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Got some fun travel and weekend vibes for you this week. We\u2019re diving into everything from massive festive energy to a super rare floral spectacle in Munnar.<\/p>\n
First up, if you\u2019re soaking in Ganesh Chaturthi, we\u2019ve rounded up the best places to experience it\u2014from Mumbai\u2019s iconic pandals to big celebrations in Pune, Hyderabad, and Kota. Plus, Gujarat\u2019s Tarnetar Fair is back this month with incredible folk music, dance, and rural street food. Oh, and if you love nature, Munnar\u2019s Neelakurinji flowers are blooming right now\u2014a rare blue-and-purple mountain makeover that only happens once every 12 years.<\/p>\n
If you’re itching for a quick trip, we\u2019ve got you covered:<\/p>\n
-Epic 4 AM sunrise spots actually worth waking up for<\/p>\n
-Monsoon waterfalls operating at peak drama<\/p>\n
-Low-key Tamil Nadu escapes if you want to skip the crowd at Dhanushkodi<\/p>\n
-Under-the-radar shoulder-season spots for better prices and fewer people<\/p>\n
-Historic heritage towns paired with incredible local eats<\/p>\n
Heading overseas? We\u2019re checking out the “fallcation” trend, as luxury travellers ditch peak summer chaos for crisp autumn getaways. And if you\u2019re around Mumbai, we picked 5 solid restaurants to hit up\u2014ranging from splashy new celebrity-backed spots to classic old-school haunts.<\/p>\n
Finally, for your weekend couch time: check out The Revolutionaries<\/i>, a new historical series starring Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta and Gurfateh Pirzada that dives into the young rebels who fought the British Raj.<\/p>\n
Grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy the read! <\/b><\/p>\n
Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Pandals, temples, traditions and places to celebrate<\/b><\/p>\n
From Mumbai\u2019s iconic pandals <\/a>and Maharashtra\u2019s revered Ganpati temples<\/a> to celebrations across Pune, Hyderabad, Kota and other cities<\/a>, explore the many ways to experience Ganesh Chaturthi.<\/p>\n A rare purple spectacle is blooming in Munnar<\/b><\/p>\n Munnar\u2019s hills are currently bursting into shades of blue and purple as the rare Neelakurinji flowers bloom once again. The spectacle is drawing travellers to new viewing spots around the region, but with the flowers appearing only once every 12 years, there\u2019s a narrow window to catch them. Here\u2019s where to go and what to know before you visit<\/a>.<\/p>\n Spectacular sunrise spots in India worth waking up at 4 AM for<\/b><\/p>\n From snow-capped Himalayan peaks and high-altitude lakes to ancient riverfronts, salt deserts and tropical beaches, India\u2019s landscapes take on an entirely different character at first light. These sunrise spots offer some of the country\u2019s most dramatic dawn views<\/a> \u2014 and plenty of reasons to set that alarm before sunrise.<\/p>\n Gujarat\u2019s Tarnetar Fair is back this September<\/b> Beyond Dhanushkodi: 5 Tamil Nadu getaways to escape the crowds<\/b><\/p>\n A five-kilometre traffic jam on the Dhanushkodi\u2013Arichal Munai route has put Rameswaram\u2019s holiday rush in focus. But the coast has more to offer than its most popular stretch. From Kunthukal and Sangumal beaches to Pamban Bridge, Ram Sethu and Thiruppullani, here are five places to add to your Tamil Nadu itinerary<\/a>.<\/p>\n Roaring Curtain Calls: Waterfalls to catch before the monsoon ends<\/b><\/p>\n The monsoon\u2019s final weeks bring India\u2019s waterfalls to life, with swollen rivers, roaring cascades and lush landscapes creating some of the season\u2019s most dramatic sights. Here are some spectacular waterfalls to catch before the rains retreat<\/a> and the landscape begins to dry out.<\/p>\n Indian destinations where shoulder season means cheaper travel<\/b><\/p>\n Peak-season prices can make even a short getaway feel expensive, while the off-season often comes with its own weather-related trade-offs. The shoulder season offers a sweet spot in between, with fewer crowds, more manageable stay and travel costs, and pleasant conditions in many destinations. From beaches and heritage cities to hill retreats and desert landscapes, here are Indian destinations to consider for a more budget-friendly trip<\/a>.<\/p>\n Heritage towns where history comes with a side of local flavour<\/b><\/p>\n For a weekend that goes beyond the usual sightseeing, these heritage towns offer a chance to explore centuries-old forts, palaces, havelis, temples and riverside ghats while digging into the food traditions that make each place distinctive. From Chettinad feasts and Marwari classics to Malwa, Bundelkhandi and North Karnataka flavours, here are towns where history and food come together for an immersive short break<\/a>.<\/p>\n The rise of the \u2018fallcation\u2019: Why wealthy Americans are swapping summer for autumn<\/b><\/p>\n Summer may no longer be the season of choice for luxury travellers. Affluent Americans are increasingly pushing their big getaways to September and October, sending autumn bookings soaring<\/a> as they chase cooler weather, fewer crowds and a more relaxed European holiday experience.<\/p>\n 5 Mumbai restaurants worth adding to your list<\/b><\/p>\n Mumbai\u2019s food scene has something for every kind of diner \u2014 from a new Mangalorean restaurant backed by Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty to a 70-year-old vegetarian institution, a regional Indian favourite and a Maharashtrian classic. There\u2019s also a spot that counts the Ambani family among its regular takeaway and catering customers. Here are five restaurants to know across the city<\/a>.<\/p>\n
<\/b>One of Saurashtra\u2019s oldest rural gatherings returns from September 14 to 17 at the historic Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, bringing together folk traditions, music, dance, traditional sports, colourful embroidered umbrellas and regional food. Here\u2019s what to know about the Tarnetar Fair 2026<\/a>, from its centuries-old traditions to how to get there.<\/p>\n