TRAVEL TALES
Enjoy fun adventures, experiences in the wild and check out unique travel trails.
Bandhavgarh: I Went Looking for a Tiger and Stayed Long Enough to Listen
There are places you visit. And then there are places that quietly rewrite you. Bandhavgarh was never part of my life plan. It was a destination—once. A pin on a wildlife map. The plan was simple: See tiger. Take photo. Return to civilisation feeling superior. Bandhavgarh had other ideas. A forest known for its high density of tigers, ancient forts, sal trees standing like sentinels, and stories whispered through grasslands…
Not Always Lucky & Wise: A Tale of Inadvertently ‘Dodging’ Tiger Sightings in Dhikala Corbett
Ah, the tale of the wildlife safari trip when, in my wacky wisdom, I managed to dodge majestic tiger sightings in the wild woods while my co-travellers revelled in thrilling moments with the elusive tigers. It was a scorching summer’s day when I embarked into the deep forests of North India in 2023. It was my second visit to this tiger reserve, and so I was armed with a bit…
A Trek to the Highest Abode of Shiva, Tungnath: A Tale of Forgetting Shoes & Freezing Peaks
Ah, the misadventures of a forgetful trekker! While the sun was rising in Mumbai one fine day in February 2020, I found myself in a train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai, delayed by two agonizing hours. Panic had set in; I had another train to catch to Haridwar from LTT Kurla station at 8:30 am. The problem? It’s 7:30 am, and I was still far from Borivali station. Just I reached…
10 Delightful Activities to Do in Winter Wonderland Gulmarg
Gulmarg, a picturesque town just an hour’s drive from Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar, captivates travellers with its lush green meadows in summer and snowy landscapes in winter. Nestled in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at 8694 feet, from December to March, Gulmarg transforms into a winter wonderland, offering skiing, snowboarding, gondola rides, and multiple snow-filled adventures. For me, Gulmarg holds a special place, where I experienced the joys of…
Skiing Adventures in Gulmarg: From Sliding on Baby Slopes to Tumbling Down the Majestic Mountain
Amidst the sea of snow, the mountains of Gulmarg in Kashmir stood like majestic giants, draped in white cloaks, accessorized with green pine trees full of snowflakes. And there I was, standing at the foothill of an intimidating slope, contemplating about one last run down after a day of exhausting endeavors on the kiddie hills. There was no way to back out, with my instructor channeling his inner drill sergeant,…
Feathers in the Desert: Exploring Biodiversity in the Backyard of the Golden City Jaisalmer
Imagine the thrill of spotting a tiger in the wild, and then amplify that excitement with the elusiveness of a very “endangered” bird. It certainly felt like we were on an impossible treasure hunt, when our first safari round unfolded through the vast barren desert land! And although the cold and arid winds teased us with glimpses of vultures, wheatears, buzzards, and even a shy desert mouse, the star of…
10 Exciting Activities to Spice Up Your Trip To Panna Tiger Reserve
Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is unquestionably on the list of must-visit destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. While renowned for its rich biodiversity, the region also unfolds a captivating tapestry of culture and architecture that begs exploration. I embarked on a five-day trip at the end of December 2022, opting for a train journey between Mumbai and Jhansi, followed by hiring a private cab for day excursions. Although my primary…
Playing The Role of A Proud Party Pooper At Panna Tiger Reserve – The Emerald Forest
It was well past the 10 pm ‘no noise’ curfew in the outskirts of the forest when the obnoxiously loud thumping of music began echoing throughout the retreat campus where I was staying. Instead of being embraced by the promised tranquillity of mesmerizing wilderness, I found myself amid the deafening chaos of urban revellers who were partying like there was no tomorrow. As I lay in my luxurious room, decked…
Echoes of Noklak: A Journey of Inspiration On the Road Less Travelled in Nagaland
The zigzag mountain route resembled a muddy obstacle course, now murkier, battered by the relentless rain of the previous night. I was seated in a shared Sumo Taxi with five other souls as our emotions oscillated between anxiety and shared camaraderie in sync with the bumpy ups and downs. The seasoned driver appeared slightly overwhelmed by the challenging terrain. Skilfully manoeuvring the vehicle, he would cautiously shift gears and delicately…