Map In My Pocket

Category: Itineraries & Travel Guides

Have I found the perfect partner for my Road Trips?

150 Kilometers, 20 Cars & 60 Bloggers.

The weekend gone by has been one like no other.

I was at the Preview Drive of Tata Motors‘ upcoming 4 wheel drive HEXA. Pitched as a ‘lifestyle’ vehicle, the Tata Hexa is surely one hell of a ride. Well try as I might, I fail in finding words that can be as apt but sombre!

Starting off with an exclusive product presentation, everything from the cupcakes to the route we were to take the next day was designed to deliver the perfect #HexaExperience.

& given that Tata Motors has a brilliant car to back that promise of an experience, the journey was super fun!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx4m514NefQ&w=798&h=598]

So, come step into the Tata Hexa.

and we will set off into the sunrise for a ..

..Road Trip.

The Tata Hexa doesn’t just look powerful, it actually is. We reached Ananthgiri Hills, a good 75kms away, in an hour inspite of the photo breaks we took. So that we had more than enough time for the change over to the Automatic variant and hob nob with fellow bloggers over coffee while we waited for our cars to get all squeaky clean again!

& still be back in time for the Offroad Experience, which in truth was nothing less than a real time roller coaster ride. Hand on heart Tata Motors won me over with this one.

What I love about the Tata Hexa

? Off road capabilities like no other.

I can go on and on with this one. The car has been programmed to electronically stabilise itself during tricky manoeuvres on terrains of all kind. The car can also intelligently sense from the pressure applied on the brakes and the throttle release if the driver panics and automatically refills the brake lines electronically to keep vehicle stability while optimising braking distance. For this demonstration, sitting in the car experiencing first handaggressive braking at fast speeds, all that was noticeable to me was the sound of the engine revving and the dust flying! So bye bye nose dives and skids. But, the feature I loved the most was the Hill Descent Control, push a button and leave it to the car to take you downhill. No clutch, brake, accelerator. Period.

? View from the driver’s seat!

Dont blame me if I like looking down on everything else on the road. 19 inch alloy wheels + seat height.

? 10 JBL speakers with a Harman system.

Besides, Kala Chasma on full volume and not one villager stared at us at the railway crossing where we were stuck for a good 25 minutes! & yes, you would rather listen to your favourite music in your car now.

? Dynamic Mode in the Manual.

Adrenaline Pumped, they call the car and I couldn’t phrase it any better. Choose this mode when you want maximum power and acceleration. Yay, Road trip.

? Navi Maps App.

Now you don’t need mobile network or data connectivity to navigate on your next road trip as an explorer.

? Straight line shift in the Automatic.

Shifting gears and modes has never been smoother. Upshift when you crave an adrenaline rush and leave it to the Hexa to downshift for you when needed, all in a quick and smooth one flick.

& What I don’t

..because, I am still me and cannot just like everything.

? The bucket seats in the second row of the Automatic. I prefer the bench seats in the Manual.

? Would love a one touch return to the map, instead of having to ‘navigate’ through all the available apps to get back.

Here is wishing Tata Motors all the success it truly deserves on the Hexa, when it launches later this year.

Credits:

The Video of the Tata Hexa making a splash was shot by fellow blogger Giridhar Chandrasekar of Phonelicious.

This #HexaExperience was made possible thanks to Indiblogger.

Read Next: Road Tripping through Karimnagar

October 27, 2016
The Goat Village: Take me away!

Have you ever longed to escape to a place that would take you far far away from the madding crowd? the hustle and bustle of your city life?? Then, The Goat Village in Tehri, Uttarakhand ought to be on your travel bucket list!

The Nag Tibba Trek is today one of the most popular treks in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and is fast catching on as the ideal weekend trek from Delhi due to the fact that it is only 57 kms from Mussorie and also, of course, for the thrill of scaling the highest peak of the Lesser Himalayas. Believed to be the seat of Nag Devta or the Hindu Snake God, the Serpent’s Peak or Nag Tibba as it is called, is home to a shrine to the god who lends this Himalayan peak its name. With one of the nearby villages as a base, the scenic trek through the Himalayan forest to this temple can be done in a day or two, depending on the route one takes.

& Half way up this trek from the village of Pantwari is The Goat Village.

Of the many initiatives by The Green People to revive abandoned villages in Uttarakhand and encourage reverse migration of farmers, The Goat Village is one. A farm retreat of traditionally curated Garhwal homes built only from wood, mud and slate that chips and falls off the mountains.

