We found lots of interesting, off-beat things to do during our Kullu-Manali trip. Here are our top experiences.
Category: Destinations
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Tips for a Hyderabad to Gokarna road trip via Chorla and Hampi
If you’re thinking of doing a Hyderabad to Gokarna road trip, here are some tips from our trip during which we stopped in Chorla on the way there, and at Hampi on the way back to Hyderabad.
A 3-day trip to Pondicherry before the pandemic
In February 2020, we happened to be in Chennai, so we thought we'd take a quick 3-day trip to Pondicherry. We were lucky we did, because a month later, everything went south.
Video diary: A crazy white water ride on the White Nile in Uganda
We did half a day of white water rafting in Jinja, Uganda during our visit to Africa a few years ago. And it was just as exhilarating as it looked!
Video diary: Three days in Kathmandu before the pandemic
We spent three days in Kathmandu just before the pandemic hit. Here are some memories of that trip, when times were simpler.
Video diary: A scary ride in the skies above Pokhara!
I signed up for a ride in an ultralight aircraft during our visit to Pokhara, in Nepal. And it was one of the scariest things I've ever experienced!
Hyderabad to Hampi road trip: Things you should know
If you're thinking of doing a Hyderabad-to-Hampi road trip, here are some things that we’ve learned during our six trips. Things that'll help you plan your own trip.
7 fun things to do in Pokhara, Nepal while social-distancing
If you've always wanted to travel to Nepal but still aren't comfortable around crowds, check out these fun things to do in Pokhara, Nepal where you can still keep your distance from other people.
11 restaurants for surprisingly good vegetarian food in Hyderabad
If you’re vegetarian and running out of places to eat in Hyderabad, here are some places that serve surprisingly good vegetarian food.
A Hyderabad to Bidar road trip over the weekend
A Hyderabad to Bidar road trip on our motorbike was the perfect way to indulge our love for travel and history while keeping our carbon footprint down.
Six reasons why Valparai should be your winter holiday destination this year
Crisp air, vast tea plantations, rolling hills, lots of wildlife, colonial-style tea estate guesthouses, and hardly any visitors make this tiny hill station a great winter holiday destination.
Photo diary: Sweeping views and post-apocalyptic scenes on Khanapur hill
We had often driven over and past Khanapur hill, and had always wanted to stop and explore its boulders. When we did, we were shaken by what we found.
Eight reasons why you should book that Nusa Ceningan trip
With nice beaches, great diving, good food, plenty of culture and nightlife, and few overnight tourists, Nusa Ceningan is one of the best places to stay in Bali.
Photo diary: A day trip to Lepakshi from Bangalore
During a recent visit to Karnataka's capital, we took a quick day trip to Lepakshi from Bangalore to see its famous temple. The 500 year-old temple, and the massive Nandi statue next door, were well worth the drive.
Our 3 days in Ubud: The good, the bad and the ugly
Our three days in Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital, let us experience some of the amazing Balinese culture and architecture. And gave us a taste of what it's like to be in one of the world’s tourism hot-spots.
Bali diaries: Peace and crashing waves on Nusa Ceningan
The island of Nusa Ceningan, just off Bali’s east coast, was surprisingly peaceful and incredibly picturesque. A great start to our week in Bali. Instead of trying to cram too much into our week in Bali, we decided to spend…
Read More Bali diaries: Peace and crashing waves on Nusa Ceningan
IQ’s veg review: ‘Zza Café – Serving arguably the best pizza in Hyderabad
‘Zza Bar (short for ‘Pizza Bar’) may only be a little hole-in-the-wall vegetarian pizzeria, but it serves up some of the best pizza and cheesecake you’ll ever eat in Hyderabad. Or anywhere, for that matter.
Seven off-beat Rajasthan experiences that you should try
If you're the type that loves heritage and culture but doesn't want to do the usual touristy stuff, then try these seven off-beat Rajasthan experiences.
