The moment I found out I’d be spending a year in London for my master’s degree, my tryst with the Scottish Highlands was set in stone. My inner fangirl saved through weekend campus jobs so that I could live my Outlander fantasy; visiting real-life locations that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s story and filming sites that brought the TV series to life....

　　Matcha is everywhere. From desserts to teas and coffees, this finely ground powder of green tea originated in China, but it is now laregly associated with Japan. People tend to love its bright green colour and strong umami flavour so much that visiting matcha-growing regions in Japan is now on many tourists’ bucket lists. 　　In Delhi, many artisanal cafés and...

　　The influence of Japanese culture can be seen in what we consume today, literally and figuratively. Whether we read manga, watch anime, learn Nihongo, eat sushi or drink saké, the culinary and creative industries of this East Asian nation have us hooked. In Delhi-NCR, there has been an explosion of Japanese restaurants and bars in the last few years, as...

　　Spring is approaching, which means it's rhododendron season. In fact, India’s Himalayan spring is synonymous with vibrant rhododendrons. Rhododendrons in India bloom in a variety of hues and belong to many genera, thriving along the length of the Himalayas. These flowers can also be found in refreshing sherbets, tea, and jams, with petals that signify the end of winter and...

　　For the longest time, Denmark has been associated with a great deal of things, among which little attention has been given to its exquisite workmanship. Denmark has been producing enduring pieces of beauty through the seamless fusion of modern and traditional design consistently. The Danish craft, having its root in centuries-old methods, embraces modern aesthetics and conjoins it with ideas...

　　Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram with its rich architecture and intricately sculpted temples is a serene and quaint town in Tamil Nadu. While the town is a gold mine for history buffs, it also offers a rich roster of shack-style eateries, quiet cafes, and stellar restaurants. Explore the best restaurants in Mahabalipuram and plan the perfect meals. 　　Breakfast 　　Joe’s Cafe 　　 　　A...

　　Winter is letting out the apricot trees. In little bursts. Brown bark merges with fine dust, and at first glance, the hesitant whites of the apricot flowers look like errant snowflakes drifted off the veins of snow that run down crenellated mountain ridges. Loose rock and boulder edge mud houses stacked haphazardly in nooks along the base of the cliff....

　　As I take the winding road from my villa at the Golden Tusk Resort to the reception area, a classroom of birds erupts noisily. At 6 a.m. the sound, unlike the school kid variety, is not altogether undesirable. It helps rid me of residual drowsiness. 　　 　　I climb into a waiting Gypsy and the guide, Suresh, tells me we're going...

　　When the snow begins to melt from the mountain peaks and a general warmth hangs about the air, the lush meadows and striking rhododendrons bloom, that's when the most stunning, vernal season in India bursts forth and lasts from March till June. Yes, it's spring, the pathways are filled with flowers and the conditions for outing, trekking, road trips, excursions...

　　Chennai is a destination of many moods. On one side is the bustling city and on the other is the serene and quaint side of its metropolitan persona. If you are someone who wants to enjoy the wonders of the city but without being flooded by a sea of people, explore these offbeat spots in Chennai. 　　Theosophical Society, Adyar 　　Cosied...