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The Daily Post Photo Challenge: The Farmer’s Friend

June 3, 2017Posted in Photo challengeTagged cow, farmer, friends, indian village, rural india, Shantiniketan17 Comments

farmer going to field, bolpur, shantiniketan, rural life,

We say that a dog is a man’s best friend. However, in rural India, the picture is different. Here, the cow is considered to be a farmer’s friend. Many villagers earn their living by selling cow milk and dairy products in the market. Even cow dung is used as an organic fuel in the village homes.

It was a lovely morning in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. While I was wandering around, I saw this farmer going out for the fields with his quadruped friend.

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Friend.

5 Amazing Antique Stores in India

May 30, 2017May 28, 2017Posted in LifestyleTagged antique, antique shops, antique store, artifacts, Calcutta, collectibles, heritage, India Travel, Pondicherry, Udaipur12 Comments

Antiques, those rugged pieces of things from a bygone era. The times we live in is influenced by the materials we use. So, every century has an intrinsic feature symbolizing the imprint of that age. These imprints become a timeless classic as they age. Antiques are these timeless classics lying over for decades. It can be anything from artworks like embroidered carpets to sculptures to paintings to daily utensils. A thing of the past which is of valuable importance in this age. As these antiques impart an aesthetic value to our daily live, it is often associated with a sophisticated form of living. A mark of the elite and rich people. Though, there are some passionate old souls who look for the historic value and collect antiques but still this antique market is driven by the lifestyle choice of the rich.

India with its diverse forms of arts and utilities has a vast range of antiques. It might be regarded as an antique collector’s paradise. Here, in this part of the world, the market is thronged by antique products. However, some of the antique stores enjoy a greater footprint than others. Here, we are describing 5 such antique shops of India.

Heritage Arts Antique Store of Cochin, Kerala

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A unique antique stored set up in 1989. These stores truly depict its passion for antique things. This can be easily recognized by its rustic fervour and the range of products out there on display. Not only do they sell different antique products life old wooden furniture, sculptures, paintings, carpets and other utensils they also have a museum themed restaurant. In the restaurant, one gets to dine amongst old heritage ambience. The retail brand also has a spice shop which sells authentic fresh spices and flavours.

To know more about Kerala, see: https://footlooseforever.com/2017/01/23/why-kerala-is-really-gods-own-country/

Mayur Arts in Udaipur, Rajasthan

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One of the oldest stores in India, this prestigious antique store is a gem in the collector’s circuit. The shop came about in the year 1978. The products sold here boasts of the rich Mughal and Pathan heritage. The items sold are genuine and one of a kind, almost all of them are meticulously curated by the shop owner Hemant Periwal. Apart from the usual wooden, brass and metallic artifacts, the shops sell royal treasures like pichharis and miniature paintings from the Mughal era.

To know more about tourist destinations in Rajasthan, check out: http://www.transindiatravels.com/rajasthan/tourist-places-to-visit-in-rajasthan/

Russel Exchange of Calcutta, West Bengal

The first and the foremost antique shop of India came up in the City of Joy, Calcutta. This is an old school antique store founded as early as 1940. It is a well-known auction house with a recognition predating the foundation of independent India. The owners of this shop Arshad and Saleem makes sure about its inclusiveness even in this changing time. The vitality of this shop is its versatile list of items. The lists literally have everything under the sun, from colonial furniture, Mughal paintings, gramophones to carpets and chandeliers. One can even get hold of rare clothing and books here.

Suman’s Exchange of Calcutta, West Bengal

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Another old antique shop having a successful run since decades. This one too is situated on Russel Street. However, it is relatively new (venturing into the market in late 1972) than Russel Exchange. The shop is thronged by common people, collectors, historians, students all alike. It has a range of artifacts, old school furniture, clothing, sculptures and paintings which are sold at the weekly Sunday auction.

