Travel

The Kochi Biennale — And Everything Else That Makes Kochi Worth the Trip

All I wanted was a break. Not a packed itinerary, not a checklist of must-see spots — just a pause. A few quiet days away from screens, deadlines, and the…

South Bengaluru Unplugged: Tree-Lined Grid, Heritage Parks, Theatre, and Silk Avenues

If Central Bengaluru is where the city works and Old Bengaluru is where it traded, South Bengaluru is where it breathes. When my partner said we are moving to bangalore…

Old-World Charm Meets Modern Culture: Cubbon Park and Chickpet

It has been a few months since we moved, and I am settling into a new routine and slowly finding my way around the city that was once so familiar.

From Solo Wanderer to Itinerary Whisperer: Your Personal Travel Planner for India

There’s a certain magic that comes with a solo trip. It’s not just about seeing new places; it’s about seeing yourself in a new light.

Gifting Made Fun: My Bigsmall.in Haul + Special Father’s Day Picks

If you’re on the hunt for unique and thoughtful gifts, Bigsmall.in offers an eclectic mix of quirky, functional, and heartfelt items perfect for any occasion.

Our Afternoon at the HMT Museum: Time flew by~

Every weekend we have been trying to do something different, be it visit a new store for our grocery shopping or a club. That weekend, we knew heading to HMT…

The Evolution of Indian Railways: From Paper Tickets to Digital Convenience

Egmore Station I’ve been travelling by train for as long as I can remember and love train journeys. Infact, when we lived in Tirunelveli, we used to take the train…

The Journey to a New Home

Moving to a new city has been one of the most profound transitions of my life—a complex emotional journey blending anxiety, adventure, and excitement into a transformative experience.

Sweet Escapes: Strawberry Picking & Panchgani Tales with Western Routes [Dec2024]

There’s something undeniably magical about the strawberry season in Panchgani. The cool breeze rolling off the Sahyadris, green valleys stretching into the distance, and that first bite into a sun-warmed…

Embracing the Wind: My Journey as a Motorcycle Pillion

There’s something indescribably exhilarating about being on the back of a motorcycle. The wind whipping past, the world blurring at the edges, and that inexplicable feeling of freedom that comes…

Traveling with a Group & Staying Mindful

I’d written about travelling in a group earlier [read post here]. But this one comes from a recent trip, where I observed a lot of things and wanted to share…

Skywatch Friday… Cold mornings

Skywatch Friday.. Winter & colours

A Diwali Escape to Dapoli: Sun, Sea, and Serenity

Diwali this year was all about a much-needed break from the city hustle, infact this has become a tradition of sorts with us. The first year we had brought Chewy…

Skywatch Friday… Winter is here

Skywatch Friday… Colours in the sky

Skywatch Friday.. Winter is nearly here

the sky has been gorgeous last few days. Rains are nearly over, and slowly can feel the chill creep in, esp in the mornings..

Skywatch Friday… Colours

We stepped out last evening and one of the stops we made was for ice cream. While i waited outside, couldn’t help notice the beautiful blue skies and this new…

July- Pune’s Monsoon Madness

It has been three years since I moved here, to Pune. Coming from Chenai, where rains make guest appearances every now & again or lash out breaking the city in…

Gudi Padwa lunch at Mystic Masala, Taj Blue Diamond

A friend was in town, on work [know him for about a decade+, from Chennai, lives in Dubai] We had met up and spent nearly all day together the last…

Skywatch Friday… Winter is nearly gone…

[Skywatch Friday]- Winter is here…

Skywatch Friday – winter is here

Mornings are getting colder with every passing day Guess its time to say “Welcome to Winters in Pune”

AirBnb versus Hotels

When planning your next trip, you may be wondering whether to stay in an Airbnb or a hotel. Both types of accommodation have their own pros and cons, so it’s…

My favourite coffee shops in Pune

I love visiting coffee shops and sometimes working from them as well. Yes, the change in scenario helps bring out the creative juices. Earlier i had done a post on…

Skywatch Friday… Changing moods

Skywatch Friday.. Foggy and cold

Its October and suddenly there is fog and mornings are quite chill.. This was today morning…

Skywatch Friday… Rainy days!

Last Monday, I had gone for a Ganapathi walk with a group visiting the Manache Ganapthi [old & prestigious] temples, Mandais [ the pandals set up for Ganesh Chathurthi] and…

Solo Travel [Woman]: A Comprehensive Guide

Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. It allows you to explore the world at your own pace, discover your independence, and create unforgettable memories.

What to expect and do during a jungle safari

You have always wanted to see a tiger up close or maybe you have seen one in a zoo somewhere during your travels. But it is nothing compared to sighting…

Navigating Two Vibrant Cities: Contrasting Life in Pune and Chennai

Whenever I meet someone new and they ask where I am am from, and I respond “Chennai”, they gape and then they go on to ask how different life is…

Wai Heritage Tour with Western Routes

It had been 2 months since my last getaway & I was itching to go somewhere.. Since most parts of the country are hot or crazy hot, there are very…

Skywatch… Rains & skies

Road trip to Chennai- Day 3 onwards

It was Monday morning 5 am, and we were all set to hit the road towards Chennai. We knew the only stops along the way would be for food and…

Travelling within India vs International…

I started travelling in the earlier 2000s, and most of them were weekend trips. I would either travel solo or with a friend, and destinations were picked based on the…

Skywatch Friday… Clouds galore..

The road trip to Chennai – Day 1 & 2

This was the 1st official long-distance trip that P & I were doing since we moved in. It was also extra special cos he was gonna be meeting my family…

Travel is the best test for any relationship

During our recent road trip to Chennai & back, we spoke about a range of things, one of which was the whole travelling together & how it is the biggest…

Hunt for lunch ends at Hotel Mamalla Bhavan

It was hot, we had been on the road for an hour + [Chennai to Mahabalipuram with an hour & half at Dakshin Chitra]. It was nearly 2.45 pm and…

Road trip to Chennai.. The Plan

This is a road trip that we have plan to do back in November 2021 when I thought of bringing Floppy here. Circumstances changed and we didn’t do that road…

Benne dosa , Davangere [Karnataka]

When we planned the road trip, we knew there were going to be multiple stops and breaks, involving not just stretching our legs but also trying local food.

3 days in Dapoli

Driving to a coastal town with a random group of people for 3 days was the plan when I booked Western Routes “Uncharted Konkan Lands – Dapoli” trip… It was…

Visit to the RK Laxman Museum, Pune

Ever since I moved to Pune, I’ve been looking for interesting places to visit and explore – Heritage History & landmark-based to explore. Over the last year, I visited quite…

2022, The wrap up!

Come December, my mood goes haywire. I am happy one minute, and sad/glum the next. The month over the years has left me feeling all sorts of restless.

Skywatch Friday… Colours and drama

Exploring Pune.. Kasba Peth & Kaas Plateau

I love travelling and I also love exploring the town I am in.. be it for travel or work purposes. Ever since I moved to Pune a year ago, am…

Skywatch Friday… Woke up to a Rainbow

Nashik.. Weekend getaway!

Nashik.. Weekend Getaway For the long weekend, we decided to get away, the first official holiday for the three of us together, and we began looking for options.

Don’t really need a reason to visit Chennai. Just come!! 

It’s a city that will always have a special place in my heart, even though I don’t live there anymore. It became my home back in 1990 and I wasn’t…

Exploring Pune – Cafes & Coffee shops

I have been in Pune now for a little over a year and have had the opportunity to explore quite a bit of the food scene at least.In my side…

The Grove, LA

Established way back in 1934 as the Farmers Market, the space has grown to become one of the most popular high end shopping and dining spaces in LA with the…

Skywatch Friday… Monsoons are here

In Pune and am loving my 1st experience of the Monsoons.. It has been raining, but nothing too crazy & I love how life goes on, unlike in Chennai where…

Santa Barbara, Rains & the Mission

So from Solvang, we decided to head to Santa Barbara.And it was pouring all through the way.Again, we didn’t have any plans.We didn’t know what we were going to do.

Solvang & the Horse ranch..

This time around the trip to the US was a total contrast to my last one.. It was not my first time. I was not traveling alone.

Skywatch Friday.. Heavy heart gloomy skies

The last flight I took was back from Bangalore to Pune.. a trip that was completely unplanned, but one that had to happen sometime.. I flew back with a heavy…

[Travel stories] Travelling & strangers

Was chatting with an online friend about travelling solo and people we meet during our travels and that is when it struck me that more than once, have had strangers…

Skywatch Friday.. in the jungles

The gorgeous blazing sky as we got back to the resort after a fabulous safari sighting at Ranthambore…

New beginnings

New beginnings.. Some of you know it, some of you don’t – I am referring to the fact that I moved to Pune and it’s been about 8- 9 months.

Skywatch Friday… on the road

Clicked these during the most recent road trip to Bombay and back.. loved the colours of the sky and am always fascinated by how nature seems to put on a…

Skywatch Friday.. city skyline

One evening last week, there was thunder, lightening and good hour of rains where the sky was just this magical pinkish hue… Thankfully it cooled down and I enjoyed the…

Jungles of Ranthambore, Rajasthan

It has been ages since I was in the jungles, 2+years.. Few months back, we [a bunch of women who connected couple of years back with “safari” & “jungles” as…

Skywatch Friday…. open skies

We were gearing up for the last day safari into the jungles and this was the morning sky….

Skywatch Friday.. Night sky

We did a few road trips, and also got the chance to go for drives later in the evening. Now, since it was winter, the sky would turn dark around…

Skywatch Friday – Home & views

We were finally home, and even though it was one helluva holiday, we were exhausted after all those flights, and jumping time zones. Our bodies were confused, we were sleeping…

Travel during Covid times – USA & Back

While there is a lot of chaos and blurred areas around travel during these COVID times, I did a trip to the US and decided to share tips and pointers…

Skywatch Friday.. High up

Am back, after a brief hiatus, one that took me across the globe to the US. Took quite a few flights, going across from West coast to East Coast and…

Christmas decor on the streets of Candy Cane Lane, Los Angeles

As the festive season rolled in, so did the much-anticipated tradition of Christmas lights. This year, however, came with an exciting twist: a first time Christmas eve dinner with family…

Breakfast date at The Rustle Nest, Baner

It was Saturday, we woke up relaxed and were in the mood for a lazy long breakfast. The only criteria was “we wanted Eggs Benedict”.

Skywatch Friday… View from home

From last evening..

Skywatch Friday … Rains to Clear skies

During my most recent flight, there was a lot of drama and uncertainty! In fact, till we took off, I wasn’t sure if we were gonna actually take off and…

Skywatch Friday… Clouds and Mist..

The sky today morning… Uff.. beautiful~ All are mobile clicks with a lot of effort [ well, Nature had done 90% of the job, but i had squeeze the camera…

This Monday… be open to new experiences

Skywatch Friday – Different Moods, different shades

I love standing in the balcony and gazing at the sky… watching the clouds glide along, sometimes the sun peeks out and other times dark clouds are all I see.

Skywatch Friday.. The Skies..

This was probably the 1st time in a long time when I purchased just a one-way ticket… It was exciting and am now looking forward to what life holds in…

Madras day … Aug 22nd

Chennai turns 382 years as the city celebrates ‘Madras Day’ today. It was on August 22, 1639, that the village of Madrasapatnam was purchased by the East India Company from…

[Guest Post ]A guide to Leh Ladakh Bike Trip by Julie Kiruba

In this post, Julie Kiruba shares her experience of doing a bike ride to Leh Ladakh. Though I have been there and loved it, riding on a bike is quite…

[Guest post] Top 10 Enchanting Destinations for solo travellers

I love hearing stories from fellow travellers and draw inspiration from them as well. Some travel solo like me, while others explore the country & the world with friends/family/others.

Travel during Covid times

Breathe.. Breathe…Have some water, if needed.. breathe… No no, those instructions are not for me, they are for the select few who read my blog and who are gasping at…

[Skywatch Friday] Clear skies after the rain

We have had a few weeks filled with nothing but dark clouds, and crazy rains scattered through the day. The last two days has been clear skies and chill weather……

[Skywatch] Cloudy with splash of rain

There has been such a drastic change in the weather, it has been raining on & off the past few days and we are rejoicing… It feels so good to…

[Skywatch] From the terrace

Last evening, I went up to the terrace cos the ACT guys wanted to sort out the cable, and install a connection at home. While the rep was busy doing…

[Skywatch] From the garden

I know I know, this Skywatch Friday profile has gone missing, but I do miss posting on Friday about the gorgeous skies I have seen… So I am bringing it…

Conversations with strangers…

Sometime back I had written about the joy of conversations, how only a few are good at it, most others stutter & there is nothing but awkward silence between strained…

Travel & food- Part I

It is no secret that I love to travel, and I have been fortunate to travel quite a bit over the last couple of years.

[Guest post] SPRING: A HOPE AND PROMISE, OF SURVIVAL AND RENEWAL

A guest post on the blog after ages… This one is by a dear friend/ Wildlife traveller, a woman who has strong thoughts and a kind heart- Shabnam of Wildlife…

Destination Weddings… The In thing~!

