There is little doubt that the temple town of Udupi is one of the most visited places in the southern state of Karnataka. Situated in coastal Karnataka about 425 km from the capital city of… Read More

Sunny weather, stunning beaches, a vibrant old town, a bustling art and culture scene coupled with plenty of gastronomic adventures. Nice is indeed a city that offers a kaleidoscope of expe… Read More

Think Salzburg and you are sure to think of baroque architecture, the movie- Sound of Music and of course W. A. Mozart. Unarguably, the city’s most famous resident, Wolfgang Amadeus M… Read More

If chaat is something you love and you are a fan of healthy eating, this recipe of Beetroot Mathri Mille-feuille Chaat is for you. It combines the goodness of beetroot as well as the delecta… Read More

Come summer 2024 and it is time for one of the most awaited events of the year, the Paris Olympics. Apart from Paris, the coastal city of Marseille is also one of the venues for this sporti… Read More

Think cheese and it is very likely that Switzerland comes to your mind. A country where cheese making is integral to its culture, Swiss cheese is as famous as its world-renowned watches, ch… Read More

Come summer and the sweltering heat calls for some refreshing drinks. Gur Ka Sharbat is a popular jaggery-based drink that is perfect for the upcoming summer months. Gur is the Hindi word… Read More

Are you seeking a place to escape where you can bask in the sun, sink your toes into soft sands and immerse yourself in peaceful surroundings? Look no further than the Andaman and Nicobar Is… Read More

If Tamil Nadu travel is on your list, one place that must not be missed is the Chettinad region within the state. Also known as Chettinadu, this one is located in the central part of Tamil… Read More

There is no denying the fact that Switzerland is replete with quaint towns and fairy tale villages that exude oodles of old world charm. Marthalen located in close proximity to Zurich is on… Read More

Moving home is a big deal and it can be a stressful and complicated experience! However, if you do the following five things before you move, you can make things much easier on yourself. Rea… Read More

There is little doubt that museums offer some of the most immersive experiences when you travel. They not only offer rich insights into the history of the place through their displays of ar… Read More

Think Switzerland and it is not uncommon for one to conjure images of Alpine mountains with snow covered peaks, lush green meadows, pristine valleys and of course fairy tale villages. But d… Read More

It is that time of the year when the magic of lights and the scent of gingerbread cookies is in the air. Well, it is almost Christmas and unarguably the most beautiful time of the year. A t… Read More

It is the end of the holy month of Karthik and as mentioned in my previous post, it is a period when it is considered highly auspicious to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. Home to several ancien… Read More

It is the holy month of Karthik and a time in the Hindu calendar where the lighting of oil lamps is considered auspicious.  Like the rest of the country, Karthik is considered extremely… Read More

It is that time of the year when temperatures are dipping and it time to bring out those woollen sweaters and leather jackets. Winter is arguably one of the best seasons of the year and the… Read More

It is that time of the year again, when all of India and a large population abroad gets ready to welcome the festival of lights aka Diwali.  Also called Deepawali, it is arguably the mo… Read More

It is not an understatement to say that Benaras aka Kashi is one city that gives you an experience that is quintessentially India. Bustling, chaotic and super hurried, Varanasi, as the city… Read More

It is that time of the year when the fervour of Dasara is upon us and there is celebration all around. From museum visits and gollu hopping to Navratri feasting and bombe shopping, there is… Read More

Come October and it is time to welcome one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar, Dasara aka Dusheera. Celebrated over a period of ten days, Dasara in many parts of south In… Read More

As homes become futuristic, there are several technologies that are being used to make homes savvy and smart. Using next-gen Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, voice-based in… Read More

With mesmerizing mountains, azure blue lakes, verdant valleys, fairy tale like villages and breathtaking landscapes, Switzerland, at the risk of sounding cliched, is the epitome of enchantin… Read More

It is close to 9.30 am on a sultry Sunday morning and the roads of Shankerpura (also spelt Shankarpura), known for its famous mallige (jasmine) bear a deserted look. I was looking for t… Read More

It is that time of the year again, when we celebrate one of the most popular Gods of the Hindu calendar, Lord Ganesha. Also called the Lord of beginnings, His birthday is celebrated each ye… Read More

