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.

image

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.

image

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.


Bharti Real Estate Launches World St. at Aerocity, New Delhi

Bharti Real Estate Launches World St. at Aerocity, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 5, 2026

Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises, has unveiled World St. at Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” the new development brings together dining, leisure and lifestyle experiences in a vibrant, walkable setting.

Spread across nearly half a kilometre and connecting Worldmark 4, 5 and 6, World St. covers around 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. The pedestrian-friendly promenade is designed to offer a mix of global cuisines, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations and thoughtfully designed street elements. It aims to create a lively environment where work, culture and social life come together in one place.

The destination is set to become a key attraction in Aerocity, offering everything from cafés and patisseries to fine dining restaurants and bars. With its design and curated experiences, World St. is envisioned as one of India’s most engaging dining and lifestyle hubs.

image

Adding to its appeal, the project will host the India debut of well-known global brands. Olive Garden, the popular American-Italian casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants, is set to open soon at World St. Time Out Market, known globally for its food and cultural experiences, will also launch its first India outlet here. The space will span 24,500 sq. ft. and include 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private event area, a live performance stage and seating for over 500 guests.

Speaking about the launch, SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “Worldmark, Aerocity is already home to some of India's finest F&B names. With World St. at Worldmark, we are raising the bar creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spine that brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of global and premium offerings. World St. is not just for our office community, but for every traveller, food lover, and city dweller. It is the social heartbeat of India's Global Business District.”

Bharti Real Estate continues to play a major role in shaping Aerocity as a leading business and lifestyle destination through its Worldmark portfolio. Spread across approximately 17 million sq. ft., the development is being delivered in phases. Worldmark 1.0 is fully operational and houses Fortune 500 companies and global financial institutions. Worldmark 2.0, covering around 7 million sq. ft., is under advanced development with premium office spaces already delivered and more in progress, along with a large retail component planned for the future. Worldmark 3.0 is also under development, while Worldmark 4.0 is planned as a future expansion over the next few years.

With the launch of World St., Bharti Real Estate is set to further strengthen Aerocity’s position as a modern hub that blends business, hospitality and lifestyle experiences.


Dollar Industries Founder Shri Dindayal Gupta Passes Away, Marking End of an Era

Dollar Industries Founder Shri Dindayal Gupta Passes Away, Marking End of an Era

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

Renowned industrialist and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Dollar Industries Limited, Shri Dindayal Gupta, passed away today in Kolkata due to age-related ailments. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter not only for the company but also for India’s hosiery and apparel industry.

A visionary who shaped the company’s growth for more than five decades, Shri Gupta led Dollar Industries Limited with strong commitment and clarity. What began as a modest venture eventually grew into one of India’s leading hosiery and apparel brands, with the company expanding into a Rs 1700+ crore conglomerate under his leadership.

Born on 13th September, 1937, in Manheru village in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, Shri Gupta came from a humble background. Despite limited resources, he built his journey with determination and a clear vision. In 1962, he moved to Kolkata (then known as Calcutta), where he began manufacturing and selling hosiery products designed to suit customers’ budgets and needs. He focused on building manufacturing and finishing facilities while also creating a strong retail and distribution network, including markets that were often overlooked by others.

Driven by a desire to build something meaningful, he laid the foundation of Dollar Industries Limited in 1972. Over time, the brand became a trusted household name known for quality and innovation. Dollar was also among the early companies to expand into underserved regions such as Madhya Pradesh (now MP & Chhattisgarh), the Seven Sisters of North East India, and hill regions like Darjeeling in the eastern Himalayas.

Beyond his business achievements, Shri Gupta remained deeply involved in social and community initiatives. He was actively associated with the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and held key roles within the Bengal Pratinidhi Sabha. He also served as the former Vice-President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and contributed to Paropakarini Sabha of Ajmer, known for preserving the legacy of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. In Kolkata, he also initiated the Burns unit and related infrastructure at the Marwari Relief Society.

His contributions to education were equally notable. Shri Gupta was the Founding Father of Haryana Vidya Mandir, a CBSE school in Bidhannagar, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal. He supported Gurukuls as a co-founder and sponsor, and also played a key role in reviving the school in his native village, Manheru. His efforts reflected a strong belief that access to education is essential for social progress and national development.

He also supported organisations working in elderly care, including Maharshi Dayanand Yogashram Tripura and Sukhanand Foundation, leaving a lasting impact beyond the business world.

Over the years, Shri Gupta received several recognitions for his contributions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Bengal Hosiery Association and the Sanmarg Business Award.

Shri Dindayal Gupta is survived by his wife, four sons, and grandchildren, who continue to lead and grow the Dollar Industries business legacy.


IHCL Signs Amã Stays & Trails Bungalows in Port Blair

IHCL Signs Amã Stays & Trails Bungalows in Port Blair

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has announced the signing of a new cluster of bungalows in Port Blair, marking its entry into the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “As travel preferences continue to evolve towards experience-led stays, the homestay segment has emerged as a strong driver of growth. With a portfolio of over 370 bungalows across India, the expansion of amã Stays & Trails to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marks the brand’s foray into the island destination reflecting our focus on building a diversified presence across leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Abhishek Singh for this project.”

The upcoming amã Stays & Trails, Port Blair will feature ten bungalows set in lush green surroundings, located within walking distance from Manjery beach. The property will include a restaurant along with a range of amenities such as a fully equipped gym, spa, meditation and yoga decks, and a swimming pool. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore activities like snorkelling in clear waters and experiencing the region’s unique colonial and tribal heritage.

Known for offering stays that reflect local culture and heritage, amã Stays & Trails continues to expand its presence across scenic destinations in India. The portfolio already includes over 370 bungalows across locations such as Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, and Sikkim, among others.

Mr. Abhishek Singh, Founder & Chairman, Terra Rex Realty and Terra Rex Energy, said, “Port Blair, a historic town and the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL’s amã Stays & Trails on this project to bring these experiences to life for our guests.”

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its scenic beaches such as Chidiya Tapu and landmarks like the Cellular Jail, offering visitors a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in leisure destinations, while expanding its homestay portfolio to meet the rising demand for experience-driven travel.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.