Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

NEVER IN MY LIFE did I imagine that I would practise and preach staying home. But now, more than ever, it’s crucial for us to do what’s right for the safety and well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. At Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, though, we could not disappoint the wanderer in you. As there’s no quarantine on dreams, we have embarked on some armchair escapism along with you, our readers. You can travel the world, albeit virtually, with our E-edition, which is now available free on Magzter (all you need to do is use the coupon code Be$afe 2020). And our website (travelandleisureindia.in) is a treasure chest of virtual trips (#TnLVirtualTour) and experiences. In this month’s edition, Bollywood celebrities, jet-setters, and T+L India & South Asia’s…

WHEN I VISITED NORWAY last summer, I didn’t know how important the sea was to this small nation so close to the top of the world. When you account for the myriad fjords and islands for which Norway is famous, its coastline is over 58,000 kilometres—second only to Canada, which has an immense coastline of 2,02,000 kilometres. But when you compare their ratio of land area to coastline, Norway stands at 6.6 and the much bigger Canada at 49.4. In other words, no place in Norway is very far from the sea. This leads to a robust maritime culture and tradition, and explains the Norwegians’ passionate love for the sea. THE VIKING PLANET THE GLORIOUS HISTORY of Norwegian maritime exploration starts with the Viking Age, which stretched from 793 AD…

CURIOS Gather the family for a board game adventure that’ll take you across the world as you seek ancient artefacts. Challenge, bluff, and defeat your opponents as your team of archaeologists inches closer to victory. It’s quick, easy to learn, and perfect for when your eyes are worn out from too much Netflix. 2,499; boredgamecompany.com GEOGUESSR This browser ‘game’ seems rather simple, but it’s actually a lot of fun. You have to look at a Google Street View image and guess where it’s from by placing a marker on a map. The closer you are, the more points you get. Free and paid ( 149/ month) versions available; geoguessr.com…

What’s your idea of the ideal holiday? The ideal holiday is a trip after which you don’t need another vacation to recover from it! (laughs) Over the years, I have been a solo traveller when I was footloose and free, then I turned into a traveller with an infant and got restricted with the things I could do. Now, I am a traveller with a hyperactive kid, so I am constantly under pressure to keep her entertained. So, for me, an ideal vacation would be where I can have some downtime, bond with my family while being able to explore new places, and discover things on foot. I have been able to pass the same love for travel to Saira [my daughter] as well. We did Italy and Croatia last…

IT IS FEBRUARY 1, 2020. There is massive excitement in the air. Congregations of devotees are on the banks of the River Narmada in the town of Maheshwar, in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, chanting ‘Jai Narmade’ (salutations to River Narmada). Some are immersing saris, coconuts, rice, and turmeric in the water, and then removing them. Boats are ferrying families that have promised 1,300 metres of fabric (the breadth between two sides of the shores) as a ‘thank you’ to the holy river for prayers answered. This extensive fabric (polyester, sadly) will later be cut into five-metre pieces and distributed to the needy as saris. We’ve serendipitously landed up in Maheshwar on River Narmada’s ‘birthday’. This fabric immersion ritual is especially meaningful in a city that earns its primary income…

Vasse Felix Producers of some of Margaret River’s oldest vines, and by no coincidence, some of the region’s best wines. Pick of the bins is their luscious, deep red Tom Cullity Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend. vassefelix.com.au Leeuwin Estate More of an experience than a vineyard, Leeuwin hosts live concerts, and has a fabulous restaurant and a gallery brimming with regional art. For the wine, their crisp, sharp Margaret River Art Series Chardonnay is reckoned to be in the top five available in the world. leeuwinestate.com.au Fraser Gallop Estate For visual kudos and a big wink at Palladian architecture, it’s hard not to be blown away by the grandiose nature and ambience of Fraser Gallop Estate. Once you’ve dragged your jaw off the floor, be sure to try their Cabernet…

HOLISTIC WELLNESS is all about striking a fine balance between physical and environmental health. Based on this philosophy, Thailand’s Chiva-Som International Health Resort (chivasom.com) designed its four-stage renovation programme, resulting in a complete overhaul of the resort—especially its seaside restaurant, Taste of Siam. The restaurant’s new executive chef, Sinchai Srivipa, talks to us about how nutrition transcends from an element of health to a source of pleasure, and how the resort’s two restaurants—The Emerald Room and Taste of Siam—are working on seducing one’s senses while contributing to the body’s natural healing process. How are you planning to redefine wellness cuisine? We are looking to fully embrace the time-honoured idea of ‘food is medicine’ by enhancing our food range. We will create special menus that address various wellness topics, such as…

