There are plenty of amazing surfing spots around the world but did you know that the waters along Peru’s coastline are where some of the longest waves in the world can be ridden? 　　The Chicama Wave is legendary among surfers as its breaks can be ridden for minutes instead of seconds. The visuals of the waves are spectacular to look...

　　Faint whistles are overheard while crossing the Khat-ar-shnong valley en route to Meghalaya's Whistling Village, Kongthong, around 52 kms from Shillong. My excited guide tells us that the sounds signify that we are fast approaching our destination. Even in the bountiful Meghalaya (the abode of clouds), where every bend in the road leads to a breathtaking vista, each waterfall is...

　　In the vast Qutub Complex of Delhi, there stands a curious relic known as the Smith’s Folly. It’s one such piece of structure which would render itself obnoxious without its historical context. The Folly is a chhatri which Major Robert Smith of the British Indian Army added. The addition came in a moment of sympathetic genius by the Major after...

Witches and wizards, grab your wands — the brand new Harry Potter Shop is now open in Chicago. The store opened to the public on April 10, 2025, welcoming Harry Potter fans from around the world.  The shop is only the second U.S. location of the popular retail experience, with the other locations in London and New York City. The...

　　Malaysia is a shoppers’ paradise owing to the country's excellent craftsmanship visible in traditional textiles, handicrafts, pottery and jewellery. The confluence of Malay, Chinese, European, and Indian cultural influences makes for a splendid shopping experience. Plus, it is relatively affordable compared to most countries in the West. Many duty-free zones add to these savings, without having to sacrifice on the...

　　The success of Uttarakhand’s flagship astro-tourism movement, the “Nakshatra Sabha,” is lighting the path for India's next tourism revolution. In a landmark initiative by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in partnership with Starscapes, the “Nakshatra Sabha” campaign has drawn astrophiles across the length and breadth of India, including some from as far as Norway, France, the United States of America...

　　Mahavir Jayanti 2025 | From germination to inauguration—that's how India witnessed the emergence of Abhay Prabhavana Museum, a colossal museum dedicated to Jain philosophy and Indian heritage. Located along the scenic Indrayani River in Pune, the museum celebrates Jain values and their relevance in today’s world. 　　My visit here was more than just a sightseeing experience—it was a journey through...

　　It was almost dinnertime when we returned to the Al Badayer Retreat, our lovely resort on the fringes of the Al Badayer desert in Sharjah after a day of hectic touring. 　　It was our third day in the Emirate, and we had spent it immersed in the stark beauty of the ochre dunes at Mleiha in Sharjah's archaeologically rich Central...

　　Bar Nouveau in Paris is ranked number 39 on the World’s 50 Best Bars. Located on Rue des Haudriettes in the French capital, the bar is managed by award-winning bartender Harrison Kenney, who is known for his artistic approach to cocktail-making that explores the relationship between nature and a post-technological world. Kenney travelled to India last month for a series...

　　Chowmahalla Palace | Think of Hyderabad and images of the Charminar, the Golconda Fort, the Falaknuma Palace, the Ramoji Film City and more such iconic places will probably come to mind (not to mention its eponymous biryani). Many of these sites were built by rulers who commanded the city during their time, such as the Kakatiya dynasty (12th-14th centuries), the...