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.


Ghazal & Sufi Evening at Eternal Oasis: A Soulful Musical Soirée to Close the Year

Ghazal & Sufi Evening at Eternal Oasis: A Soulful Musical Soirée to Close the Year

By Author

Published on December 27, 2025

End the year on a serene and reflective note with a Ghazal & Sufi Musical Soirée at Eternal Oasis, Gurugram. Curated as an intimate cultural gathering, the evening invites audiences to immerse themselves in evocative melodies, poetic expressions, and the timeless calm of Ghazal and Sufi music—creating a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the essence of the year gone by.

Set within the tranquil surroundings of Eternal Oasis, a centre dedicated to arts, culture, inner well-being, and spiritual growth, the soirée promises a deeply enriching experience. Known for fostering mindful engagement through cultural expression, Eternal Oasis offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of soulful music and introspection.

The performance will be presented by Sound and Music Academy (SAMA), a professional music institution offering training in piano, guitar, drums, vocals, tabla, and more. With an in-house recording studio and a fully equipped performance stage, SAMA provides its students and performers with real-world musical exposure, making each showcase both authentic and immersive.

This Ghazal & Sufi evening is designed for music lovers, seekers, and anyone looking to conclude the year with grace, stillness, and soulful resonance.

Event Details:
Date & Time: Saturday, 27th December | 6:00 PM
Venue: Eternal Oasis, Sector 42, Gurugram
Ticket Price: ₹499
Bookings: BookMyShow


Chumbak Unveils ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range to Celebrate the Holiday Season

Chumbak Unveils ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range to Celebrate the Holiday Season

By Author

Published on December 26, 2025

Marking the festive sparkle of Christmas and the holiday season leading into the New Year 2026, India’s leading contemporary lifestyle brand Chumbak has launched its thoughtfully curated ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range.

Designed in rich hues of deep reds and greens, the Lost in Paradise ceramic collection evokes the charm of a winter wonderland. Featuring blooming hibiscus and fig motifs crafted in premium ceramic, the range is ideal for festive hosting and gifting during the year-end celebrations.

The collection also introduces a mini baking assortment, including a distinctive ceramic Egg Basket shaped like a hen, a Tea Kettle and tumbler set perfect for cozy winter mornings, and a versatile Casserole designed for comfort bakes such as mac and cheese and homemade lasagna. Bakers will appreciate the set of four measuring cups, while snack bowl sets and flat platters are perfect for serving fig salads, chips, and dips at festive gatherings.

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Each piece in the range reflects Chumbak’s signature illustrative style, drawing inspiration from nature and the wilderness. The standout Egg Basket, uniquely designed in the shape of a hen, seamlessly blends functionality with design, making it equally suited for kitchen cabinets or elegant table presentations of boiled eggs.

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Speaking about the launch, Shubhra Chadda, Founder of Chumbak, said, “The Lost in Paradise collection is inspired by nature and the joy of everyday living, which beautifully resonates with the holiday season. With our one-of-a-kind winter hosting range, we aim to add warmth and joy to festive get-togethers this year-end.”

The ‘Lost in Paradise’ Hosting Range, including the signature Egg Basket, is now available across Chumbak stores and online.


Czech Consulate Reopens in Mumbai After 15 Years, Easing Visa Access for Indian Travellers

Czech Consulate Reopens in Mumbai After 15 Years, Easing Visa Access for Indian Travellers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 26, 2025

CzechTourism, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, and Prague Airport have jointly announced the reopening of the Czech Consulate in Mumbai, marking the return of consular operations to India’s western region after nearly fifteen years. The renewed presence is expected to significantly ease visa access for leisure, business, and MICE travellers from western and southern India while strengthening collaboration across tourism, trade, and education.

The reopening was formally marked with a press conference and networking evening held in Mumbai on 9 December 2025, bringing together key Czech public and tourism institutions, including the Consulate General, CzechTourism, Prague Airport, and Czech Trade. The gathering presented a unified vision of “One Czechia,” positioning the country as a year-round European destination for travellers, students, business delegations, film productions, and international events.

The restored consular presence is set to improve accessibility for Indian travellers applying for Czech (Schengen) visas, particularly from regions that previously had limited local access to consular services. This development is expected to support growing interest in Czechia beyond Prague, encouraging longer stays and multi-city itineraries across regions such as South Moravia, Karlovy Vary, and Český Krumlov.

Speaking at the event, Barbara Andelova, International Marketing ManagerNew Markets, CzechTourism, said that Mumbai has long been an important market for Czechia. She noted that the return of the Consulate brings Czechia closer to travellers and partners who have been actively promoting destinations beyond the capital city. She added that combined efforts by the Consulate, Prague Airport, and Czech Trade will further strengthen awareness of Czechia’s diverse travel experiences.

Katerina Vovkova, Consul General of the Czech Republic in Mumbai, highlighted that reinstating the Mumbai office is a meaningful step toward restoring essential services for students, professionals, tourists, and businesses. She stated that the Consulate aims to implement processes gradually, with quarterly evaluations to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement in service delivery.

The reopening also aligns with rising outbound travel demand from India, particularly from western and southern regions. GB Srithar, Head – Tourism Services, VFS Global, which represents CzechTourism in India, the Middle East, and Israel, noted that improved visa access will enhance Czechia’s visibility across heritage, culture, gastronomy, and immersive travel experiences.

Looking ahead, VisitCzechia is preparing to launch a comprehensive 2026 integrated marketing campaign, focusing on gastronomy, wellness, culture, and heritage. The campaign aims to deepen engagement with Indian travellers and further position Czechia as a versatile and enriching European destination.

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