Norbulingka Institute established in 1988 is a must visit place during a trip to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. I had read about it online, seen a few pictures but could not find anyone who had visited the place. It firmly figured…
Swayambhunath – The Monkey Temple, Kathmandu
Swayambhunath promounced as “Swa – yam- bhoo- nath” or the Self Created one is a famous stupa in Kathmandu. This stupa also known as the Monkey Temple is believed to have been built atop a self existent flame which also…
Lord Buddha’s Seat of Last Sermon-Vaishali, India
After a few days in Bodhgaya we were headed to Vaishali. Named after the ancient king Vishala, Vaishali occupies a significant place in the evolution of Buddhism. The journey through the rural heartland of Bihar was a mix of dusty…
Captivating Ajanta Caves of India
The rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora near Aurangabad, are testimony of the fascinating ancient art history of India. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983, the Ajanta Caves are a celebration of Buddhism where as nearby Ellora…
Enchanting Sculptures of Ellora Caves in India
The rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora near Aurangabad, are testimony of the fascinating ancient art history of India. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983, the cave monuments in Ajanta are a celebration of Buddhism where as…
In Gratitude for the Unsung Heroes of Kailash
I have decided to have a category for Unsung Heroes in my blog in gratitude for the people who often work in the background to make a trip memorable. More often than not, they are doing their job but somewhere…
At the feet of the Mystic Mountain-Mt Kailash Parikrama (Part 2)
The first part of the Kailash Parikrama journey is At the feet of the Mystic Mountain (Part 1). Sometime at midnight, the much anticipated restful sleep in Deraphuk turned out to be otherwise. I had an attack of mountain sickness with…
At the feet of the Mystic Mountain – Mount Kailash (Part 1)
My feelings towards mountains have matured over the years from fear to awe to love. I have enjoyed being around the Himalayas and the Alps,watching the peaks glow every morning and evening under the warm rays of the sun. However,…
One Afternoon in Buddha’s birthplace-Lumbini, Nepal
Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini Grove on a full moon day in the month of April-May in 563 BC as Prince Siddhartha to Queen Maya Devi and King Suddhodana of the Shakya Clan. Lumbini is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in…