Why 'best time to visit' no longer applies
I spent April and May this year travelling across Nepal – prime trekking season and often billed as the "best time to visit". Almost every online guide promised clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Instead, I found hazy polluted air and low visibility, especially at lower elevations. Early monsoons swept across the country, briefly clearing the smoke but replacing it with downpours I hadn't prepared for. The gap between expectation and reality was jarring.
This isn't just a Nepal problem; travel is facing climate-driven disruptions everywhere. Australia recorded its hottest March on record this year, with temperatures 2.41C above the historical average. In Japan, cherry blossoms are blooming earlier than ever. Across the globe, longer summers, shorter winters and erratic "false springs" are now routine.
"The planet's warming since around 1980 is making heatwaves, droughts and floods more frequent and severe," says Jonathan Erdman, senior meteorologist at The Weather Company's weather.com. "All three of these are most common during summer, when travel peaks."
But the unpredictability now stretches year-round. "Extremely wet and dry periods can happen any time of year – including shoulder season – if the weather pattern gets stuck for a while," Erdman adds.
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Times
2 hours ago
- Times
The sleek Tokyo hotel that's full of thoughtful touches
The Cesar Pelli-designed Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower could simply be another skyscraper in Tokyo's financial district, albeit a particularly sleek one. But secreted away in its top few floors is one of the city's best international luxury hotels — Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. The property adds a Japanese twist to the Hong Kong-based brand's signature luxurious style, with a dramatic seasonal ikebana (flower arrangement) display in the centre of the lobby. The ikebana is just one way the brand's 'Woods and Water' concept is incorporated into the design. Others include shimmering blue stones embedded in the steps down to some of the gourmet restaurants, a large water feature by the bar and subtle botanical prints everywhere from the lifts to the bedroom textiles. Spacious rooms have a clean, modern Japanese vibe, while 11 excellent bars, cafés and restaurants provide an impressive amount of choice. Expect attentive and generous service from the moment you enter, down to thoughtful little touches like branded velcro ties used to tidy up your cables when you're out. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Score 9/10Rooms and suites have a contemporary Japanese aesthetic, blending clean lines and unfussy patterns with warm natural tones and materials. As the hotel is in Nihonbashi, once a key area for buying kimono, every room features a framed length of kimono silk with its own beautiful pattern. Each of those 179 rooms (including 22 suites) also includes a valet cupboard, bedside control panel and a chaise longue beside the wide, floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can recline and watch the city below. Even the smallest (Deluxe) rooms are an impressive 50 sq m, and some offer you a glimpse of Tokyo Skytree or even Mount Fuji on the horizon. To guarantee a Skytree view — and with binoculars provided, it can be quite a close-up one — upgrade to a Deluxe Premium Room. Expect luxurious bathrooms in every room type, with walk-in showers, separate bathtubs, Natura Bissé amenities and wood-and-marble vanity units with glossy black accents. Connecting rooms are available, as are children's extras such as bathrobes, toys and even a play tent. Rooms can be childproofed on request. Score 9/10With 11 restaurants, cafés and bars (plus the ground-floor Gourmet Shop), it's tempting to dine in for every meal here. You can order customisable breakfasts to your room or head down to K'shiki restaurant for the buffet, which includes fresh fruit and salad, egg dishes, ramen, a tempting daily-changing baked goods section and Fuji views on clear days. Several spots are open for lunch, including the international buffet restaurant Ventaglio on the second floor. Up on the 38th, the glitzy Oriental Lounge also serves a classic afternoon tea with savoury bites, scones and petits fours — try it with the signature citrussy Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Blend tea. The Pizza Bar on 38th is ranked among the best pizza bars not just in the Asia-Pacific region but the world. The other dining options are equally notable. Sushi Shin by Miyakawa lives up to the Michelin-starred level of its original Hokkaido location; Sense serves fragrant, flavourful Cantonese dishes, and has the Tea Corner where you can appreciate a perfectly brewed cup with a Skytree view; and Signature features exquisite French cuisine with a contemporary edge (four, five or six-course menus and à