Stories from the Road
Travel Blog
Dispatches from across continents, cultures, and cuisines. These are the stories that didn't fit in a photograph — they needed words.
Formerly published at travelnart.com
Antarctica
Antarctica in stunning pictures
No amount of words can describe the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. I was fortunate to have spent 3 weeks exploring and photographing this beautiful part of our planet. Here are a few of my favorite pictures – hopefully it inspires you to visit this continent.
Sailing into the heart of an active caldera | Deception Island, Antarctica
Home to the largest cemetery and the largest colony of chinstrap penguins, Deception island defies all stereotypes about Antarctica. Set in South Shetlands, this horse-shoe shaped island is the only v...
How to plan for a trip to Antarctica
After deliberating for a couple of years, I finally decided to visit Antarctica in December 2018. Visiting Antarctica had been a childhood dream of mine, and I wanted to make the most of my visit to t...
South America
Paraty - Brazil's most beautiful small town
Brazil is home to many beautiful small colonial towns. With its exquisite Baroque architecture, stunning coastline, and tall mountains covered with pristine Atlantic Forest, Paraty is perhaps my favor...
Hiking Ciudad Perdida | The Lost City in Colombia
46 Kilometres in 4 days - that seems very doable quipped a few hikers in our group as Abraham slowly translated after Melkis had explained the hike briefly. Tall and lanky, Melkis had a very calm deme...
Border crossing from Peru to Bolivia: Indian Passport holders
If you are reading this, you may very well know that having an Indian passport doesn’t lend you with much of a privilege while crossing international borders. The number of visa forms that I must have...
Island of eternal sunshine
Lago Titicaca, often called the sea of Bolivia, is a huge influence in the lives of the people living in the altiplano. “Sacred, revered, immense, deep blue, home to indigenous communities, Titicaca d...
Hiking the amazing Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia
When I traveled to Chile, hiking in Torres del Paine was something which I was really looking forward to. After spending a couple of days in Santiago, off I flew to Punta Arenas, way down south. Punta...
Salar de Tara - Best day from San Pedro de Atacama
Home to the driest landscapes on earth, to the famed project ALMA, some of the highest salt plains, Atacama is an alluring destinations for those looking an offbeat travel experience. After having hik...
Walking the streets of Santiago
My travel to the far flung stretch of bizarrely shaped land of Chile started with its capital city. My vicarious introduction to the country was through a work of fiction – Bruce Chatwin’s In Patagoni...
Independent travel to the Ecuadorian Amazon
While I was traveling in Ecuador, I encountered a popular belief, mostly amongst the tourists, that it's almost impossible to experience the Amazons without staying at one of the uber expensive forest lodges. No doubt that these lodges enjoy wonderful locations and are a great way to experience the Amazons, for independent travelers it often proves to be cost prohibitive or just lacking in the adventure quotient - after all, you are letting an agency decide everything on your behalf.
North America
Temezcal - a healing ceremony for mind, body and soul
Temezcal ceremonies may be closely following the trend line of Yoga sessions worldwide - fashionable, seeing broad acceptance and often misinterpreted. From Bronx to Ibiza, you can easily find a Temez...
Spending a month traveling in Mexico during the pandemic
A little frustrated by the ongoing events, I packed my bags, sold everything, left Seattle and hit the road to travel - not knowing how long and where all. I didn't know how time on the road will be - especially with so much uncertainty in the air, and continuously evolving travel policies. I knew for sure that it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to make it work.
Wing-walking on a biplane in the Olympics | Washington
Ever since I saw a post by a travel friend of mine, strapped outside a rusting red biplane plane, arms stretched - while the plane seemed to be in the middle of a roll, it had me intrigued. It seemed ...
Flying over the majestic Misty Fjords in Alaska
Tucked away in the southern part of Alaska, Ketchikan is a tiny little town. The first Alaskan town to be established during the Gold Rush, it breathes of a lot of history, a fact which is not missed ...
