‘Life on Weekends’ came into being more than eight years ago in November 2015 and since then, one thing that has stayed constant in my life is travel. Well, that and my travel partner, my husband, Prashant. Nothing could come in our way. We have travelled through it all: family emergencies, long work commitments, extremely…
Category: Incredible India
Theme 6: Logic-defying places of India that evoke awe, wonder & faith
After a short break of 6 weeks, we are back with yet another travel theme that will introduce (or reintroduce) you to some of the uncanny places on the Indian subcontinent & fill you with awe and wonder. Welcome to the sixth theme of our ongoing campaign, ‘‘Rediscover India, Incredible India’ – ‘Logic-defying places of…
Theme 5: Introducing the Land of the Rising Sun in India – Arunachal Pradesh
Welcome to the next theme of our ongoing travel campaign of 2023, ‘Rediscover India, Incredible India’, as part of which, we bring unique & magnificent places of India to you one blogpost at a time. This week is the time for our next theme, and here we are with Theme 5: Introducing the Land of…
The hitchhiker’s guide to the stunning & 160 million years old Western Ghats
Yes, 160 million years old. That’s older than the Himalayas themselves. Welcome to Western Ghats, the Sahyadri Mountain range that runs parallel to the Western Coast of India. Lush-green mountains, pristine waterfalls, rugged cliffs, picturesque hill stations & endemic flora and fauna, the Western Ghats are more than a mountain range. It’s a collection of…
From the land of Kanchenjunga & the Himalayas: Mountain ranges of India
Home to Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain peak, the great Himalayas is a mountain range that is mighty & mysterious. Crossing across several states in India, the Himalayas has become an integral part of India’s culture, heritage & landscapes. Together with other mountain ranges, the Himalayas has given India an enviable biodiversity – that’s too…
Stories of haunted Stepped Stairwells: Dare to visit alone?
Vavs/ Baoris aka Stepped Wells are well-like structures that were designed to store water in olden days. These wells were often designed to be deep so that more & more water could be stored; the water was made accessible with a flight of stairs directly descending into water. In India, there are about 2500 stairwells…
Theme 2: Haunted places in India that turn touristy during the day
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or queasy at a place? Experienced that feeling that someone is watching you and not with good intentions. That feeling of dread that something untoward is going to happen.No, no! I am not talking about your boss waiting for you to finish that damn piece of work so that s/…
7 tourist places in India that look like international destinations
Home to 28 states and 8 union territories, India is one of the most diverse nations in the world. The presence of Himalayas, being surrounded by water on the three sides and a rich, cultural heritage together make India incredibly unique. You can experience not only giant mountains, picturesque hill stations, beautiful beaches, forests, deserts…
The great wall of Kumbhalgarh, the second longest wall in the world: Incredible India
One of the seven wonders of the world is the Great Wall of China – next to none, a marvellous example of fine architecture and a must-visit destination on every international traveller’s itinerary. While the great wall of China has no other parallel in the world, I am proud to share with you a similar…
Emerald Green Tea plantations of Munnar that are way more gorgeous than those of São Miguel, Portugal
As part of our first theme, ‘Affordable places in India that will make you forget International Dream Destinations’, we are back with the second blogpost – the tea plantations of Munnar, India that are way more Green, Gorgeous and Glamorous than those of Europe. Two weeks back, I decided to launch a new campaign, ‘Rediscover…
Now experience the ‘Garden of Europe, Keukenhof, Netherlands’ in the Tulip Gardens of Kashmir, India
Last week, I decided to act on my readers’ opinions and launch a new campaign – Rediscover India, Incredible India. As part of this, I will choose a theme every month that would talk about the heritage, beauty and rich culture of Incredible India. Each theme will have 4-5 blog posts exploring unique and unknown…
Incredible India – my 7 year long journey through the country
On popular demand, beginning next Sunday, you will see a new series of blogposts on ‘Rediscover India, Incredible India’. I will pick a new travel theme every month and write 4-5 blogposts on that theme every Sunday. I invite suggestions from my readers on these travel themes. There are 195 countries in the world. In…
Nine travel recommendations to spruce up your long weekend of 26th January
