FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

While the world reels under travel bans and lockdowns, as travel lovers, we can only hope that this is just a matter of time before we can start exploring the best of India again. After all, there’s nothing quite as fulfilling as travel—whether it’s a journey of self- discovery, a rejuvenation retreat, a familial bonding vacation, or simply a way to get some more ‘me time’. While we all wait in anticipation and pray that #CoronaBeGone, we bring you a window to some #DreamEscapes for when the storm has passed and the ships set sail again.

In this issue of Discover India, we take you to the remotest corners of the country. Winter is past, and our cover story aptly follows the sun—from the peaks of the Himalayas to the shores of the Arabian Sea— bringing you dreamy summer getaways ( pg. 70). City Focus covers popular and offbeat locales in Dharamshala ( pg. 26) and Indore ( pg. 18), respectively. We also take you on a 24-hour tour of Kozhikode ( pg. 36). India is incredibly special for many reasons; we revisit some with a Mexican yogini from Canada who travelled all the way to Rishikesh ( pg. 34), and a celebrity hair and makeup artist from Greece who has found his home in Mumbai ( pg. 17).

If you’re up for the proverbial path less travelled, check out the feature on the Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiris, to discover rare f lora and fauna ( pg. 52). We also travel to Kolkata, the City of Joy, to witness aristocratic homes (also called rajbaris) that have been restored into beautiful heritage stays ( pg. 88). Elsewhere, steep hikes challenge your stamina and will in the village of Barot ( pg. 56). From Majuli in Assam ( pg. 66) to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan ( pg. 106), we traverse India in this issue to bring you some sunshine. After all, we could all use some sun right now!