Patriotism goes pop: In Wagah

If politicians do it, the army does it better. Hindi film songs that were paeans to patriots and patriotism bellowed out from half a dozen loud speakers. Tens of thousands swayed, sang, lip synced and grew goose-bumps in unison. The more patriotic lot, actually those who were seated in the front row, sprang up in […]
‘Rainbow bath’ at Tiger Falls

It is awesome when you all have to do to touch a rainbow is reach out. At the Tiger Falls in Chakrata, apparently the second highest in India falling from 312 feet, you can actually do that. And with several smaller, shallower pools making for your own private whirlpools, bathing becomes an Alive is Awesome […]
The myth bath

A bath that cleanses not just the body but the soul too is awesome. That too when it is surrounded by a 25,000 feet snow-lit massif, then it becomes an Alive is Awesome bathing experience. The Lake Manasarovar in Tibet is also known as Mapham Yum-tso (‘Victorious Lake’) by the locals and is believed to […]
F1: More than a race

Not that I needed to be, but my mobile service provider who also happens to be a co sponsor of the Formula One in India, has been priming me for the event less than three weeks away with interesting titbits like ‘A driver loses up to 4 kg of weight due to G forces after […]
Telling Tales: From Himachal Pradesh

Mangal and the state of happiness Two seemingly disconnected sights abound in parts of Himachal Pradesh – cannabis plants growing in disarray by the roadside and cafes announcing Israeli culinary delights. Then, there has to be a connection. Going by history at least. History: Charas – made from the resin of the cannabis plant – […]
Marilyn-spotting and other pastimes in Thekkady

“Look, there kaattupothu,” bellowed the tribal tracker in unfettered relief at finally being able to spot game after hours of squelching through sodden tracks, sweat-drenched in the tropical humidity, plucking out leeches that squirted a gallon of blood when quashed between thumb and forefinger. The incongruity of the lingual mismatch in the exclamation was lost […]
Lord of the Lie does not discriminate and other seasonal warnings

“Any travel tips?” A friend from Hawaii asked me before she embarked on her first trip to India. “Do not carry anything in your pockets and do not accept any food or drink from strangers.” Even my house-bound mama could have handed her these gems. Nevertheless she took it with the beautiful aloha-grace of the […]
Pink slips: Jaipur is red and orange

Driving around Jaipur, you aptly wonder why it is called the ‘Pink City’ – for it is anything but pink. It is a fiery to a sunburnt orange in some places, brick red in some while all the upcoming quarters are Gurgaon-gray. But the ‘pink’ goes way back and we are not prepared to let […]
Kerala: Veritable, verdant, violent

Surely God Himself made Kerala. And this is not because we call Kerala ‘God’s own country’ but the place is really great to look at. More so when it rains. And boy does it rain! When god made Kerala, He had his kicks too. Can’t blame Him as any kind of mesmerising beauty gets boring […]