la carte evening menus). The Mandarin Bar is a cosy, stylish spot — try the refreshing Mandarin Mojito, the tangy Nihonbashi cocktail, or a single malt whisky from an extensive list. There's live music every evening. • Discover our full guide to Japan• More great hotels in Tokyo Score 8/10The hotel's spa is on the 37th floor; the fitness centre on the 38th. Though there's no swimming pool, there is a heated hydrotherapy pool. There are four treatment rooms in the spa and an impressive array of facial and body treatments. Book ahead if possible — the invigorating Red Eye Recovery is ideal if this is your first stop after a long international flight. You're generally asked to cover tattoos in the wellness facilities, as some in Japan find them intimidating or distracting, For fitness, there's a large, well-equipped room with wall-to-wall windows that mean great city views. As well as personal training, you can book classes such as yoga, Pilates or circuits (all for additional fee). Tattoos are acceptable in the gym. You can also book a range of cultural activities in the area surrounding the hotel – try the Edo kiriko (saké glass engraving) or Ozu washi (Japanese paper) workshops to get a truly unique souvenir. Score 9/10The hotel is located in the historic financial district of Nihonbashi, within easy walking distance of the neighbourhood's fine-dining restaurants, cosy izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and big-name department stores, and under 20 minutes from the vast Tokyo station on foot. The hotel has direct access to Shin-Nihonbashi subway station, on the JR Sobu line. Staff, especially the helpful concierge, are extremely knowledgeable about the area and can give you tips and assist you with bookings. They can also provide a small map of the jogging routes around the nearby Imperial Palace grounds, and a handy little card showing the hotel on a map and its address in Japanese — invaluable if you get lost. You can pick up a more detailed area map (showing Nihonbashi, Ningyocho, Tokyo station, Yurakucho and Ginza) from the concierge desk, plus lovely small illustrated guides to the area — a general one and a season-specific one. Flash your room key at the listed spots, and you may get a discount or perk. Price room-only doubles from £535Restaurant mains from £16Family-friendly YAccessible N Rebecca Hallett was a guest of Mandarin Oriental Tokyo ( • Best things to do in Tokyo• Tokyo v Osaka: which is better?
Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Telegraph
The 20 best things to do in Goa
There's more to Goa's attractions than beaches. In fact, despite visiting primarily in the summer as a child, I was often taken on hikes with my father deep into the rainforests, past waterfalls, ancient temples and towering trees. It is a versatile state, with a sandy coastline hugged by the mighty Western Ghats. As one of the region's many festivals will showcase, it is the people who truly make Goa stand apart from the rest of India. Beyond their food and fantastic music scene, their art, architecture, adventure and wellness offerings all have elements of susegad – complete relaxation. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Goa. Find out more below, or for more Goa inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best free things to do Best for the great outdoors Best for culture Best for wellness Best for families Museum of Goa Explore Goa's contemporary art scene Fondly called MOG by locals, the Museum of Goa showcases the state's extensive contemporary art scene. Renowned Goan artist Subodh Kerkar, who founded the gallery, showcases why Goa is different to the rest of India. His expressions, especially Goa's Ark from his permanent exhibit, bring forward the deep-rooted Portuguese history and the complexities of inter-religious life. Insider tip: Allow at least two hours to explore the museum. It is worth booking a guided tour, which can be done upon is also a terrace, an outdoor garden with artworks and a restaurant serving Goan classics like ros omelette. Spice Farms Visit a local plantation Touring a spice plantation as a visitor is fascinating, as it gives an insight into Goa beyond its beaches. Learn the incredible details of the spices that grow in the region, like black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves. Most tours include walking through plantations within the state's rainforests and end with a traditional lunch. Insider tip: Choose a spice plantation tour that offers extras like accommodation, cookery lessons (especially Saraswat cuisine, which uses most of the spices grown). Some, like Dudhsagar Plantation, offer bird watching and dedicated activities for children, such as zip lining and rock climbing. Mario Miranda Gallery Flick through a cartoonist's gallery Many of us in India grew up admiring Mario Miranda's cartoons in national newspapers – he'd present readers with vivid and witty illustrations of