Letter from the Editor

WITH THE YEAR 2020 behind us, there’s no better time than now to look forward to a new beginning. 2021 is a year that we hope will bring more meaningful travels and a sense of rejuvenation to our readers. This year, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia,

in keeping with its editorial campaign around Conscious Travel, takes a step forward to support local businesses and communities, and bring to the fore places, people, and stories that are hidden gems in India and around the world. For us, this year becomes the year to #discovertheundiscovered, and to arm our readers with knowledge that will help them experience some truly unforgettable and unique destinations far from the madding crowd. Our list of ‘21 Emerging Destinations for 2021’ is just what you need to plan a novel itinerary for the new year (p. 9).

Since this issue doubles up as our annual royalty special, we tracked down the royal family of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, where our cover stars and millennial princesses, Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Deo, are supporting local communities and crafts with their sustainable tourism project: The Belgadia Palace (p. 40).

We also learn the rich history of the nawabs of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, and get a sneak peek of a royal wedding (p. 46). In the highly underrated Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, we sample cuisine that was served to kings and queens of yesteryear (p. 52).

From the alleys of Harar in Ethiopia

(p. 66) to the grand châteaux that sit in Loire Valley, France (p. 88) and the brilliant colours of Morocco (p. 34), our first issue of 2021 comes packed with plenty of captivating travelogues that will inspire memorable travels.

Here’s to a new year that we hope will ring with wishes of ‘bon voyage’!

Aindrila Mitra aindrila.mitra@burda.in

#TnlTravels on @travelandleisureindia @tnlindia linkedin.com/company/travel-leisure-india-south-asia