So, here is this little village of wooden cottages nestled in the Himalayas, where to touch the clouds all you have to do is extend your hand and where there is no electricity or Wi-Fi that you end up doing anything but checking your phone every few minutes for updates!

This is where I was invited to recently to experience this ‘Happier Himalayan Village’ first hand and I came away from probably one of the most wonderful trips I have taken in a while. So much so that, when I sit down to blog about it, I notice a sudden slight tinge of the dreamy in my writing style!

Rooms

Ever dreamt of a log cabin on a far away mountain, while you curled up in your cosy corner reading your favourite fairy tale??

Wood, Stone, some Wild Flowers.

& yes, a Window Seat!

Polyhouse + Cafeteria

My camera loves this Polyhouse +Cafeteria!

All that wood and glass, with the fog just out of sight and the cold mountain air creeping in. Neither could I stop myself then, from clicking photos every time I was in there nor can I stop myself now, from reminiscing and missing the time spent there.

Oh yes, and those cherry tomatoes right there. :)

Food

Home grown. Organic. Fresh.

Bread made from Raagi (finger millet – the traditional equivalent of Oats), Tea flavoured with the wild mint that grows on the mountain side..need I say more?

With this initiative, The Green People are not just offering an interesting way for travellers to escape the mundane and a chance to experience a Himalayan Village in the most earthy way possible, but are also bringing development to these remote areas in a way that the locals themselves are involved – from getting trained in the hospitality sector before they start work at any of The Goat Village properties in the mid and lower Himalayan region, to farming and goat rearing at the village itself to procuring the farm produce from other locals to be promoted under The Green People’s brand of Organic Himalayan Products, Bakri Chaap.

So, if off beat places call to you and you are someone who wants a bit of adventure in your holiday, the trek to Nag Tibba with a stop over at The Goat Village would be just about perfect.

Also, the “no electricity” living takes this experience to a whole new level and this little fellow here chomping on the sunlight – to charge – just stole my heart!

Explorers Guide

Getting There: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun from where Pantwari is a 6 hour drive. From here on, it is a 40 minute drive and a 2 hour trek up the mountain.

Read Next: In Pictures: The Valley of Flowers

October 16, 2016
Hello, Kumbakonam Filter Kaapi.

Who doesn’t love a South Indian Filter Coffee? Ask any South Indian who has grown up with the smell of a fresh brew signalling the start of every morning or a North Indian for who it is as much of a novelty as a Starbucks is to any urban Indian!!

But, trust the Tamilians to add a dash of zest to our plain old filter-kaapi. Served in the traditional tumbler-davara, the fun lies in mixing the strong drip brew with the sweet boiled milk and sipping it with the delicious froth on top. So, along the NH67 from Trichy to Thanjavur when Karthik, our local driver on this trip suggested we stop to taste Kumbakonam‘s celebrated Filter Coffee, we were more than game.

Stepping into Kumbakonam Iyer Kaapi, I was curious and there was that tiny flutter of excitement from expectation (which by the way doesn’t happen that often). From how promising this cafe looked on the outside, it definitely delivered on both how the coffee was and also on the ambience.

Like the classic Remington occupying centre stage at a corner table wasn’t enough for me to fall in love with this place, it came with a map hand painted in tamil on the wall, antique furniture, vintage cameras & radios that recreate a rustic atmosphere for you while adeptly keeping out the wannabe-ness that usually comes with places trying so hard to be different.

I was too taken up by the Coffee to really try anything else but they do serve South Indian Snacks if you are looking for a quick bite on your road trip or are only getting away from the hustle and bustle of Thanjavur. We did pick up some Coffee Powder and Savouries though. :)

PS: I do make a mention of Karthik here because, it was thanks to him that we got to experience a couple more places than what was on our itinerary for Trichy which was in such stark contrast to the clumsy concierge at the Oberoi Udaivilas who along with the guide that they recommended were solely responsible for making our trip to Udaipur – right after – nothing short of a disaster!

& a special thanks to Arjun Gidwani too, for working his magic with the light on some of these phone-shot photographs, specially so on that close up shot of the filter-kaapi. :D

Read More on #InSearchofCoffee:

But, first coffee
24 Hours in Dubai

September 8, 2016
Road Tripping through Karimnagar

I had just upgraded my gear during the week – to a Full Frame Camera and a Wide Angle Lens from my first DX format Nikon Kit and my itchy feet just couldn’t wait for the weekend to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and test it.

I love road trips. Not only do they add a sense of adventure to one’s photo making journeys but they also make for that perfect blend of individual and social moments, a time to reflect as well as bond. Be it the feel of the road slipping from underneath the tyres as you listen to music or the feel of the wind in your face as you simply contemplate life to when you are stopping along the highway for some not so healthy but interesting food.