GETTING THERE There are connecting flights from Indian metros to the international airport in Ushuaia, from where the cruise sets sail. THE CRUISE This voyage to the White Continent is organised by The Q Experiences. It sets sail from Ushuaia, which has everything from mountains to icy seas. Carve out some time to explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park, sip on the city’s fine Argentine wine and devour fresh cuts at artisan steakhouses. Once on board, the first and second day of your voyage are spent crossing the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean via the Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, who dared to cross these oceanic currents in 1578. The ship then meanders its way to the Neko Bay and Paradise Bay,…

I AM STANDING ON a rooftop slap-bang in the middle of the Marrakesh medina, the winding maze of streets that makes up the Moroccan city’s original, medieval heart. The 360° view is a patchwork of pink walls, stone-lattice windows, and flat roofs, some with colourful rugs hung out to air in the sun. The occasional minaret or extra-tall palm tree rises above the skyline. Beyond them, the burning blue horizon stretches all the way to the Atlas Mountains. If it weren’t for the ubiquitous satellite dishes, this could be a scene from 500 years ago. But there is nothing old-fashioned about the building whose terrace cafe I have climbed many stairs to reach: Shtatto is a concept store as hip as anything you’ll see in Brooklyn or Canal Saint-Martin in…

Take a Virtual Tour of Museums across the World From the US to Brazil and Italy, some of the most iconic museums are now exhibiting their collections online. Indulge in a virtual tour to get your dose of art and history. travelandleisureindia.in/ virtual-tour-museums Wuhan’s Cherry Blossom Season is Being Live-Streamed Spring is blooming in a healing city and painting it pink. You don’t have to miss out on the famed cherry blossom season—Wuhan is live-streaming it! travelandleisureindia.in/ cherry-blossoms-wuhan Escape to Magical Destinations with these Travel Podcasts Podcasts are making a comeback, and now that we have all the time in the world, let’s put on those earphones to enter the world of travel audio stories. travelandleisureindia.in/ travel-podcasts SPOTTED Chris Martin hosted a virtual concert on Instagram! travelandleisureindia.in/ chris-martin-virtual-concert DISCOVER The…

BUSINESS CLASS Arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with a 100 per cent lie-flat bed—even the armrest depresses into the bed to give more width and remove any obstruction. Seats come equipped with a whopping 18-inch touchscreen TV. PREMIUM ECONOMY Not so long ago, this leather seat would have been considered Business standard with its seven-inch recline and extendable calf and foot rest. The cabin features 21 seats, each with a 13-inch high-definition entertainment monitor. ECONOMY Configured in a 3-3-3 arrangement, this section’s 248 seats make up the bulk of the cabin. Attention has been given to maximise leg room by minimising the space utilised for the seat pocket, and bendable head rests allow passengers greater comfort for resting.…

1. PATRIMONY BLUE VACHERON CONSTANTIN The watch features an unprecedented ‘majestic blue’ colour for Patrimony. In a classic manual-winding hour-minute reference to a retrograde day-date model, purity meets manufacture-style elegance. This hallmark of Patrimony is reflected in a slender 6.8 mm case. Despite the constraints and aesthetic tensions of this distinctive design, the watch is endowed with a 40-hour power reserve. The sunburst finish lends a shimmer to the subtle midnight blue of the dial. ———— 2. DEFY EL PRIMERO 21 ZENITH The legendary El Primero high-frequency chronograph celebrated half a century of avant-garde design and precision in 2019. As a part of the anniversary set, consisting three chronographs with emblematic tricolour counters, the Defy El Primero 21 features hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock…

1. VIRTUAL REALITY HTC VIVE COSMOS Stay safe, stay at home, and explore the universe in VR with the HTC Vive. You’ll need a beefy gaming PC or laptop to power this up, but it’s the best way to explore the universe in your pyjamas. You’ll also love the easy setup, high-res visuals, and included app store membership. 89,990; vive.com/in 2. TV STREAMING AMAZON FIRE TV STICK 4K Smart TVs are nice, but they usually fail you on the software front within a few months. That’s where the Fire TV Stick comes in. Support for a wide range of streaming services means you’ll have access to nearly anything you’d want to watch. It gets frequent updates, lets you install media server playback apps such as Plex, and you can even…

Breakfast on the Beach Sounds a little crazy, but morning time is the perfect time to hit the beaches that are nestled around the city. You’ll find that the waters are a bit calmer with little to no wind. Cottesloe is a winner for families and feeding; there is a raft of cafes, bars, and restaurants all in easy reach. The more adventurous of you, who fancy getting wet, should hit Scarborough for its surf and sounds for a younger crowd. westernaustralia.com Lunch in the City Perth has plenty of dining options, but for a touch of class and art deco ambience, head to The Raffles Hotel for lunch. Open from 11 am, you can graze al fresco and gaze at sumptuous city views. Consider the menu as a collection…

