Backpack & Explore is a journal of an analyst by profession whose heart lies in writing and traveling. Yes, that’s me, a next-door Indian woman with a career in the corporate and a novice homemaker who still burns her food sometimes.
It is difficult to keep the wanderlust soul alive even while managing the responsibilities of work and family. But it’s very well possible – even with limited means. That’s why we write for people like us. We write from our personal experience, we share our travel stories, our wins, and our losses. Our travel guides cater to common people, how to optimize your travel in the budget and get the best out of it.
This blog not just about places and itineraries, it is also about people and stories. The legends of an old temple, the history of a modern party-hub, the epic fails and misadventures. So grab a cup of chai or coffee, get yourself comfortable and binge on the stories, the falls and the lakes, the beaches and the hills, the forts, and the temples. Not to forget – the potholes, the rains on the muddy roads, the lost GPS signal, the top-rated sites which underwhelmed, and the obscure ones which surprised… the list just keeps growing.
For there’s a story behind every road we take, every plan we make..
stories that ought to be told as we Backpack & Explore
Wondering what to gift the travel-lover of your life this year? She/he is financially independent and have been travelling for long enough to have all that she needs to make her travels easier. Then what can I buy for someone who seems to have everything sorted? Trolley bag? Carry-on luggage? Travel shoes? They must already […]
India is so much beyond the Taj Mahal and Goa. It’s like a mini-world. Know about the best offbeat places to visit in India – North, South, East and West. Even the islands speckled in the sea and the untouched wonders of the Himalayas in the North-East.
So, this is the last post in the month-long blogging marathon #BlogchatterA2Z. And what a journey it has been. I’m so happy that finally, I don’t have to think about another topic on which I had the expertise to write a listicle. This is the last post and I’m just going to celebrate. I’m so […]
How to choose the best cameras for travel blogging. Hear from the best travel bloggers of the world. From beginner to advanced – we’ve covered it all for you. #travelphotography #travelgear #behindthetravelscenes
National Parks are a great place to experience life in the cradle of nature. The nature here is protected from the abusive urbanisation, the nature is raw and real. However, we usually relate National Parks to adventure. When I talk about “family-friendly” destinations, I am looking at places that you can visit with your ageing […]
Kasargod is one of the least explored regions in Kerala. Being the northern-most district in Kerala, it shares border with Karnataka. Here a traveler can satiate your quest for mountains, and seas, scenic backwaters and historic forts. In this post we’ll talk about the history and places to visit in Kasargod. Bekal Fort and Beach […]
India is the birthplace of Yoga – an ancient form of exercise for the mind, soul and body. For a long time, the knowledge was remained confined to very small bubbles in India. But today, who doesn’t know about it? People all over the world practice yoga to improve their quality of life. In fact, […]
This time on our “behind the scenes” series we explore the best phones for travel photography. In the last post of this series we brought to you the list of best cameras for travel blogging. A lot of people hesitate to invest in an expensive standalone camera because of the cost involved as well as […]
In the third post of our recent guest series, I welcome Shireen to share a perfect 2-day Penang itinerary. Let’s join Shireen as she takes us on a virtual tour of the Malaysian city known for its rich culture, art and lip-smacking food. In the North West of Malaysia lies a small island called Penang […]
This is an account of my first independent trip outside the country. I am sure it will inspire you to visit Bhutan and plan a perfect Bhutan itinerary for 5 days. I knew that this all-girls trip to Bhutan would be memorable for more than just one reason. My first adventure in the Himalayas, my […]
The wind tore through the scorching heat soothing our tired bodies like a therapeutic balm as we sat on our shikara gliding through the famous backwaters of Kerala. As the beautiful scenes of the idyllic Vembanad lake unfolded in front of our sleepy eyes, somewhere the dreams and reality blended like in a drunken stupor. […]
A collection of the best travel memories of greenery and raw natural beauty. Here are the most verdant vistas of India
Welcome our guest writer and middle-east specialist Neha from Dubai Wikia who picks the top 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, once a sleepy fishing village, has now grown into a top tourist destination. Abu Dhabi boasts a fair number of luxury attractions such as the Ferrari World and Marina Mall for […]
If you have read my blog before, you would know that a day at De Haan beach and woodlands was nowhere on our Europe itinerary. So here comes a post about our lucky goof-up that led us to a place off the beaten track on our well-planned vacation. Stay with us to know more about […]
I read somewhere that your first snowfall is like first love, you can never forget it. Now that this summer-child has witnessed her first, she just couldn’t agree more. Snowfall in Sikkim is pure magic. The snow-capped Himalayas, frozen lakes and real-life Christmas Trees wrapped in snow. A beauty like this makes me believe in […]
Best places to visit in Sikkim – the picturesque state in the north-eastern part of India.
