Dussehra celebration in India- one essence and many forms
Palakkad – The Extraordinary under the façade of the Ordinary
Palakkad, Kerala, my Home-town
Palakkad (or Palghat as it was called earlier) is a small town in Kerala state of Southern India. It is a non-descript town with no pretensions to grandeur or historical significance. Naturally beautiful and simple, it boasts of a quiet, simple, laid-back life. It is my home town. And I love it. My...
11 Interesting facts about Auroville – The City of Dawn
Pondicherry or Puducherry is popular for its beaches and pretty french colonies. Not far away from Puducherry is the experimental community of Auroville. People from all over the world live here in harmony. This township thus is a perfect example of human unity. Mira Alfassa - the spiritual companion of Sri Aurobindo founded Auroville in...
Fontainhas – Asia’s Largest Latin Quarter
I am sure all of us have heard about Goa and been there at least once if not numerous times! Not only is Goa popular for its beaches, party like atmosphere but also for its Latin Quarter. Fontainhas in Panjim, Goa houses the largest Latin Quarter in Asia ! UNESCO declared Fontainhas as a Heritage...
The Fascinating Golden Temple of Amritsar
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most sacred place for Sikhism in India. Located in the state of Punjab, this Sikh temple or Gurudwara welcomes people from all religions and faith. Called Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, this temple (Gurudwara) has a sacred water tank - Amrit Sarovar that surrounds it. Interestingly the city...
Bodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple – Holiest of shrines for the Buddhists
The Mahabodhi temple is located in the center of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. It is here where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. As a matter of fact Buddha spent a period of seven weeks here. This temple is one of the earliest forms of brick temples in India. Built 180 feet high,...
Houseboat Experience in Kerala
The houseboat experience in Kerala is chief among the many attractions in Kerala, God’s Own Country. A few of these attractions are nature at its greenest, mountains, lakes, beaches, Ayurveda, culture and traditions… Oh, and food… Let me start by talking of the backwaters of Kerala. Where a houseboat experience is simply a must-do.
The backwaters...
Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement in Southern India
The second largest Tibetan settlement in the world outside Tibet is in Bylakuppe. The largest being in Dharmshala in Himachal Pradesh. Bylakuppe is located in the city of Kushalnagar and at a 2 hour drive away from Coorg. Setup in 1960, there are over 70,000 Tibetans here in Bylakuppe. The Tibetans earn their living...
Mysore – The City of Palaces and Srirangapatna
Give me a choice between Bengaluru and Mysore, and I will choose Mysore - the City of Palaces! It's just because Mysore has so much history to rewind upon. The heritage sites around Srirangapatna can keep one busy for an entire day. Mysore has a flavor of everything, be it heritage, wildlife, palaces, temples, churches...
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...