Often dubbed as the cultural capital of Switzerland, Basel is a city that offers a kaleidoscope of sights spanning history, art, architecture and culture.  Known for its innumerable mus… Read More

Think velvet and the mind immediately conjures images of all things luxurious and regal.  A plush fabric known for its soft and smooth texture and often vibrant colours, velvet is a gre… Read More

The new age bride is all things new – bold, beautiful, classy, edgy, and non-conformist yet knows her traditions. Over the years, bridal styling trends have undergone a remarkable… Read More

A strong back and spine is indispensable, more so during pregnancy and Chiropractic care can just be the answer to all back woes. Guest Post by: Bindu Gopal Rao Pic credit: Level UpPhy… Read More

A house is made with walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.  It is often said that a home is not built in a day.  Setting up a home, carefully selecting things y… Read More

Made from a plethora of ingredients like fresh greens (like brahmi, fenugreek leaves and spinach), spices (like pepper, fenugreek seeds) and vegetables and fruits like onion, raw mango etc… Read More

Heritage houses, Alpine music, rural handicrafts, agricultural tools, yesteryear farmhouses, kitchens, hay lofts, cellars and more.  If this piques your interest, Ballenberg is the plac… Read More

With close to 150 unique weaves, India is a treasure trove when it comes to indigenous textiles and regional handlooms.  A reflection of our rich cultural heritage and tradition, the st… Read More

Think tulips and the mind immediately thinks of Amsterdam and the gorgeous Keukenhof gardens, the latter is a place that I am yet to visit. Viewing beds of tulips meticulously cultivated in… Read More

As mentioned in my previous post, Natchiarkoil is an eclectic town near Kumbakonam and forms for an engaging visit in more ways than one. Apart from the Nachiyar Kovil or Thirunarayur Nambi… Read More

There is no denying the fact that travelling within India is replete with interesting sights, engaging experiences and surprises at almost every nook and corner. A visit to the southern cit… Read More

Guest post: By Bindu Gopal Rao Akathya means inexplicable in Sanskrit and probably no one understands this word better than the transgender community. In order to amplify this ethos, Shan… Read More

Located in the Sivagangai and Pudukottai districts of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Chettinad is a popular destination to visit for more reasons than one.  Synonymous with grandeur… Read More

There is no denying the fact that Switzerland is a country replete with some of the most beautiful sights on the planet. Whether it is the mighty Alps, lush green meadows, historic building… Read More

Come 01-May and the renowned mango festival in Kuruvakkavu, an area within Kannapuram of Kannur district in Kerala is back.  An initiative led by 43-year-old Shyju Machathi along with a… Read More

Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is – Jessica Harrelson Arguably one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, spring is all about colour, new beginnings and a sense… Read More

With close to a whopping 40,000 temples, Tamil Nadu in South India is rightly known as the Land of Temples. Most of these temples are centuries old and have been built by the erstwhile ruli… Read More

If you want to start making healthier eating choices but do not want to be limited to beans and whole grain products all the time, this is totally understandable. That being said, it is more… Read More

As the first rays of the sun pierced, almost reluctantly, through the gaps of the thick clouds on an overcast January morning, the lush green paddy fields were still shrouded in thick fog.&n&hell…Read More

It is that time of the year when the old gives way to the new and nature is basking in the colours of spring.  It is time for one of India’s most popular festivals, Ugadi aka Yuga… Read More

Think Netherlands and the first thing that comes to your mind is Amsterdam, water canals and tulips. But a visit to the Dutch countryside promises an equally fascinating experience too. Repl… Read More

Known as one of the most holy places created by saint Parashurama, the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya temple is arguably one of the most popular pilgrimage centres in the southern state of Karnataka… Read More

For someone who has been enamoured by homes, the nitty-gritty of design and the idea of beautifying spaces since childhood, it is no surprise that the design entrepreneurial journey of Reshm… Read More

There is no denying the fact that India is a treasure trove of eclectic sights spanning history, architecture, art, culture and religion. With engaging sites in almost every small city and t… Read More

Located in the central part of the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Trichy is often referred to one of the oldest cities of India. A centre of rich cultural and architectural heritage, Trichy… Read More

