Odisha - Land of The Rising Sun
Stretching along India’s eastern coast by the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is a realm shaped by ancient empires, sacred rivers, dense forests, and enduring traditions. Every temple spire, village mural, and forest path tells a story of devotion, ancient stories find life in paint, rhythm, and ritual.
Along the coast, the sacred Puri Jagannath Temple anchors Odisha’s spiritual soul. Each year, the city comes alive during the Rath Yatra, when towering chariots roll through the streets in a celebration of faith, color, and community.
Nature shapes every journey here. The vast Chilika Lake shimmers with dolphins and migratory birds, while the tranquil wetlands of Manglajodi offer hushed boat rides through mirrored waters. Further north, the untamed mangroves of Bhitarkanika National Park remain wild and elemental.
Odisha reveals itself through its people — from tribal communities rooted in forest rhythms to the artistic legacy of Raghurajpur, where Pattachitra paintings bring myth to life. Old royal centres like Cuttack and Mayurbhanj add quiet layers of history without weighing the land down.
Shaped long ago by the turning point of Emperor Ashoka, Odisha today feels calm, grounded, and deeply human — a place where mornings begin with light on stone, and journeys end with a sense of stillness.
Bhubaneswar — The Temple City
Bhubaneswar blends ancient sacred spaces with an easy, modern rhythm. Temples rise quietly along leafy streets, making history feel part of everyday life rather than something set apart.
The city’s spiritual centre is the towering Lingaraj Temple, while nearby shrines such as Mukteshwar Temple, Parashurameshwar, and Rajarani showcase the elegance of Odisha’s Kalinga style through finely carved stone and balanced design.
Beyond the temples, the rock-cut Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves offer quiet escapes, and evenings unfold peacefully around Bindu Sagar Lake. As a cultural gateway, Bhubaneswar connects visitors to Odisha’s tribal heritage, crafts, and living traditions — calm, layered, and deeply rooted.
Konark, is home to the extraordinary Konark Sun Temple. Built in the 13th century, the temple takes the form of a monumental stone chariot of the Sun God, its massive wheels and carved panels capturing movement, time, and myth in remarkable detail.
Morning light sharpens every line of the ruins, revealing the precision and scale of the sculpture and lending the site a quiet, almost cinematic calm.
Nearby, Chandrabhaga Beach offers open horizons and sea air — a gentle counterpoint to the weight of stone.
Sights
Puri is a coastal town. At its centre rises the revered Jagannath Temple, a living shrine that draws pilgrims year-round and transforms the city during the annual Rath Yatra, when massive chariots roll through the streets in a surge of colour, sound, and faith.
Just beyond the temple precincts, are nearby craft villages and workshops, where Odisha’s artistic traditions continue by hand and by habit.
the legacy of Gautama Buddha and Emperor Ashoka lives on at sites such as Dhauli Shanti Stupa, where Ashoka is believed to have embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War.
Accommodation
Set amid the quiet countryside of northern Odisha, Belgadia Palace rises gently above mango orchards and forested plains. Built in the early 19th century as a royal guesthouse of the Bhanj Deo dynasty, the palace blends classical European symmetry with Indian sensibility — white colonnades, high ceilings and sun-washed verandahs overlooking expansive lawns.
Lovingly restored by the royal family, Belgadia today is an intimate heritage retreat, where original furnishings, curated art and a sense of lived history define the experience. Beyond its gates lie the tribal heartlands of Mayurbhanj and the wild landscapes of Simlipal — a rare confluence of culture, nature and quiet refinement. Belgadia is not a hotel to be passed through, but a place to linger, explore and slow down. With inputs from AD Magazine.
Immortalised in Marble
As the sun rises, casting a golden hue over the marble, and sets, bathing it in a rosy glow, the Taj Mahal stands as a timeless tribute to the power of love and the enduring legacy of a heartbroken emperor.
The story of the Taj Mahal is as captivating as its architecture. Shah Jahan envisioned the Taj as a paradise on earth. He summoned the finest craftsmen worldwide to bring his vision to life. Construction took over two decades and employed thousands of artisans and labourers, creating a timeless symbol of love and beauty.
Sights
Besides the Taj Mahal, you can also visit the Red Fort, whose construction began during Emperor Akbar's reign. Explore Sikandra, Akbar's resting place, known for its stunning architecture. Visit the Catholic Cemetery with its Red Taj Mahal, a striking red sandstone tomb built by Colonel John William Hessing’s wife in his memory.
Southeast of Agra is Bateshwar, an ancient temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. This serene site features a series of whitewashed temples and hosts an annual cattle fair, one of the largest in the region, drawing traders and visitors from afar.