Few cities evoke the same romanticism and emotions that Paris does. Certainly three days is never enough to know such a great city. But thanks to tourism being so well-organized and a great transport network, it is possible to explore the best of Paris in three days. On our first trip to Paris, not only […]
Long beaches, dotted with historic monuments, stone carvings that stand testament to the craftsmanship of ancient Indian artists and more. Click to know about the places to visit and things to do in Mahabalipura in a day or two.
It all started on a Friday morning. I sat with my cousin to plan something for the weekend. But the resorts near Kolkata were full for the weekend. Only one of them were left that is the Vedic Village Resorts & Spa. I was a little apprehensive about it as to why would only this […]
Planning a trip with family? Here’s a list of best places to visit in Bangkok with family that will certainly help you decide. Be it with kids or elderly parents, these places will appeal all.
My blog has suffered from a creative drought for months now because of various reasons. I was not sure if I could take up a daily writing challenge in such a situation, but I knew it was important to give my blog the love it deserves. So, I jumped into the #blogchatterA2Z challenge 2022 in […]
My first trip to Digha – the most popular beach escape in West Bengal. Here’s an account of everything we did.
Few places leave as lasting an impression in your mind as does Munnar in monsoon. My first trip in June 2017 inspired me to start this blog, and my second visit in November 2018 made me update this post with more details and places of interest. Hope it helps you plan your trip. One of […]
Today we welcome our Guest Author Dorota to share with us a practical Warsaw Itinerary for those who fancy a trip to the historic Polish Capital. Dorota is a Polish travel blogger who has been to Warsaw numerous times since her childhood. I’m sure her insider tips and depth of knowledge about the city will […]
Pondicherry itinerary – for an amazing trip to the Dravidian French Town of India. How to explore the best of Pondicherry in 2 days.
We recently observed the International Day of Monuments and Sites, also known as the World Heritage Day on 18th April. I was engrossed in being a new mom, newly back-to-work from maternity leave, and missed observing this day. So, here’s a belated post about the great heritage monuments of India. For this article I have […]
Goa is a coastal paradise, the original hippie capital of India. Pristine beaches, happy lifestyle and fantastic tourist infrastructure is what makes Goa a dream destination. But in this post, I am going to talk about some Goa facts that are unknown to many. It’s about the history of Goa, its culture, its pride, and […]
The term “resort” is used for a hotel property which offer an array of recreational opportunities for the visitors – restaurants, clubs, gardens, hiking trails, beach, clubs etc. Basically, you can easily spend a couple of days in a resort being busy with various activities from morning to night without the need to travel outside. […]
March reminds me of exam time – that dark time in school when the only silver lining is the impending summer vacation. Summer vacations call for a family trip, which to most Indian families happen to be the only trip they can spare time and money for. So obviously a lot of research goes into […]
This post is my endeavor to recreate my day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam back in the spring of 2018. Just 20 km away from Amsterdam, a modern city bustling with tourists and men of business, there’s a place where time stopped in the 17th century. Zaanse Schans is a small town in Zaandam, […]
One week is too short a time to explore a country as vast and diverse and Mexico. The seat of the ancient Maya civilization, the country is rich in history, culture and scenic beauty. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Carribean, one would easily need two weeks to experience […]
It’s April and the peak season for visiting Europe has begun. With long days, warm weather and blossoms all around, it’s no wonder that people from all over the world flock to Europe now. However, for someone living in India all their lives, packing for Europe trip can be tricky. So here is a guide […]
As we drove through the road with the sea on both sides, light showers in a hot sunny day added a spark to the surreal beauty of nature around. This was our trip to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi – one that made a permanent space in our minds for times to come. Here in […]
Bandipur Safari is by far one of the most ethical jungle safaris available in India, and also one of the most favorite things to do for people in Bangalore on weekends. This densely forested area is the gateway to many popular hill stations nearby – Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Wayanad to name a few. Once […]
Yercaud is a resplendent hill station in the Eastern Ghats of India. Check out this Yercaud know about the places to visit in Yercaud in a short trip.
In this post, you will come to know about the best places to stay in Goa for different styles of holiday. Goa – the name itself lifts my mood. This tiny state of India has everything that delights a traveler. Golden beaches, stunning Portuguese churches, beautiful forts, tropical spice gardens – just name it and […]
Tucked in the foothills of Mullyangiri range, lies the charming city of Chikmagalur. The land of coffee as it is often called attracts thousands of tourists every year for its verdant valleys and green vistas. If you are in Bangalore, Chikmagalur must be high on your weekend bucket list. Planning for some adventure with friends […]
Hello! am Jamshedpur, the place this blogger you read was born in. She introduces herself as a Calcutta girl, which she is by heart and soul. But she was born in the TELCO hospital right in my lap. Though I am one of the largest cities in East India, I am nowhere in the tourism […]
Today, I will take you on a trip to my favorite place in my own city – the Prinsep Ghat, Kolkata. Join me as I stroll on the banks of Hooghly, watch the sunset from a boat and the majestic Howrah bridge twinkling at night. “Kolkata is a beautiful city. Wherever you place a camera […]
I have come across a lot of blogs about how to stay healthy while traveling for a long time. This makes me wonder do people think short time travels made by working professionals are easier? Hell no! We slog night and day, and on Saturday instead of sleeping late we wake up at 4 am […]
Today I welcome our guest writer Vimal Bhatia who will take us on a virtual trip to the Himalayan cities of Dalhousie, Khajjiar, and Chamba. Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh this summer? Vimal has done all the hard work and created this perfect 3-day Dalhousie itinerary for you. Over to Vimal now. Also read: […]
Bekal is a beautiful fortified town in Kasargod, Kerala. Famous for the Bekal fort and sand beaches this is still among the lesser-known jewels in the crown of God’s own country. About 380 km from Bangalore, the road trip from Bangalore to Bekal is a journey to remember. On your way, you’ll pass through the […]
“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible, falling will not hurt you.”
The travel blog has given me the wings to fly back to places all over the world, but I realised that there’s little on my blog about my roots, my beautiful Bengal. So today, let me introduce you to a piece of myself, my home, West Bengal. And what better way to start that than […]
Surrounded by the imposing peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru, Ravangla is a picturesque town sitting at a height of 8000 ft. The natural landscape here inspired men to build some architectural masterpieces. It is located 65km away from the capital Gangtok, and almost the same distance away from Pelling. In […]
“দেবী চণ্ডিকা সচেতন চিন্ময়ী, তিনি নিত্যা, তাঁর আদি নেই, তাঁর প্রাকৃত মূর্তি নেই, এই বিশ্বের প্রকাশ তাঁর মূর্তি। নিত্যা হয়েও অসুর পীড়িত দেবতা রক্ষণে তাঁর আবির্ভাব হয়। দেবীর শাশ্বত অভয়বাণী— “ইত্থং যদা যদা বাধা দানবোত্থা ভবিষ্যতি ।। তদা তদাবতীর্যাহং করিষ্যাম্যরিসংক্ষয়ম্ ।।”” – An excerpt from the famous program “Mahishashur Mardini” – a ballad dedicated to […]
Best books set in India that will inspire you to travel in this great country of infinite diversity. From classics of Tagore, to the perspective of new authors.
With travel coming to a standstill for many vagabonds by heart, travel shows are the only way to quench the thirst to explore. The urge to know about a new place, new cultures, cuisines, architectures, history is what drives most travel-lovers. With so many travel vloggers churning out content frequently why would someone even need […]
Postcards from India is an experimental anthology which attempts to give an unique voice to some offbeat gems of India.
Visit to Jorasanko Thakur Bari in Kolkata. also called the Tagora House, Kolkata, this is where the Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore lived. Explore the museum of Bengal renaissance, the Rabindra Bharti Museum inside.
