Experiences Archives | The Good Life With IQ

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’.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The inner citadel 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 huge 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.

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 took a friend’s advice and made this the second stop on our motorcycle tour!

The first 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 Ranthambhore National Park’s famous tigers, and—after a few hiccups—we did!

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.

Rajasthan on two wheels: 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.

Rajasthan on two wheels: 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.

Durga Puja 2018: Glimpses of gods and mortals

In most parts of India, October is all about celebrating Navratri and Dussehra. But some parts of the country celebrate Durga Puja instead. And no one does Durga Puja quite like the Bengalis, no matter where they are.

16 tips to stay safe and have fun on that awesome motorcycle tour

A long motorcycle tour will give you a great feeling of freedom, excitement and adventure—if it’s done right. Here are 16 tips that can help make sure you have a great time on the road.

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 on the weekend 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.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The chaotic but interesting 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 in India’s largest museum.

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 best of our memories of Africa.

This is what it’s like to visit the Charminar early in the 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. And 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 don’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.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The vast Qutb Shahi necropolis

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.

Hyderabad to Masai Mara: How to plan a Kenya safari from India

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting the endless African savanna to watch lions, elephants, cheetah and wildebeest go about their business, then here’s how to plan a Kenya safari from India, or anywhere else.Read more…

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.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: 6 great day-trips around the city

These six great weekend destinations have heritage, modern marvels and natural splendour on offer. And they’re all within a few hours’ drive of the city.

4 reasons why you should stay in Agonda on your next Goa trip

Beautiful beaches, accommodation for every budget, plenty of eateries and lots of things to do around. These are what make Agonda the perfect base for your next Goa trip.

In the shadow of elephants in Valparai

Humans struggle to live alongside elephants, gaur (sometimes also called Indian bison), leopards and macaques in South India’s Anamalai hills, as tea and coffee plantations slowly replace the area’s ancient rainforests.

Millennia back in time: The magnificent temples of Madurai and Tanjore in South India

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 awesome mountain holiday destinations in India

Lush green plantations, cloud-topped peaks and dense jungles. Precariously perched monasteries, Martian landscapes and sapphire lakes. These five mountain holiday destinations in India can offer you all that and more.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The ancient rocks of Fakhruddingutta

If you’re in Hyderabad and don’t know what to do with yourself over the weekend, here’s an idea. Spend an hour or two exploring the surreal expanse of rocks at Fakhruddingutta.

9 things you should know if you want to have a good time in Coorg

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 necropolis is a must-see in Hyderabad

Go back in time to Hyderabad’s 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 local 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.
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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 (with a few edits, naturally)! 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 taken so far

From Germany to the Seychelles, and from all across India, here are 20 spectacular travel photos we’ve taken during our travels so far.

A 7-day, 2000-kilometer motorcycle ride along India’s east coast

In 2011, we embarked on a seven-day, 2000-kilometer motorcycle ride from Hyderabad along India’s east coast. And this is what we experienced.
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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

An awe-inspiring cliff-side monastery, blazingly fiery local food, incredible mountain views, and more in the remote but proud Himalayan country of Bhutan.

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

From Martian landscapes, endless roads, and deep blue lakes to extreme temperatures, deceptive distances and strict schedules, you experience some interesting things in Ladakh!

Magical sights of Hampi that you may not even know exist

An ancient stone pathway leading through caves and streams. Monkeys sheltering from the rain on a crumbling temple gate. A sage meditating next to a stone companion. And palace ruins dissolving into darkness. These are just some of the magical sights that Hampi has to offer.

Six great experiences to have when you’re in Kalimpong

Mountain views, misty trails, good food and great trekking are just some of the things you can experience in and around Kalimpong.

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.

Nine basics that everyone should know about dog body language

Dog owners, especially first-time owners, need to have a good idea of how their dogs communicate, and what they’re trying to say. Over 30 years of living with dogs has taught me a lot about how they communicate. A lot of it is in their dog body language.