Accommodation
Inspired by the Moorish and Mughal palace architecture of the 16th and 17th centuries, The Oberoi Amarvilas exudes timeless elegance with its terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools, and pavilions, all designed to complement the nearby Taj Mahal. Every guest room and suite overlooks this iconic monument to love, ensuring that your stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas is an unforgettable experience when visiting Agra.
Varanasi: The City of Timeless Traditions
Varanasi, India's holiest and oldest city, draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the sacred Ganges River, seeking spiritual salvation. As you navigate its narrow, winding streets, you'll arrive at the riverbanks, where mesmerising rituals and prayer ceremonies unfold.
Renowned as the home of Hindustani classical music, Varanasi has produced legendary musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar. It is also a sacred site for Buddhists, as it is here that the Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Varanasi is a must-visit destination for an immersive experience rich in culture, spirituality, and history.
Sights
Morning boat ride on the river ganges will surely rejuvenate soul of your body.
Also not to be missed is where the Buddha came to preach his message of the middle way to Nirvana after achieving enlightenment.
Experience the life giving sounds and chants of mantras and aarti ceremony held every evening on the banks of river Ganges.
Accommodation
Brij Rama Palace in Varanasi is a luxurious retreat that beautifully combines historical grandeur with modern comfort. Originally built in the 18th century by the royal family, this heritage palace has been carefully restored to retain its timeless charm. The palace showcases exquisite antique furnishings and artwork that reflect the rich cultural history of Varanasi. With well-appointed rooms and suites, Brij Rama Palace offers an exclusive and serene stay, providing guests with a truly regal experience in the heart of this ancient city.
Medieval Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees,” offers a captivating glimpse into its rich heritage. Wander through medieval squares adorned with temples, explore narrow streets lined with mud-brick houses and pagoda roofs, and discover hidden courtyards. Watch artisans weave textiles, carve timber, and dry pots by open kilns in the lively squares. The town’s vibrant cultural life continues to shine through its daily activities and traditional crafts.
Sights
Nyatapola Temple: Nepal’s tallest temple, renowned for its five stories, features exquisite architecture despite having sustained damage to its spire.
Potter’s Square is a lively hub where treadle-powered wheels spin, and rows of clay pots dry under the sun.
Golden Gate: A stunning feature of Durbar Square, this magnificent golden portal showcases Nepal's most impressive repoussé metalwork.
National Art Gallery and Woodcarving Museum. Must-visit attractions highlighting the country’s rich artistic and craft traditions.
Accommodation
Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel is a luxurious haven that beautifully blends traditional Newari architecture with modern comforts. Celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and tranquil atmosphere, the resort offers a perfect fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary elegance. Nestled amidst nature, Dwarika’s Dhulikhel provides an unparalleled retreat for discerning travelers seeking peace, wellness, and a deep connection with the rich local traditions.
The Dutch Bastion
Galle is a historic gem, perfect for exploring on foot. Once a bustling maritime hub, it features Dutch colonial buildings, ancient mosques, churches, and grand mansions. Strolling through its charming streets, you'll find stylish cafes, unique boutiques, and beautifully restored hotels, blending history with vibrant creativity.
Sights
Flag Rock, the most popular place at the southernmost end of the fort to catch a sunset. Dutch reformed Church, originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Look for the Dutch Market with its displays of fruits and vegetables under a 300-year-old columned roof.
Accommodation
@ Cape Weligama - There is only one place to stay in Weligama, and that is Cape Weligama, an iconic clifftop resort offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
With its collection of elegantly designed villas and suites, each impeccably appointed, Cape Weligama provides an unmatched level of luxury and privacy, making it the premier destination for discerning travelers in Sri Lanka.
SHAZAM
“Music is all about transporting people; speaking a language which languages fail to express” - A. R. Rahman.
Music is deeply woven into the fabric of Indian culture. From the rituals performed in temples, the chanting of hymns and mantras, to classical dance performances and Bollywood songs, music permeates every aspect of life in India. Embark on a musical journey through India and experience the diverse and rich sounds that define its cultural heritage.
Imagine India as a vast land of diverse sounds, where each state is a unique track in the world’s largest playlist. Like Shazam identifies songs, India captivates visitors with its rich cultural tapestry from the moment they arrive. Every city, village, and festival has its own signature tune, reflecting its history and way of life. Music here is more than an art form; it’s a spiritual experience and a bridge connecting the past with the present. Exploring India is like discovering a new favourite song—its rhythms linger in your soul long after you’ve left.
