25 Offbeat Things To Do In The Middle East

A journey to the middle east comes with the promise of surreal landscapes, archaeological treasures, celebrated cultures, monuments of historic conflicts, and sacred sites. We’ve steered clear of cliches and curated a list of experiences that will awaken the intrepid explorer in you.

Men, Monsters And Messiahs

JORDAN MAY BE SMALL, BUT THE COUNTRY’S SURREAL LANDSCAPES AND RICH HISTORY MAKE FOR AN EPIC HOLIDAY.

TRYST with Turkey

Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey played a significant role in the history of the world. Cruise across the country and discover war monuments, ancient ruins, and delicious food, all the while surrounded by kind and generous locals.

How To Be A Conscious Tourist

The onus of healing the planet is on each one of us. But how exactly do you reduce your carbon footprint while travelling? Shibani Bawa asks experts for tips on treading various terrains—from lush jungles to heritage sites, hills, and cities.

THE ART OF AYURVEDA

Embark on a wellness journey at Kairali - The Ayurvedic Healing Village, where Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation become a way of life.

The City of the Future

Copenhagen has set the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025. Its innovative ways of achieving that target offer tourists an immersive experience as well

THE PACK SURVIVES

The Bale Mountains National Park is one of the last bastions of the endangered Ethiopian wolf. Wildlife photographer and conservationist LATIKA NATH travels to the biodiversity hotspot to study the threats the species faces and the possible solutions at hand.

SEEDS OF WELLNESS

As the world embraces age-old ways of healing, the practice of ear seeding is gaining popularity. BAYAR JAIN demystifies the ancient therapy for the modern era.

Guards of the Wilderness

It is no secret that luxury safari properties in India offer exceptional nature-driven experiences to their guests, but their ancillary conservation initiatives are worth talking about as well.

FIND YOUR BALANCE

Leader of wellness retreats at RAAS Devigarh, Dr Avilochan Singh has more than 20 years of expertise in panchakarma. He speaks to BAYAR JAIN about the future of wellness travel and offers tips on staying mentally and physically fit during the pandemic.

An Outlier on the Road

BOLLYWOOD ACTOR TAAPSEE PANNU ENTERED THE INDUSTRY AS AN OUTSIDER, AND WITH A STELLAR SERIES OF PERFORMANCES, MADE IT HER OWN PLAYGROUND. THE COVER STAR SPEAKS TO AUTHOR AND OUR A-LIST MEMBER SIDDHARTH DHANVANT SHANGHVI ABOUT WHY TRAVEL IS LIFE-CHANGING AND WHERE SHE PLANS TO GO NEXT.

AN ETHICAL KIT

Transform your skincare and haircare routines with these organic beauty essentials.

WFH: Work From Holiday

Radhika Tandon travels to an Uttarakhand resort with her kids as state borders open up. Atali Ganga not only defines the new normal for hospitality in a post-COVID world, but also paves the way for an alternative lifestyle where work, online schooling, and holidaying go hand in hand.

10 Exceptional Experiences In Asia

The unique cultures, varied landscape, and rich history of Asia offer inimitable experiences for travellers. We’ve picked 10 for your bucket list!

WARRIOR ARTISTE

A CHAMPION OF CLEAN-UP DRIVES AND CLIMATE STRIKES, ACTOR BHUMI PEDNEKAR RECENTLY BECAME A ‘CLIMATE WARRIOR’ AND CALLED UPON FELLOW COUNTRYMEN TO DO THE SAME. ADILA MATRA CAUGHT UP WITH THE BOLLYWOOD ACTOR TO TALK ABOUT HER ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE, BUCKETLIST DESTINATIONS, AND FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORIES.

SUSTAINABLY YOURS

The tiny island nation of Sri Lanka is leading Southeast Asia’s sustainable tourism movement, with a dynamic bunch of local entrepreneurs spearheading change.

Touch of Luxury

Marking the brand’s debut in Japan, JW Marriott Hotel Nara makes for a luxe respite after a day of exploring the ancient city of Nara.

May I Help You... Virtually?

In the absence of patrons, Indian hospitality players have begun to offer brand experiences online. Could this be the future of travel? RIAAN JACOB GEORGE probes.

Arjun Vaidya OLD RECIPE, NEW PLATING

Arjun Vaidya, CEO of Dr. Vaidya’s, is creating a whole new segment of consumers for Ayurveda by offering 5,000-year-old solutions in modern packaging. The 28-year-old entrepreneur speaks to SUSHMITA SRIVASTAV about his rich family legacy, the pandemic, and selling Ayurveda online.

A PIT STOP AT THE TAVERN

Looking to drive down to Goa for a quick seaside getaway? Make it high on local insight with a feni tour and learn all about Goans’ favourite drink. NEETOLE MITRA gets down to brass tacks.

A WORLD OF THEIR OWN

With its outlandish customs and peculiar residents, the ancient village of Malana in Himachal Pradesh tickles the fancy of every inquistive traveller.

A HOME FOR HERITAGE

It is not often that eclectic ancient artefacts of a region find their home in a structure that is equally impressive in its historic and creative value. This is what makes the architectural masterpiece of Kerala Folklore Museum so unique.

MONSOON MIX

From a cream that leaves your palms supple and fragrant to a mud cleanser that brings a glow on your face, these products will unleash magic on your skin.

Life Is A Highway

Planning an overdue road trip? We’ve gathered some gadgets that’ll make your vacation fun, and at the same time, keep you safe.

Carefree In Canada

In this season of road trip revival, Rahul Jagtiani narrates a drive in Western Canada that covered everything from world-class cities to quaint alpine towns.

TIME TO HIT THE TARMAC

Here are five classic timepieces that share a deep, enduring relationship with the romance of road journeys.

Nail the Vibe

These classic wardrobe staples will help you sail through summer effortlessly.

SUMMER TREATS

Pamper yourself this season with these bespoke and indulgent products.

Dress Up

Are you planning your first vacation after the lockdown? Here’s a shopping list for when it is time to hit the road again.

WHERE HEDONISM MEETS HEALTH

On the Hawaiian island of Lanai, a new partnership between a storied hotel chain and a tech firm balances rigorous, science-backed treatments with enough indulgence to sway even wellness skeptics.