गर फिरदौस रूहे ज़मीं अस्त हमीनस्तो, हमीनस्तो हमीनस्तो! If there is a paradise on earth, It is this, it is this, it is this! I never knew that Kashmir was so beautiful until I saw it. I often heard about the place as a child & I grew up reading about Kashmir & its beauty…
Tag: lifeonweekends
The eternal sunshine of a snow-clouded mind!
Tons of ice-creams, volumes of ice & electricity bills running to pages – is how we beat heat here in North India. For all the love we have shown to the moon in our poetry and novels, we ended up offending the big daddy & he has decided to teach us a lesson with soaring…
Shhhh! The pursuit of Erotica in Khajuraho
An overnight train journey in a second AC compartment with a bunch of young people, my book & a good looking husband who knows a lot of random stuff is how my pursuit for erotica began. As I busied myself with the days of Malgudi, a chemistry was building up between the guy I married…
India beyond mountains & monuments: the incredible life
When Yann Martel won the Man Booker Prize in 2001 for his book, ‘Life of Pi’, many applauded his writing style, his imagination & the ability to build characters. Look at the protagonist – Piscine Patel, who was teased as Pissing patel, and his ingeniousness to rechristen himself as ‘Pi’. Tremendous & Terrific! I, however,…
The incredible Karnataka: of beaches, lighthouses & hills!
I have never been a party person. Those have always bored me with their obsession with absence of Vitamin D, music that threatens your eardrums & rules about how to dress up, who to speak with & how much to speak. I don’t like that. I like places that let me be where I can…
The Surviving Wheels of Time of Konark Sun Temple, Odisha!
What do you think when you think of time? Plenty at hand? Never enough? Fast slipping through fingers? Or Who cares? Or do you wonder where did it all go? I regularly look at my wrist watch & back calculate – how much is left till I finish this presentation, excuse myself from another meeting…
Jai Jagannath – echoes of enigma that remain a mystery!
“Jai Jagannath! Jai Jagannath! Jai Jagannath!” The small compound was echoing with these loud shouts. And with that went many hands in the air, of devotees! I was tempted to join them in chanting when another sound came from the background. It was a familiar sound; I had often heard it in movies – typical…
Five ideas of perfect Valentine holiday destinations!
Come February & people begin talking about Valentine’s Day. From the time I can remember, there used to be such energy in school that we no longer needed Physics Classes to understand Laws of Conservation of Energy. We just knew. Exams would be round the corner. Revisions would be on. But the second week of…
Chasing Strawberries in Mapro Garden, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar
Some of the best memories of my life somehow have food in it. These memories – of a great conversation over holidays, gorging ourselves with rum & raisin cakes, a late night party with pizzas and drinks, a trip to some place remote with nothing in tummy but Maggi & Chai & the best –…
Of Incredible India: Asaf-ud-Daula & Bada Imam Bara of Lucknow
Unmatched Heritage, proud legacy, splendid stories, indigenous craft, envious art & architecture & delicious food – India is all that & more & this is precisely why India is incredible. In this series, we will bring the untold stories from the nooks and corners of the country, waiting to be heard. Stories from the forgotten…
The legend of Chittaur: Maharana Pratap
पड़ी अचानक नदी अपार¸ घोड़ा कैसे उतरे पार। राणा ने सोचा इस पार¸ तब तक चेतक था उस पार।। I grew up reading about the mighty horse that would often figure in poems and stories of my childhood. Chetak was said to be unbeatable. He was faster than wind, louder than thunder & sharper than…
The mighty warrior of Mewar: Rana Sangha
Chittaur hadn’t celebrated to its full yet, and destiny played its cards. After the untimely demise of Rana Kumbha, Chittaurgarh came under dark once again and silently watched itself getting broken into parts. Now, all Chittaur had to do was wait – wait for its redemption & resurgence. Luckily, Chittaur didn’t have to wait for long….
