My close friends tell me that I am an old soul. And they are right for I am an old soul. I love all ancient things & I see the beauty in them even if they are broken, ruined or chipping away. But some old things are as good as new. Ain’t they? Mehrangarh Fort,…
Tag: travel blog
The Leopold’s from Mumbai |Straight from the pages of Shantaram
I always consider myself a less of a reader. Because I don’t read as much as I would want to. However, whatever little I read, it leaves an impact on me. I can’t keep a book down unless I have read it. I don’t leave books mid-way & I certainly don’t skim or scan. I…
The place of epiphany: the great Ashoka & Kalinga War
After having won the never-before Kalinga, the great emperor achieved what no one had done before him. But at what cost? This question would haunt him day and night & soon the great Mauryan emperor renounced everything and turned a monk. Over the years, he would play an instrumental role in heralding Buddhism in Indian…
The long-preserved art of Pattachitra – painting on dried palm leaves: Raghurajpur in Odisha
Do you remember the first time you sat inside an aircraft? Or the first time you spotted a celebrity? Or the first time you received the message – ‘Salary Credited on XXXX’? I used to dream about all this as a kid, and experienced all three when I just entered 20s. It’s a feeling that…
The Jewel of India: Kashmir
Imagine yourself opening a box that’s been lying in the storage of your house. You don’t want to go, open the box because you dread the dust, the allergies & the dark. You know the box houses precious items but you put it off because – “who would enter the moist, damp & dark storage?”….
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…
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…
Top five holiday recommendations for the first long weekend of 2018
Much like the first date of teenage years, I am excited, hopeful & highly optimistic about the first weekend of this new year since this means vacation. Have you thought of the venue yet? 26th January is a Friday (drum roll) & the non-banking populace of India can spend these three days in style. It’s…
The poetic Chittaur of Meerabai
मेरे तो गिरधर गोपाल दूसरो न कोई॥ जाके सिर सोई। तात मात भ्रात छांड़ि दई कुलकी कहा संतन ढिग बैठि बैठि लोक ई॥ किये टूक लीन्हीं लोई। After many battles & political tug-of-war, Chittaur was rising again but this time with the melody, like never before. Chittaur by then had witnessed many episodes of pride, valor…
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…
Hungry for travel? Here’s your 2018 bucket list!
2018 is here and with that comes 16 long weekends and at least 20 days of paid leave for us – lesser beings – who have to work (supposedly) 9 am to 6 pm, five days a week to earn a living & thus the means to – travel, travel & travel. No matter how…
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…
Chittaurgarh – the erstwhile capital, the house of legends & the birth place of warriors!
“Rani me Rani Padmini, baaki sab Ghadaiya Gadh me Gadh Chittaurgarh, Baki sab Gadhaiya” said the guide whose generations have lived inside the fort for centuries now. It’s the story of a place where they say, “Blood sells cheaper than water” because they are Mewaris who would battle and declare war but will never bow…
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 Golden Temple of God: Harminder Sahib, Amritsar
Swarn Mandir or fondly referred as ‘The Golden Temple’ (‘Sri Harmandir Sahib’) is a pilgrimage site of Sikhism (religion), but is equally revered by Hindus (specially from North India). It’s a gurudwara, a large part of which is made of Gold. And just like Gold, the place is pure and pious. The moment you enter the…
Nosh Farmaiye ki aap Lucknow me Hain!
Nosh Farmaiye ki aap Lucknow me Hain! (meaning – Have a taste for you are in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh). आस्मान की क्या है ताकत जो चुराये लखनऊ| लखनऊ मुज पर फिदा है, मा फिदा-ए-लखनऊ|| Not only for its heritage, culture, legacy and art, Lucknow is also popular for its food. Tunday Kabab,…
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…
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…
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….
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 queen of hills: Shimla
Pitched roofs of colorful houses, red & ripe apples in big orchards & tall, decorated churches – that’s how I imagined Shimla. It was a Saturday early morning of Summers when we caught a train from New Delhi railway station to Kalka. We were excited about our journey, about sitting in a toy train for…
Palampur: of Bollywood and Dauladhar range
The best stories are always chanced upon: the unknown restaurant that served the yummiest food, the stranger who helped when least expected, catching the train at the last moment, waiting for the delayed flight at the airport & finishing that pending book on Kindle or the road that led to a beautiful place that wasn’t…
The burnt & broken: Shaniwarwada, Pune
Bajirao-Mastani hit the Cinema Halls in 2016 and took us on a visual treat. The movie got me thinking about many things & I resolved to read the translated copy of the famous Marathi novel ‘Rau’ & pay a visit to the much decorated (going by what the movie showed) Shaniwarwada in Pune. I could…
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…
Republic India; Incredible India!
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…
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…
The pursuit of tea & the road to Munnar!
I am never alone. Because I always have a cup of tea to keep me company. I was 8 when I had my first cup of tea. It was a monsoon evening with a clear but clouded day. I played ‘nine tiles’ that evening. After an hour, I came back home a winner but drenched. …
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 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…
Leave the worry at home & bask in the glory of Tagore beach, Karwar
I have inquisitive eyes that twinkle at the slightest joy. That’s what people tell me at least. And rightly so; my eyes do a lot of talking. And they specially become chatty when I go on a holiday. While on road, they are mostly anxious about what’s going to happen next and perpetually hop from…
Bow in love to the second highest statue of Lord Shiva at Murudeshwara, Karnataka
Murudeshwara (Lord Shiva), is located in Bhatkal taluk town of Uttar Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, some 165 km from Mangalore. Surrounded by the Arabian sea from three sides, Murudeshwara temple stands tall just next to the beach. The 123 ft. tall statue of Lord Shiva located inside the temple complex is the…
Hidden gems of India: Sparkling Kapu beach of Udupi, Karnataka
Those who want to skip the craziness of everyday life of a metropolitan; who want to experience what ‘quiet’ feels like; who do not fear the silence and can muster the courage to talk with self when no one is watching and no one is listening – would love the serene and undiscovered beach of Kaup in Udupi, Karnataka.
Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky – Golconda fort, Hyderabad
“He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.”, reads the curse of Koh-i-Noor. Clap inside the portico under the dome at the entrance of the fort and the sound will reach the person who is sitting in a…
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…
Life on weekends- Home 