Switzerland · Travel

Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum – Where Buildings Speak

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Heritage houses, Alpine music, rural handicrafts, agricultural tools, yesteryear farmhouses, kitchens, hay lofts, cellars and more.  If this piques your interest, Ballenberg is the place for you.  Located just about 20 minutes from Brienz town centre, Ballenberg is the only open-air museum in Switzerland.  Incidentally, it is also the largest museum in the country, spread… Continue reading Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum – Where Buildings Speak

Andhra Pradesh & Telengana · Travel

Gollabhama Sarees: a unique legacy of Siddipet, Telangana

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With close to 150 unique weaves, India is a treasure trove when it comes to indigenous textiles and regional handlooms.  A reflection of our rich cultural heritage and tradition, the stories behind these weaves are often as magical and fascinating as the textiles themselves.  A case in point is the unique Gollabhama sarees of Siddipet,… Continue reading Gollabhama Sarees: a unique legacy of Siddipet, Telangana

Switzerland · Travel

Photoessay: Tulip Festival in Morges, Switzerland

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Think tulips and the mind immediately thinks of Amsterdam and the gorgeous Keukenhof gardens, the latter is a place that I am yet to visit. Viewing beds of tulips meticulously cultivated in gardens has always been my dream and when I heard about the Tulip festival in Morges in Switzerland, I could not be happier.… Continue reading Photoessay: Tulip Festival in Morges, Switzerland

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku aka The Nachiarkoil lamp

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As mentioned in my previous post, Natchiarkoil is an eclectic town near Kumbakonam and forms for an engaging visit in more ways than one. Apart from the Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple, the village is famous for its handcrafted lamps. There are several factories in the town that make the exclusive Kuthuvilakku which is… Continue reading Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku aka The Nachiarkoil lamp

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Nachiar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple: Natchiarkoil, Kumbakonam

Rashmi Gopal Rao3 Comments

There is no denying the fact that travelling within India is replete with interesting sights, engaging experiences and surprises at almost every nook and corner. A visit to the southern city of Kumbakonam is sure to treat you to some unique sights. And the seemingly non-descript town of Natchiarkoil on the outskirts of Kumbakonam is… Continue reading Nachiar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi Temple: Natchiarkoil, Kumbakonam

Making a Difference

Shanti Banaras – about Fluid Fashion and Gender Inclusivity

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Guest post: By Bindu Gopal Rao Akathya means inexplicable in Sanskrit and probably no one understands this word better than the transgender community. In order to amplify this ethos, Shanti Banaras showcased the stories of eight people who have beaten odds to make a difference in their lives. The campaign was run last year. Making… Continue reading Shanti Banaras – about Fluid Fashion and Gender Inclusivity

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Chettinad Museum: An ode to Chettiar culture, heritage and lifestyle

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Located in the Sivagangai and Pudukottai districts of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad is a popular destination to visit for more reasons than one.  Synonymous with grandeur and opulence, Chettinad was originally the home of the wealthy Nattukottai Chettiars.  A merchant community who traded in spices and precious metals, the Chettiars were also… Continue reading Chettinad Museum: An ode to Chettiar culture, heritage and lifestyle

Switzerland · Travel

Photoessay: Giessbach Waterfalls (Giessbachfälle) – a Beautiful Spectacle on Brienz Lake

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There is no denying the fact that Switzerland is a country replete with some of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Whether it is the mighty Alps, lush green meadows, historic buildings or the utterly stunning lakes, there is no dearth of magical landscapes when in the land of the Swiss. One such sight… Continue reading Photoessay: Giessbach Waterfalls (Giessbachfälle) – a Beautiful Spectacle on Brienz Lake

Kerala · Travel

Mango Festival, Kuruvakkavu: A celebration of Indigenous Mango Varieties in Kannapuram

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Come 01-May and the renowned mango festival in Kuruvakkavu, an area within Kannapuram of Kannur district in Kerala is back.  An initiative led by 43-year-old Shyju Machathi along with a few like minded individuals of Kuruvakkavu, the festival this year marks its 6th edition.  Mind Boggling Biodiversity For the uninitiated, Kannapuram is one of the… Continue reading Mango Festival, Kuruvakkavu: A celebration of Indigenous Mango Varieties in Kannapuram

Switzerland · Travel

Spring Diaries in Zurich: A Riot of Colour

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Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is – Jessica Harrelson Arguably one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, spring is all about colour, new beginnings and a sense of rejuvenation. Intrinsically associated with hope and life, spring literally sparks colour into everything. From fresh blooms to sunny skies, there… Continue reading Spring Diaries in Zurich: A Riot of Colour