So, the first long weekend of 2023 is just around the corner. You got plans? If yes, well done! And if not, how about you let me pitch a few recommendations to you?! Give it a thought, let it brew and decide whether you would like to spend the long weekend in the comfort of…
52 travel blogposts & 52 destinations in India and International, one for each weekend of 2022
As the first week of 2023 comes to a close, I am so impressed and pleasantly surprised by the energy of people around me. So many resolutions, year-in-review reels and optimism. And no, I am not being sarcastic. I genuinely feel good about that fact that almost everyone is resolving to spend their 2023 in…
2022: year in review, the places I visited & the experiences I earned
2022 was brilliant in terms of teaching me new things. Like I said on my Instagram feed a few weeks back, I am thankful for all what this year gave, taught and took from me. But then, is that all? How could it be? It’s just rude to sum up 365 days of 2022 in…
Fall in love all over again at the iconic Howrah Bridge, Kolkata
Who says that romance can be found over candlelight dinners, or cosy spots alone?! Romance can be discovered during an eye lock while travelling in busy local trains, while searching for books of your favourite authors in a library or exploring the busiest places of the country and rejoicing over an ice-cola! All you need…
A memorable sunset at Raja’s seat: intimate, beautiful and rainy
There are a few moments in life that you never forget, no matter what. No matter how trivial the place was, how you felt at that moment, how shitty or glorious life was, some incidents imprint on your memory and become better as years go by. One such memoryj is my trip to Coorg (Kodagu)…
Live a piece of history and the unwavering faith in Gods, inside Ranthambore Fort, Rajasthan
When you think of Rajasthan, it’s natural to think about delicious food, warm locals and stunning forts. Wherever you go in Rajasthan, there’s a fort waiting for you, ready to tell you stories of previous centuries, of Kings, Queens & royal staff who once lived inside these forts, of soldiers and commanders who fought to…
Where land ends: Dhanushkodi, a beautiful yet haunting ghost town of India
On our recent trip to South India, we had decided to stay in Rameshwaram for two days. You know, breathe in the religious air, grow a bit in the spiritual culture of the town and visit the nearby tourist attractions. My ultra religious family (read: parents) try and discover temples of every kind, on each…
A beautiful boat ride in the cleanest river of India: Dawki, Meghalaya
A few years back, I saw the picture of a clean river – spotless, virgin & sea-blue. What’s special about this river, you might wonder?! Well, the special thing is that it’s the cleanest river in the country. If you toss a coin in the river, you can actually see it hitting the river bed-…
13 places to explore over the weekends if you are in Delhi NCR, India
Something’s happened to our generation. The pressures that we faced from: academics, peers, neighbours, relatives and random strangers judging us – changed us a bit. And then we saw the world changing with the internet & smartphones. We learnt to focus on ourselves, our happiness and the joys of life. And we also got into…
My all time favourite: 8 iconic cafes from Bombay
Bombay wasn’t my favourite city when I lived there. But it grew on me. And now I miss the city so much so that I find reasons to go back and spend some days with my friends and family there. When I first arrived in Bombay, my friends often directed my attention towards the awesome…
Of sandstone, stories and splendour: the stunning Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of my favourite places in the whole wide world. It houses all my favourite things in a multitude of colours and variations. As I cover the distance, the stories & people change too along with the places. I feel like an explorer who’s always hungry to have more, and Rajasthan gives me…
Encountering Occult and much feared black magic in a town of 21st century: Mayong, Assam
“A lot of cabbies don’t go there no matter the amount of money. We believe, ‘black magic’ is still practised there.”, our cabbie told us when we enquired about Mayong village of Assam. No no, it’s not that kind of story. So don’t just get scared yet. 🙂 🙂 But first, let me tell you…
Pandal Hopping, feasting on Bhog & dancing with Dhunuchi & Dhak: a soulful, extraordinary experience of Durga Pujo in Bombay 2019
I was in Bombay during Durga Pujo celebrations a few years back. Great company, great timing and with the support of my super awesome sister, I shushed my lazy self. Luckily, it’s the time of weekend and I could shift my focus from conversations, negotiations, deliverables to decking up, getting excited and hopping Pujo Pandals….
