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This Oktoberfest season, Watson’s is adding a competitive spin to the celebrations with Beer Baron, a month-long leaderboard-style competition running from 7th to 31st October 2026 across its Indiranagar, Ulsoor and Vasanth Nagar outlets. The campaign invites beer enthusiasts to see how high they can climb on the leaderboard and compete for the top spot across the city. Guests can keep track of their progress through the live leaderboard, which allows participants to see the top performers as well as their own position. With the competition running throughout October, the challenge is to keep moving up the ranks and see who can finish the month at the top. The competition will crown two levels of winners. The city-level winner, titled The OG Baron, will be the participant with the highest qualifying count across all Watson’s outlets in Bengaluru and will win free beers for one month, from 1st to 30th November 2026, redeemable at any Watson’s outlet across the city. At the outlet level, the highest qualifying participant at each participating Watson’s outlet will be crowned The Local Baron and will win free beers for one week in November. With the leaderboard running through October, Beer Baron gives guests a chance to make the most of the Oktoberfest season while competing for the title at both outlet and city levels. Details Venue: Watson’s Indiranagar, Ulsoor and Vasanth Nagar Contest Period: 7th October – 31st October, 2026 Experience: Beer Baron – Leaderboard-style beer drinking competition

India’s festive calendar is a vibrant reflection of its cultural diversity, with the season bringing together traditions, rituals, food, music and community celebrations across the country. Durga Puja, Navratri and Dussehra may have different expressions across regions, but the spirit remains universal – the celebration of faith, togetherness and the triumph of good over evil. For travellers, the festive season offers an opportunity to experience destinations beyond their usual sightseeing attractions – through neighbourhood celebrations, traditional rituals, elaborate pandals, cultural performances, festive cuisine and centuries-old customs. This festive season, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel spotlight 11 destinations where travellers can experience the country’s diverse festive traditions while discovering the culture, cuisine and character of each region. Kolkata, West Bengal Few cities embrace Durga Puja with the scale, artistry and emotion of Kolkata. As the festival approaches, neighbourhoods across the city come alive with elaborate pandals, artistic installations, magnificent idols of Goddess Durga and illuminated streets. For many Bengali families, the festival is also a deeply emotional homecoming, reflecting the traditional belief that Goddess Durga returns to her paternal home during these days. Travellers can spend their evenings pandal hopping, witnessing traditional rituals and immersing themselves in the city’s festive atmosphere, while sampling bhog and Bengali delicacies. Some of the city’s well-known traditional pujas include Sovabazar Raja Barir Puja, Rani Rashmoni Durga Puja, Harinath Mookerjee Family Durga Puja, Bholanath Mallick Barir Puja and Chhatu Babu Latu Babu Family’s Durga Puja. Ahmedabad, Gujarat In Ahmedabad, the festive season takes on a distinctly Gujarati rhythm, with Navratri transforming the city into a celebration of music, dance and community. As the sun sets, people dressed in colourful traditional attire gather for Garba and Dandiya, with celebrations continuing late into the night. Venues such as GMDC Ground, Mirchi Rock & Dhol, YMCA Club, CEPT University and Rajpath Club are among the places associated with the city’s festive celebrations. The wider festive period also brings Dussehra traditions, adding another dimension to the celebrations. Mumbai, Maharashtra Mumbai’s multicultural character comes alive during the festive season, with Bengali communities across the city coming together to celebrate Durga Puja through traditional rituals, beautifully decorated pandals, cultural programmes and festive food. From intimate community celebrations to larger gatherings, the city’s Durga Puja celebrations offer travellers an opportunity to experience Bengali traditions within Mumbai’s unmistakably cosmopolitan setting. The festive atmosphere extends beyond the pandals, with music, food and community events bringing neighbourhoods together. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Varanasi offers a festive experience rooted in spirituality, tradition and mythology. During Dussehra, Ramlila performances depicting episodes from the Ramayana bring communities together, with performers taking on the roles of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman. Fairs, food stalls and community gatherings add to the atmosphere, culminating in the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies. The celebrations take on a distinctive character against the backdrop of Varanasi’s ancient ghats and temples.  