everyday Goan life. He travelled the world and even worked with famous cartoonists like Charles M. Schulz and R.K. Laxman before retiring to his ancestral home in Goa. His galleries are scattered across Calangute, Porvorim and Margao, each offering unique souvenirs to take home. Insider tip: Set in an old Goan laterite home with an enchanting garden, the gallery in the bucolic village of Porvorim is the region's prettiest. Best free things to do Basilica of Bom Jesus Visit Goa's prominent pilgrimage site Old Goa is one of the state's most charming regions and was the capital under Portuguese rule. Ask any local what to see here and they'd point you in the direction of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is also a prominent pilgrimage site for Christians. This impressive church is built from granite and is famous for preserving the remains of St Francis Xavier, encased in a silver casket, who died in 1552. Insider tip: Expect heavy crowds from local tourists visiting the church between the end of December and early January. While you're here, walk across the gardens to visit other heritage structures, like Se Cathedral and Churches and Convents of Goa. Fontainhas Explore the Latin Quarters A stroll through Goa's charming Latin Quarters, Fontainhas, in the capital city of Panjim, is an excellent way to spend a day. You'll walk past many ornate Goan-Portuguese heritage homes, each painted in vivid hues of mustard, burgundy and ivory and nearly all cloaked under tropical trees and bougainvillaea climbers. The evenings here have a different energy – you'll see locals flocking to the tavernas and restaurants, but Fontainhas is best explored in the morning on a weekday. Insider tip: Fontainhas gets particularly lively during festivals like the annual Carnival, held in February ahead of Lent, and theSão João festival every June. Shops and restaurants open after 10am and close any time between 6pm and 11pm. Bakeries are ordinarily open between 8am to 8pm. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Visit the region's Hollywood site This popular Baroque church façade has served as a backdrop for many Bollywood films and Goan postcards. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was the first port of call for sailors from Lisbon, who stopped to give thanks for a safe voyage across the seas. Many here believe that the stairways were modelled on a smaller scale after those at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal, with a central landing area and symmetrical stairways on either side. Insider tip: Dress codes are strict here (no sleeveless vests or shorts above the knee allowed inside), but its elegant white and blue façade is worth admiring from afar. The Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine Picture the region's abandoned church and monastery In 1602, Augustinian Friars, who had arrived on Goa's shores to spread Christianity in 1572, constructed this prominent church and monastery. Choosing Monte Santo (Holy Mount) as their site in Old Goa, it was largely considered one of the key churches in the Iberian world. After being abandoned in the 19 th century, at present, only a part of the belfry stands tall – the rest has fallen into ruin and disrepair. The original bell was transported to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Insider tip: It is ideal to visit during sunrise or sunset, when the sun's rays over the laterite-hued ruins make for excellent photos. Anjuna Flea Market Shop for local crafts and clothing Anjuna's popular flea market is open every Wednesday between October and April. Shop quintessential bohemian wear, plus printed shirts, embroidered scarves, Goa trance music CDs, Indian handicrafts, spiritual paraphernalia and essential oils. What I love about the markets in Goa is that even if you don't buy anything, the vendors are still happy to have a chat with visitors. Insider tip: Further south, head to Mapusa market for similar paraphernalia but also excellent local cashews (Zantye is the oldest and most trusted shop to buy cashews). Mapusa is also famous for pottery, spices and Goan chorizo. Festivals Join the local celebration India does have the most kaleidoscopic festivals, but Goa is a world apart. There's Carnival held every February, which sees floats, samba and Goan trance music. Every March or April, the spring festival called Shigmo is held across the state, where various parades and folk dances are performed by members of the Hindu-Konkani community. This is followed by the São João festival in June, where many Christian Goans merrily drink copious amounts of feni and jump in wells wearing floral coronets. June also sees the farming community celebrate Chikhal Kalo, a mud bath festival. South Goa comes to life during Diwali in autumn. Insider tip: Despite festivals being celebrated throughout the year, December is the busiest time in Goa as it celebrates the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Christmas