Great wall of Kumbhalgarh – of King Kumbha of Chittor
Enter Mewar and look around – you will find yourself surrounded by forts to the point your eyes may stretch & beyond that. These forts are generally accompanied by lakes, ponds or bawris (stepped wells) now tended by localites who would don colorful attire from top to bottom. While ladies will be seen in tye-dye…
A life dedicated to travel
Till three years back, I used to take vacations – twice or thrice a year. Sometimes, I would go on picnics too to nearby weekend destinations such as Agra & Jaipur. I would pack a heavy bag & fill it with all kinds of vanity, countless clothes and shoes. Each vacation will precede with a…
My Sully Moment: Flight no. #i5799
My first instinct was to check online – while I was up in the air – as to how to get out of a plane crash. Two seconds later I realised that Google won’t work so high. I frantically take out the card in the back pocket of every seat & read instructions on how to life jacket myself. I started groping for one under my seat, but couldn’t locate one. I got jolted & almost lost a tooth.
What a Fish: Shivsamundram, Karnataka
“Meen, meen”, cried the young lady with the biggest smile I had seen the entire day. When we looked in that direction, a wave of spices wafted through the air – spices just been fried in oil. Oh, it made me drool. Before I could say anything, someone had hit the brakes. It was the…
The Baisakhi of 1919 – the black day of India!
It was the beginning of the harvest season and one of the biggest festivals of India – Baisakhi. People from all over the country had gathered to join the festivities and live a day of joy & happiness. They bowed their head at the holy shrine in the morning and proceeded with the day. Most…
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa that figured in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ : Chand Baori, Abhaneri
At a distance of 95 kms. from the capital of Rajasthan, exists one of the world’s deepest stepped well – Chand Baori in a small village called Abhaneri. The legend has it that a bunch of ghosts created this stepped well, overnight, for reasons unknown. The stepped well, though situated in a remote area, has figured…
953 Jharokhas and one big Hawa Mahal
A king admires a palace & secretly wishes to build a similar/ better one in his own country and thus ends up building a beautiful, huge palace with many outlets to the outer world. The search for a ‘home’ never ends. A home – that’s yours, where you find peace, where you can be yourself….
In the lap of Dauladhar: Dharamshala stadium
Dharamshala – the home to Dalai Lama, a mini Tibet and the second capital to Himachal Pradesh. Anything I will write in praise of Dharamshala will not do any justice to the place that’s magically peaceful. In the backdrop of beautiful Dauladhar, Dharamshala offers a sight to behold wherever you look. While the place is…
A walk through the bakeries of Pune
I started off as a traveller who would shop a lot before any trip and focus on getting clicked as much as the photographer can whenever I went to any place. 😉 After 15+ states in India, I feel I have matured and like to breathe in the place before infinite selfies and checking off…
Of the love that refused to die: Mastani Mahal, Pune
Close your eyes, fall in love. Stay there. – Rumi Love touches everyone. We all experience love & all that it brings with itself: excitement, change and pain. And even after all the pain and change, we don’t bat an eyelid before falling in love again. They say that love knows nothing. It’s blind. And…
From the South of India!
Sometimes words ain’t required because pictures are worth more than anything. My tryst with travelling began in 2014, and since then I have been to a lot of states in India. Each has its own specialty – culture, food, stories, forts or waterfalls. My love for #IncredibleIndia is unmatched and I enjoy my trips to…
Bhaiya, Eiffel tower chalenge?
English Translation of the post title: Bhaiya, Eiffel Tower Chalenge? (Hey, what will you charge for a ride to Eiffel Tower?) It was a soft evening: of pleasant air, crimson sky and a warm, setting Sun. I was wearing my favorite red colored pants, floral top and a hat. I had my new shades on that…
Temples, Elephants & Rubber Plantation at Thirparappu Waterfalls, Kanyakumari
Have you ever experienced the happiness after finding a crumpled 10 rs. or 100 rs. note in the back pocket of your unused pair of jeans? Or the sense of joy at finding the report card of VI (or VII) standard under the pile of old newspapers stacked away in a corner of your store…
The state of colors: Rajasthan
Like most kids, I also dreamt of fantasy lands where there were mountains of chocolates and taps full of Maaza. My fantasy land was perfect. I could watch TV all day, play whenever I want & roam around wherever I want. There would be no restrictions and I would feel at home in that place….
Where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon: Sarnath, Varanasi
“Buddham Sharnam Gachhami” They say that it was a fine evening in a spacious deer park. On the green grass, sat a group of monks, some 250kms. away from this humble place called ‘Bodhgaya’. That must be a special day. The air must have blown slowly and smoothly without making any sound. The tree must…
50 shades of green in Munnar!
