Travel & Travails

The Ming dynasty gardens and spaces of Suzhou World Heritage site- a must visit in China

burstabdomen / March 15, 2026 / Travel & Travails

Suzhou, a gateway to ancient China, is renowned for its Ming dynasty heritage, especially the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator’s Garden. Accessible from Shanghai, the city features organized transport and offers a blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Visitors are encouraged to spend multiple days to fully appreciate its beauty and charm.

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Travel & Travails, Photography

The Aligarh Numaish – thriving since 1880

burstabdomen / February 22, 2026 / Travel & Travails, Photography

The Aligarh Numaish, originating in 1880, is an annual exhibition that attracts visitors for its vibrant atmosphere, food stalls, and diverse attractions, including rides and cultural displays. Running through mid-January to mid-February, it serves as a venue for socializing and commerce, embodying themes of life and coexistence throughout its history.

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Travel & Travails

Drive East on NH9 to land up in… Mount Abbott, Lohaghat (unless you want to drive right into Nepal)

burstabdomen / January 26, 2026 / Travel & Travails

Visiting Lohaghat by car, driving along NH9. Mount Abbott and Mayavati Ashram

Drive East on NH9 to land up in… Mount Abbott, Lohaghat (unless you want to drive right into Nepal) Read Post »

Travel & Travails

Kalimpong- another face in the crowd (but for the dogs!)

burstabdomen / December 20, 2025 / Travel & Travails

Kalimpong -a quaint town eighty kilometers from Siliguri- is often relegated to a day stopover by the busy tourist. The

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Travel & Travails

Shanghai diaries – unboxing Shanghai

burstabdomen / December 5, 2025 / Travel & Travails

The initial exposure to the pearl of the Orient leaves the tourist in awe, grasping for meaning and striving to understand a culture so distant from their own

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Travel & Travails

Shanghai diaries – all you need before you arrive – the bare essentials

burstabdomen / November 11, 2025 / Travel & Travails

The post details the essential information for Indian travelers seeking to visit China, highlighting the online application process and required documents. It emphasizes awareness of Chinese holidays that may affect processing times.

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Colorful festival scene with decorations.

Travel & Travails

Durga Puja flows as the seasons blow through life

burstabdomen / October 12, 2025 / Travel & Travails

Durga Puja embodies diverse meanings—a ritual, festival, rite of passage, religion, and culture. It reflects the changing seasons, fosters a sense of community, and ensures no one goes hungry during celebrations. As summer yields to autumn, the joyous memories linger, hinting at a recurring promise of future festivities.

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Travel & Travails

Shadowing Gandhi..

burstabdomen / October 2, 2025 / Travel & Travails

The original shadow…if it wasn’t for the persistence of this man – Gandhi might not be in Bihar – ever!

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Our two cents, Travel & Travails

The Bazaar has a voice (only if we care to listen)

burstabdomen / August 14, 2025 / Our two cents, Travel & Travails

Bazaars are vibrant marketplaces that emerge in various forms and times, serving as social hubs where people engage in commerce, gossip, and personal reflection. They evoke a range of emotions, from frustration to flirtation. The atmosphere is enriched by sounds, smells, and the persistence of returning customers, highlighting the human experience within.

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Arts, Travel & Travails

Elixir of God, for God , by God

burstabdomen / July 30, 2025 / Arts, Travel & Travails

The content reflects on diverse travel experiences during a pilgrimage, highlighting the different types of travelers, from exhibitionist to unassuming. It contemplates the blending of religion and nationalism, the challenges faced on the journey, and the ultimate search for meaning. The reader is prompted to consider their own aspirations in travel.

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Travel & Travails

Safdarjung – a mobile loving tomb

burstabdomen / April 22, 2025 / Travel & Travails

Safdarjung’s tomb in Delhi is a captivating spot for photography, especially at dusk. Offering free entry for those under 14, the site commemorates Safdarjung, a significant Mughal court figure. With a protective guard and strategic elements for allure, the tomb beckons photographers, preserving a legacy through their images.

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Our two cents, Travel & Travails

Ambling through hallways…

burstabdomen / April 6, 2025 / Our two cents, Travel & Travails

The passage explores hotel corridors as more than mere transition spaces, serving as reflections of the past and invitations to engage with their surroundings. These corridors create unique experiences, encouraging interaction among travelers while challenging conventional designs. They prompt visitors to appreciate often-overlooked details of their journeys.

Ambling through hallways… Read Post »

Our two cents, Travel & Travails

The City and her beau

burstabdomen / March 24, 2025 / Our two cents, Travel & Travails

The city engages individuals through a game of truth or dare, proudly showcasing its traditional and modern aspects. It embraces migrants and ensures everyone has access to food and love. Despite attempts to disguise her age, she remains a source of romance and storytelling, striving to adapt amidst evolving times.

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Travel & Travails

Kashmir- an autumnal closure

burstabdomen / January 12, 2025 / Travel & Travails

The author recounts a trip to Srinagar and Aru Valley during autumn, emphasizing the beauty of the changing leaves and local culture. Despite challenges, like missed opportunities to see saffron fields, they found joy in local cuisine and interactions with residents. The peaceful village atmosphere offers a desirable escape from city life.

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Travel & Travails

Kashmir – ‘slow’ second day in Aru

burstabdomen / January 5, 2025 / Travel & Travails

The day began with a picturesque sunrise in Aru Valley, as travelers enjoyed a peaceful breakfast and explored Lidder Valley. They experienced the quiet charm of Aru village amidst rising tourist numbers and the presence of ravens. The visit concluded with a cab ride to Srinagar, highlighting rural life along the way.

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Travel & Travails

Kashmir- an autumnal Sunday

burstabdomen / December 29, 2024 / Travel & Travails

The narrative describes a leisurely Sunday in Srinagar, exploring sites like Naseem Bagh and Hazratbal Dargah, emphasizing the allure of local experiences, including scenic views, the serene environment, and unique food. Highlights include a cozy shikara ride, delicious grilled trout, and enjoyable roadside kebabs, ending with restful slumber.

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Travel & Travails

Kashmir- an autumnal snapshot

burstabdomen / December 22, 2024 / Travel & Travails

The post reflects on the beauty and challenges of experiencing autumn in Kashmir, particularly Srinagar. After three attempts, the author describes their visit in November, highlighting the striking foliage, local commerce, and cultural observations. They note the impact of tourism, a blend of nature and human activity, during their stay.

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The Ming dynasty gardens and spaces of Suzhou World Heritage site- a must visit in China

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The Aligarh Numaish – thriving since 1880

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Drive East on NH9 to land up in… Mount Abbott, Lohaghat (unless you want to drive right into Nepal)

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Kalimpong- another face in the crowd (but for the dogs!)

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Shanghai diaries – unboxing Shanghai

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Shanghai diaries – all you need before you arrive – the bare essentials

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Durga Puja flows as the seasons blow through life

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Shadowing Gandhi..

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The Bazaar has a voice (only if we care to listen)

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Elixir of God, for God , by God

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Safdarjung – a mobile loving tomb

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Ambling through hallways…

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The City and her beau

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Kashmir- an autumnal closure

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Kashmir – ‘slow’ second day in Aru

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Kashmir- an autumnal Sunday

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Kashmir- an autumnal snapshot

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