Geethanjali In Pondicherry

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An art within an art. This is what you will feel if you visit Geenthanjali antique store in Pondicherry. The store is housed in a 19th-century French mansion. How cool is that! The collectible items include a range of artifacts from southern Indian. It has beautiful Tanjore paintings, wooden furniture, brass and metallic objects, lavish wooden doors, oleographs made by Ravi Varma, four poster beds and other valuable items.

If you plan to visit Pondicherry, make your itinerary accordingly: http://www.transindiatravels.com/pondicherry/10-places-to-visit-in-pondicherry/

Overall, these places offer quite an exquisite experience to collectors. Don’t miss an opportunity to grasp those rare collectibles. Hurry up and head to the next auction.

A Guest Post by Rohit

Rohit Agarwal is a passionate traveller and writer who shares his experiences on TransIndiaTravels.com from his many travelling excursions and expeditions of around the world.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Evanescent – Moments in Wilderness

May 28, 2017June 3, 2017Posted in Photo challengeTagged coonoor, dolphin's nose, monkey, Photo challenge, wildlife6 Comments

I met this fellow at Dolphin’s Nose in Coonoor.

While I was walking down the trail toward the exit of the viewpoint, I saw them sitting cozily together in the jungle.

Suddenly, a visitor threw a banana to them. And this fellow was able to grab it.

The next moment, I saw him running away from his mates. Finally, he found a cozy corner where he could have his meal without any disturbance. 😀

I didn’t want to miss capturing the moments with my camera.Published in response to The Daily Pose Photo Challenge: Evanescent.

The Hidden Gems of Charlotte, NC

May 17, 2017Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged charlotte, Charlotte Nature Museum, charlotte nc, charlotte public market, charlotte travel guide, freedom park, McAlpine Creek Park13 Comments

Charlotte Skyline by James Willamor, Flickr

Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, is a thriving tourist destination. Despite its modern constructions and business centers, Charlotte carefully preserves its green space. The city’s well-maintained network of greenways makes it a haven for bikers and nature lovers.

There are many ways one can explore Charlotte, such as biking, hiking, nature walks, and the Charlotte Trolley Trail. Check out some of the off-the-beaten ways to experience Charlotte’s charm.

Camping at McDowell Nature Preserve

Image via Flickr by Pickersgill Reef

McDowell Nature Center provides access to the McDowell Nature Preserve, an 1108-acre land area preserving natural communities and indigenous flora and fauna. The preserve is home to several camping areas and waterfront picnic areas. Set up a camp and escape into nature. Go fishing or kayaking at Lake Wylie. The hiking trail through the forest and Piedmont prairie restoration areas offer scenic views as you walk past the gurgling streams, placid lakes and groves of rare plants. McDowell Nature Preserve offers full-service camping, ranging from motorhomes to tents, that you can book online.

Outdoor Activities With Kids at Paw Paw Nature Trail

Image via Flickr by That Geek DouG

Close to Uptown — that’s what Charlotte calls its downtown — Paw Paw Nature Trail is one of the hidden gems of Charlotte where you can enjoy nature in a completely different way. Discovery Place Nature offers a range of nature activities at Paw Paw Nature Trail, as you take a trek through a 100-year-old forest land.

Walk among the butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion. Catch the whiff of forest air and let loose your imagination in building structures with logs and rocks and other natural objects. As you step into the woods, you might see the barred owls watching over you, perched high on the branches. The woodpeckers’ tapping sound intensifies the quiet of the forest. Marvel at the beauty of seasonal wildflowers covering the forest floor. Look down for box turtles under bushes so that you don’t accidentally step on them.

Biking at Freedom Park, McAlpine Creek Park, Other Nature Trails

Image via Flickr by Grant Baldwin Photography

Only 3 miles from Uptown, Freedom Park offers refreshing greenery in the heart of the city. The park’s tree-lined pathways circling a large pond can be best explored on a bicycle, which you can rent anytime from a Charlotte B-Cycle near the park. The park comes alive with joggers, dog-walkers, kids, and families in the morning and evening, presenting the perfect picture of Charlotte’s love for outdoor recreation and fitness.

