Tips to Craft a Phenomenal Experience at the Taj Mahal
The most comprehensive and practical tips to have an exceptional visit to the Taj Mahal
Day 1 of 7-Day Galápagos Expedition: Baltra and Daphne Islands
Day 1 of Galapagos expedition – Baltra Island, Daphne islands, Evolution study with Darwin’s finches. Intro to daily schedule on Quasar Evolution.
Incredible Galapagos Wildlife Encounters in August
Photos and wildlife encounters on Galapagos islands in August. Meet the Blue foot boobies, iguanas, flamingos, tortoises, penguins, albatross, sea lions and so much more.
Vegetarian-Friendly Food Choices in South Florida
Find vegan and vegetarian foods in South Florida with this blog. With many international cuisines, its easier to eat well as a vegan, than you’d imagine.
Banff National Park 3-Day Itinerary in Winter
Banff National Park is an absolutely magical place in winter. The snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, and adventurous activities make it one of the top winter vacation destinations. Spending three days in Banff in winter isn’t enough to experience all it has to offer but you’ll get a taste and dream of coming back. This 3-day […]
20 Authentic Taiwanese Vegan Foods in Taiwan
Learn how to find authentic Taiwanese vegan and vegetarian foods in Taiwan – best street foods, desserts, small-plates, and vegan breakfast places across Taiwan.
10 Authentic Vegetarian Foods of Switzerland
Learn about traditional vegetarian foods of Switzerland. With advances in plant-based foods many Swiss dishes can be made vegan. Learn all about vegetarian foods in Switzerland’s cuisine.
Tips for Hiking in Utah’s Slot Canyons
Read slot canyon hiking tips to stay safe and have fun hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante, Utah. Canyoneering is addicting and fun if done with precautions. This article will help you be prepared.
Top 15 Hikes near Escalante, Utah to Enjoy Remarkable Formation, Canyons, Slot Canyons, and Fun Hikes
The best slot canyons, open canyons, formations and fun hikes around Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with day trips from Escalante.
How to Enjoy an Adventure Vacation while Staying at Escalante Escapes, a Tiny Home in Utah
How to organize a vacation in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah with information on Accommodation, Food, Tours, Town Aminities and Stories.
Travel Stories from the Covid-19 Pandemic to Inspire Safe Vacations
Travel stories from 2020 to get inspirations and covid-19 travel safety tips to help plan your travels in 2021.
8 Heartwarming Travel Stories of Hope, Love and Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020
Read some tantalizing 2020travel stories of love, separation, hope and joy from the days COVID-19 pandemic.
12 Travel Stories from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and the Caribbean from 2020 to Inspire 2021
11 Travel stories from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico and the Caribbean during the COVID-19 Pandemic as told by avid travelers. Check their tips for physically and socially distanced safer travels.
19 European Travel Stories from the COVID Pandemic: Road Trips and (mis) Adventures
Stories of European travelers as their travel plans suddently changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some found nature healing, other traveled to popular destinations no crowds. Read how these travelers fared.
10 Travel Stories from COVID-19 Lockdowns Around the World
In 2020 when coronavirus was spreading like wildfire, many countries were shutting borders for travel. Read stories of 9 travelers that got stuck in various countries across Europe and Asia. Read how they fared and managed to find hope and joy in their travels.
12 Travel Stories of 2020 to Inspire 2021 Travels in the United States
When covid-19 restrictions constrained us, travelers across US took to staycations, hikes and drives to national parks, camping, glamping etc. These are inspiring American travel stories from 2020
Rocky Mountain National Park 1, 2 or 3 Days Itinerary in Summer
Ultimate guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park – 1, 2, 3 day itinerary, best hikes, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, where to stay and best things to do.
Luxurious Casa Míla Barcelona, a Desirable Address by Gaudi
A visit to Gaudi’s Casa Mila (La Pedrera) in Barcelona reveals luxury through form, function, and engineering inspired by mother nature.
25 Famous Monuments of Barcelona – Spain’s Top Architectural Gems
Read all about the most famous monuments and architectural gems of Barcelona. Explore Barcelona’s famous buildings in Modernisme, Gothic, Roman and current styles.
