2023 promises a year filled with great travel and experiences. After a two-year lull, the travel and hospitality sectors seem to be booming again. And it’s time to cover the lost ground again. This month we have some of the most beautiful properties and experiences shortlisted just for you. So sit back, bring out your calendars and chalk out a memorable travel plan that will guarantee a memory of a lifetime!
CRANGANOR HISTORY CAFE & RIVERSIDE CHATEAU
LOCATION: Kochi, Kerala
Located on the banks of the River Periyar, Cranganor feels like a breath of fresh air. The property draws inspiration from Geoffrey Bawa’s style of tropical modernism with deep, open verandas that seamlessly connect the indoors to the surrounding landscape. As you stand in the foyer of Cranganor the entire vista of lush green and the flowing river strikes you in a grand panoramic vision.
REASONS TO VISIT: This is the quiet part of Kochi, of riverside and verdant green fields, fishermen glide past and farmers sow new baby green saplings. Of ancient historic churches, synagogues and temples. But equally of bustling markets, boat races and handicraft societies.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to June
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: The property is located in the middle of the Muziris Heritage Project, one of the largest historical conservation projects to be undertaken. Right across the river, a short walk away is the beautifully restored Chendamangalam synagogue and the Dutch palace of Paliam. For those wishing to dig deeper into the history of the ancient port town of Muziris should head to the excavation museum at Pattanam a few km away. For those desiring more hustle and bustle, there is the vibrant Kottapuram market. If you would rather take in the tranquillity of a sleepy fishing village you could venture out on a rice boat and lazily watch village life lived out on the banks of the Periyar.
EKAANTA: MINDVERSITY ON THE GANGES
LOCATION: Haridwar, on the banks of the river Ganges
Ekaant is a mindversity on the Ganges that aims to enhance one’s self-awareness, potential, and innate creativity. It is a one-of-a-kind experiential learning destination set up in an old dharamshala on the banks of the river Ganga. Though
centrally located amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, the intention was to create a space that offers calmness, just like the river that is constantly in motion and at times chaotic but still offers a sense of calm around it, therefore the name ‘Ekaant’.
REASONS TO VISIT: Ekaanta is a space that gives one- of-a-kind experiential learning, enhancing knowledge about the mind and imparting skills that enable one to handle life’s situations with equanimity. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, amidst the hustle and bustle of Haridwar, Ekaanta offers a serene space where ancient wisdom meets modern science, where calmness learns to thrive within chaos.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: All year round
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Har ki Pauri