If life can be arid like the deserts of Rajasthan, or tropical like the beaches of Chennai and Puducherry, it can also be poetic, romantic & dreamy like Munnar, the pretty hill station of Kanan Devan Hills, Idukki in God’s own country, Kerala. The mornings of Munnar are the most poetic when the golden Sun…
A place for monkeys: Jakhu Temple, Shimla
After a horrendous experience in Vrindavan last year when a monkey attacked me in open & snatched my spectacles, I have had my differences with this breed. I don’t go near them, avoid eye contact at all costs & maintain my distance. Any place where I might find a monkey is usually not on my…
By the river Betwa, I sat down and smiled.
Ours is a beach generation – a shack, a beer and a beach in Goa. That’s all we need to unwind from crazy routines at work. And if that’s not reason enough, how about ‘getting high by the beach’? 😀 I have no such favorites. I can enjoy a scenic beach as much as I…
An evening on the shores of Sangam, Kanyakumari!
Memory is a strange thing. It follows no pattern and works totally, at random like the traffic in Delhi NCR. In the middle of ultra-serious discussions in office, I get reminded of a joke from last night’s episode of Modern Family. There are days when I particularly feel invincible, but that feeling remains short-lived because…
The not so talked about story of Fatehpur sikri!
I remember reading about ‘Buland Darwaza’ in History text books from class VII or VIII. The mention of ‘Buland Darwaza’ almost always is clubbed with the description of ‘Fatehpur Sikri’ just like the witty stories of Birbal, that are incomplete without the mention of Mughal emperor Akbar. Both go together! Also read: the highest gateway…
The hustled life of Indian Railways
Some things can never lose their charm. For example: good, old landline phones. Remember, the first time they installed it at home? We won’t let it go out of sight, not until we are at home. We would wait in front of it for hours hoping that some distant aunt will give us a call…
On your plate, from the streets of India!
With many fine dining restaurants & bars mushrooming here and there, burning a hole in the pocket has become easier than ever. These restaurants will ‘Sir and Ma’am’ you, serve exotic-sounding dishes in small bowls and plates (quantity enough for a bite or two) & take away all your money. In fact, the more I…
Where all that shines is Gold: Jaisalmer
The land is barren and the farms are dry. The weather is harsh and the temperature is very high. You would think that this can mar the spirits of the locals. But no ma’am, no. You are wrong. The place beams, the buildings shine & the locals,the locals sparkle under the hot Sun with a…
Cafe trail: Seven places to check out the next time you visit McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Some people are not meant for discotheques or bar hopping. They don’t identify with that. They can mask their emotions and pretend to enjoy the loud music, dark setting and glammed up gentry. But deep down, they long for their cosy bed where they can lie for hours reading a book or binge watching Hotstar/…
The aloof tiger and the lazy Python of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
15 years ago when I visited Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for the first time, our guide told us about a tiger that lived in the sanctuary and came by the lake in the evening to drink water. It was an excursion trip organized from KVS (Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan). I was in 9th standard and for the…
Incredible India: 12 places for 12 months!
It was a Friday evening of humid April this year. Around 4 pm of that fateful evening, I found myself battling for breath. My life jacket was intact, but I could not come above the surface. Water started to get better of me. I was telling myself that nothing would happen. At best, I would…
Gwalior: Where she fought gallantly, the queen of Jhansi!
“No, impossible! I shall not surrender my Jhansi!” On June 18th, 1858, a 29 year old widowed queen of Jhansi, with courage in her veins and valor in her blood, fought against the British and lay her life in the battle of Gwalior, trying to save her state from the British. The British (greatly outnumbering…
A box of chocolates – Kodai Kanal.
My mother never told me that life was a box of chocolates. She had a list of adjectives that Life was – demanding, whimsical, eccentric, and mischievous – but it was never a box of chocolates in her dictionary. Chocolates were instead a treat for us reserved to be enjoyed only on special occasions like…
A 1500 year old tale set in stone: Aihole temples, Karnataka
In ancient India, people relied on temples for learning, financial assistance and education. Temples were the know all, be all. Locals deposited their Gold and currency in the temple treasury chests and retired peacefully to sleep every night. Temples were a sacred place where the destiny was made and remade. So sacred were the temples that…
The Great Indian Parantha of Amrik Sukhdev, Murthal!
