Travel
A sacred forest of spirituality & tradition in Meghalaya
The Mawphlang sacred forest in Meghalaya is a stunning natural site with deep cultural significance. Protected by the Khasi tribe for centuries, it’s a peaceful place where nature, spirituality, and tradition come together.
A chance encounter gets an ancient fort a new lease on life
A chance discovery of an early 16th-century ancient fort near Bengaluru during a trek inspired a community to restore it.
The first green village of India – Khonoma
Khonoma village, located in Nagaland, was once known as a ‘warrior village’ for the fierce resistance it put up during the British colonial period. Today, the picturesque hamlet is India’s first green village, known for its rich cultural heritage, sustainable farming practices, and strong conservation efforts.
Wood villas: Uttarakhand mountain retreats with stunning views
With the Uttarakhand government promoting Homestay Tourism in the High Himalayan Zone, a new breed of ecologically conscious chalet and wood villa developers are becoming gamechangers for the state’s tourism. And a ‘millennial’ Kumaoni is taking the lead in changing perceptions.
Mawryngkhang trek celebrates the lore of a love affair
The Bamboo Trek offers an exhilarating adventure through Meghalaya's lush landscapes. This scenic trail takes you through dense bamboo forests, across vibrant hills, and along stunning cliffs. It is not for the faint-hearted.
Mawlynnong: The village that redefines cleanliness
Mawlynnong, known as ‘Asia's cleanest village’, is a picturesque settlement in Meghalaya. Famous for its pristine beauty, eco-friendly practices, and welcoming community, it offers a unique experience of sustainable living amidst breathtaking landscapes.
A village tourism bucket list for art lovers
It’s a double whammy for lovers of rustic art with this list of must-visit attractions in the hinterland where you can enjoy gazing at creative masterpieces. Read on to get fresh ideas on where to go over the long weekends of 2025.
Meghalaya’s whistling village, where melody is the language
Kongthong, a unique village in Meghalaya, is known for its whistling tradition. Here residents communicate using personalised whistles instead of names. This distinctive practice, rooted in local culture, highlights the village’s deep connection to nature.
Fuelled by FOMO, GEN Z takes the SM route to Maha Kumbh
Social media savvy youngsters are heading to Prayagraj to figure out for themselves what the hype created around Maha Kumbh is all about.
All you need to know about mammoth Maha Kumbh mela
The biggest gathering of humanity on earth, the Maha Kumbh mela, kicked off on January 13, 2025, at Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj. Here’s the lowdown on the festival, and what you could do if you plan a visit here.
Key Monastery – The Crown Jewel of Spiti
The grand and majestic Key Monastery, nestled on a hill above the Key Village in Spiti Valley, is an important Buddhist centre. It attracts tourists and astrophotographers alike, who can stay in the monastery guest house and enjoy the local food.
The quirky village that straddles two states
The village of Sajanpur is an anomaly – it navigates the crossroads of two states, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, forging its own path and celebrating its diversity.
Talao village: A rural tourism success story
Village Talao in Haryana’s Jhajjar district attracts over 65,000 tourists annually to its cultural hub Pratapgarh Farms. It serves as a lesson in how sustainable tourism can craft a story of hope and progress for its community.
The silent scream of Noh Ka Likai falls
Behind the breathtaking beauty of India's tallest plunge waterfall lies a heart-wrenching story, one that gives a sorrowful depth to its stunning cascade.
In Stree 2’s Chanderi, veil between history and horror is gossamer thin
Bollywood horror-comedy Stree 2 puts the cinematic spotlight on Kati Ghati gate, a massive stone structure steeped in legend and mystery in Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi, a small town renowned for its delicate sarees.
The Andamans on a shoestring
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are some of the most pristine, ecologically fragile islands in the world.. Here’s how to explore the Islands in an ecologically responsible way, that too on a budget.
Majestic mountain escapes beyond the Indian Himalayas
December 11 is International Mountain Day, and we’re giving you the lowdown on mountain destinations outside Himalayan country. So if you’re heading for the hills anytime soon, check out these high-altitude spots in the lesser-known ranges of India.
The river Spiti: a glacial waterbody of the upper Himalayas
Village Square journeys along the river Spiti, in Himachal’s Lahaul and Spiti district, and discovers that though most settlements in the region have sprung up around it, the river itself serves little practical purpose to inhabitants.
Ogla, the blushing buckwheat blossom
Buckwheat, aka ogla, is mostly known for its grain-like seeds used in cooking. But take a look at its flower! When ogla fields blossom in one of the few places it grows in India, the whole Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh blushes pink.
Countryside celebrations to attend this November
From Tokhu Emong in Nagaland and Thiksey Gustor in Leh to Kalai Thiru Vizhaa in Tamil Nadu and Pushkar camel fair in Rajasthan, here are five rural festivals all travel enthusiasts should pen into their calendars this month.