Bards have penned many an ode to its beauty, and the adage ‘Heaven on Earth’ is often used when describing it. On one of my first visits to Kashmir, I decided to see for myself, what the fuss was all about. I was not let down.

I returned spellbound with a host of kaleidoscopic images in my head – a lone houseboat floating dreamily on the gentle waters of the Dal Lake, majestic snow capped mountain peaks looming over the town square, the multiple hues of a chinar leaves fluttering in the chilly breeze and the intricately designed kanger peeping out of the jacket ...

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“A thriving household depends on the use of seasonal produce and the application of common sense.”  
Ancient Quote

Luxury comes in many forms and a luxurious dining experience is perhaps the most satiating. The Royal Vega restaurant at ITC Chola, Chennai successfully merges royal tradition, vegetarianism and the ancient tenets of Ayurveda to translate into an exclusive dining experience.

This summer, Royal Vega brings you the Grishma Ritu menu which combines elaborate preparations of time-tested seasonal recipes, exquisite ingredients and ...

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If you look at the map of the world, you will realise how vast the Mediterranean region actually is. Which explains why the cuisine from this region, is as healthy, as vibrant and as varied as it is.

In fact, it comprises countries like Albania, Bosnia-Hergovina, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Serbia-Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain, Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Libya, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

And to encompass all of this in one culinary entity – Mediterranean cuisine – is as daunting, as it is exciting! That’s ...

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As the ground gets covered with a soft green canopy and the flowers begin to bloom in iridescent shades, I realise that my mood has transformed magically. There is a spring in my step, a smile on my face and lightness in my spirit. What is it about spring that uplifts one’s mood so? Perhaps it is the fact that you can wipe your slate clean and look forward to new beginnings.

The season of spring is the perfect time to celebrate the fresh edible flowers and herbs, which are available in abundance during the season. One can experiment with colourful, fragrant flavours of spring like ...

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Many years ago, I grudgingly tagged along with a friend of mine who wanted to make a trip to the Himalayas. This friend was an enthusiastic angler, who had dedicated many a quiet hour to the hobby he so loved. We began our journey on a quiet spring day at the banks of the River Beas, and silently trudged up the majestic mountains. As soon as we reached the camp, we set up our rods and patiently waited for the fish to bite.

The next couple of hours were the most peaceful in my life. I was lost in the solitude of the mountainside and its serenity enveloped me so profoundly that I ...

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