Like a well-timed tradition, TIME magazine has unveiled its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places for 2024, highlighting 100 extraordinary destinations around the globe. Among these, three Indian locales have made the cut, showcasing the country's rich cultural diversity and innovative spirit. The selected sites include the Museum of Solutions in Mumbai, Manam Chocolate in Hyderabad, and NAAR, a fine dining restaurant in Himachal Pradesh. These destinations are a symbol of India’s creativity and culinary excellence. They serve as unique experiences that captivate both locals and international visitors.

Museum of Solutions: A Creative Haven for Children

Nestled in Mumbai’s bustling Lower Parel district, the Museum of Solutions (MuSo) is an amazing children's museum designed to ignite young minds. Spanning an impressive 100,000 square feet, MuSo offers a blend of theme-based exhibits, immersive experiences, and educational programs. The museum’s primary goal is to encourage children to think creatively and positively impact their communities. 

MuSo houses four distinct labs where children aged two to 17 can experiment with subjects like math, physics, and art, fostering a love for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). The museum also features a 220-seat amphitheater, a library stocked with curated children’s books, a recycling center, a café, and a unique three-dimensional interactive maze known as the Luckey Climber. Additionally, MuSo hosts workshops that provide hands-on experience in entrepreneurial activities, such as running a restaurant.

Tanvi Jindal Shete, the founder of MuSo, expressed her pride in the museum’s inclusion in TIME’s prestigious list. "We are deeply honored to be recognized as one of the World’s Greatest Places. This acknowledgment reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners who have created a dynamic space that inspires change," she said. Despite being operational for less than a year, MuSo has already made a significant impact, drawing praise from visitors and critics alike.

Source: Google Images

Manam Chocolate: Crafting Sweet Success in Hyderabad

In the heart of Hyderabad’s posh Banjara Hills lies Manam Chocolate, a premium craft chocolate brand that celebrates Indian-grown cacao. Founded by Chaitanya Muppala, Manam Chocolate carries forward the legacy of Almond House, known for its traditional Indian sweets. Muppala has worked closely with farmers and fermenters in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district to elevate Indian craft chocolate to a global platform. 

Manam Chocolate’s flagship experiential space, Manam Chocolate Karkhana has become a haven for chocolate lovers. TIME’s Sarah Khan describes the experience as enchanting, with walls lined with beautifully packaged bars in unique flavors like chai biscuit and pistachio fudge. The factory also offers freshly baked croissants, toasted coconut macarons, and chakkarakeli banana soft serve, all prepared in front of visitors. The airy atrium café, centered around a cacao tree, serves a variety of sweet and savory delights.

Muppala expressed his excitement about the recognition, stating, "We launched Manam Chocolate with the mission to offer a craft chocolate experience from India, by Indians, for the world. Being acknowledged on such a prestigious list so early in our journey is truly humbling." Manam's commitment to quality has also been recognized by the International Institute of Chocolate and Cacao Tasting and the U.K.'s Academy of Chocolate.

Source: Google Images

NAAR: Elevating Himalayan Cuisine in Himachal Pradesh

Completing the trio of Indian honorees is NAAR, a fine dining restaurant located in the picturesque Himachal Pradesh. Situated within the Amaya boutique hotel, NAAR is the brainchild of renowned chef Prateek Sadhu, known for his landmark Mumbai restaurant, Masque. NAAR offers a unique twist on Himalayan cuisine, positioning itself as a destination restaurant that brings fine dining to the scenic hills.

Sadhu’s choice of location was unconventional, adding to the restaurant's allure. "There’s no blueprint for choosing a location like this in India, which is precisely what makes it all the more thrilling," he told TIME. NAAR’s menu showcases the rich flavors and traditions of the Himalayas, providing diners with a culinary journey that is both innovative and rooted in local culture.

TIME’s selection criteria focused on destinations offering fresh and exciting experiences, expanding this year to include 100 places from last year’s 50. The inclusion of MuSo, Manam Chocolate, and NAAR cements the country's position as a hub of creativity and excellence.

These three Indian destinations—each unique in its own right—demonstrate how India continues to captivate the world with its rich heritage, vibrant flavors, and innovative spirit.