Category: India
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Explore Kasauli: Trails, Churches, and Markets
Kasauli might seem a sleepy town, but it packs a punch with its scenic Gilbert Trail, iconic Christ’s Church, vibrant Pine Mall, and the charming Heritage Market. This hill station is a paradox; while perfect for a quick escape, it tempts you to linger, discovering delicious local treats and breathtaking views.
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Experience Kasauli: Unforgettable Stays
After years of exploring, I finally visited Kasauli, discovering enchanting Airbnbs like Doosra Cottage, Homestead Villas, and Land’s End Villa. Each stay was a unique experience, brimming with warmth and comfort. These gems not only offered breathtaking views and exceptional hospitality, but also inspired creativity and relaxation. A must-visit for travelers!
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A Journey through India’s Nilgiri Toy Train
Train journeys defined my 1990s childhood in India, especially the enchanting toy trains like the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This colonial-era marvel weaves through breathtaking landscapes, granting nostalgic experiences. My recent rides reignited my passion, celebrating the beauty of these unique journeys, filled with excitement, wonder, and profound peace. Seek your adventure!
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Experience Historic Charm at Gurney House in Nainital
Gurney House in Nainital is the ultimate escapade for those who crave history. This meticulously preserved cottage, once home to Jim Corbett, offers an enchanting blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The exquisite decor, serene garden, and cozy ambiance create a perfect retreat for families or friends, while the attentive hospitality enhances the experience.…
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Exploring Mahabalipuram: A Guide to South India’s Heritage
I traveled solo to South India, landing in Chennai before exploring Mahabalipuram. Despite Cyclone Ditwah’s threat, the trip was thrilling. I visited ancient temples, enjoyed local cuisine, and stayed at Four Points by Sheraton, soaking up its beauty.
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The Mystique of Krishna’s Butterball: A Geological Wonder
Krishna’s Butterball in Mahabalipuram is an intriguing boulder that seems to defy gravity, balanced on a slope. Mythologically linked to the Hindu deity Krishna, it attracts visitors who appreciate nature and the peculiarities of this remarkable rock formation.
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A Guide to Sunder Nursery: Dog-Friendly Heritage in Delhi
Sunder Nursery is a hidden gem in Delhi, merging heritage with nature. Once a tomb complex, it’s now a dog-friendly oasis boasting Mughal-era architecture and a vibrant biodiversity. Visitors can revel in its flora, fauna, and cultural attractions, but be warned: maintaining its sanctity is crucial. Will you uphold the legacy?
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Discovering Agra: Insights on the Taj Mahal and Local Hotels
Agra, once the Mughal capital, features the iconic Taj Mahal, a masterpiece constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal. The city’s rich history and diverse attractions cater to various travelers. The author reflects on personal visits, highlighting experiences at local hotels and the enduring beauty of the Taj Mahal.
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The Farmhouse of Our Dreams
In a quick weekend getaway to Neemrana, my family and I stumbled upon Rajnikas Farm through AirBnb. Despite the lack of nearby dog-friendly accommodations, our stay at the Farm was a dream come true. The glasshouse accommodation was stunning and surrounded by a peaceful oasis amidst the Aravali Hills. Although we had to cook our…
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The Greatest Guide To Houseboat Cruising on The Kerala Backwaters
Discover the allure of Alappuzha’s backwaters, often hailed as the “Venice of the East.” Unwind on a houseboat and savor the tranquil beauty of Kerala’s nature paradise.
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Blast From The Past
In 2011, the writer collaborated with Sharon Hurley Hall to create a business guide for India. Although the original content is now outdated, the writer reminisces about the early blogging days. They invite readers to explore how much still applies to modern India. Authored by an experienced traveler, the guide offers valuable insights for conducting…
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Dausa Heritage Wonders: Chand Baori, Harshat Mata Temple, Bhangarh Fort
In January 2021, we explored the hidden gems of Dausa near NCR. Our first stop, the Chand Baori, showcased stunning architecture and historical significance. The Harshat Mata Temple also left a lasting impression. Another highlight was the Bhangarh Fort, shrouded in mysterious legends. Our stay at Umaid Palace was delightful overall.
