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. Thoughcentrally 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

LADAKH Overrun by travellers in the summers, at least in the well- known tourist spots, Ladakh in winter is a special treat both as a visual treat and for being less explored when snow and sun show up next to each other. Though many parts of the recently sanctioned Union Territory will be snowbound and inaccessible and most of the hotels will be shut, for the adventurous there will always be some areas to explore, especially those who are interested in wildlife and wish to seek the elusive Snow Leopards and other wildlife and birds of the trans-Himalayas. Winter is also the time when some of the shepherd communities come down from the higher altitudes with their livestock to escape the harsh winter, mainly sheep-rearing nomads who lead an interesting life depending on sheep rearing and weaving as they move from place to place. Another reason to be in Ladakh in the winter is to be a part of some of the winter festivals like Losar and the Oracle Festival and games like ice skating. Connect with your travel agent to help them curate a program that allows you to explore Ladakh at your own pace without the crowds. Just before the region transitions to winter, is the time when myriad colours light up the landscape as the poplars, willows and various wild shrubs take on fall hues. Closer to spring is also the time when the apricot flowers bloom in gently blushing clusters. Where to Stay: One of the best hotels in Leh, The Grand Dragon Ladakh. is on the edge of the main town. A 15-minute drive from Leh Airport, the property is a family-run standalone hotel with the best suites in the entire region. The Grand Dragon boasts a multi-cuisine restaurant and a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect both for families and friends travelling together. For couples celebrating events, the hotel’s top suites are an other- worldly indulgence. On request, the hotel can organize close-by excursions to the Indus confluence, LAMO and Central Asian Museum with a guide, besides visits to monasteries that are open at this time.

Train rides are not just another mode of travel, rather a very important part of your journey that doesn’t end with the destination. Here are the 5 most magical train rides in India that you need to experience at least once in life! Kalka to Shimla There are about 8 trains that ply to and forth Kalka to Shimla. Wbu is this train ride so beautiful you ask? This unique track route is about 5 hours long, depending on which train you take, and the entire route is overflowing with the beauty of the Himalayan forests and sceneries. Hubli to Madgaon This travel route can be covered in almost 5 hours depending on the currently active 4 trains plying to and fro. This route is covered in bewitching waterfalls and forests that just rekindle the spirit! Bangalore to Kanyakumari The only two trains plying from Bangalore to Kanyakumari range between a travel time of 13 hours to 18 hours. This scenic route is nothing short of spectacular scenery and picturesque views. Chennai to Rameshwaram The estimated travel time via train between Chennai and Rameshwaram is somewhere between 10 hours and 12 hours, depending on the two trains plying back and forth. The travel route will amaze you and leave you awestruck with the magical beach views and the crystal blue waters! Nilgiri mountain railways This locomotive has the steepest tracks in entire Asia, and travels between the greeny hills and sparkling peaks.

Travelling is all fun and games until you’re in a situation that weren’t prepared for. These hacks and tips will help you travel safely without anything holding you back! Keep copies of important documents handy It is very easy to lose your original documents while travelling, especially if you take a busy route or commute. Keep offline copies of your important and most necessary documents on your phone with easy access. Download offline Google Translate One common mistake any traveller is bound to do is forgetting to download the offline version of Google Translate. There are very high chances that your network fails to work where you’re unfamiliar with the regional languages. Carry safety essentials Always carry pepper spray and a pocket knife just to keep yourself safe from being mugged or attacked by stray animals. Keep local emergency numbers handy It is extremely important to keep the local emergency numbers like Police, Fire station, nearest Hospital, Forest helpline handy.