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.


Palaniappa Electronics Enables Secure Hotel Operations with Samsung Knox for Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 12, 2026

As hotels increasingly integrate digital tools to improve efficiency and guest experience, device security and controlled usage have become essential. Addressing this need, Palaniappa Electronics, a solutions expert and implementation partner for Samsung Knox in the hospitality sector, is enabling hotels to deploy secure, purpose-built tablets and smartphones designed exclusively for operational use.

At the reception desk, where speed and accuracy are critical, Samsung Knox allows tablets to be locked down to run only hotel-approved applications such as property management systems, ID scanning, billing, and guest registration. This prevents accidental access to social media, app stores, or system settings, resulting in faster check-ins, reduced errors, and a professional guest-facing interface while ensuring complete data security.

For operations, administration, and housekeeping teams, Knox-enabled smartphones help maintain focus on task management applications, room status updates, maintenance requests, and internal communication tools. By eliminating non-work apps and unnecessary notifications, hotels benefit from improved productivity, quicker response times, and stronger accountability, while also preventing misuse of company-owned devices.

In guest rooms, Samsung Knox-secured tablets function as dedicated hotel management system controllers. Guests can manage lighting, curtains, air conditioning, and in-room services through a simple interface, while the device remains protected from browsing, downloads, or tampering. This safeguards hotel assets, reduces replacement costs, and delivers a consistent, premium digital experience for guests.

Samsung Knox offers enterprise-grade security trusted globally, along with centralised device control and remote management capabilities. Hotels can enforce usage policies, push updates, and lock devices remotely, reducing IT overheads and minimising operational risks. The solution is scalable across single properties as well as multi-hotel portfolios, making it suitable for both independent hotels and large chains.

Palaniappa Electronics has established itself as a trusted name in hospitality-focused electronics, supporting hotels with solutions ranging from small requirements to large-scale deployments. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and world-class brands, the company continues to help hospitality businesses create secure, efficient, and refined operational environments.

In a hospitality landscape where technology must function seamlessly and securely, Samsung Knox is emerging as a strategic advantage for hotels aiming to balance efficiency, security, and guest satisfaction.

For hotels facing challenges related to device misuse, data security, or operational inefficiencies, Palaniappa Electronics offers live proof-of-concept demonstrations tailored to specific hotel requirements.

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


UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Unveils Hinduja Foundation Book on Ancient North Indian Coinage

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Unveils Hinduja Foundation Book on Ancient North Indian Coinage

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

The Hinduja Foundation unveiled its latest publication, Early North India and Its Coinage, at a distinguished ceremony in New Delhi, with Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, formally releasing the book. The event was attended by scholars, historians and dignitaries, including Shri Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Prakash P. Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation, and Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation.

Published in both English and Hindi, the book is India’s first comprehensive and illustrated study of early North Indian coinage, documenting coins dating from 300 BCE to 300 CE. Authored by historian Devendra Handa, the publication features over 850 coins, making it the largest documented assemblage of indigenous coinage from this period in North India.

The book examines coinage from republics, tribes and monarchies that emerged after the Mauryan period, covering regions such as Mathura, Kannauj, Panchal and Kaushambi in the Ganga–Yamuna doab, along with parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Through detailed visuals and commentary, it reflects the religious, cultural and geopolitical context that shaped early Indian society.

Plans are underway to showcase select coins from the collection at the Lucknow Museum, allowing the public to engage closely with this aspect of India’s heritage. The Hinduja Foundation’s numismatic collection today includes over 34,000 historically significant coins, with around 7,000 from North India and nearly 4,200 from Uttar Pradesh alone.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Yogi Adityanath said, “Understanding and preserving history is a national responsibility, and I commend the Hinduja Foundation for this remarkable initiative. The book sheds light on the economic, cultural and political fabric of early North India and highlights the importance of preserving the region's historical heritage for future generations. This book not only chronicles India's heritage but also underscores the enduring contributions of our civilisation to world history, making it an invaluable resource.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation, said, “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, for unveiling this important volume and supporting the plan for public display of these coins at the museum in Lucknow. With a legacy rooted in India, the Hinduja family has always seen itself as a custodian of the country’s cultural and civilisational heritage.”

Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, added, “This publication marks an important step in introducing a significant part of North India’s glorious heritage to the public. By showcasing these coins, we enable scholars, students and the wider public to engage with India’s early civilisations first-hand.”

The book showcases a wide variety of coin shapes, metals and symbols, including early depictions of deities such as Kārttikeya, Śiva and Lakṣmī, as well as temples and cultural motifs. Drawing on archaeological findings and the Foundation’s collection, it demonstrates how coins provide insights into trade, governance, religion and everyday life in ancient India.

With this publication, the Hinduja Foundation reinforces its commitment to preserving India’s heritage, promoting scholarship, and ensuring that the country’s cultural legacy is documented and passed on to future generations.


Postcard Hotel Launches Exclusive Ayurveda Retreat in Old Goa

Postcard Hotel Launches Exclusive Ayurveda Retreat in Old Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 9, 2026

The Postcard Hotel has announced the launch of its latest wellness-focused property, The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa – A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience, marking a new chapter in experiential luxury hospitality. Set within a UNESCO-recognised heritage region and surrounded by vast reserve forests, the retreat is dedicated entirely to holistic healing and long-term wellbeing.

Developed in collaboration with Sitaram Ayurveda, which carries a healing legacy of over a century, the retreat blends authentic Ayurvedic wisdom with The Postcard Hotel’s signature philosophy of thoughtful luxury. Designed as a quiet sanctuary away from everyday distractions, the property encourages guests to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with their inner balance.

Speaking about the launch, Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Postcard Hotel, said, “With The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, we have created a pioneering wellness sanctuary in India that offers a comprehensive experience to address unique lifestyle needs and concerns of each guest. The stays here start from minimum seven nights and are all-inclusive healing journeys focused on providing highly personalised programmes for medical wellness, rather than a recreational leisure escape.”

He further added, “In an industry-first collaboration with Sitaram, our intimate retreat supports long-term health, balance and wellbeing by integrating their century-old healing legacy of Ayurveda with the calm of nature, thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, and perceptive service offered by The Postcard Hotel.”

Dr. Vignesh Devraj, MD (Ay), Founder and Chief Physician, Sitaram Retreats, highlighted the philosophy behind the collaboration, saying, “The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat represents a meaningful convergence of place, purpose, and healing. At its core, Ayurveda is about restoring balance and tapping into the body’s innate potential to heal. Our retreat harmonises these ancient principles with guided consultations, medical insights and personalised care at every step of the tailored wellness programmes.”

Located in the serene surroundings of Old Goa, the retreat is defined by stillness and privacy. At its heart stands a majestic 300-year-old banyan tree, setting the tone for calm and reflection. With only six thoughtfully designed rooms, each featuring private balconies overlooking lush gardens and forested valleys, the property ensures complete seclusion and unhurried healing.

Each guest’s wellness journey begins with an in-depth consultation with resident Ayurvedic physicians, who curate personalised programmes based on individual doshas and health needs. Every aspect of the stay, from treatments and nutrition to rest and daily routines, is carefully designed to support deep restoration rather than leisure-driven relaxation.

Wellness programmes range from seven to fourteen or twenty-one nights, offering guests the flexibility to choose a pace that supports meaningful healing. The retreat caters not only to those seeking treatment but also to guests focused on preventive care, immunity strengthening, and long-term balance.

With this launch, The Postcard Hotel reinforces its commitment to creating transformative hospitality experiences that go beyond luxury, positioning The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa as a destination for mindful living and authentic healing.

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