Lord Buddha spent 25 rainy seasons in Sravasti. The rainy season is known as Vassavasa in Buddhist referring to the monsoon months when the entire Buddhist Sangha congregated in one place since the monks could not travel during that time…
Two way views in Shimla, India
Shimla is a quaint hill station in north India. Once upon a time summer capital of British in India, it is a tourism hot spot. The majestic views of the Himalayas from the mall is soothing to the eye. Sometimes…
A “Royal Retreat” in Kapilvastu, India
Royal Retreat, Kapilvastu is an amazingly beautiful hotel located about 20 mins away from the main town of Kapilvastu. This 19th century, summer retreat tucked away in idyllic settings is a perfect place to rest and reflect during the journey…
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…
Foreshadow of a Lost Civilization in Dholavira
We were driving down from Little Rann of Kutch to the ancient civilization of Dholavira. The 246 km journey on Dholavira Road through pristine nature to reach the once vibrant 5000 yr old site was a canvas where the virgin…
Masterpiece in Stone: Hampi by Day and Night (India)
When I first saw the fabulous Vittala Temple Complex in Hampi dated 15th century AD, I was awestruck by its grandeur. It is a masterpiece in stone which is the symbol of the economic and cultural prosperity of the Vijayanagar…
Fossil Park in Kutch, India
Some experiences leave us happy, some sad, some in awe and some are a lesson in humility. A chance visit to Kutch Fossil Park and meeting the man behind it not only left me humbled but in deep thought whether I…
Spoonful of Culture, Mouthful of Nature: Road Trip in North East India
Lands brimming with history, animal and plant kingdoms coming alive, taste of earthly geography, rising and ebbing emotions defining a life going by, swaying to country music, lip smacking food, heartwarming chats with people in language unknown while watching the…
Freshness of the Indian Bazaar -Scenes from Mandvi
We were walking through lanes and bylanes of Mandvi Bazaar looking for the famed Osho Restaurant. I love the fresh feel of the Indian Bazaar which instantly reminds me of my childhood when I followed my father around with a…
Golden Hour shows the Day in Swaminarayan Temple, Kalupur
I am a morning person. my day is pretty much defined by the first one hour at sunrise which is the golden hour. During my workaholic days, I would be seated in a car headed to the airport or checking…