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Khan, the first British chef to be featured on “Chef’s Table,” opened the wildly popular Darjeeling Express in 2017. She just closed it—on purpose.

After years of meticulously researching the disappearing tattooing traditions of the Naga communities of India, Mo Naga is bringing the art back—in the flesh.

Jaipur, the centuries-old home of Rajasthan’s royal family, is beginning to embrace the cutting edge. Samir Andrea Kasliwal, an heir to the 166-year-old Gem Palace, explains.

Esther Huynh spent three weeks photographing tradition, culture, and color in India— and she got paid to do it(!).

In the middle of a private courtyard in Hyderabad lies a workshop where several women sit at traditional looms. The women, who are all widows, weave intricate cotton-and-silk floral patterns by hand as part of the Suraiya weaving center. Suraiya Hassan Bose, 83, started the center out of her home a little over 27 years ago to revive local and regional weaves which have nearly died out since they’re very time consuming and still not very lucrative. At the center, visitors can watch the weaving process from spooling to the rythmic loom work that takes two people (one to guide the pattern from above and the other to pedal the loom and weave the threads.) It takes about a month to make a three-meter piece of fabric, but luckily the women at Suraiya earn a fixed wage regardless of whether the fabrics sell. I arrived during a tea break, in which I got to meet with these lovely ladies before they got back to work. 1-86, Darga Hussain Shah Wali, Raidurg, Behind Traffic Police Station, O.u.colony Road, Mehdipatnam To Gachibowli Road., Hyderabad

With a colorful history spanning over 400 years, Hyderabad showcases the best of North and South India. The “City of Pearls” was once a notable pearl and diamond trade center in South Asia and offers travelers the best of bazaars, bungalows, and biryani.

Charminar, which literally translates to “four towers,” is a really important Islamic monument for Hyderabad and an extremely popular tourist destination. At the top of the building, you’re exposed to a panoramic view of the city with pedestrians, autorickshaws, and vehicles bustling through the crowded bazaars while hawkers weave in and out of the traffic lines. The view during the early evening hours at sunset is remarkable and the best! The glittering lights of the city illuminate the Hyderabad skyline and offer a whole different dimension to your experience. Even the intricate carvings on the interior seem to come to life at dusk.

One of Hyderabad’s lesser-known gems: the Paigah Tombs are intricate, ornate, and often deserted. Members of the noble Paigah class are buried here, and a visit is peaceful and haunting — and beautiful. A photographer’s dream.

Begum Bazaar is one of the oldest wholesale markets in Hyderabad and houses the second-largest fish market in the city. Retailers come from all over the region to strike deals with the vendors, making it an excellent venue for people-watching. Adjacent to Begum is Moazzam Jahi, the largest fruit and vegetable market in the city. It is also the largest Hyderabad market for Chinese products.

Rain is the only club in Hyderabad that offers four separate rooms, each with its own bar and DJ. With multiple music genres rocking out simultaneously, the space has a fun and diverse customer base. The Main Room can accommodate up to 600 people while the intimate Sky Bar features panoramic views of the Hyderabad skyline. Fun Fact: The lighting and sound system has been rated one of the best in Asia.

Located in the Radisson Blu Hotel of Banjara Hills, Movida (Spanish for “movement” and Cuban for “party”) was the first tapas bar in Hyderabad. The bar/lounge features cocktails, world music, and innovative Italian, Mediterranean, Spanish, and Cuban cuisine. Locals flock here for the house specialty, the watermelon rose martini. Reservations are recommended.

A visit to Hyderabad may not be complete until you have savored the cuisine at Paradise Food Court. The Secunderabad location—considered the largest sit-down restaurant in all of India—has multiple spaces, including Paradise Cafe, Paradise Bakery and Confectionery, Paradise Roof Garden, and Paradise Heights. But whatever you do, make sure to try the biryani—a fragrant mixed rice dish cooked with meat or eggs. Hyderabad has more varieties of biryani than any other South Asian destination, so come hungry and sample the goodness.

Hussain Sagar is a 16th century lake in Hyderabad. While it is beautiful, I can’t say it’s the most stunning wonder you’ll stumble upon in your life. If you’re in the area, I’d definitely visit it, but to make a special trip might lead to disappointment. The main highlight of the lake is the monolithic large Gautam Buddha statue that rests in the middle. You can take a short boat ride to the statue and explore for yourself. There’s a nice park next to the lake where you can have family picnics or quality ME-time. You’ll find throngs of youngsters during the late evening hours loitering around the area. Also, the road that encapsulates the lake, Necklace Road makes for a relaxing midnight drive or stroll. It’s also considered one of the seven wonders of Hyderabad.

Retrace the steps of nobility on a self-directed tour that highlights the palaces and royal guesthouses of Hyderabad. Start with a visit to the Mirde Hamidkhan Devdi, a typical local Muslim home near Charminar. Also explore the devdis of Paigah noblemen Kursheed Jah, Asman Jah, and Sir Vicar-Ul-Umara. Continue to Chowmahalla Palace, the seat of the Asaf Jah dynasty and residence of the Nizams. Conclude the tour at Falaknuma Palace, once the Royal Guest House of the Nizam of Hyderabad, where he used to entertain foreign dignitaries. It has been converted to a Taj Hotel and is an outstanding example of the famed Nizam’s hospitality.

Necklace Road is a main boulevard in Hyderabad, adjacent to Hussain Sagar Lake. Grab a cycle and head out at dusk when the boulevard comes alive with locals socializing and sampling fast food at Eat Street. Check out the views and People’s Plaza, a recreational area that features concerts, exhibitions, sporting events, and entertainment. Necklace Road also connects to Sanjeevaiah Park and Jalavihar Water Park.