Our cab drove into the entrance making its way near Galle fort when I spotted a group of women all identically dressed, giggling away.. Few yards from them, I spotted…

Chettinad Food festival at Ayna, The Hilton, Chennai

The first thing that catches my eye is a metal Pallankuzhi [a game that I used to play with my grandma & great grandma] board where each slot has a…

Skywatch friday…. Chennai skies..

This was what greeted me- One of those evenings when I was out just to get away from home…. One of those days when I needed nothing but silence and…

Mountain Goat Farms, Mangaon

Quirky art work near the dining/games area… A game of carrom… look at the view ahead… Phew.. The Dining/games area… Yellow submarine! The space.. The Room We had 3 days…

Zesty Mornings at ITC Grand Chola Chennai

Breakfast like a king.. remember that ? Well, at ITC hotels they have launched the Zesty Mornings, healthy twist to the breakfast spread and it is yummilicious & it is…

Day 3 in Kolkata…

After a fun & fabulous two days [Day1 & Day2], I was looking forward to my 3rd & final day in Kolkata. I remember having these random thoughts the day…

Day 2 in Kolkata

After a fun Day 1, I got a good nights sleep and was up and ready to explore more of this beautiful city…Was up by 6am, spent a few minutes…

Day 1 in Kolkata

After a good night’s rest, I woke up to a new kinda sound, which I heard within a few minutes again…Putting it out of my mind, I got ready for…

Skywatch Friday… Touchdown Chennai

It was a holiday of many FIRSTs… Among the long list was the fact that I did not click too many pictures during the flight.

Tips and insights for 1st time Solo travellers [women]

If I were about to embark on a solo trip and was seeking advice from someone experienced, I’d definitely want to gather practical tips and personal insights that could help…

Birds of Sundarbans

We were in the boat cruising along the waters, keeping an eye out for any movement, any bird or animal that might be about..Our Guide Nityananda was up and about…

First glimpse of Kolkata and the itinerary…

The girls had initiated a plan, and I was quite keen to join them, considering it was to a new place, new experiences and I knew I could carry my…

Biswa Bangla Gate, Kolkata

The Biswa Bangla Gate (Kolkata Gate).. Standing tall at 55m high with majestic arches, a 60m diameter circular ring shape platform walkway and more hidden within them beautiful walls… Quite…

Photo journey through the Sunderbans

It has been a few days since I got back from my Kol trip.. About time I started sharing my stories, right? Someone recently asked me which has been my…

Travel books and Travel…

Decades ago, when I was in School, we had Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island as part of Non-detailed syllabus, which i read within a few days of receiving..

Wrapping up

Well, there goes another year, leaving us wondering what lies ahead.. Am sure the world and their gramma has this thought on their mind. For me, this year has been…

Headsup- Change in Jordan Visa rules…

Here is some news about Visa for those planning a trip to Jordan… “Jordan on Thursday decided to offer visas on arrival to Chinese and Indian nationals.”

Two weddings, Two towns & some amazing food

Last weekend I got to attend a wedding, no no, two weddings, and they were both in different towns. But there was something common to the two- both were Malayali…

Kovilakam Resort, Allepey

This weekend was one of a kind alright, and something I haven’t done ever… What was special about it? Well, two of my friends were getting married, to different women…

The skies and the captures…

I have always loved taking photographs of the skies, the clouds and just about anything that catches my eye.. Not so much people, cos I somehow feel am intruding/invading their…

Through the lanes of Mumbai..

There are a few places that kinda grow on you.. And then there are some that you visit a zillion times, yet they remain strange.

Houses of Goa, Porvorim..

Say hello to the street with Houses of Goa The first house you see as you drive towards the road… There is a store and a museum of sorts upstairs……

Skies come alive….

I was up in the sky, high high above it all.. after ages.. This time, I got upgraded and travelled in plush seats, with wow level leg room.

What a trip~ Tungabadra dam & gardens..Hospet

It was a trip unlike any other I had taken…Why? Oh, several reasons…. I had been chatting with this guy via a dating app for a few weeks and we…

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi, Gujarat

We were done with Bhuj and Kutch and before winding up the trip, one last stop was required. That was going to be Mandvi.. Had read about the historic significance…

Things to do in HongKong during a long layover….

[Images courtesy RA & yes he said it was alright for me to use em..] A friend of mine was travelling to Seattle, via Hong Kong… He had a layover…

Delhi, PVR and travel tales

It was April, the air was hot and there was crazy amount of pollution as I made my way from the Airport to Ambiance Mall, Gurugram… I had a few…

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad…

There I was, in the city that held so many fond memories- Ahmedabad. My first visit was back in 20015, when I spent a whole week here, just that back…

Into the jungles- Dudhwa National Park, UP

Crested Serpent Eagle. The open bill stork.. Two elephants goofing about till their herd came close and they trotted away… Kingfisher… Spotted Deer Great pied Hornbill A plan was brewing…

Anantya Resort near Kanyakumari… The birthday getaway

I started this tradition few years back.. For my birthday I would get away, be away from Chennai… Over the years I have been to many different places..

Conversations about Travelling, & more…

I have been travelling for a few years now, more so in recent past. Infact, the love for travel began back in junior school. Luckily my parents let me go…

Kala Ghoda & Mumbai…

I had heard of the Kala Ghoda Festival in Mumbai few years back and since then been wanting to visit the city around the time.

Road trip, Temples, Mall.. Indore…

And just like that two weeks had flown by and we were headed to our final destination in the Explore Madhya Pradesh saga… We were headed to Indore, by bus…

Caves, temples and more in Bhopal

From Chanderi, we took a bus to Lalitpur, just about making it to the 1.45pm train to Bhopal. Upon reaching Bhopal, we headed to Hotel Sangam , which was fairly…

Fort, stepwell, textile and more in Chanderi

So from Jhansi, we decided to head to Chanderi… Now, these small towns have a certain charm about them, but on the other hand they are quite a pain when…

Exploring through the streets of Jhansi…

From Orchha, we were headed to a town that was a short 18kms away… We were going onwards to Jhansi, a historical city that is regarded as the gateway to…

Architecture, history and more at Orchha

The historic town of Orchha, [the capital of the Bundela Rajput Kings] situated right along the banks of River Betwa, was founded back in the 16th century by Rudra Pratap…

Chasing tigers again… Panna National park, Madhya Pradesh..

After spending a few hours at Khajuraho, we headed towards Panna National park.. Time for more tigers, atleast hoping to sight a few!! 😀 Checked into the Panna Tiger Resort…

Travel through Madhya Pradesh

As the frosty winds whisper through India, a land beckons, draped in the golden hues of winter. Madhya Pradesh, nestled in the heart of the country, transforms into a tapestry…

Lost amidst Gods in Khajuraho… Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh

From Corbett, we headed back to Delhi as the next leg of our journey was in the other direction. We took the night train from Delhi to Khajuraho, went to…

Skies across Uttarakand to Delhi and beyond…

Some gorgeous images of the sky while up in the air and during the safaris across Corbett & Panna….

My first real Safari- Jim Corbett National Park,Uttarakhand

From the word go, this trip was something I was quite excited about. I hadn’t been to any of the National parks in the North, actually I hadn’t done any…

Round up of the trip that was…. Phew!!

This year has been good, especially with travels. I began the year with a trip that was focussed on the Textiles and ended it with the majestic Bengal Tiger and…

Of Flying & Airports…

I am always fascinated by people.. And my favourite hobby is to watch them, observe them… not stare or oggle- mainly at airports, train stations and bus stops… Some are…

To travel or not…

If you were to fill a room with people, a random group of people and ask them the question “Do you enjoy travelling or not?”, am sure you would get…

The birthday getaway tradition…

A few years ago, I was on a road trip with a cousin of mine and it so happened that on my Birthday we were in Chidambaram.

Interesting Encounters on the train -1

Train journeys are so much fun, especially if like me you travel alone. You can sit reading a book or plug in your headphones and tune out the world.

Sharing travel stories…

Travelling is super fun, I love it. And even though I haven’t travelled as much as I would like to, am still glad I am doing what I can.

Day out with Nature in Sikkim…. Part II

After spending a few hours near the river and grabbing lunch at Tenzing’s farm, we were off to a beach of sorts. Along the way, we drove near a raging…

Day out with Nature in Sikkim…. Part I

A day out at River Rungkyung and beyond… It had been about 4 days in Sikkim, and we were just done exploring Yumthang Valley and Zero Point..

The blue blue skies in Leh

A few days back a friend pinged and asked how my Leh trip was, how much did it cost, how many days, etc etc…. She went on to ask if…

Flags across Sikkim

Since the trip to Leh, Ladakh I have been in love with the prayer flags dancing to the wind… In Sikkim too, I saw them everywhere..

Drama in the skies… headed to Bagdogra

That was that, I had decided I was doing the trip to Sikkim. Next came the dilemma of travel, whether I wanted to fly direct to Bagdogra [a town in…

Sikkim Diaries… The itinerary for the 9 day trip…

[Clicked this enroute Yumthang valley.. Rhodendron flowers were in full bloom] Since I came back from Bhubaneshwar, I was busy chugging along life- work and things were happening and there…

What kind of a traveller are you? – Tavel safe and stay healthy!

Am not talking about solo, group, nor am I talking about mountains, beaches or nature.. Am asking if you are the well informed, do some research before you head to…

Bags are packed… off I go…

Its time to pack my bags and head off to explore a new destination… Couldn’t have come at a more perfect time, especially considering how hot it is here and…

Kedar Gauri Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell– a jist of all that I did while in Odisha One friend said Bhubaneshwar is a “City of Temples” and I thought to myself…

Ethel M Chocolates’ Botanical Cactus Garden, Nevada

On the way back from Vegas towards Los Angeles, the bus was to make few stops, one of which was Ethel M Chocolates’ that included a visit to the Botanical…

Walking around Konark.. Orissa

Psst.. long post ahead!! 🙂 Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell– a jist of all that I did while in Odisha After spending the afternoon exploring Bhubaneshwar, I decided to…

Applique work at Pipli

Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell– a jist of all that I did while in Odisha About 30 kms from Bhubhaneshwar, I noticed the streets lined with shops on either…

Ekamra haat, Bhubaneshwar

Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell– a jist of all that I did while in Odisha After plenty of walking around and visiting three temples, I decided to take a…

Where roots find the path

There are things I spot that just refuse to leave my mind for years after… This was one of those things that happened during our trip to Karaikudi..

Train Tracks of Karaikudi

I grew up in Madurai and Tirunelveli and therefore find a certain charm in small towns… Life is simple, everybody knows everybody and then ofourse there are these train tracks..

The National Mall in Washington D C… not really mall~

[All that you find in the area… image courtesy: Google] I had three days in Washington D C and wanted to make the most of it.

Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts, Bhubaneshwar

Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell – a jist of all that I did while in Odisha When I planned my trip to Bhubaneshwar, I knew there were a whole…

Parashurameshwar Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell – a jist of all that I did while in Odisha It was one of those trips that did not involve too much planning…

Bhubhaneshwar, my trip in a nutshell

Jan 26th was a Friday, which meant it was a long weekend. For a freelancer like me, it does not make much of a difference, but what the hell, decided…

Land’s end, Bandra…

During my last visit to Mumbai, friend took it upon herself to show me around certain parts of the city I haven’t been to and certain pockets that she had…

Hues of Yellow in Pondicherry

About a week or fortnight ago, I decided to do something I had been putting off forever. It was something that gave me nightmares, seemed daunting and well, scary at…

The artist stands tall..

He stood there, at the intersection glowing under the light.. I have no idea who he is or why there is a statue for him out here in Hospet… No…

Riding the Metro… and the beautiful sunset

So, a few days ago I got a message “can you come to the airport?” .. I was both surprised and stumped, cos he had mentioned the chennai trip, but…

Travel tales – The Camel at Puri beach…

Decided to weave a story of a place/meet/incident from each of my journeys…. These two photographs were clicked at Puri Beach during my visit to Bhubaneswar in Jan.

Skywatch Friday… Bhubaneshwar to Chennai I fly….

I love the window seat, and I make sure to grab it at every given opportunity. This time, while flying back from Bhubaneswar, I was allotted the aisle seating on…

Charm of road trips… kicking off 2018…

There is something charming about road trips and when it is into an unknown unexplored destination, makes it that much more special. This year began with one such, rather it…

Travelling with a friend or a group…. lessons learnt…

Travelling to me is more than just visiting a new destination. It is all about an experience that starts with the journey going all the way till the day I…

Walking through the streets of Ranwar Village in Bandra, Mumbai

Narrow lanes, quaint independent houses and bungalows is the first thing you see as you step into Ranwar village, dating back to 1716.. This is one of Mumbai’s treasures..

Skywatch Friday… Beyond the planes

Had just landed at Bangalore Airport, walking towards the shuttle I spotted this beautiful sky and cloud formation…. For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Vegas and all the jazz.. Part 2.. Hoover Dam

Well, after an eventful first few hours at Vegas, and the fantastic visit to Grand Canyon, I was all set for the 2nd round… Where were we headed?

