo. The UK’s oldest Indian restaurant, the Michelin-starred Veeraswamy may not reach its centenary next year, because of a…
The highs and lows of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in eight days
I first see Kilimanjaro from the flight into Tanzania — a stunning sight as it looms above the clouds encircling it. An iconic visual. As we enter through the little town of Moshe in Tanzania from the Kilimanjaro International Airport,…
Retreat like the royals at Fort Rajwada in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is arid and parched. Desert brush dot the sands that seem to stretch endlessly. In the city, the barrenness is equally pronounced, which makes the first glance of Fort Rajwada even more impressive. The gates loom large and majestic…
In Abu Dhabi encounter glossy sky scrapers, falcons and gold coffee, all in one day
Visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time, I was swept away by a feeling of camaraderie that went beyond borders. The Emirate of Peace is a modern-day salad bowl. Beyond the glossy skyscrapers, pristine roads and serene blue sea, it…
Dandeli: Connectivity issues plague tourist destination in coastal Karnataka
Dandeli is popular for its natural beauty and adventure activities, including white water rafting. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Dandeli has a century-old railway station, but no passenger trains arrive there. There is a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)…
Explore Ladakh’s hidden villages and wildlife with regenerative travel experiences
Ladakh is a land of vast, untamed beauty where tourism can play a transformative role in regenerating local communities, preserving fragile ecosystems, and sustaining centuries-old traditions. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively revitalising local cultures, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring…
Visakhapatnam’s Bharadwaj Dayala on a world tour to capture one million portraits of women
Bharadwaj Dayala, who is on a road trip across the world covering 195 countries for a 12-year-project to document stories of one million women through their portraits. He is currently in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak From the coastal…
Check out TXAI, Abu Dhabi’s driverless taxis
Abu Dhabi is making strides in the realm of autonomous mobility with TXAI, the region’s first Level 4 autonomous vehicle | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As we step onto the quiet, palm-lined streets of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, a…
Now, you can take a guided tour of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru
The colourful permanent lighting of the Vidhana Soudha was inaugurated recently. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR From next month, tourists coming to Bengaluru will be able to go on a guided tour of the iconic landmark Vidhana Soudha. This…
Regenerative travel | Vacations that give back
A wide gate opens into a four-acre forest farm, where flaming orange blooms of a palash tree greet guests at the entrance. It’s late evening in Gujarat’s Gir region, and the sun dips towards the horizon, giving way to a crisp February…
Ruchika Sachdeva and a Tokyo winter
I started my label Bodice in 2011 as a young designer but I have always been conscious about the depletion of natural resources, and am constantly on the lookout for alternative materials. The spring-summer collection we launched in Delhi last…
Art of rest: Holidays for the sleep deprived
On-call hypnotherapists. AI-assisted beds. Smart goggles that use heat, massage and vibration to lower the heart rate. Bedtime tea blends. Electro magnetic and infrared therapy. Sequestered guest rooms — with one in London even housed inside a three-storey stainless steel…
Puri: What to see, do, and experience in Odisha’s temple town
The coastal town of Puri in Odisha is much more than just a beach destination. Steeped in history, spirituality, and rich cultural traditions, it offers travellers an immersive experience. Famous for the revered Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham…
Sharing tables and tales in Sikkim Shalini Philip
You know how you sometimes hear of a place, and even before you have been there, you are already in love? I vividly remember hearing the name Gangtok in school, when we were learning capital cities, and knowing instinctively that…
Air travel set to peak this summer as airlines line up more flights
After December, the summer is the time when air travel peaks. People frantically check flight fares, driving hours, and put together last-minute holiday plans. In February, the Chennai airport handled around 4.7 lakh international air passengers and nearly 14 lakh…
