From Alexander to Krimchi: Tracing Ancient Greek Influence in Kashmir

What do you picture when you hear the word Kashmir?Is it the snow? Is it the India–Pakistan issue or the local cuisines or the Dal Lake? Five years ago, I used to think the same. But time flew. My interests changed. When I started reading a history book written by Prof. Upinder Singh, I became […]

Sacred Groves and Tribal Legends of kerala: Exploring Kalleli Oorali Appooppan Kaavu

Kerala is a majestic land with diverse cultural variations. Whether we are traveling from east to west or from north to south, these variations are clearly visible. This blog is about a journey we undertook to find one such unique cultural symbol located on the foothills of the Western Ghats — the Kalleli Oorali Appooppan Kaavu […]

Badami: Vernacular Heritage & Forgotten Traditions

Badami in Karnataka, the paradise for history buffs and geological explorers, is a place where ancient temples and rich heritage come together to create a mesmerizing experience. A place where monuments still stand as a memorial to the glorious past of the Deccan Plateau. A place that was once the capital of the mighty Badami Chalukyas […]

Niti Village: A remote Himalayan Paradise on the Indo-Tibetan Border

Have you ever heard of a place where people live for only six months a year, leaving it abandoned for the rest? Niti Village is one of the most remote Himalayan settlements, offering a unique travel experience near the Indo-Tibetan border. This blog is about my journey to one of the most unique settlements in […]

Gandikota: A Hidden Paradise with Hindu-Islamic Cultural Influences

A place in India that doesn’t feel like India. A paradise where the sky meets breathtaking rock formations, shaped by time itself. Yes, I am talking about the Grand Canyon of India—Gandikota. The Unplanned Adventure Begins Back in 2019, when I was working at ArchitectureRED in Chennai, I found myself craving an escape. A break […]

Nicholson Cemetery: A Haunting Journey Through Delhi’s Forgotten Battlefield and Colonial Architecture

Echoes of a Forgotten Battlefield As someone from Kerala, a land that never witnessed massive battlefields like the 1857 Revolt, walking through Nicholson Cemetery in Delhi was an overwhelming experience. Kerala’s past is deeply rooted in trade, regional skirmishes, and colonial influences, but never have we seen a rebellion of such a scale, where an […]

The Doors of Chettinad: Whispers from the Past

Chettinad, the name alone evokes images of vibrant colors, the rich aroma of spices, and a culture deeply woven with tradition. But beyond its famous cuisine and grand mansions, there’s another layer of history waiting to be explored. Look closely at the doors of Chettinad’s heritage homes, and you’ll find stories carved into the wood—stories […]

Geoffrey Bawa’s Modernist Vision: The Jayawardane House

It was a rainy day in Sri Lanka when my friend Aswin Raju and I set off from Colombo to Mirissa. Our destination: the Jayawardane House, a masterpiece by the legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. We were excited to witness firsthand one of his most celebrated works. Despite the heavy traffic slowing our bus […]

Thirukurungudi Nambi Temple – A Hidden Gem in the Ghats

Just a short hop from the southernmost tip of India, nestled at the foot of the Western Ghats, lies Thirukurungudi. This little village is steeped in temple history, and one Sunday, my friend Sidharth and I decided to explore it. We were on a quest to see the Vaishnava Nambi Temple, one of the 108 […]

Ramalingeswara temple: A walk through time in Avani

Last Saturday wasn’t like any other. I woke up at 8 AM, feeling a twinge of guilt. Two weeks in Bangalore, and I hadn’t explored a thing! The city’s usual symphony of honking and the relentless rush was starting to wear me down. I desperately needed a change of pace. I decided the weekend was […]