All posts filed under: Architecture & Heritage

Thanksgiving and what I’m thankful for!

Published by Anita

I’ve been meaning to write more, but right now life has turned a bit topsy turvy again. Plans have gone out of the window. But life kind of tends to be that way for me, I’ve noticed. So just because it’s Thanksgiving today, I decided to look back on the last 10 years and my travels and adventures. Just for fun. It was hard to choose of course, but here are a few highlights. I definitely have a lot to be thankful for!  2008 My first experience at self supported cycling through the state of Goa A glimpse of the working life of women in rural Kerala on a photography assignment A young kid along with his grandfather in a sunflower field in Karnataka 2009 More explorations of Kerala on a bike recce trip for Muddy Boots, which has now become a major player in adventure tourism 2010 More explorations of rural Karnataka – spent many happy hours on my trusty Trek cycle with wonderful friends 2011 A time to chill and a beautiful hike …

Albi Chronicles: A tram ride to remember

Published by Anita

As the noisy white tram clattered through the narrow cobbled streets, I am filled with wonder at the navigation skills of the driver of this rather clunky long vehicle. He’s doing very well and considering the train runs around 5-6 times a day, he can probably do this in his sleep. We’re in the town of Albi in Southern France and this tram proves to be a rather quick and easy way to get in a 45 minute glimpse of the city.  Though I’m using the term city rather loosely. It’s small as far as cities go and this is one place where you’d be hard pressed to get lost. The first morning here, I realized that all roads lead to the main cathedral. And you don’t really need GPS or a map after the first couple of hours—just check where you are in relation to the cathedral tower, which is visible wherever you go.  Located beside the Tarn river, the main attraction of Albi is the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile. The outside walls of this imposing …

Two weeks in God’s own country!

Published by Anita

A month or so ago, I came across the Kerala Blog Express and on a whim, decided to give it a go. Why not, I thought? I have travelled quite a bit in Kerala, but a chance to go back is always welcome. So, was quite pleasantly surprised, when the results came out and I was chosen to get onboard the Express, which departs on March 10. Two weeks going around Kerala with a bunch of enthusiastic, well travelled bloggers, who will converge in Trivandrum from different parts of the world (including a few from India) and then set out together. Here’s to a different view of Kerala. More experiences, and many more pictures and stories! (This photograph taken in Munnar a few years ago, on another trip).

My top 5 picks in the south

Published by Anita

Something I wrote a while ago, published by rediff.com. The places I’ve listed (some of them are possibly pretty familiar to most of you) and yet I was surprised when a very dear friend today confessed that she has never been to Pondicherry. So there goes! I take it for granted that these are relatively popular places, but if you haven’t visited yet, now is a good time. I’ve also listed some of my favourite places to stay in each of them. My picks: Pondicherry, Tharangamvadi (though I believe even Tharangampadi is an acceptable spelling), Nersa, Goa and Havelock (in the Andamans). Not sure if the last one technically can be called south India, but it’s still the deep south. Top 5 Must Travel Places in South India Enjoy 🙂          

Tranquil Tranquebar

Tranquil Tranquebar

Published by Anita

Located on the Coromandel Coast, Tharangambadi or Tranquebar as it’s more popularly called – is in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. While Pondicherry has French influences, in Tranquebar you will experience glimpses of Danish legacy. What intrigued me was it’s name. Later, I discovered the meaning – “land of the singing waves“. And it couldn’t have been more apt. Being a former Dutch colony means there are quite a few buildings from the yesteryears; some of them well preserved to date. The only place to stay is the Neemrana property, Bungalow on the Beach. Actually, there is one other place – a hotel run by Tamil Nadu tourism. The Bungalow on the Beach is run by Neemrana and is located right on the water front The best part of the resort is the view. It’s on the beach, with a view of the temple on the left and the fort on the right. It was rainy weather when we arrived, so it was good to sit on the first floor porch and enjoy the …