Yellowstone Lamar Valley Wildlife and Canyons Photo Gallery
Photo gallery of Yellowstone’s grand Canyon and wildlife in Lamar valley.
Yellowstone National Park – Geysers and Mammoth Photo Gallery
Amazing pictures of Yellowstone national park – Mammoth Springs and Geothermal hot springs regions
Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks Photo Gallery
Pictures from our trip to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks
Gaudi’s Park Güell of Barcelona, a Photo Gallery
Visit Park Güell through our photo journal. Designed by Gaudi, it combines form, function and beauty, all in its natural habitat – inspired by and honoring mother nature.
La Sagrada Familia a Barcelona Landmark, in Pictures
Pictures of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona as of 2020 January.
How we traveled to National Parks during COVID-19 Pandemic with new habits
This is by no means an article to encourage travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. One should stay home, stay safe, and follow the expert guidelines. I’m sharing our experience and more importantly the precautions we took to be safe during our national parks trip during the pandemic. We certainly formed some new travel habits during […]
Check out the awe-inspiring Hospital De Sant Pau, Barcelona
Explore Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona (architected by Lluís Domènech i Montaner) through photos, stories, fun facts and tips.
How to Drive or Hike Pikes Peak, America’s Exhilarating Mountain
Read all about Colorado’s Pikes Peak scenic drive, Pikes Peak hike. How to use Pikes Peak shuttle and activies like Pikes Peak Hill Climb Race, Pike Peak skiing, marathon and tips for visiting Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs in June.
16 Top Things to do in Jasper
Explore fun things to do in Jasper for the entire family. I have shared the best hikes in Jasper along with the top activities and Jasper attractions.
Top Activities on the World-Famous Icefields Parkway, Canada
Read about the incredible sights and activities on the Iceland Parkway (Highway 92 N) – Columbia Ice fields Skywalk, Athabasca glacier, Peyto lake, Bow lake etc.
Best Things to do in and Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park has amazing things to do, like the famous camping and hikes of Yoho NP, Emerald lake, Natural Bridges, Takakkaw waterfalls, Spiral Tunnels, and much more.
30 Things that will happen in San Francisco after shelter-in-place is lifted
We’ve been locked in for weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through the world. But, hey we can dream of the days ahead and have fun with our imagination. We posed this question to our friends and we got some fun and thoughtful ideas. Here are 24 ideas shared by our closest friends. Please […]
Things to do in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Check all the amazing things to do in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – hiking, sking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, photography, and more.
Banff and Canmore – Top Activities, Attractions, Tours
The beauty of Banff National Park is beyond the realm of imagination. It’s the manifestation of heaven on earth. There is so much beauty to take in, one could never have enough time. There are so many wonderful things to do in Canmore and Banff that you could spend a week just in that area. […]
How to Eat Like a Local in Barcelona, as Vegetarian
Learn all about vegan foods and vegetarian tapas of Barcelona. Know where to get vegan and vegetarian Spanish foods, in conventional and vegan restaurants of Barcelona.
What, When, How of the Best Pintxos in Barcelona
It took me a few tries to understand and pronounce the word ‘Pintxos’. As our food tour guide, Natalia, took us into the best pintxos place in Barcelona we learned that ‘pintxos’ is pronounced as ‘pinchos’. Once we had the name down, she went on to explain the whole concept of Pintxos of Barcelona. I […]
Banff and Jasper Accommodations
It may be hard to find Banff or Jasper accommodations, so here are some tips and suggestions based on personal experiences.These will help you find places to stay in Jasper, Banff and in more towns Canadian Rockies.
Jasper to Banff Drive in Pictures
Jasper to Banff drive, an iconic Canadian road-trip on Highway 93. Experience the magic through these pictures and enjoy some fun stories.
A Photo Essay of the World Famous “Banff to Jasper” Drive
Calgery to Banff and Banff to Jasper drives are absolutely stunning. Check for yourself with this photo journal our the Canada road trip.
Red Trees? Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation in Jasper National Park
This is the story of mountain pine beetles and how entire mountains in Jasper National Park are covered in red trees.
4 Fun Canadian Rockies Itineraries for Summer
Check out 4 fun itineraries of the Canadain Rockies tours and roadtrips of Banff, Jasper, Yoho National Parks. These are itineraries real life experiences of ours and our friends during summer of 2019.
