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

Travelling offers several joys and positives quite like none other. Whether you’re just going on a short drive or you’re looking for a long road trip, just getting out and hittin… Read More

It is often said that life is like an Indian Gooseberry, sour and bitter at first but always sweet in the end.  Flavourful, therapeutic and versatile, Amla aka the Indian gooseberry str… Read More

Cruising on the Norwegian Pearl on a 14 day round trip on the Panama Canal to and from Tampa is a wonderful way to discover the Caribbean ports of call. Norwegian Pearl cruise shipA massive… Read More

A museum dedicated to soap…sounds rather strange…… These exactly were my thoughts when I first heard about the Seifenmuseum in St. Gallen. While I decided to see al… Read More

A bad day with coffee is better than a good day without it Coffee bean shaped bathing bars – Pic courtesy mCaffeineIt is often said that there is nothing that a cup of coffee cann… Read More

A symbol of truth, prosperity, fertility and abundance, betel leaves are an intrinsic part of Indian culture.  It is integral to festivals and the celebration of any auspicious occasion… Read More

A premier and multidisciplinary institute dedicated to research, patient care, training and academic pursuit in the field of mental health and neurosciences, NIMHANS is a landmark that is ha… Read More

It is often said that whenever you buy anything handmade, you are not just buying a product but supporting a family, a small business and a community.  More importantly you are supporti… Read More

There is no denying the fact that India is a treasure trove when it comes to native art and crafts.  Indian handicrafts are diverse, eclectic and native to each region.  They are h… Read More

Often dubbed as the Scotland of India, Coorg is arguably one of the most scenic places in South India.  Nestled along the Western Ghats, it is located in between Mysore and Mangalore an… Read More

Few toys are more endearing than soft, cuddly teddy bears.  An intrinsic part of most people’s growing years, teddy bears are synonymous with precious childhood memories, warmth a… Read More

Often referred to as the paradise on earth, there is no denying the fact that Switzerland is a country of unparalled beauty.  As mentioned in several of my previous posts, the country i… Read More

Coconut palm fringed coasts, house boats, Kathakali, boat races, Kalaripayattu, elephants and much more…Kerala is a state of many colours.  And one thing that is quintessent… Read More

Think legumes and it is quite likely that green gram (moong), pigeon pea (toor dal) or red kidney beans (rajma) immediately come to your mind.   Horse gram (kulthi bean) in all pro… Read More

Triumph, tragedy enigma, myth and of course Toblerone…these are just some of the emotions and thoughts associated with the Matterhorn which is arguably one of the most famous symbols… Read More

It is no secret that Switzerland is full of charming, picture perfect villages, utterly beautiful landscapes and awe inspiring lakes.  Brienz located on the shores of the serene Brienz… Read More

There is no denying the fact that nature has an intrinsic quality that is calming and helps rejuvenate the soul.   Spending time outdoors, soaking in fresh air and sunshine has alw… Read More

According to Wikipedia “Cottagecore is an Internet fashion aesthetic, that celebrates an idealised rural life and developed throughout the 2010s until being named on Tumblr in 2018.&nb&hell…Read More

With healthy and wholesome eating becoming the order of the day, microgreens have become an extremely popular food.  An integral part of salads, soups and starters, microgreens are&nbsp&hell…Read More

Known for its picture perfect landscapes and beautiful towns and villages, Switzerland never ceases to surprise with its breathtaking sights.  Diessenhofen, a pretty river side village… Read More

There is no denying the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we travel forever.  From vaccine compliance to negative RT PCR tests and quarantine requirements, one… Read More

Often referred to as the world’s largest open air museum, Hampi in Karnataka is a heritage site quite like none other.  A favourite with tourists from all over the world, Hampi is… Read More

Upholstery is a key factor to consider when styling homes.  It is an element that brings in more texture and adds depth to any space. It also helps you maintain a certain level of sophi… Read More

Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling – Cecelia Ahern It is often said that there is no place like home for it is a place where you feel safe, loved and appreciated.  And… Read More

Surrounded by mountains and located on the south western end of Lake Geneva, the city of Geneva is one that offers a multitude of experiences.  I happened to visit this city on a short… Read More

On the occasion of World Museum Day today, here is a look at yet another unusual museum in Karnataka.  Read on to find out more… Lush green farms on either side made for an invig… Read More

No mention of summer is complete without the mention of the mangoes, the king of fruits.  Having grown up in Hyderabad, my earliest memories of summers were digging into the delect… Read More

In 2020 COVID-19 shutdown triggered a city wide meal delivery boom in Sydney, with the average spending across some council areas up by over 350%. The city ranked as the top area for such se… Read More

Come summer and it is time for mangoes, salads, smoothies, ice creams and a whole lot of summer treats.  A time when the body gets dehyadrated faster due to the scorching heat, summer i… Read More

Given the times we live, the importance of sustainability and going back to our roots can hardly be overemphasized.  While the terms ‘natural’, ‘eco-friendly&rsqu&hell…Read More

Gone are the days when the word “concrete” was synonymous with being a dull, cold, boring material and relegated to use in basements, fire exits and other such obscure locations… Read More

I have a thing for solid wood and whenever I see a plank or even a small piece discarded, I want to lay my hands on it!  Sometime back I found piece of wood abandoned; it must have been… Read More

As mentioned in my previous post, the decor at the newly opened Grand Mercure, Gopalan Mall in Bangalore is awe inspiring to say the least.  With photo opportunities everywhere and… Read More

Wood apple aka Bellada hannu as it is called in Kannada is considered one among the most auspicious fruits offered to Lord Shiva.  Along with “bilwa patre” which is used dur… Read More

Given that India is a land of temples, it is no surprise that travel unearths some truly hidden gems.  And one such gem is the Veera Narayana Temple in Belavadi about 30 km from Ch… Read More

Lush green landscapes, mist covered mountains, stunning views and panoramic beauty all around……this is Mullayanagiri hill for you.  Arguably one of the most popular places… Read More

A healthy outside starts from the inside — Robert Urich Every time you eat or drink you are either fighting a disease or feeding it.  Therefore, in order to lead a healthy life it… Read More

Snowy white landscapes that seemed straight out of a Christmas post card, majestic ridges, peaks of the Pennine Alps and a mesmerizing town at the foot of the mountains.  All this… Read More

Ask any child what his/her favourite subjects are and it is highly likely that history does not figure on top.  Some of the most predicatable responses given are “it is boring&rdq&hell…Read More

Visiting Melukote as I outlined in one of my recent posts is akin to taking a journey back in time.  A quaint charm and oodles of antiquity lend the town ,which is replete with courtyar… Read More

Come winter and it is time for those endless cups of coffee, curling up in corners and enjoying the coziness all around.  Winter has a charm of its own.  While some enjoy staying a… Read More

Come January and it is time for Makara Sankranthi which is one of India’s most significant harvest festivals.  Celebrated as Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Bihu in Assa… Read More

As mentioned in several of my previous posts, Bangalore offers several offbeat sights which form for exciting day trip ideas.  If you are a fan of art, architecture and ancient temples… Read More

Carved stone panels, statues, idols and stone slabs in varying stages of finishing…..all lining the pavements, house fronts, backyards and basically any empty space.  Well, this… Read More

Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling – Edna Ferber Pic courtesy: Fitoori BanjaaranWith Christmas finally here, the frenzy of getting things ready for the big day has r… Read More

While Bangalore today is known for its IT parks, start ups, pubs and malls, it is also a city of gardens, parks and lakes.  Although rampant urbanization has resulted in the tremendous… Read More

Considering that I have always been a fan of healthy and wholesome eating,  I was happy to learn of JustBe , a resto cafe that serves exclusively plant based, whole foods that is i… Read More

