Tamil Nadu has some of the grandest Hindu temples in India, many of which are rock-cut shrines that date back to the 7th century AD. Among these is the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple in Narthamalai, which is dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu. It is also considered scared for Jains. In fact, Narthamalai is known for its abundance of...

This tour is more than a visual journey — it’s an architectural love letter to the historic Bronzeville neighborhood from hospitality designer Cecilia Cuff. Cecilia has the privilege of residing in beautiful Bronzeville, which allows her the opportunity to live, work, and play in her own community after bringing back her global insights from her professional travels to her hometown,...

　　Telangana is a treasure trove for craft lovers, with diverse GI-tagged handicrafts that boast a storied history and even a more impressive craftsmanship. While you may have acquainted yourself with some of those in our Part 1 of the article, such as the sublime Silver Filigree, hailing from Karimnagar, and the beautiful Hyderabad Lac Bangles, there’s more in the list...

　　Bengaluru was once home to numerous water bodies that offered a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. At one time, the city boasted over 1,000 bodies of water, which helped absorb rainwater, maintain high groundwater levels, and contributed to the unique moderate microclimate of this land-locked city. 　　These lakes and ponds are not just beautiful natural...

　　With a vibrant history, it is no surprise that the state of Telangana brims with the finest art heritage that skilled artisans have mastered for generations. From the delicate Filigree of Karimnagar to the majestical Cheriyal Paintings depicting the lores of deities with fine craftsmanship, the state boasts 17 GI-tagged handicrafts. While some of these crafts date to antiquity, they...

　　As the joyous festival of Holi is round the corner, people from all parts of India are preparing to kickstart the festivities and celebrations. But things are taking a different turn in Maharashtra. 　　In the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Holi is popularly called “Kokanatil Shimga.” It is a vibrant and culturally-rich festival celebrated in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, and parts of...

　　Bahrain’s Pearling Path is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the country’s 4,000-year-old pearling tradition. Located on Muharraq Island, this place was the Arabian Gulf’s pearl capital and the most active and prosperous pearling city in the region. Today, the area consists of three oyster beds, the sea-facing Bu Mahir fort, and 17 buildings in the historical section that...

　　Street art has emerged as a dynamic and expressive medium for urban culture across the globe. In India, many cities have become vibrant canvases for talented artists. From large murals to smaller, thought-provoking pieces, street art in India is helping redefine urban spaces, injecting life into otherwise mundane surroundings. The movement reflects not only artistic expression but also social and...

　　Up at the crack of dawn, I open the flap of my tent with bleary eyes and peer outside cautiously. It is still dark, the African skies painted with just a tinge of pink and purple hues. But I am not looking up at the sky. I am looking straight ahead at Mount Kilimanjaro, who has finally shaken off the...

　　For some, cooking is a life skill; for others like Ruchira Hoon, Chef Patron at Dakshin canteen, it becomes a passion project. Hoon started collecting cookbooks as a journalist back in 2008, and now has a collection of over 900. She is also at the helm of a cookbook-cum-potluck club in Delhi with a rather fun name, “Cereal Killer Cookbook...