The exquisite silhouettes of baobab trees at sunset is a popular postcard for anyone who has been (or aspires to travel) to Madagascar or Southern Africa. This popularity of the Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar has brought some recognition to this grand but beleaguered species. In addition, various popular movies...
Chambal Valley – Protected by Infamy, Curses and Crimes The Chambal Valley is a cursed land as per mythology. It boasts of a barren and ravaged landscape, ravines, gorges and jungles. Bandits and dacoits. Outlaws and lawlessness. The setting for many iconic movies and the backdrop for many legendary Indian Robin Hoods… It remains pristine and untouched...
Few tourists visit the not so well known Isalo National Park in South Central Madagascar. The emblematic attractions of Madagascar i.e. the lemurs are present here but not as much in number as the more popular parks like Ranomafana or Andasibe. In addition, the relatively long time taken to travel here makes it less appealing! However,...
Ever since the devastating earthquake caused destruction to the heritage sites in Kathmandu in 2015, I had made up my mind to visit the UNESCO Heritage city of Hampi - famous for its temples and ruins. In 2016, I decided to visit the capital city of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire - Hampi. Thanks to Go...
A discussion on the topic of tropical beaches in Madagascar would surely bring up the beautiful golden sand beaches of Nosy Be, Diego Suarez and the Island of St Marie (North and East Madagascar). Often missed out are the dreamy, lonely beaches of South West Madagascar i.e. around Ifaty, Anakao and Andavadoaka. This blog is...
Kirindy Private reserve is a true wildlife Oasis – a spot of hope amidst the destruction caused by human development in Western Madagascar. Formerly a Swiss forestry training station and now an active German primate research base, Kirindy Private Reserve is an absolute gem. This 120-square-kilometre tract of dry deciduous forest is one of Madagascar’s truly outstanding natural...
We call it India’s Great Wall ! It is 36 kilometres long and 15 feet wide, and two cars can run side by side on the wall. Welcome to the Kumbhalgarh fort , Rajasthan. This fort is about beauty, architectural majesty and yes stories around it. Kumbhalgarh Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan,...
Malana, The Magic - Of ancient Sages, Myths, Alexander and Malana Cream. This is a strange story and a real place. It involves ancient sages, kings, mythology, legends, history and drugs. To understand this, you have to get to know the ancient sage, Jamadagni, and a bit of Hindu mythology. Let me start with ancient times...
The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of baobab trees, lining a small stretch of dirt road between Morondava and Tsiribihina in Western Madagascar. This road has a row of about 20 - 25 impressive Baobab trees along a stretch of 260 m. The striking landscape and the magical sunsets, at the Avenue of Baobabs...
One of most important highlights of our Madagascar trip was the adventure in the Rock Forests of Tsingy de Bemaraha. The sheer effort in climbing the ‘forest’ to the ‘canopy’ and the reward of the scenic wonder at the top make up an exciting adventure and an unforgettable memory. Check out excerpts from our video blog...