Darjeeling
If you do make a trip to Sikkim, it can be easily paired up with a trip to Darjeeling as well. Until the 19th century, Darjeeling was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim. However, it was lost to the…
South Asia
Family retreat at Munnar
Munnar is a charming hill station in the Idukki district on the Western Ghats of South India. In the local dialect Munnar means ‘Three Rivers’, and it is so named since it is the confluence of the three rivers –…
Hampi diaries
On our journey home to the U.S., I was trying to reflect on why Hampi really tugged at my heartstrings. The spectacular ruins that unfold wherever you go instill a sense of awe at the erstwhile Vijayanagara kingdom’s powerful &…
Birding in South India
Our first time birding I don’t think the birding world has seen bigger misfits than Pankaja & I! We finally bought a decent Sigma telephoto lens the spring of 2018, & promptly signed up for a Saturday morning “walk” with…
Sikkim
Prominent tourist destinations in the Indian sub-continent can be intense and overwhelming in many ways – particularly for those touring from countries that are not used to crowds. My advice – add a Himalayan getaway that takes you away from…
Sri Lankan cultural triangle
Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka has been known by various other names in its history. Ancient Indians termed it ‘Tambapanni‘. The ancient Greeks referred to it as ‘Tabropane‘ (probably a rough translation of…
The Taj Survivor’s guide
A universally admired masterpiece, the Taj Mahal is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the pinnacle of Mughal achievement in art & architecture. It showcases India’s rich history and is considered the finest example of muslim art in India.…
Chand Baori Step Well
The Chand Baori step well was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in the 9th century A.D. It’s over 100 feet deep, and has 3500 steps arranged in perfect symmetry. It is one of the largest step wells…
Incredible Ella
Ella was the highlight of our Sri Lanka trip. Having booked the first four days at the cultural triangle of Dambulla, Polunnurawa & Anuradhapura, we wanted to take in the remaining days at a more relaxing pace away from the…
Dambulla Cave Temples
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Sri Lanka with over 70% of the population identifying themselves as followers of Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century B.C. by the son of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka –…