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Rootsandleisure-hornbill-2022

Hornbill Festival 2022 Starts Today in Nagaland.

Published by Kumti

It’s that time of the year again we’ve all been waiting for. Nagaland is once again all set to host the famous hornbill festival. A festival that celebrates music, culture, food, and arts & tradition. It only gets better and brighter every year. This year we will get to witness an array of attractions around the state starting from 1st Dec to 10th Dec. Throughout the festival, there will be a medley of folk songs and dances, a musical night with artists from across the country and beyond, the display of traditional arts and crafts being displayed at the morungs. There is surely something for everyone here at this festival. So whether you’re a local or a traveler, fuzzy up with your warmest jacket and enjoy the cozy festival with high spirits! Also, don’t miss out on the night carnivals and enjoy the local brews and delicacies. “For all of our music enthusiasts, the music festival – brought to you by LIVENOW, starts from 2nd December till the 10th. We have an exciting lineup of artists …

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Samuel Duia – Adventurer and Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers’ Talks about Their Exciting Canyon Discovery in Meghalaya!

Published by Deno Dolie

Interview by Deno Dolie Exploring the mystical Northeast of India is on the top of the bucket list for many, and with the region becoming increasingly accessible, a growing number of local and foreign tourists have been visiting the region in recent years. That said, I personally believe that the real joy of traveling to the Northeast lies in exploring the local gems – in the unknowns. This is where I would like to introduce Samuel Duia from Shillong, a passionate traveler, and founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ – a Govt. recognized tour operator based in Meghalaya whose unique offerings include expert local tours, village stays, local food & culture exploration –  and more. Most notably, Samuel and a team from Bangalore Adventure School (BASCOOL) recently discovered an unexplored canyon in Syntung village – now named (by Samuel’s ‘first descend’ team!) as ‘Upper Shonghang Canyon.’  I chat with Samuel about his venture, responsible tourism, canyoning, and of course, their recent canyon discovery – in detail! Samuel Duia – Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ Meghalaya posing in front of …

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Diddicoy’s Forest Home in Manali : A Home for Everyone who Loves Apples, Dogs, Sunshine, Seasonal Snow and an Unforgettable Vacation

Published by Aloli Achumi

With the country opening up one unlock at a time, two things come to mind: Vacation and Mountains. The universe seems to be in sync as we soon discover this beautiful homestay – Diddicoy’s Forest Home in the lap of nature in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. This 3 bedroom cottage amidst Som Van forest in Batahar Village of Manali has the best of both worlds – the rustic charm of living in a forest, and with all the modern-day facilities to ensure guests have a comfortable stay – and it is just 5 min walk from the Beas river! Borne of love by two friends, and now co-hosts – Bhumika and Sumit, this vacation home is loved by guests for their pure offerings amidst the vast spread of an apple orchard. We are thrilled to have come across this beautiful abode – and of course, its wonderful hosts. We chat with Bhumika today to know more about their homestay, their journey, furry friends, and more. Bhumika with her friend and co-host Sumit and their pet at …

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Travellers Talk About the Last Trip Before COVID, and Their Next Travel Destination Once This Pandemic is Over

Published by Aloli Achumi

  Staying indoors catching up with yourself and dear ones, Zoom dinners, .. and maybe picnics in your backyard are some surprising activities we have come to enjoy during this pandemic. But raise your hands if you’re itching to pack your bags and get out of your house – and out of the city/ town! To find some solidarity, we reached out to some of our traveler friends to talk about their last trip before COVID, and their next travel destination on their list once this pandemic is over. Scroll down below to see if there are more people planning to travel to the same destination as you!  Riddhi Debh | Entrepreneur, Published Photographer, Award-winning marketer, Bangalore/Kolkata Just before COVID pandemic: Nilgiris mountains in Tamil Nadu. Post-pandemic travel list: “Hampi in Karnataka or and Tanzania, when international travel opens up!” ~ Ridhi Sachin Miglani | 27, Interior Designer, New Delhi Just before COVID pandemic: Kufri in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Post-pandemic travel list: “Planning to travel Meghalaya or Kerela after COVID” ~ Sachin Miglani Thlengi Zote | …

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“Rediscovering This Forest Has Brought Back Fond Memories from My Childhood Years” Akumla from Nagaland Takes Us for a Walk

Published by Roots & Leisure

Isn’t it a delight when you discover hidden gems that opens up a whole new world for you? One of our friends Akumla from Nagaland had such an experience, as she ventured out one cold Winter evening below her house in Kohima, Nagaland. We got talking about this experience as we were scrolling through her Instagram feed recently and got her to share them with our readers – along with some lovely inspiring thoughts from this walk she took 2 years ago. Scroll down for photos from her walk and her story . . . “I stay in Lower Forest Colony in Kohima Nagaland. These photos were taken by me one fine day in the winter of 2018. That day, I decided to take a solitary walk, driven by sheer joblessness during the holiday season. The air around was pretty chilly and cold, but once I took off into the beautiful landscape of the neighborhood forest area, my heart warmed up – and instantly – at that very moment – resolved to take more such …

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Moments & Events Captured At Hornbill Festival 2019!

