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From the city of dreams to the city that never sleeps, from the city of lights to the city of joy - different cities in the world have different characters. Our hosts get to know what makes the cities across the world tick. Be it history and architecture or food and nightlife, they find out everything that a city has to offer on a short break.
Just like you can't have a tree without roots, you can't have a place or people without heritage. The heritage of a place not only defines it but also tells you stories that you might not find in textbooks. From forts and temples to coral reefs and national parks, we explore the greatness conceived by humans or nature all around the world, which has been celebrated as World Heritage.
Which place has got roots that are both, Greek and Turkish, but a spirit that's purely Mediterranean? It's the island nation that is known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Along with experiencing Turkish baths and encountering Greek villages, Sabrina Chakici relishes traditional Cypriot flavours, visits beaches and archaeological treasures, and loses herself in many intriguing and spectacular spots during her 10 Days in Cyprus.
An adventurous traveler, Benafsha meets Krisann, a diehard fan of road trips, and they set out together to explore Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India in a caravan. While one’s spontaneity introduces them to unexplored destinations, the other’s daredevilry leads them to thrilling adventures. On an epic road trip, they find themselves falling in love with the heart of India.
Stretching is invigorating, but stretching by the ocean is even better. A sigh lets out some of your tiredness but a sigh after a spa treatment makes you forget it altogether. It is extremely important to take time off every once in a while, and allow yourself to be rejuvenated. Our hosts explore the places around the globe, where beauty, luxury and fun come together to help you unwind.
From the traditional cuisine of a place to street fare, from what the place has to offer in terms of fine dining to what the latest food trend might be over there - every place has so much to offer that exploring the food scenes of a new place can lead to serious fear of missing out. Our host sniffs out the best bites that places around the world have to offer and draws out a GPS for true-blue foodies and travelers in The Food Guide.
The Gypsies
Two adventurous girls, Benafsha and Krisann get in a caravan and set out to explore Madhya Pradesh, in the heart of India. Their first stop is Mandu, the erstwhile capital of the Malwa kingdom, which is dotted with magnificent palaces. From the pavilion of a queen, which overlooks river Narmada, to the ship-shaped palace of a king built to house his harem, they discover that the spirit of indulgence is still palpable among its relics.
Krisann and Benafsha are on a road trip across the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, when they stumble upon Maheshwar, a town where the ancient fort of an 18th century queen watches over the languid Narmada like a sentinel. Wherever the two of them go in this picturesque town, they find the legacy of the queen coming alive in front of their eyes.
Built on the backwaters of Indira Sagar Dam, the island of Hanuwantiya was designed to be a paradise for adventure lovers. Benafsha and Krissann make a pit-stop at this scenic island to indulge in some thrilling water sports but once there, they hear about a secret island.
Caravanning across Central India, Krisann and Benafsha have been giving other travelers some serious road trip goals. When they reach Satpura National Park, however, they trade in their cozy ride for a boat, which takes them along the Tawa reservoir. Sailing deep into the forest, they are engulfed by its vivid scenes and quiet mystery. But what happens when a crocodile resting nearby is roused from his sleep?
Benafsha and Krisann have been exploring the ‘van life’ in Madhya Pradesh, the richly diverse heart of incredible India. When they reach the 'Queen of Satpura’, Panchmarhi, however, Krisann is left alone to explore its unspoiled beauty. Without her best friend and partner-in-crime joining in her adventures, will she be able to dig out the best kept secrets of the state's one and only hill station?
Heritage
From the impact of maritime trade and the European Renaissance on Portugal in the 15th century to the nationwide Romanticism movement in the 19th century, the heritage sites of Portugal such as Jeronimo Monastery and Pena Palace reveal various stages of the country’s evolution.
Cyprus seduces travelers effortlessly with the charm of a sunny Mediterranean seaside country. When they explore more of it, though, they find the vividly painted Byzantine churches in the Troodos ranges, which reveal the Greek roots of Cyprus. The role it played in human evolution unfolds at the archaeological treasure troves of Khirokitia and Paphos. A tryst with the heritage of Cyprus unravels the stories of one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean.