Udaipur: Our last stop after two weeks on the road in Rajasthan
Two weeks of riding through southern Rajasthan ended in Udaipur. With its lakes, palaces, and art around every corner, this city may well deserve its reputation as ‘the most romantic city in India’.
Rediscovering the secrets of Golconda Fort
The inner citadel of Golconda Fort is arguably Hyderabad’s most popular sight, with its panoramic views and palace ruins. And even if you’ve seen it before, there’s always something new to discover.
Photo diary: Snow-capped mountains and Tibetan art in Dharamshala
We'd heard a lot about Dharamshala over the years; about its views, its food and its Tibetan-Buddhist-influenced atmosphere. Here's the story, in pictures, of when we finally managed to visit.
Chittorgarh Fort: ancient, massive and imposing
The massive hill-top Chittorgarh Fort was the Mewar region's defence against invaders for 800 years. The third stop on our motorcycle tour took us up the hill, and into the last surviving settlement within the walls.
Our Kenya safari: Up close with Africa’s incredible wildlife
We had always wanted to see the amazing wildlife of Africa up close. And our Kenya safari in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara finally let us fulfil that wish. Despite the maddening amount of driving involved.
Offbeat places in Rajasthan: Bundi, a town lost in time
Bundi is a small town lost in time, peppered with crumbling mansions and temples, and with the old Garh Palace looming over everything. We were glad we had taken a friend’s advice and made this the second stop on our motorcycle tour!
A Ranthambhore safari experience
The first stop on our two-week motorcycle tour was Sawai Madhopur, where we had planned our first-ever Ranthambhore safari. We wanted to catch a glimpse of Ramthambhore National Park’s famous tigers, and—after a few hiccups—we did!
A quick guide by a local on things to do in Hyderabad
Hyderabad's 400-year history means the city has lots to see and do, not to speak of its rich and varied cuisine. This downloadable infographic will give you some easy-to-reference Hyderabad itineraries and things to do.
Jaipur: Our motorcycle tour kicks off
When we planned our two-week Rajasthan motorcycle tour, we made sure to be in Jaipur around Diwali time. The city is famous for its decorations during the ‘festival of lights’, and we weren’t disappointed.
Video diary: Southern Rajasthan on two wheels
Our motorcycle tour through southern Rajasthan covered Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Udaipur. Here's a quick video with the highlights.
Photo diary: Glimpses of Chittorgarh and Udaipur
During the second half of our two-week motorcycle tour through east and south Rajasthan, we explored the massive Chittorgarh Fort and the romantic 'Lake City' of Udaipur. Here are a few glimpses of what we saw.
Photo diary: Glimpses of Jaipur, Ranthambhore and Bundi
Touring through east and south Rajasthan on our motorcycle gave us a unique perspective and a greater appreciation of the things we experienced. Here are some glimpses of our experiences in Jaipur, Ranthambhore and Bundi.
IQ’s veg review: Tatva, Hyderabad’s best-kept vegetarian secret?
Tatva may just be Hyderabad’s best kept secret, as far as vegetarian restaurants go. With excellent Italian, continental and north Indian cuisine, this is a place foodies should try at least once.
Durga Puja 2018: Glimpses of gods and mortals
While most of India celebrates Navratri and Dussehra, some parts celebrate Durga Puja instead. And no one does Durga Puja quite like the Bengalis, no matter where they are.
An adrenaline rush on the White Nile in Jinja
They say the rapids on the White Nile in Jinja give the river its name. And rafting them is an adrenaline rush like no other.
A rejuvenating break in Malindi, on the coast of Kenya
If you think Kenya is just about wildlife, think again. With beautiful beaches, coral reefs, unique heritage and European influence, Malindi is a great place for a break from hectic safari-ing.
12 places with heritage sites that left us spellbound
Every place has some kind of history, with the past of some being longer and more complicated than that of others. But history leaves its mark in the heritage and architecture it leaves behind. And here are places with heritage sites that we found particularly fascinating.
