Innehållsförteckning för April 2025 från Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

WHILE PLANNING THAT long-awaited summer vacation in that enchanting city in Europe or that remote island in the Americas, we often take a long-haul flight to get there, with a layover in another city. What if your vacation doesn’t need to wait until you get to your final destination? What if your layover doesn’t have to be spent cooped up in airport lounges? What if your layover is in fact a ‘Laycation’ - i.e., an extended layover in a city en route to your destination, effectively adding more fun and richness to your journey? With sprawling beaches, yachts, resorts and parties, Dubai is the ultimate ‘laycation’ city—and Emirates is the ultimate flying partner to make this laycation seamless. With over 140 destinations in its network across 76 countries, Emirates can…

YOU KNOW THAT typical human thing we do—of not valuing good things when they’re right in front of us? That’s me, with visiting Nepal. How is this my first time here, I wonder, as my car winds its way up the hills of Sukedhara Heights on a crisp, pleasant Kathmandu afternoon. I’m here to experience the hospitality of Mercure Kathmandu, Accor’s first property in Nepal. “For us, it’s about bringing the focus to Nepal. Accor is set to boost tourism numbers—and Mercure will contribute significantly to that increase, especially by attracting European tourists. Accor’s strong presence in India and its collaboration with the Indian market will further strengthen the spotlight on Nepal. At present, premium and luxury tourism is on the rise here—you see visitors arriving via private jets or…

BALI…

The Nightingale of Halakki In the heart of Uttara Kannada, the women of the Halakki Vokkaliga tribe preserve their indigenous identity through evocative folk songs passed down through generations travelandleisureasia.com/in/destinations/how-halakki-karnataka-women-singerskeep-their-culture-alive/ Smoke, Spice & Everything Nice From steaming bowls of thukpa in chilly Tawang to smoky meats slow-cooked in tribal kitchens, discover the bold, earthy flavours of Arunachal Pradesh—a culinary adventure deeply rooted in tradition. travelandleisureasia.com/in/dining/food/arunachal-pradesh-food-a-rustic-adventure-foryour-taste-buds/ Escaping With Intention For a new generation of travellers, luxury means less noise and more meaning. Think slow rhythms, soulful design, and destinations that offer connection, calm, and a muchneeded creative reset. travelandleisureasia.com/in/trips/how-young-luxury-travellers-are-rewriting-therules-to-beat-burnout/ PEOPLE Designer Pavitra Rajaram on empowering artisans, preserving traditions, and reimagining heritage for the modern world. travelandleisureasia.com/in/people/interview-with-pavitra-rajaram/ DISCOVER Angkor Wat may steal the show, but Cambodia’s ancient temples—like Ta Prohm, Bayon, and…

JETWING HOTELS, a family-owned brand offering legendary Sri Lankan hospitality spanning half a century in the tourism industry, recently announced the opening of Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa—a luxurious, all-suite boutique villa steeped in history and grandeur. Originally built in the 1870s, the villa was once a grand residential mansion and has now been meticulously restored to preserve its architectural splendour, while offering all the comforts of modern living. The term walauwa loosely translates to “large house” and historically referred to the residences of the local aristocracy. Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa embodies this legacy, with its grand entrance, elegant furnishings, intricate woodwork and exquisite art that echo the stories of a bygone era. Tucked amidst lush coconut plantations, Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa features six grand suites, each adorned with traditional Sri Lankan craftsmanship and…

IT IS FASCINATING HOW a brief moment, even a seemingly mundane one, becomes a time capsule brimming with spirit and character, echoing its own ballads for years. That is the magic of Sanjay Das’s spontaneous compositions, that perfectly combine his technical expertise with intuitive surrender. This quality is evident in his latest work, where he captured the Manipuri Raas Leela performance at Mathura’s Radha Kund. Radha Kund, one of the holiest sites in Braj—a region encompassing Mathura, Aligarh, Agra, and Etah—is believed to have witnessed the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna. The dance, performed in such a sacred place, immersed Das so deeply in his work that he continued photographing into the early hours of the morning, too captivated to pause for food or drink. That, he says, is…

You’ve brought a modern twist to traditional Naga textiles. How do you balance innovation with the authenticity, and why is it important for indigenous crafts? Balancing innovation with authenticity is a delicate process. For me, it’s about respecting the ancient techniques and the cultural context in which they were born, while also acknowledging that we must adapt to changing times and trends. To achieve this balance, I work closely with the women weavers, learning from their expertise and ensuring we stay true to the traditional techniques at the core of Naga textiles, while also exploring various design expressions in the weaving. This balance is crucial for the future of indigenous crafts because it appeals to a wider audience while also allowing us to preserve our cultural heritage. By finding this…