Close your eyes for a minute and think of a sparkling lake with the Western Ghats in its backdrop, elephants thronging to the banks to drink water, antelopes grazing around, exotic avian sitting on the dry branches peeking from the waters. Think of a tiger spotting safari at night, nature-walk in the morning and bamboo […]
Hello! I am Nathu La. I am located in East Sikkim and I’m an offshoot of the historic silk road. Right now, the winter chills have passed and the blanket of snow has disappeared, almost. I usually see many tourists from all over India during this time. But it’s unusually empty now. I was wondering […]
Agumbe Ghats in the dense rain forest located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Geologists call it the “Cherrapunji of the South”, owing to the heavy rainfall throughout the year. This ecological hotspot is not your usual tourist destination. But it’s raw natural beauty makes it one of my favorite offbeat places to visit in […]
The charm of India is beyond imagination. I’ve travelled extensively in South and East India. You can find several guides on my blog related to these regions. Since I haven’t explored the north much, I invited our guest writer to talk about the best places to visit in North India in 2021. This year has […]
December is knocking the door and so is the winter vacation. It’s time to take out those woolens which lie in the cabinets under your bed rest of the year. And it’s time to find out the best places to visit in December in India. The first place that comes to mind when you think […]
Highlights of Henry’s Island – the exotic beach destination of West Bengal
If you know us personally or through our blog, you’d be aware of our love for road trips. I’m reviving our series “Behind the Travel Scenes” with this road trip packing list. Having a road trip essentials checklist is more important than a lot of people think. Knowing what to pack into your car and […]
Join me on a virtual tour of the most beautiful and historic churches in India!
Who doesn’t crave for some vitamin sea? The feeling of salty air on the face and sense of endlessness fills my heart with joy every time I travel to beaches. Here’s a list of my top 5 beaches all over India. 1. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman & Nicobar Islands There is no place in India […]
In this post our guest writer Akanksha explores the best things to do in India. Travelers from around the world, over the centuries, have been fascinated with India and each has returned home with cherished experiences. The unique land of ‘unity in diversity’ is not just a country but rather a collection of unforgettable experiences. […]
India is a treasure-trove for foodies. Having been a melting pot of cultures around the world for time immemorial, India can boast of a variety that no other place I know can. However, if you want to go for an indulgent food experience here is the list of hottest food destinations in India. Kolkata Call […]
Museums are the windows to the rich cultural and archeological heritage of a country. While the pompous museums of Europe reflect the immense wealth they accumulated in the colonial era, the rather humble-looking museums of India reflect the long history of civilization in this ancient country. Here’s a look at the best museums in India […]
What comes to your mind when you think of Tibetian settlements? Dharamshala? Or anywhere in the snow-wrapped Himalayas? But do you know that there’s a mini-Tibet near the Western Ghats area of Karnataka. Yay, that’s me – Bylakuppe. In fact, I am the world’s second largest Tibetian settlement outside Tibet. I stand right on the […]
It’s been six months since our last road trip. Considering our previous frequency of 2-3 road trips a month, this is extraordinarily different from our normal lives. But we all know the reason for it, and we are still trying to cope with what came along. As the travel restrictions have been relaxed in Karnataka […]
How long has it been since you are stuck indoors? As winter is knocking the door here in India, I eagerly look forward to some safe yet fun outdoor activities. Since my childhood, winters meant time for a picnic. Given the pandemic situation, I’m sure a lot of us need a much-needed family picnic nearby. […]
Perched at a height of 9000 ft, the idyllic village of Lachung is the gateway to the surreal North Sikkim. So if you want to visit the natural gems like Yumthang Valley or Gurdongmar lake, you will have to book a hotel here. But there are many beautiful places to visit in Lachung and around […]
Discover the best places to visit in Karnataka – One State, Many Worlds. Hills, Forests, Beaches , historic sites – the list has my Favorite Five and 20 more.
As a travel-addict couple, we love to capture our moments with the world as much as we can. While our social media pages are filled with these memories that we capture, our home was somewhat empty. I always wanted to take printouts of some select photos and frame them, but never got beyond putting […]
In this post, I will share with you the best itinerary for Goa in 3 days for beginners based on my personal experience. A travel lover, lived in Bangalore for 4 years and never been to Goa yet? Do you even exist? Because if you do, you must know that we are with you too. […]
Itinerary of Hampi for a short visit. An UNESCO World Heritage center, and one of the top emerging destinations in Asia for tourism, Hampi is a perfect weekend trip from Bangalore.
