Varanasi, The Spiritual Capital Of India & The Land Of Salvation. It Is Believed To Be The Oldest Living

At The Crossroads Of Life

Well, I somehow find myself standing at a crossroad every other day - indecisive & lost without the internet, roadmap; all alone in a strange land.

Many a times I feel like running back to where I started. Standing there all confused is not easy. It requires courage, determination, faith & lots of positivity to stay focused and move forward in a new direction.

But then that is way better than trudging along the same path year after year complaining & cribbing; for taking that new path or a sudden turn in our lives will teach us to explore, discover, experiment and reach new heights.

Afterall, the best view comes after the hardest climb. Agree?

See you soon 🤗

Hyderabad's Spanish Mosque

The beautiful treasures of Hyderabad in India continue to amaze me till date. Visited this mosque last evening.

We were given a warm welcome by Aurangzeb & he shared some interesting facts about this place. But on reaching home, I found to my dismay that only a part of the conversation has been recorded....very unfortunate.

Now coming back to this beautiful structure, it is popularly known as the Spanish Mosque - truly an eye catcher with its intricate mouldings & gilded minarets.

The mosque inspired by Moorish architecture in Spain was commissioned by Paigah noble, Sir Vikar-Ul-Umra Iqbal-Ud-Dowla in 1906. I must mention here that Paigah is a family in the senior aristocracy of Hyderabad State who were associated with the ruling Nizam since its inception.

There is a prayer hall. It is interesting to note that the calligraphy on the walls is in Turkish instead of the usual Arabic. The pedestal for the priest along with a bookshelf resembles those of a church.

On one side of the Mosque lies the graves of the members of the Paigah family.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful & unusual mosques in India.

See you soon 🤗

The Smell Of The Village Soil

Ever ventured into the countryside away from the concrete jungle of the city & town, away from dust & pollution, away from competition & rat race?

If not, then you must visit the villages of India. India is a land with varied landscapes dotted with hills, rivers, seas & oceans, backwaters, sandy & salty deserts, fields & farmland and forests too. In fact there's so much to explore!!

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This is a village up in the hills & mountains of India.

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This village is in the heart of Thar desert/Great Indian Desert surrounded by sand where the only mode of transport is camel.

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This village is down south in the state of Kerala where such backwaters & houseboats are a common sight and coconut trees on either sides.

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This is a village in western India in the state of Goa where there is sea, farmland and some beautiful chapels & churches all over the place.

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Another gorgeous village of India. This one is located in the eastern part of the country where the staple diet of the locals is rice & fish, hence glimpses of paddy fields & fisherman.

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This is how an Indian village looks like - grandma sitting in the courtyard; smiling faces of children coz they are genuinely happy & not just posing for the camera; huts with pet animals roaming freely; muddy tracks with greenery all around.

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Also, you would be able to spot some very hardworking women; children & cattle venturing into the nearby forest and of course simple & meaningful activities like watching the sunrise, sunset or perhaps counting the birds flying by. Way better than those unstoppable video games played by our children most of the time.

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Welcome to a typical Indian village 🤗

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Wish you a fabulous weekend, my dear friends & see you soon 🙏🤗

Rajasthan: The Wonderland Of India

Street Food Experience In India

Food is a vital part of our travel experience.

So, next time when you are in India, try one or all of these street food - Rajkochori, Panipuri/Golgappe, Samosa, Tikki, Kachori, Bhelpuri, Cholae Bhature, Vada pav, Dahi bhalle, Chana jor. My mouth is already watering 😋😋

See you soon 🤗

THE TRAIN JOURNEY

Life's quite like a journey on a train - at each station or junction of our lives, we make new friends while some others leave us unnoticed.

The journey is throughout dotted with meetings, greetings, goodbyes & farewells.

Let us all travel together on this amazing Tumblr journey, my dear friends creating some very beautiful memories before we reach our respective destinations.

Happy journey & see you soon 🤗

Spice up your life!!!

See you soon 🤗

I'll spread my wings

I'll learn how to fly

I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky!!

See you soon 🤗

CHAI KAHANI/THE STORY OF TEA

This is one such magical drink which will warm you up if you feel cold; cool you down if you feel warm; add to your happiness if you are happy; cheer you up if you are sad.

At A Tea Parlour in Hyderabad, India

You guessed it right - tea is just not a beverage; it is an emotion that rules every mood, house, office, canteen, occasion - be it a condolence meet; someone's marriage; kitty party; spicy gossip; breakup; proposal or a get together.

Mint Tea

Masala Chai/Spiced Tea with Samosa (Triangular Pastry)

Whatever be the tea we are consuming (spiced or mint tea), meetings do become warmer & conversations juicer. Agree?

So, till we meet again on Friday over a cup of tea from yet another destination, keep smiling & see you soon 🤗

The Queen's Bath, a popular royal heritage site at Hampi, Karnataka in India.

See you soon 🤗