A (Nostalgia-tinted) Guide to Shillong
Oct 6
Photo Story: My First Durga Puja in Kolkata
For many, Durga Puja is synonymous to Kolkata. However, if I were to associate one place to this festival, it would always be Shillong. Barring seven years, I’ve spent every Durga Puja at home in Shillong. Last year was my first Pujo in Kolkata in my adult life. And this year, would be my second here. I…
Read More
Sep 14
The Mushrooming of Microbreweries
If today I wanted to travel to across India, only to explore the plethora of microbreweries in the country, it is plausible. The metropolises of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata are seeing a rise in numerous brew pubs. My first brush with a craft brewery in India was in Pune. Established in 2010, TJs…
Read More
Sep 10
Photo Story: Village Walk in Sarrahirri, Madhya Pradesh
Earlier this year, in the month of June, Ankita and I decided to go for a quick walk to the neighbourhood village. Sarrahirri is a kilometre away from Pench Tree Lodge in Madhya Pradesh. The mornings were rather warm in Pench. So we decided that the earlier we left, the better it was. With open fields on…
Read More
Aug 25
Photo Story: Sukhtara Haat, Madhya Pradesh
On a warm afternoon, we drove out in a jeep from Pench Tree Lodge towards a nearby village. Sukhtara is a small village in Madhya Pradesh, approximately 17 kilometres from the property. It is the spot for a weekly village market or haat. Residents from neighbouring villages/hamlets come and sell products here. These range from food…
Read More
Aug 13
My First Stay in a Tree House
‘Please give us whatever food you have in your bags,’ said Amit Mukherjee, the manager of Pench Tree Lodge, with a smile on his face. After my long travel to Nagpur and then another 3-hour drive to Pench, I was evidently exhausted and didn’t question these instructions. These words, I understood, were good for my health and…
Read More
Jul 7
5 Places to Get Intoxicated in Pondicherry
Pondicherry offers plenty of exciting places to drink, across all budgets. It has never disappointed me with the widespread concoction of spirits it offers. Though best for its cocktails and beer, there are enough options for liquor such as whiskey, vodka or even wine. These are my favourite places in the French Quarters or White…
Read More