& when I joined hands with CEAT my Sunday only got that much sweeter and a Road Trip to Karimnagar seemed to be answer! A two and half hour drive from Hyderabad, this district in Telangana is peppered with numerous forts and ancient ruins, making it the ideal day trip destination for some exploration and a bit of photography both.

So, here I am, chronicling my road trip adventure for CEAT Tyres in association with BlogAdda.

Stop 1: Molangur Fort

Built atop a massive granite hillock during the reign of Prathapa Rudra of the Kakatiya Dynasty, this once important fort is today nothing but a ruin listed on the archaeological department’s protected sites. The large scale granite quarrying happening in and around this fort is only adding to the structural damage of this site and ruins of the palaces and the megalithic burials are barely discernible.

Stop 2: Elgandal Fort

On the banks of the river Godavari, sitting atop a hill in the 800 year old village of Elgandal is this ancient fort on the verge. Built by Zafar Ud Dowla in 1754 AD, the Teen Minar of the Alamgir Mosque are the most striking feature of this stronghold that has passed through five dynasties over time.

Stop 3: Manthani Ruins

Another timeless village to have flourished on the banks of Godavari in Karimanagar is Manthani. Home to the ruins of the Gautameswara Temple, it also referred to as Mantrapuri i.e The Town of Hymns. Work is underway to put back this beautiful stone temple to how it once stood and meanwhile there is a new, fully functional temple on the premises.

Read: Town of Hymns: Manthani

Stop 4: Nagunur Ruins

Right at the centre of the village of Nagunur is a cluster of Kalyana and Kakatiya temple ruins. The most significant of which is the Trikuta Temple built by the Chalukyas of Kalyani. Though built in the same style as the Manthani temple, this is in much better shape with the three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva showing evidence of continuing worship.

Read: Lost in Time: Nagunur Ruins

Other stops on this trip were the town of Karimnagar and Dhulikatta. But, by the time we reached the Buddhist site, there was a deluge and the 2 km walk along the dirt path through the fields was ruled out. Though it might seem that monsoons played spoilt sport, I have no regrets for if not now there is always the next road trip. :)

& with the setting sun behind us, having covered over 550 Kms on this CEAT adventure, we were already homeward bound just in time for some coffee.

Read Next: Road Tripping through Konaseema

August 15, 2016
Bidar: The City of Whispering Tombs

Of the 61 listed Monuments of Bidar, 30 are tombs. Little wonder then that Bidar is known as The City of Whispering Tombs!

135 Kms from Hyderabad, just across the state border in Karnataka is Bidar. If you love visiting places of historic significance and can’t get enough of architecture, this is one road trip that you must make from the city.

The most prominent landmark of this city – which dates back to the third century BC – is the Bidar Fort. It was built by the first sultan of the Bahamani Dynasty, Ala Ud Din Bahaman Shah when he set up his capital and 4Kms from here is the final resting place of the Bahamani Sultans. No visit to Bidar is complete without a trip to these majestic structures located in Ashtur, The Bahamani Tombs. Some of them are in a state of disrepair today, but even these crumbling mausoleums stand a beautiful testament to the art of an era gone by.

En route to Ashtur just before you get to the Tombs, on to the left is yet another idyllic setting to rest for eternity, the expansive and peaceful resting place of Hazrat Khalil Ullah, a popular religious preceptor of the time. Known as the Chaukhandi, this octagonal structure is beautiful in its simplicity and clean lines.

July 15, 2016
I Heart Honey Bears: Le Pain Quotidien

They call themselves a ‘Bakery and Communal Table’ and you know they take it seriously.

The hum of conversation fills the air, jam is passed around the table and ever so gracefully, time slows.

& that it isn’t just something beautiful to say.

Besides, who doesn’t like being surrounded by Honey Bears?!

The Le Pain Quotidien at Mirdif City Centre is like a cosy corner, where you wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate and slip into a world of your own.

Mirdif City Centre is one of my favourite malls in Dubai. I know it is an odd choice, but it is relatively not crowded for a city centre and functions at its own pace of laid back and for me that is the perfect combination of a place where you can just hang out and do nothing!

& also the fact that almost all of the restaurant chains that I like to frequent have a home here.

Though often overlooked in favour of Paul or Tim Hortons, ‘the daily bread’ stands its own and is surely worth a go when one feels like pausing a while. Not only is the food delicious and the ambience warm, the staff too are friendly and nice. :)

& I totally loved their Praline Chocolate Cake, when I was there last.

