We are back with a listicle of amazing Rakhi gifts
Instant Coffee
Need your sibling to be on time in the morning? Brew a fresh cuppa instant flavored coffee for your sibling to get them started. Country Beans offers lovely flavours to select from as well! No more cat-fights for being late, isn’t it? Buy now
Laptop Bag
Retaining from last year’s list, this time again I bring to you, laptop bags. Zouk’s laptop bags are unisex. The fabric is sourced from across India and the prints are very beautiful. Buy now
Juttis
Nothing can ever go wrong with beautiful pair of shoes. These pretty ethnic and traditional wear juttis can be perfect gift for your dear sister.
The Souled Store offers T-shirts of all kinds of fandom, not just for girls but for boys as well! The tees are comfy on the body and speaks out the love for favorite fandom, very loudly. Want to convert your brother to Marvel fan, grab this tshirt as a gift. Buy now
Shaker bottle from Boldfit comes with easy-to-clean corners, an adjustable carry loop, leak proof cap and is of course, BPA free. This gift is perfect for your gym-freak sibling. Buy now
Please note that thelist has been curated based on ratings and reviews. The blogger does not have any personal affiliation with any of the products. Let us know in the comments below, what other products do you think should have been included?
You can also reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your views; or share your comments below.
The Maid was one of the No.1 New York Times bestseller last year. That’s indeed one book I want to pick up this year – gripping thriller. Better late than never,right?
Does it send chills down you spine when you read the words “Based on true incidents”? Fictionalized cases of gruesome murders served as thriller – this book has been quite a favorite for thriller- lovers.
Devdutt Pattnaik’s easy re-tellings of our mytholgies has earned him love across the world. An unusual title to pick up – but I am really curious to know the roots of Indian marriage and its traditions. Buy now
Marriage
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Malibu Rising
Malibu Rising is one of my favorite author – Taylor Jenkins Reid. Sibling jealousy and family secrets can turn an innocent night into whirlwind of events – the blurb of the book had me hooked and I am eager to add this as “Read” soon. Buy now
Do you own such wish list? Reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your wish list. Do any of the anticipated books make way to your wishlist? Let me know all about it in the comments below!
Indian- American author, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni makes a conspicuous attempt to give a voice to the mythological and historical lesser-heard. I feel, particularly in Indian society, that the female voice is often subdued under years of misogynism and patriarchy. The salient expectations to cope with the gender-based mandates which include living and learning to compromise are often dealt with little or no resistance. Despite this, her books allow me to lose myself in an imaginary world where there is scope for hope, equality, for gender-neutral success. For readers, these books teach you to rise again like a phoenix.
A Palace of Illusions
A Palace of Illusion
I was introduced to her brilliant writing through the book – “A Palace of Illusion”. I had to pick up her other books after this one. The story fictionalizes Draupadi from the great Indian Mythology – The Mahabharata. Draupadi was born to Drupad to revenge for the insult inflicted by Dronacharya. It was not only Drupad’s revenge but eventually Draupadi’s revenge that led to the grand fight of Kurushetra. We all know that saga, don’t we? This book offers the saga from Draupadi’s angle – from her fight with insecurities to rise to the occasion of a dutiful wife and a lawful queen. The fiction also sheds light on what could have been the consequences if Draupadi had selected Karna during her swayamvar. Her choices played a significant role in changing the course of Mahabaratha.
A Forest of Enchantments
TThe Forest of Enchantment
The Forest of Enchantments also takes a similar route to take the reader along with Sita’s journey as Draupadi’s. In the opening chapter, she questions Valmiki on Ramayana – that the saga doesn’t highlight her woes. Valmiki advises her to give voice to her suppressed emotions and her experiences. Thus starts the saga, from Sita’s point of view. Sita was a warrior princess but in turn of events, she becomes a prisoner in Ashoka forest of the famed city of Lanka. The epic war ended with Raavan’s demise at hands of brave Ram. Sita may have believed her days of woes to be over but it was not so! Unfortunately, there is no room for error. One toe out of line and the pious lady that Sita was, she was labeled unfit to be the worthy queen of Ayodhya on her return. While reading I realized that women are pictured either as virtuous or as wicked, there is no in-between.
The Last Queen
The Last Queen
The Last Queen, as rightly entitled, narrates the story of the last queen of Lahore, Jindan Kaur. Queen consort of Sher-e-Punjab or “Lion of Punjab”, the great Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Jindan Kaur was mother to Daleep Singh who later had succeeded to the throne and was the last ruler in the Sandhawalia dynasty. Daughter to palace dog-trainer, Jindan enamors the Maharaja with her intellect and compassion. She is married to his sword and taken to Lahore. Due to her lineage, she is not well-accepted by other queens except Guddan. Jindan quickly becomes Maharaja’s favorite queen and he promises not to re-marry again, a promise which he adheres to till his untimely death. Queen Jindan becomes a victim of court politics, however, she fights back with all her might. As soon as young King Daleep ascends the throne, Queen Jindan becomes the Queen Regent and deftly manages the big kingdom left behind by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. She succumbs to a series of conspiracies and manipulation by the British and dies as a rebel. The book magnifies how the lengths a woman can go to save her husband’s pride and son’s safety. Vicious humiliation and back-stabbing conspiracies could not subdue the spirit of Jindan Kaur. She was an extraordinary revolutionary woman and a follower of her heart’s desires.