It is often said that there is nothing like a bite of pickle to perk up the drabbest of meals. This is indeed true for they add a touch of spice, aroma and flavour to the food. And there i… Read More

It is that time of the year when Bangalore gears up to witness Lalbagh’s biannual flower show. Arguably one of the best lung spaces in the city, Lalbagh Botanical Garden dates back to… Read More

There is no denying the fact that Switzerland is a land of unparalleled natural beauty. Apart from its glorious mountains and picturesque lakes, did you know that it is home to the world&rsq&hell…Read More

Guest Post by Bindu Gopal Rao DAG’s first-ever exhibition of the complete series of 288 etchings by Baltazard Solvyns called Les Hindoûs is a documentation of life in Bengal… Read More

Unarguably the best time of the year, Christmas and the holiday season is just around the corner. A time for joy and celebration, Christmas time is indeed one of the most awaited seasons of… Read More

It is that time of the year when the festivities are in the air and Christmas is just around the corner. A season for joy, sharing and giving, Christmas is indeed one of the most awaited s… Read More

Associated with auspiciousness, wealth, prosperity and understated sophistication, the flamboyance of gold is undeniable.  The metal with a distinct timeless appeal has been a symbol of… Read More

There is no denying the fact that upholstery is one of the most important aspects when it comes to home interiors.   It plays a key role in making or breaking the visual interest o… Read More

We just celebrated Children’s Day in India on 14-Nov and come 20-Nov, it is World Children’s Day. Toys and children are intrisically associated with one another and if childhood… Read More

Mention the word ‘Mattu Gulla‘ and it is sure to bring a glimmer to the eyes of anyone hailing from Udupi or the Dakshin Kannada region. A unique variety of brinjal native to th… Read More

A vivacious downtown, a fascinating skyline, an intriguing network of unbiquitous canals, an eclectic food and drink scene and a bustling nightlife. To say that Amsterdam is a multi-faceted… Read More

There is no dearth of picturesque towns and cities when in the land of Helvita aka Switzerland. Chur, which is the oldest city of the country is one such Alpine beauty. The capital of the… Read More

The Spanish capital of Madrid is undoubtedly a great place to visit. Home to one of the world’s greatest art museums, the Prado, Madrid also offers stunning architecture, fascinating h… Read More

Often referred to as the financial captial of Switzerland, Zurich is an eclectic city that offers a host of interesting sights which include its lake, unique museums, chocolate stores and hi… Read More

Arguably the most beautiful season of the year, autumn is synonymous with change. Nature’s splash of brown, rust, ochre, mustard, orange, red and chestnut during this time is indeed a… Read More

Looking for a men’s wear brand that is chic, stylish yet functional and affordable? Well, your search stops at KRA. An online store for all your fashion needs, KRA is unabashedly origi… Read More

Madrid is often referred to as the cultural capital of Spain, and for good reason. While other Spanish cities boast of several incredible insights into the country’s history, architect… Read More

There is never a dearth of interesting sights and experiences when you travel to coastal Karnataka, especially the South Canara region. Mangalore and Udupi are replete with interesting expe… Read More

Today is World Samosa Day and there is no denying the fact that this is one dish that is loved world over. A dish that originated in Central Asia, Samosas have existed in India since the 13… Read More

Pixabay CC0 License Nothing in life is more important than your health. As they say, health is wealth and as such, you probably try to exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet. Howev… Read More

Today is Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the main festivals of the Hindu calendar and one dedicated to the Lord of Beginnings aka Lord Ganesha. Arguably India’s most loved God, Ganapati, as… Read More

A land of magnificent landscapes and immense scenic beauty, there is never a dearth of idyllic getaways when you are in Switzerland. Mount Pilatus or Pilatus as it is also known is one such… Read More

While the temple town of Udupi is well known for its famous Krishna temple, its mouth watering cuisine and other interesting sites as welll as nearby towns, did you know that the town once b… Read More

There is no denying the fact that life is all about a balance; a balance between science and nature, between work and life, of holding on and letting go, of looking good and doing good and s… Read More

Guest Post by Bindu Gopal Rao Label Artham is giving saris a makeover, ensuring that several heirloom pieces are making their way out of wardrobes. Pic credit: Label Artham Bengalur… Read More