In Goa, Zeno by the Sea offers breathtaking sunsets, schnapps and tapas-style menu inspired by dishes across the globe
As the sky turns from bubble-gum pink to mauve and deep-velvety purple, tall coconut palms lean over the sea to listen to the waves. A cello player strings up melodies as the echoing bass beats throb, and wicker lightshades bob away…
From pad Thai to dumplings, this vegetarian ate her way through Bangkok
Eating in Bangkok should be easy, after all there is so much to choose from — boat noodles, pad Thai, phat kaphrao, and as much mango sticky rice as your stomach can take. But is it easy for a vegetarian?…
Budget tourism trips in Kerala conducted by the KSRTC is going full throttle
“Who would have thought that I would go on solo trips at this age? I feel 16, not 60,” a child-like happiness is palpable in Jessy Joseph’s voice. This retired teacher from Thiruvananthapuram is referring to the budget tourism trips…
Kayaking on Kochi’s bioluminescent backwaters
Bioluminescence or sea sparkle, locally called ‘Kavaru’, at Chellanam | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT It is that time of the year in Kochi, when the shrimp farms along the backwaters are sparkling in blue shimmer. ‘Kavaru’ or bioluminescence, the environmental…
Meet a banker from Thiruvananthapuram who is on a mission to climb the seven summits of the world
Anil Kumar Kannangal during his trek to Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement When Anil Kumar Kannangal landed at Mineralnye Vody Airport in Russia last year on the way to climb Mount Elbrus, the…
Gen Z drives surge in Tamil Nadu’s summer travel demand
As summer intensifies and the holiday season approaches, travel firms are seeing a significant surge in demand from the fast-growing Tamil Nadu market. What stands out in this trend is that the majority of this increase is being driven by…
Kerala lawyers campaign against drug abuse in schools during pan-India road trip
Nijas Thamarasserry and the students at Mawlangkhar Secondary School in Meghalaya taking a vow against drug use | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT When Binu Varghese and Nijas Thamarasserry, lawyers at the Kerala High Court, planned a road trip this year,…
2025’s biggest wellness trends: From ice baths to gut health
Health and overall wellness are interconnected. From the food we eat to digital dependence, everything impacts our life expectancy and quality. Participants at SOUL Festival | Photo Credit: Special arrangement At Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, an annual wellness festival…
Tourists now flock to Thailand to learn Muay Thai
With its classical architecture, magnificent Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and pulsating night markets, the island town of Phuket on the Southwestern coast of Thailand is always busy with tourists. Scores of visitors from Europe, South Asia, and Australia often travel to…
Boating launched in Sanna Kere in Yadgir
Visitors taking a boat ride after launch of the service at Sanna Kere in Lumbini Garden of Yadgir on March 24, 2025. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Tourism Department and Bengaluru-based Vinyog Ventures Private Limited have…
Eid al-Fitr heritage walk in Coimbatore: Explore Athar Jamath and Karumbukadai
Athar Jamath Mosque | Photo Credit: K Ananthan As Coimbatore prepares for Eid al-Fitr, a heritage walk invites residents to step into the heart of the celebrations. Organised by KV Siddhartha of Coimbatore Art and Theatrical Society (CATS), the Talk-A-Walk…
Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Nashik launches India Wine Studio showcasing wine from about 35 vineyards
Home to some of the best winemakers and vineyards in the country such as Sula, Chandon and York, Nashik is often referred to as India’s Napa Valley. A four-hour drive from Mumbai, Nashik’s landscape and climate (cooler nights) make it…
This ship sails around the world fighting plastic pollution. We take a look inside
Chennai’s skies and waters are in a never-ending tussle on who wears the colour blue best. But at the Chennai Port today a first-of-its-kind vessel is docked, its imposing blue-and-white hull inviting curious glances. The vessel, sized somewhere between a…
Sacred Trails: Telangana tourists flock to Madhya Pradesh’s temples and heritage sites
A large number of tourists from Telangana have been making a beeline to the ‘Heart of India’ — Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) — with many preferring temples and other pilgrimage centres in that State, thanks to enhanced road and air connectivity between both the…
Assam in summer | Will the state be India’s next big travel destination?