Day and even Sunburn, an annual electronic dance music festival that attracts over300,000 visitors. Best for the great outdoors Chapora Fort Take in the famous view You might wonder why so many domestic tourists strike a pose upon the walls of this majestic laterite fort. It served as a backdrop for the famous Bollywood film, Dil Chahta Hai, released in the Noughties and has had a loyal fan base since. Don't let that dissuade you – the view overlooking the Arabian Sea meeting Chapora River is worth the short hike. This fort has been under the rule of the Marathas, the Portuguese and was the former site of the Sultanate of Bijapur. Insider tip: Head up here on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and if you still can't find a tranquil spot, head further south to impressive forts like Reis Magos, Aguada (fee payable on entry) or Cabo de Rama. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary Head deep into a national park More than a sanctuary, this large wildlife reserve is a part of the Western Ghats. It's also home to the mighty Dudhsagar Waterfalls (see above) and Mollem National Park. As one of the top spots in Goa for bird watching, you'll easily spot some endemic species here like the state bird – the flame-throated bulbul, Malabar grey hornbill and the brahminy kite. If you're lucky, you'll also encounter leopards, elephants, cobras and pythons. Insider tip: Carry minimal items with you – hikes here can be tedious, and there are tribes of wild, curious monkeys that are notorious for snatching belongings from travellers. Deep in this national park, you can visit the 13th-century Kadamba-period Shiva temple, the oldest in the state. Dudhsagar Falls Trek to Goa's colossal waterfalls Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer magnificence of Dudhsagar Falls. Translating to 'a sea of milk' in Hindi, the Mandovi river comes cascading down four tiers, at 310 metres in height. Summers can be underwhelming as the falls aren't in their full, raw power, so the best time to experience them is in October after the heavy monsoon season. There are jeep safaris from Mollem National Park that you can hire for the day for a guided hike close to the falls. Be warned, it is a bumpy ride and a slightly demanding trek to the falls. If you want to spend a full day and night here, there are modest homestays nearby, such as Dudhsagar Plantation. Insider tip: For a cherished memory, head to the designated viewpoint (your guide will point this out to you) and wait for a train to pass along the railway bridge, with the colossal waterfalls in the backdrop. Divar Island Explore unspoilt Goa Take a break for half a day and catch a ferry to the island of Divar, an unspoilt part of Goa. You might even spot mugger crocodiles in the Mandovi River. Ferry boats operate (weather dependent) every 30 minutes from Old Goa, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Don't miss the ornate Saptakoteshwar Temple, along with an ancient step well built by the Kadamba dynasty. Insider tip: The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle (permitted on the ferry). Back to index Best for culture Goa Chitra Museum Honour the region's agrarian life In the quaint, sleepy village of Benaulim is the Goa Chitra Museum, which labels itself as an ethnographic museum honouring Goa's agrarian life. Founder Victor Hugo Gomes observed how traditional tools in farming and cookery were fading from Goan lifestyles and decided to open this museum with a notable collection of more than 40,000 artefacts that he spent years collecting across the state. Insider tip: A guided tour is well worth it to understand Goa's rural life better. Combine this museum visit with a beach day at Benaulim Beach nearby. Menezes Braganza House Visit one of Goa's most opulent mansions A fine example of Goa's glorious, colossal mansions and Indo-Portuguese architecture is Braganza House in Chandor, South Goa. The aristocratic Braganza family was granted land by the king of Portugal in the 16 th century, with additions made over the years. Today, it is often used for wedding and fashion photo shoots as the opulence still stands; Portuguese ceramic tiles, oyster shell window panes, Belgian oak in the library, Italian marble and Venetian glass chandeliers in the ballrooms – and interestingly, a fingernail relic of St Francis Xavier in the chapel in the east wing. Insider tip: Pay a visit to the library in the West Wing, which belonged to notable journalist and activist Dr Luís de Menezes Braganza, who played a significant role in Goa's fight for independence from Portuguese rule. Sri Mangueshi Temple Take a moment in Goa's spiritual heart Goa's Saraswat Hindu community plays a significant role in the state. The exquisite Mangueshi Temple (also known as Mangeshi Temple), which is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, was originally built in the village of Cortalim. After the arrival of the Portuguese, many locals were converted to Christianity, which resulted in the Shiva Linga (a symbolic representation of the deity) being moved and the temple being rebuilt in the village of Ponda. Today, the main temple is painted in hues of turquoise, white and ochre and is open to all. Its intricate seven-storey lamp tower is lit up every night. Insider tip: Dress codes are not strict here, but it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Photography is allowed outside, but is best avoided in the main temple. Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts Learn about the cultural legacies of Goa On top of a hill in Altinho, Panjim, lies the pearly white, cerulean blue and red oxide colours of the property of Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts. Founders Dipti and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar opened this space to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural legacies of Goa through collections and rotating exhibits. Former residencies have seen national and international artists portray traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures, along with regular art festivals and lectures in their amphitheatre. Insider tip: After exploring, stop by their al fresco café called Bodega, which serves an all-day breakfast. All About Alcohol Museum Delve into the story of feni, the drink of Goa In a dedicated space in Candolim, Goa's first alcohol museum is more insightful than it sounds. All About Alcohol dives into ancient methods of distilling, making and consuming Goan liquor, mainly feni, a traditional beverage made from either cashew apples or coconut palm sap. There's a feni cellar, plenty of feni artefacts, ranging from old glassware to labels, but what makes this collection by Nandan Kudchadkar interesting is realising how much feni is interwoven into Goan life. Insider tip: Book a guided tour, which includes a feni tasting at the beautiful wrought iron-clad bar. Contact: 0091 703 007 7013 Opening times: Monday-Sunday, 11am-9pm. Price: £ Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) Watch local performances Learn about the state's enthralling art and architecture at the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) in Panjim. In this 200-year-old mansion, you'll find the fascinating history of the region's traditional art, music and gastronomy. CIPA regularly hosts shows from bygone eras, including re-enactments of Serenata, a practice in Panjim where it was common for Goan men to serenade women. You can also book a traditional fado and mandó show – Goan soulful melodious music accompanied by vocalists and local percussionists. Insider tip: All show tickets include food and drink. Be mindful that at times dietary requirements cannot be catered to. Best for wellness Yoga retreats Find balance in a traditional setting Goa has earned a solid reputation as one of India's best destinations for yoga retreats. Purple Valley was one of the first establishments where travellers could learn ashtanga yoga with their week-long workshops. Today, there are thousands of retreats (often by the beach or in the rainforests), combining yoga, ayurveda treatments and guided meditation to help those seeking recalibration, balance and a peek into traditional yogic philosophy. Insider tip: Many traditional yoga centres can be basic in terms of accommodation, and the focus is very much on the yoga rather than comfort. Some high-end tropical eco retreats by Ashiyana are perfect for combining yoga and rejuvenation in a heavenly property (between October and April). How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Rashmi Narayan Having spent my childhood summers in India's famous seaside state – my father's birthplace – I am often escaping the chaos of London for some much-needed susegad, the Goan attitude towards leading a relaxed life.
BBC News
7 hours ago
- BBC News
An ethical guide to last-chance tourism
As more people travel to destinations that may soon vanish due to climate change, experts and guides weigh in on how this practice could help preserve these places – if done right. When French writer Cédric Duroux reached the summit of a remote Icelandic mountain where a few lone glimmers of ice remained, his first thought was that it was breathtakingly beautiful – until one of the guides gently told him that everything around him used to be glacier. "And then it hit me at the top of that mountain; I'm still having goosebumps telling you about this," Duroux said. "That's when I realised how serious the situation was." This was in 2018, the first of several trips to Ok – formerly the Okjokull glacier – organised by Rice University anthropologists. The professors were scouting the location where Okjokull's highly publicised glacier funeral would take place, and Duroux tagged along. The moment he came face to face with climate change for the first time has stayed with him ever since.