I have a theory – When something is denied to you, you crave it even more. And when that something is food, your cravings know no limits. Good food takes you to another world and that world is still untouched by the woes of real life. In that world, only happiness and only happiness exists….
Once full of terror, now lay dead and silent: the ravines of Chambal, Madhya Pradesh
Across the fertile Uttar Pradesh, arid Rajasthan & deciduous Madhya Pradesh, exists the landscape with eccentric formation of mud moulds that have existed for decades here. By the banks of pristine Chambal river, these mud moulds stand tall at about 10 ft. – 20 ft. & shield those who seek a refuge in these weird…
Bare bodies and bare souls, Varanasi
We began with the Ghat where people were bathing and swimming like they were in a pool. A mere dip in the river was supposed to wash away their sins. However, the bare, unclad bodies did not bother anyone and no amount of constant stares could bring embarrassment to the subject.
Find your happy place in the mini Switzerland of India – Khajjiar
You are in a meadow, millions of stars in the sky. Just the warm breeze, and the moonlight flowing through the trees. That’s your happy place, right? No? Oh, I forgot! That’s the happy place of Phoebe Buffay, the famous character from the epic TV Series, FRIENDS. When I first heard her describing her happy…
The pursuit of eternal peace at the farthest corner of the country: Kanyakumari
Some come to travel; some come on a pilgrimage & some come in the pursuit of peace to the farthest corner of our country, Kanyakumari. Formerly known as Cape Comorin, the place satiates the spiritual & religious quests of many. And extreme restless souls like mine found solace here like wailing baby who stops sobbing when his…
Toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla: Don’t even think about it!
Beware of every blog that talks highly about the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla; none of the authors have actually been through the journey themselves. The one who has traveled in the Shimla-Kalka toy train understands the pain of aching muscles, hurting joints & stiff neck. After 6 long hours when the torture ends, you come out of the train a little shorter & a lot crazier.
Toy train ride is only meant for kids below 10 years of age. With seats meant for dwarves, one can hardly adjust their bu** cheeks on the cushion. The space is enough only for one person which is why the other one sits half on the seat & half in the air.
This wasn’t enough which is why the Railways decided to play a game. They declared all compartments, general. So, anyone who has a ticket can board the bogie & stand above your head while you sit half on seat & half in the air. The only thing that salvages this journey is – the few moments of scenic routes during the journey.
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The fight for the window seat:
The railways want to have all their fun at the expense of toy train passengers which is why they have screwed up the seat numbering in the toy train. The window seat numbers indicate aisle seats while the aisle seats are numbered by the window. You can imagine the amount of fights that happen because of this.
Oh, did I use the word ‘aisle’?! Sorry, there is nothing like an aisle in a toy train. Since they can’t expect the passengers to hop above one another, they left a space of hardly 1 foot between two seats. One can’t even stand there.
As far as the luggage goes, you may very well keep it on your head since there is no space available to keep it. Or better, seat the luggage on the joke they call seats. And you sit over your luggage. That way, there will be at least one body part of yours that won’t pain at the end of the journey.
Food walk down the lanes of Vrindavan, Mathura!
Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” I took this way seriously. And I am adamant to become the best of the best which is why I eat, gorge & binge. I have been through sizes – from ‘S’ to ‘XL’ – back to ‘S’ & then ‘M’….
104 steps leading to the darkest waters of History: Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi
“Kahan jana hai madam” “Agrasen ki Baoli” “Kya? Connaught Place?” “Nahin, Agrasen ki Baoli. Aapko nahin pata kya? Mandi house ke paas hai” “150 lagenge warna rehne do” With a long face, I checked for an Ola & booked a micro in exactly 2 minutes. The same story repeated. The Ola cabbie didn’t know ‘Agrasen…
Discover your inner music at the singing hill of India: Dainkund, Dalhousie
We were on our way to Khajjiar from Dalhousie & were ardently following the Google Maps when Dainkund happened. Near the ‘Lakkad Bazaar’ in Dalhousie, we had to take the turn down the road while we took the one leading to the top of the hill. And we landed in the most beautiful place of…
Full of Eerie: Chunar Fort, Mirzapur
The Assistant Director of Gangs of Wasseypur died while filming at Chunar Fort, Mirzapur. The local priest says that he continuously flouted the rules of the fort in spite of numerous warnings & thus met his fate. A travel enthusiast couple visits the fort & meets a guide who shows them the dungeons where they…
Lift your spirits, ditch your fears & jump from 7800+ ft in BirBilling, Himachal
My feet started to shake when my glider asked me to run down the slope. “What if I fall? What if the parachute doesn’t open? What if I make a fool of myself? And then I saw a 10 year old flying with his glider.