Things to do in Hyderabad: The outer ramparts of Golconda Fort
The central citadel of Golconda Fort is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hyderabad. But most visitors don’t realize that there are some magnificent sights among the outer fortifications, too.
The Pet Cafe: Hyderabad’s new pawty hotspot (Updated)
Whether you’re looking to pamper your pet, exchange notes with other pet parents or just hang out with pet people over good eats, The Pet Café is for you.
An interesting morning inside Salar Jung Museum
The Salar Jung museum may seem a little disappointing at first. But look closer, and you're sure to spot something spectacular.
Insta-featured on Lonely Planet’s website!
When I decided to take part in Lonely Planet's 'Epic Hikes' Instagram campaign, I had no idea my post would end up on their website!
Video diary: The best of our memories of Africa
Riding over river rapids. Trekking through Martian landscapes. Swimming over surreal coral reefs. And, of course, admiring the breathtaking wildlife. This short video has all the highlights of our African adventure.
Kardamom & Koffee: Among the most interesting coffee shops in Kampala
If you’re in Kampala and looking to take it easy for a few hours, head over to the cosy Kardamom & Koffee for some delicious, fresh-made eats and brilliant conversation. And maybe even pick up a few things to brighten up your home on the way out.
We found the best time to visit Charminar: early morning
Nothing says Hyderabad like the Charminar. The 400 year-old monument and mosque was built when Hyderabad was founded, and is still the symbol of the city today. But though it’s impressive at any time of day, we decided to try and avoid the crowds and the summer heat by going at 7:00 AM in the morning.
Video guide: How to start planning your Lakshadweep holiday
If you've always wanted to visit the Lakshadweep islands but didn't know how to plan your trip, this short video guide will get you started.
My 50th blog post, and a roundup of my top 10 posts so far
It's been a little more than year since I started this travel blog, and it's been tough but fun! Though I've enjoyed writing everything I've published, here are the top 10 posts I've enjoyed writing the most.
The vast necropolis of Hyderabad’s Qutb Shahi kings, also called the ‘seven tombs’
The necropolis of the Qutb Shahi kings—also called the Qutb Shahi tombs—is over 400 years old, and still shows you something new with every visit.
How to plan your Kenya tour from India
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting the endless African savanna to watch the lions, wildebeest and other wildlife, then here's how to plan a Kenya tour from India.
IQ’s veg review: Olive Bistro
Nice craft beer, a great view, and surprisingly good vegetarian food make Olive Bistro in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills a great place to eat, drink and make merry.
5 great destinations to beat the heat—and the crowds—this summer
Escape the Indian summer heat and the crowds of visitors in these amazing but relatively less touristy destinations.
6 great one-day road trips from Hyderabad
These six destinations for great one-day road trips from Hyderabad have heritage, modern marvels, natural splendour and more to offer. And they're all within a few hours’ drive of the city.
12 interesting Indian veggie dishes that you need to try
Indian cuisine has an incredible variety, and if you like vegetarian food, here are some brilliant Indian veggie dishes that you should definitely try.
Agonda, South Goa: 4 great reasons to spend your beach vacay here
Agonda in South Goa has beautiful beaches, plenty of eateries, accommodation for all budgets and lots of things to do.
In the shadow of elephants in Valparai
Humans live alongside elephants, bison, leopards and macaques in South India's Anamalai hills, as tea and coffee plantations slowly replace the area’s ancient rainforests.
A visit to two of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu
The jaw-dropping size and intricacy of these ancient temples in South India will leave you speechless, even if you only see them from the outside.
5 great mountain holiday destinations in India
From lush green plantations, cloud-topped peaks and dense jungles, to precariously perched monasteries, Martian landscapes and sapphire lakes, these five destinations can offer you some of the most spectacular mountain experiences in India.
