Reflections

This story is getting old. And so far, it is a story told in parts to different listeners in different contexts. The varied contexts in which I find myself quoting parts of this story make me realize that it is probably a story I should write in a complete form, so as to not let the learnings from the story fade away for me. I cannot put a finger to that one moment when I felt for the first time an enormous love for travelling. For me, it is probably an accumulation of conversations and experiences that has made me want to travel more. And given my yearning to move out of my comfort zone, traveling solo had to be tried. Gradually moving away from the thought of always being at the front foot when it comes to work, I feel like the time between jobs is a blessing. Savings or no savings, having a lack of responsibility of sustaining others, I am glad I chose to travel to Ladakh during that time for my first solo trip. When I asked my family for permission, they had to choose betwe...

Having lived in Delhi for my 20 years of life, I had just one complaint with the city – that of not having a water body where you could sit and enjoy the serene depth of the blue. Lately I was lucky to have visited the Hauz Khas ruins with a couple of friends and I’d say it’s a dream come true! A perfect blend of old and new, urban and rural: that is the Hauz Khas Village for you in a nutshell! While the Madrassa overlooking the reservoir built by Alaudin Khilji is the main attraction,... Read more...

Lately, I have taken to a new habit. Actually, just renewed an old habit. But, it seems so old now that it actually feels like a new one! Yes, quite contradictory. But, if you put yourself in my place, you’ll know what I am talking about. It isn’t new for us to take up a habit with vengeance and then in the humdrum of life, somehow unwillingly (and sometimes obnoxiously) just give it up. Anyhow, so I started my routine of physical exercise. More like, restarted it. Just in a different form. Owing to the lack of access (and my laziness to go to a far off place) to a basketball court, I have taken to jogging with quite a vengeance. I could very easily give credit to a month long exam schedule for making my conviction to run approximately 4 km in exactly 28 minutes, along with some not so difficult warm up exercises. Well, that was just me boasting! Getting to the whole point of this post (which by the way is just a random rant), Lodhi Gardens is another beautiful place in New Delh...

Only if you were in heaven would the clouds come to wish you Good morning as soon as you open the windows to your room. Or, if you are too lazy to go to heaven, you could take the 14 hour train journey from Delhi to The Misty Mountains Retreat in Jhaltola, Uttarakhand, with a stoppage at Kathgodam. Talking from experience, you get the same felling! I visited this retreat with a huge group of friends and was taken aback by the warmth of the staff, in complete contrast to the cool ambience of the place! This retreat is a quintessence of tranquility. The Misty Mountains Retreat offers you a perfect view of the mighty Himalayas on one side and the forests on the other. On days when you are very lucky, you can spot a leopard on the rocks near the retreat. An offbeat location, the retreat is a perfect getaway from the hustle bustle of the daily life. As you walk through the dining hall from your cottage, towards the innovatively designed auditoriu...