7 Day Itinerary for Touring the Majestic Canadian Rockies
3 touring Canadian Rockies itineraries for self-drive visit, tour or a combination. With vegan food and accommodation reviews. It includes Banff, Jasper, Columbia Icefields and Yoho National Park highlights and special gems.
Explore Zurich in a 6-hour Layover or in 1 Day
If you have a 6+ hour layover at Zürich airport, here is the perfect itinerary for you to spend that day exploring Zurich. Zurich city is only 10 minutes train ride from the airport, making it easily accessible during a layover.
Wildlife Crossings, an Innovative Solution to Wildlife Migration Challenge in Banff
Brilliant innovations in wildlife crossings in Banff NP have yielded groundbraking research, saved lives, money. Overpasses and Underpasses for wildlife crossings are a game changer.
Rafting in the Canadian Rockies on Athabasca River
There is something magical and powerful about the glacial blue rivers diligently carving their path across the majestic Canadian Rockies. Looking at them from a distance, they seem laid back but they are so powerful that they’ve cut enormous mountains to create valleys and plains! I felt some of their power on the Athabasca River […]
Khidrapur Kopeshwar Temple, Poetry Carved in Stone
All you need to know about the architecture, history, mythology, and logistics to visit Khidrapur’s Kopeshwar (Shiv) temple, a top place to visit near Kohlapur, Maharashtra, India.
Outdoor Rock Climbing in Colorado Springs
Learn all about mountain climbing for beginners from my outdoor rock climbing experience in Colorado Springs – rock climbing equipment list, what to wear, rock climbing guide, frequently ask questions, why Garden of the Gods rock climbing and more
The Best Weekend Getaway with Friends in Sedona, AZ
Plan your amazing Sedona vacation and girlfriends’ spa getaway with our detailed itinerary and tips. Enjoy Enchantment resort and Mii Amo Spa, Boynton Canyon trails, Boynton Canyon Vortex, Pink Jeep tour of Sedona and so much more. Have an amazing weekend spa getaway for girlfriends.
Innovative Ways to Embrace Responsible Tourism at SCP
Can hotels support sustainability in hospitality, eco travels, responsible tourism, minimalist hotel, soulfulness, and community? Here is how SCP Hotel, a lovely place to stay in Colorado Springs embraces these values.
Colorado Trip in 6 Days
As I started planning my trip, I quickly compiled a long list of fun things to do in Colorado. The list was so long and compelling that it became quite a daunting challenge to shrink it to a 1-week itinerary, especially because I wanted to include favorite Colorado activities like hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, […]
All About the Famous Portuguese Cork & How to Buy the Best
In this article I share all about eco-friendly, sustainable, cork products of Portugal, what is Portugal famous for, cork totes, shoes, purses, wallets etc. how cork is made, where does cork come from etc.
Sri Lanka in 4 Days
Visit the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka in 4 days – Buddhist cave temples, ancient fortress, UNESCO world heritage sites, national parks, tea gardens, experience Sri Lankan culture and witness Sita’s livein Sri Lanka. Check my Sri Lanka tour itinerary.
How to do an Exclusive Horseback Ride in Victoria Falls NP, Zambia
All you need to know about horseback safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls National Park in Livingston, Zambia – Accommodation, where to go, what to expect, the horses, the trainer etc.
Explore Beautiful Henry Coe State Park in a Day
As the largest and most diverse state park in Northern California, Henry W Coe SP offers awesome backpacking, hiking, camping and mountain biking experiences.
Stunning Azulejos of Portugal and How to Make Your Own
The Portuguese blue & white azulejos art in Porto; black & white pavement designs in Lisbon and Belém; and exquisite 3-D tile art of Sintra are amazing. You’ll love the pictures and join us on the workshop
15 Authentic Italian Vegetarian Dishes You’ll Love
When traveling the world in search of the best vegetarian food, Italy might not be the first place to come to mind. Italian vegan dishes are not an obvious choice.
Helsinki and Rovaniemi in 4 Days
Santa Clause village in Finland is a destination in itself. Here’s our perfect – 4 Days in Helsinki, Rovaniemi and a Day Trip to Suomenlinna Fortress.