Le Pain Quotidien

Level 1, Central Galleria
Mirdif City Centre, Dubai

+971 4 190 751

Open: 7:30 am -11 pm

Read Next: Eataly: To the Perfect Tiratisu!

Discover Cafes in Dubai: #InSearchofCoffee

24 Hours in Dubai
But, first Coffee.

July 13, 2016
Kitchen 6: A King’s Spread

For the good or for the bad, during my time in Dubai, I was not able to go on the two photowalks as planned. So, here I am substituting those with 2 Eatouts instead!

First off, Kitchen 6.

Six, open kitchens. The six live cooking stations in this restaurant at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai are what give it its name and also makes this the most popular destination for lazy weekend brunches and grand buffets.

You will be spoilt for choice – with a spread truly fit for a king – from European Breads to Indian, Asian Woks to Arabic Desserts. and, of course the Middle Eastern Grills, how can one miss out on these, when you are in this part of the world!

& the desserts? What about them??

:D

It definitely is one of the more enjoyable buffets in Dubai, not just because of how much there is to choose from, even for vegetarians but also because of the layout where every table feels like a snug little nook, say as against a buffet in Atlantis where you are too busy jostling with the crowds to really enjoy a relaxed meal.

Kitchen 6 sure is a must try if you are someone who can do justice to a spread like this!

Kitchen 6

Level 1, JW Marriot Marquis Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road
Business Bay, Dubai

+971 4 414 3000

Open: 6 am – 11 pm

Discover Dining Options in Dubai:

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July 3, 2016
Heart of Green: The Autumn Leaf

You know you are stepping into a Heart of Green right from the time you see this house tucked away in a quite lane off the busy Jubilee Hills Road #36.

The first time that I went to The Autumn Leaf, I wasn’t really taken up with it. My first impression of this Cafe + Decor Studio was ‘wannabe arty-farty’. Add to that, service that could only be termed as daft. It was like a concept had been lifted straight out of the garden city of Bangalore – for the only thing striking about it, was the house and the garden that it was build around and how perfectly they had been brought together – but had fallen flat on its face in terms of transporting the “coolness” of such a cafe.

But, inspite of all that I found myself giving in to the temptation of sitting under a tree on a late – after rain – afternoon, slowly sipping on a Bombay Cutting Chai while taking in all the green. Psst..and if you have been on the look out for some inspiration to recreate a little leafy corner of your own, check this out..https://www.homify.in/rooms/garden.

From the first time to now, over the last month, The Autumn Leaf Cafe has come a long way. Maybe it was just me finding some beautiful solid wood furniture or the round little terracotta Buddha for the garden in their Studio or maybe it was just that from eating waffles plain & rueing my Nutella bottle to coming to actually finding Hummus & Tabbouleh in the Cafe, that was almost there! Whatever be the reason, this Studio + Cafe has surely come around to becoming a definite stop to shop for quirky knick knacks for the home or for a quick bite from their all day breakfast menu, along the way.

& well from all the green to the tiles of the roof, this charming cafe seems to have grown in its appeal not just with me, for on any given day now, you have no choice but to wait for a table!

Discover Cafes in Hyderabad: #InSearchofCoffee

Sugar Rushed in Hyderabad

June 29, 2016
Artisan Villages of Telangana: Nirmal
Second in the series, ‘Artisan Villages of Telangana’, comes the village of Nirmal in Adilabad district. A two hour drive from Hyderabad brings you to this town where all the village artists have got together to create a co-operative society, recognise themselves and setup a store to sustain this dying art form.

Practised by the Naqash artists of the 14^th century, The Nirmal Art Form is an ancient tradition that has today, translated into making of toys and paintings from the locally available variety of softwood, known as ‘Poniki Chekka’. Though slowly fading out with each passing generation of the artisans losing interest; it originally flourished in the area, as the then rulers were great patrons of this art.

Made from tender wood, put together with a mixture of saw dust in tamarind seed paste (chinta lappam) and finished with a coat of brilliant paint, typical also of the Nirmal Paintings, these handmade toys are very light.

Artists of both these Telangana villages, Nirmal and Cheriyal use the same indigenous raw material to create such varied art. While the Cheriyal Artists use the chinta lappam to sculpt their masks, these artists use it to glue on the limbs and wings to their animal and bird figures and as a base to smoothen and bring shape to the toy.

All the artists are registered with the village cooperative society and work within its framework. Every artist is given a single toy to make, which he makes in number and takes around 20 days to a month to complete and so does not have to adhere to a stringent daily work routine but can pace it out as long as he delivers on schedule.