In an industry obsessed with labels, Manushi Chhillar’s not sticking to just one. In fact, she has made sure there’s no one way to describe her. She isn’t just a Miss World-turned-actor, or just a medical student-turned-activist, or just a classical dancer-turned-traveller. She is all of that, and more. Both elusive and social, Chhillar is a layered human being. And while the world tries to figure her out, she is still discovering herself in a life that is brimming with art, purpose, intellect, and heart. With brushes in Bollywood, the 27-year-old believes in slow success, so the fame or failures don’t seem to faze her. She walks through life with intention, her eyes set on making lasting change, be it on screen or in some remote village helping people fight…

ON A CRISP, BLUE MORNING, I arrived at Helsinki Central Station with my bright-eyed guide, Maddalena Benedetti. I looked up in awe at the Lantern Carriers—or Lyhdynkantajat as the locals refer to them—four statues of chiselled men, each holding a flaming lantern, flanking the clock tower. As they silently welcomed thousands of passengers into the city, I couldn’t help but wonder why this station isn’t more famous worldwide. Maddalena flashed a knowing smile, almost as if reading my mind, as we made our way into the city, and said, “Well, Finns are quite humble; they don’t like to show off.” Minimalism Meets Functionality Our journey to the Helsinki Design District (designdistrict. fi) gave me a deeper understanding of her words. Surrounded by a melange of curated Finnish crafts—fashion studios, art…

STREET FOOD ACROSS Asian countries is a world unto itself—the diversity of ingredients and dishes is as captivating as the cultural spirit behind them. Unless you’re travelling straight to the source, the next best thing is to visit XO & Mì @ Le Belvedere in New Delhi, where Asian street cuisine is reimagined with an elevated twist in a refined setting. Le Belvedere, the much-loved rooftop venue at Le Meridien New Delhi, unveiled its new avatar earlier this year. Known for its breathtaking views of central Delhi, refined hospitality and culinary legacy, the restaurant has always adapted to the evolving tastes of its discerning patrons—all without compromising its signature sophistication. The chefs, too, have kept pace with changing culinary trends, striking a fine balance between global influences and modern techniques,…

Murano Glassware, Italy Owning a piece of Murano glassware is like holding on to a piece of timeless Italian craftsmanship. This extraordinary glassware is famously moulded into decorative vases, fancy chandeliers, or delicate figurines. Unique glass sculptures, custom art glass objects, and bespoke glasses are also created in vibrant colours and intricate designs, while the inlay of gold and silver leaf in some designs adds a luxurious touch. Traditions passed down through generations and techniques that date back to the 13th century are used to create these masterpieces. Since each piece is handcrafted, you’ll never find two identical items of Murano glassware. Giberto, a luxe brand known for its beautifully crafted glassware on the island of Murano, has recently opened its first outlet on Venice’s Rialto Bridge. You are welcome…

You’ve led major restorations like Hampi and Shalimar Bagh. How have these shaped your vision for cultural conservation in India? Without a cultural legacy, we struggle in the dark to understand ourselves, our origins, and our layered identities. Culture and heritage not only ground us and give us a sense of belonging, but also fill us with wonder, awe, and an appreciation for aesthetics. Our restoration work on projects like these, along with our support for the arts and culture in India, stems from this very philosophy. How do restored sites connect history, craftsmanship, and local communities? The Shalimar Bagh project shows how such sites serve as bridges across disciplines. The history within its vast grounds needs to be brought to light so the current generation recognises the monumental achievement…

INSIDE A DIMLY LIT WORKSHOP in Alamgari Bazar in Srinagar’s downtown, sixty-year-old Mohammad Afzal, a master papier-mâché craftsman, is engrossed in putting the final touches on a decorative tray. As he moves his worn-out hands to complete the delicate floral design, each stroke reflects the craftsmanship he has honed over the years. “I have been doing it for the last forty years,” he says with contentment. His father was a shawl maker, but he was drawn to papier-mâché while visiting his father in a community workshop. “During those times, all the artists would work together, and an artist making designs with a brush immediately caught my attention,” he says. It took him nearly ten years to perfect the art, “I spent time with nearly four master artisans. I have dedicated…