Maa Aaschen, Tumi Kothay? A humid afternoon amidst the magicians of Kumartuli, Kolkata
The best part about this time of the year is festivals that start end of July or early August. One after the other, we find causes for celebration – harvest season/ birthday of Lord Krishna/ arrival of Ganpati Bappa/ the relationship between sister and brother/ married couples/ the victory of right over wrong and what…
A rush of adrenaline and a bridge like no other: Pamban bridge, Rameshwaram
A long time back, a Brahmin King abducted the wife of a brave, Rajput king. The Rajput king in-turn waged a war to bring back his wife. He built a stone bridge from the southernmost tip of today’s India to erstwhile Lanka. And the rest is well known. 🙂 The Rajput king fought the war…
From peace and solace to bazaar like hustle bustle: Kovalam then and now
Some scenes get etched on your memory permanently. And no matter what happens to you in Life afterwards, no one and nothing can dampen the effect of that memory. That memory evokes happiness and joy whenever you come to think of it. It could be a walk with a loved one, in the hills. Or…
Following my heart in the ever admired & always fragrant town of Madurai
It’s my third visit to the town that houses one of the greatest temples ever. And yet I spent three days in Madurai like never before – exploring the city like a tourist, speaking with people like localities do and absorbing every inch of the place like there’s no tomorrow. Discovering the joys of Mallipoo…
Coffee tales straight from Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Once upon a time, there was a country that drank tea. The country and its countrymen were happy sipping sugar-laden tea until one Baba Budan Giri decided to give Coffee to his country, and thus began the coffee journey of India. It’s being said that Baba Budan Giri brought Coffee seeds to India and planted…
From NDLS to Sawai Madhopur, a train journey of 5 hours but of a hundred old memories
I don’t know anyone in my huge circle (thanks to jumping schools every two years & changing jobs every three years) who doesn’t romanticise train travel. It all began with planning in those days. Papa would pack everyone’s luggage bags and mom would be in-charge of snacks. We (me, my sister and brother) would try…
Things you don’t know about the Golden Triangle of India!
Delhi- Agra – Jaipur — the golden triangle of India – popular amongst tourists, generally busy at all times of the year & home to many stories that have been told many times over. I have been going to Agra and Jaipur since the time I was a child. I have lived some 20 kms….
16 acres of adventure in the heritage resort of Sawai Madhopor Lodge
I am a recent convert when it comes to staycations and retreats. Rains in Noida and an insatiable spirit to break out of routine took us to a gorgeous Taj property – Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Spread over 16 acres, this is a 100 year old property. Say what?! 😅😀 Yeah, not kidding! This hotel was…
Once upon a time, in the old, dusty college street of Calcutta!
I am 34 years old and have been working for the last 12 years. At this point in time, I can afford all the best scents that are out there: Musk, Jasmine, Rose, Vanilla, Bergamot, Patchouli, Vetiver & Sandalwood. But even today, my absolute favourite thing to smell is an old, printed book. When I…
Cave 16, 30 and 34: a grand tour of Ellora Caves, Aurangabad
In the last five-seven years, I have seen more of Netflix, Amazon Prime and other OTT than sunrises and sunsets. No no, I am not complaining. After a long day of work that ends pretty late at night, one needs to unwind with some more content. But then, on vacations, whenever I do end up…
A day of eternal romance in Pahalgam, Kashmir
It was almost afternoon when we reached Pahalgam. It had started to drizzle. I craved tea and before I could say anything, the hotel manager declared, “The tea is coming, ma’am” as if he read my expressions. But no surprises there! I am quite expressive. Anyone with a pair of eyes and a mind can…
12 things to take with you on your upcoming trip to Leh, Ladakh
Thanks to the growing popularity of travel bloggers, social media influencers, and the movie ‘Three Idiots’, Leh Ladakh has become a must-visit place on every idiot’s…errr I meant traveller’s itinerary. Come Summers, and people go berserk about making their already difficult life even more difficult by flying to Ladakh and gasping for breath at high…