You can tell a Nirmal Painting from its characteristic streaks of gold, always against a black background. & also, from the human form that is graceful in its expression and is eloquent in its influence of the Mughal Miniaturist Art and the Ajanta and Kangra styles of painting.

A Nirmal Painting of the Basara Gnana Saraswati Devi, the Hindu Goddess of Learning at Basara, an important pilgrimage destination in the district.

Explorers Guide

Getting There: Take the NH44 straight from Kompally. A smooth drive of 210 Kms should get you to Nirmal.
Remember: There are quite a few tollgates along the way, so make sure to account for a little extra while budgeting for this road trip.

Places of Interest: Add one or more of these to your itinerary to complete your day trip.
- Shamgarh Fort – Right at the entrance to the town, make a quick stop here for a view of the whole town from the ruins.
- Pochampadu Dam – Only 3 Kms off the highway, you don’t really need to make extra time for this one. Also known as the Sri Ramasagar Dam, probably owing to the popular Ram Mandir located here, not only is this one of the biggest dams in the area irrigating 5 districts of both Telangana and Andhra but it was also one of spots for the Godavari Pushkaralu last year.
- Kuntala & Pochera Falls -Roughly around 50 Kms further ahead of Nirmal, both of these are in the same direction. Kuntala Falls are touted to be the highest waterfalls in Telangana.
- Basara Sarawasti Devi Temple – If religious detours are more your style, this is a must visit. Every day, thousands of Children begin their intellectual journey here with the South Indian Hindu ceremony, Aksharaabhasyam. This rite marks the start of a child’s formal education.
Read Next: Artisan Villages of Andhra Pradesh: Uppada

Read More on Artisan Villages of India:

Artisan Villages of Andhra Pradesh: Sri Kalahasti
Artisan Villages of Andhra Pradesh: Karipakam
Artisan Villages of Telangana: Cheriyal
May 27, 2016
Artisan Villages of Telangana: Cheriyal

I had earlier on my blog, done a story on the Weavers of Andhra Pradesh from the Karipakam – Patur region. Just like that, are other artisan villages in India which are so exclusive and distinctive in their technique that they lend their name to the Handicraft, irrespective of the form they take.

Which is why I have decided to start a series titled ‘Artisan Villages’.

I shall try and visit as many of these places as I can, in the process, learning and documenting traditional art forms prevalent in India from as far back as one can remember.

I begin this series, with one closest home, Cheriyal.

An hour away from Hyderabad is the village of Cheriyal in Telangana. Here is where the famous ‘Cheriyal Scrolls’ come from. These canvas scrolls made from Khadi are hand painted in a style unique to the local motifs and iconography. Characterised by a dominance of the colour red in the background, these brilliantly-hued paintings even received Geographical Indication Status in 2007.

Painted in panels as a narrative, these are like comic strips from the past, depicting scenes and stories from Indian mythology and epics. Distinct in their style they immediately convey the age old Indian traditions and customs in a beautiful and engaging manner. Of which, both, Lords Krishna and Rama are prominent and the most recurring. Originally used by the village bard as a visual aid to go with his stories and ballads, these scrolls have all but phased out with today’s more mainstream ways of storytelling and entertainment.

The traditional Cheriyal Scrolls were sociologically and culturally significant in their time, for their use as a tool for educating the illiterate villagers. From a scroll that once had up to 50 panels, they have now come down to a single panel, as these artists adapt to its modern use as wall art.

Also coming from Cheriyal, are masks and dolls modelled along the same theme of ancient Indian mythology and local folk lore. These masks range from as small as the ones sculpted and painted on coconut shells to as large as the ones moulded in cement.

Now, there are very few artists practising this traditional art form, with Cheriyal being the last village standing that continues to produce these scrolls and masks. Of the three remaining artist families in the village are the husband and wife duo, Vanaja & Ganesh.

They are both government recognised artists, who have had the honour of transferring these Cheriyal Masks as 10 feet wall murals in Nagpur for the President, Mr.Pranab Mukherjee’s visit some time ago. While, Mr.Ganesh has conducted workshops under the South Central Zonal Cultural Centre’s Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme. Their two daughters also chip in during their time off from school, for these village arts are usually a family occupation.

All in all these scrolls when framed, make for gorgeous gifts. So if you are looking at exclusive party favours or corporate gifts with that characteristic touch of Indian-ness, you know where to go!

