2020-08-20 12:30
Each square of Madrid speaks a different story (Part 1)
Fan of Madrid’s modern, classy appeal? Stroll through its broad boulevards and sprawling spaces for mementoes of a powerful empi… Read More
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100cobbledroads Blog
100cobbledroads.com
Everyone has their favourite recipe for delicious travel, and mine comes with rich doses of history, culture and everyday exotic. Think vintage cafes, medieval streets, and specially cobbled roads.
Follow my blog for my personal stories across legendary old cities, charming everyday scenes and mesmerising natural wonders. From Porto's blush Ribiera to the sapphire Pacific waters of New Zealand, from black wooden houses of Volendam to the lush green tea gardens of Kerala, join me as I trapeze along my colourful journeys tracing world heritage in all its heavenly glory.
2020-08-06 12:30
This Tuscan town is famous for the Palio…
Hungover from the highs of flower-draped whitewashed villas, open-roof vintage cars and cliff-hanger coastal views. Dew-fresh Amalfi Coast me… Read More
2020-07-23 12:30
Was Dhanushkodi destined for destruction?
The traffic snarls begin from the monumental elephant-shaped rock hill of Yanaimalai, which stands guard at the outskirts of one of India’s mo… Read More
2020-07-09 12:30
Flashback to freedom in Goa
100 days of lockdown. 100 days of blue skies, birdsong and window-facing workdays. 100 days of balcony greens, dewdrops and virtual events. 100 days of introspect… Read More
2020-01-30 13:20
Visit the Scottish Highlands from Inverness…
If you’ve been having recurring dreams about prowling around in the deep dark mist hanging over glassy mysterious lochs and losing y… Read More
2019-12-26 13:20
Best day trip from Galway…
Every guidebook waxes eloquent about the raw appeal of ‘Wild Connemara’. Luring you with vivid landscape photography that makes you go weak in t… Read More
2019-11-21 13:20
Day trip to Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland…
Ireland, Dublin and the Giant’s Causeway…the path is inevitable, almost prescribed. Two possible reactions. Curiou… Read More
2019-09-12 13:20
Traditional crafts of Odisha…
Odisha’s magnificent temples and silky beaches have been working overtime to pull in the throngs forever. But there’s so much more under the… Read More
2019-08-08 13:20
From travel blogger to legit travel writer…
129 blog posts. 1,30,000 words. 1000 days of blogging. Whoosh! I must have blinked. Pinch me…has it been three years already since a… Read More
2019-07-25 13:20
Exploring Lisbon’s best areas…
An unmistakable Mediterranean-ism and a wild Atlantic coast! Europe’s westernmost country literally has the best of both worlds. Voyage-driv… Read More
2019-07-11 13:20
Inside Madrid’s Royal Palace…
You turn a final corner and there it is in front of you…the grand 18th-century Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace of Madrid). Protecting t… Read More
2019-06-27 13:30
Charming hill getaway from Delhi
Hazy outline of towering hills and a wide open highway. Loaded fuel tank and overdose of healthy munchies. Chirpy laughter and five light hearts. Road-trip… Read More
2019-06-13 12:41
Cesky Krumlov, the offbeat way
Gawking over the iconic sights in a fairytale town like Cesky Krumlov is a given. Who can escape the attraction of the dreamiest of settings…medieval ca… Read More
2019-05-30 13:20
Cesky Krumlov, the iconic way…
Imagine green-yellow hues of the pastoral countryside of southern Czech Republic. Leading to an enchanting cobbled town cozily hidden within gently slop… Read More
2019-05-16 13:20
Seven lucky landmarks in Europe…
Shooting stars, wood knocks, horseshoes, wishing wells, finger crossings, wishbones, tooth fairies…everyone can count at least one happy, hope… Read More
2019-04-25 13:20
Lyon, France’s second city, is my first choice…
Taking a train from Provence through the peaceful countryside into the bustling train station of Gare de Lyon Part Dieu can be a… Read More
2019-04-11 13:20
Make a nest in Madikeri, Coorg…
Have you ever dodged heavy doses of strongly discouraging feedback about an oncoming trip? Just days short of your travel plans? When anticipation leve… Read More
2019-03-28 13:20
Simple charms of Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic…
There’s a different Barcelona behind Las Ramblas and you wouldn’t believe it until you stride a few feet down a side… Read More
2019-03-14 13:20
Palampur makes an ideal, offbeat hill destination
