I have stayed at many Accor properties both in India and abroad. I have been there both as a blogger and as a paying customer. Recently I was invited to Novotel Vijayawda Varun Hotel as a blogger and what a pleasure it was! It is a lovely five star hotel in the city of Vijayawada….
Category: India
Subah-e-Banaras – A Mesmerizing Experience
I recently got an opportunity to visit Varanasi with UP Tourism and Lonely Planet Magazine India. On our itinerary was Subah-e-Banaras which literally means a morning in Varanasi or Banaras! I am not a morning person by any stretch of imagination. I howl and cry when I am asked to wake up and assemble in…
The Naga Sadhus at the Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest peaceful gathering on this earth. It happens every three years in rotation across four cities of India- Haridwar, Nasik, Ujjain and Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad). This year the gathering is on confluence of the Rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Prayagraj. It is being held from January…
Dandi Kutir Museum at Gandhinagar
After a few minutes inside the Dandi Kutir Museum I was reminded of the museums in Sharjah and Dubai. I had seen such use of technology only in those places. So, it was a pleasant surprise to find such a modern museum closer home. Dabdi Kutir is the world’s largest museum devoted to the life…
Kumbh Mela Prayagraj-Things to Know Before You Go
When I got an invitation from the UP Government and Lonely Planet Magazine India to visit the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj I accepted it without any hesitation. I was under the impression that I would never be able to do it on my own, so I was thrilled that I could be part of the…
Daniell’s Tavern at the Imperial Delhi
I have visited The Imperial Delhi so many times as a blogger that I have lost count! If I am in town and if they are doing an event I love to go. There is a warmth about the place that makes it unique. I visited the place yesterday for the event ‘Clash of the…
Local Experiences with Evolve Back, Kabini
Evolve Back, Kabini is a delight to visit during the monsoons. I was invited on a blogging trip to Kabini by the resort. I went alone as Chhavi could not afford to miss tennis or school. Delhi, NCR were still sweltering hot when I left. Right after I landed at Bangalore, the weather got pleasant….
Staycation at Pullman Aerocity New Delhi
Chhavi and I had the pleasure to go for a staycation (on invitation) to Pullman Aerocity New Delhi for one night. After a while she told me, “this is the most stylish hotel I have come across!” I am always happy to spend time with the kid on holidays and staycations as she is a…
Visiting Toorji ka Jhalra Stepwell in Jodhpur is Amazing
I am a big fan of stepwells. When I realized that there is a stepwell, Toorji ka Jhalra in the old city at Jodhpur, I decided to go to the bavdi. The cab dropped me off at Ghanta Ghar or the clock tower. It was my first foray into the old city even though this…
A Village Called Nirona
I discovered the fascinating village of Nirona on my third trip to Kutch in Gujarat. I admit I am not big on crafts. But Nirona changed that completely. Our group visited 3 houses in the village, each specializing in a different craft. There was Mr. Husen’s home where they made copper bells, then we were…