“HOW MANY TEMPLES MORE? When do we start for Hurghada?” questioned my 10-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son. We were on a family trip in Egypt and had taken the popular culture trail: Cairo, followed by a cruise from Luxor to Aswan. While the idea of a Nile cruise was interesting—it meant soaking in the jacuzzi for hours, digging into sumptuous meals, and waking up late every day—in reality, most of our time was spent exploring the towns of Luxor, Edfu, and Aswan, and visiting the various Egyptian temples. But culture wasn’t something that interested my kids; history wasn’t their cup of tea. That was my area, and I was always on the lookout for places with a rich past. Choosing Egypt as our destination for the winter school break was…

RUNNING ACROSS THE massive airport in New Delhi at seven in the morning isn’t the ideal way to kick-start a two-day detox vacation. Then again, my destination, Raipur, isn’t exactly considered a wellness hotspot. Little do I know that I’m in for a relaxing surprise. After a short drive from the Swami Vivekananda Airport, I find myself surrounded by bright yellow calendulas and towering palm trees. The RAS farms—my two-day pill for a city detox—looks cheery. As I inhale the crisp fresh air, Shubhika Jain, Founder of RAS Luxuries Pvt Ltd, greets me—as merrily as the flowers around us. Her mother and co-founder, Sangeeta Jain, and her younger sister, Suramya, exude the same warmth. Embracing me in heartfelt hugs, they hand me a fresh coconut with a bamboo straw to…

Even though all our travel plans have hit pause for now, nothing can ever stop us from dreaming. Take inspiration from these actors, designers, chefs, artistes, and entrepreneurs, and use this time to plan your big first getaway for a time when the world has healed and is safe to explore again. DIA MIRZA, Actor I WOULD LOVE TO go back to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. My childhood friend, Ananya, and I did a short three-night trip there in early February 2020, and the experience was too magical and too short! There was still so much to soak up, absorb, learn, and enjoy. The Wild Coast Tented Lodge (resplendentceylon.com) at Yala offers the most sustainable luxury accommodation, and the most breathtaking wildlife and natural world experiences. ADITI RAO HYDARI,…

BLACKBIRD SR-71 The world’s fastest plane ever. This bad boy was capable of speeds in excess of Mach 4.5 and, during service in the Cold War years of the 1960s and 70s, could outrun the most sophisticated of missiles. THE SPACE SHUTTLE Sadly, no longer in use, the Space Shuttle pretty much built the International Space Station bolt by bolt. It’s a marvel of technology, and visitors can walk around its transport bay and try their hand at landing the beast on a simulator. AIRFORCE ONE This is the very Boeing 707 that flew US Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, and Johnson around the world. A world that was on the cusp of the abyss during the Cuban Missile crisis, edgy at the spread of Communism, and twitchy as Vietnam edged its…

GOOGLE EARTH VR A VR headset with Google’s unmatched collection of satellite and street-level imagery is the closest you can come to an overseas vacation right now. Swoop down on the Grand Canyon, get a close look at Florence, and stop by Rio to catch the sunset. vr.google.com/earth DISCOVERY SHARK WEEK APEX Featuring room-scale (walk around) or seated/standing motion, this VR ‘adventure’ lets you (playing the role of a marine researcher) explore detailed underwater environments. Swim around reefs, interact with marine life, and make contact with the apex predator, the Great White. viveport.com…

Classic Coffees has come a long way from brewing the perfect cup of coffee to hosting guests at Golden Wood in the middle of the estate. How did you evolve? The journey has been exciting and challenging, since this was something we had been planning for a long time. The idea took shape and gradually started to evolve into something even we had not envisioned. There are new advancements every day. We see the two businesses going hand in hand—whether you’re looking for that vacation and get the coffee, or looking for the coffee and get this immersive experience with it. You’re a fifth-generation coffee planter. How do you feel coffee tourism has evolved in India? Coffee tourism has gone from simple homestays to five-star resorts over the last decade.…

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, wrote a solemn John Donne 400 years ago, to remind us all of our interconnectedness, to highlight our predominantly social selves, to urge us to pay cognisance to the fact that our pain is shared, that we rely on companionship and the comfort of others, that loss resonates, that happiness spreads. And so too, we are ruthlessly reminded today, does a virus. And to this microscopic virus—less than a millionth of a metre long—we must give two metres of space. We must lock ourselves in our homes, stay off the streets, stay out of the world, and wash our hands repeatedly. We mustn’t touch our faces. We mustn’t hug our friends. We must all become the islands that we fundamentally are not—and it’s driving everyone…

