Next, we celebrate three Indian cities that have earned spots among the globe’s finest, delve into the award-winning projection mapping show at Gujarat’s UNESCO-recognized Rani Ki Vav, and traverse some of the oldest spice markets in the world, explore islands that are accessible without flying, and highlight the best locations to experience the Northern Lights.
In closer proximity, we welcome the monsoon season with breathtaking train journeys and wildlife parks that remain open during the rains. We will also examine the rising incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers and discuss a new study suggesting that visits to museums, concerts, and movie nights may contribute to healthier aging.
Finally, in ‘What We Read and Watched This Week’, we offer our thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s grand adaptation of The Odyssey and a desi workplace romance titled ‘Love Under Cover’.
Let’s dive in.
India’s first hydrogen-powered train is here: What sets it apart and its significance
India has stepped into the realm of hydrogen-powered rail with the inauguration of its first indigenous hydrogen train on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. Learn about how hydrogen fuel cells operate, the train’s remarkable power output, its specially designed refuelling facilities, and its contribution to India’s green mobility aspirations in this comprehensive overview of this landmark initiative.
Planning a trip to the hills? IMD issues heavy rain warnings for Himachal, Uttarakhand, and J&K
Travellers heading to Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, or Jammu & Kashmir may need to reconsider their plans, as the India Meteorological Department has predicted extensive rainfall, severe downpours, and a new Western Disturbance in the coming days. The weather bureau has also cautioned about potential flash floods, landslides, waterlogging, and traffic disruptions in parts of the western Himalayan region, advising tourists to verify weather and road conditions prior to travel.
World’s Best Cities 2026: Three Indian destinations make the global Top 25
Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai have clinched positions among the top 25 cities in the world in Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards 2026, as determined by over 661,000 reader votes. Discover the global and Asian rankings of these three Indian cities, as well as the locations that topped this year’s list.
Rani Ki Vav wins gold for 3D projection mapping show at WOW Awards Asia 2026
Gujarat’s UNESCO-listed Rani Ki Vav has been awarded a Gold Award at the WOW Awards Asia 2026 for its breathtaking 3D projection mapping show. Created by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, this experience merges innovative technology with one of India’s premier examples of stepwell architecture, showcasing the monument’s rich history, detailed sculptures, and its enduring legacy as a marvel of ancient water engineering.
From Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar to Delhi’s Khari Baoli: Six historic spice markets worth visiting
For centuries, these vibrant spice markets have intertwined continents through the trade of saffron, pepper, cinnamon, and a plethora of other aromatic delights. From the famed Spice Bazaar in Istanbul to Delhi’s Khari Baoli, as well as the time-honored souks of Marrakech and Tunis, these locales continue to uphold age-old trading customs while offering travelers a sensory experience steeped in local culture and history.
No flight necessary: 10 breathtaking islands you can reach by road, bridge, or ferryIsland retreats don’t always require a plane. From Scotland’s stunning Isle of Skye and France’s marine Mont Saint-Michel to Pamban Island in Rameswaram and Japan’s Miyajima, these spots are easily accessible by road, bridge, or ferry, providing breathtaking vistas, rich histories, and unforgettable journeys even before you arrive.
Chasing the Northern Lights? Discover where to see the aurora at its peak
From Norway’s Tromsø and Sweden’s Abisko to Iceland, Canada, and Finland, these destinations offer some of the top opportunities to experience the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Learn where to go, the optimal times to visit, and why each of these locations is a magnet for aurora enthusiasts.
Monsoon adventures: India’s most scenic train journeys and wildlife escapes
National parks open during the rainy season
The monsoon season transforms India’s forests into vibrant green landscapes, and many wildlife destinations remain open to visitors. From the misty Periyar and Eravikulam in Kerala to the safari zones in Jim Corbett and buffer areas in Ranthambore, these national parks invite guests to experience wildlife amid lush rain-soaked settings and striking monsoon panoramas.
Experience India’s most thrilling monsoon train journeys at least once
The monsoon season modifies India’s railway routes into unforgettable experiences, with waterfalls spilling beside the tracks, misty mountains, flooded paddy fields, and dramatic sea crossings. From the renowned Pamban Bridge and the scenic Konkan Railway to the Dudhsagar Falls route and the lush Western Ghats, these picturesque train rides showcase the country in its rain-soaked glory.
Never smoked? You might still be at risk of lung cancer
Lung cancer cases are increasingly being reported in individuals who have never smoked, challenging longstanding assumptions about the disease. From air pollution and radon exposure to genetic factors and secondhand smoke, this is what experts suggest may be contributing to the rise, indicating that anyone with lungs could be at risk.
Museum trips, concerts, and movie nights may aid in slowing biological aging, study reveals
A growing body of research indicates that cultural outings might benefit more than just mental health. A new study has shown that older adults who frequently visit museums, cinemas, concerts, and theaters have a lower physiological age compared to their peers, although researchers caution that these findings indicate a correlation rather than concrete proof that these activities directly slow aging.
What we read and watched this week
Love Under Cover: A delightful enemies-to-lovers romance with depth
Aastha Roy’s ‘Love Under Cover’ presents a workplace romance that captures the allure of familiar tropes without being reliant on them entirely. At its core, it is an enemies-to-lovers narrative, yet it equally explores ambition, trust, and the tough decisions individuals face when their aspirations and morals diverge.
The Odyssey Movie Review: Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland, and Matt Damon deliver a stunning cinematic masterpiece
Christopher Nolan’s epic, featuring Tom Holland and Matt Damon, serves as a prime example of exceptional blockbuster filmmaking. It’s truly an extraordinary cinematic experience.