On top of Washington - climbing Mt. Rainier
Rainier carries its own personality and is a very unique climb, quips one of our climbing guides. It may not be comparable to a Himalayan climb, but there is something special about climbing Mt. Raini...
Best day hikes around Seattle - 10 trails not to miss
Pacific North-West during the summer time is a treasure trove of alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, gleaming glacial basins, thundering waterfalls and more. Over the past few years of living in ...
Navigating through Alaska's glacier filled fjords
Calling Seattle home has numerous perks for an adventure enthusiast, one of them being it's proximity to the final frontier, Alaska. I had visited Alaska a few times during the late spring and summer ...
Hawaii's wonders: active lava flow into the Pacific
Watching an active lava flow, seeing the fire and water come together in the rawest form had always been a travel dream of mine. Naturally, when I read that the famous episode 61g had started flowing ...
Autumn magic in Colorado
Autumn colors have always caught my fancy, be in literature, songs, movies, paintings or other mediums. As a photographer, the idea of capturing the fleeting nature of the autumn colors had always bee...
Sounds from New Orleans
The more Jazz grew on me during the last few years, the more I desired to visit New Orleans. Eventually, my love for jazz bought me to New Orleans for a week during Thanksgiving, 2015. Traditional jaz...
Exploring Chiapas: the beautiful highlands in southern Mexico
Chiapas in the south-eastern part of Mexico is a beautiful place to be at: great culture, people, weather, nature and history. All of that together makes it a very compelling destination. You can fly ...
Photographing Banff and Jasper: Best of Canadian Rockies
Banff and Jasper National parks are probably the most beautiful parts of the Canadian Rockies. They epitomize the ruggedness, the wilderness, and the pristine beauty that the Rockies are known for. Th...
Wildflowers' galore: Eunice lake, Rainier National Park
With summer, starts the hiking season in the Pacific Northwest. The temperature is perfect, the sun shines bright on most occasions and the wild flowers are in full bloom. Having visited the more popu...
San Juans - A little place on the Pacific
Pacific, for me, with its deep blue and deep waters, had always invoked conflicting sentiments of tranquility and that of vast desolation. Living in Seattle in the Pacific Northwest of US opened up a ...
Central America & Caribbean
Visit El Salvador for its sparkling lakes
Recently in the news for its young and dynamic president and it's forward thinking crypto policies, El Salvador is slowly but steadily leaving behind it's image of gang violence and embracing a new fu...
Where the horses run wild
Uprooting yourself from where you have grown up is a romantic idea, but one that comes with it's unique challenges. Can you build a life that you want, would it feel like home, find what you are looki...
Making chocolate from scratch like the Mayans did
Once used as a form of currency, hailed as an aphrodisiac, claimed to be an anti-depressant, cacao has had a long and fascinating history. And it all began in Mesoamerica with the Aztecs and the Mayan...
Settlement Day celebrations - heart of the Garifuna culture | Belize
Few years ago, I got introduced to the tumultuous history and the vibrant culture of the Garifuna people during my visit to Livingston, Guatemala. Ever since then, I wanted to get back and spend more ...
Coming across an off-the-grid community in Belize
I have always enjoyed traveling without much planning and seeing where the proverbial journey takes me. Belize is a very small country, so I wanted to get out of the tourist trail and go somewhere off...
Getting Open Water Dive certified in Osa peninsula
I arrived at the San Jose airport in Costa Rica with no real plan, something which has become a trend in my travels. Being quite underwhelmed by the scenery on my flight into San Jose, the first thing...
Traveling to Cuba with an Indian passport
Ever since I returned from Cuba, quite a few people have messaged me asking for details around how to travel to Cuba with an Indian passport. I hope this post will be helpful if you are planning your ...
Photographing Easter Celebrations in Guatemala
World's largest Easter celebrations in a quaint colonial city - isn't that hard to resist? The Spanish missionary bought the Easter celebrations to Guatemala in the 16th century, and Antigua continues...