McAlpine Creek Park, the oldest greenway in Piedmont, is a bird watchers’ delight. It is connected to Campbell Creek Greenway at Margaret Wallace Road at the northern end. Apart from a range of outdoor recreational amenities, here you may also get to see a variety of wild animals, including otters, beavers, minks, and about 188 species of birds.

Meeting Birds of Prey at Carolina Raptor Center

Image via Flickr by John W10

About a half-hour drive from Uptown Charlotte, the Carolina Raptor Center lets you meet, learn about and get close to a variety of raptors as you walk down the outdoor trail within the conservation area. The nature preserve is actually a shelter for sick, wounded, and orphaned raptors. The center hosts a variety of educational activity programs to increase awareness among students. A guided tour of the raptor rehab can help you become a more responsible and active supporter of nature and wildlife conservation.

Closer Looks at Charlotte Show History, Progress

As a major financial hub in North Carolina, Charlotte has transformed with time. Yet there remain bits of its glorious past in the forms of trolleys (formerly streetcars), Queen Anne style homes, and Colonial Revival architecture in the neighborhoods of Dilworth and Myers Park.

Image via Flickr by UGArdener

Charlotte runs various urban agricultural projects to improve the city’s landscape and develop local food system. Nonprofit organizations are working to convert empty plots into community gardens or productive urban area. The goal is to spread environmental awareness and increase sustainable food production. If you want to try Charlotte’s home-grown food and wine, catch the train (Lynx Light Rail) from Uptown to 7th Street Station for the 7th Street Public Market. It’s a bustling place with local farmers, vendors, vegetable and flower shops, bars, and eateries.

Charlotte is best visited during summer or fall. Whether on a business trip or a vacation, book your stay at any of the hotels near Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. They ensure an easy walk to downtown attractions and entertainment hubs. The city has all sorts of attractions, from art and history museums to motorsports and adventure, to keep you busy on a vacation. Families can enjoy the amusement parks, while outdoor lovers can seek adventure in whitewater rafting, canoeing, or rock climbing at the U.S. National Whitewater Center

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Reflecting the Past in the Present

May 14, 2017May 14, 2017Posted in Photo challengeTagged architecture, Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort, palace window, photo challange, Rajasthan, reflection8 Comments

reflection, window, palace window, rajasthan, jodhpur

“We always project into the future or reflect in the past, but we are so little in the present.”

~ Marina Abramovic

Modern glass window reflecting the old palace windows in Meherangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

Published in response to The Daily Pose Photo Challenge: Reflecting.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Wanderlust

May 1, 2017May 2, 2017Posted in Photo challengeTagged coonoor, greenery, hill station, hills, Nature, nilgiri, ooty, photo challange, tea gardens21 Comments

A couple of weeks back, in mid of April, I was in Ooty, a hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains in southern India. On April 17, I went for a day trip to the neighboring town of Coonoor, known for its greenery and scenic beauty.

I enjoyed every bit of this road trip as we drove past beautiful bungalows, orchards, canopied roads and sprawling tea gardens along the slopes.

And it was during the Ooty trip, I realized the usefulness of smartphone cameras. They are very handy when it comes to clicking pictures from a moving bus or car. Thanks to my Lumia540. 🙂

I’ll be sharing my Ooty Diaries soon…

Published in response to The Daily Pose Photo Challenge: Wanderlust.

Experience the Myriad Hues of India in 15 Days

April 24, 2017May 28, 2017Posted in TravelTagged agra, dal lake, guest post, india tour, India Travel, Jaipur, Kerala, rajsthan, Sikkim, taj mahal14 Comments

To pack countless cultures and innumerable landscapes within the confines of a 15-day journey is an incredibly challenging yet exciting task. India is a land of diversity, whether it is the languages that people speak or the clothes that they wear. Each corner of this vibrant nation tints your experiences a different colour. With such a fantastic range of experiences that you can immerse yourself into, India forms an absolute paradise for someone who yearns for travelling. In order to truly understand the richness of India’s cultural and natural wealth, you need to acquaint yourself with all the four directions India’s limbs stretch towards. Fully explore all the myriad hues of India by visiting these 5 places, for a period of 3 days, to fulfill your travel appetite in 15 days.