Skywatch Friday…Golden Gate Bridge and the skies

It was a cool beautiful morning when I landed in San Francisco… As I sipped on the hot coffee while waiting for my bro in law [S] and niece [Sr]…

Sarda Farms, Nashik

Friend and another lady who were part of the road trip had been subscribing to milk from Sarda Farms for a few months now. And so one of the things…

Skywatch Friday… Up towards the North I go

This year has been good in terms of travelling, have done a trip a month [ almost ] and they have all been to new destinations [some with a stop…

Parekh Farms, Nasik

Mumbai is one of those cities that has quite a few options for those looking to getaway for the weekend. But the flip-side to this is most places get packed…

Vegas and all the jazz.. Part 1

Having seen enough movies and TV shows featuring Las Vegas, the lights, the glamour and the casinos were way too much for me. I was not interested in any of…

Sangam point, Leh

As we rode along the mountains, the landscape changed slowly, from blue skies and brown mountains to grey waters and muddy paths.. We were headed towards the Sangam area.

Skywatch Friday- The Magnetic Hill, Leh

As we got back on the Leh-Kargil-Baltik national highway, we were told the next stop would be the “Magnetic Hill” which is located about about 30 km from Leh..

Drama in the sky, Pangong Tso, Leh

We were at Pangong Tso, and after that eventful morning [read about it in earlier post], I was up at my usual time of 5.30am..

Shades of blue at Pangong Tso, Leh

We had been on the road for about 4-4.5 hours.. Had driven through snow fall in Chang la and rains, and now the dark looming clouds seem to come with…

Skywatch Friday… Where to stay in Leh- Lazakar Guest house, Leh

Where did you stay, how was the place, was it comfortable or did you have to rough it out… are some questions thrown at me from the time I have…

Thiksey Monastery…

Still reeling from the beauty of Shey Palace, we got back on the road towards Thiksey Monastery which was a few kms down the road.

Leh- Settling in and wandering through Shey Palace

The few people I spoke to [who had been to Leh] told me to take it easy the 1st day, and pop a pill [Diamox] to help with any acclimatisation…

I got Leh’d, the journey begins…

Every year, around June- Sep, there would be messages doing the rounds on the internet, across social media.. it would be like ants whispering to each other.

Skywatch Friday… Above the city lines

If you know me, you will know how I love the window seat on an airplane and hog it at every given chance.. This time, during the 4 flights I…

Thursday Challenge.. Feel the heat..

The theme for today is “HEAT (week 2 of 2)” (Hot, Glowing, Fire, Smoke, Heat Distortion, Curling Iron,…) Here is a shot of the trees that stand tall after the…

The horseshoe bend.. Arizona

After the jaw dropping few hours at the Grand Canyon, we were headed back and then towards the Horseshoe bend. There was another tour that had Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe…

Solo travel.. my take!

As most people know, I love travelling on my own and it so happens that most of my travels have been solo travel. I had done an earlier post about…

Skywatch Friday… Garden & art..

Walking along The Mall in Washington D.C, after spending about 7 hours exploring the museums and food trucks, I was ready to head back to the train station at Smithsonian.

Skywatch Friday… Skyscrapers galore..

More from the city that I entered with quite a bit of apprehension but loved just as much as the others… Since I did not have too many days and…

Quincy Market or Faneuil Hall Market, Boston

I was in Boston just for 2 days and on the 1st day, I was up and ready along with my friend & her family by 7am.

Skywatch Friday… Fire escapes of New york

While in New york, I did a brief tour via the hop on hop off buses and the views were beautiful, especially since I was sitting on the top.

The Grand Canyon , USA

We were done with our 7th Std Half yearly Exams and our teacher was giving out the answer sheets and calling out our marks. It was my favorite subject- Geography!

Fun quirky art pieces at Pier 39, San Francisco

From Fremont, I took the BART [Local train service] and got off at Powell Station. From there it was a short walk to the cable car place..

Skywatch Friday… Windmills

As we pulled out of the pick up point towards the highway and onwards to Yosemite National Park, these mountains and windmills was what we saw.

The Niagara Falls

E: So, are you heading towards New york? Me: Yes, towards end of the trip and I fly back home from there. E: Ah cool..

Skywatch Friday … Mountains meet the sky

What a feast on the eyes right? This was clicked as we headed out from Yosemite after the hike to see them giant red Sequoia trees towards the village..

Packing your bags.. the art!

I had earlier done a post on Travel light, travel fun, travel safe… Today decided to do one to help people pack for a long haul… I know packing can…

Skywatch Friday … The clouds below

The first flight had me slightly anxious, but thereon I became a domestic flight ninja of sorts. I knew where to go, what to ask or what to look for…

Universal Studios, LA

I had a plan in my head when I booked my tickets to USA. But then it kept changing every few hours, until finally I took a few places off…

Getty Center, LA

While I was planning my trip, one of my uncles [in Chennai] insisted I visit the Getty centre. I had seen pictures from grandparents’ earlier visit and knew it would…

Strolling along the Venice Beach , Los Angeles

Narrow lanes Short bridges Waterways all over Gondolas Romance These are a few words that come to my mind when someone says “Venice”.. But for us it was more of…

Skywatch… The rolling hills

We were doing with the wedding rehearsal, it was time to go drop off a friend whose daughter was part of the wedding entourage and head over to the Bridal…

Long haul and the hours after…

This was the 1st time I was taking a flight that was over 4hours in duration and so there was a lot of apprehension in the mind.

Off to explore a new destination…

Its been a few weeks since I got back from my last trip, which was with my girl friends. We headed to Gujarat- wandering around in Baroda… It is already…

The archways at Lakshmi Vilas palace, Baroda

On a hot sunny day, all you want is to stay indoors/relax in an air conditioned space and sip on something cool. Right? Well, what did we do?

Skywatch Friday… Walking into Lakshmi vilas Palace, Baroda

There we were, four girls meeting up after a few years all set to explore the sights that Gujarat had to offer. The one place we all wanted to visit…

The Doors & Windows of Pondicherry

Earlier this year, during the day in Pondicherry, I walked around and clicked as many Doors & windows as possible. They have always fascinated me, the architecture, the style, the…

Thursday Challenge.. As the day breaks..

Theme for this week is “OPEN SPACE (week 1 of 2)” (Square, Courtyard, Mall, Field, Meadow, Clearing, Forest Opening,…) Clicked this enroute to pondicherry.. we had stopped for a break…

A day in Pondicherry with me – 6- The Fortune teller & his parrot

Of all the things I have come across during my travels, this was the last thing I expected to see. There I was lost in thoughts, walking along the road…

Passport renewal & Address change

My passport expired early last year and for some reason I dilly dallied about the renewal .. Don’t ask me why!And when I finally got around to it, all it…

Skywatch Friday… A day in Pondicherry with me – 5- Soaking in the sun

Bharathi Park and Aayi Mandayam are places that I end up spending some time in every time I visit Pondicherry. Infact I have done a detailed blog post on this…

Foreign tourists will now get free, pre-activated SIM cards on arrival in India

[Image courtesy: http://indiatoday.intoday.in] I remember the time I landed in Sri Lanka, my very first international trip. We went through towards Immigration, where after checking our passports, while handing it…

Thursday Challenge- A day in Pondicherry with me – 4- The Roads

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 3- The Museum A day in Pondicherry with Me- 1 A day in Pondicherry with Me- 2 Ah, it had been one fabulous day…

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 3- The Museum

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 1 A day in Pondicherry with Me- 2 I was done at Le cafe and wandered about the town, first heading to Bharathi Park…

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 2

The first part can be found here So, I spent about an hour & a half to two hours at Le cafe, enjoying my coffee and reading the book.

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 1

“I learnt how to read directions, I learnt how to let go and trust a stranger, I learnt about my strengths and weakness, I enjoyed the adrenalin rush on achieving…

Agasthiyar Falls.. Tirunelveli

There I was in the train, lying on the Side Lower berth, unable to sleep [well cos the 6 foot me wouldn’t fit into that small berth and cos it…

And we meet again Bangalore

It has been nearly 2.5yrs since my last visit to Bangalore, and that was also a short one. I remember having a full day meeting in Coimbatore, and from there…

The Metro Rail ride..koo chug chug chug with pride…..

Sometime last week I posted this in one of the whatsapp groups am a part of- “we spoke about doing a Metro ride, but haven’t done one yet as a…

Thursday Challenge… Glitters

The prompt for this week’s Thursday Challenge was “EXPENSIVE” (Clothes, Cars, Jewelry, Money, Gold, Coins,…) Clicked these during my trip to haridwar earlier this year for the ardh kumbh mela……

Thursday Challenge- Memories

The prompt for this week’s Thursday Challenge was “GROUND (1 of 2 weeks)” (Things on the ground, Soil, Garden, Lawn,…) Clicked this near our gate, on the road.

Thursday Challenge- Bright and sunny

The prompt for this week’s Thursday Challenge was “SUNNY (1 of 2 weeks)” (Bright, Sunrise, Sunset, Sunshiny, Sunlit, Cheerful, Happy,…) Clicked this at the Chennai airport while waiting for the…

Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai

I was wondering what other new places to visit, when a friend spoke about how the mills in Mumbai had all become malls, and one of them was the infamous…

Thursday Challenge- spreading some love

The prompt for this week’s Thursday Challenge was “WARM” (Sunny, Pleasant, Warm Colors, Food, Drink,…) Almost looks like is laughing away, enjoying the wind on his face,not to forget the…

A walk through history at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Bombay

I was heading back to Bombay after a gap of about 5years and this time I had no agenda at all. I had informed about 4-5 folks that I am…

Skywatch Friday… New kinda company!

It has been a few months since my last trip and this one was indeed a special one, with many firsts.. For the first time I actually announced to my…

Heritage tour to Kovur & Thyagaraja connection

It was Sunday, and I was up by 4.30am.. Had kept the alarm for 5 and told gramma & mom to wake me up, which both of them did [in…

Travel light, travel fun, travel safe…

Yesterday when talking to a friend, I released safety is a big big concern for us travellers, more so if you are travelling alone. Here are a few tips I…

Thursday Challenge- Flying high, up in the sky…

The theme for today’sThursday Challengeis “FLIGHT” (Bird, Insect, Jet, Airplane, Seeds,…) Clicked this few years ago at Pulicat.. it was such a sight to see those flamingoes and the colours…

Thursday Challenge- Barriers- Bhima Gateway,Hampi

The theme for today’s Thursday Challengeis “BARRIER” (Wall, Fence, Gate, Door, Stanchions,…) In Hampi, as you drive around, you will stumble upon a few of these gateways, giant stone structures…

Skywatch Friday… Sun sets over the bridge

This is of a Bridge that I love in Chennai.. it is one that I have passed by numerous times and it continues to fascinate me..

Thursday Challenge- Colours

The theme for today’s Thursday Challengeis “MULTICOLOURED” (Kaleidoscopic, Rainbow, Clothes, Toys, Flowers, Paint,…) This was one of the homes we visited in karaikudi and i was in love.

The Mughal Gardens, Delhi

Once we were done visiting the Chandi Devi Temple, we were off to Delhi before catching our flight back to Chennai… But we did have a few hours in Delhi…

Another Ropeway to Chandi Devi Temple and off to Delhi – Part VIII

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II Hotel Sakoon, Dehradun at a glance… Part III Exploring Dehradun- Part…

Thursday Challenge- Empty..

The theme for today’s Thursday Challengeis“EMPTY” (Vacant, Abandoned, Hollow, Empty Container/Chair/House,…)

Temples and Ropeways in Haridwar- Mansa Devi Temple- Part VII

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II Hotel Sakoon, Dehradun at a glance… Part III Exploring Dehradun- Part…

Skywatch Friday… Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram

This was probably the last solo trip I did in recent years and what a trip it was. Just before Diwali, I got the itch and that was it.

Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri, Haridwar- VI

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II Hotel Sakoon, Dehradun at a glance… Part III Exploring Dehradun- Part…

Off to Rishikesh.. Part V

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II Hotel Sakoon, Dehradun at a glance… Part III Exploring Dehradun- Part…

Skywatch Friday.. Listening to the waves

It was one of those days, I had decided to take off and spend it with a dear friend [who has recently moved to chennai and is in the Navy…

Exploring Dehradun- Part IV

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II Hotel Sakoon, Dehradun at a glance… Part III Now that we…

Walk along the streets of Kumbakonam – Part I

The morning began with a cup of hot Kumbakonam Degree kaapi and this time I was looking forward to enjoying it in the town it is named after.

Hotel Sakoon, Dehradun at a glance… Part III

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II A 30km ride away, a few phone calls later the hotel…

Here we go, up and away to Dehradun.. Part II

Well, in case you haven’t read Part I, go on read it already… 🙂 What began as a “Lets do the 40hour train journey to Dehradun transformed into lets just…

A Hi, hello and a trip is born..-Part I

About a month or two ago, the bunch of us met for a Tamil play.. A friend’s sis had also come down and she joined us.

