Additionally, we’ll take a look at some of the globe’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enhanced by the monsoon’s lush beauty, followed by a journey to India’s floating villages and islands, where life thrives around lakes, rivers, and backwaters.
From thrilling night safaris and historic UNESCO cities to the world’s most intriguing floating markets and cinematic locations, this week’s edition will guide you through landscapes shaped by nature, culture, and centuries of human narratives.
We will also uncover the world’s most stunning cherry blossom spots, reveal why many hotel lifts skip the 13th floor, and investigate what your food cravings might indicate about your health. Plus, we’ll discuss a new study looking into the potential long-term relationship between regular television viewing and changes in brain health.
Let’s dive in.
Sarnath inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List: 10 Indian heritage sites every traveller should know
Sarnath has officially been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage property. To celebrate this achievement, we’ll highlight UNESCO-listed sites that reflect India’s rich cultural and natural tapestry.
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites shine brightest during the monsoon
The monsoon breathes new life into some of the world’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the misty Western Ghats and the Valley of Flowers to ancient rainforests in Uganda, Australia, and Malaysia, these locations showcase vibrant landscapes, roaring waterfalls, and incredible biodiversity at their peak.
When night falls: The world’s most unforgettable night safaris
The wilderness undergoes a transformation after sunset, unveiling aspects of nature that only a few travellers get to witness. From Singapore’s innovative Night Safari to Africa’s famed game reserves, these spots provide an opportunity to see hunting predators, elusive nocturnal species, and unforgettable wildlife moments under the stars.
From Dal Lake to Loktak: Visit India’s floating villages and islands this monsoon
The monsoon adds a magical touch to India’s water-bound communities, where daily life unfolds on lakes, backwaters, and river islands. From the iconic houseboats of Kashmir and the floating communities of Manipur to Kerala’s serene backwaters and Assam’s Majuli, these destinations offer a unique perspective on the rainy season.
UNESCO World Heritage cities every traveller must explore
From India’s historic walled cities to ancient capitals and beautifully preserved medieval towns, these UNESCO World Heritage cities reveal centuries of architectural, cultural, and urban narratives. Together, they present some of the world’s most extraordinary historic cityscapes, recognized for their exceptional universal significance and lasting heritage.
Lights, camera, adventure: Discover the real-world locations behind blockbuster films
From Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey to Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, these filming sites demonstrate that some of cinema’s most breathtaking backdrops are real destinations waiting to be explored. Whether it’s ancient fortresses, volcanic coastlines, or mist-laden hill stations, these places allow travellers to step into the realms of their favorite films.
The world’s most stunning cherry blossom destinations
Cherry blossom season transforms urban landscapes and parks around the world into stunning displays of pink and white, attracting visitors year after year. From Japan-themed festivals and historic tree-lined avenues to mountain vistas and city parks, these locations celebrate one of nature’s most eagerly awaited seasonal wonders.
The world’s most captivating floating markets
Floating markets give a glimpse into time-honored trading customs where canals and rivers act as bustling marketplaces. From Thailand’s famous waterways and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to Indonesia’s river markets and Kashmir’s floating vegetable bazaar, these locations continue to nurture a one-of-a-kind lifestyle shaped by water.
The reason hotel rooms frequently skip the 13th floor: The age-old superstition behind the absent number
Ever noticed a hotel lift skipping the 12th floor and going straight to the 14th? The 13th floor hasn’t disappeared; it’s usually just been renamed. From the roots of triskaidekaphobia to the rationale behind avoiding the number, discover why this old superstition still affects contemporary architecture.
The hunger games: What your food cravings might be revealing
Crumbling for chocolate, chips, or carbs? Although food cravings aren’t a medical diagnosis, experts suggest they can reflect various aspects from fluctuating blood sugar and dehydration to stress, poor sleep, and, in certain cases, potential nutrient deficiencies. Explore what different cravings could indicate and when it might be necessary to take a closer look.
Can too much screen time impact your brain? A new study hints at a possible long-term connection
Watching television is a beloved pastime, yet new research indicates that frequent TV viewing during midlife could be linked to reduced brain volumes and alterations associated with dementia later in life. Here’s what the study uncovered and why researchers stress the findings show an association, not definitive cause and effect.
