On the eve of Lord Buddha’s Birth Anniversary, I remember my trip to Bodhgaya where he was enlightened. He was born in Lumbini on a full moon day in the month of April-May and years later enlightened in Bodhgaya on the…
Face is the Mirror of the Soul- Kolkata Puja Idols
Home to 3 of India’s 5 Noble Laureates, Kolkata is the educational, religious, cultural and heritage capital of the eastern part of India but actually beauty in imperfection. This vibrant city is warm in its embrace and still warmer in…
Escaping into a World of sisterly bonding – Adalaj, Ahmedabad
A Stepwell also known as “Vav” is a common structure all over Gujarat, which was usually built as a resting place for food and water for travellers and in some cases to escape from invaders. Most of these structures have…
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,…
Postcards from Bodo in Norway
The train journey from Trondheim to Bodo was a treat for the eyes, passing through shades of greens and blues until we crossed the Arctic Circle when shades of brown took over. Walking towards the hotel from the train station,…
Weekly Photo Challenge: Pattern in Sidi Saiyyed, Ahmedabad
Walking around in Ahmedabad city, we reached the busy street corner where the 450 year old Sidi Saiyyed mosque is located. The intricate “Jali” or Lattice Work Pattern carved in stone on the rear windows of the mosque is hard to miss.…
Hand Made Copper Bells of Kutch, India
While searching for hand-made bells in the villages of Kutch, I had actually landed at the doorstep of a bell maker turned part time Morchang Musician. After a musical session at his home in Nirona village, (on the way to…
Devpur Homestay ~ Home away from Home in Bhuj
While looking around for places to stay in and around Bhuj, I chanced upon Devpur Homestay in Darbargadh a heritage property around 40 kms away. After poring over the map and distances with my geographer friend, it appeared that this would…