Published by Nara Longkumer

To add to this festive time of the year, Nagaland hosts its famous Hornbill Festival to celebrate music, art, food, and culture. Started 8 years ago, every year the festival brings with it a different experience for attendees. The vibrance and the energy only increase with every new edition of the festival, and 2019 was no exception!  Today, we bring to you some of our favorite moments and sights from the festival. Brew your tea, sit back and take a look at these beautiful shots that sum up Hornbill ’19. The festival wraps up tomorrow, make sure you drop by!  You can find different varieties of handicrafts to choose from. Morungs (Naga traditional huts) from different tribes of Nagaland. In case you’ve missed the fun, don’t worry. There’s still a day left, so hurry up and get to Kisama before you get a case of FOMO! More from Hornbill Festival across the years HERE.

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#Faces | A Calm Afternoon in Auroville, Pondicherry

Published by Neha Fernandez

“It was a peaceful experience to visit Auroville. The walk amidst the forest to this calm and serene place was worth it. It represents humanity’s aspiration for peace and goodwill. It is also a unique symbol of unity. Auroville is a calm place, bordered with beaches and lush with green forests. You get a sense of life and happiness here as you spend time with locals, walk through the lanes laden with trees, and witness gorgeous sunsets at the beaches.”  – Shruti Hariharan, owner of Travelogue Matri Mandir, Auroville

Jonathan Marques, An Analyst and Traveller, Shares His Travel Tales From Cambodia

Published by Neha Fernandez

For Jonathan Marque, true joy resides in exploring new places, meeting new people, and embracing new views. An analyst by profession, he recently took a sabbatical to travel around the world. Taking on the road with his friend, he set out to explore Thailand and Cambodia this year.  He’s already covered Japan, Vietnam, and South Africa and hopes to travel to Northeast India and South American soon. We chatted with him to know his take on travel and more.  Hey Jonathan! Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you’ve been up to. I’m Jonathan Marques, 33 and currently based out of Mumbai and Goa. I have been working as an analyst in the Energy and Oil & Gas sectors for about a decade, but am currently on a sabbatical since a few months to explore new avenues, specifically sustainable living and Permaculture design. What initially sparked your journey? I love the thrill, excitement and experience of a new place, its food, people, culture and natural beauty. Every trip has only helped …

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#FACES | Photographer Captures The Love and Affection Between Siblings

Published by Neha Fernandez

On one of his photo-walks, photographer John Kapfo spotted a moment of pure love between siblings and couldn’t help but capture it in his camera. He says, “Your siblings are your first friends, and sometimes, your first enemies too! You fight, argue, play, and share an unmatched relationship with them. The affection and love showed between siblings, no matter what the age or gender, can truly be an inspiration. As seen here, a simple gesture can truly evoke a thousand emotions, a wordless story no doubt.” Picture clicked by John Kapfo. Follow him on Instagram for more.

Julie Kagti, Owner of Curtain Call Adventures, Is Helping People Explore Northeast

Published by Neha Fernandez

Julie Kagti of ‘Curtain Call Adventures’, has come a long way since starting her business in 2016. Her venture focuses on creating localised travel experiences for people in the Northeast region. She promotes a more wholesome way of travelling by including local art, culture, and guides in your travel experience. She spent two decades in various roles of a designer, teacher, entrepreneur, and social worker, gracing her way in Lakme Fashion Week and Fabindia stores. Her childhood spent in Assam inspired her to start the venture and also bring the honest yet unseen side of Northeast to the world. Today we chat with her to know the exciting story behind Curtain Call Adventures and more.  Hey Julie! Tell us a bit about yourself.  Hi, I’m Julie, the owner of Curtain Call Adventures. I grew up in Assam, which exposed me to both the anglicised tea life and local culture of weaving. My exposure to the world of design in Bombay inspired me to pursue an education in textile design, after which I spent two decades …