A sultry afternoon inside the royal, splendid Mysore Palace
That was the year of Neelakurinji and that was the year of natural disasters. Twice we rescheduled our tickets to Munnar to view the once in a 12 years wonder! We could manage the trip, the third time. We were lucky; we could manage glimpses of Neelakurinji & left Munnar in time. The day we…
Salar Jung Museum & the veiled Rebecca
Disclaimer: The veiled Rebecca statue by Giovanni Maria Benzoni & the book Rebecca by Daphne du Murier has no correlation whatsoever in the real world. Please excuse my book-fanatic mind that couldn’t help but fit in pieces of Rebecca, the book in a blog about the the veiled Rebecca, the masterpiece by Benzoni. “I wish…
My bittersweet (read: disappointing) experience of flying via Emirates from Delhi to Barcelona
‘Fly Better’…is what the Emirates airline says about choosing to fly Emirates. That could be true only if they let you board the aircraft & fly. Apparently some of their ground crew staff double hat as ‘Immigration’ & justify their salaries by over interviewing passengers for no reason at all. What happened: I was over…
Another token of eternal love, Bibi ka Maqbara of Aurangabad
Shahjahan made Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz. Five centuries later, the Taj is still a wonder to behold. Magic in marble, as they say.Rumour has it that there were plans to build another Taj right opposite to this one. Before he could do that, Aurangzeb captured his father & Shahjahan spent…
My first Mumbai rains & the onslaught thereafter!
There are two things that Mumbaikars love to talk about – evening party scenes & Mumbai rains. The first time I experienced Bombay rains was the first of that season. In May 2019. I was returning home from Phoenix mall, Kurla. I was just 5 mins away from my place when all of a sudden,…
12 amazing experiences in the land of one-horned rhinoceros, Assam
After having visited Sikkim in 2021, I have been craving for more of Northeast India. You know, how greed works. 😀 Not for exploring mountains, waterfalls or altitude, but for finding an escape from the daily life, for reminding myself that life can be simpler & meaningful, and for meeting people who haven’t yet been…
Goa forever | 4 days of heritage discovery in Old & Latin quarter of Goa
In life, there comes some opportunities that neither knock nor announce themselves. They just come & go, like long weekends. It’s upto you what you want to do with these opportunities. You may choose to sleep your way through it, Netflix & chill or brood over what all is wrong with your life (and what…
4 days and 3 nights in Odisha: a travel itinerary
It was my parent’s 30th anniversary. Actually it was the 31st anniversary but we will pretend that it was their 30th. Because 30th sounds way cooler than 31st. 😉 We wanted to celebrate with them by taking them out on a holiday. My father was still working at that time, and he was still not…
The smoky Dhuandhar Falls of Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh
Dhuandhar Falls are situated in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Famous for its Marble Rocks, Jabalpur is also the launchpad/ central point for the most beautiful Tiger Reserves of India such as Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench & Panna. While the best time to visit the falls is monsoons, I happened to pay a visit in…
Indian Coffee House and its smoking, hot stories!
It was a beautiful day. Humidity was at its peak. Temperature was soaring. I was getting thirsty every 30 mins. My black kurta was drenched in sweat, and my long hair were coaxing me to use the rubber band. But I didn’t want to break the character. With a bindi on my forehead, I was…
Would an apology ever come, ask the brave & grieving souls of Jallianwala Bagh?
On 13th April 1919, there was a gathering in Jallianwala Bagh. People from all age groups were present – elderly, youngsters, couples, families & kids. It was the day of Baisakhi & the holy Golden Temple was hardly 10 mins. walk away from the Jallianwala Bagh. A certain General Dyer arrived at the place with…
10 things to do in Hyderabad and soak in the royal air
Back in 2008, when I first visited Hyderabad with my mother, I was surprised with how friendly the city was. Wherever we went, we found people who readily helped, with a smile on their face. Since then, I have been to Hyderabad numerous times to attend conferences, business meetings or simply to explore the city….
