Beyond travel, we delve into broader cultural and lifestyle changes. A new regulation from FSSAI will mandate a vegan food logo starting in 2027 to standardize plant-based food identification in India. Concurrently, fresh health data reveals a growing obesity crisis across the nation. Additionally, traditional food cultures—from Kerala to Rajasthan and global Blue Zone regions—are being studied for their connections to long-term health.
We further investigate why Hindi cinema seems out of touch with the current anxieties of India, reflecting on what this gap indicates about the narratives shaping today’s popular culture. In our “What we watched this week” section, we review Bandar, Anurag Kashyap’s stark prison drama, alongside Gullak Season 5, which continues its heartwarming storytelling while showing signs of familiarity.
Let’s dive in.
Weekend getaways from India’s largest cities
Less crowded, equally stunning: Hill stations to explore in Maharashtra
If you’re looking for alternatives to Mahabaleshwar and Matheran, Maharashtra offers a host of lesser-known hill retreats. From the misty valleys of Amboli and the serene lakes of Bhandardara to the trekking paths of Suryamal and the coffee-fragranced landscapes of Chikhaldara, these spots provide a refreshing escape without the crowds.
Misty mountains and lush scenery: Weekend retreats from Kolkata
Experience Himalayan views at Sangser and Lolegaon, as well as the tranquil lakes of Aritar and the tea gardens of Takdah. Eastern India features peaceful hill destinations that mostly fly under the tourist radar. These beautiful retreats offer nature, calm landscapes, and a slower travel pace for those seeking an escape from the usual circuits of Darjeeling.
Charming hill stations just a drive away from Bengaluru
Southern India is rich in rewarding road-trip destinations with tea estates in Kotagiri and Valparai, coffee plantations in Chikkamagaluru, and the lush hills of Sakleshpur. These hill stations provide cool weather, stunning mountain views, and outdoor adventures, making them excellent weekend getaways from Bengaluru.
Avoid the Manali crowds and discover these tranquil escapes near Delhi
For those seeking mountain vistas away from the crowds, places like Khajjiar, Kanatal, Chakrata, Khirsu, and Shoghi offer a serene alternative to Himachal Pradesh’s busiest tourist spots. Nestled among forests, meadows, and Himalayan panoramas, these destinations are perfect for a peaceful weekend.
Historic forts in India everyone should explore at least once
From the majestic Red Fort in Delhi to the hilltop forts of Taragarh and Kangra, India’s forts narrate tales of warfare, trade, empires, and architectural ingenuity. Spanning Rajasthan, Hyderabad, Chennai, and the Himalayas, these landmarks combine striking settings with rich historical narratives, making them must-visit locations for history buffs and travellers alike.
10 enchanting destinations in India that shine during the monsoon
The arrival of the southwest monsoon transforms some of India’s most picturesque landscapes. From the blooming meadows of Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers and Meghalaya’s mist-laden hills to Kerala’s rain-soaked tea estates and the waterfalls of Coorg and Lonavala, these places come alive with vibrant greenery, flowing rivers, and cloud-covered vistas. Here are 10 spots where the monsoon delivers unforgettable travel experiences.
The rise of sleep tourism: 8 destinations designed for rest and recovery
Forget packed schedules and exhausting sightseeing. A prominent travel trend in 2026 is sleep tourism, where travellers prioritize rest, relaxation, and wellness over non-stop activities. From the serene backwaters of Kerala and the calm coastlines of Tamil Nadu to the Swiss Alps, the Azores, and the Arctic Circle, these destinations offer tranquil environments, slower paces, and wellness experiences to help visitors unwind and return home rejuvenated.
Gen Z is leading India’s pilgrimage travel surge, making up over half of bookings
Spiritual journeys are no longer the domain of older generations. A recent report by redBus shows that Gen Z and younger travellers accounted for more than 53% of pilgrimage bookings in FY26, with increasing interest in places like Varanasi, Tirupati, Ujjain, Rishikesh, and Nanded. Driven by social media and a search for cultural connections, younger Indians are embracing spiritual travel while redefining one of the country’s oldest traditions.
FSSAI launches official vegan logo, mandatory on food packaging starting in 2027
India’s food regulatory body has introduced a standardized logo for vegan products to make plant-based foods clearer for consumers. From July 2027, all certified vegan food packaging will be required to feature the green “Vegan” symbol under updated FSSAI regulations. This initiative coincides with the growing interest in plant-based diets, providing greater clarity to India’s expanding vegan food market.
From Okinawa to Rajasthan: Seven food cultures linked to healthy living
Long before the rise of wellness influencers and biohacking, communities worldwide have created diets that foster longer, healthier lives. From Okinawa’s moderation philosophy and Sardinia’s Mediterranean-rich dishes to Kerala’s flavorful cuisine and Rajasthan’s resilient desert foods, these culinary practices integrate local ingredients, cultural wisdom, and years of experience. Here’s a look at seven food cultures that science increasingly recognizes for their ties to longevity, resilience, and overall health.
1 in 3 Indian women faces overweight or obesity as NFHS-6 highlights rising lifestyle disease rates
The latest NFHS-6 survey reveals a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates among both men and women, with nearly one in three women aged 15–49 classified as overweight or obese. This rise is sharper compared to previous surveys, highlighting a pressing public health issue linked to sedentary lifestyles, urbanization, and dietary changes. The findings also indicate a parallel increase in high blood sugar levels, raising concerns about a growing lifestyle disease burden while parts of the country still deal with undernutrition.
Why Hindi cinema appears increasingly disconnected from India’s real-life concerns
As India confronts rising uncertainties—such as job insecurity, institutional distrust, and discussions around safety and identity—Hindi cinema seems increasingly at odds with the emotional reality of daily life. While films from the early 2010s often reflected societal tensions in their narratives of corruption and justice, today’s mainstream offerings tend to focus on spectacle, nostalgia, and franchise-driven stories. This shift prompts a broader cultural inquiry: if cinema no longer reflects the anxieties of its time, can it maintain its relevance?
What we watched this week
Bandar review: Anurag Kashyap’s intense prison drama is hard to look away from
Taking place in the brutal realm of India’s undertrial prison system, Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar delivers an unrelenting and profoundly unsettling viewing experience. Featuring an outstanding performance by Bobby Deol, the film delves into themes of power, privilege, institutional decay, and public mistrust, presenting a grim narrative that offers scant comfort and even less hope—challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable realities.
Gullak Season 5 review: Still warm and relatable, but showing signs of age
Five seasons in, Gullak continues to charm as one of India’s most beloved slice-of-life dramas, capturing warmth and meaning in the everyday challenges faced by the Mishra family. While strong performances and emotional genuineness anchor the series, the latest season occasionally feels burdened by its familiarity, raising concerns about the show’s ability to evolve without sacrificing the simplicity that endeared it to audiences.
