speakingroads

The shrine at moon peak aka Chandashila It was a completely unexpected meeting and I am convinced it was divine intervention. I turned a corner and the whole Chandrashila peak revealed itself for the first time. The trail snaked its way up to the top and the whole route till the Chandrashila Peak could be seen from that point. I was panting and slightly out of breath. So, the moment I saw a pipe I decided to take rest. I  removed my jacket, for I was sweating profusely, and gulped down a lot of water which tasted amazing. However, within 5 minutes, the whole scenario changed. I started shivering, for such was the cold. Just when I decided to start moving, someone called me from behind. I saw a very old man, probably in his eighties. He asked me if I wanted to have tea. I obliged and went back to his small shack. Anand Singh- a man who spent his entire life in the mountains near Chandrashila; selling tea in his shack to pilgrims and travelers I ordered a tea and a string o...

Spiti valley is a cold desert located in the Himalayas. It stands out from the other Himalayan regions due to its stark landscapes and unique culture. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India, make sure you visit Spiti Valley at least once in your lifetime. Read along for my recommendations on the best things you can do while in Spiti. A breathtaking view from nearby Dhankar Village in Spiti Valley Dhankar-the ancient capital of Spiti Valley Starry nights Spiti is located at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level. It is literally perched in the sky. This makes the stars and the night sky appear absolutely clear and gives you a visual treat. You can trace constellations and spot the galactic center of the milky way if you are visiting at the right time. Try to keep count of the shooting stars you spot if you can... The Roads that touch the sky The roads in Spiti valley are quite beautiful. As you move through the thin tarmac roads amidst the surroundi...

I had been hearing about this somewhat secret route for a long time and recently an opportunity came knocking at my door and I dived right in. The breathtaking Poondi. The so-called escape route is the trail that connects the remote villages between Kodaikanal and Munnar across the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This travels from Top station all the way to the Berijam Lake near Kodaikanal. The route we took, however,  is a trade route between the two hill-towns of Koviloor and Kilavarai. It is used by the people who inhabit these villages, mainly for carrying their agricultural produce. The vegetables see fluctuating prices across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This trail acts as a savior as it allows farmers to sell their goods in the State where they get paid better. Terrace farms of Poondi. Far beyond those hills at the back lies Kerala We happened to visit Poondi village where we stayed for a couple of days. We were preparing to leave and when we thought about it, the...

Darkness is a friend of light                 Shadows are not simply voids. There's much more than darkness in there. There is a world of intangibles disguised as darkness. There is an ocean of energy out there, invisible to the eyes. It was a usual Saturday evening and I decided to go to my favorite spot in Sanjay Vann to watch the sunset. I found a few friends at the usual spot and I realized they were from Himachal Pradesh. We chilled for sometime as the Sun slowly dipped. It was a great vantage point where you could see up to long distances all around. One of the guys was into trekking and we talked in length about the Parashar Lake trek and also another secret spot near Kasol. After we were done, we started walking back towards the entrance. But a long way from the entrance, I stopped in my tracks and bid them goodbye. I wanted to spend some quality time alone. I turned in my new happiness and walked to the edge of the f...

I always had a dream, about a place where time stood still, and where life was flawlessly beautiful. I've also felt that I would visit the place at some point. I guess I have finally found that place in Dhanushkodi. Sunrise; a revelation Sitting in an island off the Indian coast, this tiny strip of land is surrounded by water. The calm Indian ocean overlooks it from the east, while the Bay of Bengal batters it from the west. Sun is ever-present and shining and the heat is intense as it is close to the equator. The calm Indian Ocean TNSTC bus that takes you all the way to the Rama Sethu Point, the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean All said, the beauty of the place is unmatched. The beaches are filled with pristine white sand and contrast the calm Indian Ocean magnificently. The sunrise here was a piece of art on the day we visited the place. Clouds put on quite a show in the sky that kept us watching in awe. A heart-melting sunrise A...

Mehrauli is a small town situated at approximately 12 Km from Delhi. A quaint town in comparison to other bustling towns in the capital, Mehrauli's specialty lies in its hidden marvels. It has been interspersed with a number of historically significant buildings that seemed to have blended beautifully with the present day. Read along for a virtual journey through this beautiful town which is also the place I would like to call my home in Delhi. Qutub complex      Comprising of several epic structures, the qutub complex is an ultimate treat to eyes. The main attraction though, is the Qutub Minar which is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The adjoining Alai Darwaza is  breathtaking in terms of its architecture. Built in Turkish architectural style, the intricate detailing and the scriptures along with the overall design is quite impressive. Apart from these, the famous Iron pillar of 402 CE also leaves you surprised at the sheer skill of our artists at ti...