Rely on God when you ride a horse in Kufri, Shimla
A stretch strewn with rocks, boulders & stones; a ride that’s 15 -20 mins. long & your fate that’s entirely dependent on the mood & prowess of your horse that’s taking you uphill, crossing the muddy, swamps & maneuvering its way to Mahasu Peak. Oh, we are talking about the much-recommended experience of Kufri, Shimla –…
Rejuvenate in Nilgiris; 11 things to do in Ooty
After crossing 36 hairpin bends & breathing tons of fresh air, we reached Ooty from Mysore, in 6 hours. A city that knows no season other than Spring, Ooty (or Udhagamandalam), is a beautiful hill station in the Nilgiri hills. Beautiful mountains, green valleys, tall Eucalyptus trees & colorful flowers all around have together given the town…
Rendezvous with Gods in Somanathapura
Somanathapura is a small town, some 35 kms. away from Mysore. The town is famous for the Chennakesava Temple (Kesava orKeshava temple). These temples were built by Soma, a Dandanayaka (commander) in 1268 CE under Hoysala Empire King Narasimha III. That was the time when the Hoysalas were the major power in South India. Read more about Somanathapura temples…
Photo blog: Cultural Heritage & Architectural Wonders of Somanathapura
Whenever I think that I have traveled a great deal in India with a few places left to visit; a new place pops up on the maps & I would be awestruck by its beauty & magnificence. In our last trip to Gaganchukki & Barachukki falls, we visited Somanathapura temples and absolutely loved them. Like the ruins of…
Art Abound: National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi
‘Bride’s Toilet’ paints a beautiful picture of married and single women, celebrating the precious moments of life in simple ways. ‘Brahamacharis’ is a masterpiece illustrating how diversity exists in similarity. If you look in the eyes of the dark guy (at the left) of the painting, you feel he is looking at you back. Like he knows, you are trying to fathom the mystery of the painting, but won’t be able to do it unless he gives away the secrets. Try it!
This weekend, go visit – National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi
The dance of holy love and divine passion, Krishna Raasleela at Nidhivan, Vrindavan
‘Madhuvan Main Jo Kanhaiya Kisi Gopi Se Mile Kabhi Muskaaye Kabhee Chhede Kabhee Baat Kare Radha Kaise Na Jale, Radha Kaise Na Jale Aag Tan Man Me Lage Radha Kaise Na Jale, Radha Kaise Na Jale’ The decorated flute plays tunes of love, the peacock wing sways hither & thither, the surroundings are filled with…
11 ways to come closer to the divine in Vrindavan, Mathura!
I grew up watching Shri Krishna. I participated in the dramas that were organised on the eve of Janmashtami. I was frequently dressed as Kanha & a few times dressed as Radha; I remember that. Lord Krishna has always been a naughty figure of god – the one that taught us love. The one that…
The house of the Gods & the monkeys, Vrindavan.
Brindavan mein radhe radhe Sunrak gaon mein radhe radhe Kalideh per radhe radhe Adyedapat mein radhe radhe Taan gali mein radhe radhe Maan gali mein radhe radhe O’man gali mein radhe radhe Gokunj gali mein radhe radhe Siva kunj mein radhe radhe Prem gali mein radhe radhe Shringar bat mein radhe radhe Cheer ghat mein…
Bonjour! Beaches of the French Colony of India – Pondicherry!
“L’amour est la poésie des sens.” – Balzac; meaning Love is the poetry of the senses. Pondicherry (or Puducherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is a Union Territory bordered by Tamil Nadu state. The city still has the French touch with French architecture, French streets serving cheese & street signs reading in French. In many…
A sip of happiness: Kulhar Chai
They say that you can’t buy happiness. But you can buy a cup of tea. And that’s almost the same thing. Isn’t it? 🙂 The world is full of tea lovers who will do anything and everything provided you bring them a cup of tea. And tea love is the best love in this world….