Delhi Delhi brings together several strands of India’s festive traditions, with Durga Puja celebrations taking place alongside large-scale Dussehra festivities across the capital. CR Park is particularly well known for its Durga Puja celebrations, with pandals, rituals, cultural programmes and Bengali food attracting both residents and visitors. Other locations associated with the celebrations include Durgotsav GK 2, Matri Mandir in Safdarjung Enclave, Minto Road and Kashmiri Gate. On the Dussehra side, Ramleela Maidan is known for its large-scale celebrations and Ravana effigy burning. Guwahati, Assam Guwahati celebrates Durga Puja with a strong community spirit, with neighbourhoods coming alive with colourful pandals, elaborately decorated idols, cultural programmes, fairs and exhibitions. Among the city’s longstanding celebrations is the Latasil Durga Puja, while several community pandals across areas such as Bishnupur and Krishna Mandir add to the festive landscape. The result is a celebration that combines devotion with Assam’s distinctive community culture. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Kullu offers a very different festive experience through its celebrated Kullu Dussehra. Rather than focusing on the conventional Ravana effigy-burning tradition, the festival brings together local deities and communities from across the valley in a grand celebration centred around Lord Raghunath. Dhalpur Maidan becomes the focal point, with colourful processions of deities, traditional ceremonies, music and gatherings filling the valley. Set against the Himalayan landscape, Kullu Dussehra offers travellers an opportunity to experience a living tradition deeply connected to the region’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Pune, Maharashtra Pune’s Durga Puja celebrations bring the city’s Bengali community together through traditional rituals, decorated pandals, cultural programmes, music and festive gatherings. The celebrations offer an intimate glimpse into Bengali traditions, with beautifully decorated idols, community meals and cultural events creating a strong sense of togetherness. Congress Bhavan Durga Puja is among the city’s longstanding celebrations. South India Across South India, the festive season takes on a distinctive character, with Navratri traditions often placing a strong emphasis on knowledge, learning, creativity and devotion. In Kerala, Vidyarambham marks the ceremonial beginning of a child’s journey into education, while across parts of South India, books, musical instruments and tools are traditionally placed before the deity for worship. The popular Golu tradition in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions sees homes transformed with elaborate displays of dolls and figurines depicting gods, goddesses, mythological stories and everyday life. For travellers, these traditions offer a more intimate way to experience the festive season – through homes, temples, cultural spaces and local communities rather than large-scale public celebrations alone. Hyderabad, Telangana Hyderabad’s Bengali community brings the traditions of Durga Puja to life through beautifully designed pandals, cultural programmes, food festivals and community gatherings. The celebrations reflect the city’s multicultural character while retaining the distinctive rituals, food and cultural traditions associated with Bengali festivities. Among the associations and locations known for Durga Puja celebrations are Utsab Cultural Association, Nabarun Sangha in Balanagar, Attapur Bengali Association and Oikotan Hyderabad, each contributing to the city’s festive landscape. Andaman Islands The Andaman Islands offer a distinctive festive experience, shaped in part by the region’s strong Bengali cultural influence. Bengalis form one of the largest settler communities in the islands, and Durga Puja is celebrated with considerable

Third Wave Coffee, one of India’s beloved coffee and food QSR brands, marks its 10th anniversary today , celebrating a decade of growth from its Bengaluru roots into a national café brand. Founded in 2016, the brand now has 250+ cafés across 27 cities, with an ambition to reach approximately 320 cafés by FY27, and thereafter, add 100 new cafés every year. Over the past decade, Third Wave Coffee has built an increasingly diverse ecosystem spanning coffee, beverages, food, desserts, community engagement, and at-home coffee. With 100% of its coffee sourced from Indian farms, the brand has also placed Indian coffee origins at the centre of its offering. “When we started Third Wave Coffee, specialty coffee was still a relatively unfamiliar proposition for a large part of India. What has been exciting over the last decade is seeing the category develop alongside consumers, and watching coffee become part of a much broader everyday culture. We believe India’s coffee journey is only getting started,” said Anirudh Sharma, Co-Founder, Third Wave Coffee. As the brand has grown, its offering has expanded beyond coffee to encompass a wider range of consumption occasions. Over the decade, Third Wave Coffee’s menu has evolved to include offerings across dayparts, pizzas and handcrafted sandwiches to an assortment of bakes and sweets. Its beverage portfolio has also continued to evolve through limited-time offerings, including the Omakase style Backroom Brews range and espresso tonics, alongside trend-led additions such as Matcha and, more recently, Ube-based drinks. Together, these innovations have made discovery an ongoing part of the café experience. Launched earlier this year, Third Wave Coffee’s ‘Third Rush Desserts’ proposition brings a dedicated focus to indulgent desserts within the café experience. Beyond its food and beverage offerings, Third Wave Coffee has focused on deepening consumer relationships through its digital ecosystem and loyalty programme, enabled through its app. Through community events, workshops, and collaborations, alongside partnerships spanning fashion, technology, culture, and lifestyle, the brand continues to create meaningful consumer touchpoints and foster a strong sense of community. “The last decade has fundamentally changed the role of the café in India. For us, the opportunity ahead is to build on the foundation we have created, while continuing to develop the experience around coffee. The next phase will be about scaling our presence pan-India, creating stronger connections with consumers, and giving them more reasons to make Third Wave Coffee part of their everyday lives,” added Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee.