Sabarmati Ashram | The stunning start to India’s Great Independence
“A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” – Mahatma Gandhi Situated by the bank of Sabarmati, Gandhi Ashram (also known as Sabarmati Ashram) is a place of mythological significance, a place of worship, the land of duty (Karmabhoomi) & a significant milestone in India’s Independence journey. On 12th…
Abandoned tales of an admired country: Kashmir of Incredible India
Disclaimer: This post is a combination of my experiences as a child who lived in North India & as an adult who has worked with people from Kashmir, travelled to Kashmir & spoken with locals. I do not claim anything. I know no mechanism to decipher truths. Only stories…that I am sharing here. All pictures…
Two lazy days of rare birds and high mountains in Latpanchar, Darjeeling
Remember Zazu? “Well the buzz from the bees is that the leopards are in a bit of a spot. And the baboons are going ape over this. Of course, the giraffes are acting like they’re above it all… The tick birds are pecking on the elephants. I told the elephants to forget it, but they…
Driving through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world
Some trips are impromptu & fun, and some need immaculate planning that starts from booking your plane tickets at least three months in advance, planning your leave so that it doesn’t coincide with any program launches or business reviews at work & designing the itinerary to have a fulfilling experience (which means not miss anything…
What’s so GREAT about the World UNESCO Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park?
People love their school days. I don’t. You would never find me reminiscing about my school time or talking about the memories one makes during their school days: planning for mass bunks, stealing food from your neighbour’s lunchbox, waiting for the Zero Period so that one can go out & play & going to the…
10 things to do in Calcutta (Kolkata), the cultural capital of India
Vir Sanghvi once said, “Calcutta is not for everyone. You want your cities clean and green; stick to Delhi. You want your cities, rich and impersonal; go to Bombay. You want them high-tech and full of draught beer; Bangalore’s your place. But if you want a city with a soul, come to Calcutta.” Having lived…
Thin air, low Oxygen & high altitude: Zero Point, Sikkim
A night before trekking to mountains or any other gruelling travel, I go to bed early. My body, soul & mind reach a consensus like it often happens between cross-functional teams before a tight deadline. There’s a certain calm that I feel with no anxiety, no worry and no bad memories. No matter the content…
Seven Truths about Bihar, Jharkhand & Chattisgarh
Most of you know that I was on a personal mission to visit all 28 states (29, then) of India by 2020. My own 2020 mission! I was making good progress and had done 15+ states by 2018. But then, life happened and all my travel plans were stalled & readjusted. It happens. It’s Life….
Wolf, Wolf – cried our neighbour the third time that fateful morning!
It was a cold morning; I could feel the dense fog on my face while waiting in an open jeep, for our driver to arrive. The seats of the safari were drenched as these often are in early morning safaris & the driver hadn’t bothered to wipe those dry, as these drivers often don’t. With…
A piece of Portugal in Diu, the Diu Fortress
The most fun part about taking a road trip is the luxury to take a stop whenever, wherever you want to. You can improvise the itinerary on the go & visit the places that you won’t visit otherwise. This is why I love road trips. On one such road trip to Gujarat, Diu became a…
The empire that could have been, and the emperor’s resting place, the tomb of Sher Shah Suri in Sasaram
I was on my way to Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It was a six-hour long journey from the Chunar Fort in Varanasi. And I was getting bored. Well, sort of. It wasn’t because I was holed up in a car, doing nothing. It was because there was nothing interesting going on inside the car or on…
Igatpuri, in the Western Ghats: found on maps but not by cabs
Like a coin, every tourist place has two sides. There’s often a known side that’s exaggerated in blogs & glorified by travellers. It’s usually the good stuff that someone would tell you about after having spent their hard-earned money on a trip to that place. And then there’s an unknown side that everybody knows but…
An evening in the Wine Capital of the Country, to SULA Vineyards, Nashik
“Either give me more wine or leave me alone.” ― Rumi When you arrive at Sula Vineyards, it feels as if you have arrived at Cyber Hub in Gurgaon. You see the same glitz & glamour, people dressed up in fashionable clothes & a melange of smells wafting your way. Then, you look at the…
Where Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Afzal Khan: the Pratapgarh fort
Things that have to happen find a way to happen like our trip to Pratapgarh fort. When we went to Mahabaleshwar, I told my sister that we should go to Pratapgarh but she won’t listen. She wanted to go for star gazing & an early sunrise. Not only because my sister is as quirky as…
Spend a weekend with Painted Storks & Cormorants in Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
During the three years of my stay in Gurgaon, not even once did I hear of this place. Every weekend, I would wake up & make new plans to spend all of my hard-earned salary & some of that of my parents. And yet I would end up exploring the pubs, the movie theatres, some…
Bodh Gaya, and the lessons of life!