Not only would you encourage a dying art form but you would also be making a statement. :)

Explorers Guide

Getting There: Ideal for a quick day trip, Cheriyal is 54 Km from Hyderabad and can be reached by road in less than an hour and a half. Take the NH44 to get there.
On the Way: Make a pit stop at any of the Dhabas in Kompally to refuel.

Get in Touch: With the artist, Mr. N Ganesh on +91 9000181059.

Read Next: Artisan Villages of Telangana: Nirmal

Read More on Artisan Villages of India:

Artisan Villages of Andhra Pradesh: Sri Kalahasti
Artisan Villages of Andhra Pradesh: Uppada
Artisan Villages of Andhra Pradesh: Karipakam

May 8, 2016
Into The Jungle: Tada Falls

Ubbalamadugu in Andhra Pradesh is a popular trekking and road trip destination from Chennai. Located in Tada, deep in the jungle of Satyavedu just north of the Sri City SEZ, these waterfalls are more commonly known as Tada Falls.

A short walk through the trail gets you to the Jungle Pools and this is a lush green shady oasis where the water from the falls travels downhill to form clear cool pools. Which also gives this place its name, derived from the the telugu words Ubbari Madugu meaning spring pool. A further trek of 10 kms through the hilly terrain brings you to the actual waterfalls. But this is where you should stop, for though the trek is quite scenic it isn’t really a great trek for girls and a definite no-no if you are not with a group.

In fact, halfway along the trail, once we a caught a glimpse of the distant falls, we turned back because of that unmistakable feeling of unease to go ahead, heightened only by the isolated feel of the place and the groups of youngsters looking to break free! Even the monkeys don’t venture too far out here and like to stick around in the spots where they are sure to find leftover chips and coke.

It is nevertheless a beautiful place, so depending on the size of the group you are travelling with and the time of the day, you could pace your exploration.

April 30, 2016
Abseiling in The Blue Mountains

Abseiling in The Blue Mountains was one of my most memorable adventures in Australia – besides surfing at Bondi beach, of course – and also more my kind. The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is the ideal scenic weekend getaway from Sydney.

With the town of Katoomba as the base, you can spend all day in the Blue Mountains walking through the valley floor among forests that transport you to ‘Jurassic Park’, hiking back up to look out over the hazy blue forest (which gives this national park its name), all the while discovering waterfalls and rock formations along the way.

Of these, The Three Sisters sandstone turrets is the most iconic.

The Legend of The Three sisters has it that a witch doctor, Tyawan had three daughters Meenhi, Wimlah and Gunnedoo who accidentally anger the aboriginal mythical creature Bunyip, living down in the valley. To protect the sisters from the Bunyip, Tyawan then uses a magic bone to turn them to stone and himself turns into a Lyre Bird. But, in the process drops the magic bone and you see the Lyre Bird rummaging through the valley floor even today, it is said in search of this very magic bone.

In consequence, it is recognised as a place of cultural importance for the aboriginal people.

We were there for the weekend, put up at the YHA and spent a day hiking through the forest trails and up the Giant Stairway and another abseiling and sheltering under a cave watching the rain come in as the clouds closed in on us . While the evenings were spent unwinding in Katoomba. It was the perfect mix of excitement and idyllic.

I had never heard of ‘abseiling’ till I was in Sydney. Rappelling yes, but not Abseiling. Coming from the German term Abseilen for ‘to rope down’, it is a mountaineering technique where you use ropes and a belay to descend a rock face/cliff too steep to descend on foot.

As a beginner you start with 30 feet and then go on to a cliff with less foothold and more of a drop and then the final 60 feet sheer drop.

& trust me when I say you will get high on it.

For some one who loves the mountains and exploring, this was actually special, with that extra edge of adventure and I sure am glad that I did it when I could.

Imagine an escapade like that with a view like this!

April 8, 2016
Go Flamingo, Go!

The Flamingo Festival in Andhra Pradesh is an annual affair by the State Government to increase awareness about the conservation of Flamingos, which make the Pulicat Lake their winter home. As far as I know, this 3 day festival has been happening since 2012, in January every year at the Pulicat & Nelapattu Bird Sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh.

Only this year, there was not a Flamingo in sight.

The Pulicat Lake, which is the second largest salt-water lagoon in India, is the winter home to numerous Birds from Central Asia (of which Flamingos and Pelicans number the most). These birds come from as far as Siberia to as near as Ladakh, to mate and nest. Looking to escape the chill, they fly across continents, traversing thousands of miles of ocean.

Read: The Flamingo Story

and, what do they find when they finally reach here, their winter home?

Desolation.

Pulicat Lake, January 2015.

