Marco Polo's Map, Reimagined in a Menu
Marco Polo, the famed Venetian merchant and explorer, journeyed from Europe to Asia in the 13th century via the Silk Road. His travels opened trade routes that brought silk, spices, and precious stones to the West — and along with them, the first glimpses of Eastern culinary treasures.
At Raen, under a soft cascade of warm lighting, the ambience speaks in hushed tones of elegance, a perfect interplay of tradition and modernity. The marble flooring reflects both the richness of heritage and the freshness of innovation, setting the stage for a dining experience where each dish is a story.
But what if Marco Polo didn't just bring back spices — what if he also brought back the soul of Asia's evolving palate? What if the Silk Road connected not just trade, but taste — introducing Europe to kombucha tang, sun-kissed mochi, and the comforting complexity of Asian sauces?
This is more than a Silk Road tour. It's taste, reimagined.
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India.com
a day ago
- India.com
7 Secret Lakes In Asia Perfect For Romantic Boat Rides & Dreamy Picnics
Lakes don't just hold water. They hold reflections, memories, and sometimes, whole mountains rise and seas roar, a lake rests—calm, vast, and inviting. Most travelers race to beaches or bustling hill stations. But what if we told you: lakes aren't just stopovers? They're destinations of their own. Places where time slows, families gather under shady trees, and the gentle rhythm of oars across the water feels like a lullaby. Let's step away from crowded landmarks and into these open mirrors of the earth—where sky meets shore, and picnics meet poetry. What makes lakes so different from other escapes? It's not just the scenery. It's the balance. Mountains challenge you. Oceans overwhelm you. But lakes? They welcome sit quietly, asking nothing more than your presence. You can paddle across them, share sandwiches on their grassy banks, or simply lie down and let the sky spill into your eyes. And unlike fast-paced cities or adrenaline-heavy destinations, lakes offer something rarer: stillness you can share with others. This is why they've been gathering spots for centuries—fishermen, lovers, poets, and now, travelers like us. Tired of the usual tourist rush? These 7 Asian lakes are waiting with boats and picnic spots 1. Dal Lake, Srinagar : Kashmir's Floating Paradise Imagine a picnic on a wooden shikara, the water carrying you like silk beneath painted Lake is more than just a lake—it's a moving story. Floating markets brim with fresh flowers. Houseboats offer you cups of saffron kahwa. And in the middle of it all, you find yourself drifting, unhurried. Why it's perfect: Shikara rides are iconic and soothing. Ghats and gardens nearby make picnic planning effortless. As the sun sets, the lake mirrors Himalayan pinks and golds. Here, boating isn't just activity—it's poetry in motion. 2. Inle Lake, Myanmar : Where Water Becomes a Way of Life Inle isn't just a lake—it's a living village. Fishermen balance on one leg as they cast nets. Wooden stilt houses rise above water gardens. And the lake stretches endlessly, a world shaped entirely by ripples. For picnickers, grassy banks and quiet corners await. For boaters, every row feels like traveling through a painting. Why it's perfect: See unique 'leg-rowing' fishermen in action. Visit floating gardens for fresh produce picnics. Glide past monasteries rising above water. At Inle, boating isn't a leisure activity—it's the rhythm of everyday life. 3. Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan : A Mirror of Myth and Mountains Nestled in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is named for its shape: one side curved like the sun, the other like a crescent moon. But beyond the legend lies a place that feels like an artist's dream. Cycle paths hug the shore. Picnic spots are shaded by forests. Boats cut softly across jade-green waters. And somewhere in the middle, you forget whether you're in a park or a poem. Why it's perfect: Easy cycling + picnic-friendly spots around the lake. Cultural temples add a spiritual calm to the setting. Scenic boat tours let you see both sun and moon sides. It's not just a lake. It's a balance between myth and memory. 4. Lake Kawaguchi, Japan : Fuji's Silent Reflection Some lakes frame sunsets. Lake Kawaguchi frames Mount Fuji. On still days, the snow-capped giant leans down to kiss its reflection. On lively afternoons, rowboats and swan-shaped pedal boats scatter laughter across the water. Picnics here feel blessed by Japan's most sacred peak. Why it's perfect: Spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Cherry blossoms in spring make picnic blankets bloom. Rental boats offer serene paddling experiences. At Kawaguchi, you don't just eat sandwiches—you eat them under the watchful eye of Fuji. 5. Phewa Lake, Nepal : Pokhara's Shimmering Jewel In Pokhara, mountains don't just stand tall—they kneel down into Phewa Lake. Annapurna's snow peaks ripple in its waters while colorful wooden boats wait by the shore like crayons ready for a child's drawing. Picnics spill into grassy banks. Boat rides take you to Tal Barahi Temple on an island in the middle. And as evening arrives, the lake glows golden, as if blessed by the Himalayas