In this issue

The December 2021 issue of Discover India introduces you to 10 lesser-known destinations in India. Learn all about the country's most expensive tea that grows on the fringes of Darjeeling; discover the glacial lake of Kedartal in Uttarakhand through a series of photographs; find out how Russian designer Nina Okhotina found inspiration in the streets of India; and more.

New Gear For New Travels

Here’s our selection of some nifty new gear that’s certain to add extra oomph to your next vacation.

9 mins

10 Hidden Gems Of India

The last two years have prepared us to expect the unexpected, so why not explore the unexplored in 2022? India boasts some of the most culturally abundant and visually spectacular places in the world. Pick one or more of these 10 indian destinations to travel to and discover new lands in the coming year.

8 mins

When Travel Heals

Going for a holiday just after you have lost your mother to COVID-19 may not be the most popular idea, but it was the only way for a grieving family to escape the agony with which they were living. And so, they headed to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in search of peace and recuperation.

5 mins

Masks of Glory

Charida is not the most popular tourist spot in West Bengal. But its obscurity is one of the reasons we choose to discover the undiscovered ‘mask village’ of India.

4 mins

Palace of Grandeur

The Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall offers a slice of Karnataka’s rich architectural and culinary history and culture. We check-in at the palatial property for a plush staycation.

4 mins

The Road to My Roots

A family finds harmony and plenty of nostalgia in the hilly forests of Ramgarh, Uttarakhand and the Kumaon Himalayas.

6 mins

GARDEN of FABLES

On the fringes of Darjeeling, Kurseong is home to India’s most expensive tea, the world’s first tea factory, and a mystical natural phenomenon.

5 mins

MORE than just FOOD

Kochi’s boutique cafés go beyond the traditional meal to o er artisanal experiences that reflect the port city’s varied expressions. From artist residencies to couverture masterclasses and upmarket design stores, there’s much to explore and savour.

5 mins

Magical Moments

Travel blogger and dancer, Nina Okhotina, is also the founder of the clothing brand, The Dress Stories. Her fl owy, one-tone dresses add a touch of magic to her Instagram pictures from her Indian trips. The Russia-born social-media star reminisces about her time in India and the people that made it special.

3 mins

Goa with a Twist

Innovative dining, well-curated high-teas, offbeat local trails, and unparalleled hospitality—Hilton Goa Resort crafts a world far removed from the Goa to which we are accustomed.

5 mins

A Tribal TRYST

Ooty in the Nilgiris Hills of Tamil Nadu may be one of India's most visited hill stations, but an immersion into the life and culture of the local tribes makes for an offbeat, experiential way to rediscover the charming region.

7 mins

It's Festival Time In India!

The richness of a culture is often reflected in its festivals, and that stands true in india, the land of festivals. Many of its celebrations go unnoticed under the all-encompassing blanket of popular events, such as holi and diwali. Here are 10 unique gems that guarantee a mesmerising experience.

9 mins

Culture beyond Borders

A trip to the northernmost frontier of Ladakh warrants a visit to the unique Balti Museum, where you will discover a culture that has survived despite wars and shifting borders.

4 mins

A Mouthful of South

South Indian cuisine gets a new lease of life at Savya Rasa Delhi—the restaurant pleasantly surprises with its sophisticated flavours and originality.

2 mins

Far From Home

Singapore-based Patricia (@oneoceanaway) visited India twice in the same year with her husband, Michael. And though the second sojourn was a few days before the pandemic forced the world into a lockdown, this Spanish wanderer has nothing but happy memories and happier images of their adventure in India.

3 mins

Abode of the Goddess

Steeped in legend and jasmine aroma, Madurai draws the bulk of its tourists with ornate temples. But go deeper and you’ll discover that the city holds a unique allure for everyone.

7 mins

Into the Unknown

Embark on a 10-day road trip across eastern and central Arunachal Pradesh to find fresh perspective and a world that abounds in pristine beauty.

8 mins

Au Naturel

AINDRILA MITRA experiences the charm of a luxe farm stay amid wilderness at Mihir Garh, a boutique property near Jodhpur.

4 mins

HIGH on HERITAGE

In the brief lull between two waves of the raging pandemic, a trip uncovered assorted treasures in Madhya Pradesh: from the ornate palaces of Orchha to the iconic temples of Khajuraho, and the wild denizens of Panna Tiger Reserve.

6 mins

HOME is where the PUJA is

As preparations crescendo for this year’s Durga Puja, experience the humble pandals of Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, and traditional family’s annual rituals.

5 mins

The DAWN is NIGH

Varanasi may be best known for its ethereal ghats and boat rides on the River Ganga, but its svelte lanes are brimming with culinary specialties and unique silk saris. Set out on a fine morning to sample these and discover just how much the pandemic has affected local businesses.

5 mins

Not Just An Average Holiday

jüSTa Mukteshwar Retreat & Spa sweeps you off your feet with its charming decor, uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, and personalised wellness services.

4 mins

“Culturally, I'm fairly Indian.”

Rebekah Blank does not remember life before India, for a good reason—she was barely a toddler when her family left the US. The co-founder of Fabcafe (the dining arm of FabIndia) and Atmosphere Kombucha talks about growing up in Mussoorie, living in Delhi, and her love for the outdoors and healthy eating.

3 mins

Summer Love

The hazy, lazy days of summer are here. That means watching misty clouds descend from a Himalayan cottage, diving into the cerulean waters of the Indian Ocean, camping in the northeastern rainforests, and more. Be it a solo trip, an intimate getaway with your partner, a family vacation, or a fun break with your best buds, these 20 destinations will give you plenty of choices for every mood.

10+ mins

Cabin in the Woods

Home to several rare and endangered species, the virgin forests of Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura National Park offer lessons in sustainability and change your perception of wildlife safaris for the better.

6 mins

Joy in a Tea Cup

Nestled in prime tea country at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Balipara in Assam invites you to experience the laid-black plantation life and unique conservation efforts.

6 mins

River of Dreams

Leave the hustle of the city behind and embrace the slow life on a riverbank. On the outskirts of Rishikesh, The Glasshouse on the Ganges serves up a unique recipe of well-being.

3 mins

Offbeat Adventures

After many failed plans of touring India, it was work that finally brought Italian couple Giorgio and Martina (@inviaggiocoltubo) to the country. The duo’s adventures in the lanes of Old Delhi, the city of Agra, and the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park won the hearts of their ever-growing Instagram followers. And now, they can’t wait to return and explore some more.

3 mins

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Discover India Magazine Description:

Discover India, India's premium travel and culture magazine launched in 1988 by Media Transasia India Limited in active cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with a view to cater primarily to the inbound tourist. It is a beautifully presented glossy monthly, widely circulated and available at all our missions abroad.
Discover India reflects the diverse aspects of India. It deals with India's philosophy, history, culture, architecture, fashion, art and folklore in both the ancient and modern context. It is a magazine with some thing for everyone - the gourmet, the scholar, the architect.