TRAVEL
Footloose in the canton of Vaud: postcards from my Swiss sojourn
If you are fond of offbeat foreign destinations that give you a chance to discover the cultural and socio-economical closely, then think beyond the obvious and explore the southwestern Switzerland that borders France. While most tourists associate Switzerland with chocolates, cheese, and luxury watches, there are a lot of interesting small towns in the country […]
Sorry ladies, Puri’s Jaga Akhadas are strictly for ‘men only’: offbeat at Jagannath Rath Yatra
By Nivi Shrivastava In Odisha, the coastal city of Puri is famous for its flamboyant religious heritage for centuries. This June, the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra (also known as Gundicha Yatra) begins on June 20th, and the 600-yr-old ‘Festival Of Chariots’ is set to commence the divine journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra & Subhadra. The […]
Exploring the elusive lifestyle of Nagaland’s Konyak tribe
By Nivi Shrivastava There are some trips that you must take to understand the real meaning of life; and, my first visit to the wild, Nagaland was nothing less than a life-changing experience full of adventures that I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams. From foraging in the wild forests for sweet berries and […]
Treasure hunt in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham‘s most famous lane, the Jewellery Quarter, is home to over 700 jewellers and independent retailers in the United Kingdom. The largest jewellery hub in Europe contributing to 40 percent of jewellery made in the UK, the urban village is famous for hip bars, restaurants, boutiques, and jewellery stores tucked in Georgian-style buildings. To preserve […]
Five unique destinations in Odisha to cover on a road trip
They say travelling in India is best if you are taking the road. For those who love to explore the less-famous destinations, a visit to Odisha’s unexplored towns and villages is a treat in waiting. If you are visiting the capital city of Bhubaneswar, check out these unique places to explore around. Pipili arts and […]
Experience Azerbaijan’s food, culture and nature in pocket-friendly travel budget
By Nivi Shrivastava “Salam! Welcome to Baku, is it your first time in Azerbaijan?” greeted our curious guide Chinara, a mild-mannered Azeri with bright eyes and thick eyebrows, who had come to receive us at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport with her colleague Leila, a slender light-haired representative from the Tourism Board. Our gracious, 28-year-old […]
Five ways to save money in Maldives
By Nivi Shrivastava Looking for an exciting beach destination this summer, without burning a hole in your pocket? Think the Maldives. The beautiful island country in the Indian Ocean is one of the most preferred destinations for an exotic aquatic adventure holiday. From the white sand beaches to the lush flora and fauna of the […]
A cultural rhapsody in Birmingham
The famous German Christmas market is lit up early this year in Birmingham’s Victoria Square as everyone in the UK is excited to celebrate Christmas after two years of the pandemic. There’s a familiar buzz and cheer in the air as famous landmarks, art galleries, cafes, bars, and shopping streets are decked up to welcome tourists, […]
Falling in love with Azerbaijan, a perfect blend of Asia and Europe
By Nivi Shrivastava The beautiful nation of Azerbaijan is an exceptional destination for many reasons; famous for its transcontinental location between the Asian and European continents, exotic geography, and confluences of cultures make it a versatile nation for travellers. Located by the coastline of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan shares its borders with Armenia, Iran, Georgia, and Russia, and draws […]
Postcards from PM Modi’s birthplace Vadnagar in Gujarat
By Nivi Shrivastava Indian small towns are fascinating in their quirky ways with their unique history and folklores. Vadnagar, a small town in the Mehsana District of Gujarat, is not just another small town but an interesting hamlet with a lot of historical significance. Like any other small town in the country, Vadnagar too was […]