India is the most diverse country in the world by all possible dimensions – history, culture, and landscapes. It’s a pity that most people limit themselves to the North-West region when they visit India. Speckled with temples, nestled in the lush green hill-forests, surrounded by the Indian ocean – South India is infinitely different from […]
Have a short layover in Antwerp and don’t know what to do? Well, we had no idea either. But based on our amazing experience of walking around the city with a map in our hand, we came up with this unique Antwerp itinerary for one day. We didn’t spend a penny except on food. So […]
In this article I share from my experience some tips for road trip with a baby. You can also download a printable checklist of the must haves for road trip with newborn, infants and even toddlers. Also Read: A complete packing checklist for any road trip A weekend road trip is a great way to […]
Who doesn’t like bringing home a piece of a foreign country in the form of souvenirs? Magnets, paintings, and local fabrics are my usual choice of souvenirs. But people back home are way more excited when they get to taste the gifts, I bring for them. So, here’s a list of the most interesting edible […]
Our recent trip to Shimoga will be etched in our memories, not for the famous Jog Falls that we went for, but for the places, we discovered off the beaten track. This trip was special because we learned that not everything can be answered by TripAdvisor or even Google and that the “top things to […]
There is no dearth of destinations for thrill-seekers in India. The diverse terrain offers unique adventurous experiences in different parts of India. Biking through the Himalayan passes, multi-day treks in the Western Ghats, whitewater rafting, skiing, paragliding, snorkeling – there’s ample opportunity to experience adventures of a lifetime in India. Yours truly is not the […]
It’s the 21st of December 2019. I woke up on a lazy Saturday morning to a parcel delivered at my home. I honestly couldn’t remember what it was I ordered when my husband asked. Not until I saw the box. I had just ordered a photo book of our travel memories of 2019 a couple […]
This is a short travel guide and a suggestive Kolkata itinerary to prepare you for your first visit to the city of joy. Kolkata is my city, the city where I grew up in. Kolkata, formerly called, Calcutta is the cultural capital of India, and a gateway to the eastern part of the country. Like […]
First time to Amsterdam and wondering what to do in Amsterdam in three days? Look no more because we have a detailed and flexible itinerary planned. We did months of research, tested our 3-day Amsterdam itinerary on our first trip and came back with lots of learnings. Join us on this virtual ride through Amsterdam […]
The worst cyclone in decades hit the east coast of India, and tore through the heart of West Bengal. Coastal Orissa and parts of the neighboring country Bangladesh has also been affected badly.
Discover Paris at night. This is the best guide to explore the city of lights in the evening. When the sun sets and museums close, Paris is awake in its most beautiful Avtaar! #Paris #France #Travel
Wayanad Itinerary – A Comprehensive Travel Guide to the Heavenly District of Kerala, India. Tea gardens, coffee groves, lakes, mountains , waterfalls.. the list goes on for a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore or Kochi.
First time in Madrid and have only 2-3 days? Here’s the only guide you need to explore the best of Madrid, including a day trip to Heritage Sites like Toledo
In this post, I am going to take a break from thrilling road trips and breathtaking sceneries of travel and try to address the boring aspects of travel. Let’s discuss shoes! What are the best travel shoes in India? Why is it important and what is so specific about traveling in India? […]
Finally, nearly 8 months after our amazing trip to Sikkim, I decided to pen down this guide. I had written about snowfall in Sikkim and a couple of pieces about my favorite locations in Sikkim earlier. However, writing a detailed travel guide is a lot of hard work. Like most travel bloggers I was let […]
Where are the best castles in the world? Which are the best forts in the world? What is the difference between castles and forts and fortresses? This post will answer all your questions around forts and castles of the world. The two biggest sources of inspiration for our travel stories are natural beauty and history. […]
Fascinating history, breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails – yes, we are talking about forts again. This time it is about the best forts of India. With a thousand years of history of invasion and internal conflicts, it is no wonder that India is home to many formidable fortresses that are both beautiful and intriguing. this […]
Join me on a virtual food tour to discover the best street food in India. Includes easy recipe with which you can bring Home the taste of incredible india.
In this post we will discuss the sarees of India. Not the designer, Bollywood ones, but the traditional Indian Sarees.