27 Sensational Vegetarian Restaurants in Portugal You’ll Love
Vegan and Vegetarian food sounds impossible in Portugal. But it’s not. Here is a list of restaurants and cafes in Lisbon and Porto that we ate at and recommend for the foodie in you.
Authentic and Fun Things To Do in Lisbon
Read on to learn how you can have unique, local experiences through these fun things to do in Lisbon. None more authentic than Pastel de Nata and Fado music in Lisbon.
Spotlight on Beautiful Sossus Dune Lodge of Namibia
Sossus Dune Lodge in Sossusvlei Namib-Naukluft NP is the only lodging inside the park. So it has access to the dunes even when the park is closed. The sustainable lodge is built in an afro-style village in local materials and modern amenities
Exploring Namib-Naukluft National Park in 4 Days
Plan your visit using this 4-day road-trip in Namibia including Namib-Naukluft National Park’s Sossusvlei, Deadvlei, Dune 45 and so much more. Read all about the road-trip for inspiration for your trip.
Joshua Tree National Park in 1 or 2 Days
Joshua Tree National park is a great 1-day trip from Palm Springs. Visit Cholla Cactus Garden, Barker Dam, Hidden Valley, Jumbo rocks etc. If you have 2-3 days you can do more hiking, rock climbing, and geology exploration. The park has something for everyone.
Mystery of the Dead Impala, Missing Leopard and a Thief
The secret lifestyles of leopards, their prey and thieves reveals itself in Protea hotel Kruger gate game drive at night in South Africa. Read all about it and share your story.
Protea Hotel by Marriott, at Kruger National Park Gate
This is a photo tour of Protea hotel by Marriott, where we stayed during our visit to Kruger National park as part of our 14-day trip to Southern Africa. It’s one of the best places to stay near Kruger national park because of its proximity to the Kruger gate. The closest airport is the small and […]
How does Lioness with Cubs Cross the Road?
Or HOW did the lioness with cubs cross the road? Cubs are the cutest and lionesses will do anything to protect and train them. Read all about the process here.
People in Kulpakji Temple
The stories that people tell at Kulpakji, Kolunapaka speak volumes about ancient history of India and Bharat’s modern narrative. I invite you to explore the stories and share your thoughts.
All About Kulpakji Jain Tirth near Hyderabad
Kulpakji is an ancient Jain swetambar temple in Kolunapaka village, outside Hyderabad in Telangana. Its also a living temple that’s recently renovated with all creature comforts for its devoted worshippers.
Bo-Kaap Cape Town’s Vibrant Houses, History and Cape Malay Cuisine
Explore Bo-Kaap, Cape Town through stories of colorful houses, Muslim history and culture in South Africa, Cape Malay cuisine, Photo opportunities and more
Is Free Walking Tour For You?
A free walking tour is just what it says… well almost. You meet the guide at a pre-designated spot. The guide takes the group on a walking tour. You don’t have to pay ahead but you must tip the guide at the end of the tour. Over the years free walking tours have gained immense […]
Tips for Traveling in South Africa
This article recaps tips for traveling in South Africa from our personal experiences during our visit in August 2018. The trip was a truly memorable and joyful experience. It was great to be organized and prepared. These tips will help you be well prepared too. General Tips for Traveling in South Africa August is winter […]
Southern Africa in 14 Days
Southern Africa in 14 days would be a trip of a lifetime for anyone! The extraordinary bounties of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are out of this world. I hope you’ll visit and experience the wonders of nature, wildlife, culture, history, food and so much more. Imagine looking into a lioness’s eye 5 […]
Kruger National Park Airport in Skukuza
Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park is the prettiest tiny airport I’ve seen. The architecture is very authentic African style but has all the features of a modern airport.
Life in Zimbabwe vs Zambia, a School Teacher’s Perspective
As we walked towards the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe, a woman walking behind me noticed that I was about to step on a little branch with thorns almost an inch long. She tried to warn me but it was too late. One of the thorns and the branch had securely lodged in my shoe. […]
Travel Encounters – Johnathan, an Artist and Entrepreneur in Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, South Africa
At “Into the Kruger”, Johnathan creates art with just two ingredients – ballpoint pen and canvas! Just walking by his store in Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, I was mesmerized by minimalistic simplicity and the realistic perfection of his art. Johnathan demonstrates that an artist can create masterpieces with basic supplies, talent, and skill. The Inspiration for Into […]
Zambian Entrepreneur by Day and Waiter by Night
In AVANI sports bar in Livingston, we came across a young Zambian entrepreneur that makes me believe there is real hope for a bright future for Zambia.
