Travel Stories

Explore my adventures from across India and beyond

Durga Pujo 2020 - How we celebrated during the Pandemic

Durga Pujo 2020 - How we celebrated during the Pandemic

Emotions. Homecoming. Togetherness. Durga Puja is synonymous with all these and more. For the first time in recent memory, there will be a gap of an unprecedented 35 days between the Mahalaya and Durga Puja. Also in for the first time ever, no one will be allowed to go inside the pandals this year to reduce the crowds and tackle the widespread Coronavirus. So we ended up having loads of home cooked feasts and enjoying pujo from inside majorly.

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#india
Kendatti Blue water – One day ride from Bangalore

Kendatti Blue water – One day ride from Bangalore

It was a high pressure work week and a bike ride was due. Trying to hit the target of minimum one bike ride a month, we planned a short day trip amidst all the hustle bustle of daily life. While surfing travel blogs for “Day Rides from Bangalore”, I chanced upon a link to this place often called as the “Chhota Ladakh”, although it looks nothing like Ladakh, I was intrigued. A quick google search for the photos and I added this to my list of bike rides this year.

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#bangalore#roadtrip
Motorcycling and the art of Travel meditation

Motorcycling and the art of Travel meditation

The gush of wind, the sceneries of the world passing by, the roar of the engine, the road ahead and you. There is an immense amount of romantic freedom and solitude that motorcycling offers. The moment when you’re on the saddle, it’s just you alone with your thoughts. The sights, smells and souls that you experience on your journey are equally incredible. If you’re the one who believes that a journey matters more than the destination, then you should go take a tour on two wheels at least once in your life.

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#bangalore#roadtrip
Hesaraghatta Lake and surrounding Avalahalli Forest - quick getaway from Bangalore

Hesaraghatta Lake and surrounding Avalahalli Forest - quick getaway from Bangalore

Hesaraghatta Lake and surrounding Avalahalli Forest - quick getaway from Bangalore. I had heard a lot about Hesaraghatta grasslands which is close to the Bangalore, and a perfect destination for a lazy Saturday or Sunday drive. . The point of a long drive is to get away from the noise of the city. Ironically the noise of the city also moves out with these people. Nandi Hills or Ramnagar are not the options on a weekend morning. There are quite a many offbeat locations near Bangalore. Also the drive to such locations is very relaxing. Hesaraghatta Lake is one of them.

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#bangalore
Meghalaya and the start of my Sabbatical

Meghalaya and the start of my Sabbatical

I always wanted to travel to the North eastern part of India. Having travelled almost across the whole country, the North east remained a corner which I could not get the opportunity to touch till date. But this year, coincidentally I was jobless and a couple of friends were headed to one of the seven sisters – the abode of clouds, Meghalaya.

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#india#travelogues
Kumbhalgarh Fort: The great wall of India

Kumbhalgarh Fort: The great wall of India

Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated in the western part of the Aravali Hills in the Rajasthan. Rana Kumbha founded this fort during the 15th century. Built over a period of 15 years under the expert supervision of the famed architect of Kumbhalgarh Fort Rajasthan named Mandan, it is perfectly perched between eleven peaks of the Aravalli ranges. Maharana Pratap was born in Kumbhalgarh, he was known as the great warrior of Mewar, and the royal families occupied this fort until the 19th century. The world’s second-largest wall surrounds the Kumbhalgarh fort, and this is the second-largest fort in Rajasthan after the Chittorgarh Fort.

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#roadtrip#india
Relax by the Kaveri - getaway to Bheemeshwari & Mekedatu Sangam

Relax by the Kaveri - getaway to Bheemeshwari & Mekedatu Sangam

Bheemeshwari, about 100 km away from Bangalore, is an ideal one day getaway for the weekend. Add Makedettu Sangam to your itinerary to enjoy a splendid drive and some boating! This is a perfect place for the nature lover. The quiet moments on the secluded bank, in the company of silently flowing Cauvery, tall trees, the distant jungle, and the azure sky filled my heart with peace and serenity. This is an ideal getaway from Bangalore.

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#travelogues#bangalore
Kendatti Blue water – One day ride from Bangalore

Kendatti Blue water – One day ride from Bangalore

It was a high pressure work week and a bike ride was due. Trying to hit the target of minimum one bike ride a month, we planned a short day trip amidst all the hustle bustle of daily life. While surfing travel blogs for “Day Rides from Bangalore”, I chanced upon a link to this place often called as the “Chhota Ladakh”, although it looks nothing like Ladakh, I was intrigued. A quick google search for the photos and I added this to my list of bike rides this year.