On our fifth in the series of amazing one-day trips from Bangalore, we are taking you to Horsley Hills. As usual, we combined our trip to Horsley Hills from Bangalore with a short hiking adventure to Kaigal falls. It’s not necessary though. Horsley hills in itself are beautiful enough to spend the whole day in. […]
One fine Friday evening, the geeky bespectacled corporate couple decided – “Kuch toofani karte hai” and set off on an ambitious day trip. This was the day we drove over 650 km in total, from Bangalore to Gandikota and Belum caves, and back – all in one day! After reading many blogs, we decided […]
One of the first trips I took when I came to Bangalore for work was Mysore. Since then it’s been over four years and two more trips, yet I’m never tired of the beautiful cultural capital of Karnataka. In this post I would like to share the best things to do in Mysore – either […]
Enchanting Tamil Nadu is the epitome of ancient culture and heritage co-existing with modern infrastructure. This beautiful state of south India is the proud home of several Indian luminaries like Nobel laureate CV Raman, World Chess champion Vishwanathan Anand, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and many more. For tourists, this is one of the best states […]
It’s that time of the year when Bengalis talk about “pujo pujo gondho” (which loosely translates to the fragrance of Puja in the air). Durga Puja is more than a religious festival – that’s something I made quite clear on my first article about Kolkata’s Durga Puja. This is an essential guide to experiencing Durga […]
Download our South India Travel guide. It will inspire you to explore the land of ancient temples, tea gardens, beaches, and backwaters.
Hello there! My name is Pulga and I am a quaint little town in Himachal Pradesh. The name of the state literally translates to “snow-laden province”. We truly enjoy life in the lap of Himalayas. I am one of the many pretty villages that adorn the Parvati valley in Himachal Pradesh. And I am known […]
This Reykjavik itinerary gives you the best of Reykjavik in 3 days along with its surrounding areas. You get waterfalls and hot springs, gorgeous hikes and lava rocks, and some epic scenery.
There’s so much to explore in the diverse landscape of India, that one may not even feel the need to travel abroad for holidays. While the prices of Maldives and Mauritius soar, there are islands in our country which are just as beautiful if not more. Let’s take a look at the most beautiful islands […]
Study of folk art forms of India is very close to my heart. My love for this intensified when I organized “Kalakaar Vikas”, an unique rural-art fair at IIT Kharagpur. It was in the course of these two years when I had the honor of interacting with artisans from remote villages and giving them a […]
Rameshwaram Itinerary – A 2-day Trip to the idyllic island of Rameshwaram which is also one of the Holiest place for Hindus. This covers a half-day trip to Dhanushkodi, the Ghost town of India and a half-day trip to Mandappam, Tamil Nadu, India.
Welcome to the fourth post of the series #BlogchatterA2Z 2022. In this series I am publishing my list of Fabulous Fives related to my two favorite topics – travel and blogging. Today’s list is for all the bloggers who want to add a professional look to their blog. I personally want to change a lot […]
This post is dedicated to the tranquil waters reflecting the resplendent nature around it – the lovely lakes I came across during my travels in India. I’d love to talk about the obscure lakes that I stumbled upon during my roadtrips someday. But for today’s post I will stick to my theme for #BlogchatterA2Z and […]
Bangalore, the world’s 4th largest tech hub is not just about corporate campuses, traffic, and beer, it is also a perfect city for professionals with a wanderlust spirit. If you are one of them, this list of best one-day trips from Bangalore should help you quench your wanderlust one day trip at a time. You […]
Hello there! Once again,I’m taking a break from travel posts to write about blogging in general. More specifically about SEO metrics. Alexa, a powerful tool for measuring visibility and success of a website is going to retire from from May 1st. In fact as I write this, I tried to use the site but it […]
Sparkling shades of green and blue, stretches of white sand beaches bordered by dense green forests – that’s the picture you see when we speak of Andaman. For long I have only heard stories of how “if you have seen the Andaman, no other Indian beach will impress you”. So when we were offered an […]
Enchanting forests on rolling hills, mesmerizing waterfalls, winding roads through lush green plantations, serene backwaters and pristine beaches – the little state of Kerala is a paradise for nature-lovers. No wonder they call it God’s own country. Kerala is home to some of my most favorite places to visit in India. Here’s a list of […]
Last week I wrote about our experience at the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. The Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort, Alappuzha was our shelter in between 20 hours of long drive to and from Bangalore. We paid for all our expenses, and we have no incentive of writing this review. Well, we had a great time […]
Yay! I did it. I survived a year of travel blogging. 13th May 2018 was the day I published my first blog post – An evening in Paris. We are a year old now and feel upbeat about the year to come. My blog’s birthday was rather uneventful as I was busy with the launch […]
Click to read about the best places to visit in West Bengal – an increidbly Indian state with unparalleled cultural diversity and breathtaking landscape. Embark on a virtual tour to Experience Bengal through the eyes of travel bloggers around the world.