themselves. Why it's perfect: Island temple makes boating spiritual as well as scenic. Lush banks are picnic-ready. Backdrop of the Annapurna range adds magic. Here, nature, culture, and calm all row in the same boat. 6. West Lake, Hangzhou : China's Classic Garden in Water If poetry could take shape, it would be West Lake. Ancient pagodas rise above misty waters. Willow trees bend toward couples sharing tea. And across the lake, stone bridges curve like brushstrokes from a calligraphy master. West Lake isn't just for sightseeing—it's for savoring. A slow boat ride feels timeless. A picnic beneath lotus flowers feels eternal. Why it's perfect: UNESCO-listed cultural landscape. Shaded picnic spots everywhere. Romantic boat rides surrounded by bridges and gardens. At West Lake, every ripple is a line of poetry. 7. Lake Toba, Indonesia : The Giant Among Lakes Lake Toba is no ordinary lake. It's the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed from an ancient eruption. Yet today, it feels anything but destructive—it feels eternal. Samosir Island, right at its center, is picnic heaven. Shores stretch endlessly. Boats take you across turquoise expanses. And in the middle of Asia's biggest lake, you find the smallest joy: peace. Why it's perfect: Unique volcanic history. Expansive space for boating and long picnics. Rich Batak culture to explore along the shore. Here, time feels as wide as the water itself. Why lakes, and not beaches or mountains? Because lakes don't demand. They offer. Unlike the crashing waves of beaches or the steep climbs of mountains, lakes let you choose your rhythm. You can row. You can rest. You can spread out a picnic without rushing. Lakes are for families with children, couples on quiet dates, or solo travelers with notebooks. They're democratic landscapes—belonging to everyone, waiting for anyone. Practical Tips: How to Lake-Day Like a Local Pack simple food. Fresh fruits, sandwiches, and thermos tea beat heavy meals. Carry a mat. Grass feels good, but shade feels better. Choose morning or late afternoon. Avoid the midday glare. Respect the water. Don't litter. Lakes remember. Try a local boat. From shikaras to dragon boats, every region has its charm. The hidden economy of lakes: Why your picnic matters It's not just leisure. When you boat or picnic at a lake: You support local boatmen, vendors, and homestays. You give quieter destinations value, reducing crowd pressure elsewhere. You remind yourself—and the world—that calm is worth protecting. Final Thought Don't just travel through Asia—connect with it. Slow down. Sit by its lakes, share its moments, and let the stillness reflect not just the sky but your own story. Some experiences are not for capturing but for carrying within.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Delhi Airport joins global 100-million club with expanded capacity
Advt Growth in Indian aviation sector Regional connectivity scheme Advt By , ETInfra Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has reached an annual passenger-handling capacity of 109 million, placing it among a select group of airports worldwide, as reported by news agency to data from the Official Airline Guide and airport operators, only six airports globally fall into the 100-million-plus category. IGIA achieved this milestone in May 2023 following the full operationalisation of Terminal 1 and closed 2024 with the expanded capacity. Apart from Tokyo Haneda, it is the only Asian airport in the group. The airport is operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).Plans are being considered to rebuild and modernise Terminal 2 to further increase overall official report released last month stated that India's aviation sector has expanded significantly over the past 11 years under national programmes such as PM GatiShakti, the National Logistics Policy, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and number of airports in operation has risen to 162, including heliports and water aerodromes, compared with 74 in to data presented in Parliament, Indian airports handled 412 million passengers in 2024–25, comprising 77 million international and 335 million domestic travellers. This marked a 9 per cent increase from the previous Regional Connectivity Scheme–Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN), launched in 2016, aims to enhance regional air links and reduce travel costs. Since its inception, 637 RCS routes have been operationalised, including 15 heliports and two water aerodromes, connecting 92 underserved and unserved airports. These routes have carried over 1.51 crore Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, speaking at the Northern Region Ministers' Conference last month, said India has added 88 new airports in the past decade — averaging one airport every 40 days — along with 60 additional flights every added that the ministry remains committed to state-specific strategies for inclusive aviation growth, noting that air travel in India has become more available, accessible, and affordable.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
10 Offbeat Asian Places That Offer More Charm Than Overrated Tourist Cities