The Indian traveller is changing how they discover, plan and experience holidays, with experiences, events, digital content and convenience increasingly influencing travel choices. This shift comes as digitalization and Artificial Intelligence reshape tourism, enabling more personalized discovery, planning, booking and payments. As the world marks World Tourism Day 2026 under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” these behaviours reflect how technology is becoming an integral part of the modern travel journey. Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, share insights into key traveller behaviours shaping the Indian travel landscape today. These include a stronger focus on experiences, greater use of digital platforms and payments, more frequent short breaks, and growing international travel from beyond the metros. Choosing the experience, not just the destination Holiday searches increasingly start with what travellers want to experience, rather than simply where they want to go. Wildlife safaris in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, culinary trails in Italy and Japan, cultural immersion in Rajasthan and Vietnam, adventure in New Zealand and Switzerland, and stargazing in Ladakh and Norway are becoming reasons to choose a destination. For premium travellers, this is extending to experiences such as expedition cruises, premium rail journeys, Grand Slam tennis, premium golf and Formula 1, where access and curation are becoming an important part of the experience. This is also visible in spiritual travel, where destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain and Rishikesh are being explored beyond the pilgrimage itself, with travellers adding heritage, cuisine, architecture, wellness and local experiences to their itineraries. Similarly, destinations such as Bhutan, Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are being explored for their distinctive mix of culture, nature, wellness and food. Digital platforms and personalised recommendations are further helping travellers discover destinations and experiences aligned with their individual interests. Planning holidays around moments and short breaks Travel is increasingly being planned around moments rather than only around calendars. Festivals, concerts, sporting events and major cultural occasions are becoming reasons to travel, with travellers building holidays around experiences they do not want to miss. At the same time, the traditional long annual holiday is being complemented by more frequent, shorter breaks. Long weekends, festive holidays and gaps between work commitments are being converted into domestic getaways, road trips and short-haul international holidays, creating a more distributed pattern of travel through the year. Discovering travel through social media, OTT and AI-powered digital journeys The journey is increasingly beginning before a traveller actively starts planning a holiday. A destination seen in an OTT series, movie, social media reel or creator recommendation can spark interest and quickly translate into a travel plan. AI is adding another layer to this discovery journey, helping travellers move from broad inspiration to more relevant destinations, experiences and itineraries based on their individual interests. The result is a travel journey that is becoming increasingly personalized from the point of discovery itself. Going digital with forex and payments Digitization is now extending across the entire travel journey, including how travellers manage and spend their money overseas. Thomas Cook India’s 2026 Forex Report found that 25% of customers transact through digital purchase channels, while 57% of forex-card spends is through contactless and online transactions. The shift reflects a clear preference for greater convenience, flexibility and control, with travellers increasingly comfortable managing forex digitally and using contactless and online payments rather than relying on cash. Payments are therefore becoming an integral part of the seamless travel experience, rather than a separate pre-trip consideration. Taking international travel beyond the metros International travel is no longer a metro-led story. