THE GREAT REGIONAL RETREAT

From Kumaon to Majuli, Cottagecore travel is transforming our roots. These quiet journeys are about finding peace in traditional crafts and nature

- Words ADIT GANGULY

The shift in how we explore the Indian landscape today is profound. It is no longer just about the hurried checklist of “must-see” monuments or the impersonal opulence of high-rise hotels. Instead, travellers are chasing a feeling – a return to energy, restoration, and a rhythmic harmony with the earth. This is the era of Cottagecore travel, a movement that celebrates the simple way of life and turns the act of holidaying into a soulful reconnection to our roots. While Cottagecore first emerged as a digital aesthetic in 2017, it found its true heartbeat during the 2020 pandemic. When the world was shrouded in the chaos of disease and digital fatigue, many of us collectively realised how our fast-paced lifestyles had damaged our sense of peace. Confined to our houses, we turned to baking, knitting, and gardening – not for profit, but for the survival of the spirit. Today, that domestic shelter has expanded into a travel philosophy. We are seeking out destinations that act as a shield against modern anxiety, where fulfilment is found far away from monetary potential and notifications.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF SLOW LIVING