The tales of a bygone era – Hampi Diaries, II
After our tour to Elephant Stable, Lotus Palace & Vittala temple, we proceeded towards the rest of the amazing monolithic structures of the marvellous village, Hampi. Have you visited ruins before? If yes, you must be familiar with the goosebumps one gets when you watch the broken walls, dismantled bricks of high buildings & long, glaring cracks…
The tales of a bygone era – Hampi Diaries, I
Like many of us, I grew up despising History Lessons. The long narratives of valiant battles & mercurial dynasties bored me. The odd dates with prime numbers, between which wars were fought, drained me. The long, difficult to pronounce – names of Emperors & Kings, sapped my energy. Little did I know that I will grow up to…
The white & the saffron of Vrindavan!
“There are over 6500 temples in Vrindavan. How many can you see in a day, Bhagat?“, said our guide to my father. This came as a response to my father’s naive question, “How many temples are there in Vrindavan? How long will it take to see them all ?” To ensure that we cover the maximum temple…
Unknown, Untouched & Uncanny -Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari
However, when the capital shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram; the palace was deserted. The halls that were lit once were now dark. The music that was sung here once, existed only in the memories now.
Paradise in South – Kovalam, the beach city of Kerala
Coconut trees, Arabian Sea, Crescent-shaped beach, Lighthouses, Giant waves & sumptuous sea food, Kovalam is the paradise of the South, by all means. You might have seen, bathed in & surfed by a lot of beaches, but this beach will take your breath away. You might have hundred Kilometers of road on you, but this one will…
Fan of Sunsets? If yes, have you seen these?
In the words of Mattie Stepanek, “Sunset is still my favorite color, and rainbow is second.” Sunsets are gorgeous. And people who watch sun sets are gorgeous too. India is home to many such incredible places that take you to places far, far away – all with your eyes open. I, personally, love Sun sets….
In God’s own country, God’s own life!
Kerala – home to yummilicious food, green coconut trees, sapphire-blue beaches & sea life. There’s just so much in God’s own country to explore and experience that one or two trips will never suffice. In our recent trip to Kovalam beach , we encountered something new. Kovalam beach is gorgeous. It’s one of the most beautiful…
Where History Sings & the Gods dance – Badami Caves, Karnataka
Badmai cave temples, located in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India – are a phenomenal example of architecture in rock-cut art. Formerly known as Vataapi Badami, the caves were built around the time of Chalukya dynasty, who ruled Karnataka from 6th to 8th century. Badami Caves are a monolithic structure with four major…
13 reasons why you should visit Delhi Haat every month!
Situated in the heart of Delhi, Delhi Haat is a brilliant example of what India stands for. Step inside Delhi Haat & you would understand what ‘Unity in Diversity’ means. Be it Momos of Nagaland stall, Madhubani paintings of Bihar, intricate craft work from Orrisa and Jharkhand or beautiful embroidery items from Kashmir; Delhi Haat…
Magic in Marble: The Taj Mahal, Agra
No amount of words, no exceptional movie scenes & no description in History books can even remotely describe the beauty & magic that The Taj Mahal creates. Taj Mahal is instrumental in putting India on the global map of travel and tourism. It’s not only gorgeous but very mysterious. It’s said that the Taj changes shades…
5 things no one tells you about Alleppey backwaters.
Alleppey Backwaters, popularly known as – Venice of the East, is a popular tourist destination of India. In fact, Kerala tourism thrives on Munnar & Alleppey. Since the time I first heard the word ‘backwaters’, I imagined it was something of a miracle. When I were a kid, I almost believed that Alleppey Backwaters would…
Just Married? How about these 3 Awesome places for a post wedding shoot?
Greeting Cards, Coffee Mugs or Photography – everything is commercialized & customized these days. Over the past couple of years, the popularity of ‘pre-wedding shoot’ has grown more than that of Sunny Leone. You log on to Facebook & all you see is – candid photographs of people – drinking water from the same tap…
How should you spend time in Auroville if you don’t meditate?