Its a dream. You’re walking down a lovely, long mountain road, shady with a thick cover of graceful, tall pine trees rising from myste… Read More
2019-02-21 13:20
Iconic symbols of Istanbul, beyond the mega sights…
Its a city straddling two continents. Its skyline of ancient mosques and pencil-thin minarets is a photographer’s dream. Its… Read More
2019-02-14 13:20
Bruges is the loveliest canal town…
A labyrinth of meandering canals, cobbled streets and centuries of history. Nicknamed Venice of the North. UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a fi… Read More
2019-01-31 13:20
Classic experiences on the Right Bank of Paris…
Its the pulsing heart of art, culture and fashion, where the creme de la creme has lived for decades. The buzzing commercial center of… Read More
2019-01-24 13:20
Classic experiences in the Left Bank of Paris…
Roman-founded Lutetia Parisiorum (mud town of the Parisii or Celt settlers) to epitome of all things classy…the antithesis is com… Read More
2019-01-17 13:20
Idyllic island in Italy’s Gulf of Naples…
Keep your eyes glued to the window as the shuttle from Naples airport weaves slowly through the narrow streets of the city’s Grec… Read More
2018-12-27 13:19
Digging into Lucknow’s culinary past…
Tripping India? Then deep diving into dozens of delectable dishes is inevitable and predestined, even mandatory! And how could it not be&he&hell…Read More
2018-12-13 13:20
Art odyssey in Madrid and Berlin…
All great capitals have their art scenes well chalked out. You dial Paris for Louvre and Florence for the Uffizi Gallery. You go to London for Tate M… Read More
2018-11-29 13:15
Belgium’s capital old town is enchanting…
Its second language is French. A river called Senne flows through. The older part of the city is graced with classic Haussmann-style ar… Read More
2018-11-22 13:20
Discovering the best of Sintra Cascais…
145 square kilometres of a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with natural wonders and historic treasures. Hidden sandy bays, rugged coastline… Read More
2018-11-15 13:20
Munich, Germany’s secret capital city…
Skipping Bavaria while in Germany should actually be illegal! It is literally a crime…depriving yourself of the splendours you coul… Read More
2018-10-25 13:20
Provencal village of Les Baux-de-Provence…
Its the heart of the rustic Luberon valley of French Provence, 15 km from Arles and 25 km from Avignon. Purple lavender, green herbs an… Read More
2018-10-18 13:47
A walking tour in Sultanahmet, Istanbul…
Hypnotic first glimpse of a one-of-a-kind city uniting the ‘chalk-and-cheese’ divergent continents of Europe and Asia. Spectacular… Read More
2018-09-20 13:20
Comics, waffles and chocolates of Belgium…
You knew that Johnny Depp is not the star of the 2017 remake of the classical movie ‘Murder on the Orient Express’…its Ke… Read More
2018-09-13 13:20
Resplendence of the Ringstrasse in Vienna…
Sunlight dazzles on the calm waters of the Danube flowing through the city’s suburbs. You can almost hear the strains of the most famo… Read More
2018-09-06 13:20
Lively and quiet vibes in the Czech capital…
Prague. Praha. Mother of all cities. Eye-candy heaven. Home to ultra-magnificent monuments. Steeped in rich, unbroken history. Prettier th… Read More
2018-08-30 13:20
Deep inside the temple town of Orchha…
A polite ticket-checker thanks each passenger, bright-red uniformed staff deliver breakfast goodies and pleasant station announcements guide you… Read More
2018-08-23 13:20
An afternoon exploring Haupstrasse, Heidelberg…(continued)
From the pulsating historical center of Heidelberg, follow the throngs to the right of Ritter Hotel, to face the other big d… Read More
2018-08-16 13:20
Blend into the old square of Heidelberg…
You’ve started on a high note. Peak high. A ride on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe stretching from Cologne to Heidelber… Read More
2018-08-09 13:20
Making Year 2 of travel blogging a breeze…
January 2018 was devoted to positive plans. March 2018 was centred around picky possibilities. But by May 2018, as the countdown to my secon… Read More
2018-08-02 13:20
Amateur guide to deconstructing Indian temples…
The common denominating factor binding ancient civilisations of Egyptians, Mayans, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Indians? Temples! But be… Read More
2018-07-26 13:20
Obidos, Portugal’s most picturesque town…
Surprise! The wide arch through which you enter the parking lot of Obidos turns out to be part of a 3-km long stone-mortar aqueduct. Th… Read More
