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'...

　　When you're on the move, whether you're jet-setting to a new destination or exploring a hidden gem, a reliable travel watch is more than just an accessory—it's a vital tool. The right timepiece can do more than keep you on track; it can elevate your travel experience with features like multiple time zone tracking, water resistance, and durability. For men...

　　'Humans are more of a menace in these parts, the fence was erected to curb instances of unwanted trespassing,' Sagar replied warily to my pressing query about an unsightly, metallic fence that had caught my eye. An aesthetic blot on the landscape, it looked woefully out of place. A naturalist by profession, Sagar seemed to understand my guarded inquiry, and...

　　As 2025 kicks in, the season of festivities powers into fourth gear with Makar Sankranti (held on January 14). The first festival of the calendar year, it marks the first day of the sun's transit into the Makara (Capricorn), signalling the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Celebrated all across India, this...