Travel
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.
Chamba’s Minjar: A celebration of tradition, harvest, and culture
Have you been to the Minjar fair in Himachal’s Chamba district that has become a draw for tourists from across India? This photo essay captures the many moods of the festivities.
Chitkul, India’s last village
Village Square takes a trip on the old Hisdustan-Tibet road to visit the scenic village of Chitkul. Here’s more on the place.
Fabulous village festivities you can attend this October
The changing weather in October heralds not just the onset of winter, but also a host of celebrations across the country. We list some special fairs and festivals from the rural tracts that you can visit and enjoy this month.
Why you must visit these stunning hill destinations
This World Tourism Day Village Square brings you a curated list of hidden hill stations from the Indian hinterland. From the pristine meadows of the Himalayas in the north to the rolling hills of the south, we’ve got a recommendation for every kind of mountain enthusiast.
Rural escapes that celebrate the romance of Indian villages
From quaint temples and ancient trees to art villages and traditional huts, there is much to be enjoyed in the remote, picturesque Indian villages. So pack your bags and hop on for a ride!
Cruise these historic Indian rivers in style
While rail and road have been the more popular ways of traversing the hinterland, this World Rivers’ Day we recommend a few charming river cruises in India that can take you touring around the countryside.
Celebrate a spectacular September at these rural festivals
A line-up of ceremonial celebrations across the hinterland gives Indians something to look forward to in the last month of the monsoon season, as September comes alive to showcase the rural culture in the country.
Koraput-Rayagada, India’s hidden gem of rail tourism
Scenic beauty, cultural richness and engineering marvels along the Koraput-Rayagada and Kothavalasa-Kirandul rail routes in Odisha make them must-visit destinations for any travel enthusiast.
Shaktiman – How a military truck became an off-road king in Manipur
Shaktiman, a medium-capacity truck that was used by the Indian defence forces from 1959 to 1996 enjoys a new lease of life as a multipurpose off-road truck in the hilly Ukhrul and Kamjong districts of Manipur.
These rural spots continue to remind us of India’s freedom struggle
These were the places in rural India where blood, sweat and tears were shed for India’s freedom from colonial rule. On this Independence Day, here’s a look at the current state of those historic locations.
Have you been on these monsoon treks yet?
With the rain gods having obliged us this monsoon, it’s a good time to pack your walking shoes and take off on a trek to the unexplored corners of the country. Village Square brings you five such lush trails.