Travel usually means ticking off monuments or finding the perfect beach, but there is a quieter, more rewarding way to see India, through its bookshelves. Bookstore Tourism is the art of slowing down, trading the chaos of the streets for the scent of old paper and the creak of wooden floorboards. In a world of digital scrolls, these physical spaces offer a sanctuary. They aren’t just shops; they are cultural anchors housed in heritage bungalows, 150-year-old mansions, and even on islands. Dhanush Kumar writes about the popular Indian bookstores that invite you to get lost in a labyrinth of stories. Kitab Khana, Mumbai Nestled in a 150-year-old building in the historic Fort area, Kitab Khana feels like a time capsule. With its soaring ceilings, Corinthian Columns, and floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves, it offers a majestic escape from Mumbai’s humidity. Find a corner by the tall windows and watch the world go by. The bookstore has a Subko coffee outlet inside, blending Mumbai’s best third-wave coffee with its most beautiful reading room. They have one of the best collections of Marathi and Gujarati books in the city. Literati Bookshop and Café, Goa Forget the beach parties for attention. Located in a lush, red-tiled Indo-Portuguese villa in Calangute, Literati is where the Slow Goa movement truly lives. Browse through sun-drenched rooms filled with second-hand treasures, then take your find out to the garden. It feels more like visiting a well-read friend’s home than a retail store. Keep an eye out for first-edition Goan history books or rare out-of-print paperbacks often tucked in the second-hand corners. Rachna Books, Gangtok Perched in the heart of the Himalayas, Rachna Books is a pilgrimage site for bibliophiles. It’s a family-run space that has won “Bookstore of the Year” awards for its curated collection and cultural impact. This

In 2026, spiritual tourism in India has become a massive industry. From high-end meditation boutiques in the Himalayas to luxury detox villas in Kerala, it is easier than ever to spend a fortune on enlightenment. But here is the truth that every true seeker eventually realises: spirituality is one of the few things in life that actually becomes less authentic the more you pay for it. Going deep isn’t about the thread count of your yoga mat; it’s about the intensity of your immersion. Dhanush Kumar writes about how to experience the spiritual soul of India without falling into the trap. The Power of Seva: Amritsar The Golden Temple is the ultimate classroom for humility. While thousands of tourists visit to take photos, the deep experience lies in the Langar, which is the community kitchen. Instead of just walking through, volunteer for two hours in the kitchen. Peeling garlic or washing giant vats alongside people from every walk of life is a more profound meditation than any paid workshop. Arrive at 4 AM for the Paki Sahib procession. You will hear the low, rhythmic chanting of Gurbani hymns that seem to vibrate through the very marble floor. The air is cool, and the reflection of the illuminated temple in the Amrit Sarvoar creates a sense of being in a world between worlds. The Path of Self Inquiry: Tiruvannamalai While many spiritual hubs feel like a circus, the town of Tiruvannamalai, home to the sacred Arunachala Hill, remains a sanctuary for serious meditators. Stay at the Sri Ramanasramam or a nearby simple guesthouse. Avoid the spiritual cafes and instead participate in the Girivalam, a 14 km walk around the mountain at 4 AM with thousands of others, but the experience is intensely deep. The scent of camphor from small roadside shrines

The engine is humming, the bags are packed, and the open road awaits. But as every parent knows, a successful family road trip in India is a fine art. It requires more than just a GPS; it requires a strategy for clean restrooms, engaging pit stops, and food that won’t result in a backseat tantrum. When the logistics are handled, a road trip becomes more than just travel; it becomes a core childhood memory. From the misty mountains of the North to the coastal breezes of the South, Dhanush Kumar brings you six iconic Indian routes designed to keep the kids happy and the parents’ stress levels low. 1. Delhi to Jaipur: The Golden Path The transition from the skyscrapers of Gurgaon to the pink walls of Jaipur is a visual treat. The expansion of the NH48 makes this a smooth drive for families. You can break the journey at Neemrana Fort Palace, the sprawling gardens are perfect for kids to burn off energy, and the vintage car museum is a guaranteed hit. On the way, you can stop at a dhaba and order Paneer Parathas and fresh curd. 2. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar This route offers a dramatic climb through the Western Ghats. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway provides world-class tarmac, while the climb to the hill station offers cooler air and scenic views. You can stop at Mapro Garden, also known as Panchgani. This isn’t just a stop, it’s a destination. With dedicated play zones and a chocolate factory tour, it’s the ultimate reward for a long drive. 3. Bangalore to Coorg The drive through the lush landscapes of Karnataka is refreshing, but the winding roads near the end require planned breaks to keep motion sickness at bay. A slight detour near Dubare Elephant Camp allows children to interact with elephants

What Lies Ahead in 2026As we step into the year ahead, astrologer and psychologist Kirron Shahppuri gives us a playful, insightful peek at what the stars have planned from surprises and shifts to fresh beginnings worth getting excited about. ♈ ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Theme 2026: Leadership with emotional maturity Prediction: In 2026, Aries is pushed into positions of responsibility. Career growth is certain, but results come only through patience and strategic action. Financial stability improves gradually. Relationships become smoother once impulsive reactions are controlled. Health requires proper rest and stress management. Avoid: Anger-driven decisions, confrontations, and impulsive spending.Lucky Dates: 9, 18, 27Lucky Colours: Red, CoralRemedy: Offer water to the Sun daily and chant Om Suryaya Namah every Sunday. ♉ TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Theme 2026: Stability through adaptability Prediction: This year strengthens Taurus financially, but only through long-term planning. Property, savings, and business foundations grow steadily. Emotionally, relationships demand flexibility and openness. Those who resist change may feel stuck. Avoid: Stubbornness, emotional possessiveness, risky investments.Lucky Dates: 6, 15, and 24Lucky Colours: Pastel Pink, Earthy GreenRemedy: Donate milk or rice on Fridays and chant Om Shukraya Namah. ♊ GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Theme 2026: Mental clarity and communication power Prediction: Gemini experiences professional growth through communication, networking, teaching, and media-related work. New contacts open doors. Mental discipline is essential to avoid anxiety. Personal bonds improve with honest conversations. Avoid: Gossip, multitasking overload, mental exhaustion.Lucky Dates: 5, 14, and 23Lucky Colours: Light Green, YellowRemedy: Chant Om Budhaya Namah on Wednesdays and keep a green plant nearby. ♋ CANCER (June 21 – July 22) Theme 2026: Emotional healing and inner security Prediction: A deeply introspective year where home, family, and emotional balance take priority. Property-related matters may arise. Career growth remains steady if emotional boundaries are