To get here you take the road to Sri Hari Kota, an Island off the coast of Bay of Bengal that houses the Satellite Launching Station of ISRO. This is a stretch of around 15km of road with the Pulicat Lake on either side, for as far as you can see.

When I had gone here last year, I had never seen anything like it before. The horizon was pink with flamingos and this ‘Road Through The Lake’ was like no other.

Sorry, no clear shots of the flamingos. :( This was all that I could get on my phone camera.

Pulicat Lake, NOW. January 2016.

Today the Pulicat Lake is totally choked up with sand, thanks to the roads being laid across it cutting off its water inflow from the ocean and making it unsustainable for marine life. 30,000 fishermen once depended on this lake for their livelihood.

Words fail me, as I try to describe the deliberate devastation brought to this place.

The experience of driving on that road-through the lake-to the Island, went from one end of the spectrum to the other, just like that!

No water, no marine life, no flamingos. NADA.

I have been writing this post in my head for 15 days now, but every time I add a photo or a word to the actual draft I can only feel that I am not able to do justice to the situation with my words or photographs. So here is a 15sec video from last year, which I hope paints a more accurate picture of the now no longer existent tranquil life of the Birds of Pulicat Lake.

One can only hope that measures are taken to reverse the damage and the Flamingos come back some day!

Read Next: Into The Jungle

January 27, 2016
Driving through Lahaul & Spiti

I travelled through the Lahaul and Spiti Valley of Himachal for 10 days and most of that time was spent driving on rocky roads and glacial streams. All that time, I stared awe-struck at the magnificence of the Himalayas, as we went from one place to the next, winding amidst them.

So, here is an attempt to take you down that road – a photographic journey of Driving through Lahaul & Spiti.

January 14, 2016
a Fortress, a Monastery & a Lake: Dhankar

Meet Dhankar. A village, a Fortress, a Monastery & a Lake.

Above the Dhankar Village, sit the Fortress and the Monastery, watching over the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers.

This spectacular setting is what gives the place its name, Dhankar, meaning ‘Fort on a Cliff’.

The village of Dhankar lies somewhere between Kaza and Tabo in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. At a height of 12,774 feet, looking over the village is the Dhankar Gompa, built like a fort, just like the Ki and Thiksey Monasteries.

Looking over the monastery is the Dhankar Fortress, which served as the traditional home of the royal family when Dhankar was the capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom in around the 17th century.

and, around 1.5km away from here is the Dhankar Lake.

Though the hike uphill felt more like 10kms, it did have me going over and over in my head “I climbed a mountain!!” :D.

(the views as I climbed..)

By the time I got to the lake, I felt like I had finally achieved something for the first time in my life!

Another first at a Himalayan Lake. The other being my first ever ‘night in a tent’ at the Chandratal Lake, amidst the Himalayas. and, also that it was my first time in the Himalayas!

Which is why these 2 lakes are my Top2 in The Lahaul & Spiti Valley and till today remain my most memorable ones.

Read Next: Where The Monasteries Are

Read More on Spiti Valley:

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Spiti Valley this Summer
Driving through Lahaul & Spiti
The Road to Serenity: Chandratal

December 12, 2015
But, first coffee.

Dubai Marina, I Love You.

But, first coffee.

The Starbucks in Marina Promenade has been my ‘Haven of Escape’ for all my time in Dubai.

This is where I would disappear to, without fail, all those late evenings right after classes and early afternoons on the weekend. It is quiet, cosy and has absolutely no crowds. Except for a straggler or two on those rare days. A perfect place to just snuggle with your cup of coffee and chocolate. Ah! Heaven.

Last week I was in Dubai and I found myself retracing those cobbled pathways of memory lane. (Sorry, couldn’t resist the pun! :D)

This Starbucks, just like the one on Marina Walk, on the other side, commands spectacular views of the Dubai Marina. But, to its credit, remains a secluded cosy corner.

& I have lost count of the number of days I have sat on that bench contemplating life and having ‘deep discussions’.

Discover Cafes in Dubai: #InSearchofCoffee

I Heart Honey Bears: Le Pain Quotidien

December 5, 2015
In the Realm of The Passes: Khardung La

I have been to the Himalayas twice. Both times, my most memorable moments have been at the Lakes & the Passes. Their beauty is incomparable & my love for them is eternal.

With the crisp mountain air in our face, listening to the Buddhist Morning Prayer, Khardung La or the ‘Pass of the Lower Castle’ is where we headed to first, after a day of acclimatisation. This Himalayan Pass’s claim to tourist-fame is that at 18,380 feet it is the highest motorable road in the world. But this is a fact that is more often than not disputed.