The surreal rocks of Fakhruddingutta in Hyderabad
If you’re in Hyderabad and don’t know what to do with yourself over the weekend, take an hour or two to experience the surreal rocky expanse at Fakhruddingutta near Gachibowli.
9 things your Coorg travel guide might not tell you
We learned the hard way that having a good time in Coorg is not as easy as you might think. Here are nine things that we found out that you should know too, if you’re planning a visit.
The forgotten Paigah Tombs of Hyderabad
Go back in time to Hyderabad’s glorious past with a visit to the Paigah Tomb complex, the last resting place of five generations of the foremost noble family of Hyderabad.
20 evocative beach pictures from around the world
From walking a protected turtle breeding ground in Goa with two doggies and swimming in rock pools in the Seychelles to riding a motorcycle on a beach in West Bengal, here are 20 evocative beach pictures from our travels around the world.
Yay! A review of mine’s been published in Lonely Planet Magazine India
I recently wrote a short reader’s review on Thinnakara Island, Lakshadweep and submitted it to Lonely Planet Magazine India. I never thought they’d publish it, but they did! Of course, this isn’t a commissioned review or anything, just a reader’s contribution, but it’s still very reassuring. Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come.
A perfect long weekend among the hills and tea plantations of Coonoor
Surrounded by the Nilgiri mountains, the hill stations of Coonoor and Wellington make for the perfect long weekend, with spectacular views, rolling tea plantations and misty winding roads.
20 spectacular travel photos we’ve managed to take so far
From Germany to the Seychelles, and from all across India, here are 20 spectacular travel photographs we've taken during our travels so far.
Hyderabad to Kolkata by road: A 7-day, 2000-kilometer motorcycle ride
We rode for seven days and 2000 kilometers from Hyderabad to Kolkata through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and this is what we experienced.
How we lived the island life for a few days in the Andamans
From snorkeling around the spectacular corals of South Button island and sitting in the still water of Wandoor beach to wandering around creepy Ross Island, here is how we lived the island life for a few days in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India.
Eight great things to experience while visiting Bhutan
Experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Tiger's Nest monastery, some blazingly fiery local food, incredible views from Chele La pass, and more in this remote but proud Himalayan country that's a hop across the border from India.
Eight great reasons why you should visit Rajasthan, the ‘land of kings’
Magnificent architecture, imposing fortresses, colourful locals, complex cuisine, and traditional street art... find all this, and more, in Rajasthan—literally, 'the land of kings'.
Eight things we learned in Ladakh, the highest desert in the world
It was 2008, and we were hankering for the mountains again. We had always wanted to visit Ladakh, in the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, and decided this was the time.
Photo diary: Magical sights of Hampi
While the majestic Virupaksha temple, and the Vitthala temple with its massive stone chariot and musical pillars, are probably on ever visitor’s itinerary, Hampi has a lot more to offer—regardless of the weather. From riverside walkways with stairs cut into the living rock, and hidden shrines emerging from their lush sugarcane fields, to gigantic boulders in fantastic shapes, and emerald rice fields reflecting the sunrise in their motionless waters, here are some of the sights that have enchanted us over the years.
Six great experiences to have when you’re in Kalimpong
It was April in 2014, and my wife and I desperately needed a holiday. We were tired of the beach, though, and so we decided to head up into the mountains. After casting about a bit, we decided on Kalimpong in West Bengal, where we could stay as guests of the army, and where my wife could re-live some fond childhood memories. Here are six great experiences we discovered while we were in Kalimpong.
Photo diary: The colours of Kutch
In late 2013, my wife wanted to visit Kutch in Gujarat as a sourcing trip for her fledgling ethnic gifts business, so we decided we would turn it into our annual new year's holiday. We spent close to two weeks in Bhuj and its surroundings (arguably home to India's highest concentration of high-quality textile handicraft producers), investigated lots of towns and villages, and took in India's great white salt desert, the Great Rann of Kutch.
