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RUPALI DEAN has a passion for all things good in life—travel, food, champagne, spa and suchlike. Being a chef, nutritionist and a journalist, she has managed to turn her passion into her profession. For this issue, she writes about the charms of Seattle.

BHASWATI KHAUND GOSWAMI did her masters in Ancient Indian History from Delhi University and works as Communications Officer in the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research(C-NES). She introduces Digboi to us.

Devoted to the scientific ideal of contemplative research, ANSHUMAN SEN is currently busy preparing an exhaustive list of haunted PCO booths in Kathgodam and surrounding areas. Taking a break from that, he travelled to Czech Republic for us.

DIYA KOHLI is an editor by day and foodie, armchair traveller and whimsical cook at all other hours. Occasionally, she leaves her laptop and kitchen mitts behind to bite a few chunks off the world outside. This time she takes a bite of Malaysia.

VATSALA ARORA has been to almost every corner of India. She hopes one day she can say the same about most of the world! Working on this dream, she has hunted out the hotels with the best views in the world—perfect for a romantic getaway.

TOP5 LETTERS OF THE MONTH

1 FABULOUS WRITING

I have to confess that I haven’t heard of most of the authors who featured in the special issue. I read a lot but obviously not enough! In the Jan-Feb issue of Travel Plus, I have read some of the best travel writing I have read in all my 42 years. I must specially mention the pieces on Meghalaya, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Sarnath Banerjee’s inspiring piece on West Bengal. Apart from him, I haven’t heard of the other writers and I am now going to look for their books. Thank you so much for the introduction and congratulations on a really special issue!

—Chandralekha Mahanty, Bhubaneswar

2 MISLEADING CAPTION

I just got the magazine and the pictures and layout all look good. However, one slight objection to the caption that went with the photograph in the Mizoram piece. It reads, “Nearly 90 percent of the population is Christian, but if you dig deeper…” This makes it sound like Christianity is somehow shallow or only on the surface, which somebody could take the wrong way.

—Rakesh Khanna, New Delhi

3 POPULAR CHOICE FOR TRAVEL

Congratulations for the splendid 17th anniversary special. Travelling around India with celebrities from different professions is a great idea. As celebrities are in our real life heroes too. They are now messiahs for the public that copies everything from their way of life to thinking. Therefore getting a peak into their personal lives is always a bonus. That’s why people often wish to travel to places where their favourite celebrities have been to—that dream is fulfilled here to some extent!

—Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi

4 HERITAGE HOTELS, PONDICHERRY

I came across an article on Pondicherry by Madhulika Liddle (Page 152-154). It’s a pity that she didn’t mention Hotel de l’Orient or La Maison Tamoule which are both very popular heritage hotels in Pondicherry. There was also a photograph of the Hotel de l’Orient courtyard in the Celeb Speak section (page 155) but unfortunately there was no caption so your readers won’t know where the photograph was taken. Just thought I’d let you know.

—Sonavi Kaicker, Mumbai

5 MUST READ THE SPECIAL ISSUE

Just started reading this 17th Anniversary Special. First of all hats off to the Travel Plus team. You all come up with innovative presentations. I couldn’t wait to write till I had finished reading the complete magazine. I just read MY INDIA/ Andaman & Nicobar Islands (that’s just the first article of this edition) and I know for sure what’s in store in this amazing 200 page compilation. I should say that another Must Do is a ‘must read thoroughly’. Thanks to all in Travel Plus!

—Ajay Borkar, Mumbai