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.
Category: Heritage and architecture
Posts about history, culture and architecture
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.
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.
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.
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.
Three 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
