Miscellaneous · Travel

On a museum trail in the Pink city aka Jaipur

Colour, culture, commotion; the capital city of one of India’s most flamboyant states, Rajasthan is a delightful medley of contrasts.   One of the most visited cities by not only Indians but also foreigners, Jaipur offers some fascinating sights that span history, art, architecture and religion.  While the city palace, Hawa mahal, Amer fort and Jantar… Continue reading On a museum trail in the Pink city aka Jaipur

Miscellaneous · Travel

Photoessay: Police museum, Pondicherry

Well, it is quite an understatement to say that Pondicherry aka Puducherry has a charm quite like none other.  A French colony till the 1950s, this union territory is a pleasant mix of the colonial and the contemporary.  Along side a charming white town replete with distinctive French vibes exists a bustling Tamil quarter that is… Continue reading Photoessay: Police museum, Pondicherry

Miscellaneous · Travel

Amidst a world of cocoa and chocolate: Choco Story, Brussels

Fries, waffles, beer and of course chocolate; Belgium is famous for more reasons than one.  And when it comes to chocolate, there is no denying the fact that Belgian chocolate enjoys a special and enviable reputation in the international market.  No visit to the country is complete without sampling and shopping for these delectable treats. … Continue reading Amidst a world of cocoa and chocolate: Choco Story, Brussels

Miscellaneous · Travel

Photoessay: Nahargarh Fort – of magnificence and grandeur on the Aravalli hills

Think Rajasthan and it immediately conjures images of forts, palaces and royal heritage.   Originally built as a mechanism of defence, the state has many forts that are not only beautiful but also historically very significant. While the Amer fort is one of the most famous landmarks and monuments of the capital city of Jaipur, the… Continue reading Photoessay: Nahargarh Fort – of magnificence and grandeur on the Aravalli hills

Miscellaneous · Travel

Photoessay: The multifaceted streetscapes of Pondicherry

While much has been said and written about the dichotomy that exists in Pondicherry, this is a city that never fails to surprise.  Inspite of visiting it several times over, Pondy, as it is also fondly known, always throws up new hidden secrets for me.  The union territory that was a French colony till 1954, is… Continue reading Photoessay: The multifaceted streetscapes of Pondicherry

Miscellaneous · Travel

Of bobbins and beautiful patterns: Fashion and Lace museum, Brussels

Dating back all the way to the 15th and 16th century, lace making in Belgium is intrinsic and integral to the cultural heritage of the country.  Intricate, graceful and sophisticated, the unique feature of authentic Belgium lace is that it is totally handmade and made largely with bobbins, needle pins and other techniques.    Known earlier… Continue reading Of bobbins and beautiful patterns: Fashion and Lace museum, Brussels

Miscellaneous · Travel

Green travel: Three essential tips to ensure your trips are environment friendly

Every trip has some environmental impact, from your individual plastic consumption to the impact of your hotel on local conservation. Being aware of this impact allows you to be more responsible and eco-friendly in your daily choices whilst travelling. If you want to make sure your trip does not have a negative impact on the… Continue reading Green travel: Three essential tips to ensure your trips are environment friendly

Miscellaneous · Travel

Photo essay: Kamakhya Mandir, Guwahati – a symbol of power and divinity

The capital city of Assam, Guwahati, which is often considered to be the gateway to the Northeast is home to several places of interest that span religion, culture and wildlife.  Unarguably the most famous of them all is the temple of Kamakhya, also called the Kamrup-Kamakhya temple. Situated on Nilachal Hill in the western part of… Continue reading Photo essay: Kamakhya Mandir, Guwahati – a symbol of power and divinity

Miscellaneous · Travel

Museum of Original Figurines (MOOF), Brussels: of comic characters and cartoon strips

Comics and comic strips are all pervading in the European city of Brussles and when you are there, it is hard not to notice them.  For it is in city which is the land of Tintin and Smurfs that they are visible on walls, building exteriors, hoardings and museums.  So, if comics, comic strips and… Continue reading Museum of Original Figurines (MOOF), Brussels: of comic characters and cartoon strips

Miscellaneous · Travel

Photo essay: Four Spectacular Mosques of the Middle East

Known for their splendid architecture and magnificent beauty, mosques are more often than not community centres rather than just places of worship.  Replete with typical elements of Islamic architecture, mosques are characterized by the presence of elaborate domes, oranate minarets as well as large prayer halls.  On the occasion of Eid al-Fitr aka Ramadan today, here… Continue reading Photo essay: Four Spectacular Mosques of the Middle East