Chittorgarh Fort - Samadhisvara temple

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.

Kenya safari - Masai Mara - Lioness and cubs

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.

Balconies, Raniji ki Baodi, Bundi - Offbeat places in Rajasthan

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!

Tombs and Golconda - Hyderabad itinerary

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.

What’s new on The Good Life With IQ: December 2018 | Plus, the best of 2018

Motorcycling through southern Rajasthan; my second peer-nominated blogger award; a review of a very handy lens for DSLRs; and a detailed post of our Jaipur experience; all on The Good Life With IQ in December 2018. And a recap of the most popular posts of the year.

Radha Krishna Restaurant, Jagdish Mandir

Tamron 18-400 review (18-400 mm f/3.5-6.3 zoom lens)

The Tamron 18-400 mm zoom lens is a great all-in-one lens for mid-level photographers who like both close-ups and wide-angles; who don't feel like burning a hole in their pocket; and who don't like switching lenses all the time. And who don't mind sacrificing a bit of image quality in the bargain.

What’s new on The Good Life With IQ: November 2018

A city decked up for Diwali; disturbing the king of the forest's beauty sleep; discovering crumbling grandeur; hearing echoes of Rajput valour; and wandering the bylanes of 'the most romantic city on Earth'. All on our motorcycle. Plus my first-ever peer award nomination. On The Good Life With IQ in November 2018.

Fort gate - Chittorgarh

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.

bundi palace and bike - nominated for the sunshine blogger award

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.

Veg galouti kabab - Tatva restaurant review

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.

Bikes on the highway - Motorcycle touring tips

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

If it's done right, a long motorcycle tour will give you an incredible feeling of freedom, excitement and adventure. Here are 16 tips that can help make sure you have a great time on the road. I’ve learned a few…

Pouring honey mustard vinaigrette sauce on salad

Recipe video: Quick and easy honey mustard vinaigrette

This easy recipe will let you whip up a sweet and tangy vinaigrette sauce in minutes, perfect to use as a salad dressing or dip. A few months ago, I posted a written recipe for a hearty salad of broccoli…

Lion on a rock at Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya, Africa

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.

Mushroom and broccoli pizza - home recipes, healthy recipes

Fun and healthy recipe: Mushroom and broccoli pizza with homemade tomato sauce

If you’re looking for ideas to make a meal special but still keep it guilt-free, this recipe's for you. It brings together healthy veggies and just the right amount of richness and flavour. And since they say a Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest around, even better!

Cold beer in steel mugs on Talpona beach near Agonda in Goa, India

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.

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.

Closeup of Ugra Narasimha statue in Hampi, Karnataka, India

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.

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.