OUR
One look at Sarkhej Roza and you realize why legendary architect Le Corbusier described it as ‘Ahmedabad’s Acropolis’. Located in a village about 7 km from the capital of Gujarat, the architectural complex is an extraordinary necropolis, where the tombs of the city’s patron saint Haz-rat Shaikh Ahmed Khattu and 15th-century Sultan rulers lie shrouded behind lusciously latticed walls. Paying homage to the site is one of the top things to do in Ahmedabad.
Located 600 metres from the Taj Mahal – the world’s most exquisite testimony to undying love – it is easy to rekindle romance at The Oberoi Amarvilas. The elegantly appointed rooms and suites offers uninterrupted, spectacular and tear evoking view of the Taj Mahal; complemented by Oberoi’s warm, personalized hospitality. When the setting sun turns the monument pink this is where you want to be.
There’s a different Goa off the tourist trail, beyond the beaches, bars, forts and flea markets. Hop onto a ferry and glide along the tranquil waters to get transported into the charming riverine island of Divar. Languid and laid-back, this unspoilt slice of rural paradise surrounded by marshy waters spells quietude, in sharp contrast to the hipster vibe of the city. Escaping to the second largest island in the Mandovi River is one of the most offbeat things to do in Goa.
The credit for putting Hyderabad on the global map undoubtedly goes to the Nizams,rulers of the erstwhile princely state from the 18th-century to the mid-20th-century. Famedfor a lavish lifestyle, luxury cars, opulent palaces and extravagant tastes, the seven Nizams of Hyderabad, also known as Asaf Jahis, were amongst the wealthiest in the worldand great patrons of literature, art, architecture and food. Nizami court life still reflects in many aspects of Hyderabadi culture, especially in pearls, perfume and palate.
Beyond the royal palaces, imposing forts and delectable cuisine, the city of Jaipur is the ultimate shopper’s paradise. Tradition and heritage live on through a dazzling array of age-old arts and crafts in the capital city of Rajasthan. Quaint bazaars (markets) in the Old Walled City are a visual delight with endless shops tempting visitors with handicrafts and items of home decor. Fill your bags with these colourful souvenirs, which carry an unmistakable local stamp. Hoarding is inevitable when it comes to Jaipur shopping!
The ‘City of Joy’ is arguably the cultural capital of India, where finer indulgences are a basic ingredient of everyday life. In the 330-year old capital of West Bengal, life is celebrated in all its sophisticated forms, including heritage, literature, music, art, religious traditions and cuisine. The first city of India that lured colonizers in the 18th-century is an irresistible temptation for the gourmet traveller with its distinctive seafood, hearty meats, classic vegetarian fare, delicate desserts and lip-smacking street food. Eat your way through Kolkata with this 5-step gourmet guide.
India's capital city is famous for many things, from its ancient history and political climate to lip-smacking cuisine and an environment of extremes. Delhiites celebrate every weather with almost festive glee, from the chilling "Dilli ki Sardi" (winters of Delhi) to flowering gardens of spring and searing hot summers to the much-awaited monsoon downpours.
The small coastal state of Kerala is aptly dubbed God’s own country for its unspoilt natural beauty. Think quiet beaches, lush farmlands, lazy lagoons, swaying palm fronds, flowing waterfalls and sprawling tea estates. One of the biggest draws for travellers is the rich tapestry of culture, including cuisine. But knowing Kerala’s gastronomic heritage is much more than just tasting a meal. Consider a deeper dive...take a food trail with an expert storyteller, or go behind-the-scenes in a family kitchen.
Where festivals go, the Durga Puja of Kolkata is legendary. The 10-day long event assumes carnival-like proportions, whipping the city into jubilance and brilliance. Grandiose Pandals, delicious food, traditional outfits and Goddess worship…come together in sensory overload unlike any other. The hangover of the excitement stays for days after.
340 kilometres from Bangalore lie the sprawling ruins of a fascinating city with an intriguing legacy. One of the richest and largest cities of the ancient world is now a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pride of Karnataka. Hampi's architectural marvels entice travellers with forgotten tales that recount the glory of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire...
Tamil Nadu’s temples have an ancient connection with music, and Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple is a prime example. The spirit of the Meenakshi Amman Temple reverberates through the pilgrim city of Madurai. But this is not your average temple. It is one of the most revered houses of God in the country, the home of the warrior Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and her consort, Lord Shiva. Life in Madurai has always revolved around the grand temple. Jasmine garlands, Thali threads, Kumkum and Diyas, define ‘Thoonga Nagaram’ (the city which never sleeps). How will you stay away?
In the Maximum City of Mumbai, every colour of life is splayed out on a large canvas, including the fervour of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi. India is a land of festivities. Thousands of festivals are celebrated with gusto all across the country, but Ganesh Chaturthi is by far one of the most popular. Over 10 joyful days, devotees worship the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha, affectionately called 'Bappa Moriya'. The God of wisdom and fortune is venerated as the remover of obstacles and the creator of happiness everywhere. But the power of his adulation is best experienced in the states of Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
From royal patronage and religious tradition to international runways, India's timeless fabrics and embroideries continue to spin their eternal charm.On the day that the country celebrates Gandhiji’s birthday, it is but fitting to begin with one of the most humble yet versatile fabrics – khadi. Gandhi revived India's Khadi industry and positioned the handspun, handwoven fabric to symbolise 'Swadeshi'. Today, even after nearly seven decades, Khadi continues to be preferred as a natural, organic fabric, even internationally. Sabyasachi Mukherjee believes that Khadi is "the equivalent of wellness, and nothing can be more luxurious than that."