Zambia and Zimbabwe
Image gallery of amazing sights from Zambia and Zimbabwe including Victoria falls
Sociable Weaver Birds and Their Nest
Sociable weaver birds are likely the only animals to live in a housing complex, other than humans. Learn all about these enormous community nests and the lives of the birds that build these structures.
Boulders Penguin Colony in South Africa
d, The Boulders Penguin Colony is most popular for viewing the endangered African Penguins in their natural habitat. With a mammoth concerted effort in the last few years, the species is seeing a marvelous recovery. Their numbers have gone from two breeding pairs to a few thousand. But, it’s still a tiny number compared to the […]
Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul
If you’re passing through Istanbul, and have a few hours at the airport, the Turkish Airlines lounge is the best place to spend some time in the otherwise extremely crowded airport. The sprawling two-floor lounge has something for everyone, including traditional Turkish food, massage, games, entertainment, theater playing soft music videos and more. My personal […]
Stories of the wonderful People and Cultures of Malta
It was so engaging to learn about Maltese people and culture through stories of locals and immigrants living in Malta. For example Malta’s Hypogeum’s neighbor; people of Marsaxlokk fishing village; a native of Mdina and the Indian student studying in Poland and working in Malta. Have you been fascinated by stories of people and places? […]
Best Places to See in Nairobi
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and one the top business centers of Africa, but it’s also a great tourist destination with Nairobi National Park, Bomas of Kenya cultural center, natural wonders within driving distance, traditional markets, modern malls, restaurants and more. Nairobi is one of the most vibrant cities of sub-Saharan Africa. When I […]
Malta in 5 Days
Malta is popular for mesmerizing blue waters of the Mediterranean sea and the warm climate. But, Malta’s claim to tourism fame is its rich history of over 5,000 years including its historic sites, temples, forts, and churches. 5 Days in Malta, including a day trip to Gozo and a day trip to Sicily – is sufficient […]
Vegetarian Food in Malta
Malta is a rocky island where nothing grows. There is no freshwater or soil. One would expect only seafood and it is true that Malta is popular for seafood and meats. And we love to try the local, traditional foods everywhere we go. That can be a little tricky, to say the least. So, it […]
All about Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort is the #1 destination for anyone visiting Rajasthan, India, and for good reason. It has a very rich history, fascinating architecture and amazing views. Hiking and zip lining in Mehrangarh, Jodhpur Fort is a special treat. Mehrangarh Fort History Jodhpur derives it name from king ‘Jodha’. The suffix ‘pur’ indicates that the city […]
5 Days in Paris
This is a perfect Paris itinerary of 5 days. If you have 5 days in Paris in winter or any season, as a first-time visitor it covers the top attractions, maps, day trips from Paris, fashion, shopping, the best place to stay in Paris close to everything, vegetarian food, etc
Villa Rosa, Positano
If you’re looking for a lovely boutique hotel in Positano, Villa Rosa is the place to stay. Perched up in the mountains, facing the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and overlooking the town vistas, its room balconies are ideal to chill after a day of hiking or sightseeing. During our Spring break trip to the […]
Masai Mara Safari
Kenya is an absolutely spectacular country to explore. It’s unlike any other place on the planet with its magnificent wildlife and other natural wonders. Within Kenya, Masai Mara Safari is the #1 most popular destination for wildlife viewing and for good reason. When to visit Masai Mara Masai Mara is the most popular and the most […]
Jews and Muslims of Sarajevo
Jews and Muslims of Sarajevo have a long and rich history of friendship. Both have helped the other from disaster in times of need. We hope to use it to brings the relations stronger in other parts of the world.
How to See 3 Stunning Mosaic Steps of San Francisco in One Day
Read all about San Francisco’s top 3 mosiac steps – 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, Hidden Garden Steps, Lincoln Park Steps and more sights. Use the tips and map for planning your route.