Asia
Independent day hike to Tiger's Nest monastery in Paro, Bhutan
Legend has it that in the 8th century Indian guru Padmasambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to a cliff top near Paro, Bhutan. He later anointed this place to become a monastery. Hence the...
On top of the world - Hiking in Yading Nature Reserve | Sichuan, China
At an altitude of 14, 500 ft., Doachen Yading in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan province is officially the highest civilian airport in the world. At this dizzying height, flying in...
Things not to miss in Palawan - the tropical paradise in Philippines
Palawan conjures up images of idyllic beaches, hidden lagoons, and turquoise waters gently rocking against towering limestone cliffs. Although tourism is at its saturation point here, Palawan remains ...
Himalayan Retreat in Gushaini -Raju's Guest House
Set in the beautiful Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, Gushaini is a quaint little Himalayan village in the Kullu district. Its close proximity to the Great Himalayan National Park attracts quite a few nature lovers every year. What Gushaini offers is some wonderful Guest Houses and camps for that dream Himalayan retreat. If you are planning to just unwind, be with the nature, walk by the river, then Gushaini is just the right choice!
Hiking the Great Lakes Trail - Kashmir, India
It so occurred that during a sluggish evening I was browsing pictures from Chitral and Swat regions of Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; what I saw was shimmering lakes, jaw-dropping meadows and an alpine landsc...
Tall jungle-covered cliffs of Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
After a few years of putting off going to Thailand owing to its popularity with the western backpackers, I finally took the plunge. When I made the trip with my parents this year, I was pleasantly sur...
Hatsumōde: an auspicious beginning in Japan
Japan had always held a special allure for me. The sakura and the spring season, the melancholic autumn, the poignant Haikus - these were some of the clichés I had in my mind while imagining my travel...
The colourful lotus lantern festival in Seoul
I am always on the lookout for interesting festivals during my travels, and luckily my trip to Seoul coincided with the lotus lantern festival. Commemorating the birth of Buddha, it is one of Seoul's ...
A pleasant Balinese village of White Herons
About 20 kms odd from the wellness hub of Ubud in Bali lies the small village of Petulu. Ubud makes a great base for exploring the beautiful countryside set in the central foothills of Bali – the ever...
Exploring the ruins of Okanda: Kudumbigala Monastery
My travel to Sri-Lanka had no real expectations. It wasn’t one of those journeys that I was undertaking to witness nature’s stupendous beauty. I was seeking to be at peace with myself. Colombo was suf...
Offbeat: Bali: Visiting Lake Tamblingan
Lake Tamblingan, nestled in the central highlands of Bali is your off-the-beaten-path destination if you are looking to get away from the crowds in Ubud. It makes for a great getaway from Ubud since i...
Bali: Diving the Liberty Ship wreck
I had been looking for an opportunity to get my scuba PADI open water certification for a while. After being unable to any diving in the Andaman islands earlier last year owing to constant rain and mu...
The timelessness of Hampi
Traveling to Hampi is more than just a visit to an interesting new place: the timelessness of the place opens a door to a completely different world, a bygone era which still seems to be breathing lif...
A day in the abandoned town of Kudremukha
Places having exotic, strange, queer sounding names have always fascinated me. Kudremukha, nestled amidst the Western Ghats, had made the list quite a while back. Horse-faced when translated to Englis...
Chalkewadi – Reliving the Quixote Fantasy
Sancho: It's a windmill. Don Quixote: A giant. Canst thou not see the four great arms whirling at his back? Sancho: A giant? Don Quixote: Exactly. The above conversation is sure to bemuse you if you r...
Kaas: The Plateau of lowers
Every year, during the months of August-October, Kaas pathar in the state of Maharashtra comes alive with a riot of colors. Just an hour’s drive from the town of Satara, lies this magical table land. ...
