I was no stranger to Goa; having studied college in Pune and Bombay. On one of those trips, it was a pleasant surprise to come across some old churches around Panjim (Panaji). I was instantly reminded of the Portuguese history of Old Goa and waited for a opportune chance to explore the Churches on a…
Tag: History
Danish Delight in India – Tranquebar (Tharangambadi)
I franctically tried to explain to the conductor and driver that we had come past the turn of Tharangambadi and that it was better that they drop me on the highway itself. I told them I will hitch a ride with some local and get to Tharangambadi (local Tamil name for Tranquebar). Even with the…
Mahabalipuram – Of Historical Sights and Beach Delights
Earlier this year, I had made a promise to myself; that I would make a conscious effort to explore more of South India. And come September; it was time to head to Chennai and then traipse across Pondicherry, Auroville, Tranquebar and Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram.) Although I was drenched in sweat just after exiting the…
Chamba, Himachal Pradesh : Experiences & Places to Visit
We had changed buses at Chamba bus stand on our way to Khajjiar because the road to Dalhousie was snowed out. Chamba seemed like a crowded place, but then all important bus stations are full of people. I had faint memories of Chamba, having explored it almost two decades ago on a roadtrip with my…
A Stroll in Bhangarh’s Gorgeous Ruins
I was on an assignment to cover a few remote regions of Rajasthan and the chance of travelling in my own style made me accept it gleefully. A drive through bumpy roads flanked by lush green wheat fields on both sides brought me to Bhangarh. The morning had been very foggy and cold, and I…
Winds of change in Malana
‘Go away if you aren’t going to buy any charas,’ said the guesthouse owner and frowned upon us. We were quite stunned to hear that in this 2000 year old hamlet. For years I had read about the famous (or infamous) Parvati Valley and had never ventured there alone. This time in October-November 2014 I…
Trekking from Purne to Phugtal Monastery, in Pictures
Read : Stunning experiences from the most remote monastery in the world Read : Leh-Ladakh : Amalgamation of Cultures Read : Wanderings in Lahaul – Tayul Monastery Read : Wanderings in Lahaul : Kardang Monastery Read : Lamas at Phuktal Monastery Chortens, monks, a monastery guesthouse and the greatest…
An expert guide to Shimla
Shimla is built on a central ridge, around which seven peaks jut out into the sky. The most famous address and titillatingly named Scandal Point is so named because of the number of romantic rendezvous that were once routinely arranged there. While the erstwhile British summer capital of Shimla has numerous attractions, I pick out the…