Under the patronage of the Sultans of Delhi, Persian and Arabic styles were fused to produce the imperial style of architecture that defines Delhi today. While the Qutub complex heralded a new era in art and architecture, the history of the Mughal reign can be found in the aesthetics of Humayun’s tomb, the family graveyard for Mughal royalty. But the most defining monument of Delhi remains the Red Fort, built by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
Peerless pre-Mughal Islamic architecture can be seen at Champaner, which was the flourishing capital of Mehmud Begda’s sultanate in the 15th century. It grew and developed at the base of the towering Pavagadh, an 800-meter-high volcanic-origin peak strewn with stunning Mara-Gurjara style temples, built in the 13th century by the kings of the Chauhan dynasty. Together, Champaner and Pavagadh are known as the “University of Architecture”.
The hill forts are the crowning glory of Rajasthan, and the largest among them is Chittorgarh, which served as the administrative and military hub of the Kingdom of Mewar for 800 years. While Kumbhalgarh fort is a fine example of how impregnable the hill forts of Rajasthan were.
While the evocative ruins of Hampi encourage notions of fantasy, bring the past to life and make the unreal real, the landscape provides the perfect setting for it. Sommer Shiels experiences this portal to the Vijayanagara empire through its landmarks such as the Ugra Narsimha statue, the Virupaksha temple, the Hazara Rama temple and the Vitthala temple, which are arresting works of art.
Deep Dive
In the Troodos ranges of Cyprus, Sabrina Chakici visits the Kykkos Monastery and the ten small village churches, which have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She further ventures out to explore the Neolithic village of Khirokitia and learn about the age-old lace tradition in Lefkara village.
Lakshadweep’s coral islands seem to be places which man and nature have conspired to keep pristine. On a visit to Tinnakara, a remote island of Lakshadweep, Alex encounters turtles, dives in for a chance to swim with them and chances upon an ancient shipwreck. His adventures don’t end there because next up is a bustling market in Kadmat, one of Lakshadweep’s most popular islands where he befriends a local who introduces him to some of the delicacies of the region.
Minicoy is one of the most remote and unique islands of the Lakshadweep archipelago. After a scuba diving session here, Alex explores the local villages and ends up at a local village feast, where he gets a chance to understand the culture and cuisine of the region at a deeper level. He joins a local boat race and tries to compete with the locals.
Blessed with coral reefs, sapphire waters and powder-white beaches, Mauritius is the kind of place that rewards even the smallest attempts at exploration. Renowned adventurer, Sakshi Pradhan finds herself in an old lighthouse on Fouquet Island and then stumbles upon the Junk Café. From snorkeling in sapphire waters to taking a walk with lions in Casela National Park, she comes across various adventures in Mauritius, which make her feel alive.
Known as India’s party state, Goa has a distinct, laid-back vibe that pairs well with its happening beaches, buzzing bazaars and legendary nightlife. When Australian television presenter and backpacking enthusiast, Sommer Shiels comes to Goa, however, she chooses more immersive experiences, which tell her what the state is really about, such as kayaking, shipwreck diving and finding secluded beaches. She also meets a historian and artist, who tells her the story of Goa.
A laid-back coastal town on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Bentota embodies the charm of island living. With easy-going fishermen, the age-old cinnamon trade and isolated beaches, Bentota captures the heart of all those who visit. Here, Indeya Passfield immerses in the local ways of life through experiences such as cinnamon harvesting, boat rides, fishing and vegetable picking. She also learns about turtle conservation.
Summer Escapes
Known as India’s party state, Goa has a distinct, laid-back vibe that pairs well with its happening beaches, buzzing bazaars and legendary nightlife. When Australian television presenter and backpacking enthusiast, Sommer Shiels comes to Goa, however, she chooses more immersive experiences, which tell her what the state is really about, such as kayaking, shipwreck diving and finding secluded beaches. She also meets a historian and artist, who tells her the story of Goa.