Exploring Goa: Sailing the High Seas
Although Goa is the smallest state of India, the size of this land is no measure for the number of tourists this land attracts every year. It experiences a tropical climate, which means that its hot a...
Cruising Along Halong Bay | Vietnam
Often called by the Vietnamese as the World’s Eighth wonder, Ha Long Bay is indeed a geological wonder. Calm waters of the bay and hundreds of limestone islands dotting the sea make this a unique dest...
Dal Lake, Srinagar: Life on Water
Although I had been to Srinagar, Kashmir, a couple of times in the past, I didn’t happen to stay on the Dal Lake on any of the occasions. In fact, it was merely a transit both the times. It was a tran...
The pristine backwaters of the Sharavathi, Karnataka
It was the month of December and the Adventure Holiday mood was pretty much in the air. So, I along with my friend Amit, set off for a trip to the backwaters of the Sharavathi river in the Shimoga dis...
Backpacking through Vietnam, land of the sleeping dragon
It all began while watching a Top-Gear special edition shot in Vietnam. The episode featured a journey on a two-wheeler through the country – from the insanely busy Saigon to the quaint city of Hanoi....
Dzongri-La: Hiking in Sikkim
When you yearn to get lost amidst the dense rhododendrons and gaze at the shimmering ice on the mountain peaks, there are only a very few places in India which can match Sikkim. Its close proximity to...
Middle East
Wading through Oman's incredible wadis
At the surface level, Oman may seem like another gulf country with unbearably hot summers, dry desert landscape and lots of oil reserves. While that is true, I was positively surprised to discover the...
Visiting Empty Quarter and world's tallest sand dune | Liwa Oasis, UAE
If you are a fan of Wilfred Thesiger's Arabian Sands, photographs from Empty Quarter are sure to bring back vivid images reminiscent of his adventure in this region. Today, visiting Empty Quarter is g...
The ultimate road trip across Israel and Palestine | what to do in 2 weeks
The Israel and Palestine area is often known as the cradle of human civilization. Although it's a dream destination for history lovers, this region has a lot more to offer. And a road trip is a great ...
Africa
Where is Fogo Island, again?
A scattered group of tiny islands off the East Atlantic, Cape Verde is one of those countries that draws you like a magnet. The allure of a diverse set of landscapes, the music and the culture, and ju...
Discovering Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands
I knew so little about Zimbabwe before heading there that I was both nervous and excited about discovering the country. Most travel narratives around Zimbabwe often revolve around Victoria falls, the ...
Climbing Mt. Bisoke in Rwanda
I had heard really good things about Rwanda - from breathtaking volcanic landscapes, to being one of the cleanest and safest African countries. Of all the places I had traveled to during the Covid pan...
Stunning Sipi falls in Elgon National Park, Uganda
Uganda will enthrall you with all its beauty, lure you into exploring beyond what you had perhaps planned. Nothing can possibly prepare you for all the beauty you will encounter - from snow-capped Rwe...
Best hike in Cape Town: Lion's Head
Cape Town is one of the most stunning cities that I have been to. Close to some amazing hiking and national parks, there is plenty to do even for a month long visit. One of my favorite things to do is...
Hiking to Abuna Yemata | The sacred landscape of Tigray
Often known as the birth place of Christianity, Ethiopia has some of the highest concentration of ancient churches. While the monolithic churches of Lalibela have gained mainstream fame and UNESCO pro...
World's most expensive coffee - Gesha | Panama's fantasy bean
Specialty coffee is a funny business. Rare, highly sought after and often sold at a premium price tag, Gesha bean is the crown jewel when it comes to the world of coffee. This very bean catapulted Pan...
21 Global Portraits that will make you want to travel
A series of travel portraits from all around the globe. Unfiltered, candid moments as they unfold - from the high mountains of the Himalayas and Andes to the dry desert land in Africa. This is what in...
Gorilla tracking in Uganda
A small nation in the heart of Africa, Uganda is often called the pearl of Africa. Home to the revered Rwenzori mountains and equatorial snow, a plethora of national parks spread across the country, h...