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are emerging as important growth engines for outbound travel, supported by rising disposable incomes, better connectivity and growing global aspirations. Markets such as Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Kochi, Bhubaneswar and Vijayawada are increasingly contributing to the outbound travel landscape. Importantly, travellers from these markets are moving beyond simply taking their first international holiday. They are increasingly seeking distinctive experiences from Northern Lights and Arctic cruises to wildlife safaris and multigenerational holidays while valuing the reassurance of trusted guidance and end-to-end planning. Digital access is further helping bring international travel within easier reach, while stronger air connectivity is reducing the dependence on metros as gateways. Choosing the journey as part of the experience The holiday is increasingly being judged by the quality of the journey as much as the destination itself. Cruises, premium rail journeys, distinctive stays, glamping and wildlife experiences are attracting travellers who want the mode of travel and the stay to be part of the holiday story, rather than simply a means to get somewhere. At the same time, practical factors such as connectivity, visa convenience and ease of access are becoming more influential in destination selection. For the new Indian traveller, the expectation is increasingly for a holiday that is distinctive at the destination and seamless across the journey. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Indian travellers are becoming more intentional about what they want from a holiday. The focus is moving beyond simply visiting a destination towards experiences that offer discovery, immersion and personal relevance — whether that is exploring a spiritual destination through its heritage and culture, experiencing wildlife and adventure, or choosing a premium cruise or rail journey. At the same time, technology is making it easier to discover and personalize these experiences. The opportunity for the travel industry is to bring together the right experiences with greater simplicity and relevance for each traveller.” Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, said, “Technology is becoming an increasingly integral part of how Indians discover and experience travel. From social media and OTT-led inspiration to digital payments and AI-enabled recommendations, the travel journey is becoming more connected and personalized. The next phase is about using technology meaningfully — to simplify planning, provide more relevant choices and create a smoother experience across the journey. As

L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, announced a partnership with Pine Labs Ltd., a leading global payments technology company, to integrate Agentic Storefront into the L&T Finance PLANET App at the Global Fintech Fest 2026. This collaboration will enable agentic commerce by allowing AI agents to interact and execute transactions securely within a governed framework. The partnership commences with flight ticket bookings as the debut use case, elevating customer interaction beyond conversational chatbots to complete end-to-end, autonomous transaction fulfilment. Commenting on the development, Mr. Manish Kumar Gupta, Chief Executive – Urban Unsecured Assets, Payments & Digital Partnerships, L&T Finance Ltd. said, “Our endeavor at L&T Finance has always been to leverage cutting-edge digital innovations to simplify financial and lifestyle journeys for our customers. Partnering with Pine Labs to introduce an Agentic Storefront on the L&T Finance PLANET App marks a major shift from conversational assistance to true transaction execution. By empowering customers with autonomous AI agents that operate securely within user-defined guardrails, we are building a hyper-personalised, effortless commerce & payments experience. Flight bookings are just the beginning; this architecture will scale to multiple merchant categories in the near future.” Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, Pine Labs Ltd., said, “We are entering a new era where commerce is increasingly driven by intent rather than clicks, searches, and manual decisions. For that shift to scale, trusted AI agents must be able to move from consumer intent to transaction execution securely and autonomously. With P3P and the Grantex protocol, Pine Labs is building the trust infrastructure that enables buyer and seller agents to transact securely and autonomously. Together with L&T Finance, we are enabling a new model of commerce on the L&T Finance PLANET App that combines the intelligence of AI with the trust and accountability consumers expect from financial institutions, helping establish the foundation for agent-to-agent commerce at scale.” Redefining Commerce & Payments with Autonomous AI Agents The Agentic Storefront brings together Buyer-side and Seller-Side AI agents to create a seamless transaction lifecycle: On the buyer side, customers can provide their intent to buyer agents on the L&T Finance PLANET App with defined guardrails. The buyer agent can then discover and purchase a flight on the customer’s behalf, completing the payment journey autonomously within a secure, trusted, and governed framework. On the seller side, the seller agent makes the transaction actionable and resolvable. The seller agent connects to the airline’s underlying systems to access real-time flight availability, fares, and booking information, enabling it to respond to the buyer agent with options that can actually be booked and fulfilled. The payment is completed autonomously by the buyer agent using P3P (Pine Labs Payments Protocol) using the UPI payments functionality within the L&T Finance PLANET App. The experience is enabled by Pine Labs Grantex, the authorisation delegation and compliance layer that supports verifiable identity, spend controls, and auditability.