To football fanatics, Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is the land of the hallowed Camp Nou stadium, home to the world-famous football club, FC Barcelona. To beach bums, the city’s beaches offer the holy trinity of sun, sand and sea. For gourmets, the Catalan capital is all about fresh seafood, fine Iberico ham and the infamous Sangria. Alex discovers all of these different shades of Barcelona, when she visits this sophisticated Mediterranean city.
A trip to Maldives is like a voyage to a big blue water wonderland. A villa with a floor, which offers clear views of the turquoise ocean and exquisite marine life underfoot, enhances this experience for Kim, during her visit. She pampers herself further with an underwater spa treatment and a bottle of wine from an underground wine cellar, which is like a treasure cave for wine connoisseurs around the world.
In Asia, no mountain is more venerated than the 6,638-meter-high Mount Kailash, an isolated peak in far western Tibet. Thousands of pilgrims go on the grueling Kailash-Mansarovar trek every year. As Mohit begins his journey to the holy peak, he realizes that the preparation for it is a journey in itself.
Freishia is on an island-hopping adventure in Seychelles. The aromas of the Le Jardin du Roi spice plantations in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, fill up her senses. At Crafts Village in Praslin island, every piece of art tells her a story about the history and culture of the land. And as she indulges in authentic Creole flavours at La Digue island, she realizes that every island in the Seychelles has something unique to offer.
Life in Alleppey moves at a relaxing pace. Sommer Shiels sees the arresting beauty of the backwaters on a houseboat, and along the way she gets glimpses into the beliefs and ways of life of the locals. She also visits Munnar, where she goes cycling around the misty, lush green hills and surrounds herself with idyllic scenery and the sharp aromas of tea and spices.
City Guides Asia
With snow-capped peaks rising over primeval forests and traditional villages, Paro is like an Oriental Switzerland. On a visit to Paro, Radhika explores famous monasteries such as the Rinpung Dzong and Takstang Monastery, and learns the history and legends associated with them. Along the way, she finds out the secrets to the quintessential Bhutanese peace and contentment.
In its quest for the biggest, fastest and best things, Dubai has ended up becoming the ultimate playground for travelers, where reality exceeds their fantasies. Travel enthusiast, Sonakshi experiences this at a theme park based on Arabian folklore, and again when she tries zorbing on snow slopes in the desert city. She also takes a traditional dhow cruise and enjoys a belly dance performance during a desert safari.
Jeju, the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, known for its beach resorts and volcanic landscape. Here, Andrew visits Seongsan Ilchulbong, a volcano rising out of the sea, and meets Haenyo, the tough old female divers of Seongsan village. He goes on to explore a lava tube and find out about the island’s fascination with citrus at the local market.
Situated at the tip of western Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch is a land of many wonders. Sommer Shiels experiences its unique landscape and rich culture as she gets an insight into the formation of the salt desert, tries the traditional sweet and savoury dishes of Gujarat, has an ATV ride across the desert and witnesses the BSF parade.
Kim Jagtiani visits the pint-sized Maldivian capital, Malé, and finds out that its bustle is in stark contrast to the secluded luxury of the island resorts for which the archipelago is known. She goes on a tour to see some of the iconic attractions of Malé such as the Islamic centre, the President’s house and the National Museum, which houses ancient artefacts and royal antiquities. Along the way, the rich history and culture of the Maldives, often overlooked by tourists, unfolds before her.
Before Columbus, many maps of the world showed Jerusalem as the center of the world. While that might not be true, the holy city is certainly ground zero for many of the world’s important religions. As Aradhana learns about the roots of Christianity in Jerusalem, she walks along Via Dolorosa, the path that covers the journey of Christ from being condemned to being crucified. The 14 Stations of the Cross, stops along the Via Dolorosa, bring alive for her the tragic events of Christ's execution.
Excursions of Middle East
Cairo, the sprawling and awe-inspiring Egyptian capital, has a rich history that transcends beyond books and continues to evolve into the present. Seep Taneja peels back the layers of its history as she visits the monuments in the city. While the majestic pyramids of Giza and the formidable Sphinx narrate stories about ancient Egyptian pharaohs, the splendid Mohammad Ali Mosque offers her a glimpse into the Ottoman era.
