Meet Madurai-based V Seshakumar, who has travelled to 60 countries, welcoming his 70s with a 50-day international trip

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 fifties, has become the first local to measure the Great…

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 similar road trips. Travellers on a trip by Embarq in…

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 the edge of the world. As the plane slipped below…

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 crisp Tamil, lists the touristy places and things one must…

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, which runs daily. “You don’t need a five-star resort in…

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 pause. But South Goa unfurls. Airbnb seems to have picked…

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, which runs daily. “You don’t need a five-star resort in…

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 are a work of beauty, the Burmese teak pillars stand…

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 ‘Gajapayana’ event near Nagarahole forests, will be formally welcomed onto…

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 the role of a corporate executive, and Charanya establishing her…

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 towards animals that have attained celebrity status, often because of…

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 to have such a big coalition, and in October 2022,…

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, convenience stores on every street corner, and some rain for…

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. They feel that the rainy reason, apart from its risks,…

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 to Indian passport holders has mariginally been increased to 59.…

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 courses in scuba diving, kitesurfing, sea kayaking, snorkelling, swimming, and…

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, and you would know I am right. Ever since Gingee…

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 from London, offers wonderful hotels (refreshingly affordable), and is a…

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. This month, hoteliers in Mallorca, Spain hit back by putting…

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 hidden waterfalls reveal themselves to those willing to walk into…

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 A. These additions to the XUV 3XO range aim to…

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, and surprisingly practical, and it might be the most driver-focused…

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 true experience lies in the back seat, the M9 delivers…

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 learn about the people of a city and how they…

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 before you start dreaming of seeraga samba biryani, for, you…

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, the hotel is joining hands with other heritage properties in…

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 of investing large amounts in either property or business here.…

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?  A flight attendant soon steps out, eyes us apologetically, and…

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. This also makes this region a thriving place for coffee.…

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 board announces the presence of Talamali Cafe. There are no…

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 Koraput district. Here, navigation becomes more intuitive, led less by…

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 into making the perfect bowl of ramen, elevating the dish…

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 Road, this one was the brand’s second offering, after the…

This Pride month we talk to tour groups that curate travels and experiences for the LGBTQ+ community

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, which is an hour’s drive from the city, we stop…

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 growing reputation as a medical tourism hub, Ethiopian Airlines has…

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 Pradesh has transformed into a realm of mist-laced hills, dreamy…

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 only displayed the symbols of power and authority but also…

 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 Poombarai Hills in Kodaikanal. Shortly after I step out, the crisp forest…

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 among others. Puducherry is the latest to join the bandwagon…

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 the sides, leads us to a large building, a palace…

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 with the journey We left Delhi around midnight, making the…

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 Chilika Lake in Rambha, a town in Ganjam district. Rambha’s…

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 swings past a massive wooden, iron-studded door into the Qila…

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 Bars (2021, 2022, 2023) and Asia’s 50 Best Bars (2020,…

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 ‘three’ in Malay, and this fine-dining restaurant lives up to…

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 his booth, drink multiple cups of black coffee, and soak…

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 morning spell of pre-monsoon showers. The park opens up gradually,…

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 Indian and the second youngest person in the world to…

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 salads, or trying our local idli, dosa, and vada? What…

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 such experience. An exploration of lesser-known destinations, framed by winding…

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 Trends 2024, nearly 63% of respondents out of 1,000 budgeted…

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 Sports Club, Port Stadium, visitors can step into the heart…

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 Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu who unveiled plans to turn…

| 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 what gave rise to set-jetting, a trend where travellers set…

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 your idea of a fun activity, Bettadmele Breakfast is a…

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 Mumbai (where she is based), and planned a trip to…

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 18-feet long MIG 21 Drop Tank — even if it…

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. Located at the beachside Taj Puri Resort and Spa in…

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 Mountaineering Association with support from the Directorate of Sports and…

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 above 7,000 metres aimed at reducing deaths in the high…

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 Chennai (then Madras) during World War I. Name it. 2…

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 new nationwide survey reveals that six out of 10 families…

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 heritage sites in Raichur on April 22, focusing on improving…

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 you’, Omakase has takers from Amritsar to Bengaluru. Customarily, an…

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 terror-inducing, yet fascinating reptile. We look out over the waters…

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 a rare opportunity to step inside and experience the world…

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 lease dispute, however it did start a curry revolution. Moving…

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 new nationwide survey reveals that six out of 10 families…