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The Marvellous Sun Temple of Modhera
The Modhera Sun Temple is an exquisite example of Solanki-style architecture in Gujarat. Dedicated to the Sun God, it features intricate carvings, a sanctum designed for unique illumination, and a decorative Sabha Mandap. The well-maintained site offers a peaceful and engaging experience, with friendly guides and a serene ambiance.
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माँ का महोबा और मेरा ओरछा
बचपन में माँ भैया और मैं बालकनी में खेलते थे। महोबा की बात करते हुए मां बुन्देलखण्ड का जिक्र करती थी। कुछ साल बाद, मध्य प्रदेश घूमने का मन बना, और ओरछा का नाम सामने आया। ओरछा के महल और मंदिर देखकर हमने बुन्देलखण्ड को समझा और माँ से कहा “मां, तुम रखो महोबा, ओरछा…
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First Time Traveller To Kashmir?
Kashmir is a land of stunning beauty and adventures. You can start your journey at the ancient ruins of Awantipora, head to Pahalgam for serene valleys and golfing, then visit Gulmarg for lush meadows and thrilling Gondola rides. In Srinagar, explore the iconic Dal Lake and its surrounding attractions. Don’t miss the nearby Sonmarg for…
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An Angelic & Marvelous Tour
If you’ve been to Shimla many times and want to explore more, the Shimla District offers charming towns like Chail, Mashobra, & Tara Devi. A 7-day itinerary includes walking around Chail, visiting apple orchards in Mashobra, exploring Fagu & Theog, hiking to the Ancient Shiva Temple in Tara Devi, and visiting Tara Devi Mandir. Remember,…
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The Guiding Light of Tara Devi
In November, the writer explored the serene Tara Devi in Himachal Pradesh. At the Casalini Estate, they enjoyed a cosy stay with dog-friendly accommodation, hearty meals, and warm hospitality from the owner, Mr. Atwal. They relished the beautiful gardens and embarked on scenic forest trails, making lasting memories in this tranquil mountain retreat.
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The Shivpuri Surprise Continues
The blogger continues their journey in Shivpuri, visiting Survaya ki Garhi, an ancient fortress that housed a Hindu monastery. They appreciate the tranquility of the ruins and highlight the need for better maintenance. They also visit Shivpuri District Museum, which offers a rich account of the region’s history, and the artificially created Sankhya Sagar lake.…
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Shivpuri – A Pleasant Surprise!
We’re not even sure how we came to know about Shivpuri. Maybe it was an old edition of Outlook Traveler, maybe we read about it somewhere. Wherever it was, we added it to our ‘To Be Visited’ list then & had been looking for an opportunity to go there. With the Indian national highway network…
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Lucknow In Three Days
A series of posts must culminate in an itinerary, right? We dug through our memories, photographs, and old posts, and compiled an itinerary of the City of Nawabs. Day 1 – Bara Imambara, The Residency, Hazratganj Note – it involves climbing gentle slopes & significant walking. Day 2 – La Martiniere College, Janeshwar Mishra Park,…
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Aap Lucknow Mein? – IV
Are You in Lucknow? Again?? – Part 4 Now that you’ve read about my Day One, Day Two & Day Three in Lucknow, you can read a detailed account of my 4th day. And this is the last one. I promise! 🤥 It was time to head back home but only after a heritage walk! As part of the…
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Aap Lucknow Mein? – III
Are You in Lucknow? Again?? – Part 3 Now that you’ve read about my Day One & Day Two in Lucknow, you can read a detailed account of my 3rd day. Today was the highlight of my trip to Lucknow. I was slated to attend the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival (MSLF). My friend D was showcasing her…
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Aap Lucknow Mein? – II
Are You in Lucknow? Again?? – Part 2 Now that you’ve read about my Day One in Lucknow, you can read a detailed account of my 2nd day. Fresh after a restful night, I was ready to explore Lucknow (a third time). The best way to get around Lucknow is by public transport & I’d booked Bharat…
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Aap Lucknow Mein? – I
Are You in Lucknow? Again?? – Part 1 Lucknow always brings a sense of belonging. Tunde kebab & kulfi at Aminabad, walk at Hazratganj, sightseeing at Bada & Chota Imambargahs, crossing Cantt, mutton nihari at Rahim’s, kulfi at Chhappan Bhog, chikankari & zari shopping at Chowk, walk in Ambedkar Park, galauti kebab at Dastarkhwan, &…