Walking through Jerusalem’s Machane Yehuda market is an exciting journey for the senses. Rohan Patoley tries it out and finds himself greeted by the bright colours of locally grown produce and the bold aroma of spices, which tell him a lot about the cuisine of Israel. From shikshuki and falafel to a Biblical dish called Maqluba, he tastes many local delicacies at the market and at popular eating joints in the town. He learns about the history, culture and food habits of Israel along the way.
Alexandria, in Egypt, is a city that has reinvented itself frequently over the centuries but hasn’t forgotten its roots. As Seep visits monuments such as the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Roman amphitheater, and takes a tram ride, she begins to see that the city is still evocative and romantic. She also explores its modern delights such as the striking Alexandria library, a nod at its former glory as one of the major cultural and scholastic centers of the Mediterranean world.
In its quest for the biggest, fastest and best things, Dubai has ended up becoming the ultimate playground for travelers, where reality exceeds their fantasies. Travel enthusiast, Sonakshi experiences this at a theme park based on Arabian folklore, and again when she tries zorbing on snow slopes in the desert city. She also takes a traditional dhow cruise and enjoys a belly dance performance during a desert safari.
Rohan Patoley explores the cuisine of Israel, while learning about its Arab and Jewish roots, in Tel Aviv, a city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. He tucks into quintessential Israeli dishes such as Hummus with Pita bread and Shakshuka, and he gets acuqainted with a variety f Israeli flavours on a traditional mezze platter. He also tries a salad, which tells him about the role played by the bounties of the Mediterranean coast in Israel’s food habits.
Deep down south in Egypt on the West Bank of the Nile, near the city of Aswan, are vibrant-hued villages, called the Nubian villages, which are treasuries of one of the oldest and richest cultures of Africa. Seep goes to the villages on Elephantine Island, where she is introduced to the rituals and the ways of life of a tribe, which hasn’t changed much since Biblical times.
Food Zone
The streets of Delhi provide a banquet for the hungry traveller, right from a sumptuous variety of chaat to an array of rich sweets. Armed with an appetite, Rohan visits the street food stalls of the city which are known almost as much as its monuments. He tries out some of the most popular dishes such as Chole Bhature and some decadent mithai such as Makhanwada.
Compared with that of other Indonesian islands, Balinese food is more pungent and lively. Rohan Patoley explores the local cuisine in Bali through dishes such as sweet beef, chapchai, sop buntu and a seafood dish with coconut. He learns about how geography and culture impact this special cuisine, which not only stimulates the senses but also promotes health and vitality.
In the past, the areas adjacent to the rivers were the first to be populated. Thus, most communities in Thailand were built at the sides of rivers. Rohan Patoley discovers this when he visits a traditional floating market in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Here, he tries local delicacies such as Kluay Khaek and local fruits such as Durian. He also goes on a cruise, where he gets introduced to the flavours and culinary traditions of authentic Thai cuisine.
Bold flavors are a defining characteristic of real Thai cuisine, and there’s little room for subtlety. Rohan Patoley discovers this through the strong flavours of crab sausages and a local dessert of red rice and coconut milk at a market in Pattaya. Following this, he learns about the uninhibited food preferences of the Thai people when he tastes scorpion and crocodile meat. He also finds out about the elements that lend traditional Thai cuisine its distinct pungency and aroma.
The local street food of Jaipur is known to be spicy, tangy dipped in ghee and simply delectable. Rohan goes around the city to see if this true. The famous onion kachori makes for a perfect start to his mouth-watering journey. After a day traipsing around the city, he realizes that the food here is not just about tasting the local cuisines- it is a complete cultural experience.
The most popular dish to emerge out of Surat is undoubtedly the undhiyu. It is difficult to believe that a dish that requires slow, laborious cooking of many seasonal vegetables in an earthen pot would make for a popular street food item but it’s true. From smoky Surti undhiyo to buttery nankhatais, Rohan finds out that street food in Surat is lavish.