Beautiful, shiny, healthy, lustrous hair…well this sounds like every girl’s dream, right? Well the dream isn’t too distant with The Earth Collective, a new premium In… Read More

Located in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, Devarayanadurga is a popular temple town.  Perched at a height of about 3950 feet above sea level, this one forms for an engaging day trip f… Read More

Come November and it is time for Diwali again… A festival that is an ode to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi and one that celebrates the victory of good over evil… Read More

Located about 150 km from Bangalore, Melkote also spelt Melukote is one of Karnataka’s hidden gems.  Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, the town is perched on a hill which is… Read More

Located about 140 km from Bangalore and 45 km from Mysore, Talakad (also called Talakadu) is a popular tourist and pilgrimage center.  A historic site associated with a rather inte… Read More

With the festive season ringing in, styling the furniture in your home to add a festive zing is one of the easiest ways to add sparkle to your home. As we herald a new season, here are some… Read More

Inland letters, book posts, aerograms, telegrams……..mention these words and they are sure to evoke a mixed set of reactions.  For most who grew up in the 70s, 80s and earl… Read More

Located in Mandya district, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls are a famous tourist attraction in the state of Karnataka.  Also called Shivanasamudra falls, this one is formed… Read More

27-September happened to be World Tourism Day and while it seems a little too early to start travelling again, you can always create spaces that bring back fond memories of travel and even i… Read More

One of the things on your to-do list as each calendar year comes to an end is to pick up a new calendar for the next one.  Something that is religiously followed, this ritual is done as… Read More

“Chew a handful of brahmi leaves and you are sure to score better in Maths…” Well, this is an advice that was certainly not uncommon during up my growing up days.  El… Read More

Growing up in Hyderabad, HMT was an integral part of my life as my father was employed with the PSU for over 40 years.  So, when I heard about the HMT Heritage Centre and Museum op… Read More

With words like ‘sustainability’ and ‘environment friendly’ becoming buzz words in every sphere of our lives, home décor cannot be left far behind.  It is… Read More

If you are a fan of native ingredients, traditional practices, safe and ecofriendly products, Seer Secrets has to be on your list.  They offer a comprehensive range of beauty and wellne… Read More

One of the most significant and auspicious festivals celebrated with great fervour and tradition across India, Ganesh Chaturthi this year falls on 22-Aug.  The festival which falls in t… Read More

As part of my Arunchal Pradesh sojourn last year, I had the opportunity to visit several unique places, one of them being a visit to a Garo community village in Sonitpur district of Assam.&n&hell…Read More

Are you proud of your ethnic heritage? Why not include elements from your culture in your home decoration? With a bit of planning and some lucky finds, you can create an environment that fee… Read More

The simple name board and the unassuming exteriors of the Sudharma office in Ramachandra Agrahara in Mysore makes it hard for one to believe that this is a “one of its kind” news… Read More

Just like its breathtaking scenery, Switzerland is synonyms with its delectable chocolates and cheese.  One of the country’s most famous hard cheeses Le Gruyère i… Read More

A tranquil setting amidst lush greenery and a plethora of chirping birds,  Kanva forms for a perfect getaway from Bangalore.  At a distance of just about 65 km from Bangalore, Kanv… Read More

Native to south India, the fruit of the tropical species Artocarpus heterophyllus aka Jackfruit has been in the spotlight like never before.  Whether being touted as an alternative to m… Read More

The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it – Robert Swan, Author. There are no two ways about the fact that, sustainability is a way of life conside… Read More

Few experiences are more fascinating than taking a road trip through the countryside of India.  Lush green landscapes, beautiful scenery, farm lands and unique rural scapes make the jou… Read More

There is no denying the fact that lemons are one of the best foods to boost your immunity.  Rich in vitamin C, they have several antibacterial and antiviral properties and is a natural… Read More

One of the most popular things to do when you visit a new place is to check out its museums.  This is one of the things that is always on my to do list when I travel and some of my best… Read More