Sarajevo’s Tunnel of Hope
When Sarajevo was besieged in 1992 and the entire city was surrounded by Serbian forces, with no source of electricity, water or food. At that time, a complete takeover and annihilation were imminent. This is the story of Sarajevo’s Tunnel of Hope that kept the city alive until NATO intervened, 4 years into the siege. […]
Sarajevo under Siege (1992-96)
“Enes! Take off that red shirt!” screamed a mother at her little son, “or the snipers will shoot you!”. Those were the days of Sarajevo under Siege when anyone, even a toddler could be shot if spotted. Those were the days when Sarajevo was under siege by the Bosnian-Serb forces. Those were the days when the […]
Jain History in Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Somewhere in the middle of Old Delhi and New Delhi stands a monument over 2,200 years old, representing a unique piece of history for the Jains. My suspicion is that most Jains are unaware of its existence, let alone know its relevance in their history. The monument is one of the pillars of the great […]
Thank you
I had no idea I could write anything! But you changed that! I actually enjoy writing now 🙂 Today, I want to thank you (I’ve tagged some of you) for making the change in me as we celebrate the first anniversary of our collection of travel stories Story At Every Corner. But first, starting where […]
Addis Ababa, Youthful Home to the Oldest Human Fossils
“Your flight already departed an hour ago”, greeted an Ethiopian Airlines agent when I landed at Addis Ababa airport from my short flight from Dubai. This was to be my connection to Lalibela, one of the Crown Jewels of Ethiopia for their rock-hewn churches from 12th century. What I remember the most from my short […]
Seychelles Island Guide
Seychelles is known worldwide as a beautiful tropical island destination, with hundreds of beaches and islands scattered around the Indian ocean it makes an excellent place to visit. Seychelles, with boats on the beach Seychelles, lies a 1000 miles of the East Coast of Africa. Mahe is Seychelles capital and biggest island. Seychelles has a total […]
Top Places to Visit in Kenya
Have you dreamt of visiting Kenya? Who hasn’t? With the world-class destinations like Masai Mara National Preserve, Nakuru and Nairobi National Park, Mount Kenya, SweetWater Camp, Kakamega tropical forest, Kericho Tea Gardens, the possibilities for wildlife, culture and nature are endless. Kenya is one of the countries I’ve called home. But, it has a special […]
Roman Settlement in Kosovo
Not far from Peja/Peć is an ancient Roman Settlement in Kosovo. It has one of the most elaborate and well preserved Roman mosaics and remains of many buildings. It’s a must see for anyone interested in archeology. Ruins of a Roman Settlement in Kosovo Since 2012, the Archeology Institute of Kosovo has been excavating this […]
Visit Spectacular Iceland in 8-Day Driving Itinerary
One of the most incredible experiences in Iceland in 8 days, was the nearly 24hrs of sunlight when we visited in June. Since all the sights are in the great outdoors one can go sightseeing at any time (it’s a wonderful way to use jetlag). The sun sets for only a few minutes but the […]
Day Trip to Mostar in Bosnia Herzegovina
During our Balkans travel, Mostar Old Town was one of our stops on the drive from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik via Jablanica and Pocitelj. Because of the many things to do in Mostar, it’s an amazing stop to explore the Balkan history, culture, and try Bosnian vegan food. Being close to major tourist cities of Sarajevo and Dubrovnik, […]
Jains and Jain Temples of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer fort has seven gorgeous Jain temples, intact from invasions and destruction over the last 800 years! The history of the Rajput King, the Fort, Jains and Jain temples of Jaisalmer, is intertwined and spans hundreds of years. The temples now store precious ancient literature of the Jains in secret underground chambers. They also store statues that […]
Sinhagad Fort Day Trip from Pune
Pune is surrounded by mountains for great trekking and photography opportunities. Sinhagad fort near Pune is an important historic site for the Maratha region. Today the mountains are popular with nature enthusiasts, hikers and history buffs alike. For a special experience, the traditional vegetarian food in Sinhagad Fort is a must have. Villagers have been cooking […]
Rajasthan Travel Tips
Traveling in Rajasthan is a ton of fun but planning is essential because there is so much to see, do and experience. Here are some Rajasthan travel tips. Jaisalmer Tips When to visit Jaisalmer The best times to visit Jaisalmer is during their winter, November through February. We visited in December over Christmas weekend. It […]
Villages in the Thar Desert