Rainy season is anywhere is not the peak time to travel, for obvious inconveniences. However, having lived near the Western Ghats, monsoon has become my favorite time to explore. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in monsoon in India according to me. “My heart was a desert when you came as a […]
My top 5 picks from years of exploring India off the beaten path. Check to see if you have visited them too.
Hampi is a land soaked in history, a history that glorifies it and haunts it at the same time. This UNESCO heritage site got a new impetus to its tourism when the NY Times ranked it at no. 2 among the best places to visit in the world in 2019. Let’s begin with a few […]
An Indian’s guide to planning a trip to Europe. Detailed step-by-step process specially designed for Indians from personal experience. Where to go, where to stay, what to do pack and every other question you have or should have before you set off.
In my previous post I made an ideal 3-day Pondicherry itinerary for you. For those who only have one day in Pondicherry, I’d suggest exploring the French colony of Pondicherry and Auroville. I had mentioned in my previous post that the remnants of the French colony of Pondicherry can only be seen in 10% of […]
So here it goes, I am nominated for the Liebster Award, a much-coveted nomination for newbie bloggers. Seven months back when I created a free blog and hit publish on my first post, I wasn’t even sure if I would continue blogging let alone taking it so seriously. So a few weeks back when I […]
Three days in Barcelona is the bare minimum amount of time you need to even check out the best of the city. Like New York, it is a city that never sleeps, but unlike the former, it is a city that is haunted by history. Three days in Barcelona is a story of how I […]
Within 150km radius from Bangalore, Somnathpur is a great place for a day-trip from the silicon valley of India. It is famous for two reasons –first, the Shivanasamudram falls that is popular among youngsters, and second, the less famous, but way more intriguing – Talakadu, a mini-desert in Karnataka. Somnathpur is in itself famous for […]
Udupi is a coastal district of Karnataka with breathtaking views of green valleys, rivers, lakes, great architecture – both modern and old, and lovely beaches. This makes it a tourist hotspot, especially the Udupi town. However, in this post I will briefly discuss the best places to visit in Udupi district, off-the-beaten-path. In 1991, […]
SEO has been a life-saver for my blog. I’m not the kind of person who can keep posting travel articles every week, let alone daily. I don’t travel that much, and I have a full-time job to look after. But I took some simple steps that helped me get traffic on an auto-pilot mode even […]
I shared the story of our planning a Europe trip in my previous article. Now comes the execution part. How can you save money on your Europe trip, that too in a peak season, and in the expensive cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid etc? So this blog is basically structured into 3 parts – review […]
Hampi is one of my favorite places in the world. This real-life history book takes you a time-travel to not just the glorious Vijayanagara Empire, but also to the mythical Kiskinda – the monkey kingdom of Ramayana, and even earlier to Pampa Kshetra – the land of Goddess Parvati. Hampi for me is a Wonderland […]
These are the hottest and quirkiest short-trips of 2019 for long weekends.
