The regal state of Rajasthan is on almost every international tourist’s itinerary for its varied landscape, ethnic folklore, delicious food and warm people. Royal palaces and formidable forts apart, Rajasthani thali food seasoned with spices and herbs is visually appealing and tastes great.
The winter harvest festival of Makar Sankranti...
Sometimes we need to make that external physical journey in order to make that inward spiritual journey and connect to our souls. That is the essence of the Pandharpur Yatra (pilgrimage) or ‘Wari’ as it is more commonly referred to.
The Wari
Sant Tukaram was the first one to set out...
Every state in India has its own unrivalled cuisine. Gujarat, the state on the country’s western fringe, has its unique flavour. Folks of all convictions have pooled in to form various aspects of the Gujarati cuisine. The dishes of Parsis, Bohra Muslims, and Khojas (from Arabia) have all acquired...
Jaipur usually tops the list of best places to visit in Rajasthan, and for good reason. The Pink City is colourful, historic, packed with culture, and BECKONS travellers from all parts of the world. But while most people travel to take in iconic sites like Amer Fort and Hawa...
Christmas is a wonderful time in this part of the world. Everything turns into something magical - London transforms into a living testimony of this magic, with Christmas trees and decorations adorning many famous landmarks of the city. From Christmas shopping to Christmas markets, special goodies deck every nook and...
It’s an interesting question that experts, psychologists, and spiritual gurus are perpetually giving us answers to. Everyone is seeking happiness - some find it in a stable career while others find it in the pursuit of more wealth. Some find it in close-knit relationships and familial ties while others...
Cambridge has many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. First-time travellers to this city are simply overwhelmed by its rich cultural heritage and history that dates back many hundred years. Hats off to Cambridge Bike Tours for doing a fantastic job of giving tourists (and local British travellers)...
Festivals are usually a time to rejuvenate, to let go and wash off the negativities and to make way for the new year and for a new beginning. It’s a time to reflect and a time for soul cleaning. It’s about shedding the old skin of darkness and ignorance...
Today is the second day of the festivities of Diwali, which began with Dhanteras celebrations yesterday. The second day is known as Narak Chaturdashi - also known as the Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi or Roop Chaudas and more popularly among people as Chhoti Diwali. Almost all the traditional pujas that...
Colorful dances, multicultural extravaganza, classical music, spiritual teachings, mouthwatering street food of aamchi Mumbai and dilwalon ki Dilli, puppet shows depicting stories from the Ramayana, Bollywood music, and loads of enthusiastic people enjoying the revelry – that’s what Diwali in London at Trafalgar Square (also known as DOTS for...
It was truly an exhilarating experience to visit Ladakh. Still untouched by urban jingbang, this far-flung and virgin snow desert with an air of enigma is a tourist’s target with a difference. The topography varies in height between 8,000 to 15,000 feet and is referred to as the “roof...
I took the most exhilarating cycle tour of London recently. Going by the name of Classic Tour, it is one of the most popular tours of London organized by a company called London Bicycle. It was founded in 1991 and to this day remains the best cycle tour operator...
One of the eight northeastern states in India, Arunachal Pradesh is often sidelined by more well-known and 'touristy' destinations like Assam and Meghalaya. Yet, like many places not overwhelmed by tourism, it has an untouched beauty that’s just waiting to be discovered. The green landscape is home to a...
Cambridge is this exquisite university city 50 miles north of London, which BECKONS some of the brightest minds from all over the world. It is a historic city, renowned for its grand architecture, picturesque green spaces, world-famous colleges, and the beautiful river Cam, a punting ride on which takes...
A visit to the world’s famous sculpture temples of Khajuraho was long on my wish list. Khajuraho, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Madhya Pradesh, was once under the reign of the Chandela Rajputs. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Sun, and Moon Gods, Khajuraho, the city capital of...