Spotting Dashavataras at Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid

Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid

My third visit to Halebid and am as stunned as I was the first time I was there. Every inch of the incomplete temple is filled with gorgeous, artistic patterns from our mythology and history. The kind of detailing that each carving has at this temple is mind-blowing. There are so many stories etched on this temple, … Read more

Walking on glass at Rainbow Skywalk in Komtar Penang

IMG 20171009 145147

Even if you are holding a railing on the 68th floor and you have some solid ground to stand on, you are bound to have a few butterflies in your stomach. Especially, if you are standing on a glass that shows you a vertical drop of 800 feet plus to the actual ground. Add to … Read more

My 5 discoveries of the Balinese Culture

IMG 0678 edited

Besides its enchanting nature and beaches, Bali has always been known to enthrall people with its unique culture and aesthetic traditions. The first time I visited Bali was in 2010 and at that point too, I was quite taken in by this aspect of Bali. I just returned from my 2nd visit to Bali , a trip … Read more

The charming corn village of Sainji, Mussoorie

IMG 2909 001

In my last post on Landour, I gave you a glimpse of this unique corn village near Mussoorie. The actual name of this corn village is Sainji Village.  Why it is called the corn village is evident from the moment you step in here. Besides the way it looks, there is something very unusual about … Read more

Mastani Mahal at Kelkar Museum

IMG 9435

If Bajirao Mastani interests you and if you have liked my last post on Shaniwar Wada, you are sure to get intrigued by this one. The Mastani Mahal – or the Palace of Mastani. For those who have not seen the movie or are unaware of Bajirao, a quick story from history. Contents1 The Epic … Read more

Touxeachem Feast – The Cucumber Festival in Goa

IMG 9868 edited

With my recent trip to Goa, I was fortunate to have experienced a unique festival – the Touxeachem Feast. “Touxeachem” means “Cucumber” in Konkani and hence, its popular name – the Cucumber Festival. This is an annual celebration held at Santana Church in the town of Talaulim, where childless couples visit St.Anne to request her for a child in … Read more

The collection at Kelkar Museum, Pune

IMG 9354

My last post on the Mastani Mahal at the Kelkar Museum saw tremendous interest and response from all of you and as promised there, here is my account on the rest of the Kelkar Museum. To start with, let me introduce this museum to you. It has been in Pune for quite some time now … Read more

A long weekend at Kabini

DSC03470

As I wrote my recent article on 5 wildlife destinations in South India for the Lonely Planet, I found myself recollecting my own tryst with nature and wildlife at Kabini. It has been quite some time since that trip but given that today is a Throwback Thursday, what best but to share my long weekend at Kabini. … Read more

Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum, Goa

IMG 9691 edited

One of the interesting things that I did to discover “Goa beyond beaches” was visiting the Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum in Panaji. I know that a name like “Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum” does sound uninteresting and you kind of wonder – What??? Is that even a museum? I did too, but when … Read more

7 Things to do in Goa beyond beaches

IMG 9739 edited

My last trip to Goa was quite an unusual one – one where I almost did not go to any beaches. I say “almost” – for it was only on the last day, we hopped onto the Fort Sinquerim that is along a beach. Again, we did not get onto the beach but just gazed … Read more

10 beaches on the West coast of India, other than Goa

Beaches in India

When it comes to the West Coast of India, or for that matter, India itself, the first beach destination most think of is Goa! Though very well-developed and extremely popular, Goa is NOT the only beach destination along the Arabian Sea. Here, we present 10 amazing beaches in India you need to plan your next … Read more

Weddings in Mauritius: Perfect way to complete your love story

Weddings in Mauritius - a perfect ending to your love story

Mauritius with its innate charm, has always enticed honeymooners from across the world. Not surprising, given the wealth of natural beauty this island has. And then there are other reasons too, which I have listed down on this post. Given this perfect scenario, it is not surprising that Mauritius has now emerged as a hot … Read more