Head over to comment section and let us know if you have read any of the books. Reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your views.
Panchgani, on the way to Mahabaleshwar from Pune, is one of the famous hill stations in West India. The serene ambiance is quite contrary to the hustle-bustle of Mahabaleswar. Just over a 200 km drive from Pune, this hill station is a perfect mountain retreat for the nature-craving souls who want to rush out of the concrete walls. Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is named after the “panch” or five hillocks that surround the valley.
Sydney Point
Sydney Point was named after Sir Sidney Beckwith, who was Commander in Chief in Panchgani. The viewpoint offers a mesmerizing view of the Krishna Valley and the Dhoom Dam. One can climb up the stairs and from there, there is a small suspension bridge that offers a panoramic view of the valley. The other viewpoints like Tableland is so visible from here.
Parsi point
The panorama gives jaw-dropping view. It is such a delight for sore eyes. We were wondering how beautiful it must be during the monsoons. Just next to Parsi point is the famous restaurant, The Rainforest which offers lodging as well. This is one of the best must-eat places in Panchgani.
Kate’s point
Beautiful valley view from Kate’s pointNeedle point view pointElephant head point
This viewpoint is absolutely the best to see for the Sahyadri mountain range – the beautiful peaks of Kamalgadh, Pandavgadh, and Mandardeo. Situated at an altitude of 1290 m, this viewpoint is named after former British governor Sir John Malcolm’s daughter Kate. Three different viewpoints comprise this place viz Kate’s Point, Echo Point, and Needle Hole Point or Elephant’s Head Point. Elephant’s head point is a nature’s marvel – the rock formation looks sublime!
Wilson Point
Named after Sir Leslie Wilson, Wilson Point is a vast plateau range. Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. This point is the highest viewpoint in Mahabaleswar, being close to 1439 m. Both Sunset and sunrise can be enjoyed from this viewpoint – however, we missed both as it was sweltering summer. The road to the viewpoint is quite broken and has few u-pins so one should drive very carefully.
Wilson Point
Babington Point
Babington Point
The panorama gives jaw-dropping view. It is such a delight for sore eyes. We were wondering how beautiful it must be during the monsoons. Just next to Parsi point is the famous restaurant, The Rainforest which offers lodging as well. This is one of the best must-eat places in Panchgani.
Elpinestone point / Arthur’s Seat
Elphinstone Point was named after Mountstuart Elphinstone who was the Governor of Bombay Presidency at that time. Discovered in 1830 by Dr. Murray, this viewpoint offers commands a panoramic view of the idyllic ravine created by River Koyna and River Savitri. Arthur Seat is also adjacent to this viewpoint.
There is an interesting myth about Arthur’s Seat that if you drop a coin here, it floats right back to you. We heard about it when we were near Wilson’s point and laughed out heads off! When we had finally visited Arthur’s Seat, we realised why this may be true. The gusty winds are so strong that a coin may just float if dropped – hence the myth! Try the myth at your own risk.
There are several food stalls – hot maggie can definitely spruce up the beautiful viewpoint experience. Parking near these viewpoints is chaotic so please plan accordingly.
MaPro Strawberry garden
Strawberry milkshake and chocolate dipped strawberries
Over time, MaPro garden has become a huge tourist spot. One can easily spend 3-4 hours roaming around not only in the strawberry garden but also in the chocolate factories. There are several food shops offering strawberry milkshakes and cream products. The price is a bit on the higher side but the shakes are very delicious! When We were visiting, there was a strawberry festival going on. There was the famous Tasha dhol performance and also a dance parade by the Marpo staff. Also, Mapro products are at 10% off here. You can get free samples for the drinks before deciding what to buy.
How to reach :
By Railway : Nearest station for Mahabaleswar is Wathar. One can easily available cabs or buses to commute to the city centre.
By Air : Nearest Airport is Pune Airport. You can hire out-station cab or Zoom car to drive over to Mahabaleswar which is around 120 Km by road.
Reach me on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions regarding the travel to Panchgani/ Mahabaleswar.
Did you visit Panchgani – what places did you like? Do not forget to comment below about your experience.
Audiobooks are a huge boon in today’s world where everyone is on the constant go. We are always on move and seldom find time to sit down and pick up a book. No matter what you are doing, you can listen to it- be it gardening, commuting, or as I usually listen to while walking. All that you need is good pair of earphones or speakers – you are good to go for multitasking all the while enjoying a good book.
