In search of the ‘big five’
Bengaluru was just about recovering from a stifling summer. There had been a dribble of rain, but the city was already pockmarked with puddles. People took to social media to express their love for the rains—photographs of windowpanes dripping with water, with lyrical quotes to match. There’s no fun, however, in splashing one’s way through […]
Exploring Bangalore With Toyota Liva
The familiar buzz of chatter hit me as I opened the door. Uniformed waiters flitted around busily, steel trays high above their heads, precariously balancing some of the favourites like mutton cutlets, potato smileys, baked beans, pots of tea and caramel custard. It was my umpteenth trip to this hallmark ‘true Bangalorean’ hangout for authors, […]
Getoff Ur Ass
Assisted in the business development and content creation for Bangalore based adventure travel company and it’s off-shoots. In its existence of over a decade, Getoff Ur Ass perfected the recipe of creating and leading offbeat, niche trips for inbound and outbound adventures, including cultural trips, rafting, biking, overland journeys and trekking, specifically in Karnataka and […]
Bengaluru To Ramanagara: On The ‘Sholay’ Trail
“Thakur,” my colleague called out from across the cubicle. “Can you please send me the weekly report?” The thick shawl wrapped around my shoulders as protection from the air-conditioner’s draught perhaps made the nickname inevitable.
Bengaluru To Pollachi: Beating The Heat
Tamil Nadu? In this heat?” My mother questioned my seemingly ludicrous pick for a weekend break from Bengaluru in June last year. After all, April and May are the region’s hottest months, with June bringing a few relieving showers. The best time would have been from November-February. What I had held back—to surprise her later—was […]
Beyong Tipu’s Legacy
A city of palatial buildings, decided vintage vibe and serene tree-lined boulevards, Mysore constitutes as the rite of passage for many new Bangaloreans, for a daylong getaway. Afterall, the erstwhile capital of the Wadiyar Rajas of Karnataka is steeped in history and brings one up to speed with the background of the state. It was […]
Country Roads
Sitting crouched on Dharam Singh’s musty folded mattress and bouncing up each time that the truck hit a rain battered pot hole, I couldn’t have imagined that the very next year I would be cruising along the same highway, only this time with wheels designed for luxury. The trips were starkly contrasting: one a backpacking […]
Best Escapes South India
Best Escapes South India: Traversing between the narrow lanes of Charminar in Hyderabad, the sunny cobblestone streets of Pondicherry, museums of Trivandrum and bouldery backdrop of Hampi, I couldn’t help but think of the wonderful diversity that South India encompasses. The southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh offer an inimitable flavour […]
Short Escapes From Bengaluru
Authoring this book was a fantastic experience, as I travelled in my own backyard, reviewing a variety of destinations that made sense for the weekend traveller, off Bangalore. From soothing massages in yoga retreats to trekking solo in the dense Sholas of Coorg, this book is packed with a wide assortment. The information technology capital […]
Shades of Green
Set aside a day or two to explore places around the plantation. A trip to Kuruva Island (17 km east of Mananthavadi, the town nearest to the estate), which abounds with plant and bird life, includes a boatride in a small river raft.
Smell the Coffee
The coffee plantation-draped hills of Chikmagalur are a striking green after the monsoon.
Motorcycle Travellers Meet
A weekend of camp life, wheels, slushy mud tracks and inspiring stories from the road unfolded in the first ever Motorcycle Travellers Meet off Bangalore on the 27 and 28 July. This was not your usual raucous testosterone heavy, beer and bravado fest. Instead, likeminded serious motorcycling enthusiasts came together for an authentic interaction with those […]