1. Serene Srinagar

Dal lake, Photo by confused_me, CC0 1.0

Beginning from the north, your exploration of India is incomplete without visiting this epitome of natural beauty. Srinagar, an absolute paradise, is the most tranquil, breathtaking and magical place in India. It offers the perfect combination of architectural feats, cultural vibrancy and nature’s stroke of artistry. Start your journey by visiting the glistening Dal Lake, an iconic attraction of this place. Beam with joy while cruising on Shikaras in its evergreen waters. You can also visit the nearby Shalimar Bagh, an exquisite garden with Mughal designs. Other places that would leave you in awe are the Pari Mahal, the wilderness of Dachigam National Park and the Shankaracharya temple.

2. Regal Jaipur

Hawa mahal, Photo by Barthwo, CC0 1.0

The pink city of Jaipur offers a grand insight into the country’s astounding palaces, forts, and beautiful architectures. The local markets bustling with colorful skirts, blouses, and mirror-work kurtas are a feast for your eyes and your shopaholic soul. Hawa Mahal is one of the must-visits in Jaipur when you find yourself in this glorious town. Built with the ancient wisdom of science, the palace offers cool breeze to its inhabitants all year round. Another mesmerizing sight in Jaipur is the Amer Palace. Gigantic gates with intricate artwork greet you at the entrance, followed by a huge wealth of paintings, murals, and regal interiors. Other places of interest here are the Abhaneri step-well and Jal Mahal.

3. Grand Agra

Taj mahal, Photo by TLSPAMG, CC0 1.0

India’s entry into the Seven Wonders of the World has been enabled by the presence of one eternal monument in the city of Agra. To visit India without seeing the grandeur and splendor of the Taj Mahal might be a huge loss for any traveler. Even an initial glimpse of this white edifice is enough to blow your breath away. Emanating a romantic aura from the bygone era, the Taj Mahal is a concrete legend of the power of love. Another beautiful sight to visit in Agra is Akbar’s tomb, Sikandra. Resonating Hindu, Muslim and Christian architecture, visiting the tomb of the greatest Emperor of the Mughal Empire is a truly inspiring experience.

4. Relaxing Komarkum

Photo by ravishahi, CC0 1.0

Kerala forms the rejuvenating leg of your thrilling journey. And the scenic beauty of this state is captured beautifully by the backwaters in Kumarakom. The never-ending queues of coconut trees and a rich fauna make Kumarakom an ideal place to unwind, and at the same time be in awe of its natural charms. The most unforgettable experience that you can gain from your visit here is undoubtedly the houseboat cruise. Delightful houses offering different levels of luxuries, you can lie down in its bed while watching the water recede from your window, lulling you into a soothing sleep. Another place to visit in Kumarakom is a bird sanctuary housing varied species of colorful birds.

5. Pristine North East

Photo by Stefan Krasowski, CC BY 2.0

Two places that can give you a flavor of India’s north-eastern heritage are Assam and Sikkim. Sikkim, with its lofty mountains and pleasant climate, is the personification of the ultimate hill station. You can visit the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary where the endangered and delightful red pandas await your presence. The Lake Tsongmo is an exquisite frozen lake that is a true treasure of India, one you must visit in Sikkim. Assam is another such state which offers to its guests the majestic sights of the one-horned rhinos and Majuli, which is the largest river island in the world.

The amount of variety offered by less than 10 places in India can be extrapolated to predict the multiplicity of experiences that await you in more than thousand such places. Catch a glimpse of this kaleidoscopic country by exploring these five places that exemplify to the best of their ability all that India has to offer.

A Guest Post by Rohit

Rohit Agarwal is a passionate traveller and writer who shares his experiences on TransIndiaTravels.com from his many travelling excursions and expeditions of around the world.