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 lease dispute, however it did start a curry revolution. Moving…

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, I mentally prepare myself for the trek ahead. At the…

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 and the driveway curves past green lawns to stop at…

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 has an intertwined network of culture. I experienced it through…

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) bus stand, but rarely does any bus arrive from distant…

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 that travel benefits Ladakh’s people and environment. It offers travellers…

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 city of Visakhapatnam to the farthest corners of the globe,…

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 sleek white vehicle glides toward us — its tinted windows…

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 follows the State government giving its approval to the Tourism…

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 breeze. On one side, rows of 50 heirloom tomato varieties…

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 I would find my way there some day. And I…

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 sculpture, to promote meditative stillness. These are just some of…

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 pilgrimage sites, the town pulses with the energy of devotees.…

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 month was a collaboration with Bemberg, an eco-friendly textile produced…

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 domestic passengers. This number is set to increase in April…

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 in the sea breeze. We are on Goa’s Ozran Beach…

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? By the time I arrived in Bangkok and checked into…

“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 of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The KSRTC…

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 phenomenon that gives the waters an electric blue backlight, is…

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 highest peak in Europe, he was in for a shock.…

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 Gen Z travelers. With a growing appetite for adventure, cultural…

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, they did not want it to be just another drive…

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 called SOUL Festival brings together influential health and wellness experts…

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 the island to swim, and sunbathe, but now, they are…

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 jointly launched a boating facility at Sanna Kere, located in…

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 Eid special will take participants through some of the city’s…

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 fertile for wine cultivation. The city has now inspired the…

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 ship and a boat looks decidedly out of place among…

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 States and improved facilities at tourist destinations across M.P. Although…

It is a busy weekday afternoon at Meitei Chakluk Manipuri Rice Hotel. Bidya Devi is preparing thalis. Bowls of ooti (mashed pea curry), eromba (a fermented fish-based dish), kangshoi (vegetable stew), atoiba (fish stew), singju (a perilla seed-based mix salad), and hawai (Manipuri dal), among other dishes, make up the plate. Fish is a staple in most Manipuri meals, but for her thali, Bidya ensures…

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 a blend of experiences that epitomise the island’s diverse allure.…

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 carried on in its own unhurried rhythm. Rainy mornings smelled…

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 her contributions to conservation, Barman is renowned for her pioneering…

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 11 and 12 to check if the owners took enough…

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 DigiYatra initiative of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). With…

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 movement of heavy motor vehicles on the roads to hill…

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 Karnataka’s most famous tourist destinations, Hampi, the Home Department has…

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 ancestral home that is now jüSTa Diwans Bungalow.  The last…

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 vibrant cities during the night, Mangaluru has no nightlife to…

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 travel is now not just the flavour of the season,…

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 with candles placed around the sunken stone tub. Then stepping…

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 races faded into history, the land gave way to quiet,…

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 Dhabi in UAE under codeshare with Etihad Airways from March…

“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 working for him, mostly drivers and cleaners. Spotting the business…

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 respected,” says Anvitha Padamati, a 27-year-old mountaineer and trainer from…

“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 journey for these men. The map they drew out that…

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 island houses some of the world’s most opulent entertainment arenas,…

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 – The Festival of Nothingness. Tracy Chapman’s tune ‘Fast Car’…

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 villa in Phuket. Despite the picture of calm it exudes,…

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 a different era, particularly for one from yet another commonwealth…

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. While the Northeast has State-specific events such as the Ziro…

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 to fill a car with a selection of footwear from…

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 vacations. Apart from romantic getaways, experiential and spiritual tours are…

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 tropical warmth! At Snow Station, the city’s first snow-themed amusement…

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 to each other, or a relationship that thrives for weeks,…

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 lorry driver. However, his foray into YouTube started as a…

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 hop-on, hop-off concept, Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) has begun…

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 the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department Corporation and the Alluri Sitharama…

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 as the gaur stops and stares before nibbling at the…

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 a visual treat, with towering trees, occasional water-streams jutting out…

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 beyond the typical offroading, tea garden and pine forest visits.…

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 town (situated in Baramulla district, north of Kashmir) on horseback,…

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 of trekkers, tourists and locals. It is 15 degrees Celsius…

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 it is not always possible to have a friend in…

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 Embraer flights from Scoot, the affordable carrier of Singapore Airlines.…

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 stalls serving Khasi specialties became an auxiliary centrepoint where these…