Ganesh Chaturthi is when India truly comes alive, as streets transform into vibrant pandals, neighbourhoods echo with music and chants, and communities come together in celebration. While Maharashtra remains at the heart of the grand Ganeshotsav tradition, the festival takes on a distinctive character across different parts of the country – from spectacular public celebrations and historic temples to intimate family traditions and pilgrimage journeys. This Ganesh Chaturthi, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel spotlight 10 destinations where travellers can experience the many facets of the festival while discovering the food, heritage, traditions and local character that make each destination special. 1. Mumbai, Maharashtra: Lalbaugcha Raja No Ganesh Chaturthi journey is complete without experiencing Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja and seeking blessings at the revered Siddhivinayak Temple. Established in 1934, Lalbaugcha Raja has become synonymous with Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav, drawing devotees from across the country who come for darshan of the much-revered idol. The atmosphere around Lalbaug during the festival is an experience in itself, with the city’s streets transformed by music, decorations, processions and an unmistakable sense of collective celebration. Travellers can complement the festive experience with a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, one of Mumbai’s most revered Ganesha temples, making for a meaningful spiritual trail through the city. Together, these experiences offer a glimpse of Mumbai at its most vibrant, where devotion, tradition and the city’s unmistakable energy come together. In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated from 14 September, with the festivities culminating on Anant Chaturdashi on 25 September. Travel experience: Go beyond the pandal to experience Mumbai in full festive spirit – explore its historic lanes and Art Deco streetscapes, follow a local food trail through iconic eateries, browse the bustling markets of South Mumbai, and wind down with sunset views along Marine Drive as the city lights begin to come alive. 2. Pune, Maharashtra: Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Pune offers a more traditional window into Maharashtra’s deep-rooted Ganeshotsav culture, with the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati at its heart. The historic celebration dates back to the late 19th century and the richly decorated idol has become one of the city’s most revered Ganpati icons. During the festival, the surrounding streets take on a celebratory character as devotees gather for darshan and the city’s historic Ganeshotsav traditions come alive. The experience is particularly rewarding for travellers interested in discovering the cultural roots of Maharashtra’s public Ganpati celebrations. Travel experience: Explore Pune’s old city, historic wadas, traditional markets and Maharashtrian cuisine, while visiting some of the city’s historic Ganpati mandals. 3. Hyderabad, Telangana: Khairatabad Ganesh Hyderabad brings spectacle to Ganesh Chaturthi with the legendary Khairatabad Ganesh, known for its towering idols and extraordinary scale. The tradition dates back to 1954 and has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated annual celebrations, attracting lakhs of devotees. The 2026 edition promises to be particularly striking, with the committee announcing a 69-foot Panchamukha Sankatahara Maha Ganapati. The sheer scale of the idol, combined with the energy of the surrounding celebrations, makes this one of India’s most visually spectacular Ganpati experiences. Travel experience: Combine darshan with a journey through Hyderabad’s old city – from Charminar and the historic bazaars to Irani chai, biryani and the city’s celebrated culinary scene. 4. Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh: Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple For travellers looking for a more spiritual and pilgrimage-led experience, Kanipakam offers a very different way to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. The Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is renowned for its self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, making it one of Andhra Pradesh’s important Vinayaka pilgrimage destinations. Ganesh Chaturthi coincides with the temple’s annual Brahmotsavam, creating an especially auspicious time to visit. Rituals, processions and temple festivities bring the pilgrimage town alive, offering travellers an opportunity to experience the festival through centuries-old devotional traditions rather than large public pandals. Travel experience: Combine temple darshan with a spiritual circuit covering nearby temples and heritage sites, making it a more immersive pilgrimage getaway. 