Sarzameen-e-Firdous: A Photo Essay of Srinagar

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

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

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

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

Monsoon Escapades in Goa

When the monsoons arrive, they change Goa’s landscape into a dramatic vision—turning the foliage into lush green, soaking every bit of the parched land and making the distant hills grow verdant with eagerness. One can see nature’s abundance all around: be it the dark, heavy clouds almost touching the land about to burst or the … Continue reading Monsoon Escapades in Goa

Pondicherry: Discovering its Charming, Gallic and Spiritual Side

The sight of packed taxis outside the airport brought a smile on my face. That sudden rush of excitement carrying so much anticipation and hope, just the way a child does, felt carefree and joyous as I stepped outside. I asked the driver if he was willing to take us through the East Coast Road … Continue reading Pondicherry: Discovering its Charming, Gallic and Spiritual Side

Of Birds, Bees & Books: The Literati Bookshop & Cafe in Goa Had All My Heart

The days were balmy, the clouds had strewn itself across the sky and the sun would sporadically play peek-a-boo, the tropical dampness could be felt on the skin all day at this time of the year. This was the month of May. Yet there were moments of respite when the cool wind would blow my … Continue reading Of Birds, Bees & Books: The Literati Bookshop & Cafe in Goa Had All My Heart