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.


Why Hotels Are Upgrading from Projectors to Touch Interactive Displays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 26, 2026

Conference rooms and meeting spaces in hotels have evolved beyond being just rooms with a screen. Today’s corporate guests expect speed, clarity, interaction, and an impressive experience. To meet these expectations, many leading hotels are moving away from traditional projectors and upgrading to Touch Interactive Displays offered by Palaniappa Electronics, featuring trusted brands like Samsung, Raptor, and Teachmint.

Projectors have long been used in meeting rooms, but they come with familiar challenges. Dim visuals, frequent lamp replacements, alignment problems, shadows on the screen, and the need for darkened rooms often affect the overall experience. Touch Interactive Displays address these issues by delivering bright and clear visuals that work well even in well-lit spaces. They also require minimal maintenance, making them practical for busy hotel environments.

These displays function much like a giant tablet mounted on the wall. Presenters can write, draw, zoom, and annotate directly on the screen while explaining ideas in real time. This makes discussions more interactive and easier to follow, especially for participants who prefer visual explanations. Meetings become more dynamic, encouraging better collaboration.

Advanced models come with built-in cameras and microphones, making video conferencing smoother and more engaging. Features such as voice tracking and automatic zoom on the active speaker create a professional setup that leaves a strong impression on corporate clients and board-level meetings. It adds a clear wow factor to hotel conference facilities.

The technology also replaces traditional whiteboards. Users can write on the screen, record discussions live, convert notes into PDFs, and share them instantly via email. This eliminates the need to take photos of whiteboards and ensures that discussions are properly documented and shared without delay.

Another key advantage is wireless connectivity. Guests can cast content from their laptops, tablets, or mobiles directly onto the display without cables. They can also receive shared content back to their devices. This bring-your-own-device flexibility makes meetings smooth and avoids technical confusion.

For hotels, this upgrade increases the perceived value of conference and meeting spaces. It helps attract premium corporate bookings, training programs, and international conferences, while simplifying operations for hotel teams.

What sets the implementation apart is the guidance provided by Palaniappa Electronics. The team studies room size, expected usage, audience profile, and budget before recommending the right product for the right application. With customization options and dependable after-sales support, hotels receive solutions tailored to their needs rather than a standard package.

Palaniappa electronics brings world class brands and their quality products that hit the show in the world of hospitality based electronics. from massive electronics objects to smart tiny products, Palaniappa electronics is the one name to acquire everything about hospitality oriented electronics.

For hotels looking to future-proof their meeting spaces, Touch Interactive Displays are quickly becoming the new standard. Those still relying on projectors can explore a customized demo with Palaniappa Electronics to understand how interactive displays can transform their conference rooms.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.


Kosala Opens Flagship Store in Delhi, Strengthening Kosa Silk Revival

Kosala Opens Flagship Store in Delhi, Strengthening Kosa Silk Revival

By Author

Published on February 26, 2026

Kosala, the social enterprise of Hindalco Industries Limited, has inaugurated its first flagship retail store in Greater Kailash (N Block), New Delhi, marking a significant step in expanding its Kosa silk value-chain initiative rooted in Chhattisgarh.

 Launched in 2021 to revive and scale the indigenous Kosa silk craft of the Dewangan community, Kosala has steadily built a rural enterprise model that integrates skill development, infrastructure support and market access. The boutique was inaugurated by Rajashree Birla, Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, in the presence of Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited,

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Saurabh Khedekar, CEO – Alumina Business, Hindalco and Director, Kosala Foundation, along with actor Yami Gautam Dhar. Speaking at the launch, Rajashree Birla said, "Kosala reflects our deep commitment to trusteeship, nurturing communities while preserving India's rich cultural heritage. By revitalising the art of Kosa silk, we are empowering artisan families, especially women, with sustainable livelihoods and renewed pride in their craft. This store serves as a bridge between rural skill and global appreciation."

In FY25, 31 weaver families secured full-time engagement, 130 artisans were employed across pre-loom and post-loom processes, and full-time weavers recorded a 63% rise in income. During the year, 379 artisans were engaged and 100 newly skilled, taking the total number empowered since inception to over 700. Saurabh Khedekar added, "Kosala is anchored in two core beliefs, reviving the indigenous legacy of Kosa silk and restoring economic dignity, recognition, and continuous skill advancement to its original custodians, the Dewangan community. This store is not merely a retail milestone; it reaffirms our long-term commitment to strengthening the artisan ecosystem and enabling weaver families to thrive with pride and purpose." Capacity-building programmes include dyeing, embroidery, reeling certification and advanced weaving training, reinforcing Kosala’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods and heritage preservation


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Launches ‘Celebrating Her’ Women’s Day Spa Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Launches ‘Celebrating Her’ Women’s Day Spa Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 26, 2026

This Women’s Day, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is celebrating women with a spa experience that feels meaningful, calming, and deeply personal. Titled ‘Celebrating Her’, the limited-period offering is available throughout the month of March, and is designed to honour the strength, warmth, and resilience women bring into every space they step into.

Set within the serene environment of the hotel’s spa, the 150-minute experience is thoughtfully created as uninterrupted time for self-care. The journey begins with a gentle foot cleanse to help guests unwind and ease into the experience. This is followed by a 60-minute customised massage focused on releasing tension and restoring balance to the body.

The treatment continues with a personalised 60-minute facial, tailored to refresh the skin and enhance its natural glow. Throughout the session, mindful breathing and light stretches are subtly incorporated, encouraging relaxation and presence. The experience concludes with a nourishing closing ritual, leaving guests feeling calm, restored, and genuinely cared for.

Sharing the thought behind the offering, Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, said, “Women give so much of themselves every single day. This month is about recognising that and creating a space where they can simply pause, feel appreciated and focus on their own wellbeing.”

Available all month long in March, ‘Celebrating Her’ reflects the hotel’s focus on thoughtful wellness experiences that go beyond indulgence, offering women a chance to slow down and reconnect with themselves in a peaceful setting in Mumbai.

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