5. Ganpatipule, Maharashtra: Swayambhu Ganpati by the Konkan Coast Ganpatipule brings together two experiences travellers increasingly seek – spirituality and a scenic getaway. The town is home to the revered Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, where the naturally formed idol is worshipped as a sacred manifestation of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the otherwise tranquil coastal town takes on a festive atmosphere, offering a more intimate alternative to Maharashtra’s large urban celebrations. The setting makes the destination particularly appealing for travellers who want to combine darshan with the beauty of the Konkan coast. Travel experience: Explore Ganpatipule’s beaches, coastal villages and Konkan cuisine, or extend the journey through Ratnagiri for a relaxed spiritual and coastal holiday. 6. Goa: Chovoth In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi – locally known as Chovoth – takes on a distinctly intimate and community-driven character. Rather than being centred solely around enormous public pandals, the festival is deeply woven into family life, with homes beautifully decorated and generations coming together for rituals, traditional food and celebrations. One of the most distinctive traditions is the matoli, a canopy decorated with seasonal fruits, vegetables and forest produce that is placed above the Ganpati idol. The result is a festival experience that feels deeply connected to Goa’s Konkani heritage and traditional way of life. Travel experience: Go beyond the beaches to explore Goa’s heritage villages, traditional homes, local markets and Konkani cuisine, experiencing a quieter and more cultural side of the destination. 7. Ashtavinayak, Maharashtra: A Journey Across Eight Sacred Ganpati Temples For travellers who want to turn Ganpati darshan into a full-fledged pilgrimage journey, the Ashtavinayak circuit offers one of India’s most distinctive spiritual experiences. The traditional circuit brings together eight revered Ganesha temples across Maharashtra, each associated with a different form and legend of Lord Ganesha. The journey takes travellers through towns and countryside beyond Maharashtra’s major cities, with Morgaon, Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon forming the traditional eight-temple circuit. Rather than a single festival stop, Ashtavinayak allows travellers to experience the diversity of Maharashtra’s religious traditions and landscapes over a multi-day journey. Travel experience: Make it

Janmashtami is one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals. Across the country, temples are adorned with festive decorations, devotional music fills the air and communities come together to mark the birth of Lord Krishna through rituals, traditions and joyous celebrations. For travellers, the festival offers an opportunity to explore destinations closely associated with Krishna’s life and legacy. From the sacred Braj region of Mathura and Vrindavan to the coastal temple town of Dwarka, the distinctive traditions of Udupi and the artistic heritage of Nathdwara, each destination offers a unique window into India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. This Janmashtami, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel spotlight five destinations where travellers can go beyond the celebrations to discover the stories, traditions and living heritage associated with Lord Krishna. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – Celebrate Janmashtami at Krishna’s Birthplace Few destinations hold as much significance for Krishna devotees as Mathura, revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. During Janmashtami, the city takes on a particularly festive and spiritual atmosphere, with temples illuminated, devotional songs echoing through the streets and devotees gathering for midnight celebrations marking Krishna’s birth. At the heart of the celebrations is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, one of Mathura’s most important pilgrimage sites. The city’s ancient ghats, temples and vibrant Braj culture add further depth to the journey, allowing travellers to discover traditions that have kept Krishna’s story alive for generations. Other Attractions: Take a spiritual walk along the Yamuna and visit Vishram Ghat, explore Mathura’s historic temples and local markets, and savour the city’s famous peda and other traditional Braj delicacies. