IF SOMEONE EVER ASKED ME FOR directions to a "paradoxical paradise," I would point them to India. Our so-called "land of love and freedom," is surprisingly stuck in a cultural limbo that struggles with the idea of the "freedom to love." Modern India's evolutionary tale also brings us to the lesserknown world of "love hotels" in metro cities and a few progressive towns.
For young and restless lovers who aren't afraid to explore the underbelly of romance, the clandestine corners of "love hotels" provide a much-needed safe space. Here, passion is free to meet privacy, and the rooms can be rented on an hourly basis without burning a hole in one's pocket.
Historically, "love hotels" date back to Japan in the 1700s. During Japan's Edo period between 1603 and 1867, there were secret tea houses where geishas performed songs and dances, and engaged in physical intimacy with guests. After World War II, a reconstruction phase was underway throughout Japan. Post-World War II, these tea houses evolved into "rabuhoteru," a response to limited private spaces and societal taboos around intimacy. Today, these establishments are used by Japanese couples to romance undisturbed.
THE INDIAN CONTEXT
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Denne historien er fra February - March 2024-utgaven av Outlook Traveller.
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Chutneys For Every Season
GROWING UP IN JHARKHAND, I've always been enchanted by the state's culinary landscape. Here, the local cuisine never fails to surprise with its depth and variety.
BADGE OF HONOUR
IN THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE of tourism, where greenwashing often taints sustainability, certifications can help distinguish between genuine efforts and marketing gimmicks. Green certification systems encourage businesses to enhance their environmental credentials.
WHEELS OF TIME
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RAILS OF THE Raj
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THE RHYTHM OF BOLLYWOOD
FROM THE RAILROAD THRILLER MISS FRONTIER MAIL 1936) TO SHAH RUKH KHAN DANCING ON A TRAIN IN DIL SE' 1998), TRAINS HAVE GIVEN UNFORGETTABLE SONG SEQUENCES TO MANY HINDI FILMS
MEMORY'S OASIS
REMEMBRANCES OF GROWING UP IN SEALDAH RAILWAY OFFICERS COLONY IN KOLKATA
A FAREWELL × TO FLAVOURS
FROM CUTLETS AND RAILWAY MUTTON CURRY IN DINING CARS TO THE UNREMARKABLE FARE AVAILABLE TODAY, THE JOURNEY OF FOOD ON THE INDIAN RAILWAY IS FASCINATING
HERITAGE ON THE TRACKS
THE ICONIC DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY, FONDLY CALLED THE TOY TRAIN,' HAS HELD ITS UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE STATUS SINCE 1999
HIDDEN LIVES
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