I have to share some good news! One of my readers and friend Sarita Singh Antarctica made it to IAE – 2014 and will be headed to Antarctica in less than 40 days from now. International Antarctic Expedition is led by Polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan, OBE and his Organisation 2041, which draws its…
Mandvi Beach, Kutch
I think I can last for one more sky watch on the back of my Mandvi Beach pictures! I usually do not get so many usable pictures from one location. Mandvi sunset was really special. So, here I go again. The idea of being out at sunset immensely appeals to me, as these days I…
Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi, Gujarat
The Vijay Vilas Palace belongs to the Jadeja Kings of Kutch. Mr. Siddique the taxi owner and driver asked me when we entered Mandvi if I would like to go to the hotel first or visit the palace. I opted for visiting the palace. Wikipedia tells me that Vijay Vilas Palace has been built by…
Rukmavati Guest House Mandvi
To me Rukmavati Guest House (Mandvi, Gujarat) was recommended by Mr Krutarthsinh Jadeja from Devpur. When I walked into the place I saw a Tripadvisor sticker on the door. I made a mental note to talk about it. I was greeted by Mr. Vinod the owner of the place. After some confusion over my arrival dates,…
Narayan Sarovar and Koteshwar, Kutch, Gujarat
After spending about half a day at Lakhpat, my next stops in the day were Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar. I was told that Narayan Sarovar has a religious significance and otherwise not much of a place. But as it is quite close to Lakhpat (35 km) I decided to check it out. At the other end…
Traveling Solo in Kutch
It is not that I seek out to travel solo but solo trips just happen. Like first I thought I was going to Bhutan with my younger nephew but that didn’t happen. In the end the first trip of 2014 was to Kutch, my personal vacation and solo. I will recount conversations that happened because…
Sunset at Mandvi Beach, Kutch, Gujarat
Mandvi was on my radar on this visit to Kutch because I wanted to go near the sea. The Vijay Vilas Palace (post pending) was a bonus for me. I just spent one night there but then most of my vacations are like that, so I am not going to complain. I just made sure…
Lakhpat, Kutch, Gujarat
When I saw a breach in the fort wall I did what comes naturally to me as a trekker, I tried to walk through it! Out of nowhere an uniformed head popped out and asked me, “ma’am what do you think you are doing?” I apologized and retreated in haste. I then asked if I…
Devpur Homestay Near Bhuj
People who are well versed with such things, for them the Darbargadh (small fort) which is the Devpur Homestay would have been a dead giveaway. To fools like me it just looked mighty impressive! Imagine my surprise when I was told by people later that Mr Krutarthsinh Jadeja and Mrs. Yashodhara Jadeja (the owners) are closely…
The Vibrant Colors of Gujarat
I saw some eye catching colors in Kutch, Gujarat. The first frame that made my eyes pop out was at Narayan Sarovar which is quite close to Lakhpat. These colorful jalis were part of the complex of the temple at the Narayan Sarovar. It made me conscious that I should try and capture thevibrant colors…