As you approach Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the 14th century Vijaynagara Empire, you will find yourself drawn in two directions. Here the ancient and the prehistoric vie for your attention. The set of ruins which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, intersperse precariously among granite rocks that […]
I have often wondered why being close to nature acts as an antidote to many modern-day problems. While the reasons are plenty and might be different for everyone, the fact remains that it presents an opportunity to escape the frenzy of city life and contemplate. From the body […]
When we think of a holiday in India, Lucknow rarely makes it to the list. Although for lovers of food and Chikan work Lucknow isn’t a new name. However, very few look beyond its apparent veil, which, once lifted, gives a peek into what is probably the most […]
Beauty, it is said, lies in the eye of the beholder. And therefore, we choose to see it only in certain places. For instance, when it comes to monuments, we find beauty in palaces and temples, but rarely in tombs, cemeteries, or burial grounds. The artistry of burial […]
Founded in the 16th century by Emperor Sikandar Lodhi (of the Lodhi dynasty), Agra is synonymous with fine Persian architecture. For instance, the concept of square gardens is a very prominent Persian influence evident in many of the monuments scattered in and around Agra. Later on, the Mughals […]
Long before cinema gained popularity and became accessible as it is today, books played a vital role in transporting us to a world away from our daily humdrum. These books told stories in which the characters were so relatable that our lives become intertwined in theirs. We were […]
Georgian crescents, Roman baths, and Palladium styled houses, wrapped around by rolling countryside, make up the UNESCO listed heritage city of Bath Spa (Bath). Snuggled in the picturesque Cotswold, tales of the miracle healing powers of Bath’s thermal springs, which supposedly cured Prince Bladud’s leprosy, are sure to […]
While architecture adds an aesthetic value to a place, its people add a humane touch that aids in appreciating its true essence. In that context, the Zagrepčani (Zagreb Inhabitants) are an embodiment of the city’s history and culture. A relatively young country, Croatia, and in particular, Zagreb, traces […]
Think Singapore and visuals of skyscrapers, theme parks, shiny malls, high-end fashion, and futuristic designs flood you. These visualizations though intrinsic to its progressive image, narrate only half the story. There are still pockets hidden in Singapore’s back alleys, underground and up 50-floors, that open to panoramic vistas […]
Throughout recorded history, countless cities that formed the backbone of great civilizations have flourished along the river banks, especially in the Indian Sub-continent. And when riverbeds ran dry, or rivers changed their course, many of these cities and sometimes civilizations ceased to exist. The role of rivers, therefore, […]
Although only a narrow strip of land kissing the Atlantic Ocean, there are many unexplored remote corners and beautiful places to visit in Portugal. It is home to balmy beaches, sun-kissed vineyards, enchanted forests, ancient history, delectable cuisine, and most importantly, warm locals.While many make a beeline to […]
Majestic forts, regal palaces, colourful markets, mysterious dunes, and incredible wildlife lure every kind of traveller to the mesmerizing landscape of India’s desert state. As a result, Rajasthan is one of the most visited destinations in India, welcoming hundred thousands of tourists every year. However, only a handful […]
Bundled up in a battered VW Golf, a car model that has nostalgia attached for many Bosnians, I joined a group of two others and left the busy old town of Mostar with our driver and guide Miran. Our destination was what he nonchalantly described as a ‘rediscovered […]
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that […]
As people across the globe are locked inside their homes owing to the spread of the COVID19 pandemic, some of the privileged ones are finding new ways to keep themselves busy. Here, in India, the national network Doordarshan has given a helping hand by telecasting reruns of its […]
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