Celebrating Chennai – Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar

After the rains, after the floods, the city is slowly getting back on its feet. And so, when my uncle and cousin had come down from Delhi, we decided to…

Skywatch Friday… My Chennai

Though this year I havent travelled as much as I would have liked to, it has been quite an interesting one at that. Here is one last post before 2015…

Thursday Challenge- Treats in Chennai

“TREATS” (Candy, Chocolate Bar, Cake, Pie, Ice Cream, Comfort Food,…) Mini donuts – light fluffy airy delicious little bites A spice based cake with thin custard poured on top… Heaven…

Thursday Challenge- Burst of Orange in Karaikudi

A few beautiful patterns from Karaikudi – The aachi house, the Bangala and from one of the streets…It is amazing the kind of things you come across during your trips-…

Thursday Challenge.. In the Dark…

“NIGHT” (Dark, Low Light, Twilight, Evening, Shadows, Long Exposure, City Lights,…) This photograph I clicked from a moving train, the train that was taking me to Goa… It was pitch…

Interesting Encounters- The cute doggie in Karaikudi

We were exploring the town of Kanadukathan, when after a while we asked our cabbie if he knew of any traditional homes where we could watch a meal being cooked.

Skywatch Friday… Over the ocean yonder..

It was one of those plans that fell into place before you could blink our eyes twice.. Well, that is a bit of exaggeration, but nevertheless it was a trip…

Thursday Challenge.. All Suited up!

CLOTHES (Dress, Suit, Socks, Colourful Fabrics,…) These two photographs were clicked in Bangkok.. 1st one at Chatu Chak market and 2nd one at Wat Arun..

Statue Circle, Jaipur

Jaipur city or the Pink City as it is called is home to quite a few tourist spots, Forts, Palaces and festivals. Oh and not to forget the amazing array…

Thursday Challenge…. Royal…

“SEAT (2 week theme)” (Chair, Sofa, Bench, Stool, Bed, Anywhere/Anyway one can sit,…) This image was shot at the Krishnapuram Palace in Kayamkulam… The palace is today a museum of…

Wordless Wednesday 1- Buddha lined up at Wat Pho

Thursday Challenge…. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

“PLACE; 2 week theme” (House, Cabin, Apartment, Tent, Workshop, Office,…) We were finally done with our trip and all set to fly back home. but the Suvarnabhumi Airport had me…

Off-roading in Chennai..

If someone told you “let’s go off- roading in Chennai” you might have stared at them long and hard and burst out laughing. Right? Well, that is pretty much my…

Thursday Challenge.. Going back in time

“OLD” (Vintage, Antique, Rusty, Secondhand, Long ago, Aging, Senior,…) These pictures were clicked during the Vintage car rally that I got to be a part of a year or so…

Thursday Challenge.. Dogs

Today’s theme is “FAVORITE” (Thing, Photo, Person, Pet,…) I love dogs, and this little piece caught my eye at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok… 🙂

Thursday Challenge.. In person…

“SOUND” (Noise, Music, Singing, Birds, Insects, Vehicles,…) It was 2003 or 2002, don’t remember the exact year. But I do remember the euphoria I felt after the concert.

Skywatch Friday. One among the many temples..

While exploring Karaikudi, we stumbled upon this temple, majestic and beautiful. it was closed and so we did not go inside. Did however spend some time in the Museum nearby…

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

It was our 4th day in Bangkok and the one place we were yet to visit was The Grand Palace. As we were stepping out of our hotel, the lady…

Thursday Challenge…. The Skytrain

“LINES” (Linear Marks, Strips, Railroad Lines, Telephone/Electrical Lines, Line ups,…) I fell in love with the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok- the trains are so well organised, the stations are super…

Wat Arun, Bangkok

Next up on our agenda was to visit Wat Arun temple, which had to be reached through a short ferry ride from the jetty. After grabbing a quick bite to…

Thursday Challenge.. Spring is in the air…

The theme for today is “SPRING” (Fresh Leaves, Baby Animals, Warm Weather,…) Clicked this when walking out of a cafe in Bangalore after a meeting that had me nothing but…

Skywatch Friday… Summer is here~

With the temperature soaring, we are all melting down and gearing up for the days to come. The sun shows no respite~!! For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday …

Kundrakudi Murugan temple, Kundrakudi

The day we landed in Karaikudi, we made a list of places we wanted to see in and around here. Among the places were two temples, one being Pillayarpatti Pillayar…

Skywatch Friday – Showing the way in Bangkok

As we bid adieu to Wat Arun and made our way to the Jetty, this sign board caught my eye. It stood tall, worn out and yet was doing its…

Thursday Challenge.. Zip zap zoom!

The theme for today’s Thursday Challengeis“FAST” (Motion Blur, Cars, Boats, Running, Food,…) Clicked this while waiting at Udom Suk BTS station for the BTS train to take me back to…

Skywatch Friday.. go where the tracks take you, in Karaikudi

Whilst in Karaikudi, one noon when driving towards Kanadukathan, we had to cross this railway track. The system was what it used to be, what I have seen in Tiruneveli…

Thursday Challenge- Take a a few moments for yourself

The theme for today’s Thursday Challenge is “PEACEFUL” (Calming, peaceful nature, park, or urban scenes,…) This photograph was taken at GRT Temple Bay. A bunch of us had gone out…

Skywatch Friday… Meeting the Lord at Kataragama

We were exhausted after exploring Yala National park for a good 4-5 hours. Not to forget the sun was blazing down on us. Our next stop in the vacation was…

Chatuchak Market, Bangkok

The one place that everyone suggested we visit was the Chatuchak market in Bangkok.. I had no idea about the place- where it was, what was it about and why…

Colours all around.. Athangudi Tiles Factory, Karaikudi

For years I had been dreaming of visiting Karaikudi and one of the things I knew the town was famous for was the Athangudi Tiles.

Thursday Challenge – Vibrancy along the roads in Bangkok

Came upon this Thursday Challenge on a fellow bloggers’ page and thought why not do it here as well.. The theme for today is “BRIGHT” (Sunny, Lights, Laser, Intense, High…

Jim Thompson’s house, Bangkok

When I was planning my Bangkok trip, as always I did do a bit of research and one of the places that cropped up in almost all the sites was…

Skywatch Friday- Wat Pho, Bangkok

And so we had finally landed in Bangkok and made our way to the Hotel. After grabbing a quick bite in the Executive lounge and taking a tour of our…

Travellling to Bangkok- visa!

Once the destination was decided, it was all about getting details sorted out for the Visa, picking up some foreign currency and finally putting a few things in the suitcase…

Skywatch Friday- Sky coming alive at the break of dawn near Thailand…

I love travelling as most of you have guessed by now, even though I havent travelled as much as I would love to. And when it comes to flying, then…

Room with a view

We landed, took a luxurious ride in the S class Mercedes Benz which came with a cool box that continued chilled towels and wifi as well… And then came another…

Pillaiyar patti Pillaiyar temple, Thiruppatthur

I had been dreaming of visiting Karaikudi for nearly 2 years and finally decided there came the day when I knew the weekend was free and ergo I made plans.

Another weekend, another destination

Am loving the new turn of events.. When I was looking forward to welcoming 2015, I knew I was going to travel lot more this year but did not have…

Skywatch Friday… Thirumayam Fort near Karaikudi

One of the things I have decided to do in 2015 is to blog as much as possible, so here is the 1st post for the New Year!

Weekend getaway to the K land…

After a long hiatus, am off on a weekend trip… Ever since Dec showed its face, I have been itching to get on the road and explore a new destination.

Exploring Galle, Sri Lanka

There we were in our last leg of the trip, heading towards Galle before driving back down to Colombo for a day’s rest before catching our flight back home.

[Skywatch Friday] Buddhism within the Theosophical Society

It was one of those things in my list of things to do in Chennai. So when a Photowalk was being planned, I added my name to the list even…

The Chidambara Ragasiyam and my birthday!

My birthday comes with a lot of fond memories, one of them quite special. Few years ago was on a road trip with a friend down the Coromandal Coast.

Solo travel- Joy of travelling alone…

Couple of days ago I was part of a conversation that nearly ended up in a heated argument and what was it about- travelling, well not just travelling, it was…

Happy Birthday Madras…

Woah, you are 375 years old today.. No No, you are 375 years young today…. Happpy birthday to the only city I call home… I knew you back when you…

Skywatch Friday.. Blue waters in SriLanka

Ah, the memories from the Sri Lankan trip continue to linger on… I was talking to a friend about the fresh sweet Strawberries from Nuwara eliya and so decided to…

Skywatch Friday.. Along the Galle Fort

We were on our last leg of the Srilankan holiday. We left Unawatuna that morning and drove towards Galle before heading down back to Colombo.

Sywatch Friday– Amidst all that Gold- Golden Temple, Amritsar

I woke up dreaming of walking through the long marble tiled floor towards the Golden Temple. I could almost feel the chill on my feet, and my dupatta sliding off…

Skywatch Friday- Madurai in all its glory

Walking through the streets, I reminisced about our life in that town, crossing the road to get to school, the family that lived below in our house and a whole…

Sri Lanka- The Turtle Sanctuary

As we left for Galle, our cabbie told us there was a Turtle sanctuary enroute which is a nice place to visit. We spotted it a few kilometers ahead, and…

Teej Festival in Jaipur

It is nearly monsoon up north and that is what brought on this post. It was Aug 2013 and I was doing some reading about the places to visit in…

Skywatch Friday- Humannya- Blow Hole, Sri lanka

As we were driving along towards Matara, our driver announced there was a Blow Hole nearby and asked if we wanted to visit. Ofcourse we did!!

Srilanka- An overview of our trip

Now that we had landed in Colombo, the excitement within us was brimming over. Even though we did not have a concrete plan or an itinerary, we managed to cover…

SriLanka- The Arrival

The Planning The Research The Departure We were all set to Arrive in Colombo… And with a blink of an eye, the one hour flight was over and done with.

Prayers to Lord Rama in Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

This is a post that has been in the drafts for nearly a year now! And what a coincidence I opened it this morning to complete it.

SriLanka- Accommodation – Colombo Haven, Kollupitiya

We came to know of this place through our cab driver and were we glad he did! We checked in the day before we were to fly out of Colombo…

Srilanka- The departure

So, now that we were done with the Planning and Research, we had our ticket and our bags were packed. Since we were flying out of Madurai, both of us…

Srilanka- The Hotel Research

Now that you are done with Planning the trip, it is time to do some research and get some information on the country, places to see, things to do, and…

Skywatch Friday… Above the Indian Ocean

There we were walking from the airport shuttle all set to hop into the flight and head off to our final destination- Colombo. We were flying in a Bombardier Q400…

Sri Lanka- The Planning

This was a trip like no other. Why do I say that? There is only one reason why! This is my 1st ever trip across the Indian borders, yes, I…

Guess the destination

Well, it has been quite a while since I travelled.. And so I have decided to take a short holiday, and this time am travelling with a dear friend.

Skywatch Friday-Durgiana Mandir, Amritsar

We had just landed in Amritsar and plans were being made for the days to follow. We learnt there was a temple near the hotel we stayed at which is…

Oppana dance at Dakshin Chitra, Chennai

For those who are visiting Chennai and always asking the one big question – so what else is there to do or see around here?

Skywatch Friday- Along the blue waters at Temple Bay

A little beep on my phone where it all began! A friend asked “How about we all go for a drive and a nice lunch on 12th jan, sunday?”

Angalaamman Kovil, Mel Malayanur

About a week ago, sometime during the day a friend messaged asking if I would like to come with her and her boyfriend to a temple near Gingee.

Kalady- The birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya

It was my friend’s birthday and I had decided to lane there as a surprise. Her husband knew of my plans, but she did not.

Skywatch Friday…French War memorial, Pondicherry

It would be an understatement if I said this year was off to a not so great start. It has been an amazing one so far.

Skywatch Friday…Few steps below– Agrasen ki Baoli or Ugrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi

I had been fascinated by the Step wells since I laid eyes on the very 1st one, in Karnata- Hulikere. Since then, I have been reading about these wells, the…

Skywatch Friday– Fire in the sky

There I was, sitting in my favorite seat, eyes shining bright and glued to the window.. When we were checking in, my friend wanted an aisle seat, preferably in the…

Sun Surf Sand Spa and more in Seminyak Bali

One of the countries i have always been fascinated by is Bali. There are so many friends who have been here and keep talking about how beautiful the place is.

Skywatch Friday.. Qutb Minar, Delhi

I was randomly sorting through the folders in my HDD when I came upon a folder titled Images and I spotted quite a few taken during my earlier trips across…

Cyprus Escapes

Was talking to a friend who had just returned from a whirlwind trip around the world, well to most parts o it and she mentioned Cyprus was the one place…

Skywatch Friday … At the Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur

Looks like am going in reverse order! We were there in Jaipur for just another day and that Monday morning we decided to visit The Albert Hall Museum 1st before…

Skywatch Friday… Astronomy and science- Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

And what a glorious morning it was. We woke up to see the gentle drizze through the window, the spotted deer grazing in the park nearby and pigeons all over…

Skywatch Friday..Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur

It was a beautiful Sunday morning, the sun was shining bright but we were always on the lookout for the sudden downpour. Our past few days in Jaipur had proved…

Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam

The four of us decided to do a holiday a year, and the destination for this year was Kerala. The place was finalised, resort was booked, and train tickets were…

From hell to heaven– autos in Chennai

I have been using Autos for as long as I can remember. Yes, I know, you probably think am crazy! I also use the bus and local trains to commute…

Pallikondeswarar Swamy Temple in Surutapalli

We met on Friday and during the course of the conversation my friend Ar mentioned this temple in Surutapalli and how it was very famous.

Kadalekalu Ganesha in Hampi

There we were headed towards Matanga Hill to catch the sunset and see if we can spot the Yellow Throated Bulbul when we stopped on the way to catch a…

Skywatch Friday- High up in the sky

There is something about being 30,000 feet up in the air. For some it is scary, but am not one of those. I enjoy travelling and so the mode doesn’t…

Celebrating Chennai.. St Mary’s church

It is only fitting that I resume this series today.. Why? Today marks the 375th birthday of Madras aka Chennai. This image I share was taken during the last weekend…

My connection to Madras aka Chennai

Though I was born in this beautiful city called Madras [yes that is what it was called back in the days], I grew up in Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli before…

Skywatch Friday … Racing ahead

It has been a week since I got back from a relaxed break. I spent a good 5days in Kochi with a friend and her family, doing nothing but unwinding.

Relishing The challenge- Fly like a bird

If you were to ask me- What is that one thing which when done you would say “ah that was what relishing the challenge was all about”?, I wouldn’t bat…

Skywatch Friday… Dutch live on

After ages, am back on the Skywatch Friday wagon today… All thanks to a conversation I had with a friend about Tranquebar. It has been over 2yrs since I was…

Relishing the Challenge- Chugging along the coast

It was around this time 5yrs ago when my friend called asking if I would like to go to Goa? I was excited and replied “ofcourse”.

Relishing the Challenge- Race home

Invariably every week I manage to meet up with this gang of friends. We either meet for a cup of coffee or dinner or a movie.

Relishing the Challenge- Braving the storm

During a recent movie meet with friends, we were talking about going on a road trip to Goa. Then came the discussion of when is a good time to hit…

Relishing the Challenge- Up the Mahasu Peak

I was in my 1st yr of college, infact it had been about 3months since college began when we came to know there was a trip being planned to the…

Relishing the challenge- (mis)Adventure

There I was, in 6th Standard when our class teacher announced we were going to do something different the next day. It was Saturday, we normally had school -full day.

Travelling made fun with Coupondunia.in

So, it has been a few months since I took off anywhere. The itch has been around, the yearning to get away but just been tied down with too much…

3 Adults & 2 kids in the Toy Train?

A steam engine takes place of honour outside the Coonoor station after having given years of service to the railways. A church i spotted while waiting at Coonoor station After…

If wishes were horses…

This was taken at Dakshin Chitra on ECR nearly a year or more ago. A lamp inside one of the model houses.. 🙂 Submitting this for Wordless Wednesday theme by…

Skywatch Friday… Going back in time

There we were in the crowded area in Hyderabad, Charminar. After walking around the monument, we spent about half an hour in the Choodi Bazaar [ my friend even convinced…

White walls of St. Teresa’s Church, Chennai

The three images were taken a few seconds within each other. The skies changed, the tempo changed and the chapel looked so different. This is St.

Salty Saturday… Battle for survival

During the Mylapore Food walk, we were walking along a narrow street, more like those alleys you see in English Cop shows and movies. It was quite narrow, and there…

Flower Friday…You are a survivor!

Today is Friday, Today is also International Women’s Day! And today was Flower Friday theme on Chennai Bloggers Club! Here are a few flowers that I came upon, that I…

Thirsty Thursday…. Salud ~

It was 2006, no wait was it 2007? The year is fuzzy.. but i do remember it was Oct 1st week and I was in Delhi with friends.

Celebrating Chennai..Wordless Wednesday… Life

Putting this post a day early. Why? Because it seems apt for the Wordless Wednesday theme from Chennai Bloggers Club. This photograph was taken during the Chindatripet Photowalk..

Serene Sunday… Fluffy clouds

If there is one thing that gets me smiling and happy, it has to be the sight of the white fluffy clouds up in the sky.

Skywatch Friday.. Flower Friday…. Roses Galore

We were in the Blue hills, the Nilgiris and this trip was with my dear darling friend and her family [who are as good as mine].

Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kerala

The other day a bunch of us were talking about travel, and the conversation steered towards Kerala. All of us were sharing our experiences to different destinations and finally we…

Skywatch Friday- Walk amidst the trees

A text from a friend “Girl, we are planning a tree walk on saturday with a few of my friends and our kids, coming? It is from 4-5pm in the…

My date with Vista D90

There he stood, looking dashing in bright red, coming towards me in a lazy stroll kinda way…. I knew it, even though Blue was my favorite colour, on him i…

Art and Artists – Chitra Santhe, Bangalore

It is that time of the year again, the day, the Sunday when Chitra Santhe happens in Bangalore. It is a celebration of every possible form of art you could…

Skywatch Friday… Grandeur Galore

I couldnt believe myself. I was actually there, a place I had been wanting to visit for quite sometime now. This was such an impulse trip, and I was loving…

Pretty Pansy in Ooty

During my visits to Ooty, spending a few hours at the Botanical Garden has become a routine of sorts. This time too i was there with friends, mainly cos it…

Skywatch Friday- Lord Krishna stands tall

While we were walking around the Baha’i temple, i spotted a tall gopuram not so far off. Pointed it out to mom and within minutes she was asking the guys…

Vintage Cars, Women and Mahabalipuram

I love cars, I also love bikes, older the better… Yep, that is me. So, when Tas Aunty posted about The Redline Automotives Vintage Car Rally, I immediately said yes…

Skywatch Friday… Uniting the world- Baha’i House of worship, Delhi

And we had finally landed, we were in Delhi, couldnt believe it. It had been nearly 4-5yrs since my last visit and mom was here after eons.

Celebrating Chennai…. Grandeur

December of 2012 has been a month that had the most positives and a few negatives as well. The highest point was a bit of Self indulgence, something I’ve not…

Skywatch Friday and 275th post… Welcome to the Blue Hills

It is not often that you take a holiday that leaves you wanting more. I had one such experience recently. Even though it was a trip to a familiar destination…

Celebrating Chennai… The waves

As the year draws to an end, let me leave you with this beautiful image from the city i call home- Chennai… Me: What is the one place you want…

Celebrating Chennai.. Valluvar Kottam

Dedicated to the famous poet Thiruvalluvar, the Valluvar Kottam [ a moument] was constructed in 1976. All the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural which include 1330 verses are inscribed on…

Off to the Blue Hills… and around

This year has been quite good, touch wood! Rather, this month has been good i should say. I have managed to revisit Delhi, spend time with uncle and cousin, explore…

Celebrating Chennai.. Ride or Repair

Clicked this image during the Chindatripet walk… Wondered if the auto was waiting for its driver or for the doors to open to be repaired…

Celebrating Chennai…. History in stone

Whilst i enjoy the winters in Delhi, roaming through the streets, engulfed by history, i share with you something from Chennai’s history…. A man almost forgotten… Kamarajar, the Chief Minister…

Celebrating Chennai..Ashtalakshmi Temple

Thanks to a friend i found in the blogsville-V, i discovered this treasured temple in Besant Nagar in the city i call home. Am talking about the Ashtalakshmi temple situated…

Celebrating Chennai.. Spot it if you can

I carry my camera with me all the time. I dont have a DSLR, mine is a compact Sony Cybershot and am quite happy with it..

Celebrating Chennai.. The ITC Grand Chola

This is the new landmark of Chennai.. Identify it? Have you been here? Seen it? Driven past it? Well, if you are still lost, then it is about time you…

Adios Kumbakonam

“Boom” I hear a cracker burst, beyond that I hear a dog howl and a child wail (am sure they were scared of the sound).

I arrive in Kumbakonam

After a long journey, a bus ride of nearly 10hours i have finally arrived. This is a destination that has been on my radar for over 3yrs and looks like…

Celebrating Chennai.. Fort St George

Let us take a walk through history, a place that is quite the landmark- Fort St George… Established in 1653, it continues to remain an evidence to what happened eons…

Skywatch Friday- God meets Crowds meets Currencies

There we were, partying away amidst friends and strangers, while the clocked ticked away. Around 11pm, a friend came over and called us aside. “The cab is here and so…

Celebrating Chennai, Post box

I love writing Letters, sending Greeting cards… Not only that but my postal cards and letters will have stickers, perfume, colour and be lively. I dont know where i got…

Mysore, all lit up for Dussehra

It was either the last day of somewhere near the last day when we landed in Mysore from Coorg. The entire city was abuzz with activities- there were people thronging…

Skywatch Friday… Floating stones and Hanuman in Dhanushkodi

As we drove towards Dhanushkodi beach, our drive suddenly stopped the car and asked if we wanted to see the Floating stones.. Puzzled, i looked at him and asked “what…

Celebrating Chennai… Casino Theater

There are so many buildings that were part of my mom’s life as they were growing up. One of those is Casino theater in Mount road… There were not one…

Dussehra in Kullu

Interestingly, after the entire country winds up the Dussehra celebrations Kullu [also known as the Valley of Living Gods] comes alive with Dussehra celebrations. The festival begins on the 10th…

Celebrating Chennai- Fresh catch

It was quite early in the morning and as we walked along Chindatripet, the stench of freshly caught fish hung in the air wherever we went.

Celebrating Chennai… Waiting..

Hi Just realised I had quite a few images taken around the city I call home- Chennai. Decided to start a series on the blog titled “Celebrating Chennai”.

Celebrating Ganesha’s Birthday- Vinayaka Chathurthi

It is only fitting that i do this post today, celebrating Ganesha’s birthday- Vinayaka Chathurthi as we call it. I have done a few posts earlier i recall..

Skywatch Friday- Where the sea meets the sky

How I wish i could switch off this life and get away, disappear? Maybe to a place where i know no one and there is nothing but the ocean and…

Skywatch Friday… Bridge over the Indian Ocean

I have been wanting to visit Rameswaram for as long as i can remember. But it just dint seem to happen. Gramma told me “Rameswaram & Kasi are places you…

Onam with colours…

The one thing i associate with Onam are flowers, i see elaborate kolams made with different flowers for days in advance. We have had Malayali neighbours, i have had friends…

Madras Day – Heritage Walk – Theaters of Mount Road by Mohan Raman

Sunday morning 6am, i was at Sun Plaza, what was once Sun Theater is today a complex with stores and restaurants. I was there with many others looking forward to…

Skywatch Friday, The sun rises over Tranquebar

I havent done Skywatch in weeks and so decided to resume today. Last year around this time was when i did the Coromandel coast trip, and what a journey it…

Mridula prepares for Antarctica

Like many others, I’ve spent hours looking at videos and photographs of Antarctica and wondered “will i ever go there?” Oh well, i dont know the answer to that question…

Bhoothathan Kettu Dam, built by the Bhoothams

Every journey we embark on has its share of surprises and adventures. This trip of mine to Kochi was no less. It was Saturday and i was busy shuttling between…

Into the blue waters

Oh wow, guess what? We won we won, she announced. It was one of those SMS contests run by Airtel. I wasnt an Airtel customer back then, and so had…

Skywatch Friday… Rolling grasslands

The winding path, and clear skies kept us company as we drove from Ooty towards Wellington. Why? After 3 fun days with the dogs & their owners/trainers, it was time…

Skywatch Friday…The Port city

Allowing the road to direct the journey, i found myself in the port city of Karaikal I drove along the narrow road all the way to the beach, where i…

Skywatch Friday… In the land where nature knows no end

I woke up early, and as i opened the balcony door, the beautiful morning sun welcomed me with a cheer. This was my 1st trip to Hampi and what an…

Where miles dont matter

There i was, a lone traveller waiting for the tour bus. As the orange bus pulled over, i hopped in only to find all the seats taken.

Skywatch Friday- Aayi Mandapam, Pondicherry

I’ve lost count of the number of times i have visited this town, back in the days we used to do weekend trips, just drive down, stay with a friend…

Skywatch Friday- Temple Towers in Goa

I was just beginning to understand what made Goa so rich in history and culture. It was my 3rd day and i waited outside the resort for the tour bus.

Skywatch Friday- Where they meet

“Poompuhar welcomes you” was the signboard i saw up ahead. We were really here and headed towards the delta. The town bore a sleepy look, probably because it was a…

Amidst the Pink walls of Jaipur

It was hot, and no, it was not summer. It was October, and it was hot.. Yes i know i said it before, but i want you to understand how…

Skywatch Friday… Heavenly

Through the window, i peered out trying to see if the towering chapel was in view, my neck was starting to hurt and the lady in adjoining seat was giving…

Where the Jews Live on- Mattancherry, Kochi

“Jew Town in Cochin? Are you sure?” was the 1st question that popped in my head. But this was before i did some research and read about Mattancherry and Kochi.