I grew up in Guwahati in the 1990s, a time when Assam rarely made it to national conversations, let alone global news. It was often defined by insurgency, bandhs, and a sense of isolation — both geographical and cultural. Yet, life…
When is the best time to spot blue whales and dolphins in Sri Lanka? A quick guide
For a weekend getaway, Sri Lanka presents a diverse array of experiences, including stunning beaches, lush forests, tea estates, cultural monuments, shopping malls and vibrant streets. The trio of towns Weligama, Mirissa, and Galle, on the country’s southern coast, offers…
Local ticket to Manipur | In Guwahati, Manipuri Rice Hotels are testaments to stories of community and food
Much like Kolkata’s Chinatown and Dharamshala’s Little Tibet, Guwahati’s Manipuri Basti is a microcosm of the people and their culture. And nowhere is it more pronounced than in its rice hotels
‘Stork sister’ Purnima Devi Barman and her ‘hargila army’ in Assam
Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, is the unexpected commander of a large, and powerful army. Globally, she is now known as the Stork Sister. The only Indian woman featured in TIME’s Women of the Year 2025 list for…
Police check security measures at homestays and resorts in Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru police visited homestays and resorts in the district to check if the owners took enough measures for the safety of tourists. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Chikkamagaluru police were visiting homestays, resorts and lodges in the district on March…
Air travellers can use DigiYatra at Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram airports
The facial recognition technology used by DigiYatra enables seamless passage at various checkpoints. | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) on March 12 announced the on-boarding of Mangaluru International Airport and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport into the…
Three-day fair in Chikkamagaluru: District administration imposes restrictions on vehicles, visit by tourists
Sri Guru Dattatreya Bababudan Swamy Dargah near Chikkamagaluru. The restrictions on tourists will apply on March 15-17, 2025. | Photo Credit: Prakash Hassan Chikkamagaluru district administration has restricted the entry of tourists to hill stations in Chikkamagaluru taluk, and the…
Hampi rape case aftermath: Karnataka issues guidelines for homestay and resort-owners to ensure tourist safety
Police personnel conduct an investigation after two women, including a foreign national, were allegedly raped in Hampi on March 6, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI After the recent rape of two women and murder of a tourist at one of…
Ahmedabad’s boutique hotel jüSTa Diwans Bungalow was once architect IM Kadri’s ancestral home
Closely packed houses, narrow streets peppered with chabutaras (bird feeders), hole-in-the-wall shops selling jeeru masala soda… amidst this part of Ahemdabad lies a 150-year-old stately bungalow. A grand courtyard replete with a fountain leads to the mansion: architect IM Kadri’s…
Night life will be promoted in Mangaluru, coastal towns: D. K. Shivakumar
According to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, commuting in Mangaluru at night is difficult because most of the bus operators shut operations in the city after 8 p.m.. | Photo Credit: H S MANJUNATH Unlike Bengaluru and Mumbai, which are most…
Five e-cycling trails to take in 2025
Cycling tours have long enjoyed cult status amongst adventurous travellers across the globe. That is until the pandemic simultaneously hit the accelerator on fitness and sustainability goals for everyone, especially those with a more wine-dine-shop-spa approach to travel. Experiential, planet-friendly…
The Kin, Mumbai’s new boutique hotel, features design-forward rooms, personalised services, and quirky decor
A black rotary dial phone sits by my bedside. I pick up the receiver — hit the pudgy number keys that have replaced the traditional fingerwheel — and ask room service to draw me a bath. Which they do, along…
Coimbatore Race Course Road food guide: Top places to eat
It was not always a food hub. Race Course Road, one of Coimbatore’s most prominent stretches, has had many lives. Originally, it was exactly what its name suggests: a racecourse where thoroughbred horses once thundered down the track. As the…
Akasa Air launches direct flights from Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi
The maiden flight from Kempegowda International Airport will depart at 1000 IST and arrive at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi at 1235 AST. | Photo Credit: File photo Akasa Air will commence daily direct flights connecting Bengaluru with Abu…
Mahakumbh 2025: As Prayagraj’s mela attracts millions, religious tourism is set to grow
“I have never seen so many people in my city,” beams Ravikrishna Tiwari. Ravikrishna runs Tiwari and Bros, a travel agency that his grandfather started in Prayagraj (then Allahabad) way back in 1962. Till late 2024, he had 35 people…
Telangana mountaineer Anvitha Padamati scales Aconcagua, sets sights on new peaks
Anvitha Padamati | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “I value the journey as much as the summit. People assume mountaineering is a cakewalk for me, but I always remind them —and myself — that each mountain is different and must be…
Thaipusam in California: A spiritual trail, 500 walkers, and a feast
“Vel vel Muruganukku” and “Arohara!” are uttered by eight men in cycling gear as they ride and push their bikes towards the Shiva Muruga temple in Concord, California, from San Ramon. The year was 2010 and it was an epic…
How to spend 36 hours on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi
At Yas Island, ride in a Ferrari, click selfies with flamingos, freefall into a gravity defying tunnel, feed a cute harbour seal, or say hello to a superhero! Built as one of Abu Dhabi’s largest tourism projects in 2009, the…
Here’s what you can expect at Shoonya – The Festival of Nothingness
The winding highway to Rishikesh’s Neelkanth Temple Road leads to Camp Brook, a luxury camping stay with cottages and tents, where a gamut of spiritual adventures awaits a crowd of 158 people. This is the venue for this year’s Shoonya…
A glimpse into the filming locations of the third season of The White Lotus
The stunning pool at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Amidst the soft chirping of birds and stridulation of insects, mist lifts to reveal a tranquil pond with pink and white lotus flowers at a swish…
Exploring George Town, Penang: A blend of heritage, street art and modern charm
Walking down the streets of George Town, Penang’s capital city, is bound to take you back in time. With the heavy vintage feel, it does seem as if time has stopped still in some parts and certainly harks back to…
Assam’s Brahmaputra Carnival offers glamping, city tours, and more
A scenes from the ongoing Brahmaputra Carnival in Guwahati | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement One of India’s longest carnivals has virtually turned the sandy banks of the Brahmaputra river into a beach offering a mix of culture, adventure, and glamping….
