Mystras, A Journey Through History's Foothills in Greece

Mystras, A Journey Through History's Foothills in Greece

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 17, 2024

Nestled amidst the slopes of Mount Taygetos in southern Greece lies Mystras, a captivating town whispering tales of a glorious past. Once a powerful Byzantine Despotate, Mystras today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an open-air museum where history and breathtaking beauty intertwine.

Mystras' story begins in the 13th century. William II of Villehardouin, Prince of Achaea, constructed a formidable castle on the mountaintop, laying the foundation for the town that would become a cultural and political hub. Following the Byzantine recapture in 1262, Mystras flourished under the Despots, transforming into a center of art, literature, and scholarship.

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Today, Mystras stands as an open-air museum, captivating visitors with its well-preserved ruins. As you wander through the cobbled pathways, remnants of the past come alive. The imposing fortress, perched atop the mountain, offers breathtaking panoramic views, whispering tales of its defensive might.

Mystras offers more than just historical landmarks.  Wander through the ruins of the Despot's Palace and imagine the whispers of courtly life. Explore the Pantanassa monastery, known for its breathtaking views and the haunting beauty of its bell tower.

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As you traverse Mystras, don't forget to look up. The town boasts panoramic vistas that will leave you spellbound. Gaze upon the majestic Taygetos Mountains, their peaks often capped with snow, and marvel at the endless expanse of olive groves that blanket the valley below.

Mystras isn't just a historical wonder; it's a place where the past infuses the present. Sample local delicacies at charming cafes nestled amidst the ruins. Savor fresh Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, indulge in flaky pastries, or sip on a cup of strong Greek coffee, the aroma transporting you back to a bygone era.

Mystras beckons travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.  Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an escape into the past, Mystras promises an unforgettable experience.  So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on a journey through time to discover the magic of this hidden gem in Greece.


CREDAI shifts NATCON 2026 from Amsterdam to India in line with Prime Minister’s appeal

CREDAI shifts NATCON 2026 from Amsterdam to India in line with Prime Minister’s appeal

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 15, 2026

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) has announced that the 23rd edition of its flagship convention, NATCON 2026, will now be held in India instead of Amsterdam. The move comes in response to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent appeal encouraging industries and citizens to place national interest at the forefront amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia.

The Prime Minister had called for reducing non-essential foreign travel, conserving fuel and foreign exchange, and encouraging domestic spending. In line with this vision, CREDAI said the decision reflects a sense of national solidarity and a commitment towards the country's priorities during an important period.

The organisation stated that at a time when India is progressing with growing confidence and a stronger sense of national pride, key industry bodies also have a responsibility to contribute towards the nation’s larger goals. Details regarding the Indian host destination and updated programme schedule for NATCON 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.

The move also reflects CREDAI’s support for the Hon'ble Prime Minister's "Nation First" vision and its intent to contribute towards India’s economic resilience. By hosting one of the country's biggest real estate conventions within India, the organisation aims to ensure that the economic and tourism benefits generated through the event directly support domestic sectors including hospitality, local businesses, and allied industries.

NATCON is CREDAI’s annual flagship convention and attracts more than 1,000 developers, investors, policymakers, architects, consultants, and industry leaders from across India. Traditionally organised at international destinations, the convention serves as a key platform for discussions around urban infrastructure, construction technologies, smart cities, sustainable development, and the future of India's real estate sector.

This year’s decision is also expected to support domestic tourism and create new opportunities for India’s hospitality and events industries, while showcasing the country's growing infrastructure and urban development landscape.

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Commenting on the decision, Mr. Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said, "At a time when the Hon'ble Prime Minister has called upon citizens and industries to act responsibly and prioritise national interest amid the evolving geopolitical situation, CREDAI believes it is important for the real estate sector, as one of the country's largest employment-generating industries, to align with this vision and demonstrate collective responsibility during this important time for the nation. While preparations for NATCON had been underway for over six months and the industry was fully prepared to travel to Amsterdam this August, CREDAI felt it was important to take cognisance of the Hon'ble Prime Minister's appeal and the prevailing national sentiment. By deciding to host NATCON in India this year, we are supporting domestic economic activity while also reinforcing our commitment to the nation's growth and economic resilience."

He further added, "The industry is currently navigating significant challenges, including rising construction costs driven by escalating prices of cement, steel, and other critical raw materials, along with persistent labour shortages impacting project execution across markets. In this environment, it becomes even more important for all sectors to collectively contribute towards strengthening the domestic economy in line with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's appeal."