Travel isn't always about ticking off the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall, or Bali's the best journeys aren't where everyone is going, but where no one is looking. When the world rushes to crowded resorts, there's a quieter Asia waiting in the shadows. Towns where lanterns still sway in the night breeze. Villages where time drips as slowly as rain on terracotta roofs. Islands where silence feels like luxury. Most travelers follow the spotlight. But what if we told you—Asia's real magic lies in its corners? In the underrated. In the almost-forgotten. Let's step off the highway of clichés, into hidden lanes where stories still whisper. What makes underrated destinations different? It's not just about fewer tourists. It's about contrast. When you skip the obvious, you find the authentic. Street food without lines. Sunsets without selfie sticks. Conversations without scripts. Unlike the well-trodden tourist circuits, these places breathe at their own rhythm. No urgency to impress. No rush to modernize. Just raw, unfiltered beauty. And in a world where everything is overexposed, under-the-radar feels like gold. 10 Underrated Asian Destinations That Deserve A Spot On Your Map 1. Luang Prabang, Laos – A Town That Moves At Dawn's Pace Wake up early, and the streets glow with saffron robes. Monks collect alms in silence. The Mekong drifts by like liquid hum with chants, and French colonial facades whisper of another slowness isn't laziness. It's luxury. 2. Hsipaw, Myanmar – The Shan Highlands That Time Forgot While Bagan steals the spotlight, Hsipaw hides in the folds of Myanmar's through tea plantations, bamboo groves, and villages where kids wave without asking for sunset, the Dokhtawaddy River glows Timeless. True. 3. Tawang, India – The Monastery Above the Clouds Nestled in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang feels like another flags flutter. Monks chant against Himalayan winds. Snow peaks gleam like gods sculpted in remote, yes. But remoteness is what makes its beauty untouchable. 4. Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia – An Island That Refuses To Hurry Forget the chaos of the water is impossibly blue. Hammocks sway under palm trees. Nights are lit not by neon, but by bioluminescent isn't nightlife. This is starlight. 5. Kanchanaburi, Thailand – Beyond Bangkok's Neon Most come for the Bridge on the River Kwai. Few stay for its riverside carved in limestone. Waterfalls that crash into turquoise pools. Floating guesthouses where mornings smell of grilled fish and rain.A softer Thailand, away from the chaos. 6. Shaxi, China – A Market Town Frozen in Stone Once a stop on the Tea Horse Road, Shaxi still feels like a lanes. Ancient theaters. Farmers who walk their cattle home at isn't curated for Instagram. It's just… sometimes, authenticity is the rarest view of all. 7. Sapa, Vietnam – Terraces That Touch The Sky Yes, Hanoi buzzes. Yes, Halong Bay dazzles. But Sapa ripple like dragon scales. Rice terraces glow gold in harvest season. Ethnic villages share stories around smoky every step is both uphill and inward. 8. Galle, Sri Lanka – Where Oceans Meet Old Walls Beyond Colombo's bustle lies a fort by the ramparts. Lighthouses. Cafés tucked inside 400-year-old bring cricket on the streets, sunsets on the bastion, and waves that crash against is not ruins. This is resilience. 9. Shirakawa-go, Japan – Snow Falling On Steep Roofs Forget Tokyo's neon or Kyoto's is a fairy houses blanketed in snow. A river that hums under bridges. Lanterns glowing like here isn't cold. It's comforting. 10. Nusa Penida, Indonesia – Bali's Wild Sibling While Bali teems with tourists, Nusa Penida waits across the that plunge into turquoise. Beaches shaped like dragon tails. Waterfalls hidden behind raw. Rugged. And just far enough to feel like discovery. Why choose underrated when mainstream is easy? Because mainstream is underrated? It's unforgettable. Here's what hidden gems give you that famous spots can't: Space to breathe. No pushing through tour buses. Just you and the landscape. Stories over souvenirs. Real exchanges with locals, not rehearsed pitches. Nature at its rawest. Untouched beaches. Untrampled trails. Unhurried skies. This isn't about bragging rights. It's about belonging. Practical Tips: How to Explore The Underrated Without Overwhelming It Travel light, respect heavy. Leave no plastic, carry only memories. Stay local. Guesthouses, family-run cafés, and markets matter more than chains. Be invisible. Listen more than you post. Ask before you click. Go slow. Don't turn a village into a checklist. Let it breathe. The Hidden Economy of Lesser-Known Places Exploring underrated destinations isn't just self-indulgence. It's impact. When you choose a forgotten town over a tourist hub, you: Put money into hands that rarely see it. Reduce strain on overburdened hotspots. Keep cultural heritage alive by making it relevant. In short: your footsteps can heal, not just wander. Final Thought Asia isn't just Bangkok, Bali, or Beijing. It's a thousand small worlds, waiting quietly for someone curious enough to find them. The next time you plan a trip, don't just open Google's 'Top 10 Attractions.'Open a map. Zoom into the margins. Because sometimes, the best journeys aren't the ones everyone the ones no one told you about. And when you stand on a quiet cliff in Nusa Penida, or hear a monk's chant echo in Tawang, you'll realize—This isn't just a a
