One of quaint neighbourhoods with clothes drying in the backyard, elderly Japanese women clomping around in their flat wooden sandals, old temples with stone gateways and small fruit and vegetable stores. At first glance it seems like a scene we’d see in neighbourhoods of Mexico city or old Bangalore. Over the next four days I realise any such resemblance is superficial at best. From the … Continue reading Strong whiff of history – Kyoto
There’s a nip in the air as the jeep winds its way up the hill. A herd of Sambar stands in the middle of the road. Our driver brings the jeep to a halt. The largest of the deer stares hard at us. It almost seems as if he’s debating whether to let us pass. It’s an uncanny feeling as we lock gazes. Without warning, … Continue reading Jungle Trail – B.R Hills
My heart is in my throat as the car winds its way around the mountains; the hairpin bends appear in scary regularity. In a matter of minutes we’re shrouded in a veil of fog. A cool wind breezes through the car windows. And, then the clouds suddenly make way for a brilliant ribbon of sunlight. No wonder Munnar is called a misty haven! Over 2,000 … Continue reading A misty haven – Munnar
The first time I saw Mt. Tamalpais in the U.S. years ago, a soupy fog shrouded the mountain. Then, the Sun made a brief but brilliant appearance, dispelling the fog. The mountain seemed to burst out of the surroundings in a spike of energy. Likened to a sleeping lady by Native Americans, numerous tales, possibly apocryphal, revolve around Mt. Tamalpais. With the Pacific Ocean on … Continue reading A tale of two mountains – Arunachala & Tamalpais
There is perfect symmetry in her pose — her graceful figure complemented by the sensuous expression on her face. I’m gazing at the statue of Shantala Devi in the Chennakesava Temple in Belur. The staggering detail of workmanship on the statue and the walls of the temple are awe-inspiring. The temple was built to commemorate King Vishnuvardhana’s victory over the Chola dynasty. Belur (situated in … Continue reading Return to the Stone Age – Belur and Halebeedu
Kalambaka – the name sounds like a character out of the Mahabharata, or maybe even the Rig Veda. Certainly not the first name that pops up in your mind when you think of Greece. However, the town of Kalambaka is indeed in Greece, nestled in the plains of Thessaly, about four hours ride north of Athens. Our image of Greece, like most other people, begins … Continue reading Monasteries of Meteora – DH Travel
Hordes of people sit patiently on the steps in front of a makeshift stage. They seem unfazed by the chilly weather on a December evening. Men garbed in dhotis, sherwanis and turbans are already on the stage gearing for a performance. Suddenly the sound of cymbals fills the air, and the men on stage start swaying to the music. With lighted lamps in their hands, … Continue reading Varanasi and the holy spirit
A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him. Arthur Symons When he breaks into an aria, we roll our eyes in embarrassment. The gondolier passes us with a flourish on the canal. The hint of drama evokes a smile in the elderly couple across from us. This is Venice, where the very air breathes with romance … Continue reading The magic of Venice
“Just the main temple in this area.” Our driver nodded and without a word took the road towards the Banke Bihari temple in  Vrindavan.We’re on our way to Agra from Delhi on a wintry morning when I decide to take a short detour.  The fog has considerably slowed down our progress and the driver is tempted to step on the gas so that we reach the temple before it closes in … Continue reading Mharo Pranam to Banke Bihari
The melodious notes of a bhajan on Lord Shiva in raag Bhairagi Bhairav resonates in the air. The voice is rich, the atmosphere is meditative and I’m hooked. The Birla Mandir in the Benares Hindu University campus has excellent accoustics. It’s a cold wintry day and there is a sparse crowd at the temple. The music and serene ambience has me rooted and my feet automatically … Continue reading A musical experience in BHU
Chitra Srikrishna 