Hot air ballooning in Luxor, Egypt
When I decided to travel to Egypt, it was less to know about the history – the pyramids and the pharaohs, but more to witness the unique landscape that this country has to offer, to experience the lif...
Europe
Best weekend trips from Barcelona
Catalunya is a fascinating region to travel in, and it's unfortunate that most people never venture outside Barcelona. During my month-long visit to Spain, I rented a car, allowing me to see the count...
The bridge on the Drina | Višegrad, Bosnia & Herzegovina
After a sobering few days in Sarajevo, I leave for Serbia. I am headed toward Višegrad, a Bosnian town in close proximity to the Serbian border. Sound of the gushing Drina river keeps constant company...
Malta - Europe's tiny little wonder | Explore its multi-cultural past and stunning coastline
When I first decided to go to Malta, I didn't know much about the country - other than having a vague association with Popeye. By the end of my week long stay in the country, I had fallen in love with...
Best thing to do in Santorini - wine tasting
I was visiting some of the Cyclades islands in Greece to photograph Orthodox Easter, and happened to chance upon the fascinating viticulture scene in Santorini. The island is pretty small at 75 sq. km...
How to get to Lofoten Islands in Norway
One of the northernmost populated regions, Lofoten islands lie above the Arctic circle - and even by Norway's high standards, it's a dramatic part of the world. If you are like me and like visiting du...
Dunnottar | Scotland's most beautiful castle
With medieval castles adorning the rocky cliffs and rolling highlands, Scotland is a land of the fairies. With over 2000 castles, they are not a novelty in the country, but each one of them has amazin...
Blagaj Tekke - Bosnia's beautiful Dervish monastery
Set in the Mostar valley in Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Blagaj is surrounded by pristine karst landscape, and underground rivers. Blagaj's history precedes the medieval period, but it was during ...
The enchanting Accursed mountains of Albania
Albania had always been this enigmatic place for me - offering a tiny opening into the bygone Soviet era, and a slice of Mediterranean paradise. A place I never quite understood - but I was eager to f...
Háifoss - away from the busy waterfalls of Iceland
Iceland must be one of the most overrun tourist destinations right now. Multiple intertwined reasons behind it: easy access from North America and Europe (so much that tourists fly-in for just the wee...
Photographing a festival in the mountains of Georgia
The Svaneti area tucked in the northern part of Georgia had always fascinated me- great history, gorgeous Caucasus mountains, and a strong sense of identity. I arrived in Mestia, Svaneti's capital, wi...
A short walk along the Lycian coast
It was a typical Mediterranean winter day: wet and cold, and showing no signs of providing any respite. After waiting in vain for a few hours for the rain to halt, I decided to take a walk along Fethiye’s marina. The deserted walkways and near empty pubs and restaurants in the sleepy town of Fethiye did not help me much.
Hiking in the magical Cappadocia
Cappadocia in Central Turkey is best explored on foot, leisurely, soaking the uniqueness of the landscape. Some may contest that, and award hot-air balloons the superlative. Well, if you have the luxu...
Travel Tips
21 moments of gratitude from 21 countries I visited in 2021
What a whirlwind of a year. One full year of living the nomadic life amidst heightened uncertainty, border closures, travel restrictions, fear, cynicism and lot of human suffering. From being declared...
Outside-in: what are you reading currently?
The current global health situation has changed a lot of people's lifestyle, daily routines, and is leading to a lot of soul-searching. Those constantly on the move are needing to hunker down and do t...
Visa-free travel for Indians| best countries to visit with an Indian passport
If you have an Indian passport and are like me, you probably get anxious by the very thought of having to apply for visas. I frequently come across Indian citizens who want to travel but get discourag...
What do you do when you lose your Indian passport abroad
If you are like me and have lost your Indian passport while traveling abroad or have had it stolen, here is a quick guide for what you need to do: First, file an official report with the local police...