I was in the queue, adjusting my mask & ensuring social distancing. My family was already inside the premises & I was still at the security check. Queues frustrate me – not because I have to wait for my turn but because there’s always some pushing & shoving going on. People behind you want you…
A journey like no other, from Patan to the 100 rupee banknote: Rani ki Vav
It is said that Egypt gave pyramids to the world, and India gave stepped wells. India gave a lot of other things to the world too (that are showcased in the museums all over) but that’s a topic for some other day. Today, let’s talk about stepped wells that are believed to have originated in…
7 things YOU don’t do in a Tiger Reserve or a forest!
India is an incredible country, home to the Western Ghats & the Himalayas & more. We have got Alpine, Rainforests, Tropical & Subtropical forests & more. 50,000+ species of plants & 40,000+ species of animals stay in India. So, yes, India has got gorgeous forests & must-visit tiger reserves. You don’t even have to be…
The oldest rock-cut architecture of India- Barabar caves, Bihar
I discovered Barabar caves when I read E M Forster’s, ‘Passage to India’. It was one of the recommended books, as part of the preparation for Verbal Ability in CAT. So, naturally I didn’t read the book then. I didn’t read it in MBA either. Because let’s admit it, who reads books (other than the…
Welcome to Sikkim
“Sabse bura log Dilli ka aata hai (The worst people we receive are from Delhi)”, my cabbie remarked. I couldn’t help but laugh at his candid and innocent ways. “Aap Dilli ka hai madam (Are you from Delhi?)” Well, you can say that I am from Delhi. Whether we go to Ladakh, Kanyakumari or Sikkim,…
Ranchi – the smart city of waterfalls, niceties & poise
What comes to your mind when you hear about Ranchi?! (Bombay people – it’s the capital of Jharkhand, just so you know.) Mahendra Dhoni, Erstwhile Bihar, or maybe the cult movie, Gangs of Wasseypur? At least that’s what comes to my mind. That, and my ex-roommate & super-cool friend, Neha Bharti from Ranchi, who shares…
A day in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh
On my recent road trip to Bihar, Jharkhand & Chattisgarh, the last stop was Raipur & then we were to go back home via Jabalpur, MP. We started early morning from Ranchi to drive down to Raipur. The trip was to end in another 2-3 days. I wanted to make the most of whatever was…
Home to Mowgli, the Pench Tiger Reserve
“But this is my home” – Mowgli As a child, I was shy. Really shy! I won’t talk to strangers, run away from people, hide in the tiniest possible corners of my home & would prefer silence to speech. I liked my own company and until people pointed out that I should be more social,…
A long bumpy ride & two days of long walks on Mall road of Nainital
Around five years back, I had some free time at work, which is very unusual for me. Because I am usually buried under work with the grace of my bosses but mostly out of my own accord. That time, I was relatively free with no scary deadlines, nobody breathing down my neck and nobody to…
Riding down memory lane, my first trip to Pondicherry in 2013!
Today, I am going to talk about my visit to Pondicherry back in 2013. It’s a special trip because I planned it four months in advance, and saved a fixed portion from my salary every month, while proudly defaulting on my education loan EMI. Just a week before the trip, a big launch was planned at work, and I have been working towards making that happen. Everything was happening like clock work, and I happily reached Puducherry with a bag full of amazing clothes and a heart full of desires. By the way, do you know how I thought of ‘Pondicherry’ of all the places?
