Cultural Landmarks Of Bangalore
Bangalore just doesn’t feel the same. Each time I visit the city, even after a short hiatus of 20 days, something has relocated, closed or altered, and standing in its place is a glitzier, swankier or more kitsch version of the previous establishment, undoubtedly one that serves beer (which is nothing to complain about!). Once […]
@ Home
Contributed to the Times of India @Home book, a repository of homestays across the country. I reviewed and wrote about the South India homestays for this book.
Periyar
Typical of a famous tourism destination, Kumily (or Thekkady), the base town to visit Periyar National Park, is inundated with guest houses and hotels over a range of budget. Though this town is not that significantly big, there are ample options for travellers to choose from. Since this place has no dearth of accommodation options, […]
The Indian Festival Calendar: May-June
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to several festivals spread across India over the last few years, from annual tribal congregations in Nagaland to the hustling boat races of Kerala. I can say with reasonable surety that the one thing that synthesizes the ‘Indian experience’ is our love for celebration. The dramatic colours, dance and […]
Temple Trips South India
Temple Trips South India: One of the most exciting books to research, the temples in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh threw up the most intriguing legends and fascinating rituals. It was well worth my time to meander through snaking long queues to get a peek into the many sanctums. Armed with very little spiritual inclination […]
Gypsy Rain
Dotted with countless black umbrellas, the journey to bekal from cannonore in a local bus is breathtaking on a bonedrenching rainy day.This unassuming little town offers along with incospicious delights.
Ever Been To Crab Island?
Elusively tucked away about 22 kms from Cochin, is Njandu Kadu or the Backwater Crab Island. Patronized by heavy weight travelers from all over the world and yet pretty obscure even to the locals, the ‘island of coconut groves’ is a spectacular treat. Strips of coconut groves intermingled with thickly foliaged canals from a 36 […]
Battlefield Punnamada
As the small town ofAlappuzhabids adieu to the resilient but cathartic monsoon rains, it embarks on the next arduous display of determination in the month of August – The Nehru Snake Boat Race. Peg the bone-drenching rain versus the grit of the oarsmen of the race and you would struggle to establish the stronger contestant. […]
By The Way
What I thought was the last stroke of paint on the Kathakali dancer’s face took almost another hour to complete. The painstaking process of getting ready for the performance is, of course, one of the most intriguing and well-advertised cultural experiences in Kerala.
Witnessing The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
The annual Nehru boat race is just around the corner and this week we take you through a practical guide of how to plan your trip to watch one of the most fantastic displays of local culture on the backwaters of Kerala. The Punnamada Lake of Alleppey resounds with cheering locals and houseboats line up […]
Festival Of The Month: Theyyam
Winter is the best time to be in Kerala. Or that’s what the guidebooks say. The days are pleasantly warm, the evenings cool. The fish is fresh, the backwaters alluring as ever and the hills fragrant with the aroma of spices and tea. Winter in Kerala is special for one more reason — Theyyam. If you happen […]
The India Festival Calendar: Jan-Feb
An exquisitely dressed Theyyam performer. Pleasant weather and several festivals make the first two months of the year a popular time to travel. Whether it’s the crack of the whip at the Kambala Buffalo Race or the reverberating dance steps of Theyyam performers in Kerala, the entire period is packed with splendid celebrations. JANUARY Theyyam: Head […]