Dussehra celebration in India- one essence and many forms
Darjeeling tour – romancing the hill town
The romance here is akin to that first sip of tea in the morning. And if it is Darjeeling tea, it will be a pick me up moment for you. I think the place has a lot to do with the Darjeeling tea ! The town is located in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. The...
Kashmir-the paradise on earth
Kashmir, romancing the paradise
This couplet from Amir Khusrau says it all about Kashmir. Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast If there is a paradise on earth, It is this, it is this, it is this” So what does a paradise look like ? Meadows, valleys, mountain peaks, lakes and flower gardens ! Did you...
Sikkim-the mountainous escape
Mountain romance in Sikkim
You can’t stop falling in love with this place. Green, clean, steep valleys, snow-capped mountains, Rhododendron forests colourful monasteries and friendly locals! Welcome to Sikkim-a mountainous escape from the routine. Did you know that Sikkim was an independent country until 1975, when it got merged with India?Is Sikkim a romantic destination?
Let’s look...
Pachmarhi-a quaint romantic hill station
Have you read this Hindi poem “Satpura ke ghane jungle neend mein doobe hue se (the dense forests of Satpura are in deep sleep)” ? This used to be a part of our Hindi text book in high school. For us then, Satpura used to be a proxy for anything which is profound or can’t...
Andaman Islands- a natural wonder and a great holiday option
Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise of 572 islands , forming an archipelago at the juncture of Bay of Bengal and Andaman sea. Currently only 37 islands are inhabited. Pristine beaches, marine life, great underwater sports option, an intriguing ancient settlement , Andaman islands will tick all the boxes for an ideal vacation. Did you know...
Ladakh-the land of high passes
My flight was about to land at Leh airport, and my first feeling was, where is this flight landing … I am not trying to hint at turbulence, rather trying to divert your attention towards the scenic beauty. Leh airport is one of the highest airports in the world and the experience of touching down...
Pushkar – The spiritual land and world’s largest camel fair
Rajasthan is known for its forts, palaces sand dunes, colourful art and folk music. This is a short introduction to the spiritual side of Rajasthan. Welcome to Pushkar, the scared pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. When you enter this town, you will find yourself surrounded by the humming tune of chants, devotional songs, temple...
Mahakali caves, Mumbai- a getaway from the crowded city
Mahakali caves, Buddhist caves right in the middle of the city
Sounds like a name inspired by the Hindu goddess Kali, but all these caves are dedicated to Buddha and Buddhism. Mahakali caves were originally known as Kondivite caves, because of its proximity to a village by the same name. If the pace of Mumbai has...
Tashiding Monastery- the holiest monastery of Sikkim
Tashiding Monastery is believed to be the holiest monastery in Sikkim. The legend is that just the glimpse of Thongwa Rangdol Shrine (chorten) , washes away your sins. Seeing is cleansing here; no need to take a holy dip into a holy river. The walk up to the monastery is dotted with white coloured prayer...