In the verdant landscape of Maharashtra, scattered across gentle hills, beside sacred rivers, and within ancient caves, lie eight extraordinary temples that together form one of India’s most cherished pilgrimage circuits – the Ashtavinayak Yatra. This is a journey to temples through the many manifestations of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity who removes obstacles,ContinueContinue reading “Ashtavinayak: The Eight Sacred Ganesha Temples of Maharashtra”
Author Archives: Ashima
Mandal Village, Chamoli
Mandal Village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district serves as a base for nature and trekking enthusiasts, located near the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers trails to Anusuya Devi Temple and Atri Muni Ashram, along with the scenic Panar Bugyal and the demanding Rudranath Temple trek. Accommodation is basic, with meals typically local.
Byunkhi: Explore Rural Village Life of Uttarakhand
Byunkhi is a quaint village located near Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. Byunkhi isn’t a sightseeing destination. It is a living Himalayan village where life flows with the seasons, crops, rituals, and mountain weather. If you’re drawn to mindful travel, rural stories, or vanishing village cultures, Byunkhi will reward you. In fact, it was only in 2022 thatContinueContinue reading “Byunkhi: Explore Rural Village Life of Uttarakhand”
Chamba Rumal: Art of Indian Storytelling in Embroidery
Chamba Rumal, a centuries-old embroidery from Himachal Pradesh, intertwines mythological narratives with exquisite silk threads. Notable for its reversible stitching and cultural symbolism, this art form reflects India’s artistic heritage. Despite declining patronage, recent efforts have revived it, preserving artisan livelihoods and promoting the craft’s significance in contemporary decor.
Exploring Khetri: Temples, Havelis, and History
Khetri is a forgotten town that offers a raw desert charm and a glimpse into our history. Tucked away in the hills of the Aravalli range in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Khetri has a lot to explore Think crumbling frescoed havelis and quiet villages waiting to be retraced. In recent decades, Khetri has gained popularity for itsContinueContinue reading “Exploring Khetri: Temples, Havelis, and History”
Parsili, Madhya Pradesh: a hidden gem by the Banas River
Have you ever heard of or travelled to Parsili? Madhya Pradesh is full of surprises, and Parsili will surely be a memorable experience. Located along the serene Banas River in Madhya Pradesh, Parsili is a paradise for nature lovers, a photographer’s paradise and an offbeat destination. The Sidhi district offers pristine landscapes, tranquil riverbanks, andContinueContinue reading “Parsili, Madhya Pradesh: a hidden gem by the Banas River”
Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
For wildlife explorers, the Sanjay Dubri National Park is located near Parsili. The park is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and numerous bird species. What to do at Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve- Tiger Safari & Other Wildlife- Ancient Temples & Caves- Visit the Birthplace of Birbal (one of Akbar’s 9 gems) TheContinueContinue reading “Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh”
Discovering the 52 Temples of Muktagiri
Nestled in the rugged Satpura Range, which straddles the border between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Muktagiri (also known as Mendhagiri) is a tranquil haven renowned for its ancient Jain temples and sanctuaries. This sacred destination, dedicated to Padmaprabhu, the 6th Jain Tirthankar, offers pilgrims and travellers an extraordinary fusion of spiritual resonance and natural splendour.ContinueContinue reading “Discovering the 52 Temples of Muktagiri”
Burhanpur: Let’s discover a hidden gem
Burhanpur was founded in the 14th century (1399) by Malik Nasir Khan, a ruler of the Faruqi dynasty and was once an important centre of trade and commerce. The Faruqis ruled Burhanpur for the next two centuries. In 1600 AD, Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Burhanpur, and for the next century, until Aurangzeb died in 1707, itContinueContinue reading “Burhanpur: Let’s discover a hidden gem”
Bhilar – The Village of Books
Bhilar’s transformation into a book village is truly a remarkable initiative. In Bhilar, 25 spots were selected to become reading hotspots, each categorised into themes like poetry, history, autobiographies, festival specials, biographies, and literature. The selection criteria for these homes included sufficient space for books and necessary furniture, a convenient location near the main road,ContinueContinue reading “Bhilar – The Village of Books”
Honnavar: Coastal charm and beyond
Tucked between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Honnavar is often overshadowed by nearby Gokarna and Murudeshwar, but it’s a serene gem offering rich biodiversity, backwaters, cultural experiences, and uncrowded natural beauty. Why Visit Honnavar- Beautiful beaches- Backwaters- Rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and a fort- Delicious coastal cuisine Backwaters of Honnavar, Image byContinueContinue reading “Honnavar: Coastal charm and beyond”
Chikkamagaluru – Known and unknown
Chikkamagaluru is widely known for its coffee estates and Mullayanagiri treks, but beyond the usual circuit lies a quiet world of hidden waterfalls, forest homestays, ancient temples, and remote hamlets with misty charm. Why Visit Chikkamagaluru- Scenic Views, Meadows- Scenic Drives- Spice and Coffee Plantations- Delicious local cuisine- Ancient Temples known for extraordinary carvings andContinueContinue reading “Chikkamagaluru – Known and unknown”