The great Thar desert is a world of its own. It looks empty for miles on end but is filled with wonderful surprises. On our first day in Jaisalmer, we drove to Longewala, Tanot Mata mandir and explored the countryside. The drives provide unique desert landscapes and tiny villages. The villages were pristine and it […]
Fascinating Stories of Jaisalmer and its Magnificent Havelis
Jaisalmer Havelis are a symbol of prosperity and astounding arts of Rajasthan. The Havelis tell the interesting stories of Jains merchants of Rajasthan and their fascinating lives. Jaisalmer Havelis looks like delicate jewelry carved out of gold. For centuries, the silk route passed through the region around Jaisalmer. The Jains traders of the region acquired extreme wealth with their […]
On the Dunes of Jaisalmer
Our last stop of the day was the dunes of Jaisalmer. It was a lovely winter evening, an hour before sunset. There was almost no breeze. The desert looked vast and still. The open desert reminded me of my childhood when all of us cousins tagged along with our grandfather on his morning walk to […]
Aga Khan Palace Foundation, Gandhiji’s prison and now an Oasis in Pune
Aga Khan Palace was made famous because Mahatma Gandhi and his close associates were imprisoned here from August 10th, 1942 to May 6th, 1944. Today Aga Khan Palace is a museum and a pilgrimage site for Gandhiji and his close associates. We visited Aga Khan Palace on a weekday morning which was perfect because we […]
Musee d’Orsay
The Musee d’Orsay is a gem in Paris, beautifully curating artistic creations from 1848 to 1914. The building, the collection, staff and the presentation make those times come alive. Most of all, it is undoubtedly the best museum for impressionist art in the world. As someone said,Art is a product of its times. The piece […]
Hiking near Peja/Peć, Kosovo
Have you ever wondered how things are in the new country of Kosovo that US and UK supported in their war for independence? We did too. We started our day in Peja/Peć, with the natural history of Kosovo. On the drive to White Drini river, Sali, our guide shared fascinating accounts of his childhood, communism, the wars, […]
Tips for a Balkans Road Trip
We explored the Balkans ourselves using a rental car as described in the Balkan travel itinerary. Balkans Travel by road worked perfectly because by driving ourselves, we could experience the cities, countryside, and nature at our pace. The people we met were wonderful everywhere. We asked tons of questions and people were always willing to […]
Complete Balkan Tour and Epic Road Trip for You
Complete Balkan tour on a 10-12 day self drive road trip with all itienrary details, tips and tricks for your best Balkans travel. In addition to untouched natural beauty experience modern history of World Wars, Nazis, communism, birth of nations, rising from ashes and real fear of annihilation.
Day Trip to Lake Komani, Albania
Lake Komani boat tour was a delightfully scenic day cruise through the narrow canyons of Lake Komani in the Albanian highlands. The lake is formed by a dam on the Drini River. The magnificence of the mountains, some of which soar 1700m, was simply awe-inspiring. The boat takes the path of the original river, and […]
Burano
Burano, an island of Venice, is like a painting. When I saw pictures of Burano, I thought they were an artist’s rendition of a dream. In life, it’s is even more unexpected. It feels like walking in a life size canvas painted with vibrant colors. Bruno is a small island but gets a lot of […]
Medieval Village of Pocitelj, Bosnia
The village of Pocitelj is a small ad perched on top of one of the mountains not too far from Sarajevo. It is conveniently located right on the major road. A quick stop Pocitelj can be part of day trip from Sarajevo or on the road trip from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik. We stopped at Pocitelj […]
Dubrovnik Views From the Top of the Hill
The best view of Dubrovnik, islands, the sea and the mountains is definitely from the top of the hill. A cable car runs every few minutes from above the old town of Dubrovnik to the observation station on the hill. Napoleon built his fortress up on the hill. It was also the place that saved […]
Dubrovnik’s History
It was particularly fascinating to learn about Dubrovnik’s History because we had visited Venice just three months earlier. Their history is so intertwined that it is most interesting to hear them side by side. Our free walking tour guide, Ivana, is a native of Dubrovnik born in 1992 in the middle of the siege. She […]
Visiting Dubrovnik, the Picture Perfect Fort City
Dubrovnik is the quintessential Fort town and a UNESCO world heritage site. Its a destination for those interested in history, war and recovery, Game of Thrones, music, pop culture, nature, stories, adventure and more.