Running for shade when it rained – a day at Miramar beach, Goa
It needed 12 hours of drive to reach Goa, from Bangalore. We started early morning & before we knew; we all were in holiday mood desperate for an evening in beach. So, we took a halt in Karwar enjoying the beach walks & jhaalmuri. It was windy & beautiful – the perfect start to the next three days in Goa.
In Jaipur – memories over many years!
I still remember that night when I first reached Jaipur. It was a trip with friends, and we had booked our seats in a Shatabdi from Delhi. Even though I was tired, hungry & lugging around a heavy bag, I noticed the colorful railway platform of Jaipur. The coolies wore a beautiful pagdi & the sign at the exit said, ‘Padharo Mhare Desh’.
Ye Sheher Muskurata hai!
“I am going to buy Chikankari today itself”, I told myself, almost making it sound like a project, taking all the joy of shopping out of it. In another couple of hours, I was in Lucknow, waiting outside Dastarkhwan along with 20 other people. There were a variety of Kebabs, around me, happily marinating, placed…
Mountains NEVER called me. I showed up uninvited.
The Mountains are calling and I must go”. When John Muir wrote this in a letter to her sister, in 1873, sitting somewhere in Yosemite Valley, little did he know that in another 140 years, his letter would become public knowledge and his words would form one of the most popular headlines ever to announce the love for mountains. When I think of mountains, I think of my childhood. That’s where it all began anyway.
I am out of Bombay & Bombay is out of me. But there’s more.
One fine day in the January of 2019, I decided to move my base from Ghaziabad. I badly needed a change of scene. So, I started exploring my options which (I realised after a while) didn’t exist. In times like these, I turn to wiser people for advice. Even then, I turned to one of the…
We are back & it’s awesome!
I want to begin by saying that you all are amazing people. The whole of last year, most of you kept hounding me about why I am not writing anymore. And I kept telling you that I would, as soon as I get some free time. To keep it off my mind and back, I…
Away from the noise, the life in Manoribel, Mumbai
Every Monday, I drag my body with half a soul to work & begin running, only to take a pause on Friday night because the next morning won’t come with alarms and reminders. Sleeping like no one is watching on Saturdays & Sundays often help me find the rest of my missing soul, only to…
For my next spiritual retreat, I would head out to Ladakh, and this is why:
When I think of Ladakh, my compartmentalised heart gets flooded with joy, my three decade old memory that is on its way to develop early Alzheimer’s, starts behaving extraordinarily & pieces together my one week long Ladakh trip day-by-day. In that moment, my ever-anxious mind somehow manages to calm down, my heart beats a bit…
First impressions of erstwhile Calcutta that last forever in the metropolis era
The Calcutta of my dreams: When I imagined Calcutta as a kid, I imagined a city with long, twisted lanes with colourful, old houses on either side. Contrary to the outside scene, these houses with short and humble doors would open to a big verandah with multi-floored rooms and balconies all around it. The verandah…
The city that’s called Mumbai & known by many names!
It’s the city of dreams. It’s the city of dreams; it’s the city that never sleeps; it’s a mahanagri where people come to realise their dreams, struggle day in, day out, travel in local trains, go without food for days, travel on foot, risk dehydration, and wake up every day to do what they got…
Discover new horizons & avenues in 2019: Season’s Greetings
When I was a child, I used to worry a lot about exams. The more I would prepare, the more I would worry about scoring high in the subject & beating my dear friends in that. Of course, later in life, I figured out that the path to not worry is to not care too…
Dream-like, Mysore Palace – of colors, domes & art!