While being photographed with this signboard is a classic tourist must-do. These three Stupas with the fluttering prayer flags crowning them remain the photographers’ favourite.

A short climb gets you here, to the quaint little temple & these stupas.

The mountainside disappears in prayer flags & as you find your way through them, you might come up short of breath, for the climb though short gets a little tough. The rarified atmosphere of Khardung La, at its immense height is known to cause altitude sickness. Though no one in the group had to tackle with this, it is recommended that you check your oxygen levels & blood pressure before you decide to undertake this journey.

Once you reach level ground & catch your breath, you cannot help but be overwhelmed! The Himalayas just never cease to surprise you with all that they have to offer. The scenic beauty, which inspires in you a sense of achievement & pride in just being able to witness it. The solitude, which makes you feel like you have found your own little space of peace in this crowded world, ‘far from the madding crowd’ so to say!

Also Read: The Goat Village: Take me away!

Right opposite to the stupas, a series of steps lead you to a rain-washed cabin & from this edge, the snow covered peaks are almost within touching distance and the wooden cabin only adds to the intrigue of the scene.

PS: When you come back down, DO NOT miss the Qahwah at Rinchen Cafe. The only canteen amongst the few structures on the other side of the road.

While the Arabic Qahwah is coffee based, the Kashmiri version is tea based. Nonetheless, you will love the lingering taste of the cardamom from this warm drink, right after being out in the sharp chilly breeze. Atleast I did!
& I still miss it. ;)

Read More on Ladakh:

Little Ones of Ladakh
Ladakh Festival: Celebrating Life & Beyond
Royal Ruins: Shey Palace
5 Reasons You Should Travel to Ladakh Off-Season
In The Nomadic Settlement of Puga

October 13, 2015
The Road to Serenity: Chandratal Lake

My first ever camping experience, back in the summer of 2013, was at the incredibly beautiful Chandratal Lake in Spiti Valley, a cold desert valley that is the middle land between India and Tibet.

A sweet water glacial lake in the Himalayas and the source of the Chandra River, the Chandratal Lake is a RAMSAR Convention designated wetland of international importance. It is also believed that the elusive Snow Leopard calls the catchment area of this lake its home. Though I wasn’t fortunate enough to catch a glimpse.

Where is Chandratal Lake?

Chandratal Lake is in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. A valley – in the hinterland of the Indian Himalayas – bordered by Ladakh to its North and Tibet to its East.

Nearest Airport | Kullu – Manali Airport, Bhuntar
Nearest Railway Station| Shimla
Nearest Major Town | Manali

Why should you visit Chandratal Lake?

To pitch a tent amidst the magnificent Himalayas on a freezing summer night and to sleep under the starlit sky is amazing enough in itself. But if the campsite was to be at this remote and not-so-easily accessible Moon Lake, there then you have the trip of a lifetime guaranteed!

READ: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Spiti Valley this Summer

How to reach Chandratal Lake?

Manali to Chandratal Lake

Distance | 140 Kilometers
Mode of Travel | Road
Drive Time | 8 – 10 Hours
Route | Manali ? Rohtang Pass ? Gramphu ? Chhatru ? Batal ? Kunzum Pass ? Chandratal
(via Leh – Manali Highway)

This is the most popular and also the most convenient way to get to Chandratal. We left from Manali early morning & it was by evening that we reached Chandratal. After a slight delay at a roadblock on the Rohtang Pass due to a landslide, we made quick stops for breakfast & lunch at Gramphu and Batal. Then the mandatory stop at the Temple on Kunzum Pass & we were at Chandratal, just in time for the setting sun.

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In Photos: Chandratal Lake

The Chandratal Lake in all its glory.

First glimpse of Chandratal, as you reach the end of your hike from the campsite.

The walk that leads up to it..

& here you are at the lake.

Did you know?

The Chandratal Lake reflects the colour of the sky.

This image was shot at sunrise, just when the lake starts to appear – a clear blue mirror of reflections.

& as the sun sets, it turns green.

From the minute you get to the lake, an all-consuming sense of peace washes over you. Adding to the serenity of the lake are the Buddhist prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

My life changed when I lay eyes for the first time ever on the mighty Himalayas. Their sheer magnificence is humbling. So, it is but natural that the experience of spending time at this pristine lake, nestled in the snow kissed mountains, totally transports you to another time and place.

Read More on Spiti Valley:

Where The Monasteries are.
a Fortress, a Monastery & a Lake: Dhankar
Driving through Lahaul & Spiti

June 28, 2015