Read More →
Going back 900 years at Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu - Trips from Bangalore

Going back 900 years at Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu - Trips from Bangalore

Hoysaleswara Temple is the main attraction and a 900-year-old monument in Halebidu or Dwarasamudra, the capital of the Hoysalas. Every visit to this place brings a sense of calm and peace, one of the finest Hoysala temples. The drive from Bangalore is very good and under 250kms. I would like to share some parts of the temple visually, hoping to do justice to a place that takes you back 900 years.

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2017 – Flashback

2017 – Flashback

2017 was filled with travel plans, visiting new places and new stories to share. I got to visit the Philippines too! A short summary of the 2017 that went by! Completed around 8 trips, a couple of them were quite long ones. The last one of the year, a 3000 km long road trip for 10 days from Srinagar to Kolkata covering the breadth of North India, was one of my finest.

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No Visa, No Fuss: 5 Exotic Last-Minute Trips Under 5 Hours from India

No Visa, No Fuss: 5 Exotic Last-Minute Trips Under 5 Hours from India

Dreaming of a spontaneous international trip? Discover 5 exotic visa-free countries for Indian citizens, all under 5 hours flight from India. Perfect for last-minute, hassle-free getaways!

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#travelogues#thailand
Meghalaya and the start of my Sabbatical

Meghalaya and the start of my Sabbatical

I always wanted to travel to the North eastern part of India. Having travelled almost across the whole country, the North east remained a corner which I could not get the opportunity to touch till date. But this year, coincidentally I was jobless and a couple of friends were headed to one of the seven sisters – the abode of clouds, Meghalaya.

Read More →
Savoring Vietnam: A Food Lover's Journey

Savoring Vietnam: A Food Lover's Journey

In Vietnam, my food odyssey unfolded as a street food symphony. From savoring Banh Mi royalty in Hoi An to relishing Banh Xeo's crispness, each bite revealed Vietnam's culinary prowess. Pho's comforting embrace and the savory allure of Bun Cha made this journey a paradise for my food-loving soul.

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#travelogues#vietnam
Durga’s travelogue : The carnival de Bengal

Durga’s travelogue : The carnival de Bengal

Durga Puja, the most important festival of Bengal is coming soon. Christmas in New York, Rio Carnival in Brazil, and the La Tomatina Festival in Spain summed up cannot beat the magnitude of the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata, India. Pujo spans 10 days filled with packed elaborate rituals, great food and a stunning display of creativity and art in the form of innovative themed pandals and idols. People deck up in new clothes, flock to the pandals and soak themselves in the festive spirit. The whole city transforms to a festive mood, work comes to a halt as the Pujo spirit hits Kolkata.

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Going back 900 years at Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu - Trips from Bangalore

Going back 900 years at Hoysaleswara Temple Halebidu - Trips from Bangalore

Hoysaleswara Temple is the main attraction and a 900-year-old monument in Halebidu or Dwarasamudra, the capital of the Hoysalas. Every visit to this place brings a sense of calm and peace, one of the finest Hoysala temples. The drive from Bangalore is very good and under 250kms. I would like to share some parts of the temple visually, hoping to do justice to a place that takes you back 900 years.

Read More →
Kumbhalgarh Fort: The great wall of India

Kumbhalgarh Fort: The great wall of India

Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated in the western part of the Aravali Hills in the Rajasthan. Rana Kumbha founded this fort during the 15th century. Built over a period of 15 years under the expert supervision of the famed architect of Kumbhalgarh Fort Rajasthan named Mandan, it is perfectly perched between eleven peaks of the Aravalli ranges. Maharana Pratap was born in Kumbhalgarh, he was known as the great warrior of Mewar, and the royal families occupied this fort until the 19th century. The world’s second-largest wall surrounds the Kumbhalgarh fort, and this is the second-largest fort in Rajasthan after the Chittorgarh Fort.

Read More →
Exploring Hoi An's Charming Old Town

Exploring Hoi An's Charming Old Town

Hoi An, a town of timeless charm, invites you to meander through its lantern-lit streets. Here, in this quaint ancient town, you can unwind amidst the vibrant tapestry of historic architecture, lively markets, and tranquil river scenes, all while soaking in the unique, laid-back ambiance of Vietnam's cherished gem.

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#vietnam#travelogues
Gudibande Fort hike and Bhairasagara lake - One day trip  from Bangalore

Gudibande Fort hike and Bhairasagara lake - One day trip from Bangalore

Gudibande fort is a short drive from Bangalore (100kms). The fort, which is small compared to other forts in Karnataka, was inspired by the Madhugiri fortress. It is a multi-level edifice that was built about 400 years ago, in the 17th century, by Byre Gowda, a local chieftain of Gudibande who ruled the place for only three years. Take a break to enjoy the sight of birds taking dips at the Bhairasagara lake. Which looks the map of India from the top of the fort.

