Trekking in the Breathtaking Nafran Valley
The Nafran valley trek is pretty offbeat and not very popular like the KGL or Tarsar Marsar but it boosts of landscapes and trails are pretty as these two sought-after treks. On this trek, you get to camp at some of the most pristine and picturesque localities where mostly you will be the only team camping. The treacherous Harnag pass, view of the Kolahoi glacier, and Harbhagawan lake are the highlights of this trek besides the Nafran valley itself.
Postcards from Sikkim – Where Nature Smiles!
Sikkim, the mystic land Where Nature Smiles enthralls you in many unique ways. Replete with magnificent rivers, breathtaking valleys, massive lakes, ginormous mountain ranges, and fascinating culture, Sikkim offers many opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Serenade with the sea along the Konkan Coast of karnataka
When we started our trek along the seashore in the morning, little did we anticipate treading through such diverse terrain. Within 9 km of the trek during the day, we had walked on wide sandy beaches, crossed streams and rivers, climbed rocks and cliffs, swam in a secluded bay, and walked through evergreen forest, all while keeping the lovely blue see in our sight.
Behind the Scenes of Kathakali Performance
Have you ever witnessed a Kathakali Performance and wondered what lies beneath that resplendent mask or what it takes to be a Kathakali Performer? Read on for a peek into behind-the-scenes of a Kathakali Performance.
Viva Carnival – Goa 2020
The Viva Carnival is unique to Goa and is celebrated as a precursor to the abstinence of Lent. Characterized by floats, performances, food and drinks, the carnival was first started by the Portuguese during the 18th century when they ruled the territory. The tradition of celebration has continued since then. The Goa carnival 2020 was held during February for 4 days between 22nd and 25th. Click through to catch glimpses of the celebration at Panjim.
Top Things To Do in Rotorua
Rotorua located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand is one of the most prominent tourist hotspots on North Island and is known for its geothermal wonders and rich Maori culture.
The Hamilton Gardens of New Zealand
Located on the banks of the Waikato river at about 130 km from the bustling City of Auckland in New Zealand’s North Island, the Hamilton Gardens can easily be covered on the way to Waitomo. And, as an icing on the cake, the entry to the magnificient gardens is entirely free. Here are a few pictures dipicting the wonderful gardens of Hamilton.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in New Zealand
All the Tolkien Fans out there, if you haven’t got your fix of Lord of the Rings yet, here is good news. Hobbiton, the dreamy village of Hobbits in Middle Earth exists in reality, and you can visit it too!!
I took a Leap of Faith at the World Home of Bungy in New Zealand
Jumping off a bridge tied to just an elastic cord is not everyone’s cup of tea. As claimed by New Zealand’s AJ Hackett- the world’s home for commercial Bungy, It takes a nerve of steel to do the feat. But, the feeling of accomplishment after you have taken that leap of faith is next to none.
Travel Vignette from New Zealand’s North Island
Magical glowworm caves, rolling meadows, dormant volcanoes, fuming geothermal springs, iconic archways, gorgeous beaches and bustling harbors define the topography of New Zealand’s North Island. Read on for highlights from my week-long rendezvous with the North Island of New Zealand.
15 Unique Experiences to Indulge in the Charm of Wayanad
Wayanad, the rural district of Kerala is synonymous with dense forests, lush green vegetation, rivers, plunging waterfalls, verdant countryside, exotic spices, coffee and tea estates and intriguing tribal culture.
Vignettes From Nubra- The Valley of Wild Roses
Nubra, a high altitude desert present in Ladakh region of India is a melange of lush green fields, poplar groves, orchards of fruits and nuts and tiny hamlets along the rivers that meander in the valleys cradled between the jagged mountains.
Awantipura-The Lost Paradise of Kashmir
Awantipura is a place of Historical importance located at a distance of 30km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. It is home to the vestiges of two magnificent temples built by King Avantivarman during the 9th Century.
Ten Experiences You should not miss while in Leh
Though Leh is often considered as a base to explore some of the most amazing destinations of Ladakh, it is worth noting that Leh in itself is a destination that deserves to be explored and experienced. Whether you are a spiritual person, or a patron of arts and crafts, or an avid shopper or just someone in search of a gastronomical delight- the hinterland of Leh has something to cater to your interest.
