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

GROWING UP IN KOLKATA, the bylanes became a visual diary, full of hand-painted signage, bold street art, and the graceful curves of the Bengali script. The red and black sickle, political graffiti, and shopfront lettering in Devanagari, Urdu, and English weren’t just signs, they were statements. Each shopfront felt like a poster: dramatic typefaces, intricate linework, and an interplay between modern and traditional styles that echoed the Bollywood billboards of the '60s to '80s. My personal favourite? The wooden, three-dimensional signboards still clinging to crumbling walls in North Calcutta (now Kolkata), artefacts of another time, but still alive with character. On drives down Park Street with my grandfather, a lover of art and architecture, he would point out these visual cues of Indian ingenuity and remind me, in his pressed…

THE SEA IS A SHADE of blue you don’t see on postcards anymore—it’s deeper, and almost unreal. The air is warm and smells like salt. You’re not checking your emails anymore, you’re looking for dolphins. And instead of heading straight to your room, you’re gliding over water, crossing horizons, and arriving at a floating lobby surrounded by nothing but ocean and sky. That’s exactly how actor and host Cyrus Sahukar began his holiday at Kandima Maldives—with a slow, beautiful arrival that felt more like slipping into a dream than checking into a resort. What began as a birthday getaway for Vaishali Malahara turned into something far beyond cake, candles, and celebration—an unforgettable escape for her and Cyrus. From swimming with sea turtles and go-karting on an island racetrack to sunset…

Your work often bridges heritage and contemporary sensibilities. How do you define your design philosophy today? That’s why my practice is varied—it’s not limited to conservation, master planning, or contemporary work. I believe, as people working in a country as diverse as India, we need to be able to adapt and work anywhere. To me, the role of the architect is that of a guardian—of both the built and unbuilt environment. My work doesn’t follow a single style; it depends on the project, its purpose, and its location. We have to remember that we are not building for ourselves. Creativity matters and brings fulfilment, but ultimately we build for the people who will use the space. That requires sensitivity. What role does travel play in shaping your creative vision? Travel…

BEST BAR ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru A hidden sanctuary within The Leela Palace Bengaluru, ZLB23 transports you to a Kyoto-style speakeasy where every cocktail tells a story. Beyond the concealed entrance lies a moody space with vintage glamour, jazz-filled nights, and creative pours like the Tokyo Bee’s Knees and One in a Melon. Bite into the Hickory-Smoked Duck while soaking in the sultry energy of this prohibition-inspired bar, which promises an unforgettable night out in the city. theleela.com Juniper Bar, Andaz Delhi, New Delhi One of India’s first gin-focused bars, Juniper Bar at Andaz Delhi is known for its communal table and handcrafted gin infusions. Sip on signature cocktails like Delhi’s Fire while chatting with expert mixologists who blend botanicals and small-batch spirits with finesse. Passionate gin enthusiasts can…

THIS MOMENT, CAPTURED from above, felt like stumbling upon a dream. I remember feeling a quiet thrill as I positioned the shot—two vibrant outrigger boats gently floating near a pristine sandbar that seemed to stretch endlessly across the turquoise waters. The gradient of blues, from shallow crystal clear to deeper ocean hues, looked almost surreal, like a watercolour painting come to life. The lone figure walking the sandbar added a beautiful sense of scale and solitude, underscoring how vast and untouched the seascape felt. My thought process was simple yet deliberate: I wanted to showcase the harmony between nature and quiet human presence. The coral formations beneath the water added intricate texture, making the scene even more captivating. I felt a sense of calm and wonder while taking it—grateful for…

DEAL, A SEASIDE town in Kent, has always been picturesque, with long stretches of pebbly beach and, on a clear day, views across the English Channel to France, just 64 kilometres away. Until recently, however, it offered little excitement for visitors—until a crop of stylish bed-and-breakfasts and inventive restaurants opened, turning it into a favourite destination for Londoners seeking a seaside getaway. Here’s how I spent a long weekend. FRIDAY After checking in to The Rose (doubles from ₹10,500), a bohemian eight-room hotel set in a former pub, I took a walk along the seafront, admiring the tall, pastel-painted Victorian houses. I ended up at Deal Castle, a magnificent structure shaped, appropriately, like a giant rose, the symbol of the Tudors. (It was built by King Henry VIII in 1539…

THE ICE RATTLES SHARPLY as Yangdup Lama gives the shaker a final snap, then strains the amber liquid into a coupe. With a flourish, he places an edible motif of the Dhaka Topi—Nepal’s iconic hat—on top. At first glance, the drink is just whisky, bay leaf, and lime. But I’ve known Yangdup long enough to know nothing he stirs up is ever that simple. Named after the handwoven Palpali Dhaka hat worn with quiet pride across Nepal, the Dhaka Topi is a drink about identity, belonging, and defiance. Bold, sharp, and layered—it wears its name well. “Kathmandu has always felt like a second home to me,” says Yangdup. “Ever since my first visit in 1993 as a hospitality school intern, I’ve felt a deep connection to the city. Its rhythm,…

1 PAKSE, LAOS While much attention falls on Laotian culture, why not discover the country’s wilder side? Where the Mekong meets the Sedone, Pakse sits as a gateway to southern Laos, serving as the base for forays to sites like the Bolaven Plateau. Most rush past it during a hopscotch through the country, but if you choose to pause in Pakse, the city will reveal endless waterfalls, forest adventures, and some of the best coffee to be had in the country. Also, experience the highest zipline in Laos over Tad Fane Waterfall, and take a sunset cruise on the Mekong. From ancient temples like Wat Luang to floating restaurants and riverside bars, there’s plenty to explore if you crave some urban adventure too. tourismlaos.org 2 SUMBA, INDONESIA Before you write off…

