CHAMPAKULAM BOAT RACE, KERALA
The oldest boat race in the country, the Champakulam Boat Race, held in late June or early July on the Pampa River, kicks off the annual boat racing season in Kerala. A riot of colours in the form of boats decked with beautiful parasols precedes the race, which is held in different stages for different categories of boats, with the most popular one being the snake-boat race. These long, narrow vessels are indeed an awe-inspiring sight, with each boat stretching over 30 metres in length, with raised prows and seating up to 100 rowers. Once the race begins, paddles swish furiously through the water as oarsmen attempt to get ahead of other competitors, all the while singing Vanchippattu, folk songs unique to Kerala.
GETTING THERE: Fly to Cochin International Airport from any major Indian city. From there, Champakulam is about an hour-and-a-half (71 km) away by road.
STAY: Step back in time at the Kumarakom Lake Resort, where rooms, villas, and suites have been built to emulate manas—16th-century, traditional homesteads of Kerala (starts from ₹19,500/USD259; kumarakomlakeresort.in).
BIHU, ASSAM
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September - October 2021 من Discover India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September - October 2021 من Discover India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
New Gear For New Travels
Here’s our selection of some nifty new gear that’s certain to add extra oomph to your next vacation.
10 Hidden Gems Of India
The last two years have prepared us to expect the unexpected, so why not explore the unexplored in 2022? India boasts some of the most culturally abundant and visually spectacular places in the world. Pick one or more of these 10 indian destinations to travel to and discover new lands in the coming year.
When Travel Heals
Going for a holiday just after you have lost your mother to COVID-19 may not be the most popular idea, but it was the only way for a grieving family to escape the agony with which they were living. And so, they headed to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in search of peace and recuperation.
BOOKS FOR THE BACKPACK
Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history and vibrant culture of the country.
Masks of Glory
Charida is not the most popular tourist spot in West Bengal. But its obscurity is one of the reasons we choose to discover the undiscovered ‘mask village’ of India.
Palace of Grandeur
The Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall offers a slice of Karnataka’s rich architectural and culinary history and culture. We check-in at the palatial property for a plush staycation.
The Road to My Roots
A family finds harmony and plenty of nostalgia in the hilly forests of Ramgarh, Uttarakhand and the Kumaon Himalayas.
GARDEN of FABLES
On the fringes of Darjeeling, Kurseong is home to India’s most expensive tea, the world’s first tea factory, and a mystical natural phenomenon.
MORE than just FOOD
Kochi’s boutique cafés go beyond the traditional meal to o er artisanal experiences that reflect the port city’s varied expressions. From artist residencies to couverture masterclasses and upmarket design stores, there’s much to explore and savour.
Magical Moments
Travel blogger and dancer, Nina Okhotina, is also the founder of the clothing brand, The Dress Stories. Her fl owy, one-tone dresses add a touch of magic to her Instagram pictures from her Indian trips. The Russia-born social-media star reminisces about her time in India and the people that made it special.