Concierge services in India: Meet the real life genies that the rich and famous depend on
It’s 6am. And Karan Bhangay is frantically trying to source Tom Ford shoes for a client. The client has an 11am flight and has just decided that he wants these shoes before he leaves for the airport. Karan’s team manages…
Couples look to fly away from Bengaluru for Valentine’s Day
The Surya Kiran team showing some love during Aero India. | Photo Credit: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this time, Bengaluru-based couples are making the most of it by going for weekend getaways and short…
Experience sub-zero temperatures in Visakhapatnam’s Snow Station
People enjoying at the newly-opened Snow Station’, a snow-themed amusement park at Viswanadha Sports Club (VSC), at Port Stadium, Akkayyapalem in Visakhapatnam | Photo Credit: KR Deepak Imagine stepping into a world of snow right in the middle of Visakhapatnam’s…
This Valentine’s Day, meet couples who met on vacation
Movies, books, and songs over the years have led us to believe in the idea of a holiday romance. New city, new possibilities… and sometimes new love. This could be a holiday fling that ends when the couple says goodbye…
Meet Muhammed Dilshad, a Malayali YouTuber digging wells in Africa to solve the drinking water crisis
Muhammed Dilshad in Mozambique | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Before his first trip to Kashmir on a Royal Enfield bike in 2019, travel vlogger Muhammed Dilshad from Chelambra, Malappuram had donned many roles— from a bus boy to a parcel…
Now, rent a Water Metro ferry to go on backwater tours
The air-conditioned ferries are said to be the first of their kind in Asia under a single command and control system being given on rent for film shooting during off-peak hours. | Photo Credit: R.K. Nithin In keeping with the…
Araku Festival kicks off with tribal dances, hot air balloon rides and coffee tastings
People taking a ride on the tethered hot air balloon in Araku | Photo Credit: KR Deepak The verdant valleys of Araku will come alive with the Araku Festival, a three-day extravaganza that kicks off on January 31. Organised by…
An immersive experience at tea estates and strawberry farms in Coonoor
Tea plantations | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement A mighty gaur amidst lush green tea gardens and misty hills in the backdrop. This picture postcard frame brings our Jeep to a screeching halt. I take my phone out and click away…
Andhra Pradesh: Natural farming boosts strawberry harvests in Lambasingi
As the narrow, winding ghat road meanders through the green hills of the Eastern Ghats, a journey to Lambasingi feels like an adventure. A winter morning drive to the region in the Chintapalli Mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district is…
Unwind with chai at Vagamon
One of the tea estates that will be part of Chai@Vagamon | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT With her new project Chai@Vagamon, social entrepreneur Lakshmi Menon hopes to give tourists to the hill station a new set of experiences that extend…
Gulmarg: where traditional Kashmiri hospitality meets modern après-ski experiences
For Kashmir native Krishan Anand, Gulmarg is more than just a picturesque ski destination — it is a repository of memories steeped in nostalgia. He fondly recalls stories of his grandfather, who, in the 1960s, would ride up to the…
Explore Patan, the living museum of Nepalese art and design
As the plane touches down at Tribhuvan International Airport, the majestic sight of the Himalayas greets passengers with their snow-capped peaks glowing in the late afternoon sun. Upon landing, warm smiles welcome visitors, in an airport buzzing with a mix…
Things to do to explore real Bangkok beyond tourist spots
There are two things that make visiting a new destination truly authentic. The first is researching the place to immerse yourself in its environment, and the second is having a local friend to guide you off the beaten path. While…
Holiday in Indonesia’s West Java with Singapore Airlines’ newly-launched Scoot flights
Flying from Singapore to Kertajati is an experience: from the aircraft’s window, one can see the Indonesian sea dotted with numerous islands. The breathtaking non-metro destinations of West Java now witness an enhanced flow of tourists thanks to the newly-added…
The Shillong Literary Festival, in a nutshell
In the landscape of Shillong’s picturesque, cherry blossom-lined Ward’s Lake, conversations on literature flowed, spilled and beguiled literary enthusiasts for three days, November 18 to 20. Though a smattering of North-East’s cultural bounty, a host of food, wine and handicraft…
farm house stays for Sankranti break in Telangana
Children celebrating the Sankranthi samburallu in Karimnagar town on Friday. | Photo Credit: UPPU DAMODAR During the festival of kites and all things traditional, it is time to step into the countryside. This Sankranti, roads leading to Siddipet, Gandipet, and…
Mahakumbh 2025: Five things to do at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj
