From the enchanting Himalayan beauty of Nainital and the fog-laden hills of Kodaikanal to the picturesque floating landscapes of Moirang and the serene backwaters of Kerala’s Alappuzha, India’s lakeside spots provide a mix of boating, breathtaking mountain views, cultural landmarks, and peaceful retreats. Here are some of the country’s most picturesque lake towns that should be on your travel itinerary.
Chand Baori, Rani Ki Vav and beyond: Stepwells reflecting India’s ancient engineering feats
From the geometrically stunning depths of Chand Baori to the intricately detailed Rani ki Vav, India’s historical stepwells exemplify magnificent feats of water conservation and engineering. These baolis and vavs, found across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and Karnataka, blend architectural brilliance, cultural significance, and innovative rainwater harvesting techniques that continue to captivate visitors centuries later.
Beyond Shimla and Manali: 5 lesser-known Himalayan villages to discover
From the remote Malari Village and the rugged terrain of Kanji Village to the tea-laden slopes of Rangaroon, these hidden Himalayan villages offer a tranquil escape from bustling hill stations. With mountain hikes, Buddhist heritage, rich local cultures, and unspoiled scenery, they provide a more authentic glimpse into life in the Himalayas.
Midnight sun destinations: 8 places where daylight lingers
From the Arctic vistas of Tromsø and Svalbard to the radiant summer skies of Iceland and Alaska, these locations enjoy the extraordinary midnight sun phenomenon, where daylight stretches into the late hours for weeks or even months. Here are eight spots where you can experience one of nature’s most wondrous displays.
Sariska to launch multi-language audio guides, digital wildlife center for visitors
Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve is preparing to unveil multi-language audio guides and a new digital nature interpretation center designed to enhance the experience of wildlife tourism. Supported by TACO through a CSR initiative, the forthcoming facility will feature holograms, LED displays, and interactive exhibits to highlight Sariska’s tigers, leopards, birds, and biodiversity, helping guests overcome language barriers during safaris.
Beach shacks turn into offices as Goa invests in the workation trend
From AI workshops and startup networking events to work calls with a view of the Arabian Sea, Goa Shackathon has repurposed Goa’s beach shacks into collaborative workspaces as the state aims to become India’s next prominent workation destination. This initiative reflects a growing trend towards remote work, digital nomad lifestyles, and lifestyle-driven entrepreneurship beyond traditional metropolitan areas.
It’s mango season!
Speaking of mangoes, have you heard of Murshidabad’s royal mangoes that carry tales of Nawabs, lavish dowries, and lost varieties?
From the legendary Kohitur mango, once treated like a precious gem, to the extinct Tota variety associated with a royal court dispute, Murshidabad’s mango legacy is steeped in forgotten stories from the Nawab era. While rare types like Mirza Pasand and Ranipasand still linger in memory and limited orchards, experts caution that many historic mango varieties from Bengal are at risk of extinction without urgent conservation measures.
YouTube introduces AI feature allowing users to tailor their recommendations with prompts
YouTube has launched a new AI-driven feature enabling users to customize their video feeds through personalized prompts, rather than solely depending on algorithm-based suggestions. The update also adds clearer labels for AI-generated content as the platform addresses mounting concerns about realistic AI-created videos online.
How Shinji Fukuyo mastered the craft of blending Japanese whisky
For more than 40 years, Shinji Fukuyo has meticulously tasted and balanced numerous whiskies to produce harmonious blends like Hibiki. Rooted in the Japanese tradition of Monozukuri, his artistry blends patience, sensory accuracy, and profound technical expertise — offering a glimpse into the meticulous craft of whisky blending.
Ebola outbreak overview: What exactly is Ebola and why has the WHO declared a global health emergency?
The WHO has announced the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a global health emergency, prompting countries like India to enhance precautionary measures. Here’s an overview of what Ebola is, how it spreads, why the ongoing outbreak is causing concern, and what travelers should be aware of right now.
Fermented foods emerge as the biggest wellness trend of 2026, but India has long embraced them
From curd and chaas to idli batter and beetroot kanji, Indian households have embraced fermented foods for generations — well before probiotics became a global wellness trend. Now, emerging gut health research is confirming what traditional diets have long recognized: fermented foods may provide significantly more benefits for the body than costly supplements ever could.