An off-the-beaten-path Goa holiday
From staying in an old Portuguese-era mansion and eating amado curry in the family's kitchen, to taking a ferry and driving all over an island in search of an elusive viewpoint, this is how we had a Goa holiday that was very different from the usual.
A getaway in the clouds: O’Land Plantation, Coonoor
Most visitors to the Nilgiris take in the sights and sounds of Ooty and its populated environs without realizing that the seemingly-infinite tea plantations on the hills offer a completely different experience, far from the madding crowd and closer to the wild
Twelve brilliant things to see in and around Sydney
In September 2010, after much planning and wrangling of schedules, we embarked on a well-deserved three week vacation to Australia. We had already decided early on that, rather than scramble around madly trying to do everything possible, we would instead stay in Sydney and get a feel of what life was like in Australia.
Our holiday in the magical Lakshadweep islands
Pristine beaches, spectacular sunsets, and tiny magical islands. We experienced all that and more during our time in in the Lakshadweep islands.
How to plan your own Lakshadweep itinerary
Planning a trip to the Lakshadweep islands takes time, effort and patience. Here's how to plan your Lakshadweep trip, based on what we learned during ours.
Six amazing discoveries we made in the Seychelles
Towards the end of 2011, a friend of my wife’s proposed that we go on a combined vacation, just us two couples, and suggested the Seychelles as a destination. We were a little hesitant, because we had heard it was expensive, but its reputation as a tropical island paradise was tempting enough for us to start doing some research. A few weeks later, our friends backed out, much to our chagrin, so we decided we would go alone. Through our research, we found out that, even though our vacation would be expensive, we could save a bit if we didn’t do too much island-hopping, and stayed on Mahé island most of the time instead. So it happened that we split our eight-day vacation between Mahé and Bird Island (more on this one later), and made six amazing discoveries along the way.
A road trip through Germany (part 6): Munich and the Oktoberfest
In September 2015, my mom, my wife and I embarked on a month-long trip through Germany, with a few days in Belgium and the UK thrown in for good measure. On the itinerary: Wuppertal, Brussels, the Rhine, Germany’s ‘romantic road’, Munich and the Oktoberfest, Berlin, London and Cambridge. All in a month’s time. This is part six of the story, and is about our experiences in Munich and during the Oktoberfest.
A road trip through Germany (part 5): Ainring, Salzburg and the Jenner
Once we had soaked in enough of the medieval atmosphere of the romantic road, we headed south-east, further into Bavaria and towards the border with Austria. There, just on the border, is the tiny little village of Ainring—known mainly for its golfing and as a stepping stone to Salzburg, a quick hop across the border in Austria.
A road trip through Germany (part 4): The ‘romantic road’
After our few days of doing nothing much in Gau-Allgesheim, it was time to hit the road again. This time, there wasn’t anyone to say ‘hi’ to, and it was about soaking in the past along the ‘romantic road’: a series of towns and villages that still retain their medieval charm from hundreds of years ago.
A road trip through Germany (part 3): The Rhine valley
When we got back from Brussels, we spent a few more days in Wuppertal, and then started our road trip in earnest. The first leg was a drive down the Rhine via Leverkusen, Cologne and Koblenz to Ruedesheim (a distance of just over 200 km, roughly one-third of the length of the Rhine in Germany) to meet some old friends of my mom’s.
Brussels and Nieuwpoort: Warming up for our epic Germany road trip
Having experienced the sights and sounds in and around Wuppertal—including a brilliant western classical music concert featuring Beethoven’s ninth symphony—we hit the road to Brussels to visit my aunt.
Wuppertal and Cologne: Getting ready for our epic German roadtrip
In September 2015, my mom, my wife and I embarked on a month-long trip through Germany, with a few days in Belgium and the UK thrown in for good measure. On the itinerary: Wuppertal, Brussels, the Rhine, Germany’s ‘Romantic Road’, Munich and the Oktoberfest, Berlin, London and Cambridge. All in a month’s time. This is part one of the story.
