Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh ऋषिकेश में गंगा आरती
Rishikesh is often called the gateway to the Himalayas by adventurers and Gateway to the heaven by the more religiously inclined. The old parts of the Rishikesh town are dotted with temples, aashrams and such religious establishments… Yogashrama are spread on the slopes of the hills and the temples along the Longest Indian River Ganga.
I had earlier written about my over all experience of the tour of Garhwal region. Although our final objective of reaching the Valley of flowers did not materialize, there …

Long back someone gifted me an exquisite keychain. I have till now treasured it. Then one more came my way. I treasured it as well.
When I started travelling, I saw keychains at every tourist place. These are the smallest mementos that one can take back home for oneself or gift without much botheration.
So, I began buying keychains for myself and others too. Also being a backpacker I neither have money nor space to carry bigger fancier gifts for people back home.
Gradually it became a habit and my collection started growing.
What …

While traveling within India I mostly travel by air to major cities but whenever I get a chance to go by train, I grab the opportunity. There are several reasons to do that which I’ll speak of some other time. Here I am talking about something else.
I have noticed that Gujaratis have very strong family ties. They are much more bonded than any other. I’ll tell you my reasoning.

I very frequently travel from Mumbai to northern part of India and the train passes through Gujarat. Come Surat, there would be …

When I was coming down the steps of Batu caves, I suddenly saw this idol. And I had to take a photo of it. Believe me, I was pleasantly surprised. I had never seen a cow with a woman’s breasts ! Forgive me for my lack of knowledge of Hindu mythology.
Later, I wanted to learn about this idol and this is what I know now.
Goddess Kamadhenu, a divine goddess, is also known as Surabhi. Kamadhenu, the sacred cow, is an integral part of Hindu mythology and grants all wishes and …

Picture of the moment: Kissing not allowed.
Picture of the moment is a weekly series exhibiting pictures from around the world.
Today’s picture of the moment is a poster.
Here in India, at times we get involved and react to many useless debates. Thanks to some powerful people, we do not even approve of visual ads for life threatening hazards related to Tobacco smoking which kills millions of people every year.

No kissing in public.
But I am sure

A few days back there was a massive earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The place now looks very deserted. While Christchurch slowly started to rebuild & coming back to normal, most travellers from all over the world assumed that all of New Zealand was a disaster zone. The result was some more jolts to the country in the form of declining tourism which comprises around 10% of New Zealand’s economy.

If you ask me, I would say New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been …

Picture of the moment: Chinese New Year.
Picture of the moment is a weekly series exhibiting pictures from around the world.
This whole week Malaysia is celebrating Chinese New Year. The shops are selling red & golden colored lanterns of different shapes and designs, decorative pieces and flowers.

A street in China town, Kuala Lumpur.
Tell me, aren’t they beautiful ?
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