Pilgrims at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, venue of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena Be ready to brave mammoth crowds (more than 40 crore people will be attending the festivities over the next few weeks) and the…
Highlights from the 15th edition of the M&N Chocolate Festival in Ooty
M&N Chocolate Festival | Photo Credit: Sathyamoorthy M Ooty’s annual chocolate festival is back, and this year, the organisers promise, is bigger and better than ever. The M&N Chocolate Festival, now in its 15th edition, has become a tradition in…
Maldives launches Fast Track, its first professional-grade electric go-kart circuit
The longest electric go-karting circuit in all of Maldives was inaugurated in Kandima Maldives in November, 2024 The longest electric go-karting circuit in all of Maldives takes me by surprise. It is located in Kandima, a three-kilometre resort island destination in…
Tourists flock to Goa beaches to ring in New Year
People celebrating the end of the year at sunset in a local bar on the beach. File. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Beaches in Goa are drawing hordes of tourists for New Year celebrations. The partying mood set in after…
Explore India’s diverse landscapes on epic road trips this winter with these cars
Winter is the perfect time to hit the road and explore the diverse landscapes of India. Whether you crave snow-capped mountains, serene backwaters, coastal adventures, or desert trails, the right car can make all the difference. With their unique capabilities,…
Highlights from the Nilgiris Earth Festival 2024
When it comes to conservation messaging, two distinct approaches often emerge. The first is a celebration — showcasing the planet’s wonders, like the comforting bird songs at dawn or the life-giving shade of an ancient forest. It gently reminds us…
An electric boat that takes the sustainable tourism route in Kochi’s Kadamakkudy islands
It is a calm day for a boat ride, the breeze is a gentle caress. Conditions are ideal on the almost-winter-like day. The waters of the Periyar around Kadamakkudy are still, glass-like. At a distance one can see poles that…
Here’s how Kolkata’s Christmas celebrations have evolved over the years
Christmas nostalgia in Kolkata transports me to the time when grandmothers baked cakes at home in large gas ovens. For bigger parties, they would turn to famous bakeries like Saldanha. It reminds me of honey roast pork’s fragrance and the…
A quick guide to a Fort Kochi Christmas
The rain tree on Veli Ground in Fort Kochi decorated with Santa Claus figurines and babubles | Photo Credit: VIBHU H They say you have not seen Christmas in Kerala, if you have not been to the one in Fort…
Here’s how Kolkata’s Christmas celebrations have evolved over the years
Christmas nostalgia in Kolkata transports me to the time when grandmothers baked cakes at home in large gas ovens. For bigger parties, they would turn to famous bakeries like Saldanha. It reminds me of honey roast pork’s fragrance and the…
Safarnama is chronicling regional tales in India and Goa is its first stop
There is more to Goa than night-long beach parties, adrenaline-filled sports activities, and coconut-tree-lined winding roads. To truly capture its essence, one must dig deeper into its food and bite by bite, savour its history, evolution and culture — this…
India’s most searched travel destinations in Google in 2024, from Azerbaijan to Ayodhya
According to the Google Year in Search 2024 report, ten travel destinations sparked curiosity among travelers in India. This list features five domestic and five international destinations. Here is a quick look at the preferred destinations in 2024: Azerbaijan Azerbaijan…
In Goa, we taste seaweed on a tide pool walk
The setting sun across the looming black rock formations casts a long, unhurried glow, before merging into the depths of the Arabian Sea. It is still bright, though. From across the white sandy cove, reverberations waft in from Shiva Valley,…
5 trends that will define how you travel in 2025
In 2024, Indian travellers showed no signs of slowing down, with rising costs and uncertainties failing to dampen their enthusiasm. Travel was all about creating shared experiences, from attending sold-out concerts by artistes like Coldplay and Dua Lipa to exploring unique…
Travel: Experience Araku’s serene landscapes, tribal culture, and farm life this winter season
People walking through coffee plantations on the new wooden bridge developed by AP Forest Development Corporation close to Galikonda viewpoint, near Araku, 150 kilometres from Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak Serene landscapes, lush coffee plantations and a peek into…
The Shillong Literary Festival, in a nutshell
In the landscape of Shillong’s picturesque, cherry blossom-lined Ward’s Lake, conversations on literature flowed, spilled and beguiled literary enthusiasts for three days, November 18 to 20. Though a smattering of North-East’s cultural bounty, a host of food, wine and handicraft…
Tailored culinary trail of Meghalaya by JrnyOn
At Khweng Village | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements Travel is all about experiences. Some travel to see places, some to shop and some only to learn about new cultures and traditions. Then there are those who travel to taste new…