Some places elevate your mood, and make you feel special. Mysore Palace is definitely such place. I have been to Mysore 7-8 times in last 10 years & have never missed paying a visit to the royal palace for it makes me feel special. When I visited the palace for the first time in 2008,…
Sign up for a visual treat at Pushkar fair, 2018
Somebody said that all good things in life are free. I couldn’t agree enough – a warm sunny afternoon in December, or dipping your feet in a gushing stream of water, or the colorful spread on an otherwise clean sky on evening – all are free, and the best of experiences. I thought I had seen…
The quest for Neelakurinji- the once in 12 years wonder
2018 was the year of many things – of data breaches, of executive resignations, of political upheavals, natural disaster, of new records in Sports. For me personally, it was a year of new insecurities, never-known fears, and long days that were spent being stressed. 2018 was also the year of Neelakurinji, the flower that blooms…
12 Lifetime experiences from Incredible India
‘Which one is your favorite place?’, people often ask me. And when I take time to think about one, they are like, ‘Come on, there’s got to be a favorite’. And I think harder but I can’t seem to place one as favorite over others. Because it’s just not the places but what you have…
12 Lifetime experiences from Incredible India
‘Which one is your favorite place?’, people often ask me. And when I take time to think about one, they are like, ‘Come on, there’s got to be a favorite’. And I think harder but I can’t seem to place one as favorite over others. Because it’s just not the places but what you have…
Don’t beat yourself. Beat Altitude Sickness in Ladakh with these 13 tips
Let me begin by saying that Altitude Sickness is for real. Popping pills is not enough. I know plenty of people who took all the precautions (as per them) & still spent days in hospital, or on Oxygen. Either way, it’s uncomfortable & a waste of your money and time. The thin air of Leh,…
Coffee tales straight from Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Once upon a time, there was a country that drank tea. The country and its countrymen were happy sipping this sugar-laden beverage until one Baba Budan Giri decided to give Coffee to his country, and thus began the coffee journey of India. It’s being said that Baba Budan Giri brought Coffee seeds to India and…
How to NOT be a spoilsport when travelling in groups
Remember School Picnics when the senior most kids would occupy the last seat and you would be left with the ‘unwanted’ ones – those next to the teachers. And while sitting on those hot seats, you would eye the back seaters who would play Antakshari and dance, while the only awesome company you had was…
A weekend trip to the British Summer Capital – Shimla
I remember the new year of 2018. One of my many resolutions were to grow my Instagram followership by posting daily. Did it grow? Yes, but not substantially. It just feels like yesterday- scrolling my Instagram feed & looking at my ever-stagnant Twitter followers on the 31st of 2017. And it’s September of ’18 already….
The touch of love: Allepey Backwaters, Kerala
Kerala – God’s own country is not called God’s for no reason. Dotted with coconut trees, situated by the coast, with sultry weather most of the year, balmy air in the evenings, full of tea plantations in shades of Green, with myriad beaches & backwaters, pioneer of Ayurveda treatments, skilled in Kuchipudi & their own…
God’s own country needs us. Show some love for Kerala
I have been going to Kerala for years now. Munnar was almost like home with its picturesque views and Green landscapes. We would often pick our car from Bangalore or Mysore and drive to Munnar enjoying the forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries on the way. And it breaks my heart to see Kerala suffering this…
Thinking where next? Here’s Top Travel Recommendations in India for the month of August
August is a very different month. It’s not in the middle like June, it’s not the beginning of the second half of the year like July & it’s not even close to the year end like November. August is just there, somewhere. August is a promise of time – more time because the year hasn’t…
Happy 72nd, India! STAY INCREDIBLE.
कुछ बात है कि हस्ती मिटती नहीं हमारी सदियों रहा है दुश्मन दौर–ए–ज़माँ हमारा India – one of the oldest civilizations of the world, famous for its unity in diversity, blessed with changing landscapes from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, tolerant of religions and faiths where Hindu kids celebrate Christmas as much as they celebrate Diwali, Christian…
15 gems from 15 states of Incredible India: travel today!
As most of you know, Life on Weekends was born in the November of 2015. And since then, I have been blogging on and off, but travelling constantly. I began as a naive traveller who would want to holiday anywhere (and everywhere) glamorous, dress well & click pictures (tons of it), and spam my Facebook…
Are you thankful enough? You would be at Hall of Fame, Ladakh
Come Fridays and my mind lights up a like a bulb. I get all the 51 ideas to make my life awesome, and not only the Left or the Right, but unknown sides of my brain get activated because my mind is endlessly creating lists of ‘how to make your weekends awesome’. It doesn’t end…
Life on weekends- Home 