2018-07-19 13:20
Getting under the skin of Versailles Palace…
Just 16 kms southwest from Paris, lies possibly one of the most popular, most visited and grandest of all sites in France. Versailles. You… Read More
2018-07-12 13:20
Pass on the encouragement baton…
Another peer recognition award for 100cobbledroads! Jessica Palmer of TravelwithJess has nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. This award is gi… Read More
2018-07-05 13:20
Touring the Residenz in Bavaria’s capital…
Standing at the site of the infamous fatal gun battle site of historic Odeonsplatz in Munich, you would never imagine that 71 allied b… Read More
2018-06-21 13:35
Beach-hopping in Southern Sri Lanka…
An idyllic, mystical pearl-drop island in the Indian Ocean with 1340 kilometres of coastline. Bait enough. Active adventurer, laid-back lazy or ph… Read More
2018-06-14 13:20
Amazing ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka…
Timelines like these. 200 million years ago, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Australia and Antarctica were connected in one land pmass, the Gondwa… Read More
2018-06-07 13:20
Wild elephant adventures in Habarana, Sri Lanka
Deep in the north-central jungles of Sri Lanka, at the shores of an ancient reservoir built by King Mahasen more than 1,700 years ago, a centu… Read More
2018-05-31 13:20
Walking treasures of Salzburg, Austria…
The historic town of Salzburg, Austria, bore the brunt of a massive plague epidemic and two world wars. Nearly half of its magnificent building… Read More
2018-05-17 13:20
Walking treasures in Salzburg, Austria…
The 3-hour train ride from Vienna may prep you with enough eye-candy, but that first view of Salzburg, Austria’s fourth-largest cit… Read More
2018-05-10 13:20
Marseille on the Côte d’Azur…
Its colourful image owes credit to a fascinating population mix of Italians, Corsicans, Russians, North Africans, Armenians, Vietnamese, Alge… Read More
2018-05-03 13:20
12th-century Bologna was a high-rise metropolis…
It is recognized by many terms of endearment…‘La Rossa’ (The Red One) for its vibrant brick architecture, ‘La… Read More
2018-04-26 13:20
This royal haven is Germany’s largest world heritage site
If you’re racking your brains for a day-trip idea from Berlin, look no further than Potsdam, an oasis of lakes, lush fie… Read More
2018-04-19 13:20
Retreat to Budva in Montenegro…
Your brain is still woozy from absorbing the red-gold autumn flamboyance of the Lovcen National Park and the raw wilderness of the rocky Dinara Alps, a… Read More
2018-04-12 13:20
Witness pure Bohemian fiesta at Cesky Krumlov…
No better place to kick start your Czech Republic trip than with the most delicious slice of the Bohemian region, Cesky Krumlov. And no… Read More
2018-04-05 13:20
Discover Kashmir’s Avantiswami temple…
You’re driving southeast of Srinagar on the road to Jammu, silently applauding the unmatched spectacle of nature. Towering mou… Read More
2018-03-29 13:20
A traditional Portuguese meal to remember…
From the rocky edge of Sítio, 300 meters above the endless, crescent-shaped sandy sea-front of the fishing village of… Read More
2018-03-22 13:20
Insta-worthy Dubrovnik beyond the wall walk…
Entering the walled city of Dubrovnik through the impressive 13th century Pile Gate, four doors, two walkway bridges and a wooden drawbri… Read More
2018-03-15 13:30
Melt into scintillating Seville…
Seville is home to two of the most magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, two outstanding pieces of other-worldly architecture. Both will leave you… Read More
2018-03-08 13:20
Melt into scintillating Seville…
A 2.5 hours journey by high speed train from Madrid Atocha station will transport you to Seville, Spain’s fourth largest city located along the… Read More
2018-03-01 13:20
On the Van Gogh trail in Southern France…
Your search for France’s finest scenic beauty will lead you to rural Provence. Here, charming villages dot the fresh countryside. Undu… Read More
2018-02-22 13:20
And why Cologne city should be on your list…
As the train crosses the Rhine, strain for a view of the iconic twin spires of the mammoth Cathedral towering over the narrow gables and h… Read More
2018-02-08 13:20
Unearth an abandoned neighbourhood in Gujarat
I shouldn’t gone googling when the guide asked me, “Would you like to the wooden mansions of Sidhpur?” It killed the surprise… Read More
2018-02-01 13:20
Inside Italy’s five most famous seaside villages…
