[Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India] Exploring Heritage on a Train Journey
[Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India] Exploring Heritage on a Train Journey
The tracks to Shimla The start of our summer vacation in Himachal Pradesh: Plane to Delhi, train to Chandigarh, and it was now time for a train (special one, though) to Shimla. Off we headed from a hotel in Chandigarh to Kalka station. The auto zoomed (a bit shakily) on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway toward Kalka, often overtaken by flashy cars. We held on tight until our route turned off the highway and onto the narrower road to Kalka.
[Himachal Pradesh, India] A Cool Summer in Himachal Pradesh
[Himachal Pradesh, India] A Cool Summer in Himachal Pradesh
On a previous vacation, we had fallen in love with the mountains and forests of Uttarakhand. So when summer came calling again, an escape to the Himalayas was the first idea that crossed my mind. This time around, B and I voted for Himachal Pradesh, and Junior readily gave his stamp of approval. The call of the mountains. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. After much thought (grey cells in action!), research (Google at our command!
[Vengurla, Maharashtra, India] The Beautiful Beaches of the Konkan Coast: Vengurla
[Vengurla, Maharashtra, India] The Beautiful Beaches of the Konkan Coast: Vengurla
View from Fort Tiracol. Tiracol, Goa, India. From atop a hillock, we gazed at the shimmering waters of the Arabian Sea below. To the left, the Terekhol (Tiracol) river (hidden from our view) proceeded to its rendezvous with the sea. And beyond the river, in the distance, lay a clean sandy stretch of beach. We squinted our eyes and thought we saw a couple of tourists ambling along in the sand.
[Tarkarli, Maharashtra, India] The Beautiful Beaches of the Konkan Coast: Tranquil Tarkarli
[Tarkarli, Maharashtra, India] The Beautiful Beaches of the Konkan Coast: Tranquil Tarkarli
The long stretch of sand is (almost) as flat as a pancake. Small waves crash in the distance and leisurely withdraw from the shore. Beige-colored crabs scurry along, visible one moment, out of sight the next. A couple of starfish lie still on the shore. Dozens of hungry plovers dig feverishly into the sand to find their meal. High up in the sky, a sea eagle flies home victoriously, with a struggling serpent held firmly in its talons.
[New Hampshire, USA] A Family Vacation in the Granite State
[New Hampshire, USA] A Family Vacation in the Granite State
“Live free or die,” they said out loud. To the left, to the right, in front, and behind. We had entered New Hampshire. The tall conifers, the winding roads, and the licence plates that made a clear point: “Live free or die.” Tales of mountains and forests. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, USA. Our vacation in the New England region had brought us to the granite state, New Hampshire. The land of the White Mountains, green forests, and blue rivers and lakes.
[Maine, USA] Of Nature Trails, Narrow-Gauge Trains, and a Spectacular Coastline

Drifting Along in Pichavaram

Looking for a change of scenery? Cruise along the East Coast Road, pass Pondicherry, and take a break at Pichavaram, near the temple town of Chidambaram. Drift along in a boat along the backwaters, sit back and marvel at the beautiful mangroves of Pichavaram. The tranquil location is a haven for birds. It was our first glimpse of this amazing ecosystem, and we were thrilled! India has the distinction of being home to the world’s largest (Sunderbans) and second largest (Pichavaram) mangrove forests.

aladybird Older Travel Tales (2010 and earlier) Comments
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Postcards from Bangkok: A Great Stopover Destination

The best stopover we’ve had till date? No doubts – Bangkok in 2007, on our return journey to Bangalore after an out-of-the-world trip to Beijing and Shanghai. With several hours to spare, we embarked on a whirlwind tour of the capital of Thailand, equipped with a great map. The sights of the city were spellbinding, the warmth and hospitality of the people was very touching. The beauty of Bangkok in our postcard pictures.

aladybird Asia , Older Travel Tales (2010 and earlier) , Thailand Comments
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A Noisy Sunday at the Martin Farm

Where would you take a noisy, nature-loving, super-energetic 2-year old on a Sunday morning in Bangalore? Criteria? It would definitely have to be outdoors. Lots of space to run around. Okay to make “some” noise :). Not more than an hour’s drive away. Greenery would be a welcome bonus. Seeing some animals would be great. Interaction with the animals would be awesome. Did we find such a place? The Martin Farm, Bangalore, has all this and more :).

aladybird Asia , India , TheTravelBug Comments
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