You know that a city takes its music and its music history very seriously when its airport is named after a musician. That city can be none other than New Orleans in Louisiana, and the musician none other than Louis Armstrong. No surprise there because jazz music is one of America’s greatest contributions to modern culture. In fact, Armstrong himself...

　　One is never too far away from tea in Sri Lanka, an impression garnered over my myriad visits to this charming island nation. From sipping and savouring aromatic blends at capital city Colombo’s tea boutiques to plodding through the lush tea-scapes of Nuwara Eliya and Sabaragamuwa Province, the sojourns have been as seductive for the senses as a freshly brewed...

　　Dappled sunlight streams through the foliage, the air is filled with a variety of birdsong. On one side, a stream from the Dhansiri river gushes by. There is some sign of human habitation. A thriving nursery occupies one side of the rough track. To the other, there is a shed beside it, a rustic and undeniably aesthetic cabin indicates an...

　　It's that time of the year again. Christmas is around the corner, churches are gearing up and streets are lit up across cities to spread festive cheer. The festive Christmas week is getting closer, bringing with it a slew of seasonal cheer. The air is filled with the enticing fragrance of freshly baked cakes and the joyful spirit of celebration....

　　In the heart of India’s untamed wilderness lies an adventure that takes you beyond the hum of jeep engines and deep into the primal rhythm of nature—walking safaris. Imagine treading softly through sun-dappled forests, with every step echoing stories of ancient ecosystems. The air is alive with the whispers of leaves and the distant call of a langur, while your...

　　Kiriteswari, located just 18 kilometres from Murshidabad in Kiritkona village, West Bengal, is a remarkable destination worth exploring. It has earned accolades, including the title ‘Best Tourism Village of India 2023’ from the Union Ministry of Tourism. This prestigious recognition highlights the village's commitment to promoting rural life and preserving cultural heritage, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking...

　　In democratic times, even the minatory language of kings is genteel. Trespassers will be prosecuted, reads the royal instruction hanging on the intricately carved wrought-iron gates of the Nawab's palace. This deserted palace in Murud is the address of the present Nawab of Janjira. His forefathers would not have been this bashful. Anyone attempting unlawful entry into the Janjira Fort,...

　　Renowned for its subtropical charm, the Georgian city of Batumi boasts a culinary tradition that reflects its rich history and diverse influences. From hearty regional dishes to decadent desserts, Batumi's cuisine is a feast for the senses. 　　Central to Batumi’s food culture is Ajarian khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, butter, and a runny egg yolk. This iconic dish,...

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time for highlighting, reflecting on, and celebrating Native history, art, and culture. I moved from Cherokee Nation to Zhygagoynak (Chicago) several years ago to work with cultural institutions like museums that were seeking to display indigenous art. In that time, I’ve seen the Native contemporary art scene flourish in the city, leading to...

　　Situated in the Western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is one of 13 mountain states in India whose extreme landscape features several peaks and extensive river systems. It lies in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), one of the world's richest reservoirs of biological diversity. The state is often said to be the fruit bowl of the country, with widespread orchards, meadows and...