Italy is an enigmatic lady. She flaunts varied sides of her split personality with equal elan…chic (Milan), arty (Floren… Read More
2018-01-18 13:20
So what if Austria’s prettiest town is no secret…
We’ve all either squirmed, shivered or scowled when faced with appalling discrepancies between what we expected and what… Read More
2018-01-11 13:20
Klimt versus Mucha…
European neighbour countries Austria and Czech Republic have a lot in common, when it comes to culture. Including art. Especially art. Think two 19th-century artis… Read More
2018-01-04 12:54
And still be a full-time travel writer…
Blog after blog celebrates the bravado of smashing the shackles of the safety net to ‘live the dream’. Admire it or envy it…… Read More
2017-12-28 13:20
Discover the bewitching capital of the Marwars…
Geographically placed in the middle of the J-trilogy, Jodhpur has struggled for elusive attention that its more favoured siblings… Read More
2017-12-21 13:20
A meditative and inspiring drive in Portugal…
Secluded mediterranean beaches, whitewashed fishing villages, rugged cliffs overlooking secret coves…Portugal’s south-west i… Read More
2017-12-14 13:20
You can live in a Roman Emperor’s palace…
Work-life balance is not a new concept. Even rulers yearned for ‘me-time’. For proof, look no further than Croatia. 1700 ye… Read More
2017-12-07 13:20
Go to Spain’s original capital, Toledo…
Best day trip from Madrid? Definitely Toledo. You’re still counting the toro (bull) signs along the lush landscapes framed by grand… Read More
2017-11-30 13:20
Find life in the French countryside…
Beyond the artistic allure of Paris and the ritzy glamour of the Riviera, lies an offbeat France. Where old-world romance lives in the maze of cob… Read More
2017-11-23 14:09
Interpret the language of Art Nouveau…
Some of us love cities with a past. For their narrow, wobbly cobbled roads and oil-lamp pedestals. For their charming places of worship, old woo… Read More
2017-11-16 13:20
Inside Ludwig’s mind and his residences…
Shy, imaginative, moody teen madly obsessed with classical music composer. Grows to be an eccentric recluse, elusive bachelor and… Read More
2017-11-09 13:20
Let your inner foodie loose…
Pick Praha for all incredible prettiness. Pick Praha for its immaculately preserved past. And pick Praha for your palate. Surprise yourself with the dive… Read More
2017-11-02 13:20
Sparkling like a diamond, forever…
Two hours by bus from Brussels will land you in Antwerp, Europe’s second largest port. Fascinating records of legacy. 12th-century centre for… Read More
2017-10-26 13:20
Spectacular bounties of nature in Czech Republic…
There are travellers who thrive on hiking and trekking. Me…I’m not in that league. Yet, a trip to Bohemian Switzerl… Read More
2017-09-28 13:20
Photo blog of Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu…
Wildlife adventure on our mind. Destination: Masinagudi. One of the five forest reserves of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, 2… Read More
2017-09-21 13:20
Head for Junagadh Fort in Bikaner…
Set against the 200,000 square kilometre golden sand carpet that forms the Thar Desert (Great Indian Desert), is an Indian city that often misses th… Read More
2017-09-14 13:20
Loving Bellagio and Varenna, despite the rain…
Early morning, last day of Italy trip. Bed stumble, groggy walk, window peek, cringe. Wet roads…not on Lake Como day! But if you… Read More
2017-09-07 13:20
Croatia’s capital, Zagreb deserves more limelight
Elegant stone-tiled mansions and newer apartments stand shoulder-to-shoulder in harmony along broad tree-lined avenues and inviting gr… Read More
2017-08-29 15:04
Head to Mount Lovcen now…
A route so spectacular, it will extract involuntary Confucianist soundbites, celebrating undying love for roads. Because its paradise found, sprawled before… Read More
2017-08-24 13:30
A deeper look at Gaudi’s architecture…
Barcelona’s most famous Catalan Modernism artist-architect, Antoni Gaudí made a livelihood from constructing (or deconstructi… Read More
2017-08-17 13:50
France will have you fantasizing…
Just two hours southwest of Paris, lies the Loire Valley, an enchanting countryside ablaze with colours of green and gold, filled with vineyards, far… Read More
2017-08-09 11:51
Clumsy to confident…
Time flies when you’re having fun. Just a year back, on this day, I was a nervous wreck, biting my nails at the prospect of launching my travel blog. Its be… Read More
2017-08-03 13:28
The Dutch capital will fuel your appetite for art. No, seriously!