A Perfect Itinerary to Explore Fort Kochi by Walk in One Day
Fort Kochi is a melting pot of various cultures that were brought in as the Portuguese, Dutch and English merchants set foot on its land in search of the lucrative spice trade. Though the Fort no longer remains in Fort Kochi, the lavish mansions built by the explorers and merchants who made Kochi their home till India got its independence have remained as vestiges to the past glory of the town. The best way to experience the allure of Fort Kochi is by exploring it on foot.
Thinnakara – The Coral Paradise
Thinnakara island is one of the two uninhabited island of Lakshadweep where tourists are allowed to stay. The coral islands of Lakshadweep being very fragile and ecologically sensitive, the government takes utmost care in restricting entry to the islands through a permit thus exercising a control on the depletion of available resources. The only means of approach to Thinnakara is through a ferry boat which is carefully waded through the lagoon before the tide ebbs to avoid damage to corals.
Nagaur Fort – A Time Warp Marvel
The Nagaur Fort also known as Ahhichatragarh fort is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan built during the 4th Century AD. What is most impressive about Nagaur Fort is the intricate water system in the fort. Many water features like ducts, tanks, and fountains have been beautifully integrated with both the interior and exterior architecture in the fort.
Birds of Backwaters
A cruise in the backwaters of Kochi is a visual treat to bird watchers. Here is a photo essay of the winged residents in the backwaters and the canals of Kochi in India.
The Intriguing Tale of Babiya-The Vegetarian Crocodile of Ananthapura Temple
The Ananthapadmanabha temple of Ananthapura located near Kasaragod in North Kerala is the only lake temple in Kerala. Including the likes of a vegetarian Crocodile that guards the shrine and an Idol made of 108 natural ingredients to the anatomical specifications of a human body, this temple has many intriguing tales to tell.
Kochi Backwaters Cruise- A Lesson in Ornithology and Ecology
A short cruise we took in the backwaters of Kochi in Kerala turned out to be more than a relaxation trip. We learned many facts about the feathered residents of the vast backwater network while also realizing how rapid urbanization is taking a toll on the aquatic life in the backwaters.
Kapu Lighthouse Beach in Karnataka
The kapu beach located along the western coast of Karnataka in India is one of the best-kept secrets of Karnataka. What is more compelling about Kapu beach is the 27 mt high Lighthouse which is still functional. Built in the year 1901 on a huge boulder on the Arabian coast, the lighthouse at Kapu beach has for many years stood unperturbed guiding thousands of sailors and warning the presence of dangerous rocks.
Keshava Temple at Somanathapura
Not very far from Karnataka’s Cultural Capital, Mysore is a small village named Somanathapura on the banks of River Cauvery. The village is known for its Keshava temple, one of the most magnificent temples built in the style of Hoysala Architecture.
Payyanur- A Hidden paradise in North Malabar
Payyanur, an unacknowledged destination located in the North Malabar region of Kerala in India is a treasure trove to experience the rustic beauty of nature along with traditions and culture of Kerala. The nondescript town of Payyanur harbors many hidden charms where one can experience the best of Gods own country- Kerala with pristine sun-kissed beaches, tranquil backwaters and unique cultural celebrations. Here are 8 activities you should try to experience the magic of the paradise called Payyanur.
Hidden Charms and Destinations to Experience Rajasthan in Monsoons
Monsoons in Rajasthan offer a pleasant experience as the temperatures tend to drop across the state and the occasional showers transform the arid landscape of Rajasthan giving a new lease of life. No wonder, monsoon palaces have been built by the kings to witness the dance of the clouds and songs have been written praising the beauty of rain.
Hall of Fame in Ladakh – Saluting the Martyrs
The Hall of Fame Museum built and maintained by the Indian army in Leh is not just a war memorial but also a face to the rich culture and heritage of the region of Ladakh. Along with many war photographs, armaments and a special section dedicated to the Siachen glacier camp, the museum also has many galleries depicting the food, traditions, customs, and history of Ladakh. No surprise, it has topped the list of 5 Indian museums that featured among the 25 best museums in Asia.
Stakna- A lesser known Monastery with alluring views near Leh
No trip to Ladakh is complete without a visit to one of the monasteries dotting its empyrean landscape. Stakna is one of the lesser known monasteries located at a distance of 25 km from Leh. It is perched on a small hill on the banks of Indus river offering panoramic views of the Indus valley.