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 Chevella witness a steady stream of cars as families leave…

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 cold (temperatures dip till 7 degrees), but if you overcome…

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 the Nilgiris, mixing history, flavours, and community spirit. Fazloor Rahman,…

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 Dhaalu Atoll, typically seen as a destination for couples. On…

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 Christmas in the coastal belt of North Goa with revellers…

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, the following five vehicles promise to elevate your road trip…

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 of what stands to be lost. The second approach, stark…

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 Kochi. The streets that lead up to Fort Kochi are…

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 giggles of children gathered around the Christmas tree to exchange…

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 is our takeaway from a weekend trip to the city…

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 giggles of children gathered around the Christmas tree to exchange…

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 make up Chinese fishing nets as they mark the outline…

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 is a gorgeous country situated at the crossroads of Europe…

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, one of Goa’s oldest party spaces. There are a few…

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 destinations with friends and family. Looking ahead to 2025, this…

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 tribal culture: this winter Araku offers experiences that blend adventure,…

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 stalls serving Khasi specialties became an auxiliary centrepoint where these…

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 foods and learn more about the people and their cuisine.…

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 the season’s most awaited guests from Siberia — spot-billed pelicans…

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 shikara as Kashmiri as kahwa or zafraan. Amid the ornate…

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 sanctuary. By March’s end, they will leave as quietly as…

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 a beguiling cocktail of Nature, adventure and culture. Carissa Nimah…

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 participants breaking into a rendition of ‘Kabhi Kabhi’ in unison.…

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 under the shade of an asbestos shed, surrounded by heavy…

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 vehicular emissions. This time around, the AQI has surpassed 1500…

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, or the flower’s motif lending itself to intricately carved mansion…

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 the platform. MakeMyTrip also said it was in compliance with…

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 tea marks the end of the first meal of the…

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 resort, she would try something more invigorating: a week-long cycling…

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 oft-visited place for you, this rapidly changing city would still…

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 stalls serving Khasi specialties became an auxiliary centrepoint where these…

“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 in Pelling, Sikkim. But, when they came across a board…

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 a place of calm and serenity — a haven where…

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. At Chennai’s fort St. George, the only bomb-proof shelter in…

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 lush greenery, the property owned by partners Ravi Srinivasan and…

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 loccisano It is that time of the year when Khasi…

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 family holidays. I was content that I was doing my…

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 the sun at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa at…

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 sightings across India’s wildlife parks. On my first-ever visit to…

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 kilometres from Meghalaya’s capital Shillong, which has the best expanse…

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 first World Heritage City by UNESCO in 2017.  If you…

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 the potential to dramatically alter the way we think of…

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 coaching camp at Rushikonda Beach for adventure enthusiasts to learn…

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 rare pleasure when your day begins and ends in the…

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 craft for those who seek it. We round-up some architect-approved…

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 from Kanyakumari to Leh and back, on three bikes and…

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, forever etched in memory. These destinations invite us to confront…

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 embrace and reflect upon the beautiful diversity of the human…

 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 in Kerala met with an incredulous turn of events in…

“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 sky. He has however, lived all his life in Chennai,…

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 Tibetan Plateau is not merely high; it’s an altitude anomaly.…

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 in a doli (palanquin) and then came cars. Now, people…

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 its charming downpour, a perfect antidote to Chennai’s relentless heat.…

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 much traction of late that open-minded travellers are hitting the…

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 and hardware stores, a bustling fish market, and a charming…

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 us to escape the mundane and engage with the extraordinary.…

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 rest of Telangana, weekend getaways do not seem like a…

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 he answered the call. “Hello, my name is Lata. I…

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 Project (BSRP) by ₹100 crore compared to the previous year.…

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, 1899.  It covers 16 tunnels, over 200 steep curves, and…

As island hopping is emerging as a new trend among travellers, what other place can one turn to in India if not the Andamans? Comprising over 300 islands, this archipelago boasts of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life. Having said that, decades of poaching and a rapid population…

Satheesh Vellinezhi | Photo Credit: Satheesh Vellinezhi It was Aarti Shastri, who, before she transitioned to Agastya Shastri, wrote in her epic work The Monsoon of Hindustan that a family holiday is the ultimate test of love, tolerance, and friendship. Having just returned from a family holiday, I realise that…

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 tourist destinations that double up as capital cities and are…

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 from Singapore to Malaysia’s Sibu starting with the inaugural flight…