Distinct Destinations

Ask a palace guard in Jaipur how long he's worked here. The answer is rarely just a number.

For many of these men, it's not a job — it's a lineage. Father to son, sometimes grandfather to grandson. The same palace gates, the same red turban tied the same way every morning, the same silver staff that has stood through decades of tourists who came, photographed the building, and left without ever saying a word.

The red turban alone is a statement — its colour, its knot, even its height carries meaning in Rajasthani culture. These men are not just guards. They are the living continuation of a royal tradition that Jaipur's palaces were built on.

Next time you visit — stop. Look them in the eye. Say namaste. Ask their name. The palace will still be there for the photo. 🇮🇳

Summer in Sikkim is an invitation to slow down amidst Himalayan grandeur.

From the royal elegance of The Elgin Nor-Khill, Gangtok to breathtaking trails, monasteries, alpine lakes, and views of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Sikkim offers a journey filled with heritage, culture, and unforgettable mountain experiences.

Once the residence of Sikkim’s royal family, The Elgin Nor-Khill beautifully preserves the charm of a bygone era — with teakwood interiors, crackling fireplaces, curated art, and warm Himalayan hospitality.

Whether it’s exploring Rumtek Monastery, walking through oak forests, or unwinding with mountain views, this is summer at its most soulful.

Read our latest blog and discover why Sikkim deserves a place on your summer travel list. https://distinctdestinations.in/blog/india/summering-in-sikkim

Before there were books, there were scrolls.

Cheriyal scroll painting is one of India's oldest storytelling traditions — vivid, hand-painted narratives on cloth, created by the Nakashi community of Telangana. Each scroll tells a complete story from Hindu mythology — the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, tales of local deities — panel by panel, like the world's oldest graphic novel.

Every colour is made from natural sources. Red from stone, yellow from turmeric, green from leaves, black from soot. The figures are bold, flat, and expressive — faces painted in profile, eyes wide open, every character immediately recognisable to the community it was made for.

These scrolls were once unrolled at village gatherings while the artist narrated the story aloud — part painting, part performance, part oral history. A one-person theatre that kept entire communities connected to their mythology for generations.

Today, fewer than 20 families continue this tradition. Every scroll that exists is made by hand, in one village, by people who have known no other craft.

Set amidst the misty hills of Coorg, the upcoming The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary promises a rare escape into nature-led luxury. Spread across 75 acres of lush coffee plantations, this serene retreat near Madikeri is designed for slow, immersive travel—where forest trails, tranquil lakes, and secluded villas create the perfect setting to unwind.

From indulgent wellness experiences at Viyoma to curated plantation walks and unique bean-to-cup coffee journeys, every moment here reconnects you with nature in its purest form.

If you’re seeking a soulful getaway wrapped in comfort and calm, this is one to watch.


Read more through the link attached. https://distinctdestinations.in/blog/india/the-leela-coorg-forest-sanctuary-a-promise-in-the-making-of-rare-back-to-nature-indulgences-in-the-making