Eight great reasons why you should visit Rajasthan, the ‘land of kings’

Magnificent architecture, imposing fortresses, colourful locals, complex cuisine, and traditional street art... find all this, and more, in Rajasthan—literally, 'the land of kings'.

Closeup of Ugra Narasimha statue in Hampi, Karnataka, India

Photo diary: Magical sights of Hampi

While the majestic Virupaksha temple, and the Vitthala temple with its massive stone chariot and musical pillars, are probably on ever visitor’s itinerary, Hampi has a lot more to offer—regardless of the weather. From riverside walkways with stairs cut into the living rock, and hidden shrines emerging from their lush sugarcane fields, to gigantic boulders in fantastic shapes, and emerald rice fields reflecting the sunrise in their motionless waters, here are some of the sights that have enchanted us over the years.

View of the Teesta from near Kalimpong, West Bengal, India

Six great experiences to have when you’re in Kalimpong

It was April in 2014, and my wife and I desperately needed a holiday. We were tired of the beach, though, and so we decided to head up into the mountains. After casting about a bit, we decided on Kalimpong in West Bengal, where we could stay as guests of the army, and where my wife could re-live some fond childhood memories. Here are six great experiences we discovered while we were in Kalimpong.

Photo diary: The colours of Kutch

In late 2013, my wife wanted to visit Kutch in Gujarat as a sourcing trip for her fledgling ethnic gifts business, so we decided we would turn it into our annual new year's holiday. We spent close to two weeks in Bhuj and its surroundings (arguably home to India's highest concentration of high-quality textile handicraft producers), investigated lots of towns and villages, and took in India's great white salt desert, the Great Rann of Kutch.

Nine great dark rum brands from around the world that you should try (Updated)

There's much more to dark rum than meets the eye (or the mouth and nose)! Good dark rums have as much flavour and complexity as good whiskey, and can be enjoyed just as much. Here are some great dark rum brands from different parts of the world that you should try if you have the chance.

A getaway in the clouds: O’Land Plantation, Coonoor

Most visitors to the Nilgiris take in the sights and sounds of Ooty and its populated environs without realizing that the seemingly-infinite tea plantations on the hills offer a completely different experience, far from the madding crowd and closer to the wild