Tag: Karnataka

Country Roads

Sitting crouched on Dharam Singh’s musty folded mattress and bouncing up each time that the truck hit a rain battered pot hole, I couldn’t have imagined that the very next year I would be cruising along the same highway, only this time with wheels designed for luxury. The trips were starkly contrasting: one a backpacking […]

Penny Wise

Khan Bahadur Haji Abdullah Haji Kasim Saheb Bahadur’s labyrinthine name is associated with a contrastingly small, unassuming house, not too distinct from other buildings of Udipi. Characteristic to coastal Karnataka, the weathered red Mangalore tile roof hangs over bluish-whitewashed walls in the heart of the town. The century old house lies adjacent to the Corporation […]

Shivavilas Palace

Sink into luxury at the refurbished palace of Sandur’s royal family, located just an hour’s drive away from Hampi’s boulders.The Raj-esque grandeur of this heritage hotel starts right from the long driveway that curves into the high-roofed porch of Shivavilas, and extends to each nook and cranny of the Ghorpade family home. The decidedly vintage […]

Temple Trips South India

Temple Trips South India: One of the most exciting books to research, the temples in Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh threw up the most intriguing legends and fascinating rituals. It was well worth my time to meander through snaking long queues to get a peek into the many sanctums. Armed with very little spiritual inclination […]

Adventure Stops On The West Coast

If you want to head to sunnier options this winter and are also looking for some adventure, you must explore the 150 km stretch along the west coast of Karnataka, yet to be pegged on India’s travel circuit.

The India Festival Calendar: Jan-Feb

An exquisitely dressed Theyyam performer. Pleasant weather and several festivals make the first two months of the year a popular time to travel. Whether it’s the crack of the whip at the Kambala Buffalo Race or the reverberating dance steps of Theyyam performers in Kerala, the entire period is packed with splendid celebrations. JANUARY Theyyam: Head […]

Temple hopping along the Karnataka coastline The Alternative

One does not particularly need a religious bone in their body to enjoy the impressive historic landmarks dotted along the Karnataka coast, in the form of ancient temples. The decided Hindu vibe of destinations like Udupi, Dharamsthala, Kollur, Gokarna and Sringeri testifies how deep the region is steeped in legends and mythology, drawing devotees from […]

Kambala Buffalo Races in Tulu Nadu

India is one of the few countries that can boast of palm shaded pristine beaches, the warm glow of mesmerizing sunsets & sunrises and temptingly lethargic destinations along more than 7500km of its coastline. Amongst these, the Karnataka’s virgin beaches have been discovered only by the intrepid. For those who are eager to be soaked […]

1000 Years & Still Going Strong

The air is thick with tension for the few seconds, before a crowd erupts into a deafening cheer as the whip-lashing farmer and his buffalo dash past, creating a muddy wake around them. It takes some time for the duo to find their apt starting rhythm and then in a matter of seconds, it’s over. […]