Some cities evoke romance just by being the way they are, while others linger on in our memories because of remembrances of unforgettable romances, clandestine meetings, life-changing encounters, and even heartbreak. For instance, Paris is the quintessential city of love; however, for a friend, it is where she realised that her marriage wasn’t working. And no romantic strolls down Avenue des Champs-Élysées would change that. So Paris, for her, will always be tinged with bittersweet memories of a last grand vacation before it all dissipated.

Our photo essay, “Ink and Intimacy,” captures iconic cities at their romantic best, from the old-world charm of Istanbul to the neon-lit magnetism of Tokyo.

Travel is a great way to test one’s relationships. Another trekker friend who met her husband while hiking in the Sahyadris insists there’s no better way to know if a man or a woman is suited for you than by going for a trek. Do they become impatient and angry in pressure situations? Are they kind when you are in a rough spot? And, most importantly, can you bear their company for extended periods without wanting an escape?

Travel also allows you to meet interesting people you would have never encountered in your everyday life. Shreya Cheema spoke to four couples who met their soulmates on their journeys. From hiking together to spending hours on an aeroplane, love can find you if you give serendipity a chance.

In this special “Love” issue, we explore tales of love lost and found by Partition survivors through a poignant piece by Kishwar Desai, the chairperson of the Partition Museum. In “River of Love,” author Haroon Khalid decodes the significance of the River Chenab in Punjabi lore about starcrossed lovers like Sohni-Mahiwal and Heer-Ranjha. Antaraa Chatterjee explores the peculiar mystique of Mandu, where romance permeates every aspect, while screenwriter and author Anand Neelakantan writes about the allure of Lord Shiva, the perfect yet imperfect divine lover.

Also, in our other stories, go on the Snow Leopard trail in Ladakh with Kartikeya Shankar and take a trip to the otherworldly landscapes of Utah.

Happy reading, and don’t forget to let us know how you liked the issue.