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.


IHCL Marks Four Years of Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass Celebrations

IHCL Marks Four Years of Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass Celebrations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 24, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is celebrating four years of its Taj InnerCircle with NeuPass loyalty programme, inviting guests to enjoy memorable travel experiences and exclusive benefits across its hotel network.

Marking the milestone, the company has introduced special anniversary offers designed to give members more value during their stays. The initiative reflects IHCL’s continued focus on creating smooth and rewarding experiences for its guests across different brands.

Mr. Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL said, “Taj InnerCircle and NeuPass represent our commitment to creating thoughtful and seamless experiences across IHCL’s brandscape. As the programme completes four years, we are delighted to celebrate this journey with our members through specially curated anniversary offerings.”

As part of the celebrations, members can avail 20% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, dining at in-house restaurants, and wellness services such as spa therapies and salon treatments. In addition, guests will also have the opportunity to earn 2X NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends during their stay.

These benefits are available across IHCL’s portfolio, including Taj, Claridges Collection, SeleQtions, Gateway, Vivanta, Ginger, Tree of Life and amã Stays & Trails, giving members a wide range of experiences to choose from.

The offer is valid on stays booked between 20th March and 20th April 2026, for travel until 30th September 2026 across participating hotels.

With this celebration, IHCL continues to strengthen its loyalty programme by offering meaningful benefits, encouraging guests to explore more destinations while enjoying added value and comfort.


FLY91 Completes Two Years, Flies Over 4.8 Lakh Passengers

FLY91 Completes Two Years, Flies Over 4.8 Lakh Passengers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 23, 2026

FLY91 has completed two years of operations, marking a key milestone in its regional aviation journey. Since its launch in March 2024, the airline has flown over 4,81,802 passengers across India’s growing network of regional routes.

The Goa-headquartered airline has focused on improving connectivity between underserved cities, responding to the rising demand for direct travel options beyond major metro routes. Over the past two years, FLY91 has operated 9,569 flights and recorded 12,896 flying hours, steadily building its presence in the regional aviation space.

FLY91 began its operations on March 18, 2024, with its first flight connecting Manohar International Airport to Bengaluru, marking its entry into India’s aviation market. The airline currently operates from its main base at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, along with a secondary hub in Hyderabad.

Its network now covers nine destinations, including Goa, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Agatti, and Jalgaon. The airline plans to expand this network to 15 destinations, strengthening its reach across emerging regional markets.

Operating as a regional airline, FLY91 uses ATR 72-600 aircraft, which are suited for short-haul routes and efficient connectivity. The airline has also grown its fleet to six aircraft, supporting its expansion plans.

Manoj Chacko, Founder, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said, “Completing two years of operations is a meaningful milestone for our team and partners. When we launched, the objective was clear: to connect underserved cities and enable easier, faster travel for people who often had limited options. The response from passengers across our network has been extremely encouraging. As we grow, our focus will remain on measured growth, disciplined expansion, operational reliability and building a regional airline that communities can depend on.”

The airline has seen strong demand on routes connecting smaller industrial centres with larger cities, with the Jalgaon–Pune route emerging as one of its busiest sectors.

Looking ahead, FLY91 plans to add more destinations such as Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Nanded, Dabolim, and Indore. This expansion aligns with the broader push to strengthen regional connectivity in India, supporting better mobility and economic growth across smaller cities.

With steady growth and a clear focus on regional routes, FLY91 continues to build its position in India’s evolving aviation landscape.


DLF Midtown Plaza Is Bringing Curated Dining and Lifestyle Retail to West Delhi's Moti Nagar

DLF Midtown Plaza Is Bringing Curated Dining and Lifestyle Retail to West Delhi's Moti Nagar

By Hariharan U

Published on March 23, 2026

West Delhi has been underserved when it comes to quality organised retail and dining, and DLF Malls is doing something about that. DLF Midtown Plaza has opened in Moti Nagar, New Delhi, as a neighbourhood-focused retail and lifestyle destination that's designed to be walked to, not driven to as an occasional outing.

The plaza is part of the larger DLF Midtown ecosystem and already has a solid retail foundation in place. Crossword Bookstores, Nykaa Luxe, and Kama Ayurveda are up and running, giving the destination an immediate character that feels lifestyle-led rather than purely transactional. These aren't filler brands: they're the kind of names that draw regular visitors and create a sense of community around the space.

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The more exciting part is what's coming next. A curated F&B lineup is set to open in phases over the coming months, and the roster is genuinely strong. Anardana, Aku's, Caffè Tonino, CBTL, Dasaprakash, Dohful, Draavin Canteen, Mount Fuji, and Underdoggs will bring a mix of destination dining, neighbourhood cafes, and social hangout formats to a micro-market that has historically had limited access to organised eating-out options. For residents of the Midtown development and the wider West and Central Delhi catchment, this is a meaningful change.

The residential foundation around the plaza is substantial. The DLF Midtown ecosystem comprises Capital Greens I, II, and III alongside DLF ONE Midtown, the recently delivered luxury condominium featuring four elegant towers with over 900 well-appointed apartments overlooking nearly 128 acres of green surroundings. Together, these communities house more than 3,500 families, providing a strong and immediate catchment for the plaza's offerings.

The broader vision behind DLF Midtown Plaza reflects a shift in how urban retail is being thought about in India. Rather than building large-scale destinations that require planned visits, the focus here is on everyday convenience and lifestyle value within walking distance of where people live. Cafes, bookstores, dining, and essential services all within one integrated neighbourhood hub is an idea that makes increasing sense as Indian cities grow denser and residents look for quality closer to home.

With the plaza now open and more brands set to activate in the coming months, DLF Midtown is steadily becoming the kind of fully integrated neighbourhood that West Delhi has been waiting for.

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