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St Philomena Church | Mysore Trips | Day trip from Bangalore

St Philomena Church | Mysore Trips | Day trip from Bangalore

Discover the Neo-Gothic Splendor of St. Philomena Church in Mysore on a comfortable and quick Day Trip from Bangalore.

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#bangalore
Remembering the Heroes: 25 Years of the Kargil War at the Kargil War Memorial

Remembering the Heroes: 25 Years of the Kargil War at the Kargil War Memorial

Journey from Srinagar to Leh and stop at the Kargil War Memorial to commemorate the 1999 Kargil War. Experience the powerful sight of Tololing and Tiger Hill, and realize how close the Pakistani forces were to the vital Srinagar-Leh Highway. Explore the Kargil War Memorial and connect with the heroic stories that shape our nation’s history.

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Floating through the Mangroves of Sundarbans | A Day trip from Kolkata | Sundarban National Park

Floating through the Mangroves of Sundarbans | A Day trip from Kolkata | Sundarban National Park

A boat safari in the Sundarbans brought us face-to-face with rare birds, lush mangroves, and unforgettable family memories. Guided through this unique ecosystem, we marveled at the tranquil waterways and enjoyed a festive meal on board, soaking in the wonders of the world’s largest mangrove forest.

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Vietnam - A relaxed Itinerary for 10 days

Vietnam - A relaxed Itinerary for 10 days

A journey through the bustling streets of Hanoi, the ancient charm of Hoi An, and the mystical beauty of Halong Bay. Our 10-day itinerary for Vietnam.

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#vietnam#travelogues
Prinsep Ghat - A  nostalgic walk along the Hooghly riverfront in  Kolkata

Prinsep Ghat - A nostalgic walk along the Hooghly riverfront in Kolkata

Prinsep Ghat has always been a charming and relaxing place for me since my college days. Sitting by the riverfront, chatting with friends or family, or grab some snacks from the nearby vendors, it is a perfect place to spend a Saturday evening. It’s simple, romantic, and artistic. The place is as much for young couples as it is for the solitary wanderers. Catch one of the best sunsets in Kolkata, in the backdrop of Hooghly and the Vidyasagar Setu, or on a boat ride in the Hooghly river. A memory you will cherish for a lifetime.

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Top places to visit in Vietnam

Top places to visit in Vietnam

A captivating journey through Vietnam's must-visit destinations. From Hanoi's cultural heart to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, the ancient charm of Hoi An, the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, to the tranquil rice fields of Sapa, it's a vivid exploration of Vietnam's diversity.

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#vietnam
Coffee Culture in Vietnam: Strong and Slow drip

Coffee Culture in Vietnam: Strong and Slow drip

Vietnamese coffee culture, blending tradition and innovation, features unique drinks like egg and coconut coffee. Vietnam, a major Robusta producer, offers social, flavor-rich coffee experiences at places like The Note Coffee, Tranquil Books & Coffee and Cafe Giang

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#vietnam
The prefect one day trip - Chunchi Falls and Sangam - from Bangalore

The prefect one day trip - Chunchi Falls and Sangam - from Bangalore

Living in Bangalore is bliss!!! Apart from the nice weather, it is surrounded by number of waterfalls which in monsoon turns into roaring thunders. A road trip is a must to soak you into the realm of Mother Nature, especially when you have Thunderbird as your companion.

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One day trips from Bangalore 2020

One day trips from Bangalore 2020

Are you one of those people who lives in Bangalore and bored with working from home amidst the pandemic. With almost half the year gone, and many travel plans busted, I thought let’s rather write it out. The monsoons are here and soon the weather’s at its best for that quick outing nearby. Grab a breakfast while starting and finish with hearty lunch on the way back.

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Why we Went Back to Thailand

Why we Went Back to Thailand

Thailand felt even better the second time — no FOMO, no rush, just lazy days in Ao Nang, night market strolls, and sunsets by the pool in Krabi.

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#thailand#travelogues
Bangalore to Madikeri: The Ultimate 3-Day Coorg Road Trip Itinerary

Bangalore to Madikeri: The Ultimate 3-Day Coorg Road Trip Itinerary

Escape the city with our perfect 3-day Bangalore to Coorg road trip itinerary. Discover the best routes, scenic stops, coffee plantations, and stays in Madikeri.

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#bangalore