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh – Follow Krishna’s Childhood and the Spirit of Bhakti If Mathura is celebrated as Krishna’s birthplace, Vrindavan is where stories of his childhood and association with Radha come alive. The town’s ancient temples, sacred groves and narrow lanes are steeped in tales of Krishna’s playful years, making it one of India’s most evocative destinations for devotees. During Janmashtami, Vrindavan becomes a vibrant centre of celebration, with elaborate temple decorations, devotional singing, special darshan and festivities continuing into the night. The Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan and Prem Mandir are among its best-known spiritual landmarks, each offering a distinctive glimpse into Krishna bhakti. Other Attractions: Experience the evening aarti by the Yamuna, explore Vrindavan’s atmospheric lanes, discover traditional Braj cuisine and soak in the devotional music and cultural traditions that define the town. Barsana & Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh – Explore the Sacred Landscapes of Braj No journey through Krishna’s sacred Braj region is complete without a visit to Barsana and Govardhan, two destinations deeply woven into the stories and traditions associated with Krishna. Barsana is traditionally associated with Radha and is known for its distinctive spiritual and cultural heritage. Its temples, winding streets and hilltop landscapes offer travellers a deeper connection to the stories of Radha and Krishna that continue to shape the region’s traditions. Govardhan, meanwhile, is closely associated with the legend of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj. The sacred Govardhan Parikrama remains an important pilgrimage experience, drawing devotees who undertake the traditional circumambulation of the hill. Other Attractions: Visit the Radha Rani Temple in Barsana, explore the region’s temples and local Braj culture, undertake or experience part of the Govardhan Parikrama, and visit Radha Kund and Kusum Sarovar. Dwarka, Gujarat – Discover the Kingdom of Krishna by the Sea On Gujarat’s western coast lies Dwarka, one of India’s most revered Krishna destinations and traditionally regarded as the kingdom established by Lord Krishna. Here, spirituality meets the dramatic landscape of the Arabian Sea, creating a distinctive pilgrimage experience. The magnificent Dwarkadhish Temple is the centrepiece of the city and an important pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees throughout the year. Its imposing architecture, rituals and centuries-old traditions offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Krishna worship in western India. Other Attractions: Visit Gomti Ghat, explore Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and discover the region’s coastal landscapes and distinctive Gujarati culinary traditions. Udupi, Karnataka – Discover a Distinctive South Indian Krishna Tradition Udupi offers a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of Krishna worship across India. The city’s Sri Krishna Matha is renowned for its distinctive traditions and the iconic deity of Krishna, traditionally viewed by devotees through the Kanakana Kindi. Janmashtami brings the town alive with devotional rituals, music and cultural celebrations, offering travellers an opportunity to discover Krishna bhakti through the distinctive lens of Karnataka’s temple traditions. The experience is complemented by Udupi’s celebrated vegetarian cuisine and the region’s lush coastal landscapes. Other Attractions: Explore the historic temple complex, savour authentic Udupi cuisine, visit Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island, or extend the journey through Karnataka’s coastal temple towns. Nathdwara, Rajasthan – Experience Krishna through Art, Music and Devotion Set in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Nathdwara offers a uniquely artistic expression of Krishna devotion. The town is home to the revered Shrinathji Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of Shrinathji, and is an important centre of the Pushtimarg tradition. Nathdwara’s appeal extends beyond its temple. The town is renowned for its Pichwai art, an intricate visual tradition depicting Shrinathji and scenes inspired by Krishna’s life. During Janmashtami, temple rituals, devotional music and festive decorations create an atmosphere where faith and Rajasthan’s artistic heritage come together. Other Attractions: Discover traditional Pichwai paintings, explore local artisan workshops and markets, savour Rajasthani cuisine, and combine the pilgrimage with Udaipur’s palaces, lakes and heritage experiences. A Journey into India’s Living Krishna Traditions A trip on the occasion of Janmashtami isn’t a trip from one temple to another. It is a chance to find out how the story of Krishna has influenced India’s culture, art, music, food and traditions through the ages. From Mathura’s sacred link to Krishna’s birth and Vrindavan’s celebration of his childhood and divine love, to Dwarka’s association with his kingdom, Udupi’s distinctive temple traditions and Nathdwara’s artistic expression of devotion, each destination reveals a different chapter of Krishna’s lasting legacy. This Janmashtami, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel invite travellers to go beyond