As an industry closely connected with employment generation, infrastructure development, and economic progress, CREDAI reaffirmed its commitment towards supporting India’s long-term development and self-reliance goals.


WorkEZ Expands South India Footprint to 1.7 Million Sq. Ft. Across Chennai, Kochi & Coimbatore

WorkEZ Expands South India Footprint to 1.7 Million Sq. Ft. Across Chennai, Kochi & Coimbatore

By Hariharan U

Published on May 11, 2026

 WorkEZ has announced a major expansion of its managed workspace portfolio, taking its total footprint to approximately 1.7 million sq. ft. across 12 active buildings and two upcoming developments across South India. The expansion strengthens the company’s presence in Chennai, Kochi, and Coimbatore, reinforcing its focus on high-growth commercial markets in the region.

As part of this growth phase, WorkEZ has added 65,000 sq. ft. at Phoenix One National Park in Chennai, further strengthening its presence in one of the city’s key commercial corridors. The company has also entered the Kochi market through a strategic partnership with Lulu Developers, adding 70,000 sq. ft. to its expanding portfolio. The move reflects increasing demand for premium managed workspaces from enterprises and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Kerala.

Speaking about the milestone, Sunil Reddy said, “Our growth to 1.7 million square feet reflects the trust our clients, partners and landlords have placed in WorkEZ over the years. The recent additions in Chennai, Kochi and Coimbatore mark an important step in our continued growth, and we remain focused on building high-quality managed workspaces in markets where demand continues to evolve.”

Coimbatore continues to emerge as a key growth market for the company. WorkEZ recently onboarded several marquee enterprise clients in the city, including global consulting, technology, and engineering firms, reinforcing enterprise confidence in Coimbatore as an emerging business destination.

Building on this momentum, WorkEZ has signed a new 0.4 million sq. ft. development in Coimbatore in partnership with Veeras Infra Private Limited, following the successful leasing of 0.1 million sq. ft. in Phase I. The company believes the city’s growing appeal among GCCs, IT services, and advanced manufacturing sectors will continue to drive demand for flexible office infrastructure.

Commenting on the Coimbatore expansion, Prathap Murali said, “Coimbatore has been a very encouraging market for us. The response to our Phase I development and the onboarding of leading global consulting and technology firms have reinforced our belief in the opportunity the city presents.”

Founded in 2019 in Chennai, WorkEZ has steadily evolved into one of South India’s leading managed office space providers, catering to enterprises, startups, Fortune 500 companies, and institutional landlords. The company’s growth strategy has focused on identifying emerging business corridors early and delivering scalable, experience-led workspaces designed around modern enterprise needs.

As businesses increasingly prioritise flexibility, operational efficiency, and employee-centric work environments, managed office spaces continue to gain traction across India’s commercial real estate landscape. WorkEZ’s latest expansion reflects this broader shift while further strengthening its position in South India’s fast-growing workspace market.


L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

L’Oréal Paris has marked its 29th consecutive year as the Official Beauty Partner of the Festival de Cannes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to celebrating women in cinema, inclusivity, and empowerment on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages.

Held from 12 to 23 May 2026, this year’s edition continues to bring together global cinema, fashion, and beauty, with L’Oréal Paris highlighting its enduring philosophy of championing women’s self-worth through its iconic message, “Because You’re Worth It.”

A major highlight of this year’s participation is a powerful Indian representation led by L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari, each bringing a distinct expression of confidence, individuality, and global cultural presence to the Cannes red carpet.

Alia Bhatt returns to Cannes for the second consecutive year as a global ambassador, reflecting on the experience as a celebration of sisterhood and women’s voices on an international platform. Aditi Rao Hydari’s presence this year further strengthens India’s creative visibility at the festival, symbolising elegance and self-expression beyond cinema.

Speaking on the occasion, Dario Zizzi, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris India, said the brand’s nearly three-decade journey at Cannes has been about amplifying voices and celebrating women who are reshaping culture and cinema on their own terms.

The 2026 edition also features the sixth L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award, with actress and ambassador Gillian Anderson serving as juror, continuing the brand’s focus on recognising emerging female voices in filmmaking.

The global ambassador line-up this year includes names such as Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Ariana Greenblatt, and others, further reinforcing L’Oréal Paris’ global creative network.

Alongside its Cannes presence, L’Oréal Paris has also partnered with Nykaa in India to bring exclusive red carpet beauty experiences closer to Indian consumers, extending the festival’s glamour beyond the French Riviera.

With its continued presence at Cannes, L’Oréal Paris once again positions beauty not just as aesthetics, but as a powerful expression of identity, ambition, and storytelling on a global stage.

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