Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

AS THE FIRST LIGHT OF THE New Year filtered through the sal trees, my mind took a moment to adjust. The Japanese have a word for this—komorebi—the interplay of light and shadows that stirs something deep within. The crisp, frosty air sharpened every breath, yet warmed the soul as I immersed myself in the serene hum of nature. This year began with an early morning safari at the Simlipal Elephant and Tiger Reserve. The name itself promises encounters with the “big five,” but on a friend’s wise suggestion, I sought the quieter moments instead. Wandering through unexpected pine plantations—a colonial legacy—in the heart of the tropical forest, and marvelling at clusters of orchids from the open-air gypsy, I found beauty in the simplest details. The car slowed as a leopard…

As travellers, we constantly seek moments that speak louder than words—those fleeting instances that define the essence of a journey. Whether a candid portrait or breathtaking landscape, the right equipment can make all the difference in preserving memories. Maroof Culmen, a storyteller and explorer, recently used the vivo X200 Pro across the mesmerising landscapes of Kashmir, known as Paradise on Earth, to bring its hidden gems to life. This innovative smartphone is more than just a photography tool; it’s a companion for those telling stories embedded in people, landscapes, and culture. Portraits & Perspectives For Culmen, photography is about connecting with people and culture. “The vivo X200 Pro’s Portrait feature helped me capture expressions and details, like the redness on people’s faces from the cold or the emotion in their…

A CELESTIAL CALENDAR FOR 2025 Guests at DarkSky-certified properties can confidently bank on good sky-watching, but in the Northern Hemisphere, a few times of the year are particularly well suited to gazing upward. METEOR SHOWERS December 13–14: THE GEMINIDS The biggest meteor shower of 2025, with more than 120 meteors per hour. January 3–4: THE QUADRANTIDS August 12–13: THE PERSEIDS TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE March 14 Visible across the Americas, the moon will turn red as it passes through Earth’s shadow. THREE SUPERMOONS October 7: THE BLOOD MOON Also known as the Travel Moon. November 5: THE BEAVER MOON December 4: THE COLD MOON are usually teeming with tourists—in total solitude was remarkable. Having such an incredible view of deep space framed by a sweep of stone gave me a radically different…

You’re considered a trendsetter. Is this a conscious decision? I don’t overthink about creating trends. I tend to go with the flow. I’ve always lived my life and made my own choices. Of course, I am conscious of the decisions I make but that doesn’t imply that I’m dictated by what people say, or by the situations around me. You’ve often advocated for mental health and are also considered a role model for body positivity. Does this add pressure to live up to the expectations of impressionable minds? Of course, there’s a lot of pressure when people look up to you and have certain expectations. But at the same time, I feel there is a positive message that one needs to put out [in public]. If you look up to…

TRAVELLERS’ TALES, FROM NEAR + FAR I AM NOT A CYCLIST. I don’t even own a bicycle. So I was surprised to discover, after pedalling around one of Japan’s main islands, that it might be my favourite new way to travel. I always associated bike tours with scenic rides through the Loire Valley, or maybe Tuscany—places where guests wake up in a countryside hotel and spend the day cycling to the next one, stopping for leisurely lunches, maybe a couple glasses of wine, while a support car ferries their luggage. Japan may be less well known for cycling vacations, but its prefectures have all the key ingredients: pastoral countryside, cute cafés, incredible food, distinctive hotels. Not to mention a rich culture of hospitality. The trip was planned as a three-day…

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates Barely a few kilometres away from the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and The Museum of the Future—and occupying floors 18 to 55 of the Burj Daman—is the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre. This urban retreat provides the perfect base for all your business meetings. Not only do all the event spaces—the largest room setup being 369 square metres—come equipped with A/V facilities, but they also offer onsite catering options. With five meeting rooms and 262 guest rooms, the property can comfortably accommodate large groups of up to 35. Their world-class hospitality includes restaurants and bars, as well as the state-of-the-art Waldorf Astoria Spa. Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Thailand Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention…

BEST DOMESTIC AIRPORT Manohar International Airport, Goa Mirroring the soul of Goa, Manohar International Airport ensures a relaxed, friendly, and comfortable experience for the millions of passengers it caters to every year. It has been making waves in the aviation industry, and for good reason. In the next five years, it aims to turn completely into a zero carbon footprint zone and have another feather in its cap apart from being India’s top Greenfield Airport. With new and flexible flying schedules for domestic and international routes, 24×7 unconstrained connectivity via 5G ready infra, self baggage drop and multiple EV charging points, it offers a hassle-free ride. The airport has also curated Goan merchandise, souvenir shops, and art galleries that support local artisans and craftsmen, thereby helping the local economy grow.…

FROM NEW YORK CITY, the flight to Hawaii takes 11 hours. Eleven long, daylight hours, during which my kids, ages seven and 10, seemed to fight almost continuously: about the seats, the snacks, the blankets, the headphones; about whose foot touched whose across the armrest first. There were moments when my husband, Dave, and I started to wonder if some cruel god had sentenced us to live out the rest of our days on that Airbus A330, hissing “Give it back right now,” and checking the time remaining on our seat-back screens for the ten thousandth time. Less than 48 hours after landing in Hawaii, we found ourselves on a journey of a very different kind—and this time, the mood was a little more collaborative. The four of us were…

