the market lanes of port louis. let’s go (s)hopping!

There is something that must be said about walking amongst people. I don’t think it’s an Indian thing – this particular love to experience a place through the crowds that throng the streets. I’ve met people who live in countries with really low density who like experiencing new countries/cities through the people. I think it stems from the greater need to join in, to belong, and to be … Continue reading the market lanes of port louis. let’s go (s)hopping!

a cycling introduction to jaipur

This was first published here. “The city was not always pink!” Raja, my guide, drawled in a voice that was laced with the smell and colour of pan. My guide was a cycle rickshaw driver. He had persuaded me to a quick tour around the walled city laced with many stories—all for Rs. 200. “They say,” he continued, “that Queen Victoria was visiting long ago. … Continue reading a cycling introduction to jaipur

the bridges that grow!

A couple of years ago, three of us went on an all-girls trip to Meghalaya . Deciding against popular tourist haunts, we skipped the main Cherrapunji town and made our way to a hotel 15 km in the outskirts instead. The Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, contrary to the name, is a family run guesthouse perched on top of a hill that boasts better views than Cherrapunji … Continue reading the bridges that grow!

bandra & the bandra fest: your walking tour guide!

The annual Feast of Nativity of Mary is here and with it the Bandra Fest. If you’re wondering how you can be a part of it, without getting bogged down by the thronging crowds, stalls, noise… then check out this post. This is specially customised walking tour around Mount Mary Church in Bandra. Two birds with one stone – helps you discover old parts of this suburb before it became the hip-n-happening place it is today and experience the energy of the Bandra Fest. Follow the google map, or create your own tour. It’s upto you! Welcome to the Bandra & Bandra Fest tour! Continue reading bandra & the bandra fest: your walking tour guide!

have you been to a village haat / bazaar / market?

every sunday as the sun comes up into the sky the sellers make their way to the intersection of roads that forms the haat, the bazaar. huge blue plastic bags and large gunny sacks are brought in on strong and able shoulders, seasoned with the passage of time and roughened by the weight of life. there are over-stuffed auto rickshaws and arguing van drivers to be dealt … Continue reading have you been to a village haat / bazaar / market?

the “church” in churchgate

If you’ve lived in Mumbai even for a short while you would have come across Churchgate station — that is the first stop on the Western line at the extreme South of Mumbai. But what many people do not know is the reason why it’s called Churchgate? Don’t we sometimes say words so often we even forget why they must have had an origin? What’s the ‘Church’ and … Continue reading the “church” in churchgate

it’s navroz, let’s PARSI!

My latest article that was posted on Lonely Planet India’s website today.  Check it out, and let me know what you think! The original link — It’s Navroz, let’s PARSI! August 18 is Parsi New Year and while the Parsis are celebrating with prayers and festivities, let us celebrate this wonderful community. Let’s get a little bit of ‘Parsi’ in each of us. Walk by a Parsi … Continue reading it’s navroz, let’s PARSI!