Telineelapuram: Migratory birds arrive at the birding hotspot, marking a promising breeding season
A pelican in flight at Telineelapuram village in Srikakulam district, 150 km away from Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak The soft golden light of dawn breaks through the winter mist at Telineelapuram, illuminating the sprawling tamarind trees that house…
What Uber’s latest venture in Kashmir means for shikhara owners in Srinagar
On a crisp November morning, the Dal Lake glimmers with a liquid mercury under the muted winter sun. Spade-shaped paddles cut through the icy waters and the soft cadence of a phiran-draped gondolier, clutching kangris and narrating folklore make the…
Four must-see birds this migration season in Coimbatore
As winter paints Coimbatore’s skies with a softer light, the city’s wetlands stir with the promise of arrivals from distant lands. From Siberian steppes to Himalayan foothills, migratory birds chart ancient routes, guided by instinct and the allure of southern…
Bhutan has been open to tourists for 50 years. What has changed?
Whitewashed monasteries, pine forests and glacial rivers, Bhutan is the last Shangri La. A small country of 8 lakh people, economic progress here is measured in terms of happiness. For centuries, it remained in self-imposed isolation and today it offers…
Watch: Aboard the Jagriti Yatra: This life-changing 15-day train journey showcases real India
The all-familiar vendor’s cries of ‘chaai’ and ‘samosa’ are missing on this train. Instead, words like ‘startup’, ‘business plan’ and ‘SWOT analysis’ are bandied about in the AC chair car coach. Elsewhere, in another, an antakshari is in progress, with…
Idol maker Valsan Kunhimangalam’s quest to keep the lost-wax technique alive continues
Just over 500 metres away from Ezhimala railway station at Kunhimangalam, Kannur, hidden from the rush of the city, nestled in a residential area with untarred roads flanked by shrubs gradually infiltrating the paths, around 11 artisans are at work…
Escape the Delhi pollution and head to these lesser-known weekend getaways
Every year, right after Diwali, Delhi-NCR resembles a smoke chamber. A thick layer of smog engulfs the city, skyrocketing the air quality index (AQI) to anywhere between 400 and 500. The reasons are many — lower temperatures, crop burning and…
The Park hotels launches in Chettinad, in a restored 17 century mansion
The Sahasradala Padma, a 1,000 petal lotus pattern at The Lotus Palace Chettinad | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Wherever you travel in Chettinad, the lotus has its way of finding you — be it in temple ponds filled with blooms,…
MakeMyTrip offers multi-currency payment options
MakeMyTrip announced its compliance with GDPR [File] | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The online travel booking platform MakeMyTrip said it was introducing payment options in multiple currencies so that travellers from more than 150 countries would be able to use…
Tour Dubai in 48 hours
A hyperkinetic city with sprawling highways, towering glass clad buildings vying to compete with the Burj Khalifa, a torus shaped Museum of Future, the Dubai Frame , the expansive Dubai Mall which is paradise to shopaholics — Dubai is anything but dull. Even if Dubai is an…
Indian travelers turn to sportscations, blending adventure, wellness, and leisure
Asha Menon was nearing burnout. The 35-year-old marketing executive from Mumbai had spent years juggling a hectic work schedule with little time for herself. When her therapist suggested she take a break, Asha decided that instead of lounging at a…
The Shillong Literary Festival, in a nutshell
In the landscape of Shillong’s picturesque, cherry blossom-lined Ward’s Lake, conversations on literature flowed, spilled and beguiled literary enthusiasts for three days, November 18 to 20. Though a smattering of North-East’s cultural bounty, a host of food, wine and handicraft…
At Chenot Palace Gabala, a luxury retreat, we brave hunger pangs, cryotherapy, and a mud bath on a rejuvenative journey
Treatment room at the retreat | Photo Credit: Alex Teuscher After finishing a small portion of mixed fruit puree in under three minutes, I wait for breakfast. As it turns out, that was breakfast. A cup of piping hot herbal…
At India’s Machu Picchu – The Hindu
“How much longer?” asked Taran, huffing and puffing uphill. “See, it says only 10 minutes left,” smiled Amma. There had been boards all along the trail encouraging them to keep going. They had initially bought tickets to the bird park…
Sara Ali Khan turns wellness coach with this Airbnb Experience
Sara Ali Khan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Sara Ali Khan could be your wellness instructor. And no, we are not kidding. With Airbnb Experiences, the actor is curating and hosting a wellness retreat in Goa. “Goa has always been…
Explore Tamil Nadu’s history and its battles through its myriad forts
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, bombs and guns across the world fell silent as Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies, signalling the end of the First World War. …
How to explore the misty hills of Attuvampatti Crush in Kodaikanal?