I’VE TITLED THIS PHOTOGRAPH ‘BONDED’. It showcases a unique and special moment between two lionesses in their natural environment at Gir National Park in Gujarat. The gentle, golden sunlight brought out the texture of their fur and emphasised their strong yet elegant shapes. Seeing their faces, I could sense an expression of dominance and love. I paid close attention to their faces when I framed the picture to make sure these feelings were captured. Understanding animal behaviour is essential for wildlife photography—the challenge was to remain patient and anticipate their movement. The blurred green background provided a natural contrast, making the lionesses stand out. The experience of witnessing such raw emotion in the wild was truly humbling. This shot is not just about wildlife—it’s about connection, trust, and the unspoken…

A GLOBETROTTER’S GUIDE TO THE LATEST IN TRAVEL 1 FOREST FEEL Hike through the picturesque Yakushima Island, Japan Known for its lush forests, ancient cedar trees (some dating back 3,000-7,000 years), and diverse wildlife, Yakushima Island is a haven of natural beauty and cultural charm. Located in southern Japan, Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dense forests covering 90 per cent of its terrain. The three popular trails are the Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine, Yakusugi Land, and the Arakawa Trailhead, which is home to Jomon Sugi, a huge, ancient cedar. Spring and autumn are best for hiking, and the well-marked trails are suitable for both guided and solo adventures. The forest is dotted with waterfalls like Senpiro and Okawa Falls as well as beaches, where visitors can enjoy snorkelling and…

AT 1932 TREVI, the Italian spirit intertwines with the regal Indian heritage. Nestled amid the blooming lawns of Jaipur’s Santha Bagh, the new restaurant transforms into a sanctuary capturing the fusion of elegance and culture on your plates. The doors opened on November 14, 2024, with a memorable night that celebrated this very essence, hosted by designers Falguni Shane Peacock in collaboration with Travel+Leisure India & South Asia and Lifestyle Asia India. The launch night featured the designers’ most celebrated, archival pieces in an exclusively curated gallery setting, while couture-clad guests graced the celebrations, including Miss India World 2017 Manushi Chhillar; actors Vedang Raina and Sanjana Sanghi; and entrepreneur Anshula Kapoor, among others. The soirée was invigorated by the DJ for the night, Avantika. Inside 1932 Trevi The venue blends expansive…

BEST STATE Maharashtra Home to an array of attractions from powder smooth beaches and misty hills to architectural extravaganza and natural wonders to culture and top-notch hospitality make Maharashtra the top choice in India for travellers. The topographical variation has made Maharashtra an all-weather state. Enjoy the cooler climes of the quaint hill stations in summer, travel the lush countryside during monsoon, and frolic on the beaches (maybe visit a sea fort or two) along the Arabian Sea coast in winter. The state has six UNESCO World Heritage tags to its credit. Go on wildlife safaris, explore the spiritual centres, or pursue outdoor adventures ranging from paragliding to diving. Those fond of ethnic goods may fill their bags with handlooms and handicrafts from different corners of the state. BEST WEDDING…

BEST ELECTRIC CAR Audi Q8 e-tron The Audi Q8 e-tron exemplifies the future of electric mobility, blending refined luxury with exceptional performance. Its bold design is a perfect balance of elegance and athleticism, while beneath the surface, cutting-edge engineering promises a driving experience that is as exhilarating as it is sophisticated. Equipped with dual electric motors that generate up to 370 kW (496 horsepower), the Q8 e-tron accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, delivering a seamless and thrilling drive. With a 106 kWh battery, the Q8 e-tron offers an impressive range of up to 480 km on a full charge, making it an ideal choice for extended road trips. Inside, the cabin reflects Audi’s commitment to luxury, featuring premium materials, generous space, and an intuitive MMI…

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: A unique rainforest experience. It spans 7.5 kilometers over a World Heritage-listed rainforest, providing breathtaking views of the lush canopy, waterfalls, and of Barron Gorge National Park. Visitors glide silently above the treetops in comfortable gondolas, immersing themselves in the natural beauty below. Along the journey, two mid-stations offer opportunities to explore the rainforest up close with guided walks and informative displays. Skyrail also supports sustainable tourism practices, with eco-friendly operations and educational initiatives highlighting the importance of rainforest conservation. skyrail.com.au Nautilus Aviation: Nautilus Aviation provides a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the region. As the name suggests, one can enjoy spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef, witnessing its vibrant coral formations and marine life from up above in the sky. Options include scenic flights…

BEST COUNTRY Switzerland Often called the ‘playground of Europe’, Switzerland tops the charts for the best country to travel to owing to its scenic beauty, excellent connectivity, top-class accommodation, culinary delights, cultural attractions, and a variety of outdoor activities. While the urban centres successfully meld their historical past with modern architecture and lifestyle, the countryside offers relaxed holidays in the lap of nature. Swiss cities offer a range of dining options, from star restaurants and bars, while a meal at a traditional Swiss inn will enhance your culinary experience. A ride through the scenic mountains to Jungfraujoch, following the trails for views of the Rheinfall, the medieval heart of Bern, and the adventure sports opportunities at Interlaken are some of the activities that will make your holiday memorable. New Zealand…