THERE’S A MOMENT in Shanghai—usually around dusk, when the sky melts into amber and the streetlamps begin to glow—when the city doesn’t feel real. It feels like a memory. Not mine, perhaps, but one inherited from old films and sepia-toned photos from when it was known as the ‘Paris of the East’. On a recent trip, I followed this feeling down a rabbit hole—one paved in Art Deco and Jazz Age whispers. Everyone knows the Shanghai of the future tinted with neon, glass and skyline drama—while that dazzle is undeniable, there’s another Shanghai of the past—breathing in zigzags, chevrons, and symmetrical lines. This is a city where Art Deco didn’t just arrive; it took root, multiplied, and evolved—becoming more than just an aesthetic. It became part of Shanghai’s identity. Back…

You grew up in Bengaluru and later worked on Bollywood film sets before gaining admission to Central Saint Martins. How has that journey shaped your design ethos? My childhood had a profound impact on my growth. At the time, I had no skills to speak of, so I had to learn everything from scratch. It was all about doing the best with what we had. Back then, there were all kinds of bodies, shapes, and heights in the spotlight. Dressing someone was more about capturing their persona. The goal was always to help them look the way they wanted to be seen—that was a major starting point for me. You’ve spoken about dismantling clichés surrounding Indian design. Why is it important to shift the conversation beyond the usual tropes? Much…

As someone who has navigated multiple film industries, do you feel your acting process changes depending on the language or the director’s cultural lens? I don’t think that navigating different film industries changes your acting process. I think the process changes film to film. It’s the demand of the role that sort of changes how you look at that character. Sometimes certain films are more realistic and then the approach is very different. Rom-coms, the approach is different. If it’s hard-hitting, it’s different. It’s the genre of the film that defines the approach that you take. You’ve done both glamorous commercial roles and more grounded performances. Is there a genre or role you feel you’ve not tapped into yet but would love to? Oh yes. I haven’t tapped into an…

BEST CONTEMPORARY INDIAN Made in India, Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Noida Winning the title for the second consecutive year, Made in India has firmly established itself as a modern-day classic. The restaurant blends heritage recipes from royal kitchens with contemporary culinary techniques. Its “New Age Cuisine” section is especially popular, featuring signature reinterpretations such as paprika-infused chicken tikka, char-grilled prawns with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaf, and mushroom brochette flavoured with rosemary and saffron. With thoughtful sections catering to dietary preferences—like dishes without onion or garlic—the menu invites every guest on a sensory journey. radissonhotels.com BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT Baoshuan, The Oberoi, New Delhi Inspired by China’s culinary journeys through history, Baoshuan is a storytelling experience curated by two-Michelinstarred Chef Andrew Wong. From Tang-era Buddhist temple dishes to the Pipa…

BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Street Storyss, Bengaluru Nestled in the bustling streets of Bengaluru, Street Storyss is a celebration of locally sourced, handpicked ingredients. The restaurant offers vegetarian cuisine with a modern twist; every dish is crafted using fresh, sustainably sourced produce and inventive cooking techniques. Try the chilli cheese wonton or the Bangkok stir-fry for a flavourful punch. The show-stopping drink, Sundowner at Street, is a vibrant blend of orange, passion fruit, and soda—an unmissable refreshment. Renowned not only for its vegetarian fare, the restaurant also features a diverse selection of Jain and vegan dishes, each delivering well-balanced flavours and textures. streetstoryss.in PHURR, Bengaluru PHURR, led by top chefs and bartenders, offers a constantly evolving menu that redefines vegetarian dining.. This season, the tone is set with exceptional appetisers like…

BEST COCKTAIL PROGRAMME Bombay Daak, Mumbai Celebrated for its cohesive bar menu that revives India’s lesser-known drinking traditions with a modern touch, Bombay Daak was named Best Cocktail Programme. This Bandra gem blends deep wooden interiors, handpainted botanical tiles, an 80-year-old Venetian mirror, and restored lamps from a British-era Bombay whisky bar. Subtle red lighting echoes the bar’s logo: a whimsically intoxicated tiger clutching a bombil in its mouth, symbolising indulgence and joy without judgement. The hyper-local cocktails and inventive spins on Indian liquors are the result of deep research by chef Niyati Rao and restaurateur Sagar Neve (the team behind Ekaa), alongside mixologist Yathish Bangera. The trio travelled across India, documenting regional drinking rituals and family recipes to craft unconventional flavour profiles. Try the Parangi Malu, with bird’s eye…

The top key opinion leaders in food and hospitality gathered at Le Méridien New Delhi on July 14, 2025, for the sixth edition of the readers’ choice Delicious Dining Awards by Travel+Leisure India & South Asia. Like every year, DDA felicitated restaurants and bars across categories. Ten individuals who have elevated the country’s culinary offerings through their inspiring work were honoured as T+L Tastemakers. Additionally, DDA also had a Jury Approved category, where restaurants, menus, and bars across categories were chosen based on votes from a jury of industry veterans. Members of the jury included chef and content creator Sarah Todd, broadcast host and food expert Kunal Vijayakar, chef and founder of Locavore Thomas Zacharias, entrepreneur and actor-model Lin Laishram, cookbook author Rohini Rana, chef and content creator Guntas Sethi,…