It’s that time of the year again when Malayalis don their traditional kasavu (handwoven Kerala sarees) and mundu (dhoti) to celebrate the ten-day festival of Onam with an elaborate vegetarian feast. Onam is a festival which marks the harvest season for Kerala. The 10-day festival culminates with a grand Sadhya meal where families come together…
By Nivi Shrivastava Around 100 km away from Madhya Pradesh’s present-day commercial capital Indore is the well-preserved mediaeval city of Mandu (aka Mandav) in the Dhar district. The city of joy, as it was once called, is a delight for history and architecture enthusiasts who often flock to the ruins for research and study. There are 61…
By Nivi Shrivastava Every time one thinks of Gujarat, memories of eclectic flavours and array of colourful visuals pop up instantly. Of course, the prehistoric monasteries, ancient temples and step-wells, colourful alfresco Havelis, and heritage monuments will always be the key tourist attractions for first-time visitors; however, for an art-loving curious traveller there’s a lot more…
As a child, I always wondered that why would they say Rome was not built in a day! Three days in Rome and I perfectly understood why there’s no other city in the world that would befit this saying. Much has been said and written about this ancient city that saw the rise and fall of…
By Nivi Shrivastava In my previous blog about Mauritus, I mentioned some guided experinces and local tourist places to explore in the beautiful République de Maurice (aka the Republic of Mauritius). If you have more days in hand, do check out the local sugarcane rum distilleries like Rhumerie de Chamarel and Labourdonnais to taste and buy the…
Travelling amidst the cotton candy clouds when you land in Pula, a quaint town in the Istrian side of Croatia, the first thing that will instantly gratify all your senses would be the fresh sea breeze in lush surroundings. For someone like me who dreams to settle down next to a beach (someday maybe), this…
By Nivi Shrivastava For most parts of the world this time of the year peak of summer, but in the République de Maurice (aka the Republic of Mauritius) from April to June is when the winter sets in with a perfect chill in the air. To escape the Indian summer and soak in the island breeze…
It’s amazing how nature is the most silent healer that could wrap us in awe and double up as a spiritual abode for damaged souls. Sometimes visiting a naturally benevolent destination works far better than searching for peace at a holy shrine, which we discovered in the blissful lush vistas of Amarkantak. A small hilly…
By Rajiv Sheth Ever wondered why when you’re walking down your favourite market, there seem to be two-three familiar fragrances that inevitably waft past you. Of course, you know the ones I’m talking about. But what makes a scent truly your own if everyone seems to be wearing it? I think we all know someone who…
To celebrate the future renovation of the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro in Venice, Louis Vuitton held a dinner hosted by Daniele Ferrara, of Veneto’s Regional Directorate for Museums. Indian actress Deepika Padukone was in attendance, dressed in Louis Vuitton’s Spring Summer 2022 collection, and sporting the iconic Dauphine handbag with the Maisons’s jacquard ‘Since 1854’ textile. Other guests…