My photo essay Sarzameen-e-Firdous or Land of Paradise is a portrait of Srinagar — a city steeped in history and shaped by centuries of culture, craftsmanship and tradition. Nearly 15 years later, I returned to the valley in the spring of 2024. I photographed, I observed, and I absorbed as much of everyday life as … Continue reading Sarzameen-e-Firdous: A Photo Essay of Srinagar
Category: Travel
Naukuchiatal’s unhindered beauty is a source of joy
Tucked away amidst rhododendrons and oak trees lies the pristine lake town of Naukuchiatal. Surrounded by verdant hills and lush foliage that drapes the landscape, this tiny Himalayan hill station—nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand—holds a quiet allure. It is a kind of place that beckons you to slow down, breathe easy, and reconnect … Continue reading Naukuchiatal’s unhindered beauty is a source of joy
Finding Susegad in Goa
There is a perpetual longing for Goa. I can’t quite explain why, but something about this place brings me a deep sense of quietude and contentment––like a retreat for my soul. The countless times I must have thought of living here, in a typical Portuguese-styled house, surrounded by palm trees, coconut groves, colorful bougainvilleas, and … Continue reading Finding Susegad in Goa
Wat Pho, Thailand: A Sacred Space of Art, Architecture, and the Reclining Buddha
The very topic of architecture fascinates me. We see it in our everyday lives––in houses, museums, modern buildings, parks, historical monuments, churches, mosques, forts, and palaces. And then, there are these timeless wonders to marvel at, such as the Louvre in Paris, the grand Colosseum in Rome, the Baha’i Temple in New Delhi or the … Continue reading Wat Pho, Thailand: A Sacred Space of Art, Architecture, and the Reclining Buddha
Breakfast & Brew at Marc’s Cafe, Auroville
For a true coffee lover, finding the perfect blend is a constant pursuit. It is as much a ritual as it is fundamental to achieving the right balance of smoothness, aroma, and flavor in every cup. While I am no connoisseur, I enjoy exploring artisanal coffees and learning about their origins, the types of beans used, … Continue reading Breakfast & Brew at Marc’s Cafe, Auroville
On Pondicherry: Tiny things I discovered about this town
The year 2024 ended on a fantastic note: sipping filter coffee, enjoying leisurely meals, passing by bright, colorful colonial houses and heritage buildings, and rediscovering the city, falling in love with it all over again. This time, coming back to Pondicherry felt like coming home. The familiar scent of roasted beans and freshly baked croissants … Continue reading On Pondicherry: Tiny things I discovered about this town
A Day at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
In our travel itinerary, one of the things that we absolutely do not miss adding is a visit to the flea markets. It is almost like a ritual for my husband and me to follow whenever we are in a new town. We set aside an entire day or two to exploring the local bazaars … Continue reading A Day at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
Unveiling Goa: 7 Unique and Underrated Experiences for Every Traveler
The genesis of Azulejos can be found in the Islamic mosaic and tile arts, which further trace back to the Assyrian and Babylonian era. For centuries, humankind has adopted, developed and evolved the techniques of glazing and decorating ceramic tiles.
Goa: Art, Architecture and A State of Mind
When I think of Goa, one thing that remains beautifully vivid in my mind is the sight of thick clouds looming over the sky and palm trees gently swaying to the rhythm of the wind. It takes me back to the time when I arrived in this coastal land just in the middle of monsoons. … Continue reading Goa: Art, Architecture and A State of Mind
History, Culture & Gastronomic delight: Old Phuket Town Packs a Punch for Every Traveler and Food Lover
On a bright day in the middle of summer, we arrived at Old Phuket Town. The weather was blazing hot, and the air felt as dry as a bone. All we needed were glasses of iced tea and lemonade to cool off. I glanced at my watch; it was only half past nine in the … Continue reading History, Culture & Gastronomic delight: Old Phuket Town Packs a Punch for Every Traveler and Food Lover
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