Skywatch Friday – Drama in the sky

Today, as we celebrate Tamil New year’s day, and Malayali’s celebrate Vishu, Tulu’s celebrate Bisu, i remember my friends in Kochi… About a month ago, one Friday evening I was…

Skywatch Friday- Serene

While in Kerala rather Kochi few weeks ago, I would go on lazy walks along the Fore shore road, a quiet street along the back waters.

Football comes to Town:- Pepsi T20 football in Chennai

Last week i received a tweet followed by an email from Sahil to be a part of the Pepsi T20 Football that was going to happen in Chennai at Express…

Skywatch Friday… Touching the skies

This past week has been quite hectic, work , travel and generally been busy! The travel bit was exciting, as it was a last minute plan..

Skywatch Friday… In Flames

After a few grueling months, i finally decided to take a break, albeit a few days only.. There were no two ways about where i was headed, the destination was…

Octagonal Bath, Hampi

All around was nothing but barren land, but in the distance i spotted a structure. Was that for real or was my mind playing tricks on me?

Skywatch Friday… Queen’s Bath, Hampi

As you drive towards the Royal Enclosure, a structure will catch your attention, it is the Queen’s Bath. From afar it is resembles just another rectangular building, but once you…

Skywatch Friday.. The Shore Temple

Situated along the Bay of Bengal shore lines is the majestic Shore Temple. Built with blocks of granite, this structural temple today welcomes visitors with open arms.

Glitters, closed gates and an encounter

Am submitting this post for IndiBlogger’s Expedia – Around The World Contest Across the road from the ocean we saw was a towering wall and a board that read -Dutch…

The Thread Gardens in Ooty

I walked out of the Botanical Gardens thirsty for more.. I wanted to explore Ooty some more.. I knew i might not have time the coming few days and decided…

Rendezvous of a different kind in Auroville

Am submitting this post for IndiBlogger’s Expedia – Around The World Contest The majestic cobra woven around what looked like a torch stood out against the pale yellow background.

From days gone by..

As I wandered around the vast space looking for Platform No1, as I wove my way around parked and “ready to zip out of bus stand” buses, I saw a…

Love in the middle of nowhere

I was in Ooty few years ago on an assignment. I had landed a day early, and decided to wander around, explore a bit before i got into work mode.

Holiday Haiku

Last month, Club Mahindra ran a #holidayhaiku contest on Twitter.. I won on the 3rd day and again won a consolation prize… More than winning, the excitment of being able…

Skywatch Friday- Through the ruins

With apprehension, i got out of the car and checked to see if the gates were open.. Phew, they were! This was my 2nd time here at Sadras Fort [well…

A Day in Daroji

An overnight train journey from Bangalore brought us to Hospet, and within minutes of getting off the train, we were on the road to the Sloth Bear Resort.

The other side of Goa

After visiting the most popular sights in Goa- exploring Fort Aguada, strolling along the Anjuna Beach & the flea markets, going on a Dolphin cruise, and exploring Colva beach where…

Skywatch Friday, The King’s Balance

As i made my way around the outer wall of Vittala Temple, Hampi when i spotted this huge arch of sorts on the left with a few structures beyond on…

Skywatch Friday… Morning breaks

I could hear a buzz near my head, but wasnt sure if i was dreaming or if it was for real.. It was getting quite annoying and after a few…

Skywatch Friday… History amidst nature

This was a journey we had embarked on nearly a year ago, but for some strange reason i was reminded of it today! And so, decided to unearth the photograph…

Skywatch Friday… Fiery Skies

I walked out of the room towards the beach, there was nothing on my mind and all i wanted was to spend some time in the company of Me!

Lady of Lourdes Church,Trichy

As we wandered around near the bus stand, the distant sound of a bell reached my ears. I instantly started looking around to see where it came from.

Skywatch Friday.. Sailing along the Backwaters

The silent waters glistened against the setting sun, adding to the lovely mood of the evening. We were enjoying the ride along the backwaters in Allepey, and it was very…

Skywatch Friday- Where Mughals rest…

I hopped off the bus and began looking for the entrance gate.. It had been 6yrs since i had visited this place last…Back then i was travelling with college, and…

dos horas- Sheer Bliss

If you had two extra hours in a day, how would you spend it? And that is what Indiblogger asks us to share through this new contest called Surf Excel…

Vipassana – Sound of silence!

It was the last day and we were finally allowed to talk! Yes, allowed to talk. My friend and I had just spent 10, waiting, it was almost 11 days…

Skywatch Friday… Blues all the way

Walking along the ocean, watching the sun rise or go down is the most perfect moment.. especially when travelling! The moment is when you are surrounded by none, and there…

Skywatch Friday… Good morning says the sun

The morning dawned quite early. I was up and ready, armed with a bottle of water and my camera! The beach closest to where i was staying was the Calangute…

Akka Thangi Betta

These are two giant boulders that seem to be leaning against each other in the middle of nowhere in Hampi. When i saw these rocks while driving back from near…

Skywatch Friday…The sun sets on the Lotus

I stood there waiting for the crowds to move away, to capture the magnificient place in all its glory. I could hear my friends call out my name, but i…

Where the lotus blossoms

I noticed a gate to my left and people flocking inside as if it were a museum or a zoo with exhibits that would blow them away..

Skywatch Friday- Flaming away

Its morning The sun is all ready to rise Lets go to beach were the words resonating in my head… Up and off we went….

And the clock strikes in Tripunithura

This story was also published in the Clubmahindra Blog I got off the cab, and wandererd around trying to find the source of the sound.

Talacauvery, where Cauvery is born

The journey to Coorg was very special, it was happening after years of dreaming and a few cancelled plans as well. We were 3 friends, one from Bangalore and us…

[Skywatch Friday]- Where Mangroves rule the water

The journey through the green fields and empty roads took me to the place that is home to the 2nd Largest Mangrove forest in the world..

Skywatch Friday- Green fields and blue skies

Friday is here, and i look forward to feasting on the beautiful skies shared across the blogsville… It also brings with it fond memories as i glance through some of…

Skywatch Friday- Clouds in the Hills

All this work is taking a toll on my Blog!! I’ve not blogged a travel story since the last .. well the last one!! Hopefully next week should be better..

Skywatch Friday- Dusk

Work to be ploughed through Deadlines to be met My mind is in such a buzz… The only thing that soothes my senses is blogging, reading, or revisiting the photographs…

Skywatch Friday- History within the walls

This photograph was taken in Sringeri the last time i visited. The sky was a beautiful blue, and the Vidya Shankar temple seemed to shine against the evening sky….

Happy Birthday Chennai…

Just like we celebrate our Birthdays, I firmly believe the City we call home also deserves one. Today is my home town, birth place Madras/Chennai’s 372nd Birthday.

Skywatch friday- In the laps of Luxury,Madras

Last evening, while walking down Pondy Bazar after visiting the Blackberry Service center, i noticed the sky was dark grey, and clouds were all over, as if they were brimming…

Travel Tales- Familiar yet Strange

Am submitting this post for IndiBlogger’s Expedia – Around The World Contest Have decided to start a series labelled “Travel Tales” where i will share interesting experiences during my brief…

Ashtalakshmi temple, Madras

Thanks to a friend i found in the blogsville- Vi, i discovered this treasured temple in Besant Nagar in the city i call home. Am talking about the Ashtalakshmi temple…

Valluvar Kottam, Madras

The memorial, dedicated to famous the poet & saint Thiruvalluvar has been built in the shape of a temple chariot. Infact, legend has it that it is indeed a replica…

Secretariat, or not, Madras

The Tamil Nadu assembly was being held at the Fort St. George complex for the last 53 years. And then the Government changed and the new Government- the CM decided…

Kamarajar, Madras

Kamarajar, the Chief Minister, the man who spread the value of Education[inspite of being uneducated]. He introduced millions of people to books, and also brought in the mid day meal…

MGR Memorial, Madras

The MGR Memorial is a yet another memorial we find in the Marina Beach, Chennai. Today, it has become quiite the favorite among tourists….. M G Ramachandran [MGR] was a…

Napier Bridge, Madras

Yet another famous landmark in Chennai,my home is The Napier Bridge. It is also known as the “Iron Bridge” . This bridge was constructed in honor of Lord Napier who…

[Skywatch Friday] Where the Boats rest, Chennai

Me: What is the one place you want to go to when you come to Chennai/Madras? Cousin [over the phone from Delhi]- The Beach I rest my case!!

Red and white, Madras

The Majestic light house in the Marina beach is as much a landmark as the beach itself… I have always wanted to go up the lighthouse, but not done that…

Gandhi in Chennai

The Marina beach in Chennai is the longest beach in the country, stretching across 14kms… There is a Mahatma Gandhi’s statue almost at the center, and it is a beautiful…

High Court, Chennai

The Madras High Court is yet another landmark building in the city… Yet another brick coloured building, it is not only majestic but buzzing with activity all the time!

Wesley Church,Chennai

Another beautiful Church that i am yet to pause and enjoy is the Wesley Church in Egmore. Built by the Methodists in 1905, it is part of the Church of…

Vanakkam Chennai

August has become a month of great significance, it is when Madras celebrates The Madras day, its birth along with various other festivities. I was born here, born when the…

Garden of Five Senses

As we got out of the car, the metal sculptures on the gate was what greeted us. We were at the Garden of Five Senses.

Skywatch friday- Magic in the air

A swish here and a swish there The Gods seem to be playing Maybe they are also caught up on the Harry Potter fever!!! 😀 I captured this shot one…

Napier House,Fort Kochi…

A sign on a roadside food cart in Vasco Da Gama Square…. We had arrived…. It was going to be 1 and a half days of fun, excitment, activities and…

Skywatch Friday… Chariot of the Lord

As i walked past the majestic Chariot in Valluvar Kottam, i wondered if this was the vehicle of the Lords.. Did they have a million people to pull the chariot…

Luxury

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in…

Yellow flowers in Blue hills

Walking down the road enjoying the cool breeze brushing against my face, i walked aimlessly till i reached the gates of the Botanical Gardens in Ooty.

[Skywatch Friday] Prayer to the skies

While in Kerala, we drove down to this Palace town called Thirupunithura.. A town that has over 45palaces, where they were referred to as Palace 1, 2, or palace 13……

Pulicat, Land of Flamingos

It was a warm Saturday morning when i was on the road to Pulicat… This destination had been evading us for a while and finally, we were heading there… 🙂…

Skywatch Friday — St Stephen’s Church, Ooty

Was taking a break from work and glancing through my photo albums when i stumbled upon the one titled “Ooty”. Its been 2years since my last visit and i sure…

Skywatch Friday -The Cross

The Santhome Basilica, Chennai is an architectural marvel that holds my attention every time i drive past it. The pristine white walls, the pointed structure, and the cross on top-…

Skywatch Friday Cones in the sky

During our brief visit to Kochi, we travelled to a nearby town called Thirupunithura, where we discovered an entire maze of lanes filled with palaces..

Skywatch Friday/Project 365- Sun sets in kochi

Ah, Friday, I’ve missed you! Just got back from a fun packed trip to Fort Kochi and bangalore… While in Kochi, we walked along the Vasco Da Gama Square, along…

Leaving Kochi in a blur….

As we raced to the airport, the one thing going on in my mind was “damn, we should probably have just booked ourselves on a later flight” n but another…

Off i go…

Phew.. Finally, i get an opportunity to pack my bags and disappear for a few days… Albeti, there was a bit of chaos and drama involved, but a journey to…

Travel… on my own

I love travelling , more so travelling alone and it has indeed been long since i went away on my own! The kind of peace and calm i find, the…

Pondicherry – Everytime is the 1st time!

Uncle: Can we go to Pondicherry tomorrow? Just a day trip? Me and my Sis: Sure thing, it can be done Grandpa: But, we havent asked the driver to come…

Project 365 Day 79 The Blues

Yet another blue heart that was all lit up in the same store mentioned in my previous shot.. EVOLVE… Was mesmerised seeing these lights, and there were quite a few…

Project 365 Day 78 Blue Heart

We were in Express Avenue, a mall in Chennai and wandering about aimlessly looking for new stores to explore. Walked into EVOLVE.. swanky funky kitsch interesting were words popping into…

Project 365 Day 77 From yesterday

This is a small curio piece i found at a Coffee Central in Tnagar [Chennai]. Was reminded of the pedestal fans we had at home while i was growing up.

Project 365 Day 76 Row Row

These 2 men seemed completely oblivious to the blazing sun as they enjoyed a cool ride along the Pulicat Lake on a catamaran…. Look at the guy sitting, holding on…

Project 365 Day 75 Shimmering

The water in the lake was shimmering in the sun, we could see the bed, and the little pebbles and weeds floating about.. Happily sitting in the boat, while the…

Project 365 Day 74 Reflections

Ah, how i wish i was here now.. Amidst nothing but nature, cool breeze and lush greenery all around… The Coir village, where we had fun, relaxed, and simply let…

Project 365 Day 74 The Sun

We were walking along the numerous passages of the Krishnapuram Palace, Kayamkulam, near Allepey… The Sun was mercilessly beating down on us through the narrow ledges and window panes… but…

Project 365 Day 73 Bright

I dont know the name of the flower But i do know its beautiful I dont know how tall it grows but i do know its got attitude!!

