A letter from our editor-in-chief on the September 2021 issue, where we check in to Raffles Udaipur on opening day, list 20 destinations to explore in Asia, and more. By Aindrila Mitra
Our September issue takes you on a journey around the continent of Asia, with a special focus on India. Our exclusive cover spread features the lovely Aditi Rao Hydari checking in to Raffles Hotels and Resorts’ very first outpost in India—Raffles Udaipur—on Day 1 of its opening. Overlooking Lake Udai Sagar, this property built in the Mughal style of architecture spans over 21 acres and makes for the perfect getaway in Udaipur (p. 34). In our other India stories, we #discovertheundiscovered village of Saboo in Ladakh (p. 50), find the the origins of the traditional Chhau masks in West Bengal (p. 54), follow a family on its forest walks into nostalgia, in Uttarakhand (p. 56), and throwback to some of the most thought-provoking art installations over the years at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, as a delayed edition of the festival gears up for this November (p. 44).
Elsewhere in Asia, Indonesia—particularly East Java—invites you to trek its active and surreal volcanoes (p. 64); the Malaysian city of Melaka mesmerises with its ancient tales and simple life (p. 18); Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives offers a unique opportunity to dive with hundreds of manta rays (p. 68); and Bangkok (p. 59) and Singapore (p. 62) serve up dishes rich in flavour and history. Despite political turmoil and man-made catastrophes, Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, has emerged as a creative haven thanks to its indigenous artists, as we discover at Arthaus Beirut (p. 80). To plan your own itinerary around the continent, check out our compact list of emerging destinations, in Discoveries (p. 10).
While the world is slowly but surely opening up, we hope that travel becomes more conscious and sustainable. After all, each one of us is responsible for the well-being of this planet. Visit our website to find more interesting and inspiring stories of people and places.
To access the digital copy of the September 2021 issue, head here.
Related: We Check In At Raffles Udaipur With Our Cover Girl Aditi Rao Hydari On Day 1 Of The Hotel’s Opening
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