Travel

India’s Angkor Vat
Dating back to the 7th century, Unakoti is a treasure trove of rock carvings and murals in a sprawling forest in the state of Tripura. Thousands of pilgrims just flock to this destination to attend the annual Ashokastami Mela (fair) every April.

Women-run historic homestays that captivate
The doors to these women-run B&Bs are thrown open to guests who enjoy living out of generations-old holiday homes, located near the attractions of the countryside.

Peninsular heritage bucket-list wonders
How many of these heritage sites in India’s Peninsular region have you seen? Well, for World Heritage Day 2025, we give you a handy list of rural and peri-urban sites not to miss from the southern states.

Udvada, the Vatican of the miniscule Zoroastrian community
Udvada, a sleepy coastal village in Gujarat, is as constant as the North Star in the lives of the vibrant Zoroastrian community, which is on the brink of extinction.

This paragliding school in Kamshet is an exciting weekend getaway
From aspiring paramotor pilots to adventure junkies, this paragliding school in the Western Ghats has something for everyone.

Nartiang Monoliths: Echoes of the past in Meghalaya
The Nartiang Monoliths, located in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills, are towering stone structures that honour the region’s royal heritage. These iconic monuments, steeped in history, stand as enduring symbols of remembrance and cultural significance.

An eco-park changes the fortunes for Kurseong, a sleepy town
Kurseong, a sleepy town in West Bengal is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also attracts tourists due to the spooky stories of supernatural activities floating in social media.

Deifying the river – India’s famous river aartis
Rivers have been deified by Indians for millennia. The river aarti, a reflection of this reverence, is nothing short of a majestical experience that makes many of India’s smaller, more rural cities come alive. Here are a few aartis in India that should be on your bucket-list.

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.