A view of the misty hills at 16 Degrees | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Have you heard of apple plums or mango plums? Asks N Kannan, caretaker at 16 Degrees, a resort nestled in Attuvampatti Crush in Kodaikanal. Situated amidst…
Boney M, Akon and an exclusive Japan arena — Here’s why you should head to Shillong Cherry Blossom Music Festival
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 05: Akon visits SiriusXM Studios on November 05, 2024 in New York City. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael loccisano / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) | Photo Credit: Michael…
Parenting your parent on holiday
I took my first mother-daughter vacation in 2014 to Edinburgh, a year after my father passed away. In the years that followed, my mother, who lives alone in a different city from both her children, would occasionally join us on…
A visit to Seychelles’ Silhouette Island, home to the rarest bat in the world
The view from Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa at Silhouette Island On his lazy morning stroll, Jonathan hears the familiar footsteps of Rico Payet, who is bringing him some leaves to chew. Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise basks in…
In the forests of the night | On the tiger’s trail in Ranthambhore National Park
There is a saying among the safari guides of Rajasthan’s Ranthambhore National Park that if you spot a mongoose in the forest, chances are you will see a tiger too — the most sought-after and cherished of all big cat…
This autumn, Northeast blushes in cosmos
Cosmos blossoms at the Ramva Village in Ukhrul, Manipur | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Sunsets are hazy and fog blankets the faraway woods, hills, and valleys. Autumn’s calling as we take a cab to Mylliem, a nondescript village about 17…
Explore Ahmedabad in just 24 hours
Ahmedabad, steeped in a rich tapestry of mosques, tombs, and forts will captivate you at every turn, compelling you to absorb its grandeur. Founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate, the walled city was declared India’s…
Intra-layout buses: A novel way to boost public transport in Bengaluru
Ten Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus services operating at 10-minute intervals in a closed loop along a well-planned route network, ferrying over a lakh commuters every month — this unique feeder bus service in the city’s HSR Layout has…
Monsoon chai on the cliff at Voco Jim Corbett
Imagine dropping tigers off your itinerary when in Jim Corbett and opting for a 35 km drive up to Bhaunkhal, a scenic spot in the ghat section in Almora district. Believe me, you will not regret it! It is a…
Sea kayaking coaching camp in Visakhapatnam
Participants at the Andhra Pradesh State Sea Kayaking and Standup Paddling Championship held in Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The District Sports Development Authority with Canoeing and Kayaking Association Of Andhra Pradesh (CKAAP) is organizing a sea kayaking…
Designer getaways for inspiration – The Hindu
Le Corbusier and Chandigarh, B.V. Doshi and Ahmedabad, Frank Lloyd Wright and American cities, Tadao Ando and his tryst with Japan — architecture has indelibly shaped culture and the experience of cities globally, morphing travel into a celebration of the…
On full throttle: Rider Anand Dharesan recalls his GS Trophy 2024 memories, his love for riding and more
Anand in Namibia on day two of the International GS Trophy 2024 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement For Anand, it all began in August 2016 when Adventure Souls, a WhatsApp group of eight Bengaluru-based techies decided to go on a trip…
World Tourism Day: A festive odyssey
A woman dressed in traditional Thai costume offers alms to a Buddhist monk during the Songkran celebrations, to commemorate the Thai New Year in Bangkok, Thailand. | Photo Credit: Reuters A festival is a celebration of life, an opportunity to…
A guide to responsible tourism
In recent times, two major disasters happened at two popular tourist spots in India – at Joshimath in Uttarakhand and Wayanad in Kerala. Wayanad landslide Dotted with picturesque greenery and waterfalls, Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages in the district of Wayanad…
World Tourism Day 2024 – The Hindu
A woman dressed in traditional Thai costume offers alms to a Buddhist monk during the Songkran celebrations, to commemorate the Thai New Year in Bangkok, Thailand. | Photo Credit: Reuters A festival is a celebration of life, an opportunity to…
