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.


SpiceJet Receives MoU for 10 Aircraft, Targets Major Expansion

SpiceJet Receives MoU for 10 Aircraft, Targets Major Expansion

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 20, 2026

SpiceJet has received a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the induction of 10 aircraft, marking another key step in its ongoing capacity expansion and network restoration programme. The move aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to steadily rebuild operations while maintaining cost discipline and operational stability.

The development follows SpiceJet’s Board-approved plan announced last week to progressively scale its fleet to 60 aircraft. This growth will be driven through a mix of wet and damp leases, along with the phased reactivation of grounded aircraft. The latest MoU further strengthens the airline’s intent to accelerate expansion in a measured and structured manner.

SpiceJet’s recovery has gathered pace in recent months, supported by wider network coverage and sharper capacity optimisation. During the last quarter, the airline doubled its capacity, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKMs) increasing from around 55 crore to 105 crore. This growth reflects improving demand across both domestic and regional routes.

Building on this momentum, the airline plans to more than double its capacity during 2026. By the Winter 2026 schedule, SpiceJet is targeting 220–225 crore ASKMs while operating over 300 daily flights. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen connectivity across key metro and tier-II markets, improve schedule reliability, and cater to sustained passenger demand.

Commenting on the development, Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said: “Doubling our capacity in the last quarter has been a significant milestone, and the plans we have in place to more than double it further this year reflect growing confidence in the business and strong demand across the network. The receipt of this MoU is an encouraging development as we continue to rebuild and expand our operations in a measured manner. Our focus remains on restoring capacity, strengthening connectivity and improving reliability for our passengers.”

As part of its long-term roadmap, SpiceJet will continue to follow a balanced fleet strategy. By combining the return of grounded aircraft with selective capacity additions, the airline aims to position itself for sustainable growth as the aviation market continues its recovery.


IHCL Announces the Signing of a Tree of Life Resort in Nashik, Maharashtra

IHCL Announces the Signing of a Tree of Life Resort in Nashik, Maharashtra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 20, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Tree of Life resort in Nashik, Maharashtra, marking the brand’s entry into one of the state’s most popular leisure destinations.

Speaking on the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Nashik has emerged as a preferred short-haul getaway for travellers from Mumbai and Pune. Its blend of spirituality, nature and adventure appeals to guests seeking leisure time. The debut of Tree of Life in this established destination expands the brands presence in Maharashtra. We are delighted to partner with Onzal Farms LLP, represented by Dr Milind Pimprikar, Dr Vijaya Shelke, Dr Shubhangi Pimprikar, and Mrs Shreeys Shelke (Patel) for this project.”

Located in Trimbakeshwar, one of the region’s most important spiritual and cultural centres, Tree of Life Nashik will feature 49 rooms set amid calm and scenic surroundings. Spread across more than three acres, the resort will include an all-day dining restaurant and bar, a meeting room, a swimming pool, and a spa, offering guests a relaxed and restorative stay while exploring the region.

Dr. Milind Pimprikar said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL and bring the experience of Tree of Life to Nashik. We look forward to creating a distinctive offering for guests visiting the region.”

Nashik is home to the revered Trimbakeshwar Temple and is framed by the Western Ghats, making it known for its scenic trails, waterfalls, and lush landscapes. The destination continues to attract travellers looking for a mix of spiritual depth and nature-led experiences.

With this signing, IHCL will have four hotels in Nashik, with two more in the pipeline, further strengthening its footprint in the city.

About the owning company:

Dr Milind Pimprikar, the main promoter of the LLP, is one of the leading orthopaedic doctors in the country. With over 30 years of experience, his skills and technical expertise have enabled him to perform thousands of successful orthopaedic surgeries. His mission is to build an institution that goes beyond treatment and contributes to the overall well-being of society. This marks his first venture into the hospitality sector.


Woodside Inn’s Karaoke Wednesdays Gives Bangalore a New Midweek Tradition

Woodside Inn’s Karaoke Wednesdays Gives Bangalore a New Midweek Tradition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 20, 2026

The midweek just got a lot more interesting as Woodside Inn launches Karaoke Wednesdays, giving Bangalore a fresh pre-weekend ritual to look forward to. Designed as a weekly social escape, the event brings together music, food, and a lively crowd in a setting that feels both comfortable and fun.

Hosted by Joshua Selvaraj, Karaoke Wednesdays features a wide-ranging song library that covers pop anthems, rock classics, Bollywood hits, and much more. The idea is simple, step up, pick a song, and enjoy the moment, whether you’re a confident performer or someone just trying it out for fun.

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Karaoke is clearly having its moment, and Bangalore has been ready for more spaces that do it right. Karaoke Wednesdays at Woodside Inn fills that gap, making it ideal for spontaneous date nights, post-work hangouts, evenings out with friends, or even solo plans for anyone who has ever sung along in the car and wanted to try it with a mic and an audience.

The setting plays a big role in making the experience feel easy and inviting. Woodside Inn’s mix of polished interiors and warm, lived-in charm creates an atmosphere where singing feels natural rather than intimidating. It’s a space that encourages participation without pressure.

Adding to the experience is the menu of elevated comfort food, cocktails, and brews. With good food and drinks flowing, Karaoke Wednesdays becomes more than just a singing night — it turns into a complete evening out where guests can relax, cheer others on, or take the spotlight themselves.

Walk-ins are welcome, with no reservations or memberships required. Whether you’re singing solo, teaming up with friends for a duet, or simply enjoying the performances with a chilled beer and comfort food, the format keeps things open, inclusive, and free of any fuss.

  • Venue: Woodside Inn, Indiranagar
  • Day & Time: Wednesdays, 9 PM onwards.

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