A little bit of history before we proceed to the doodles. Aihole- pronounced Eye-Ho-Lay, is a small nondescript looking town in the north of Karnataka. Nondescript only at first glance, because it is actually a major archeological site; with over a hundred and twenty stone and rock cut temples dating all the way back to … Continue reading Carved in Stone- Doodle art
Category: Travels- near and far
What’s ‘khaas’ about Kaas Pathar – part 2
"The size of the flower is smaller than the nail. The full bloom of the flower depends on the natural factors like rain, heat, humidity and it is constantly changing. Don't argue with the staff" This is what greets the visitor to the official online booking site for Kaas Pathar. The same is given first … Continue reading What’s ‘khaas’ about Kaas Pathar – part 2
What’s ‘khaas’ about Kaas Pathar? (Part 1)
A Chinese proverb advises "Don't listen to what they say, go see". The more I travel, the more I realise the truth of this. Yes, travel expands the horizons and broadens the mind but for me, it works more in reverse. I read up a little about a place before visiting it and on my … Continue reading What’s ‘khaas’ about Kaas Pathar? (Part 1)
Of People in Places.
Travel is not just about seeing different places and trying out varieties of food (as I used to think). It's also about the interesting/annoying people one encounters on the way. The interesting ones enrich the travel experience and the annoying ones give you that feeling of relief that you will not have to see them … Continue reading Of People in Places.
The Sands of Time.
"In every curving beach, in every grain of sand, there is a story of the Earth." Who would have thought that beaches can have so many stories to tell? We see them as sandy or rocky, smooth or rough, white or golden and (unfortunately) polluted or clean. After visiting the beaches at Dapoli, I added … Continue reading The Sands of Time.
The Marvellous ‘modaks’ of Dapoli
modak: (n.m) Indian dumpling-like sweet consisting of freshly grated coconut and jaggery filling and outer cover made of rice flour which is then steamed. Served hot with home made ghee (clarified butter). Can be had at any time of the day or night or month or year and in any quantity. Disclaimer - needs to … Continue reading The Marvellous ‘modaks’ of Dapoli
Travels with Friends
It's true that spending time with one's grown up kids is like being with the best version of oneself. The only thing that comes close is spending time with friends. Especially travelling with friends. Even a flight delayed by 5 hours can't take away the smiles. A couple of years ago, I got lucky enough … Continue reading Travels with Friends
Padharo Mhare Desh- Discovering Rajasthan, Part 3
A place cannot be judged solely on the basis of its appearance, history and culture, the people matter too. The most beautiful spot on earth would lose its appeal if the inhabitants were unfriendly or unwelcoming. Here I must confess that I was guilty of having a few stereotypical misconceptions about the kind of people … Continue reading Padharo Mhare Desh- Discovering Rajasthan, Part 3
Padharo Mhare Desh- Discovering Rajasthan, Part 2
Nearly 300 photographs were taken in the 4 days that I spent in Rajasthan. The count could very easily have doubled had it not been for two places we visited where photography was strictly forbidden, and very understandably too. The first of these places was the Delwara Temples in Mt. Abu. Now, Mt. Abu by … Continue reading Padharo Mhare Desh- Discovering Rajasthan, Part 2
Padharo Mhare Desh- Discovering Rajasthan, Part 1
Think Rajasthan and the mind immediately conjures up images of sand dunes in the desert, camels, colourful dancers, men sporting turbans and bushy moustaches- the usual stereotypes. While stereotypes are based on the truth, it is also a fact that they deal largely in superficialities. Another damning stereotype of Rajasthan is the typical image of … Continue reading Padharo Mhare Desh- Discovering Rajasthan, Part 1
