Can artificial intelligence help you plan the perfect holiday, or is it quietly making every trip a little too predictable? We begin this week’s edition by exploring how AI is reshaping the way we travel, and why experts believe the best itineraries still need room for serendipity and surprise.
From there, we’re hitting the road. We uncover lesser-known weekend escapes near Delhi, scenic drives from Bengaluru, monsoon-perfect getaways around the city, and Instagram-worthy destinations near Mumbai that are at their most beautiful this time of year.
If festivals are your favourite way to experience a destination, August has plenty to offer—from Spain’s tomato-throwing La Tomatina and Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe to Onam, Raksha Bandhan and Ganesh Chaturthi. We also take a closer look at IRCTC’s newly launched Ganga Gaya Sangam Yatra, the latest Indian Railways updates, and a collection of UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites carved into cliffs and mountainsides across Asia.
Closer to home, we venture beyond Delhi’s postcard landmarks to discover hidden stepwells, medieval forts, quiet urban forests and charming café-lined streets that reveal another side of the capital.
And finally, in ‘What We Read This Week’, we’re talking about a book we couldn’t put down: Not Safe for Work by Radhika Agrawal, a witty, emotionally satisfying workplace romance that’s as much a love letter to Mumbai as it is to finding love where you least expect it.
Let’s get into it.
Is AI making your holidays too predictable?
AI can plan a personalised holiday in seconds, but could it also trap travellers in a “travel filter bubble”? As travel platforms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to recommend destinations and itineraries, the real challenge is balancing personalisation with serendipity, ensuring algorithms leave enough room for the unexpected discoveries that often make a trip truly memorable. Here’s what the experts say.
From La Tomatina to Ganesh Chaturthi: Festivals around the world to experience this August
August is one of the busiest months on the global festival calendar, bringing together everything from colourful street carnivals and performing arts festivals to harvest celebrations and centuries-old cultural traditions. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or staying closer to home, these vibrant festivals promise unforgettable experiences throughout the month.
UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites you should visit at least once
For centuries, people have carved temples, monasteries and sacred shrines directly into cliffs and mountainsides, creating extraordinary places of worship that continue to inspire visitors today. From India’s Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves to the spectacular grottoes of China and Sri Lanka’s ancient cave temples, these UNESCO-listed rock-cut religious sites showcase remarkable craftsmanship, faith and history etched into stone.
Off the beaten path: Weekend getaways near Delhi beyond the usual hill stations
Looking to escape Delhi without heading to the usual tourist hotspots? From the emerald meadows of Shangarh and the apple orchards of Theog to the tranquil lakes of Bhimtal and the bird-filled forests of Pangot, these lesser-known destinations offer a refreshing change of pace for your next weekend road trip.
Hit the road: Six scenic drives from Bengaluru worth taking this weekend
Bengaluru may be known for its traffic, but some of South India’s most rewarding road trips begin just beyond the city limits. From misty hill stations and coffee plantations to wildlife reserves and sunrise viewpoints, these scenic drives offer the perfect excuse to trade busy streets for winding highways and spectacular landscapes.
Instagram-worthy getaways near Mumbai for your next monsoon escape
From mist-covered hills and cascading waterfalls to coastal forts and serene lakes, these picturesque destinations near Mumbai come into their own during the monsoon. Whether you’re chasing dramatic landscapes, golden sunsets or simply your next great travel photo, these weekend escapes offer plenty of reasons to hit the road.
Five monsoon escapes near Bengaluru for a refreshing weekend getaway
When the rains arrive, the hills around Bengaluru burst into life with mist-covered mountains, overflowing waterfalls and emerald-green coffee estates. From Coorg and Chikmagalur to the rainforests of Agumbe and Wayanad, these scenic destinations make for the perfect monsoon weekend escape.
Beyond India Gate and the Red Fort: 10 hidden gems to discover in Delhi
Delhi’s most famous landmarks are only part of the story. Beyond the city’s iconic monuments lie forgotten stepwells, medieval forts, peaceful urban forests, Sufi shrines and charming café-lined lanes that reveal a quieter, lesser-explored side of the capital.
Indian Railways updates: From online luggage booking to new Tatkal token rules
Indian Railways is rolling out two passenger-friendly changes aimed at making train travel smoother. From the launch of online excess luggage booking through the IRCTC portal to a new token system for Tatkal reservations at booking counters, check what travellers need to know before their next journey.
IRCTC’s new Ganga Gaya Sangam Yatra: Route, itinerary, price and what’s included
IRCTC has unveiled a new eight-day pilgrimage covering some of North India’s most revered spiritual destinations, including Gaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Naimisharanya. From the day-wise itinerary and package cost to accommodation, meals and transport, here’s everything travellers need to know before booking the journey.
What we read this week | Not Safe for Work by Radhika Agrawal
If you’re looking for a romance that goes beyond familiar tropes, ‘Not Safe for Work’ deserves a spot on your reading list. Radhika Agrawal’s witty, emotionally rich book pairs sparkling banter and irresistible chemistry with an authentic workplace setting, while also serving as a heartfelt love letter to Mumbai, ambition and finding where you truly belong.
