Every month is a new journey of travel and discovery for us at Outlook Traveller. While we prepare to bring you more amazing destinations and experiences, here’s a sampling of our favourite stories from last month.
Be sure to check out all the destination, hotel and cuisine stories on our Facebook page and let us know if there are any destinations and experiences that you would like us to cover.
This month we will be bringing to you some great ‘destination wedding’ special stories . While you wait, enjoy these 15 stories!
Mussoorie: Home in the Hills
Located at a height of about 6,000ft above sea level in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya, Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. In 1823 when Lt. Frederick Young of East India Company came to this area while hunting, he was so taken by the charms of this Himalayan beauty that he decided build his hunting lodge here and the rest, as they say, is history. With sweeping views of the Doon Valley to the south and snow-capped peaks to the north, Mussoorie makes for a fantastic weekend destination. Click here to read our guide.
Kyrgyzstan Chronicles: A Biking Holiday
Our very own driving holiday specialist, Rishad Saam Mehta, takes you across the rugged terrains of Central Asia on a motorcycling trip. Find out about his travels across Kyrgyzstan as he strolls the streets of Bishkek and discovers the distinct changes in the city’s life over the decades. From having a brawny golden eagle sit on his arm to witnessing the surreal sight of the sun setting behind the majestic Tian Shan mountains, read more about his journey.
Rajasthan: Jaipur Like Never Before
Watch our latest video to see Rajasthan’s royal capital in all its glory. From the beautiful Jal Mahal to the stunning Hawa Mahal, the forts as well as the picturesque chaos of the old city itself, experience the sights and sounds of India’s favourite heritage city. Click here to watch.
Great Cities: Istanbul
Known as the cultural capital of Europe, Istanbul, is one of the most visited cities in the world. Spread across the borders of Europe and Asia, on the banks of the Bosphorus, the unique cultural character of the city has left many a traveller enchanted. From its awe-inspiring monuments , culture, art to its stunning geography, click here to read our guide to this amazing city.
Kerala: Cozy in Kodagu
Nestled somewhere in the lush green valleys of Coorg is a secret hideaway for those looking to escape the snarl of cities. Cradled in a valley near Madikeri, The Ibnii Coorg is an eco-friendly resort that recently opened its doors to guests. From taking a bean to-cup coffee tour to bird-watching, hiking and fishing, there is a whole lot to do here. Click here to know more.
Odisha: Temple Hopping in Bhubaneswar
The gorgeous temples of Bhubaneswar that date between the 7th and 14th centuries CE have hardly received the attention they truly deserve. However, a new heritage walk around the older part of Bhubaneswar is trying to change things. We joined them for a day and discovered some amazing art, great stories and timeless heritage. Click here to read more.
5 Weekend Breaks from Kolkata
Apart from the few popular holiday destinations, Bengal has a bunch of almost undiscovered places that can make for some great weekend getaways. From relaxing in the serene surroundings of Shantiniketan or exploring the stunning terracotta temples of Bishnupur to enjoying a masked tribal dance in Purulia, Bengal is full of little surprises. Read more here.
Baramati: Maharashtra’s Wine Country
Like there weren’t enough reasons to explore the stunning Sahyadris of Maharashtra already, we recently found another compelling reason to get there—wineries. We visited the town of Baramati and checked in to the grand château that is home to the Four Seasons Winery. Click here to know more and maybe learn a thing or two about your favourite drink.
5 Stunning Heritage Circuits
We bring you 5 absolutely amazing heritage circuits that you could consider for a long weekend getawa. From exploring the popular Buddhist towns of Bihar to witnessing the architectural splendours of Mahabalipuram, immerse yourself in the peerless art, culture and historical heritage of India. Check out our list.
5 Weekend Breaks from Delhi
The nation’s capital has to be one of the best-located cities in India. Why? Well, whether you go north, south, east or west, there’s fantastic destinations to visit. So we came up with a long weekend list that takes in the Kumaon Himalayan panoramas of Ranikhet, the magnificent cenotaph spires of Orchha, the deathless temples of Khajuraho and more. Read more here.
5 Weekend Breaks from Mumbai
There is a host of places that make for the perfect escape from the bedlam of ‘Bombay’. From the trekking in the wild and thick forests of Andharban, pottery-making surrounded by verdant hills in Avanti Kalagram to braving the rapids of Kundalika river in Kolad, read our list of some of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai.
5 Weekend Breaks from Chennai
If you live in Chennai, you have access to some of the best destinations in the country for a short break. From the hill-station of Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh, the Danish heritage of Tranquebar to the beautiful lagoon at the mouth of the Kaveri River in Muthupet, we bring you a list of some well-known and offbeat choices. Read the full list.
Road Trips: Delhi-Leh-Kashmir
Ace photographer, Ashok Dilwali, embarks on a 2,000km journey across mesmerising landscapes from Delhi to Leh and back. He returns with a bunch of jaw-dropping shots of the stunning Himalaya in its many moods. Click here to check out his photographs from the trip.
Ladakh: Bouldering in Suru Valley
We go on an exclusive adventure-packed road trip to a stunning valley in Zanskar bisected by the Suru River. It is one of those places that people always talk about but no one ever seems to have been to. The author joins a motley group of adventure-lovers take a stab at climbing gigantic monoliths under star-studded skies. Click here to know more about his adventure.
Goa: Coming Home to Champakali
Deep in the heart of Old Goa lie two lovely villas from where you can hear the birds sing and the river gurgle. It might not be next to a beach and you can’t expect the luxuries of room service here but if simple pleasures are what you enjoy most the you will definitely want to keep coming back to Champakali. Read more about this lovely home away from home here.