Which city de-criminalized homosexuality as early as the 1800s and celebrated the first legal same-sex marriage in 2001? Whe… Read More
2017-07-27 13:20
Still as glamorous and grand…
Life seems uneventful along the peaceful road winding up to Gellért Hill, lined with posh residences and embassies. But one look at the Habsburg C… Read More
2017-07-20 13:15
Don’t you dare overlook Portugal’s second city…
This 4th-century port and commercial centre founded by the Romans at the mouth of the river Duoro, actually lent its name… Read More
2017-07-13 13:20
Dollhouse town in Germany…
Factoid: Germany’s second largest city in the middle ages, with 6,000 residents (mammoth for those times) was reduced to poverty during the 30 years w… Read More
2017-07-13 13:20
Dollhouse town in Germany…
Factoid: Germany’s second largest city in the middle ages, with 6,000 residents (mammoth for those times) was reduced to poverty during the 30 years w… Read More
2017-07-06 06:27
Vienna’s imperial palace will overwhelm you…
Even as you survey the facade of ornate Hapsburg Palace, the winter residence of the Austrian imperials since the 13th-century, you… Read More
2017-06-29 13:15
Dream destination on the Amalfi Coast…
The entire horizon is covered end-to-end by the Amalfi Coast. The tiny image of a colourful little town carved into the stony hills of the Sorre… Read More
2017-06-22 13:28
Wild romance with nature…
The love affair begins in the flight to Guwahati as your gaze is transfixed at the snowy outline of the Himalayan peaks in the far distance. You ignore the s… Read More
2017-06-15 13:15
Zagreb’s most surprising architectural gem…
Lovingly encased within seven acres of lush landscaped gardens, Miragoj Cemetery figures as one the top 20 must-visit places in… Read More
2017-06-01 13:30
Six sides of the square…
What’s the single-most universal impression you carry home from European cities? For me, it has to be timelessness. Translated:… Read More
2017-05-25 13:30
A magical day at the Alhambra
Moorish mystique on your mind? Then pick Granada…the last Muslim kingdom of Spain, which survived even after surrender of major cities like Cordoba, Sevi… Read More
2017-05-18 11:19
An unmissable experience off the coast of Marseille
Cut to 600 BC. Greek settlers from Phocaea step onto newly discovered shores, founding France’s oldest city and centuries of maritim… Read More
2017-05-11 08:18
Find your slice of quintessential Holland
Dreaming Dutch? Enterprising merchants, labouring engineers, seafaring sailors and slogging farmers in wooden clogs? Fine ships sailing the hig… Read More
2017-05-04 13:30
Rediscover sweet street treats from across Europe
Ever considered how food habits, like humans, have traversed boundaries, influenced, transformed and evolved in unthinkable ways? But from h… Read More
2017-04-27 13:30
Feel the vivacious vibe of Portugal’s capital…
If you’re arriving in Lisbon from South Portugal by coach like us, you will probably be riding the cable-stayed 17 km l… Read More
2017-04-20 13:52
One of India’s highest glacial lakes…
From your tiny window on the plane, peer out far in the distance; till your vision hits that wall of white…the mighty Himalayas… Read More
2017-04-13 13:30
One wall, 100 churches and countless brick homes…
A short 30-minutes train ride from touristy Pisa lies a lesser-known, surprising little Tuscan town. An important Latin settlement si… Read More
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