Category Travel & Places

While searching for impactful stories we found Gaurav narrating tales of Delhi the way we never knew Delhi to be, instantly drawn to his storytelling and the nuances of history and old world charm that subtly but eloquently encapsulates city’s reflection to the modern tourist. India is often described as a land of stories, traditions, and diverse cultures, yet in the rush of modern life, many of these narratives are forgotten. Gaurav, is the founder of The Folk Tales, a custom tours company that won the Gold award for the ‘Best Cultural Immersion Operator’ category, by Indian Responsible Tourism Awards (IRTA) the regional wing of the World Responsible Tourism Awards (WRTA). Gaurav has spent more than a decade creating immersive travel experiences rooted in Indian heritage. His work blends storytelling with sustainable tourism, encouraging people to reconnect with their roots while exploring offbeat destinations.
In this conversation, he reflects on how The Folk Tales began, the challenges of working with both Indian and international tourists, and why cultural continuity matters in today’s rapidly changing world.

Whether one navigates the labyrinthine streets of India’s ancient villages and towns or acquaints themselves with the cultural depth through Indian literature, they are immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, patterns, and stories that weave together the rich tapestry of India’s textile heritage. Among the myriad of traditional crafts, Kalamkari stands tall as a testament to the country’s enduring artistic legacy. In this article, MOSAIC pays tribute to the world of Kalamkari, exploring its history, significance, challenges, and revival efforts that are bringing this exquisite art form back into the limelight. And to Srikalahasti, the town that tells this tale of resilience and glory.

Amid the rolling hills of Ranikhet, where pine forests whisper in the wind and the air carries the scent of wildflowers, a new kind of hospitality is taking root. Seed by Mosaic is not just another luxury retreat—it’s a reimagining of what luxury itself means. Founded by Juhi Singh, Seed is born from the belief that the greatest indulgence today is not excess but stillness. In an era where travel often feels like a checklist of experiences, Seed invites its guests to pause, breathe, and embrace “the art of doing nothing.” With minimalist architecture that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, rituals that celebrate unhurried living, and a deeply embedded sustainability ethos, Seed represents the growing movement of conscious, slow travel in India. At its core, it is a sanctuary for those who seek authenticity, connection with nature, and the rare luxury of time—time to simply be.

When we talk about sustainable tourism, the words most often heard are eco-friendly, green energy, cultural conservation and carbon-neutral travels. Yet one dimension of sustainability often slips through the cracks; inclusivity. For Neha Arora, Founder of Planet Abled, the conversation is incomplete unless accessibility is placed at the heart of it. Her work challenges an industry that has historically ignored travellers with disabilities, exposing both a moral and a business failure. This interview details into the impact of Planet Abled in not only bridging the gap for people with disability and travel industry, but also educates society on travel is for all, and people with disability need not be locked indoors, but they have the right and interest in exploring places too.

Tucked away in the serene hills of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, Aaranyam is not just a homestay or a getaway, it is an experience, a philosophy, and a lesson in slow living. Built by Kumar Shivam, an artist, filmmaker, writer and heritage enthusiast, Aaranyam reflects a conscious choice to revive intangible heritage, restore cultural narratives, and craft an immersive journey that connects people to the roots of Kumaon and Garhwal in Uttarakhand.

“I didn’t make it a museum; I made it useful,” Shivam begins. “Even today, the water we provide comes from a big copper pot, just like people used to use a hundred years ago. Everything here is about bringing the past into the present.” MOSAIC explores what Kumar Shivam, Founder of Aaranyam means by living the simple-slow life, immersed in culture, stories, traditions, values and ancestral legacy.

There’s a noticeable shift in how Ayurveda is perceived today. Once dismissed as folk medicine, it is now embraced globally as a science of longevity, prevention, and holistic wellbeing. This evolving perception is bringing younger demographics and international visitors to Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam located in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh that upholds the principles of Ayurveda in its truest form even as it approaches a more sustainable module of living.

By Sharmi Adhikary

The Jambughoda Palace is a royal family run heritage home in Gujarat that welcomes guests with a yen for not just time spent in the lap of nature but also indulge in a truly sustainable lifestyle that is far from the madding crowd.

by Sharmi Adhikary

A home that reinterprets simple living and houses things that fulfill a purpose, Samsara, the nest of the owners of artisanal concept apparel brand Vraj:bhoomi, is all about small, handcrafted details that spark conversations on craft revival and sustainability.

By Sharmi Adhikary

She will make you relook your travel plans to triumph serendipity to sustainability.

From Vikings to VisionariesNorway’s Stride to a Sustainable Society “The…