Asia
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A warm embrace
Whether it is a relaxed lunch or a music-filled dinner, I would highly recommend Abraco - a little gem of a restaurant, tucked away in an alley in Sangolda, for its delicious food, great ambiance, and positive vibes.
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Majorda Beach Goa
The next time you are in Goa, with visions of yourself relaxing on an easy chair, sipping on a chilled beer, and enjoying scenic views of the sun setting over the Arabian sea, then head to Majorda Beach. This picturesque beach, far from the madding crowd, is worth your time.
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Shri Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka Shankara Narayana, this historic Shri Vinayaka Shankaranarayana Durgamba Temple is set right on the banks of the Netravati River in Nandavara, Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada.
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The red junglefowl
Entrance to the Botanic Gardens, Singapore. Truth be told, I am not a garden person. Stepping into one to gaze at flowers isn’t my cup of tea. I’d rather be up to mischief somewhere else. Unless, of course, I am dragged to one. Which was “sweetly” the case here. They seem to be casual in the presence of humans, though don’t get too close. Turns out the 163-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens, or simply the Gardens, is one of three gardens, and the only tropical garden to feature on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Now, sucker that I am for anything with a World Heritage stamp on it, if this isn’t…
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Mahatobhaara Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple
It is the main temple in Puttur, around 50 km from Mangalore, Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. And is, after Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the only temple to have a cremation ground opposite it. This is the Mahatobhaara Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple. The sun setting over Mahalingeshwara Temple, and Puttur. According to popular legend, three wise old men, ardent devotees of Shiva, were traveling through Southern India, carrying a Shivling from Kshetra of Kashi. View of the temple ground. While they were in Puttur, under the patronage of the King of Banga, they set aside the Shivling on the ground to offer their prayers. Once done with their prayers, they…
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Wongwian Yai Station
The idea was to try and get to Maeklong railway market, about 80 odd km southwest of Bangkok. While I’m sure everyone knows what it’s famous for, what nobody tells you is that there’s just one train from Wongwian Yai station that takes you directly to this station – the Maeklong Railway Line at an unearthly hour of 6:45 am. Of course, we never made it on time. This is Bangkok, after all. The local train to Mah Chai station. Instead, like good travelers who expected things to fall into place, we reached the station late that morning, and on enquiring, figured some trains take us to Maha Chai station.…
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Maximum City was, on and off, home to me for more than 15 years. And in those years, while I have passed it many times, never have I as much as ventured past its gates. It was formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. Until, about a year and a half ago, just before the virus struck. On one of those lazy Sundays, with nothing better to do, my good old friend, philosopher, and expert in all things nefarious and dark decided to give me a crash course on the history of the city. And what better place to start than a whirlwind tour of South…
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Wat Khunaram
For those inclined, the island of Koh Samui has a lot more to offer than just its beautiful beaches. Wat Khunaram is also known as Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng. While it may not necessarily be among the most impressive Buddhist temples in Thailand, Wat Khunaram, or Phra Wihan Luang Por Daeng, more than makes up for it with its special guest – the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, commonly known by his Buddhist name Phra Khru Samathakittikhu. The temple is host to a special guest. Koh Samui’s most famous monk was ordained as one in his early twenties. Then, after spending two years studying in the monastery, he…
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The track
Back in the old days, it used to be a meter gauge track, with steam engines pulling the carriages with a huff and a puff. Close-up of a railway track. And then, it lay disused for many years, until it was converted to a broad gauge. The Puttur-Mangaluru shuttle before its departure in the morning. Today, it is diesel engines that pull carriages on these tracks. However, there is still a charm about Kabaka Puttur railway station that evokes fond memories of childhood, and evening walks to try and see off the train as it made its slow journey from Puttur to Mangalore. Dusk at Kabaka Puttur railway station. Some…
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Perspective
At 60 km per hour, the loudest noise that comes from this car is an FM station playing some soothing melodies. Or the driver making polite conversation. Seriously. At first glance, there is nothing spectacular about it. However, it is a car that has been and continues to be driven for years by everyone – from beginners to experts. It can carry up to six persons in absolute comfort. With some boasting of an automatic driver-activated rear door and fender mirrors. It was first released in 1995, primarily for the Japanese market. However, it proved so popular that it was soon seen on the streets of Singapore and Hong Kong.…