Back in 2013, after completing a huge project, I went on a break for 10 days out of which I decided to spend 3 in Puducherry. After the release of ‘Life of Pi’ in 2012, I have been rooting to experience the ‘French’ touch, they say exists in Puducherry (I am going to call it…
8 Mobile Apps. that every traveler must have.
2016 looks impressive in terms of extended weekends. Club your leave with optional offs & get yourself a holiday. Whether you are a crazy planner or believe to be ‘in the moment’, there are a few mobile apps. that make our lives easier & our travel happier. Here is a list of top eight mobile…
Royal Rajasthan presents Dharohar Dance Show in Bagore ki Haveli, Udaipur
200+ years old Haveli (mansion), 100+ rooms & numerous colorful, glass jharokhas – that’s Bagore ki Haveli for you. Situated by Gangaur Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola Lake, the Haveli offers a travel, back in time when ‘art’ was exclusive & ‘culture’ was revered. The silent corridors, airy balconies & open terrace, tell tales of a bygone royal…
Picture yourself in the Pine forests of Palani Hills, Kodaikanal
Situated in the lap of Palani hills, Kodaikanal is one of the finest hill stations we have. As you drive towards Kodai, the landscape changes gradually with glimpses of Eucalyptus trees against the backdrop of Pine trees. Temperature falls down degree by degree & even before you realise, your hands start searching for a jacket. Cross the hairpin bends & in half an hour, you are in the hill station brimming with honeymoon couples.
5 things, a true traveller won’t do!
No matter how much you have travelled, no matter how well you can write, no matter how great you can photograph; you are not a great traveller if you litter, cheat & hurt. In my opinion, you don’t qualify to be a traveller if you: Litter around: why do we travel? Because we love to see, observe…
Rich & Rustic Rock Art at Edakkal Caves, Wayanad
Edakkal Caves – the caves between the stones are an exemplary example of rock art. While the beautiful carvings of animals and human beings on the rocks signify the life of a long lost age, the mysterious symbols and designs depict multiple objects at the same time like the moods of a woman; neither can…
Jog Falls, Shimoga: magical, musical waters
If Hogwarts were for real & they planned on opening one in India, it had to be right here nearby Jog Falls, Shimoga. The Jog falls would have marked the boundary of the school. The auditorium where us the muggles (homosapiens) watch the light & sound show; the chosen ones would have used it for their quidditch practice. And the boring KSTDC Maurya Hotel would have provided for the classrooms & libraries.
Majestic Thar: Sam, Sand & Sun in Jaisalmer
When you are finally in the Thar, there is nothing but sand all around. Camels merge with the sand & the only thing that stands out is the stroke of colors – Colorful beads around the suave camel neck, colorful attires of ladies singing & dancing, colorful bands in the sky before, during & after the sunset. You might not know but there exists a romantic in you. And that romantic manifests in the Thar.
Conversations & Camaraderie over Chai at Cha Bar, Delhi
I grew up in a middle class, north indian, baniya family. We celebrate everything over chai. People have come over lunch – we make tea. They have had lunch – we offer tea. They have stayed back till evening – we force tea. And once they have gone, we soothe ourselves over sips of tea.
Nainital: 7 must-do’s in the foothills of Kumaon
The honeymoon destination of 80s & 90s – Nainital -is one of the most beautiful, commercialized & planned hill stations of India.
Situated in the Kumaon foothills of mighty Himalayas, this hill station still manages to take your breath away. If you visit it in Summers, the bright, green colors of Pine & Oak tress leave you amazed & happy. And if you visit Nainital in winters, it takes you straight to the Bollywood movie scenes of 90’s where a newly wed couple is aiming & throwing snowballs at each other & suddenly the ‘heroine’ slips on the slippery, white snow only to be caught by the ‘hero’ in time.
Waah Chai: from the diary of a tea addict!
Sunrise, showers, morning, winters, evenings, gossips, hill stations, Sunday afternoons, today & everyday, a cup of chai (tea) is for every time & for every one! Captures straights from the Tea Museum, Munnar – the land of tea estates!
Include these 10 things in your next Road Trip!
Thinking of a road trip but worrying over whether it’s a good decision or not?! I would say, think not! Go on & hit the road! When you go on a road trip, you feel the travel. You breathe in the place, take stops at the local eateries & see for yourself how the landscape…
Life on weekends- Home 