While 7-July maybe World Chocolate Day, there is no denying the fact that, if you are a chocolate lover, everyday can be chocolate day! And this is especially true if you are in the home of… Read More

Having been used since centuries, wallpapers are increasingly becoming a popular choice when it comes to enhancing the look and feel of your wall.  From quaint, cottage style florals an… Read More

The brain child of designer Anu Tandon Vieira, The Retyrement Plan is all about working directly with craftsmen and giving waste a new lease of life by focusing on the merits of the original… Read More

Located just about 25 km from Zurich in Switzerland is the idyllic city of Winterthur.  Like most Swiss cities, Winterthur is replete with a charming old town, quaint cafes and fascinat… Read More

Overripe bananas making their way into banana cakes and banana bread is something we all know of. But did you know you can also use the bananas to make Mangalore buns? As the name suggests… Read More

It is raining museums on my blog this month and even though we just finished International Museum Day on 18-May, I thought a post about some unusual and quirky museums in Switzerland would b… Read More

The Tibet Museum located in the quaint town of Gruyères in Switzerland is a hidden gem. The town known for its delectable cheese, stunning landscapes and fairy tale vibes is home to… Read More

One of the best ways to pick up insights about the local history, art, architecture and culture of a place is by visiting musuems located there. Being a big fan of museums, I decided to visi… Read More

If you are fan of native Indian crafts, handlooms and indigenous products that reflect the rich cultural heritage of India, look no further than the House of EK. EK by Ektaa R. Kapoor is al… Read More

Come summer and it is the season of the king of fruits aka mango. From the luscious Alphonso to the parrot shaped Totapuri, there are close to a whopping 1500 varieties of mango grown all o… Read More

Guest post by Bindu Gopal Rao Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) is synonymous with iconic architecture transforming the notions of what can be achieved by continually innovating with advanced d… Read More

While it seems like a cliche to say that Switzerland is a country full of fairy tale landscapes, Heidiland is literally a paradise on earth. An ode to Heidi, Switzerland’s most famous… Read More

Entering the interiors of Simpadipura, a sleepy hamlet about 60 km from Bangalore it is not uncommon to hear the sounds of chisels and hammers striking against wood.  Large logs of jack… Read More

There is no denying the fact that spring is the happiest season of the year. A harbinger of new beginnings, spring is all about new blooms, warmer temperatures and refreshing colours all ar… Read More

Looking to move to a new house? Chances are you would chose your new property because of the way it looks and what it offers on the inside, but what about on the outside? The amenities in th… Read More

Come February and it is the month of love: a time to cherish love and share it with you near and dear ones. It is time for Valentine’s Day! Also, given that Valentine’s day is… Read More

Often referred to as “Switzerland’s city of Roses”, Rapperswil is an utterly beautiful town in Switzerland just over 25 km from Zurich. Easily accessible by rail, boat and… Read More

Strolling on the busy Avinashi road in the industrial city of Coimbatore, a brick red Beetle mounted on a pedestal caught my attention almost out of the blue. Needless to say, this piqued m… Read More

Sakkare Acchu Sakkare acchu which translates to sugar moulds in Kannada refers to figurines made using sugar syrup for Makar Sankranthi and other festive occasions. It is a festive spec… Read More

As we step into 2022 with renewed vigour and hope, it is that time of the year when we welcome new trends and embrace new beginnings. It is also the time for the Pantone colour of the year… Read More

Pic credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-couple-people-friends-7464368/Moving out is always an exciting time for young adults, but it can also be stressful. It’s easy to get overwh… Read More

A farmhouse is a structure that functions as the principal residence in a countryside or farming area. Most people retire to their farmsteads when they are bored with city life or want to ve… Read More

Come December and ’tis the season to be merry. A season to welcome the good tidings and festive cheer, it is time for Christmas! Synonymous with gifts, family get togethers, parties… Read More

Receiving and giving gifts are little things in life that bring joy quite like none other. But many a time, we end up gifting things or receiving presents that either have no utility or are… Read More

Fibrous, fleshy and loaded with goodness, few vegetables are as nutritious as sweet pumpkin. An important harvest vegetable in India, sweet pumpkin is a much-loved delicacy given its impres… Read More