Cobblestone Chronicles

Mysore’s ace of spade is the old-school, yet contemporary character that the city retains - the history, the archaic colonial architecture, and the aura of camaraderie that engulfs this city! Few destinations globally are equally prominent for their folklore, food, and fortune. Mysore is one such place where each one of these aspects constitute the core values of this city. Mysore boasts regal alcazars, heavenly gardens, ravishing cuisines, and dazzling desserts - a city that is successful in upholding an unperturbed and blasé convention of life despite the ever increasing tourism brought about by the cultural prosperity and unmatched festivities. This city might be the second largest in the state of Karnataka, but most prominently, it is known as the ‘cultural capital’ of the state! I visited this scintillating city in the festival of ‘Navaratri’. In contrast to other parts of the country where Dussehra is only celebrated for one day, Mysore celebrates this festival in...

When you think of deserts, the first things that come to mind are the famous Arabian deserts that have given us so many childhood classics, and the sprawling Sahara, a vast, uncompromising chunk of sand famed for being the largest hot desert in the world, encompassing millions of square kilometers. On the contrary, when you think of Vietnam, your thoughts take you into the densest of rainforests, and the famous or infamous (depending on whose side you’re on) Guerilla Warfare tactics that took advantage of this very ecosystem, that even the mighty United States of America couldn’t lay a finger on. Never in your wildest imagination would you merge the two pictures that I’ve just painted in your brain, but what if I told you that you actually can? A 5 hour drive from the Cu-Chi tunnels of Saigon, the epicentre of the Vietnamese war and Vietnam’s secret weapon lies the coastal town of Mui Ne. A fishing hotspot on the South China sea, this little town has become a popular to...

The Sahyadris carry with them a unique charisma - a charm that separates these acclivities from the rest of India's mountain ranges. Usually quite arid in the summer, these hills wrap themselves in a lush green thicket as soon as the first rains hit the mountain tops - changing their face in a rather drastic fashion! And as the monsoon gradually retreats, paving way for the frosty winters, these ranges open up for a whole new experience - quite invigorating indeed: greenery all over, but with blue skies above, bright sunshine prevails, but never do you feel uncomfortably hot! This was the time when I trekked to Harishchandragad, one of the toughest, longest and perhaps, the most  ‘intimidating’ trek in the Sahyadris. However, while the whole experience was quite taxing, it was indeed one of the most surreal treks I have ever done! We started our journey from Pune, my hometown, at around 2am, with an intention to start the trek by early morning. After almost three hours...

When looking for some of the most beautiful destinations in south India, in search of serene country-side respite, Coorg finds its place somewhere right at the top of that list! For a moment, imagine yourself to be in this delectable borough in the Madikeri district of Karnataka. The invigorating wind whips your hair as you ramble along the byways that rise and dive amidst the thicket. Breathtaking glimpses of the Tandiyandamol peak take you aback in bewilderment as you sniff appreciatively the heady fragrance of coffee blossoms. The place is surrounded by lush green landscape, offers a peaceful environment, is home to some of the friendliest people in India and perhaps the highlight, is the birthplace of some of the finest coffee that one might ever savour. Welcome to Coorg, fellow travellers! The magic of Coorg begins to unfold as one starts their journey from the low-lying town of Kushalnagar towards Madikeri – the town-centre of Coorg. The dwindling road a...

Tucked away in the East Khasi Hills, is a new-fangled city with a contemporary charisma and vintage charm. Nestled in the heart of the mighty peacemaker of our lovely Seven Sisters - Meghalaya, this bustling hill station is also known as the ‘ Scotland of the East’ . To make an acquaintance (even if not completely) with at least one of our intriguing north eastern sisters had been on my to-explore list for as long as I can remember. I had only seen glimpses of this unexplored paradise in indie music videos or perpetual wall calendars that were hung in my house when I was a kid. Bound by its diverse ethnicity and culture, this done-to-death destination was everything I had imagined it would be, and in fact more. View of the Khasi Valley Shillong was all about the ‘Hygge in the air’ First impressions are important, especially if you are travelling to an unknown destination. Every place has an energy, a vibe. That energy forms my first impression. You must be familiar wi...