Delhi: A Memorable Journey Through History and Culture
Delhi, the capital of India, is a rich mix of history, culture, and contemporary life. With its rich past and vibrant present, Delhi has something for all types of travelers. A trip to the city is akin to walking through the pages of a history book, but also witnessing the rapid pace of a contemporary city. Here’s a concise but informative guide to some of the places to visit in Delhi. Places to visit 1. Red Fort (Lal Qila)Red Fort is one of the signature landmarks of Delhi and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Created in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor […]
Discovering Kozhikode: A Seafront Jewel of Kerala
Kozhikode, originally Calicut, is a dynamic seafront town located in northern Kerala. This city is renowned for its heritage, spice trading past, and cultural diversity and is a wonderful blend of history, food, and nature. My recent visit to this town was absolutely lovely, and this is an insight into what makes Kozhikode worth visiting. […]
Belur & Halebidu – The Timeless Twins of Hoysala Architecture
Nestled deep within the heart of Karnataka, Belur and Halebidu are two off-beat jewels that will leave even the most travelled tourist, historian, or lover of architecture simply spellbound. These twin settlements, merely 16 km away from each other, boast some of the finest specimens of Hoysala temple architecture dating as far back as the 12th century. Contrary to the imposing South Indian gopurams, the temples at these places are all about stone carvings, delicate detail, and majestic star-shaped platforms. Belur – The Beauty in Stone Known as the “Vaikuntha on Earth”, Belur’s crown jewel is the Chennakesava Temple, built […]
Lingaraj Temple – A Timeless Marvel of Bhubaneswar
Concealed within the spiritual heart of Odisha, Bhubaneswar lies the Lingaraj Temple—a site of reverence that is a far cry from being a temple alone—it is an ancient marvel that brings life to India’s rich cultural history. Standing over 180 feet tall, the 11th-century Lord Shiva temple stands as a phenomenal example of Kalinga architecture, and must-see destination for any history enthusiast, architectural aficionado, or spiritual tourist. A Glimpse into the Divine: The Significance Lingaraj signifies “The King of Lingas”—a mighty symbol of Lord Shiva. What is unique about this temple is that it is a blend of Shaivism and Vaishnavism—although it is basically a Shaivite temple, Lord Vishnu is also worshipped here in the form of Harihara, a union of Shiva […]
Khajuraho Temples: A Timeless Ode to Art and Devotion
Nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho Temples stand as a stunning testament to India’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. Known for their exquisite sculptures and intricate carvings, these temples are a window into the artistic and spiritual lives of ancient Indian society. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho is a place where […]
Exploring the Undavalli Caves: A Journey Through Time and Stone
Set in the peaceful rural backdrop of Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district, the Undavalli Caves are a testament to India’s cultural and religious heritage. Cut from rock-solid sandstone, these four-storey rock-cut temples present a window into the artistic and spiritual efforts of ancient societies. Architectural Marvels The Undavalli Caves are renowned for their impressive rock-cut architecture. The main cave, the largest among them, is a four-storey structure measuring 29 meters in length and 16 meters in width. Each floor showcases unique architectural […]
The Golden Temple, Amritsar: A Glowing Symbol of Peace and Spirituality
Located in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, the Golden Temple—also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib—is one of the most revered spiritual sites in India. It is not just a place of worship for Sikhs but also a beacon of peace, equality, and divine beauty that draws millions of visitors from all over the […]
Two Friends, One Desert Dream: A Road Trip from Jaisalmer to Sam Sand Dunes
Golden Beginnings in Jaisalmer– Our adventure began in Jaisalmer, where all the buildings shine golden in the desert light. Nicknamed the Golden City, it’s like a fairytale come true. After stopping for chai close to the breathtaking Jaisalmer Fort, we strolled through Patwon Ki Haveli, admiring its intricate carvings and worn-in beauty. Then we set off on the road—with good tunes, shades on, and adventure in our hearts. The Open Road & Desert Vibes The road from Jaisalmer to Sam Sand Dunes is only 40 kilometers, but gosh—what an experience! The highway was smooth, snaking through interminable miles of thar desert landscape. We drove through charming Rajasthani villages with colorfully painted huts, camel […]
A Visit to Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai
Meenakshi Amman Temple is among the most renowned temples of India. It is situated in Madurai, the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a temple devoted to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati incarnation) and her spouse Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva incarnation). It is a beautiful, historic shrine that is filled with art, culture, and devotion. Why is the temple famous? It is famous for numerous reasons: Architecture: The temple is known for its tall, brightly colored gopurams (towers). Each of these towers has thousands of intricate sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical beings. History: The temple […]
A Jaipur Journey: A Sweet Mother-Daughter Trip
Last winter, I went on a very special trip with my mom to Jaipur – the Pink City of India. It was just the two of us, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful memories I’ve ever made. We had been planning this trip for a long time, and finally, […]