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खजुराहो
बचपन से ही खजुराहो का नाम सुना था. खजुराहो की मूर्तियों में जान है, ये सुना था. जब अपनी आँखों से देखा तो समझ आया, की जिसने भी ये कहा था, सौ आने सच कहा था! मंदिर घूमते घूमते ये ध्यान आया, की जब चंदेल राजवंश ने ये बीड़ा उठाया, सोच भी नहीं पाए होंगे,…
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Ganga Kinaare…
Our earlier posts on Devprayag & Haridwar made us look back at another of our travels along the river Ganges. For this one, we did not have to venture far from our home. This holy town is rightfully called the closest point from Delhi NCR where you can witness the Ganges. Yes, we are speaking…
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A Beautiful & Celestial Hop
We have visited the Kumaon side of Uttarakhand quite a bit but not so much the Garhwal side. Putting our limited experience together, we nonetheless realized that a seven – day itinerary can be drawn up. This holiday will bring together the charming Saur Village & the divine towns of Devprayag & Haridwar. Let’s begin!…
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Devprayag – The Birthplace of The Ganga
In 2020 September, we decided to bring Fluffy home. As she was due to come to us by the third week of October, we knew we had to have a last hurrah because once she came home, we would be confined within our four walls till her vaccinations were complete. We also had more than…
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The City of Joy in Four Days
I wrap up my City of Joy series with this last post sharing a four – day itinerary for Kolkata. KOL is a getaway for those who enjoy art, architecture, culture, food & heritage. Detailed descriptions & reviews of each of the attractions are given in my earlier blog posts. Day 1 Day 2 Day…
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City of Joy – P Seeks Divinity
You’ve read about my Day Three in Kolkata; now read a detailed account of my 4th & last day. The Goddesses & Swamis wanted me to visit their abodes. The rain took a break & I made a voyage to the Dakshineswar Kali Mandir, a Hindu navratna temple. From there, Alam bhai drove me to…
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City of Joy – P Goes Ekla
Now that you’ve read about my Day Two in Kolkata, you can read a detailed account of my 3rd day. What a generous breakfast spread at Kava, the Fairfield restaurant! It set me up for a walking & sightseeing day ahead. First up was the Howrah Bridge. My nemesis, the rain, had begun to fall…
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City of Joy – P Meets V!
Now that you’ve read about my Day One in Kolkata, you can read a detailed account of my 2nd day. I’m not a fan of gyms but as I’m used to morning walks, I end up visiting hotel gyms to use the treadmill. And that’s what I did in KOL too. all would have been…
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City of Joy – P’s Expedition to Kaee
Now that I’ve summarized my Kolkata excursion (you can read that here), I’ll write a more detailed account of my days there. The first day, of course, was partly about getting to the city of not just joy, but diversity too. A first-rate weather in Delhi NCR calmed my resfeber (noun. Swedish. The tangled feelings…
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The Alwar District in Five Days
Our recent blog post (& the comment it generated) made us realise that the Alwar District was a wholesome getaway. It has the advantage of being close to Delhi NCR (4.5 hours from ISBT) & enough to see & do for more than a weekend! We dug through our emails, photographs, and memories, & compiled…
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Alwar – An Anonymous Historical Enchantment
It was an airless August morning when we drove to Alwar to see its nameless attractions. By the end of the holiday, we were left wondering how this city retained its allure in spite of being so close to NCR! Alwar is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan. It’s surrounded by a moat &…
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A Monsoon Drive to Mathura
We can’t head out of the city on some weekends. We find ways to make the most of those days. More so during the rains. A long drive in the monsoon months cures even the worst of our moods. We’re sure it cures yours too. One such weekend in July 2020, we made an impromptu…
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Eat, Stay, Love – In Dehradun!