Skywatch Friday Project 365 Day 72 Reach high

Heading back to Chennai from Kalahasthi, these clouds came along with us, as if teasing the mountains to reach for them and catch them!! 🙂 What fun it must have…

Project 365 Day 70 Look

A siberian husky was busy observing the other dogs around at the Dog show… These are such gorgeous creatures and were absolutely friendly…. :-)) Taken during Ooty Dog show in…

Project 365 Day 69 Forever

During my ooty visit last year, while walking on the road, i noticed these yellow flowers all over. There were quite a few selling them, and i approached a lady…

Project 365 Day 68 Love

At the Ooty dog show, i saw these two doggies nose to nose and thought that was the cutest thing ever!! They belonged to the same owner..

Project 365 Day 67 Ripples

The beautiful ripples on the sands of Colva beach… As i walked along the shore towards the ocean, these ripples felt like little bumps on the road, except they melted…

project 365 Day 66 Fresh

White petals with a splash of yellow on them on a tree that had very few leaves left. Now, that is Frangipani for you… Saw this tree almost everywhere i…

Project 365 Day 65 The Tank

A bus, a lorry, a tempo traveller, what was that? Sitting atop a house, yes, believe it!! It was their water tank.. How cool was that… Random person:: Say, where…

Skywatch Friday Project 365 Day 64 Pure

While driving back from Kalahasthi, we missed a turn somewhere and discovered we were on a road that was different from the one we had gone on earlier in the…

Project 365 Day 63 Colours

The lovely sweet taste.. The childhood memories that come flooding back… The little excitement and feeling that comes bursting from within…. This is a shot of a lollypop i saw…

project 365 Day 62 Glow

Last night as we walked out of the restaurant, the Buddha was glistening in the light, and as i walked closer to the piece, i noticed this one lotus that…

Project 365 Day 61 Furball

While in Ooty last year, i got the opportunity to cover the Dog & Horse show for a magazine… Saw so many interesting breeds of dogs, one of which was…

Project 365 Day 60 Reflections

The sun sneaks through the window grill, leaving nothing but a bright reflection on the ground. We walk on it, we dance on it and yet nothing changes its appearance……

Project 365 Day 59 Green

Brussel Sprouts, those little green leafy cuties that we all love at home.. But there was a time when i used to frown on seeing them as part of a…

Project 365 Day 58 Hola

The Tequila bottle that we hung on to after a night of pub hopping… 6of us, totally sloshed and yet buzzing about.. In the wee hours of the morning, we…

Project 365 Day 57 The Path

We were walking up above the hill, looking down at the ocean as it lashed against the rocks. The steps took you near the waves, just enough to feel the…

Project 365 Day 56 Glow

It was my last day in Hampi, was siitting in Mango Tree, the cafe watching the River Tunga flow as the sun big adieu. Within a few minutes, we were…

Project 365 Day 55 Love Framed

Was generally playing around with a rose petal that i found on the sofa… After taking the shot, realised its almost like we are looking at something wonderful through a…

Project 365 Day 54 High

A row of Pillars in Pondicherry guarding the Gandhi Statue shot as the sun was going down into the ocean…. Tall and confident, these pillars remind me of me- when…

Project 365 Day 53 Howdy

This little guy was having a whale of a time in the pond with no other tortoise fighting for space… Swimming around in the company of a few fish, he…

Project 365 Day 52 Blink

As we drove along the road, in a flash i caught sight of this boat as it came around a corner.. before i knew it, we were past that road…

Project 365 Day 51 Flash

Was playing around with my camera and this object few days ago.. any guesses on what this is?? It glows upon touch, it glows throughout It dims not untill you…

Project 365 Skywatch Friday Day 50 Under the Sky

After the exhilarating boat ride on the Pulicat Lake, we went over to visit the Fort & Cemetery, or rather the ruins… The Dutch Cemetery in Pulicat dates back to…

Project 365 Day 49 Deep

The brown in these flowers seemed to stare at me as if to make me question myself. The yellow was the calm and peace that i felt within at times..

Project 365 Day 48 Bugsy

Spotted this colorful guy on my cousin’s coffee table.. Orange and brown, with long antennae, he seemed oblivious to us and the noise around… This was just before our Hoysala…

Project 365 Day 46 Inkd

This was 3 yrs ago, and everytime i look at it the memories come flooding back.. the whole process, the excitement, that surprise, the pain, the “keeping it mystery” part..

Project 365 Day 45 White

Since it was the day of the Supermoon, i too armed with my camera went up to our terrace and waited patiently for the clouds to part and the big…

Skywatch Friday Project 365 Day 44 Guide

The lighthouse in the Marina beach stands tall, guiding fishermen and those out at sea. The light reaches far beyond our vision… I took this pic on my phone few…

Project 365 Day 43 Majestic

Hotel Dasaprakash, one of the landmarks in Chennai .. Wonder how much longer we will see this building on PH Road… It has been shut, but the memories that families…

Project 365 Day 42 Bubbles

Taken during my delhi visit about 2yrs ago, this was outside Dilli Haat and my baby cousin was happy playing with bubbles floating in air..

Project 365 day 41 Bricks

inally, last sunday, bunch of us Blogger buds- Gils, Ratzzz and G3 decided to meet and the venue was – Semmozhi poonga!! I threatened the others to not bail out…

Project 365 Day 40 Pillars

A model of a house, as it is in smaller towns and villages even today can be seen at Dakshin Chitra, off ECR road, Chennai… These blue pillars and the…

Project 365 Day 39 Bloom

After a brief gap, i was now back on track.. Had decided to make atleast a piece a week, and last week i conquered the what seemed to be complicated…

Project 365 Day 38 Days gone by

Across the road from the ocean all we saw was a towering wall and a board that read -Dutch Cemetry and Fort which was the sign we had been looking…

Project 365 Day 37 Where it all begins

The Tall brick building greets me bright and alive no matter what time of the day/night it is. Gosh, i’ve lost track of the number of journeys that began and…

Project 365 Day 36 Hidden Treasure

I’ve seen this church during the drive to Central station and around that area, but had never bothered to read up on it. Few weeks ago, during an event, i…

Project 365 Day 35 Quack Quack

There are a few ponds near the fountains in the Semmozhi poonga, and one of them had a few Domestic ducks in them. What caught my attention was the group…

Project 365 Day 34 in Sync

“Life’s a wheel of fortune and it’s my chance to spin it”… Wish it were that simple! These Rims help the car move ahead smooth, going round and round, up…

Project 365 Day 33 Step it up

Up we go, down we go We climb over obstacles and we at times, jump over hurdles We go down difficult times and we at times, even slide down what…

Project 365 Day 32 Time

As I wandered the beautiful corridor at Ekambareshwar temple in Kancheepuram, I spotted quite a few sculptures which were being given a new coat, a new lease of life.

Skywatch Friday Project 365 Day 32- The Perspective

Its Friday already, and as the days and weeks have been, i keep wondering where the days are flying by, where time is whizzing off to… Woke up fresh and…

Project 365 Day 31 Woof Woof

Disclaimer: This is an Aww moment for Dog lovers.. In case you “simply” like dogs, go ahead and let yourself go Aww.. !! 😀 During the recent Dog Show held…

Project 365 Day 30 Write to me, wont you

I love writing Letters, sending Greeting cards… Not only that but my postal cards and letters will have stickers, perfume, colour and be lively. I dont know where i got…

Project 365 Day 29 Snap

In Pulicat few days ago, we decided to do the boat ride in the Pulicat lake when we thought we spotted a gazillion Flamingos. There was a dead crab and…

Project 365 Day 28 Lush

Had been meaning to visit the Semmozhi Poonga since the day it was inaugurated, but Murphy kept coming into the scene and ruining all chances.

Project 365 Day 27- Stones from History

The brick red buildings near the Flyover are home to some stories dating back to a few centuries… Today, one of the buildings here is the hub for Chennai theater.

Project 365 Day 26 Where Journey’s begin

The Other side of the Egmore Railway station , beautiful grand building from where many a journey has begun and ended for me during my childhood days….

Project 365 Day 25 Holy

On the Poonamallee High road, as you drive towards the Central Station from my home, this beautiful Brick coloured Wesley church always has me taking a 2nd glance… CSI Wesley…

Project 365- Day 24 Roll on

A theater that has stood the test of time and continues to survive amidst all the Multiplexes…. Tucked away off Mount Road, Casino Theater sure is one of the landmarks…

Project 365 Day 23 Ride on…

A chariot of sorts, a majestic piece of art, one that i have seen in numerous temples was also standing tall here at Dakshin Chitra, Chennai… The amount of intricate…

Project 365 Day 22- Moo

Today, had gone to Amethyst [a cafe, a store, overall an Experience], with a friend/ex-colleague.. From the earlier Gopalapuram, it is now on Whites Road, across the road from Sathyam…

Project 365 Day 21- Captured

Art, craft, music, dance, heritage, and so much more is what Dakshin Chitra stands for. Hidden away on the East Coast Road, it is quite popular among locals and tourists.

Project 365 Day 20 The office

As mentioned earlier, Chennai leaves me stumped for words every day… Every single day…. During the recent drive from the Central Station, i managed to click this shot while waiting…

Project 365 Day 19 Smokin

There were no Giraffes, nor was there smoke, but there was music and food in Chennai Sangamam 2011… Definitely brought back memories of the beautiful show put on by the…

Project 365 Day 18 Omnipresent

Have you noticed? Next time please do… Wonder what am talking about? Well,i ‘ve seen that most Hotels in Chennai seem to have some form of Buddha at their entrance…

Project 365 Day 17- Faith

Did you know that Mylapore was once called Vedapuri??? and Did you know that “ Mylapore” is derived from the Tamil word Mayil, meaning peacock, which was the vehicle of…

Project 365 Day 16 Battles

Every city has its share of stories to tell… Chennai too has been through its share of wars, and battles.. The one monument that i have been curious about is…

Project 365 Day 15 Evil

Keeping the evil eye away is something that most people believe in. In our home, rather at my grandparents’ house, there is a black rope tied around a padigaram [dont…

Project 365 Day 14 Rewind

During one of the early Photowalks i had been on, we wandered around the narrow lanes in Egmore… Harris road and Pudupet…. Found this poster of the yesteryear hero MGR…

Project 365 Day 13 Passing by

Chennai continues to fascinate me every day…There are buildings and monuments that speak so much of our rich history, each one seems to have stood through war and time….

Project 365- Day 12 – Remembering

Chennai Marina beach has quite a few interesting monuments along the way… The other day, when we were on the Photowalk, i was wandering around the beach, till i reached…

Skywatch Friday/ Project365 Day 11 – Towering heights

Few days ago, while returning home from a meeting,passed by the Santhome Church and paused for a minute.. The Church always has me in awe, mesmerized almost… Today too, asked…

Project 365 Day 10 Sky is the limit

I was literally flat on the ground, the tree seemed to have touched the skies and playing Swish swish with the clouds… While on the road in Goa, there was…

Project 365 Day 9- Stone

A place of worship, a place where i find myself at peace and calm.. Sringeri, one of the 4 Mutts established by Adi Shankara is a place we visit, i…

Project 365 Day 8 – Royal!

Everytime we walk into a saree store, i am blown away by the amount of creativity in each piece.. The rich colours, the intricate patterns and how grand the whole…

Project 365 Day 7 – Bird brain

We walked along the path towards Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe when we saw these strange birds pecking on footwear… Wonder what they were, thought maybe Turkey, but a passerby mentioned…

Project 365- Day 6- The Glow

A small cafe in T.Nagar was the location for our meet.. We were a bunch of bloggers who decided to meet here one evening, and spent more than a couple…

Project 365- Day 5 – Row of bricks

We were going for a movie at INOX in Chennai City center.. I was waiting outside for my friends to land when this structure on the wall in front of…

[Project 365] Day 4 – Burst

January is the month Chennai Sangamam comes to town… I have made it a point to visit the fest atleast twice during the week it runs… This time though, was…

[Project 365] Day 3 – Colours of wind

It was a Sunday, after few hours of work, the internet decided to up and go into thin air, and i too shut the laptop, and got out… Met a…

[Project 365] Day 2- Amethyst

Amethyst, a place that was perfect for an evening with friends A place where meetings are held amidst calm surroundings A cafe, a shopping venue, a florist All of which…

[Project 365]Day 1- Celebration

Today morning was reading about Project 365 and had made up my mind to start posting a picture a day…. A good opportunity to not only showcase some of my…

[Skywatch friday] Journey of the clouds

One evening while walking around Vagator beach, the sky was Blazing…looked alive… For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

The little mouse

It was a weekend getaway that was completely relaxed, and perfect… All that we did was walk around the vast property, soak in the beauty of nature, and bird watching…..

