Tag Archives: India

Konkan – A Monsoon Wanderlust

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By Manalee Naik

Believed to be a creation of Lord Parashurama, the region of Konkan is an alluring stretch of land that extends from Maharastra’s Palghar district and further runs parallel to the Arabian Sea to meet Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka. A charming getaway for those seeking scenic rendezvous, cultural nuances, and gastronomical wonders, Konkan is an unparalleled treasure awaiting your arrival with hidden gems in tow.

While Konkan is a traveler’s treat throughout the year, its visual appeal is best captured during the monsoon. It is replete with many immensely popular destinations that range from Malvan’s Tarkarli Beach to the formidable Sindhudurg Fort and the unmissable Dudhsagar Falls. However, its not- so-popular attractions are what make this picturesque region a paradise for the traveler who wishes to tread the unbeaten path.

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Top 5 Lesser Known UNESCO Heritage Sites in India

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By Siane Sreedharan

Etched by mountains, seas and rivers, India has been around since the dawn of civilization, making it among the most ancient societies on earth. This massive nation that emerges from the Himalayas in the north and descends into the Indian Ocean towards the south, has many wonders of old and boasts of some of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage sites on the globe. Whether you are an archaeological buff, a history lover or a wildlife enthusiast, there’s something for you as the country has over 35 heritage sites to explore. Let’s look at some of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites that may not be world-famous as its counterparts, but are equally enthralling and endearing.

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Top Must-See Places in Meghalaya, India

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Meghalaya’s wondrous rain drenched landscape. (Source: Rajesh Dutta @ Flickr)

By Advaita Raut

Fondly termed as ‘the abode of the clouds’, this magical northeastern state lives up to its name and how. From wind-sculpted cliffs and a vibrant culture, to cascading rice terraces and gossamer waterfalls, Meghalaya is nature’s gift that keeps giving.

They say, to truly experience the magic of Meghalaya, you must visit it twice. Once, during the monsoons, when rains spectacularly lash this rustic land, deepening its verdure with every shower; a time when waterfalls gush with a renewed fervor, and the land awakens to the call of the skies. The other time is during the winters, when the place holds you in a rapture unlike any other. Warmed beautifully by the mellow winter sun, vast, gold fields yawn lazily under a bright blue halo of skies. All around the year however, the East Khasi and West Jaintia hills roll endlessly and languidly, beckoning you to explore hidden corners.

Here is a list of places you must add to your itinerary on your visit to Meghalaya.

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Vineyards of the Deccan Plateau – A Cityseeker Guide

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(Source: Public Domain)

By Mili Doshi

The fact that the Deccan Plateau is known as a veritable “El Dorado” of vineyards, wineries and wine resorts is rather unsurprising. However, one only has to look beyond the much exalted terrains of Nashik, Pune and Sangli to unearth the seemingly unsung vineyards of Karnataka, which over the years, have begun to cause quite a stir in the Indian winemaking industry. What we have today is a tapestry of superlative wines birthed on the undulating, soil-rich landscapes of Nandi Valley, Krishna Valley and Kaveri Valley. Once the ground of monumental South Indian empires and legends, the state of Karnataka has transformed into what now stands as one of the country’s pioneering wine-growing regions, foreshadowing flourishing times ahead which could put Indian wines on the international radar. Without further ado, we take you through the many vineyards of the state.

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Terrible Travel Tales, Part 2

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Alba, Scotland 

Photo Courtesy of Alba De Santiago

The worst hostel in the world is located in Edinburgh. In a shabby building on Prince’s Street, up a interminable flight of stairs is a dirty, drafty, smoky, flea infested place to rest your head for 11GBP per night. My friend Matt and I were traveling around the UK together and arrived at dawn from an overnight bus from London. The friendly tourist agent at the coach station directed us to a nearby hostel and we happily scampered off without asking questions. All hostels are the same, we figured, and by that point in the trip we were well-seasoned backpackers. Or so we thought. We stayed in room H and all the beds in this room had names that began with the letter H. I wish I was making this up, but the name of my bed was “Hell.” That should have been a sign. The bedding clearly had not been changed, the showers were drafty and had only lukewarm water. I got sick from spending too much time in the ashy, smoky, lounge area trying to use the coin operated computers to book a flight to Dublin. There were no lockers, no locks on the door. Twice we caught people fiddling with our bags. Nothing was stolen, but I got to be paranoid enough to sleep with my purse under my pillow. Edinburgh itself is a gorgeous city; we were simply dazzled by the castle, the streets of the old town and the natural surroundings. I would love to return to Scotland, but just not as a poor-as-dirt backpacker. Continue reading →