travel and tourism
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.
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.
This new year, try bungee jumping in Bir
Head to the mountains to give your new year a jump-start, literally. Try out bungee jumping and sky cycling on your next trip to Bir, Himachal. Launched by a group of boys from the village in 2018, Tiger Team Adventures is a new addition to the handful of bungee sites in India.
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 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.
Gonbo Rongjon: The mountain where people see God
While Tibetan Buddhists of Zanskar Valley hold the mountain in high spiritual regard, many trekkers and adventurists come simply to experience its grandeur. At 5,520 metres, Gonbo Rongjon is impossible to miss in the remote valley.
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.
Water sports make a splash in Kashmir
Efforts from all quarters to encourage water sports in Jammu and Kashmir are bearing heartening results. Here’s a round-up of the current scenario in photos.
War turns Hunderman into Kargil’s ghost village
Caught in the crossfire between India and Pakistan, residents of Hunderman fled for their lives. Though a few descendants have returned, the village still appears deserted, where a museum stands as testimony to villagers’ memories.
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.
Add this waterfall-side Himachali dhaba to your Manali itinerary
You can enjoy Himachali delicacies like lingdi sabzi, sidu and kadhi at Sagar Thakur dhaba, which is run by a ‘Pahadi didi’ next to a natural waterfall far from the maddening crowd of Manali.
Pristine beauty meets cultural riches in Reiek
Reiek, a hidden gem celebrated for its unspoiled beauty in the heart of Mizoram, has earned its place among the country’s best tourism villages, captivating adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.