LOCAL ODYSSEY
Travel+Leisure India|November 2023
Journalist turned eco-entrepreneur, Sanjay Austa, sought refuge in the hills to evade Delhi’s pollution. He then restored his grandfather’s old Himachali house and turned it into a homestay— MeenaBagh Ratnari—in the middle of a Permaculture farm. The entrepreneur talks about the signifi cance of offering travel experiences in nature and upholding local culture.
Pooja Naik
LOCAL ODYSSEY

DESPITE MAKING Delhi my home, my heart always yearned for the quietude of nature. The increasing pollution in the capital became a strong nudge to return to the mountains. For someone like me, hailing from the hills, Delhi can be a harsh contrast. My journey in journalism and photography led me to venture into eco-tourism.

Humble Beginnings 

As a journalist, my travels took me across India and around the globe. I encountered some truly fascinating lodgings. It was only when I turned inwards and began exploring places like mine, did I realise the beauty of my homeland. It struck me, why not create something similar here? Thus, I embarked on the restoration of my grandfather’s old Himachali house in the hills, transforming it into a charming farm stay. The future of homestays shines bright, provided they offer something distinct, something special that regular hotels cannot replicate.

One standout experience was in Lapland, where I noticed that the log cabin that I stayed in remained wonderfully warm with minimal heating. It was all thanks to effective insulation. This inspired me to ensure that the homes I build in the hills are equally well-insulated. As a result, our properties require very little heating even during the coldest winter months.

Sustainability Made Local

Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de Travel+Leisure India.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de Travel+Leisure India.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAVer todo
Retro: Timeless & Trending
Travel+Leisure India

Retro: Timeless & Trending

As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Travel+Leisure India

Celebrating Timeless Austin

Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,

time-read
5 minutos  |
October 2024
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Travel+Leisure India

A Legacy of Art and Activism

Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
Second Course
Travel+Leisure India

Second Course

Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.

time-read
2 minutos  |
October 2024
The Safari Sanctuary
Travel+Leisure India

The Safari Sanctuary

Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.

time-read
3 minutos  |
October 2024
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
Travel+Leisure India

THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS

India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.

time-read
6 minutos  |
October 2024
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
Travel+Leisure India

LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana

A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
Luxury Legacy
Travel+Leisure India

Luxury Legacy

Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.

time-read
4 minutos  |
October 2024
Global Glamour
Travel+Leisure India

Global Glamour

Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.

time-read
10 minutos  |
October 2024
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Travel+Leisure India

ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR

Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024