Aihole and Pattadakal: Towns Lost in Time

History was never my fav. subject in school, probably because the way it was taught. But as I began travelling, visiting and exploring places, reading, seeing and hearing the stories each of them had in store, my perspective changed. In fact, I started to look forward to learn as much as I can, about the history of the place, and all the what, when, why and how’s of it.

The Spring Vibes

The parched landscapes turn picturesque, skies are clear without any traces of the wintry gloom, grass blades sparkle and a countless flowers bloom unfolding Spring in India. This temperate season is a transition between the extreme temperatures of winter and summer. This sublime climate Spring breathes new life into the world by painting the earth with lovely colors.

Goecha La: Rendezvous With Mount Kanchenjunga

October is supposedly the best time for Goechala trek. But the rains hadn’t ceased till early October that year and I was wondering whether I should have waited for a few more days? Walking in the incessant rains and slippery slopes of slush into the wilderness of the Kanchenjunga National Park, I was both thrilled and irritated at the same time.

A Rejuvenating Weekend At Shathayu Retreat, Bangalore

Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds, amidst hills and greenery. To witness the chunky clouds float above a lake casting photographic reflections in it. To relax and reconnect with yourself; to experience peace and tranquility, as you take a step towards wellness with Ayurveda. Well, I’m just back with all this (and more) after spending the most relaxed weekend in a while.

Scuba Diving In India

Splash! A leap of faith taken! The surface closes overhead, you are sinking in slowly. Buoyancy is working its science but the weights on you help you descend into the blue water that looks colorless now. You hear the sound of your breath and your heartbeat regulates with the rhythm of the quiet waters. Tranquility takes over and everything becomes still, even the chaotic thoughts go hush. Absolute peace pervades as you glide weightlessly in the vibrant underwater realm.

Roaming in the Western Ghats

Sitting in a sparsely crowded bus station at 5 a.m. and sipping hot tea, I looked around. A few curious faces stared back at me. I was waiting for the daybreak. A sudden plan & I had packed my backpack, journeyed overnight and landed in a new place at the wee hours. And so here I was, waiting for the sunrise to take over the hostile darkness. In about an hour or so, there was light & we strutted in the small town to lookout for a place to stay. After checking some places (read negotiating the tariff) we finally dumped our luggage in an okay-ish room (clean+affordable is always a thumbs up for me).

Havelock Island: The blue paradise

I woke up to the announcement saying, “ladies and gentlemen we will be landing shortly…”. I sat up groggily rubbing my eyes, “…please make sure your seats backs and tray tables are in upright position…”. I straightened up and followed the pilot’s instructions. I checked time in my wristwatch and yawned lazily only to get glared by my co-passenger. To avert the scowl and to hide my embarrassment, I looked out of the window. But I almost jumped and shouted excitedly in my seat – outside the little window, I could see a blue paradise! Below the fluffy clouds, in the middle of an emerald and turquoise sea was the little paradise land of the Andaman Isles!