Intro: As the first raindrops kiss the parched earth and the skies turn dramatic with monsoon clouds, India’s national parks undergo a breathtaking transformation. Verdant landscapes, mist-draped forests, and gushing rivers make these natural havens come alive. While many assume the monsoon is off-season for wildlife, it’s actually the time when nature is at her most expressive. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about India’s most spectacular national parks to explore when it rains. Periyar National Park-Kerala Tucked in the heart of the Western Ghats, Periyar is an emerald paradise during the monsoon. Its namesake lake swells with rain, and mist curls around the cardamom hills. While tigers remain elusive, elephants, sambar deer, and wild boars roam freely across the dense terrain. Boat safaris offer a tranquil way to spot wildlife against a lush, rainy backdrop. Why Visit: For surreal boat rides through the rainforest and misty encounters with elephants. Valley Of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand A UNESCO World Heritage site, this Himalayan treasure comes into full bloom from July to September. The monsoon awakens a riot of alpine flowers, over 500 species, including blue poppies, orchids, and daisies. Snow-fed streams, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant meadows create a landscape straight out a fairytale. Why Visit: To witness a living canvas of wildflowers blooming against snowcapped peaks. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh While some central Indian parks close during peak monsoon, Kanha’s buffer zones remain open and offer a quieter, rain-soaked safari experience. The sal forests glisten with dew, and the entire landscape turns lush and alive. It’s also the inspiration behind Kipling’s The Jungle Book Why Visit: For a dreamy, less-crowded safari in one of India’s most beautiful tiger habitats. Silent Valley National Park-Kerala True to its name, Silent Valley is nature at its purest and quietest. Rain transforms this untouched rainforest into

Intro: There are bridges, and then there are breakthroughs. The Chenab Bridge, rising like a myth from the rugged heart of Jammu and Kashmir, is not just India’s latest engineering marvel, it is a declaration. A promise. That no terrain is too tough, no dream too distant. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about the Chenab Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, and how it is set to redefine connectivity across Kashmir-geographically, economically, and emotionally. Towering at 359 meters above the Chenab River, the Chenab Bridge is more than just a world record. It is a declaration that no mountain is too high, and no dream too distant. Spanning 1.3 kilometers across a formidable Himalayan gorge in Jammu’s Reasi district, this bridge forms the most breathtaking piece of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link project Designed to withstand earthquakes, high-velocity winds, and time itself, the bridge is India’s boldest move yet in making Kashmir accessible by rail. Built from 28,000 metric tons of steel, its elegant arch, resembling a drawn bow, is already spoken of in the same breath as the Eiffel Tower for good reason, it stands taller. Kashmir, Connected Like Never Before All-Season Access to the Valley The beauty of Kashmir has always come at a price, its remoteness. For decades, landslides, snowfalls, and seasonal blockades made consistent travel a dream. The Chenab bridge answers that dreams with steel certainty, offering all-weather, high-capacity rail access into the valley Tourism Reimagined From the snow-draped meadows of Gulmarg to the saffron-scented fields of Pampore, Kashmir has never lacked allure. But now, a family from Chennai, a photographer from Jaipur, or a writer from Delhi can board a train and roll effortlessly into a landscape that once felt like a fable. Design Meets Excellence Build under some of the most testing conditions of the planet, freezing

Bus travel in India has transformed dramatically over the years. What once served primarily as a feeder mode of transport or even a basic long-distance travel option has evolved into a sophisticated industry. The rise of powerful luxury buses, coupled with the rapid development of highways, has fueled this remarkable growth. In Part 1 of this series, I explored the early changes in bus designs and operations. The last two decades, in particular, have been a thrilling period for bus travel in India. Memories of Long-Distance Buses Before 2000 Before diving into recent changes, let me take you back to the late 1990s. During 1999-2000, my daily observations included long-distance buses running between Mumbai and Mangalore operators like CPC and Ballal. These buses took about 24 hours to cover the route, often carrying bulky cargo on their roofs. At that time, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was not yet operational, so these buses took routes passing through the outskirts of Mumbai, where I lived. These were all seater buses, and I often wondered how passengers could endure such long journeys sitting upright. The First Sleeper Bus Encounter – Early 2000s In the early 2000s, during a school outing to Mumbai’s Fort area, I spotted a unique bus operated by Paulo Holiday Makers from Goa. This bus had its entrance in the middle and featured a hybrid seating arrangement: one half with seats and the other half with sleeping berths aligned along the direction of travel, similar to Indian Railways’ side berths. Though I couldn’t enter the bus, it left a strong impression as the first sleeper bus I had ever seen. The body was built by a Goan manufacturer called Damodar. The Rise of Sleeper Buses (Mid-2000s to 2010) Fast forward a few years to around 2005, sleeper buses became more common,

Many Gen Zs are turning inward in a world buzzing with digital noise, seeking solace and meaning beyond screens. India’s spiritual retreats offer a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary practices, providing the perfect escape for young souls yearning for connection, mindfulness, and adventure. From the serene banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh to the sacred shores of Rameswaram, Dhanush Kumar embarks on a transformative journey that resonates with the modern seeker. 1. Rishikesh- Yoga Capital of the world Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh is renowned for its yoga and meditation centres. Ashrams like Parmarth Niketan and Sivananda offer immersive programs that blend ancient practices with modern needs. These retreats provide Gen Zs with tools to manage stress, enhance mindfulness, and foster deeper connection with themselves. Don’t miss: 2. Dharmshala-Tibetan Spirituality Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama and offers a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Indian spirituality. Retreats here focus on meditation, compassion, and mindfulness, providing young travellers with a serene environment to explore inner peace amidst the majestic Himalayas. Don’t miss: 3. Varanasi- The Spiritual Heartbeat of India As one of the oldest living cities, Varanasi offers a profound spiritual experience. Witnessing the Ganga Aarti, exploring ancient temples, and participating in meditation sessions along the Ghats allow Gen Z travellers to immersive themselves in India’s rich spiritual heritage. Don’t miss: 4. Rameswaram- Sacred Shores and Soulful Reflections Located at the southern tip of India, Rameswaram is a significant pilgrimage site. The town’s tranquil beaches and historic temples provide a peaceful setting for introspection and spiritual growth, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves. Don’t miss: 5. Kanha Shanti Vanam- Modern Spiritual Oasis Situated near Hyderabad, Kanha Shanti Vanam is the headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute. This retreat