Dark Tourism: A journey through history’s shadows
These destinations serve as silent witnesses to history’s darkest moments. If travelling back in time were possible, dark tourism would be that experience. It draws those who seek to explore the raw, unfiltered history of places where real events unfolded,…
An Indian stargazing guide – The Hindu
“You might think that this is a bit much but the first time I lay down and looked at a sky full of stars, I had tears in my eyes,” says Nikhil Balasubramaniam. Nikhil is not new to the night…
Why planes don’t fly over the Tibetan Plateau
Examine a flight path map and you’ll notice an eerie absence: a hollow expanse where planes dare not venture. This is the Tibetan Plateau, a geographical black hole for aviation. The challenges of flying over the plateau High altitude The…
Here’s why private flights are taking off in India like never before
Few years ago, Captain Vinod flew to Punjab for an unusual assignment — he was ferrying a couple from their wedding venue on a helicopter. “This was the vidaai (a bride’s farewell from her paternal home) which would earlier happen…
travel tips, ahmedabad travel, india travel, places to visit in ahemdabad
The expansive marble-paved courtyard of Jama Masjid. Built during Ahmed Shah’s reign in the 15th century, it is one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent. | Photo Credit: Flickr, Wikimedia Commons When I arrived, Ahmedabad greeted me with…
On the 2024 travel itinerary: sexual wellness
In 2024, the global wellness market touched $1.8 trillion, boosted, according to McKinsey’s ‘Future of Wellness’ report, by trends such as biomonitoring, wearables, and GenAI. But there’s another that needs mention: sexual wellness. Programmes around it have been gaining so…
From Seoul to Busan, you can now hop on a K-Drama tour to explore South Korea
At the picturesque seaside city of Pohang in South Korea, there is a red lighthouse that looks all too familiar. Not too far away is a restaurant with a stunning view of the sea, a seemingly non-descript dental clinic, grocery…
Olympics 2024, World T20, and more: The rise of sports tourism in India
In Alain de Botton’s contemplative exploration of travel, The Art of Travel, he posits that our journeys extend beyond mere physical movement. Travel, according to de Botton, is an opportunity to encounter unfamiliar landscapes, both external and internal. It allows…
Weekend getaways: Heritage sites to adventure treks, destinations to explore near Hyderabad
A view of Ramappa Temple in Telangana | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal Now that the searing heat of summer, hovering between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, has relented and paved the way for a robust monsoon in Hyderabad and the…
Ricky Kej’s composes new anthem for Bengaluru airport
Ricky Kej | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Ricky Kej’s phone rang a few minutes after he landed at the Bengaluru airport. He was returning home from Los Angeles after winning his first Grammy in 2015. The number was unknown, but…
Union Budget slashes Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project allocation by ₹100 crore
The suburban rail project, which includes constructing a 148 km network across four corridors in the city, is projected to cost ₹15,767 crore. | Photo Credit: file photo The Union Budget has reduced the allocation for the Bengaluru Suburban Railway…
Watch: A ride on the quaint Ooty toy train
Watch: Did you know the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is 125 years old? It has been 125 years since the Nilgiris Mountain Railway (NMR), fondly called the Ooty toy train of the Nilgiris Railway Company, first chugged up the hills on June 15,…
Scoot begins air services from Singapore to Malaysia’s Sibu
The Sibu Airport is expected to witness an increase of a maximum of 300 passengers per week with the start of Scoot’s new service. | Photo Credit: Adithya Narayan Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, will be offering non-stop services…
Why you should ditch touristy holiday destinations for Sibu — Malaysia’s quaint city on Borneo Island
Though bustling Kuala Lumpur in the peninsular part of Malaysia ranks as its capital, but across the South China Sea and on Borneo Island lies the quaint city of Sibu. | Photo Credit: Adithya Narayan London, Paris and Bangkok are…