Thanks to the growing climate consciousness of how what we eat affects greenhouse gas emissions, more and more people are experimenting with low-carbon diets. In 2022, researchers from Leiden University in the Netherlands found that switching to plant-based diets could reduce annual agricultural production emissions by 61 per cent. In 2023, the global vegan food market was close to USD...

　　A full moon, round and plump, with a faint brown hue reminiscent of burnt sugar, sails over a dark blue china sky. It lies placid and tranquil, like a poem from Shirshendu—though certainly not the singed-toast moon he describes. This moon belongs to soft early spring nights, moist with promise, or, even better, to crisp, cold winter nights when its...

　　Varkala, an idyllic coastal town in Kerala known for its pristine beaches, cliffside views and natural beauty - sure to give you a Goa-like experience sitting in the South without making a hole in your pocket. From exploring the vibrant local cafes to kayaking on the backwaters amidst the mangrove forest – this place is a perfect beach gateway. Apart...

　　Japan’s diverse topography, from rolling plateaus and beaches to lush countrysides and the Japanese Alps, makes exploring the country a delight. While the island nation's public transport system is second to none, boasting trains like the Shinkansen, buses and ferries, seeing the country through two wheels or four allows you to stop and soak in the breathtaking scenery. This opens...

　　If you are an adventure-seeker with a soft spot for hiking and trekking and other activities that try out rough terrains, a proper footwear becomes as vital as air. Winter hikes, especially, come with a special set of difficulties, such as negotiating snow-clad paths and enduring freezing temperatures and strong winds. In such conditions, multi-utilitarian shoes that provide warmth, comfort,...

　　Formerly Madras, Chennai is a land locked by temples where seek the blessings of deities arduously. The name Madras comes from Madrasapattinam, a fishing village that existed before the British East India Company established the city in 1639. Over time, the name evolved into Madras, reflecting its colonial roots. Apart from being the capital of Tamil Nadu, the city is...

　　The beginning of January brings with it a host of winter festivals. One of these is Lohri, a Punjabi folk festival that traditionally marks the end of the cold season. The day precedes Makar Sankranti, which marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius (dhanu) to Capricorn (makara). Lohri is a harvest festival where farmers harvest rabi...

　　The air—fresh and crisp yet misty from the previous day’s downpour—invigorates my lungs. The cascading water, glistening tropical foliage and a lush canopy of forests act like a balm for my pollution-fatigued Delhi eyes. 　　I’m in Ezhattumugham, a hidden gem 40 kilometres from Kochi, Kerala, which provides a delightful addition to my recent sojourn to better-known Athirapilly. Nestled in a...

　　India’s national parks attract millions of tourists every year. In the 2023-2024 financial year, Kaziranga National Park alone saw 3,27,493 footfalls, while Bandipur National Park registered 1.4 million visitors in 2023. Recently, the Bombay High Court issued a notice to Maharashtra’s chief conservator of forests after viral videos emerged showing safari vehicles carrying tourists obstructing the path of a tigress...

　　Madurai, a vibrant and culturally rich city in Tamil Nadu, is the epitome of Dravidian architecture in the South – and it is also called the Athens of the East. Well-known for its rich history, spiritual significance, prominent temples, and thriving Tamil culture and literature, this city is a unique blend of history and modernity. Whether roaming around the 'bazaars'...