Rathina's View Space
TRAVEL | CULTURE | FOOD
-
Air Arabia Mumbai – Sharjah
Flying to international destinations from Tier 2 cities in India is a pain in the neck. You need to fly to the nearest metro with an international...
-
Solo Travel
In my recent long distance travels whilst returning home by train the gentleman next seat asked me what took me to Kannur? “I was keen to explore...
-
Chettinad doors to a faded glory
An edited version of this article was published in the February’15 issue of Travel + Leisure India and Southasia magazine as Chettinad’s treasure chest A beautiful Kolam...
-
Goa paint me Red
An edited version of this article was published in the Feb’15 Vistara in-flight magazine. The waves lapped at my feet as the golden disc slipped down the...
-
In love with Devon
An edited version of this article was published in Travel + Leisure India and South Asia magazine (December’14) It was my second trip to United Kingdom after...
-
Dandeli Diaries – memorable experiences
Dandeli had been my abode for three days and I had enjoyed every moment of it. Three years back I had visited Dandeli but then it was just...
-
Borough Market for the Global Cuisine
I climbed the stairs to step out of London Bridge’s tube station. A cold draught blew in and I zipped my jacket. It indicated I was getting...
-
Balloon Safari – Romancing the sky
I woke up at dawn and got ready for the safari of my life. Have you ever been part of the limitless azure sky with white puffs...
-
How Traveling Changes your Life
This post appeared in Women’s Web Traveling is the tonic for life that keeps the soul replenished. Every moment brings in a new perspective to the journey...
ABOUT
Want to know more about me? I am a freelance journalist based in Pune, India and write about Travel, Culture, Food, Wellness, Health and Lifestyle. My bylines have appeared in National Geographic Traveller India, Forbes India, Travel + Leisure India and South Asia, BBC Travel, Mint, NPR, Economic Times, Hindu Businessline and more. In an earlier avatar I worked as a software engineer. I let go off these 12 + years of cubicle life to spread my wings and explore the world. I am on the lookout for those offbeat extraordinary stories from…
PUBLISHED
`Browse Travel
<
Oman Tourism Board Blogging Contest
Gudi Padwa is the first day in a Maharashtrian calendar in the month of Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada. It is the New Year for the Maharashtrians and they do sure celebrate it with pomp and fervor. Early morning people wake up before sunrise and ensure the Gudi is erected in their courtyard or balcony in case they stay in flat.
In my recent long distance travels whilst returning home by train the gentleman next seat asked me what took me to Kannur? “I was keen to explore Kannur”, I responded. He asked me if someone was travelling with me in the next bogie, a negative response zapped him off ” How could anyone go sightseeing all alone?” was his remark. 🙂
I love to visit markets whenever I visit any new place. It gives a great insight to the produce of the region, local food and the culture of the region. The cacophony, noise and the smell is intriguing and interesting. When I visited Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh well known for its monastery which is the second largest in Asia and largest in India I was keen to explore its markets.
My trip to Hyderabad in January’15 was more like an impromptu decision one that was decided couple of days before the travel. This one was with hubby dear and my first travel for the year 2015. I normally prefer staying with the locals but in Hyderabad I couldn’t find in a short period any homestays that would interest me. So I decided to splurge a bit and went ahead with a high end hotel Marigold by Green Park at Begumpet.
Banking transactions on the go is the need of the hour rather than luxury. In today’s fast paced life when we are running to close on assignments, meet ends and balance personal life you need something that can make your life easier. When I received an invite for the Make the Axis Acquaintance I wondered what exactly would be in store. Would it be a mediocre, boring session that would not be up to the mark.
I was in the arid land of Chettinad when I decided to explore the coastal area around Karakudi. Thanks to the folks at The Bangala they drove me down to Mimisal 43 km from Karaikudi, Tamilnadu in the Pudukottai District. The major city closest to this place is Madurai around 114km. A small town, I spent around an hour in this hamlet scouting through the market and its coastline. This town has a weekly sandai as called in the Tamil language for a market. A dominating population of the Muslin community resides in this town and one can find them in their traditional garments wearing white coat over their saree.
APPROACH & ACCOMODATION
The Prashanti Lodge is based in Bhalukpong town towards the Assam state. I stayed in this hotel when I was returning from Arunachal Pradesh. This town lies in both the states and I found the concept very amusing. The approach to Prashanti Lodge is quite easy as it is very close to the main road. The last 100 meters though is not very appealing as you pass through garbage. It would help if this area is cleaned and made more appealing.
During my visit to the land of Chettiars – Chettinad I stayed at The Bangala a heritage boutique resort for a week and scouted all around the villages of Karaikudi.
During my stay I attended the cooking class conducted by Chef Karuppiah on the Chettinad cuisine and dishes. He managed to cook Chettinad Chicken Pepper Fry, Tomato Rice, Prawns Masala and Potato Masala Fry all in less than 30 minutes.
An edited version of this article was published in the February’15 issue of Travel + Leisure India and Southasia magazine as Chettinad’s treasure chest
A beautiful Kolam (Rangoli) welcomed the visitors to one of the few surviving Nagarathar or Nattukottai Chettiar’s mansion. I stood outside its gates and was awed by the magnificent structure. The stucco work of Goddess Gajalakshmi in the façade symbolizing prosperity and the fortress like walls greeted me. I had arrived in the arid land of Chettinad, to explore its rich history of art and culture. My search had led me to the Nagarathar homes with a unique architecture which is indeed a blend of South East and European style.
An edited version of this article was published in the Feb’15 Vistara in-flight magazine.
The waves lapped at my feet as the golden disc slipped down the horizon. The sky was smeared with a crimson glow and the balmy shores were picture perfect. I had arrived in the hippy state of Goa, which is well known overseas as the place to party and chill out. As I walked barefoot at I met Steven who had come down from Britain. “Goa is absolutely cool and I do not have plans to leave soon,” he mumbled and left in a hurry to experience the plethora of water sports. The shacks were running full, most beach chairs were occupied and the shopaholics were busy in the flea market.
Blogmint
