India will celebrate its 68th republic day tomorrow on 26th January, 2017. The pride of the country will be seen in march pasts, rallies and other cultural programs as part of the republic day parade at Rajpath. Many television shows will lose their audience to the live telecast of republic day parades tomorrow because India…
Tag: lifeonweekendsblog
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…
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…
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 –…
Where the 70s come alive: Beatle’s Cafe in Rishikesh!
“Oh yeah I’ll tell you something I think you’ll understand When I say that something I wanna hold your hand” When the Fantastic Four – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr played ‘I want to hold your hand’ in the 1960s, it was the dawn of a new era. As they balanced the chords & managed…
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…
Be a part of your own Jungle Book at Bandipur National Park!
Each one of us has a ‘Mowgli’ in us, waiting to manifest. All we need is a good, green Jungle (forest). Unleash your ‘Mowgli’ in Bandipur National Park. Who knows you might even spot a ‘Bagheera’ in the Jungle & befriend a ‘Baloo’?! Where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats, God created Bandipur National…
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…
5 Travel Hacks that will always come to your rescue.
In the world of TripAdvisor & HolidayIQ, travelling has become fun & interesting. Whether you want to take a break from the 10*10 monotony or want to visit your favorite place, travel soothes you all the same. Planning the travel is even more fun – stay, food, itinerary or commute. Every little thing related to…
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…
Eclectic, Colorful Mix: Surajkund International Craft Mela 2016
Surajkund International Craft Fair or Surajkund Mela is a very popular annual craft fair where many states and neighboring countries participate. They set-up their stalls and exhibit the best of Craft, Clothes, food and decor from their place. And people from Delhi, Haryana, Noida & Ghaziabad, flock in thousands to experience this eclectic colorful mix! By the…
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…
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 