Finding Peace In Ayodhya

I first visited Ayodhya, land of Rama, in December 2021. It was a city doused in the colour yellow. The golden haze of the winter sun enveloped the walls and the building by the side of the road which lead to the city center. Coincidentally all of them seemed to be painted in a cheery…

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Doors Of Ayodhya, India.

I'm presently in Ayodhya, the city famous for temples and a particular one under construction. Judging by the massive crowds of pilgrims I see, I'd say it is growing as a major religious destination. Doorway to salvation, perhaps. Going beyond the obvious temples, Ayodhya is a treasure trove of interesting architecture, particularly doors. After all,…

Strolling In Sarnath, India.

Sarnath was never on top of my list of places to visit. I was mildly curious though. Gautam Buddha had preached his first sermon there and it was home to the Ashoka Lion Capital (India’s national emblem). Honestly, I had no idea what I would see other than perhaps it would be a huge thing…

Ghats And Nawabs In Faizabad, India

I’m in the middle of my winter break and I am travelling. So yes, 2022 couldn’t have got a better start than this. I have actually dubbed this trip as my grand ‘Spiritual Rejuvenation Tour’. Presently I am in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. Many don’t recognise the place so I find it easier to call it…

Memories So Sweet And Dubai Airport Treats.

I love airports! There I’ve said it. As a veteran of Indian bus and train travel, I’ve pushed my way through countless narrow aisles, clutched my bag in a death grip and dragged my suitcase behind me. I have squashed myself on everything from ledges to perching on suitcase edges to corners of the seats.…

Make A Wish At The Aeroplane Gurudwara in Punjab, India

So what connects a miniature airplane to a gurudwara (a place of worship for the Sikhs) in Jalandhar ? This particular gurudwara goes by the name of Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh Gurudwara except it is also referred to as the ‘Hawai Jahaz (aeroplane) Gurudwara’. Intriguing, right? A bit of online research and ...voila! So there…

Story Of my Spirited Hike To The Daultabad Fort.

A fort on a steep plateau like hill was the Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad. Other than a faint outline, not much was visible from a distance. The fort sang its siren song and I was spellbound. I had a sudden urge to walk its highest ramparts. Climbing up to the fort was not easy even…

Stockholm- Striped And Checked

Say Stockholm and I think of impossibly blue water and cerulean sky, a quietness in the very air that’s always crisp and fresh and an underground that is lit. Serene Stockholm packed in loads of surprises. I was in rapture from the moment my flight landed at the airport. Floored! The airport was a delightful…

Throwback To 2020.

January 2021 and time for the annual, "Where in the world did the last year go by?" 2020 was to be my 'Year of Travel'. I was in Aurangabad in Maharashtra, exactly at this time last year. I had explored the Ajanta caves but it was Cave 16 , also know as Kailash Temple at…

Dinner In Trastevere, Rome

"We have to visit Trastevere to experience the real Italian vibe", Mami declared emphatically. Trastevere, in Rome? It rang a bell. I had devoured Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat, Love and Pray. Actually, only the Italian 'eat' section as a part of my Roman research. Trastevere was mentioned in it. Well, I was definitely going even…