India is shaped by a long and continuous civilisation — visible in its temples and townscapes, traditions, cuisines, faiths, arts and architecture.
This section gathers writing from journeys across different regions of the country, rooted in time spent on the ground and attention to context. The focus here is not only on where to go, but on how places are built and lived in — through architecture, food traditions, belief systems and local practice.
The posts range from reported features to field-based guides, and exploring cultures across India. The collection continues to expand, shaped by slow travel and sustained return.
On a trip to Laos, just across the Mekong from Thailand’s Golden Triangle, I encountered a curious and slightly unsettling sight — bottles of rice wine with snakes and other critters preserved inside. Known as snake wine, this traditional infusion and unusual drink is rooted in local belief and folk medicine, and is today as
Snake Wine of Laos: Up Close with Bottled Snakes and Other Critters Read More »
I was composing a blog post on the mesmerising Bhool Bhulaiyya of Lucknow when I found myself thinking about a very different labyrinth — our walk from Dalhousie to Dainkund and back, across the Singing Hills of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, India. The path through the woods was haphazard, brimming with the possibility of
Dalhousie to Dainkund: The Singing Hills of Himachal Pradesh Read More »
Come on a photo tour of the Bada Imambara in Lucknow, as I discuss the amazing labyrinth of Bhool Bhulaiya, the history, and architecture of Bada Imambara, fascinating stories around the Shahi Baoli and more….
Bada Imambara Labyrinth (Bhool Bhulaiya), Lucknow – An Architectural Photo Tour Read More »
“Climb mountains not so the world can see you but because you can see the world.” I love escaping into the wilderness of mountain ranges. The snow-capped landscapes of Himachal Pradesh are especially close to my heart. Their magnificence humbles me, reverberating with positive energy and drawing out the wanderer in me. During our stay
Paoloni Mata Trek near Dalhousie: A Gentle Walk to Dainkund’s Singing Hills Read More »
High above the wooded hills of Dalhousie lies Dainkund Peak, a broad, wind-swept meadow often referred to as the Singing Hills. Visitors come here for open views, shifting clouds, and quiet walks along ridgelines. But for those who live around these hills, Dainkund is also shaped by stories—passed down through recollection, conversation, and belief. Mountain
Dalhousie Folklore : The Legend of Dainkund Read More »
Braving the waters of River Ganga is the final part of my series on ‘Adventures at Rishikesh’. So, before you embark on this experience of mine, please do read Adventurous Outing at Rishikesh The canoeing , hiking and travelling the previous day, made us snore away to glory,until we were awakened by the camp staff
Braving the waters of River Ganga Read More »