Breathtaking Landscapes from the Hinterland of Ladakh
The topography of Ladakh is like no other land in the world. Explore some of the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh in India through the visuals in this post.
Exploring Shekhawati Havelis- The Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan
The Havelis located in Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Churu and Dundlod located in Shekhawati region are known for their opulent Havelis and fresco paintings. Take a visual tour of the area fondly called as Open Art Gallery of India as we walk you through some of the locations we explored in Shekhawati.
Destination Chickmagalur – An Experience Worthwhile
Chickmagalur, the South Indian hill station is adored by many. Read through our experience is the coffee land during our visit in summer.
Sunder Rang – A Rural Initiative Empowering Women in Chandelao
When we were exploring the offbeat areas in rural Rajasthan in India, one thing we noticed in common in almost all villages was that most of the women were confined to household work. Rarely did we see them go out to earn in a patriarchal society deeply influenced by the ancient culture and traditions. However, the scene was quite contrary at Chandelao, a quaint little village located at 40 km to the east of Jodhpur. Sunder Rang, one of the Initiatives of Chandelao Vikas Sansthan (Chandelao Development Organization) in collaboration with Basecamp Foundation is empowering a lot of women in Chandelao in earning a livelihood by making traditional arts and crafts along with promoting traditional crafts local to Rajasthan.
The Unrevealed Beauty of Sandur
Sandur, located in Karnataka is one of the seasonal dazzling beauties of Southern India. The month of September is the best time to visit Sandur.
Jodhpur Attractions- What to See in One day
The Sun City of Jodhpur located in the fringes of Thar desert is home to some amazing monuments in Rajasthan. Here is a comprehensive guide for those who have only one day to explore all the important attractions in Jodhpur.
Karnataka’s Art Center nurturing the diminishing Lambani Art
The Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra is an art center in Karnataka providing livelihoods to many ladies while fostering the diminishing Lambani Art.
Chasing sunset at Osian and Beyond
Osian, also spelled as Osiyan located in the fringes of Thar Desert is a little hamlet known for its temples and golden sand dunes. It has about 20 temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Mahaveera- most of which are in ruins except for the Sachiya Mata temple and the Jain temple of Mahavira temple. The temples of Osian mostly date between the 8th and 11th Century. Osian is the nearest location to Jodhpur where one can experince sand dunes and desert safari.
Explore Bangkok – A Destination Guide
Bangkok’s sheer dynamism and eccentric accord of the traditional East and the modern Western culture is extraordinary. The exotic temples, the striking shopping centers, the pulsating nightlife are the colors of the city. This travel guide helps you to explore Bangkok on your own.
Mehrangarh Fort- A Cultural and Architectural Extravaganza
Mehrangarh known for its beautiful architecture, formidable wall and cultural heritage is one of the most magnificent forts in Rajasthan. there is no exaggeration in Rudyard Kipling describing the fort as “A Palace that might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning sun”. Perched on a rocky cliff at an altitude of 400 m above the cities skyline, the fort can be seen from almost any vantage point in Jodhpur.
Mandore gardens- A poetry in rock on departed royalty
Located 8 km away from the majestic Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur in a lush green garden of Mandore is the erstwhile capital of Rathores. We made a quick stop at the Mandore gardens while we were heading to Osian from Jodhpur. As we entered the unmanned gates of the Mandore gardens, least did we know that we would see such beautifully carved cenotaphs of the earlier rulers of the Rathore clan.
Kumbhalgarh Fort – The Great Wall of India
Nestled amidst the lush green forest and surrounded by the mighty hills of Aravallis, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort after Chittorgarh in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is also the 2nd largest fort in Rajasthan after the Chittorgarh fort. This UNESCO world Heritage Site has secured a place for itself in many record books because of its massive wall often referred to as The Great Wall of India. Read on to know some very interesting facts about this beautiful citadel.
A Peek into the Kite Making Industry of Gujarat
This is the time of the year when the skies of Gujarat get filled with a plethora of kites of all sizes. The festival of Uttarayan which marks the decline of winter chills and the onset of spring is the favorite time for people to fly kites. Thanks to the International Kite Festival promoted by the Gujarat Government, the tradition of Kite Flying has earned the attention of people from across the globe. One industry which has been immensely benefited from the popularity of International Kite Festival is the kite making industry in Gujarat. Of late, the tradition of kite flying has been spread to many states across India and people have started to fly kites on many more occasions like Independence day and Holi.