My post comes after a more than usual break because I was in my hometown last week for Durga Puja- the biggest revelry for Bengalis all over the world, and the greatest spectacle of my city Kolkata. I had given you a glimpse of what this festival is all about and if you have […]
South India, or the Indian Peninsula comprises of five states with distinct culture, language and history. These are Karnataka, Kerala Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Having a long history of Hindu regimes which patronized religious architecture, it is a place where you will find incredible temple architecture from ancient and medieval period. Let’s dive […]
This post is about the historic Lepakshi temple, the mysteries around it and why you must visit it. “Le Pakshi,” said Lord Ram as he summoned Jatayu, the giant bird to rise up. Jatayu was injured as he put up a brave fight to rescue Ram’s wife Sita from the shackles of Raavan, the demon […]
One scenic road trip, two treks, and three amazing views – that’s the least you can expect from a day trip from Bangalore to Avalabetta and Gudibande fort. Avalabetta is a hillock 90 km away from Bangalore which is famous for a hanging cliff, aka the “beak rock”. Gudibande fort is a 17th-century structure that […]
This one day trip from Madrid to Toledo turned out to be the highlight of our Spain itinerary. With a history spanning over two millennia, Toledo is one of the most ancient cities of the world and was declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1986. Here I tell you all that you […]
I remember being awestruck by the colossal structures on both sides of the road on our first drive from Bangalore to Pondicherry. Gingee is an ancient fortified town located in Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu. It’s surrounded by three lofty citadels which you can explore on a day trip from Pondicherry. Rajagiri, Krishnagiri and Chandrayandurg […]
Want to experience the tropical dream for your next vacation? Here are some fantastic European beaches that we think are worth visiting and for you to indulge in the sun and sea. Europe’s natural beauty of beaches is worth exploring as some are large, famous beaches, and some are hidden away for you to find […]
Kodaikanal is a picturesque town in the Tamil Nadu near Ooty which is famous for its blossoms and weather. Somehow the name doesn’t ring a bell for people living outside South India, unlike the more popular names like Ooty and Munnar. Perhaps that is the reason some bloggers call it an “offbeat” location. I disagree […]
Jungle Safaris are a riveting experience while travelling in India. Here is a list of the best jungle safaris you can enjoy while in India
The mention of Munnar, Kerala’s queen of hills brings to our mind the picture of sprawling tea gardens. A burst of lush greenery on the rolling hills of the Aravalli range is a feast of senses and a treat to wanderlust. Despite the hype around the tea gardens of Munnar, a trip to Kolukkumalai tea estate, the highest organic tea estate in the world remains under-explored by the tourists. When we visited Munnar for the second time in the peak season of November this year, we were surprised to find the Kolukkumalai so peaceful and serene, as if nobody even knows about it. Read for all you need to know for planning your trip there.
Hello there! This is my first post for the Blogchatter Blog Hop. Can’t imagine that the newbie blogger looking for friends and guidance in the Blogchatter in 2018 is now a 4-year senior blogger sharing tips and tricks of the business. So here I am sharing from my experience, the things a new blogger needs […]
Today we welcome our guest writer Vipin to present to you the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. My travel stories in UP is limited to our short stay in Jhansi with our relatives when we were children. We went on a joint-family road trip to Agra and Orchha (Madhya Pradesh). I nowhere an […]
Yes, we did it. The crazy couple topped their madness yet again and made this seemingly impossible one-way trip. Let me begin with a strong disclaimer. This is a travelogue where I share the story of our journey with you. In no way should this be treated as a guidance or inspiration. It’s an epic […]
There are numerous cool spots near Bangalore where you can drive to, to beat the summer heat. But here I bring to you, my favorites. The top 20 hill stations near Bangalore that you can choose from to visit this summer. Hill stations are townships established at a high altitude (1000 meters to 2500 meters) […]
Three days in Prague is a travelogue written by my friend Suvajit as a part of our guest post series. This is a perfect itinerary if you are going to Prague for the first time and want to experience the best of Prague in a short time. You can view his profile at the end […]
There are more than 127 islands on the archipelago that represent the beauty of this exotic destination, which is the home to endemic species and diverse flora and fauna. In this article, we’ll guide you through the Galapagos itinerary – which islands to visit, when, and why.
Hello! This is the 17th post in my series for #BlogchatterA2Z 2022. Coming up with relevant lists every day is tough, to match it with letter is tougher. And because I’m working hard folks, I just wanted to steal this opportunity to shamelessly promote my book to you. If you have not read my debut […]
If you are looking for an offbeat destination in India that is full of surprises, then Madhya Pradesh is the right place for you! Located in the center of the country, this state has something to offer everyone. From beautiful hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries to ancient temples and splendid palaces, Madhya Pradesh will leave […]
My love for the Western Ghats of India is no secret. The temperate weather all-year-round, the winding roads along the lush green hills, the magical monsoon, the wildlife – the Western Ghats is what dreams are made of. Have you ever thought of embarking on a Western Ghats Road trip spanning the whole stretch of […]
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