A quiet suburban town, this place is a slice of Pondicherry, yet so different. Established in 1673, Chandannagar (also referred to as Chandannagor or Chandernagore) is a small town that has witnessed the French Colonial Rule in India as well as the struggles under the British Rule. Once a French colony, the town still retains charmingContinue reading "Chandannagar : The Lost French Colony of West Bengal"
Rewa: Abode of the white tiger, Madhya Pradesh
Established in 1140, Rewa was initially known as Rewah. It was once a princely state in the Bagelkhand region, governed by Rajput clans. Located just a 2-hour drive from Bandhavgarh, Rewa is an interesting detour. The town of Rewa derives its name from the Narmada River (which originates in the holy city of Amarkantak inContinue reading "Rewa: Abode of the white tiger, Madhya Pradesh"
Mongpu & Sonada: An Ideal Summer Retreat
Tucked away in the heart of West Sikkim, the quaint village of Mongpu is a rejuvenating summer escape and still an off-the-beaten destination for those seeking respite for a relaxing getaway. Perched at a height of 4000 feet and located near Kuseong (West Bengal), Mongpu can be accessed via the route from Ghum towards TagdaContinue reading "Mongpu & Sonada: An Ideal Summer Retreat"
Mattur: A Sanskrit Speaking Village
Mattur or Matturu is a tiny little village, located on the banks of River Tunga in Karnataka. It is one of the few villages in India, where the residents still converse in 'Sanskrit', the ancient Indian language and most people still lead a Vedic lifestyle, keeping alive the dying art form of 'Gamaka'. Mattur is one of aContinue reading "Mattur: A Sanskrit Speaking Village"
Discover Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
From the Royal Chattri's to spectacular edifices and ancient temples and forts, Shivpuri has plenty to be seen and explored and still considered an offbeat location. Let's rediscover Shivpuri, a city not many know or are aware of. Shivpuri was the summer capital of the Scindia Rulers of Gwalior and once a popular hunting groundContinue reading "Discover Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh"
Sujanpur Tihra & Nadaun, Himachal Pradesh
Located on the lower Himalayan foothills and on the bank of River Beas, Sujanpur Tihra (also known as Sujanpur Tira) and Nadaun are both destinations where royal ruins meet riverside walks, temples sit beside local markets, and sunsets unfold without crowds. Places to See in & around Sujanpur Tihra Sujanpur Fort Sujanpur Tihra was onceContinue reading "Sujanpur Tihra & Nadaun, Himachal Pradesh"
Dehna Village, Maharastra: Land of 1000 Waterfalls
Situated along the River Sai and just 130 km from Mumbai is Dehna, a small village overlooking the Ajoba hills. It provides a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced life of urban centres. Life here is centred around farming, animal husbandry, and traditional crafts.Dehna is part of the Grassroutes, a rural tourism initiative founded by InirContinue reading "Dehna Village, Maharastra: Land of 1000 Waterfalls"
Salooni & the mesmerizing Bhandel Valley
Salooni is located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh and is one of those rare hill towns that most tourism brochures have forgotten. This makes Saloni an offbeat destination. Saloni appeared in my research on offbeat Himachal destinations, and the name alone stopped me. Ask locals about its origin and you'll hear two stories: it'sContinue reading "Salooni & the mesmerizing Bhandel Valley"
Pune: Mastani Lake and temples of Saswad Region
The Mastani Lake and temples of Saswad represent a perfect blend of natural beauty, romantic history, and spiritual heritage. Unlike the crowded tourist attractions of central Pune, these sites offer authentic experiences in peaceful settings. For travelers seeking to venture beyond the obvious and connect with Maharashtra's rich cultural tapestry, this day trip provides aContinue reading "Pune: Mastani Lake and temples of Saswad Region"
Shivkhori: Mythical Shiva caves near Katra, Jammu
Next time you plan your pilgrimage tour to Maa Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu, please add a visit to Shivkhori at Reasi. This natural cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts thousands of devotees and curious travellers every year. Official Website: https://www.shivkhori.in shares more details. Reasi is an ancient town of Jammu established by RajaContinue reading "Shivkhori: Mythical Shiva caves near Katra, Jammu"
Exploring Kemmanangundi, the jewel of Chikkamagaluru
Popular for its trekking trails and wildlife explorations, Kemmanagundi is a hill station in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The word 'Kemmanagundi' is a combination of the Kannada words 'kempu' (red), 'mannu' (soil) and 'gundi' (pit) and the red soil here feels like a wonderland. The region has lush green forests, moss-covered trees, bamboo grovesContinue reading "Exploring Kemmanangundi, the jewel of Chikkamagaluru"
Maheshwar: The Land Blessed by Shiva
Welcome to the enchanting realm of Maheshwar, nestled along the serene banks of the Narmada River. Named after the abode of Lord Mahesh, another moniker for the mighty Shiva, Maheshwar is more than just a pilgrimage site -it's a captivating destination brimming with irresistible charm. Legend of Narmada Legend has it that among India's sacredContinue reading "Maheshwar: The Land Blessed by Shiva"