Tamil Nadu · Travel

Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku aka The Nachiarkoil lamp

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

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

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

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

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

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

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

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – a Grand Reflection of the Incredible Chola Heritage

With close to a whopping 40,000 temples, Tamil Nadu in South India is rightly known as the Land of Temples. Most of these temples are centuries old and have been built by the erstwhile ruling dynasties like the Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas etc. Many of these were just not places of worship but also centres of… Continue reading Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – a Grand Reflection of the Incredible Chola Heritage

Tamil Nadu · Travel

Kumbakonam Diaries: Sacred Trails, Streetscapes and more….

As the first rays of the sun pierced, almost reluctantly, through the gaps of the thick clouds on an overcast January morning, the lush green paddy fields were still shrouded in thick fog.  With birds chirping and the rhythmic hymns of Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam playing in the background, women deftly covered the wet earth outside… Continue reading Kumbakonam Diaries: Sacred Trails, Streetscapes and more….

Miscellaneous · Travel

Photoessay: Marken, Netherlands – Bucolic charm galore

Think Netherlands and the first thing that comes to your mind is Amsterdam, water canals and tulips. But a visit to the Dutch countryside promises an equally fascinating experience too. Replete with oodles of bucolic charm and pretty pastoral scenes, it is a great place to experience some breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Most villages are incredibly… Continue reading Photoessay: Marken, Netherlands – Bucolic charm galore

Karnataka · Travel

On a temple trail in Subrahmanya, Karnataka

Known as one of the most holy places created by saint Parashurama, the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya temple is arguably one of the most popular pilgrimage centres in the southern state of Karnataka. Perched on the banks of the Kumaradhara river, legend has it that the divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes took refuge under Lord… Continue reading On a temple trail in Subrahmanya, Karnataka