Bruges is one of those European cities that seems to have been designed for a postcard. With its mediaeval architecture, peaceful canals, cobblestone streets, beautiful bridges and historic squares, the Belgian city offers a rare combination of history, romance and old-world charm. My visit to Bruges was especially special and unforgettable. It felt less like visiting a modern European city and more like stepping into a beautifully preserved chapter of history. One of Bruges’

World Tourism Day reminds us why travel matters. We recently celebrated World Tourism Day on September 27, a reminder that tourism is about more than moving from one destination to another. It is about discovering people, cultures, landscapes and ideas—and sometimes, ourselves. In 2026, this feels particularly relevant as technology, artificial intelligence, changing traveller preferences and responsible travel reshape how people discover, plan, experience and remember their

Part 1 - The greatest attraction is not always a monument. For me, travel begins long before I board a flight. It begins with planning. an itinerary, studying maps, tracing railway connections, searching for small hotels and charming motels, checking the weather and deciding what to pack. Sometimes, the excitement lies simply in discovering how two seemingly insignificant towns are connected by a local train, a scenic bus route or anunexpected road. This is why I have always

Travel does not merely allow us to see the world; it changes something within us and makes us feel more complete. Writing fifty articles in a row was never part of a carefully planned decision. It simply happened. What began as a small wish to share my experiences and travel information became a meaningful journey. The encouragement of my readers, support of those around me and, above all, my desire to share my travel stories kept inspiring me. I feel like a person carrying m

I had seen photographs of Kailash before I saw Kailash. None had prepared me for the silence. It was not the silence of an empty landscape, but one that seemed to possess a presence of its own. The journey from Kolkata through Kathmandu, Timure, Gyirong and Saga, across the Nepal-China border and the immense Tibetan plateau, gradually carried me away from the familiar world. Then came altitude, the thin air, disturbed sleep, exhaustion and the slow discipline of acclimatisati

Beyond the famous temples of Madurai, Mysuru and Thanjavur lies another South India—quieter, more intimate and wonderfully offbeat. It lives in forgotten forts, ancestral mansions, fishing villages, ancient ports, royal palaces and heritage homes where history continues to be lived. My most unforgettable visit came in 2024, when I travelled with Indian and German travellers. The Germans were fascinated by architecture, food and everyday traditions, while the Indians connected

What women need is not permission to dream but encouragement, understanding, safety and supportive surroundings. Freedom means different things to each of us. For some, it is the freedom to speak, think and make our own choices. For others, it is financial independence, pursuing a profession or dream, or simply living life on one’s own terms. But for a traveller, freedom has a particularly beautiful meaning: stepping beyond the familiar, discovering new places, meeting differ

Few destinations offer such a combination of mountains, spirituality, history, tea, adventure and living culture. There are places one visits for scenery, and then there are places that stay with you long after the journey. Sikkim and Darjeeling belong to the second category. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, they combine snow-covered mountains, monasteries, temples, tea gardens, colourful cultures and magical tranquillity. For Indian travellers, they offer a journey into the

From the Eastern Himalayas to the Brahmaputra River, the Seven Sisters preserve some of India's richest ecological and cultural heritage. Northeast India is one of the most captivating and culturally vibrant regions of the country. Popularly known as the "Seven Sisters," it comprises Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, colourful traditions, and warm hospitality, the region offer

Every person who crossed my journey became a Guru, leaving behind a lesson that shaped my life. As we celebrate Guru Purnima, I find myself reflecting on the many Gurus who have shaped my life and career. Some consciously guided, supported, and encouraged me, while others unknowingly taught me valuable lessons through their actions and experiences. Looking back on more than three decades in the tourism industry, I realise I have never walked this journey alone. Every person I

The Northeast is not just a destination—it is an emotion, an adventure and a reminder that India's greatest treasures often lie beyond the familiar tourist trails. India’s Northeast is a land of extraordinary beauty, ancient cultures, mist-covered mountains and warm-hearted people. Among its many treasures are the three states fondly known as the “Three Sisters”—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland. Situated in India’s northeastern corner and sharing international borders wi

KokanHomestays.in Launched to Support Local Homestays and Small Businesses In a significant step towards promoting tourism in the Konkan region and empowering local entrepreneurs, KokanHomestays.in has been launched as a dedicated digital platform for homestays across Konkan. The initiative aims to increase the online visibility of small homestays, connect them with travelers, and strengthen the local tourism ecosystem. Konkan is renowned for its pristine beaches, scenic coas

Rajasthan is far more than a destination—it is an emotion where history, culture and hospitality come together. Rajasthan is not merely India’s largest state—it is a living museum where every fort narrates tales of courage, every palace reflects royal grandeur, and every desert village welcomes visitors with unmatched warmth. Spread across north-western India, Rajasthan is a fascinating blend of history, culture, architecture, wildlife and vibrant traditions. Having travelled

From the golden hues of autumn to a white winter wonderland, Kashmir transforms with every passing season Nestled in the northernmost part of India, Kashmir is often described as “Paradise on Earth", a title that becomes instantly understandable the moment one sets foot in its valleys. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and the Pir Panjal ranges, the Kashmir Valley is blessed with snow-clad peaks, crystal-clear rivers, alpine meadows, dense forests, and picturesque lakes. Eve

From majestic forts and sacred temples to shimmering lakes and heritage hotels, every corner tells a story of courage, devotion and timeless elegance. Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is a fascinating blend of grandeur, history, spirituality, and vibrant traditions. Among its many jewels, Jaipur and Udaipur stand out, offering travellers an extraordinary glimpse into India’s royal past and rich cultural heritage. These iconic cities attract millions of visitors from India and ar

Once the land of Kalinga, Odisha continues to captivate visitors with its history, sacred sites, artistic traditions and natural beauty. Nestled along India’s eastern coast beside the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is a destination where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture blend seamlessly. Let’s continue our Odisha journey in Part 2 of this article. Once known as the ancient land of Kalinga, Odisha preserves a legacy spanning more than two millennia while e

India has long taken pride in the philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - the belief that guests deserve warmth, respect and dignity. It is an idea deeply woven into the country’s cultural imagination, often been projected as a defining Indian value. As millions of Indians travel overseas every year, the conduct of a small but highly visible section of Indian tourists is increasingly shaping how India itself is perceived abroad. The issue is not about a single incident or a handf

Rich in heritage yet vibrant with modern energy, Odisha remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences. Odisha, on India’s eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, is a land where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture come together in harmony. Often called the “Land of Temples”, the state preserves a legacy spanning more than two thousand years. From magnificent temples and ancient caves to serene lakes, golden beaches and vibrant traditions, Od

The vast majority of Khajuraho's carvings celebrate devotion, music, dance, nature and everyday life, reflecting the richness of mediaeval Indian society. As a tour leader, one of my most rewarding experiences is introducing travellers to the timeless beauty of Khajuraho. Our Indology experts bring the temples alive through their insights, yet every visit still fills me with awe. Watching guests stand silently before these masterpieces, captivated by artistry carved more than

Kerala offers not just sightseeing but meaningful human experiences that remain in the heart forever. Nestled gracefully between the majestic Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala truly lives up to its beautiful identity as “God’s Own Country". During the magical monsoon months of July and August, Kerala transforms into one of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Mist drifts through emerald hills, rivers overflow with life, waterfalls thunder through dense forests,