blissful by the banyan: homestay, off-mumbai

Travelling out of Mumbai to a place that hopes to preserve nature for the generations to come. Built with vernacular architecture, and along a slope without flattening the land, Banyan Bliss is a homestay that stands out from the rest. Continue reading blissful by the banyan: homestay, off-mumbai

boundaries of consent: a walk through dharavi

“Dharavi is the largest slum in Asia,” our guide Jitu said, who had grown up in Dharavi. His hand moved wide to show the expanse and his words are laced with pride. This fact is no longer true, for a slum in Karachi, Pakistan* has overtaken Dharavi. But his pride made me look down at my feet enclosed in shoes to brave the overflowing gutters and … Continue reading boundaries of consent: a walk through dharavi

best road trips from mumbai

Do you enjoy travelling? Yes? Well, then you must travel in the monsoons (or just after) because the rains make everything beautiful. It feels like India is born again, blooming, flourishing and glowing – well in a nature kind of way. You see her in the prime of youth, all decked up in myriad shades of green. Nature does put on a great show for you, and don’t you want a ring … Continue reading best road trips from mumbai

the graffiti festival mumbai!

This Sunday, after having seen multiple updates on St. Art Delhi’s Facebook page, I decided to go and check out the latest art that was dotting walls across Mumbai. If you’ve read my previous pieces you will know that graffiti and me have a strong relationship, of course, it’s one sided for now! Read more here. At the entrance to Pali Village is this black and white large … Continue reading the graffiti festival mumbai!

TOP 5 drives out of mumbai

the rains are finally coming to an end. just after the monsoons, the greenery in Maharashtra is at its peak, before the descent into dried yellow oblivion. this is the best time to head out on that long drive and soak up the peace and quiet of being on the road. here travel is not about the destination but about the journey, in the truest sense.

check out my favourite drives out of mumbai. Continue reading TOP 5 drives out of mumbai

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!

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!