Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
from the Editor
IHAVE JUST BOOKED MYSELF A HOLIDAY. Yes, you read that right. It’s called #WorkFromHoliday, something one of our writers experimented with on a sojourn to Uttarakhand, beating pandemic blues and finally taking the travel plunge (p. 44). I am off to Jaipur on a road trip. While naysayers might disapprove of it, I believe life must go on, albeit carefully, consciously, and with all the safety precautions recommended by experts. India is a treasure trove of experiences for the wanderer, and every year, our August issue pays homage to this incredible country. From some of the most bespoke experiences that only India can offer (p. 72), to the top 10 places that offer Ayurvedic treatments (p. 94), especially for a post-pandemic wellness getaway—our India special traverses the length and breadth of the nation to bring you unique journeys you can embark on as the country opens up. Immerse yourself in the wonders of India with captivating travelogues—the roads that lead to the wilderness of the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan (p. 54), the ancient Silk Route junction of Jaisalmer (p. 50), a Kochi museum that acts as a time portal (p. 58), and the many forts, stepwells, and tombs in Junagadh (p. 38). Our cover star, the talented actor and climate warrior Bhumi Pednekar, has conceptualised this issue’s projection shoot to reflect the way she envisions this planet’s future—green and colourful, sustainable and thoughtful. She reveals her passion for nature conservation, sustainability tips for the common man, and her most memorable Indian holidays in a candid interview (p. 26). Elsewhere in the issue, we navigate the rest of Asia. You’ll discover eco-friendly itinerary ideas across Sri Lanka (p. 12), architectural discoveries in Penang’s capital (p. 64), a first-time surfer’s lessons in the lesser known beach paradise of Canggu in Indonesia (p. 68), and 10 offbeat holiday ideas across the continent (p. 06).
SECOND HOME
This photograph was taken at City Palace, Jaipur, in November 2019, during the launch event of the palace’s Gudliya Suite, which one can book on Airbnb. I can never get enough of the city—its rich history, heritage, culture, and cuisine. Jaipur is my second home, and every chance I get, I pack my bags and set off on a road trip from Delhi to the city of royals. As I reflect on the last three months, the one thing that stands out is the resilience of my peers, team, and industry. That’s the beauty of the human species. We always bounce back. This time, when we travel again, which we surely will, we promise to do so responsibly.