Karnataka · Travel

A toy story: wooden toys of Channapatna, Karnataka

“Welcome to the Land of Toys” says the green signboard as you drive down to Channapatna on the Mysore-Bengaluru highway.  Located about 60 km from Bengaluru, the town is also known as “Gombegala Ooru” in Kannada, which translates into toy town. The little town is synonymous with the production of wooden toys and lacware, which… Continue reading A toy story: wooden toys of Channapatna, Karnataka

Travel · United States

Tampa Downtown: Turn back in Time in Tampa Theatre

Ornate sculptures, elaborate ceiling panels and magnificent portraits – while one would normally associate this decor with historical monuments and palaces, these are actually some of the first things that catch your attention as you enter the doors of the iconic Tampa Theatre. Standing tall in the city’s bustling downtown for over 90 years, Tampa… Continue reading Tampa Downtown: Turn back in Time in Tampa Theatre

Making a Difference

Chagaletti Makkala Granthalaya (Chagaletti Children’s Library): a lesson in child empowerment

Imagine a full-fledged library run totally and successfully by a small group of children from a remote village with all of being under seventeen years of age.  Seems far-fetched? But, a look at the Children’s Library at Chagaletti, a small village about 22 km from Bangalore in North Bangalore taluk will prove you wrong.  A… Continue reading Chagaletti Makkala Granthalaya (Chagaletti Children’s Library): a lesson in child empowerment

Decor

Photo essay: Upcycling an old iron storage trunk to a quirky living room accessory

Storage trunks of the yesteryears have always caught my fascination.  Normally tucked under the bed or stashed away on the attic, these black/ olive green heavy duty iron storage boxes have a unique charm.   Also the fact, that it holds something that is precious inside, always evoked a sense of excitement in me. Nowadays, of… Continue reading Photo essay: Upcycling an old iron storage trunk to a quirky living room accessory

Food · Reviews

Ciclo Cafe: of food, fitness, fun and more

An established name in Chennai, Hyderabad and Gurgaon, Ciclo cafe opened its doors to namma Bengaluru recently.  A bicycle themed restaurant, this unique chain is a venture of one of India’s favorite cycle brands TI cycles.  With an exciting cycle store, lip smacking food, quirky decor and a totally pleasant ambience it is a great… Continue reading Ciclo Cafe: of food, fitness, fun and more