Dubrovnik Wall
The Dubrovnik wall has been, to a large extent, the reason for the city’s sovereignty over hundreds of years. It’s is over a meter thick and so well constructed that it still stands almost intact after numerous attacks from Venetians and others. While in Dubrovnik a walk on the Dubrovnik wall is definitely a top […]
Kulla Homestay in Kosovo
Our Kulla Homestay in Kosovo near Peja/Pec, was unique experience of staying village. It was also likely our first visit and definitely our stay in a rural setting in our entire lives. In the early 1800s, farmers in this region weren’t really considered part of any kingdom and hence not protected by anyone but open […]
Blagaj, Bosnia, an Important to the Dervish Monetary
Blagaj, Bosnia is the site of a 600 year old monetary of the Dervish order, a branch of Sufis. Overall it’s a beautifully preserved site visited by families to spend the day on a serene and tranquil setting or for visiting the monastery.
Jablanica, Bosnia: 3-Time Destroyed Bridge of Neretva
Along the Neretva Canyon in Jablanica, Bosnia is the site of a bridge destroyed 3 times – during World War II. This is one of the hundreds of bridges destroyed in World War II. It’s one of few bridges not rebuilt and is left to serve as a memory of the devastation. The bridge of […]
Murano
The small cluster of man-made islands to the north east of Venice is the town of Murano. Just a few minutes water taxi ride from Venice, it’s almost like a suburb but entirely different from Venice. Murano is famous for its glass art. So, many glass factories open up for factory tours during their working […]
Italy in 9 Days
Italy is a paradise for food lovers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, history buffs, music fans, fashion divas and of course gelato connoisseurs. So, over spring break we took our first trip to Italy. We loved it so much, will sure return for more. We chose Italy because spring because of the great weather. The tourist season was just […]
Ethiopia in 2 Days
I was in Dubai for a business trip, and Addis Ababa is a quick hop from there so I decided to explore Ethiopia over a weekend. First day was spent in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is quite a chaotic city but it has its own character and is host to some very […]
How to Visit Pompeii in a Day
You can explore the highlights and visit Pompeii in a day by yourself or in 2-3 hours with a guide. Or read tragic stories of Pompeii here.
Road Trip Tips
There are many ways of getting around a destination, each enjoyable in its own ways, but some styles are better suited for some places – Full-on self-driving road trips – Driving in a loop (by starting and finishing at the same place) for many days, across many countries, states or counties. Staying in the one place […]
Traveling as a Vegetarian
There’s nothing more frustrating than an unsatisfactory meal when you’re hungry, especially after hours of hiking or sightseeing. One can’t possibly enjoy a trip if a plain salad, boiled vegetables or bread is all there is to eat! It isn’t as easy for a vegetarian/vegan to find a good meal, but it’s not hard either. It’s important […]
Building Venice, the floating city
Venice is a city built on man-made islands. The process of building Venice is a living proof of human ingenious, will and wealth. Back in the 7th century when barbaric were invading Italy and surrounding countries, the farmers, who couldn’t defend themselves from warriors moved over to nearby islands. The waters in this area were shallow, so […]
London in 6 Days
We took a mom & daughter trip to London over Thanksgiving break. It was on N’s list of places to visit for a few years. London is the perfect destination for a teenager – with its history, pop culture, universities, Sherlock Holmes, the countryside, museums, great food, theater, shopping, parks… the list is so long […]
Stratford-upon-Avon
Our Second day of the London trip in November turned out to be another day with almost no rain so we could truly enjoy Stratford upon Avon, Cotswolds, Oxford and a bit of London. We arrived bit too early to our tour meeting place, right behind the London Eye. It was a lovely Sunday morning […]
Borough Market
We landed in London on a gorgeous, sunny, autumn morning for our Thanksgiving break. We were excited to be there armed with a list of places to see but with no reservations and no concrete plans. At the airport train station we learnt that we should get an Oyster card as the most cost effective way […]
