Just ahead of the market is the old Landporten, the stone gate which marks the entry into the old town. Making our way through the massive arch and onto the cobblestoned main street the scene subtly changes. As the humdrum of the market fades away and one looks around the quaint streets and the old pillared mansions, the small churches and open skied traditional tamil homes with a hint of a European touch, a certain calm descends and time slows down just a little bit.
Tag: travel
Of Kings and Idlys
With high towering column and intricately carved ceilings, King Thirumalai’s palace is beautiful and unique. Built in traditional dravidian style, the palace has a European feel to it, which can be attributed to the Italian architect the King consulted with. You can also see influences of his travels around India, in the carvings around the columns, the curved arches and the Rajput style of windows and latticed screens.
Seven Buses and an Auto …
Seven Buses and an Auto … To see a Temple. Yes, you read that right. It took us seven buses, those deadly state transport buses, and an auto to get from our hotel in Tanjore to see the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy. It would have taken eight buses but the last leg of our journey we decided to splurge a little and take an auto back to the hotel, or lodge as they more popularly called in Tamil Nadu. Unemployment and a plan to travel the country for a year does not add up to fancy hotels and comfortable transport, and exploration on a budget means cheap hotels and state transport buses.
You know you’re in Arunachal when …
Even after a gruelling 8 hour journey on ‘non’ roads you’re ever so slightly disappointed to have reached your destination because the drives are just so damn beautiful. Rats and Silkworms are a legitimate source of protein! Really. Everybody you see carries a sword. Everywhere! You can’t pass a street corner without seeing a bunch…
Of Sadhus and Sins
One of the largest religious gatherings in the world, the Kumbh Mela is also the largest outdoor party for Sadhus or Hindu priests. Held every three years in 4 different locations across Northern India, the Kumbh is the Hindu version of Sunday confession. Every three years people gather, from all across the world, to pay…
Ramzan in the City of the Nizams
Festivals in India are celebrated with great gusto, for as a people we do not believe in moderation when it comes to the veneration of any of our religions. Combine this passion with narrow bylanes, wares that sell at less than half price, women bargaining at a volume that competes with the call for prayer…
Serendipity: In Search of the Devi
The story of how it all started …