From the enchanting Himalayas of Nainital and the misty hills of Kodaikanal to the unique floating landscapes of Moirang and the tranquil backwaters of Alappuzha in Kerala, India’s lakeside spots provide a blend of boating, stunning mountain views, cultural sites, and restful retreats. Here are some of the most picturesque lake towns across the country that deserve a spot on your travel list.
Chand Baori, Rani Ki Vav, and more: Stepwells exemplifying India’s ancient water engineering
From the geometric elegance of Chand Baori to the beautifully crafted Rani ki Vav, India’s ancient stepwells serve as stunning examples of historical water conservation and engineering. These baolis and vavs, located in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Karnataka, showcase exquisite architecture, rich cultural heritage, and ingenious rainwater harvesting systems that continue to enchant travelers even centuries later.
Beyond Shimla and Manali: 5 overlooked Himalayan villages to discover
Discover the remote charms of Malari Village and the rugged beauty of Kanji Village, along with the tea-laden hills of Rangaroon. These hidden Himalayan villages provide quieter alternatives to bustling hill stations. With mountain trekking, Buddhist heritage, local traditions, and unspoiled nature, they unveil a more genuine side of life in the Himalayas.
Midnight sun destinations: 8 spots where daylight lingers
From the Arctic vistas of Tromsø and Svalbard to the radiant summer skies of Iceland and Alaska, these locations experience the breathtaking phenomenon of the midnight sun, where daylight stretches late into the night for extended periods. Here are eight places where you can witness this extraordinary natural event.
Sariska to unveil multi-language audio guides and a digital wildlife center for visitors
Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve is preparing to launch multilingual audio guides and a new digital nature interpretation center aimed at enhancing the wildlife tourism experience. This forthcoming facility, supported by TACO under a CSR initiative, will feature holograms, LED displays, and interactive exhibits to highlight Sariska’s tigers, leopards, birds, and biodiversity while easing language barriers for safari visitors.
Beach shacks adapt as Goa embraces the workation trend
From AI workshops and startup networking events to work calls with views of the Arabian Sea, the Goa Shackathon is transforming beach shacks into collaborative workspaces as the state aims to establish itself as India’s leading workation destination. This initiative reflects a growing trend towards remote work, digital nomad culture, and lifestyle-oriented entrepreneurship beyond traditional urban centers.
It’s mango season!
Speaking of mangoes, did you know that Murshidabad’s royal mangoes are steeped in tales of Nawabs, dowries, and lost varieties?
From the famed Kohitur mango, treated like a gem, to the now-extinct Tota variety tied to a royal court dispute, Murshidabad’s mango history is rich with forgotten Nawab-era narratives. Although rare types like Mirza Pasand and Ranipasand still exist in memory and limited orchards, experts caution that many of Bengal’s historical mangoes are at risk of extinction without immediate conservation efforts.
YouTube introduces new AI feature for tailored recommendations with prompts
YouTube has launched an AI-driven feature that enables users to customize their video suggestions using personalized prompts rather than relying solely on algorithm-generated recommendations. The update also introduces clearer labeling for AI-generated content as the platform addresses rising concerns regarding realistic AI-created videos online.
How Shinji Fukuyo mastered the art of blending Japanese whisky
Over the past forty years, Shinji Fukuyo has dedicated his career to sampling and balancing countless whiskies to craft harmonious blends, such as Hibiki. Grounded in the Japanese philosophy of Monozukuri, his craft combines patience, sensory acuity, and deep technical knowledge, offering insight into the meticulous realm of whisky blending.
Ebola outbreak explained: What is Ebola and why has WHO declared a global emergency?
The WHO has categorized the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a global health emergency, triggering countries, including India, to enhance safety measures. Here’s a closer look at what Ebola is, how it spreads, why the current outbreak is a cause for concern, and what travelers should know at this moment.
Fermented foods are the biggest wellness trend of 2026, but India has long embraced them
From curd and chaas to idli batter and beetroot kanji, fermented foods have been a staple in Indian cuisine for generations—long before probiotics became a worldwide wellness craze. As new research on gut health supports what traditional diets have long understood, fermented foods might offer more benefits for the body than costly supplements ever could.