PERTH, ON THE WESTERN coast of Australia, isn’t quite as well-known as its east-coast siblings, Sydney and Melbourne, but that’s no reason to strike it off your list of Aussie vacation spots. For starters, it’s a good five hours of flight-time less than the east-coast options—Delhi to Changi and Changi to Perth is around 10 hours with a short layover using Singapore Airlines (singaporeair.com). Then, there’s the countryside and coast that surrounds Perth. The area is quite simply stunning and offers some of the cleanest waters and best surfing in Australia. The third reason, and arguably the deal clincher for Australia’s west coast, is the region’s cuisine and wine. With temperatures and rainfall comparable to the Bordeaux region of France, the area produces some of the country’s finest boutique vintages.…

THE NAME ‘ICELAND’ seemed misleading when I visited in summer. ‘Waterland’ was more like it. On the Westfjords peninsula, which juts from northwest Iceland like a claw, water was everywhere. It cascaded in silvery filaments down green mountainsides. It rushed in streams alongside, and occasionally over gravel roads. It floated in clouds like thought bubbles above slate-blue fjords. So it seemed appropriate that my companion Jason and I should begin our Westfjords road trip at the Library of Water (libraryofwater.is), which American artist Roni Horn created in 2007 in the coastal village of Stykkishólmur. Horn, who has a long-standing affinity for Iceland, placed 24 floor-to-ceiling glass cylinders, each filled with water from an Icelandic glacier, in a former library that overlooks the picturesque harbour. She also designed a rubberised floor…

I WAS CURLED UP in a corner, nose buried in a book, when my father suggested Salalah for our annual vacation. I was sold on the idea when he mentioned pirate queens and ancient capsized settlements. For my mother, it was the promise of spotting shadows of clouds on the sand below crystal waters. Needless to say, tales from that trip to Salalah, the capital of southern Oman’s Dhofar province, still fuel every family reunion of ours. There were no skyscrapers or malls in Salalah, only swaying coconut trees and open fields. When we arrived at Al Mughsail Beach—a long stretch of teal water with white sand and cliffs on either side—the sea was a little rough. The towering mountains that looked like they had been scooped out, were apparently…

AS MY DAUGHTER, Ida, was growing up, Pingu was one of her favourite cartoon characters. We would often watch the penguin waddle on television for hours. Even today, our collective love for penguins is so profound that when I went to Australia, I did not go to see the flightless birds because she wasn’t with me. That, however, is set to change—in a very special place. It all starts at a small archipelago in South America called Tierra del Fuego. Translating to the ‘Land of Fire’ in Spanish, this wind-lashed land is at the edge of civilisation—it’s the southernmost city in the world—and hence, an apt precursor to the empty white land we will explore later. For now, though, the many fascinating restaurants and markets in Ushuaiathe capital of the…

GETTING THERE Various international airlines offer daily connecting flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities of India to Barcelona. From Rio de Janeiro, flights to Delhi or Mumbai are incredibly long—anywhere from 22 to 40 hours! Domestic codeshare partners connect you from Rio to Sao Paulo, from where international carriers fly you to your destination with one to three layovers along the way. STAY Oceania Cruises offers a selection of luxurious suites and staterooms, with rich wood interiors, custom crafted furnishings, original artworks, and the signature Tranquility Bed Collection. Verandah Staterooms come with a plush couch, writing desk, flat-screen TV, and private teak verandah, while the spacious suites feature DINE Oceania Cruises’ trademark ‘Finest Cuisine at Sea’ programme offers gourmet dining experiences across four speciality restaurants, as well as…

Getting There Oman Air (omanair.com) flies from Delhi and Mumbai to Casablanca, via Muscat or Bahrain. While internal flights are an option, the smart move is to have your hotel book a driver to whisk you off to Marrakesh by road. The journey takes two and a half hours, and the highway is a dream. Stay Design lovers will adore the Royal Mansour (riads from 94,153; royal mansour.com), an opulent property near the medina, where guests stay in 53 picture-perfect traditional Moroccan homes. The hotel puts local craftsmanship front and centre; its boutique is also world-class. For a more informal take on the riad experience, stay at El Fenn (doubles from 19,519; el-fenn.com), a 28-room hotel inside the medina with Intagrammable interiors and a design store on the ground floor.…

I WAS IN GOVARDHAN, UTTAR PRADESH, just before Holi this year. The preparations start a week before the festival in nearby Barsana. While roaming the streets of Govardhan, I came across the largest kund, or reservoir, in town. According to mythology, Lord Krishna manifested this reservoir, Manasi Ganga, through his mind because he didn’t want to leave this place. The water is believed to be holy, and lakhs of devotees come here to purge themselves of sin. Just the act of sitting on the ghat is soothing. This moment struck me as special—as the woman was coming out of the kund after a holy dip, this kid jumped in and created a big splash. For me, the image conveys a clear message: faith is not decided by age, it comes…