Experiencing royalty at Ghanerao Castle
How often would you get to stay like royalty in a centuries-old castle? How about spending a night in a museum filled with interesting artifacts from the erstwhile Royalty? Or how would you fancy being part of a reality show where you are left unattended on a huge maze-like mansion with many tunnels and passages- left all by yourself to find a hidden treasure? Doesn’t it sound intriguing? well, That is how we would describe our stay at the Ghanerao Royal Castle in Rajasthan sans the reality show and the hidden treasure.
The Ultimate Phuket Travel Guide
A chilled-out retreat and the party capital – Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and just the place to go for a fun-filled getaway. One of Thailand’s most popular destinations. Phuket is best known for its sun-drenched beaches and the dizzying array of nightlife, but there’s much more to discover than just well-known Patong. This Phuket Travel Guide is to help you plan your tour in Phuket.
How to Explore Udaipur in 24 hours Like a Pro
The lake city of Udaipur is one of the most popular destinations in the tourist circuit of Rajasthan. With proper planning, you can explore all the top attractions of Udaipur in one day. Here is a perfect guide for you to explore Udaipur in 24 hours like a pro.
Exploring Phi Phi Islands from PP Princess Resort
After tasting a bit of busy city life in Bangkok and a few days of soaking in the mountainous scenery in Chiang Mai, we headed south for our much-awaited beach time in the ever amazing Phi Phi Islands. PP Princess Resort made our trip more memorable by helping us plan our itinerary.
The Diminishing Art of Hand Block Printing in India
Hand Block printing is a traditional art form in India that uses carved blocks of wood which are dipped in bright colors and stamped onto cotton or silk fabric to create colorful textile. The Chhipa communities in Rajasthan who have settled in Bagru region near Jaipur traditionally use natural vegetable dyes for printing. The art is also practiced in Jaipur and Sanganer where artisans use chemical colors such as pigment colors and indigo sols for printing.
Chittorgarh – A Citadel of Valor, Sacrifice and Honor
The royal state of Rajasthan in India is known for its magnificent palaces and breathtakingly huge forts which stand testimony to the grandeur of the Rajput era. The fort of Chittorgarh stands out among the popular forts of India for its spirit of honor, valor, sacrifice and freedom. The citadel fort which is also the largest of all the forts in Indian crowns an 180mtr tall hill covering an area of over 700 acres with its fortification walls, towers, palaces, temples, and lakes.
Menal – A beautiful Symphony of Architecture with Nature
Menal with its magnificent water falls, deep gorges, dense forest, and ancient temples is a testimony to a beautiful symphony of architecture with nature.
Bundi- The least explored jewel of Rajasthan
The picturesque town of Bundi is one among the least explored jewels of the state of Rajasthan. The quaint town sits on a narrow gorge in the Aravalli ranges of South-eastern Rajasthan encircled by walled fortification with four gateways. Bundi is known for its ornate fort, step wells, the palace with faded cupolas and loggias, and beautiful lakes. Here is a detailed post to help you plan your trip to Bundi.
A Complete Guide for Buying Souvenirs in Rajasthan
Who wouldn’t want to buy souvenirs to take home fond memories from any destination one visits? However, choosing souvenirs could be overwhelming when one visits a destination like Rajasthan which is known for its rich cultural, traditions, food and artisan crafts. Here is a complete guide to help you choose the souvenirs on your trip to Rajasthan.
The Craft Villages of Odisha
Folk arts and crafts have always been amongst the most unique and attractive ways of reflecting the richness of India’s diverse culture and heritage. There are many regions in India which have developed different ways of portraying local traditions and lifestyle through their ancient masterpieces of art by using materials locally available. The art villages of Odisha contribute to the treasure of this Indigenous Cultural Heritage of India in their own exceptional way.
Guide to Goa – A destination of many wonders
Goa is one of the most loved destinations in India known for its unlimited fun, flea, feast, party and beaches. Here is a detailed itinerary for a week long fun-packed holiday covering the party nights and fun of North Goa, the versatile beauty of Central Goa (Panjim and old Goa) and the simplicity and charm of South Goa.