[Skywatch friday] Shapes

Spotted this sculpture at the newly revamped Natesan Park, T Nagar in Chennai.. Wonder the inspiration or the reason behind this piece was… There was quite a bit of buzz…

[Skywatch friday] Singing the Blues

The light blue sky behind the Seeyamangalam temple near Vandavasi [ The dark evening sky in Kerala, Kovalam For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday

Travel in 2010

Every year i pray for Good health, progress/focus in Work, and ofcourse Travel.. 2010 was no different, as Jan 1st dawned these were the things on my “to do” list……

Where the Lord Rests-Thirumalpadi

It was 10.30am and the priest told us he’ll come open the temple only after the funeral procession had gone by, which would be around 12.30 or so… Arvind then…

Calm

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Buddha Everytime i see an image or a piece like this…

[Skywatch] History and Heritage comes alive

The Structure that is home to the Monolithic Kadalekalu Ganesha, near Virupaksha temple in Hampi… Shot this from outside the fence. and……….. The Mahanavami Dibba in the Royal Enclosures –…

One legged

You never know what you might see when you are out. Recently when waiting for the train at Bangalore station, i spotted this guy.. I was generally taking shots of…

[Skywatch Friday] Reflections

During my recent holiday , we drove down from Allepey to the Krishnapuram Palace in Kayamkulam. This palace is said to be a replica of the Padmanabapuram palace, Trivandrum..

The Dargah …

“Are you journalists?” “In which paper do you write” ‘You are both travelling alone?” were some questions that sparked off conversations, helping us kill time, making the bus journey enjoyable.

History on the streets of Kerala

Listening to the incessant rains outside our room, the three of us lazed about, wondering if the Sun ever shone in this part of the country, and what our day…

As the crow fllies

During our 2nd day at the resort, we were walking along a slushy path towards the coir village, to watch a few women and maybe the learn the trick of…

Wordless Wednesdays… The lily shines

[Skywatch Friday] The show is on

“The Tsunami point, that is where you can watch the sunset” guided our driver…. No sooner did we put one foot out and the skies began their act… What drama..

[Skywatch friday] Heaven indeed

As the sun sets, the clouds dance to the colours in the sky…. The Puri Jagannath Tempe in Chennai on ECR had us all captivated with its beauty, pristine marble…

Time to sail away….

All planning done Everything has been sorted out [almost] Only thing that remains is we pack our bags and scoot… This is yet another 1st of sorts..A vacation with high…

The Gardens beckon

It had been 10years since my last visit to Ooty,and memories came flooding as the bus reached Ooty. While waiting for a ride to take me to the YWCA[charring cross]…

Last year this time…Goa..

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark Oct 30th came bringing with it memories of the trip…

The Queen bath in Hampi

During my last day at Hampi, i wanted to visit the infamous “Royal Enclosures”. As i stepped out of the car, all i saw a towering structure and scaffolding everywhere.

[Skywatch Friday] Gotcha!

I call it “the loop in the sky” A loop created by the Jasmine flower creeper A loop that seemed to catch the sky For more beautiful skies, visit Skyley

Tales unfold

As we rode along lush greenery in Anegundi, our guide Virupaksha suddenly brought the autorickshaw to a halt, pointed to the left and told us “lets go explore some cave…

[Skywatch Friday] Blazing glory

Like fire lighting up the sky the clouds scattered about Like fire adding a bit of spark the clouds liven up the skies Like fire blazing glory the clouds they…

[Skywatch Friday] The Sailor rests

Everytime i visit the Elliots beach, Besant Nagar, am drawn to the Karl Schmidt Memorial that stands alone near the ocean… The memorial seems to tell a different story at…

Through Deep waters

Walking through the Vittala temple, listening to the various tales about Hampi, a word caught my attention. Lakshmi mentioned visiting Anegundi.. My interest was piqued and i probed further to…

[Skywatch Friday] Reaching high

This picture was shot during my visit to Madurai enroute Rameswaram 2months back…. The beautiful Madurai meenakshi amman temple in madurai.. For more beautifu skies, click here

Birds of a feather….

During my recent trip to Hampi and Anegundi, i spotted quite a few birds.. Now i know i dont have the camera to take good pictures of these feathered friends…

[Skywatch Friday] Raging river and shooting skies

Hampi is a land filled with heritage and history… Whilst we were there last weekend, the River Tungabadra was brimming and raging across the town….

[Wordless Wednesday] Dark beauty

Look what i found to share for Wordless wednesday today…. :- )

A dream comes true!

Visions of towering temples Beautiful carvings on the rocks Rows of pillars Gushing waters Fascinating Sloth bears were images that flashed through my mind when i thought of Hampi..

[Skywatch friday] Flags in the sky

It’s Friday again… Time for some beautiful skies with Skywatch Friday The Jagannath temple in ECR, Chennai is such a peaceful.. serene.. uncluttered.. not crowded place that one feels as…

[Wordless Wednesday] Serene

This was shot at Hotel Harrisons, Chennai, near the entrance…Always captures my heart!! It was taken on my Blackberry!! 🙂 For more Wordless wednesday shots, click here

[Skywatch Friday] Blue judges!!

When you are stressed out When you need a break There is only one thing That can bring a smile on your face… Not just the camera not just the…

[Skywatch Friday] Sail along

Sit and stare for hours together watching those cute white fluffly bundles sail along the clear blue skies…. For more beautiful skies, go to SkywatchFriday

[Wordless Wednesday] 3

[Mosaic Monday] Burst of colours

Today, while going through my google reader, came upon a blog post titled Mosaic Monday, looked interesting and so decided to take it up and do a post of my…

[Skywatch Friday] As the angels rode the skies

During a recent day trip with my cousin Lakshmi and Arvind, we visited a Ranganathaswamy temple in Thirumalpadi,a small place near Vandavasi. As we were walking around the main sanctum…

Day 14… What kind of a traveller are you?

I have been travelling and been wanting to travel only in the recent past, the bug has bit me… The urge to up and go is quite high, come weekend…

Day 13 – to the hills we go

I think this was the 1st time my Mom was going on a Holiday Holiday… When we were in Tirunelveli, dad used to have these office trips – uber fun……

Day 12 Bells

The city that we all love A city with a lot of power beautiful buildings tall towers A place surrounded with history Rooted deep with our country Gates and gardens…

Day 11 – The Race

As i sat today’s post, i was suddenly reminded of the Tv Show- THE AMAZING RACE, on AXN!! I’ve been totally fascinated with the show, not for the 100,000$ prize…

Day 10 Camels and Cheats

Few years ago, when i made a visit to Delhi, we decided to up and do a mini trip with few other friends… one of the destinations we hit was…

Day 9 – Fiery

Ah, its Friday again and time for Skywatch Friday Shot during the window on my flight to Bombay last year on my N95 8Gb phone!!

Day 8- Up Up and Away

The joy of being up above the clouds Watching the city down below disappear under fluffly masses Feasting on the beautiful sun rising/setting Wanting to reach out the window and…

Day 7 – Hello there

It amazes me to no end watching people – i can do this for hours and not go bored.. NO, i am not stalking them or being creepy crawly… While…

Day 6 – To travel is

To spend time with oneself… To learn more about ME To wander the land i’ve not set foot in To explore more of places that i’ve visited before To learn…

Day 5 Lean on me

“Heavy pillars, carved from the rock, bear the roof. Slowly, one’s eyes become accustomed to the dim light; then they can make out marvelous representations from Indian mythology carved on…

Day 4 Celebrations and memory

As i wrote the post on Coimbatore 2days ago, i remembered another incident that flashes before me every now and then… It was my uncle R’s wedding [gramma’s brother, last…

Day 3 – Burnt milk and life

It was time to pack our bags & belongings and move to a new town..Agreed, i was a baby and wasnt aware of the chaos that my parents went through…

Day 2 – Travel in style

When my parents got married, they lived in this then small town called Coimbatore for about 2-3yrs… i dont remember much about the place, or the house we lived in…

Day 1 – The Skies Speaketh

The little spot of fire through the flurry of smoky clouds… Almost like a glowing ember hidden amidst the skies Swish swish, the magic wand waves Starting NaBloPoMo today on…

Shots and spots

Just when i thought i should blog more, Blogadda has come up with a Travel Photos contest with Pringoo.Travel and photography are 2 things i adore, and cant get enough…

Light me, wont you

The ghee lamps waiting to be bought and lit at Singaperumal temple, Chengelpet…

Deja vu – Singaperumal koil

On April 14th, Tamil New Years Day, uncle came home and exclaimed – your manni wants to go to a Lakshmi narasimha temple today.. She is talking of a temple…

Dreams do come true..

“Someday I will be a beauwtiful butterfly and then everything will be better.” -Bugs life… My love for butterflies began…err.. actually, i have no clues when, but i just fell…

Colours of Summer

During my previous visits to Bangalore, here are some shots taken during our daily walks and around the city…. Looking forward to more trips… more shots… more beauty…more nature!! 🙂

Hebbal – The lake beckons

As the day wore on, my cousin, Lakshmi suggested we go to Hebbal lake post the meeting.. Always game for a bit of exploring and photography, i umped at the…

[Skywatch Friday] Ablaze

As we got back home after a short sweet visit to Hebbal Lake, the city lights seemed to be competing with the sky lights… A day later, as i was…

Lal Bagh…Flowers, Feathered friends, and Fotography

It was saturday, and i was up at 5.45am – much to my aunt’s surprise and ready to scoot by 6am.. What was the occasion?

[Skywatch Friday] Start Action..Drama

Watching the sun blaze Up above in the mighty sky colors, orange to blue clouds swishing past as if to rehearse as if on cue they move and glide coming…

Quick Getaway.. Pondicherry!!

Sometimes you dont know which direction you are headed till you actually reach!! For us, it happened literally..It was the Christmas long weekend, and the plan was a trip to…

Exploring 2009

Every year brings with it new adventures, and this year 2009 i think brought me so much more… Absolutely loved it just for the fact that i spread my wings…

Coromandel Coast… Mahabs!!

It was a bright cool saturday, i was all excited for i knew it was gonna be a fun weekend! my bag was packed, camera battery charged and all pepped…

The River, The Heritage and The Loot.. Goa Part 4 Finale!!

Phew.. writing this Goa travelogue took more energy than packing my bags and spending those awesome days out there!! 🙂 Read these earlier posts, to know how my journey was….

Portuguese live on.. Goa part 3

This post is long due.. i had written about my 1st few days in Goa here .. here’s a glimpse into other sights that treated/greeted me in Goa….

[Skywatch Friday] emotions galore…

What you feel is what you see, Is that true? Watching the- Clouds scattered around where they lost? i wondered…. An artist A painter, perhap! Colours across the horizon..

Churches temples and people… Goa Part 3

Part 1 and Part 2 .. here’s what else i was upto~!! 🙂 Goa’s symbol.. emblem!! After a long day going about North Goa, i got back to the hotel…

[Skywatch Friday] Clouds and Sun tease the soul…

The sun taking a peek to see if its dawn yet… In another part of the country, the Sun about ready to call it a day.

Strangers and beaches… Goa Part 2

Read the Beginning before starting here… so you can catch up on the fun i had!! 🙂 Para sailing..one activity i wanted to do, but dint.. next time!! Ahh..

Sun sand and the beaches.. Goa, part 1

“Just got for it girl, go on , have a lovely time” was all it took to convince me that i can make the trip on my own… Was used…

Ahem…

Today, while returning from Blore, we saw a truck ahead of us with this on the rear… i spotted it,burst out laughing and pointed it out to K since he…

English? not Hindi?

As i hopped on the train from Madgaon,Goa to Chennai [err, the Travelogue will follow, patience!! ], a french couple[FM -french man & FW-French woman-duh!!] also got into our compartment…

Mysore to Chennai.. Coorg Part 4 Finale!!

Read about how it all started and the journey till now …. Cauvery on the go.. Coorg Part 3 Tibet comes to town..Coorg Part 2 Kodava land, here we come-…

Cauvery on the go.. Coorg Part 3

Since we dint have any fixed agenda and were taking each day as it came, today was the day to head to Talacauvery in the Brahmagiri hills and it was…

Tibet comes to town..Coorg Part 2

After a bit of rest, we were raring to go.. Wanted to make the most of our time in Coorg.. Up and off we went..

Kodava land, here we come- Coorg Part 1

Where: Coorg When: 30th Sep to 4th Oct Who: 3 absolutely wacko souls and one 4yr old~!! Coorg [or Kodagu] a destination that had been on my “To visit” list…

Photo tag

Dont recall who it was, all i remember is that a blogger friend tagged me…. Rules of this tag… : 1. Open your first photo folder. 2.

Ambur – Leather and biryani!!

It was my great uncle [gramma’s bro] 60th bday- shashtiabdapoorthi on 21st Sep, and we all decided to drive down, just 3hours from Chennai, and the roads are beautiful!!

Holy Trails…

A boat jetty while on the train After the wonderful weekend trip it was time for a family outing.. Spent less than 24hours in Chennai before i was off on…

Dhyanalingam – peace!!

Calm and serene all around.. nothing but silence greets you as walk along the stone path.. Not a word uttered, only thing on our minds was “what’s in store for…

Of Temples and heritage sites….

The day started early, and Lakshmi and I were on our way!! Had kinda decided on 2routes, with a whole bunch of places to visit during the day and finally…

Hoysala trail… Coffee trail.. bird watching…!!

A day after our cousin’s wedding, Lakshmi called and that was it!! She and a friend were organising a tour, for close friends, as an inaugural offer..