We would have crossed Dehradun countless times, thanks to it being a gateway to the hill stations of Garhwal. It’s only over the past few years that we began to see Doon as its own destination. It is fondly called Doon. Over time, we realised that this capital of Uttarakhand is an idyllic weekend destination.…
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August Trails in Jabarkhet Nature Reserve
When we planned our Landour trip, the name ‘Jabarkhet Nature Reserve’ kept popping up. But we’d only one day in Landour & weaning ourselves away from this serene town seemed impossible. Someone advised us to visit the Jabarkhet Reserve before we started for Delhi NCR. We’re glad we got this counsel & that we took…
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Landour – A Scenic Town in Garhwal
It felt like craziness but we’d to do it! So, March 2020. The world was locking down in a frenzy. We knew India would shut down anytime. The threat of COVID was rife but we knew we’d to make the most of a long weekend. A last long weekend for a long time to come……
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Jim Corbett Museum
On International Museum Day, I bring to you the smallest museum I’ve ever visited! But a small size =/= less impactful !! My <500 words #blogpost on the #jimcorbett Museum that honors the extraordinary Late Jim Corbett. We know him as a skilled hunter but was that all about him? More in my post! #newblogpost…
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Can’t Get Enough…
We travelled across the region of Bundelkhand, Seeing the remnants of history. Laxmibai’s Jhansi was the first stop, Despite her defeat, we only saw her victory. Orchha beckoned next, With its fort, rivers, cenotaphs & palaces. We wandered around the tiny town awestruck, Till our feet developed calluses. Orchha told us about Chhatrasaal, The ruler…
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दिल का आंगन
दिल के मकान में एक आंगन है। वो आंगन मैंने मैहर के नाम कर दिया। अरे! मैहर तो छोटी जगह है। इतना बड़ा आंगन क्यों दे दिया? एक छोटा सा कमरा काफ़ी था। मैं हँस पड़ी। मैहर का खुला, नीला आसमान, ये गेहूं और सरसों के खेत वो कमल के अंगिनत झील मैहर की त्रिकूटा…
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Gulabi
Gulabi… room & mood both! Casalini Estate, Taradevi
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The Good Part
We skipped to the good part! Taradevi Mandir, Himachal Pradesh
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What We Like About…
It may still be a bad time to talk about travel as India has emerged from the second COVID-19 wave only two months’ back. However, there is a post idea that has been on our minds for weeks now & we felt this would be the perfect time to write it down. So, we have…
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Strawberry Overdose
A Couple of Days in Mahabaleshwar It was the summer of 2019. We had to visit Mumbai for a family obligation. But a long weekend lay just a few days later. We packed our bags for a week-long trip with a couple of days thrown in for sightseeing around Mumbai. Now, it was May. Most…
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Doors of Rajasthan
So we’ve been wanting to do this for a LONG time but something or the other made us put it off. Finally, the Holi post of Incredible India made us bite the bullet! Isn’t that a treat to the eyes? So, here we go, with our version of ‘Doors of Rajasthan’!! Do you like it?…
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Amrit Udyan: Experiencing Nature’s Splendor in Delhi NCR’s Presidential Estate
If you’re in Delhi NCR and haven’t been to Amrit Udyan, you’re missing out. The Udyan showcases over 120 rose varieties during its annual Udyanotsav from February to March, along with intriguing Bonsai, Herbal, Spiritual, and Circular gardens. Entry is free, just register online and enjoy the floral extravaganza.
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Mashobra
& Beyond To Chail, Fagu, Kufri & Theog March is that time of the year when the bitter cold has ended but the merciless Delhi Sun is still at least a month away. Being the winter lovers that we are, we wanted to hold back a slice of the frost & this made us think…
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LODI GARDEN
Winter is a great time to go sightseeing in Delhi. Before winter 2020 begins, we felt we must finish blogging about our winter 2019 sightseeing! We post about Lodi Garden today. We had been to the Lodi Garden earlier but never with a camera. We had to make amends. Also called Lodhi Garden, Lodi Gardens…
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Blissful!
Cheery that our Pachmarhi pic was shared by the official Incredible India Twitter handle. Gratitude… For the last few years, we’ve been trying to build a space for Let’s Go Sightseeing with NO support except from a handful of loved ones! Perseverance will pay. Check out the retweeted post here…
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MANDAWA
The ‘Open Air Museum’ In 12 Hours We had been to Churu earlier. When we were drawing up our itinerary for the Rajasthan road trip, we knew we had to include another Shekhawati town. Mandawa was our fourth & last destination. We left our Jodhpur hotel after breakfast. Jodhpur to Mandawa was close to 330…