Here are few of my favorites from Audible :
Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Good habits build a better. It is minuscule changes in habits that bring about positive long-term changes. The audiobook is wonderful to hear. Listen for free on Audible
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel
Saving money and accumulating wealth are two different goals. Only years of a self-disciplined regime and a cultivated habit of saving money may help you to accumulate wealth. Listen for free on Audible
Catalyst: The Ultimate Strategies on How to Win at Work and in Life by Chandramouli Venkatesan
The audio book is amazingly impactful. The book narration solely focuses on all the factors, be it external or internal, emotional or logical which are duly and rightfully named as “catalysts”- which support the process to become successful in life. Listen for free on Audible
Remnants of a Separation: A History of the Partition Through Material Memory by Aanchal Malhotra
21 chapters, 21 horrifying stories of different families who had lived through the traumatic experience of India- Pakistan separation, which we now read in history books. Families had been torn apart in name of land and religion. The land they had hailed as home – became just a piece of land for which paperwork is required for visit. While fleeing in panic to save their own lives, all of the storytellers had carried a piece of their home. Those pieces are the central point of the unique stories in the book. Listen for free on Audible
Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson
To care or not to care, that is the fundamental question! Mark highlights most of the things which we should care about – contrary to the first book. He cites various examples from Nietzsche, Kant, and Plato to help us understand the eternal struggle we all go through only for nothing. We should rather accept, than reject. Listen for free on Audible
You can also reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your views on books. Cheers to Reading!
Hyderabad is slowly and steadily making a presence in tourism sphere. Since Covid -19 protocols have relaxed, there has been a rise in tourism. We are here to share the two latest raved about tourist spots in Hyderabad which can be easily covered as day trip.
Statue of Equality
Ever since its inauguration in February, The Statue of Equality has been talk of the nation! We were taken aback by the teeming crowd, braving the afternoon heat of Deccan region. The Statue is located around 16 km from RGIA, on the Bangalore highway.
Chinna Jeeyar Trust, Hyderabad has constructed the statue of Ramanujan, to mark the 1000 years birth anniversary of Vaisnavaite saint Ramanujan. The project of building the statue was conceptualized by the Trust to promote the humble teachings and philosophy of Ramanujan. Ramanujan had preached moral values on gender, religion and caste equality. The main statue has been constructed from Panchaloha viz the five elements gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc. It was constructed in China and then assembled in Munchital, Hyderabad.
The statue is second tallest sitting statue in the world – its close to 216 feet in height. One can find the temple timings in their website. However, it is open daily till 6 PM on Weekdays and till 8 P M on weekends for public viewing. There is nominal entry fee for parking. However the entry ticket is prices at 150₹.
The site is very well-maintained considering the temple campus and there are multiple gate entries for better crowd control.
The Statue of RamanujanThe complex of the Statue of Equality
Night garden, Siddipet
Telangana tourism has done wonders to preserve the mighty Komati Cheruvu. We were absolutely blown away by the efforts of municipality to change a simple lake into an attractive amusement spot! Only second one of its kind in India, this glow garden also boasts of beautiful walk way named as “Ruby Necklace” and musical fountain near the hanging bridge across the lake. Entry can be taken both from the main lake entrance for Komati Cheruvu; or else there is ample parking space just near the entry point of the Night garden.
The Night garden is beautifully maintained with LED infotainment structures which include flora and fauna, interactive pathways, 3D Dynamic tunnel lighting and musical interactive piano.
Entry fees for the Night garden, Ruby Necklace and the Bridge is 20 Rs respectively which is quite nominal. There is still certain part of the Ruby Necklace walk way which is under development. It is advisable to start atleast 2 hours before evening sets in to enjoy Night glow garden to the fullest!
Few snaps from Glow Night Garden, Siddipet
How to reach :
By Road : Frequently buses ply from Gachibowli to Siddipet/ Komati Cheruvu. There is no bus service from Gachibowli to Statue of Equality though.
By Air : Nearest Airport is Rajib Gandhi International Airport. You can hire out-station cab or Zoom car to drive over to Night Garden, Siddipet which is close to 2 hours by road. You can also book cab to Statue of Equality in Muchintal.
Reach me on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions regarding the travel to Warangal.
Mysuru Palace is the royal residence for the Wadiyar dynasty. It’s the thriving heartbeat of Mysuru and most travel day starts with a visit to this magnificent palace. Completed in 1912, there is grandeur in every nook and corner of the palace, especially the Audience durbar. The original palace was prone to fire hence the Royal family had commissioned Henry Irwin to build the new palace. The palace lights up during Dussera celebrations and is one of the major tourist attraction places in India.
St.Philomena Cathedral
One of the tallest Diocese churches in Asia, St Philomena church was built with inspiration from the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. St Philomena was a martyr of the Roman Catholic church. the relics are preserved in a catacomb which can be accessed by a staircase in front of the main altar. The towering spires are Neo-Gothic in style and bear a striking resemblance t the cathedral in Germany. the foundation of the church started in 1933 to encourage communal harmony.
Brindavan Gardens
This beautiful garden is built in the bosom of the Krishnasagara dam over River Kaveri. The gazebos are breathtakingly beautiful and the garden is spread across 60 acres with a separate house for orchids. The garden is dotted with beautiful water fountains. Sir Mirza Ismail built the garden with inspiration from the Lalbagh botanical gardens in Bengaluru. We did not stay for the musical fountain show in the evening however we hope to go back for that experience.
Tipu Sultan’s tomb
Tipu Sultan’s Gumbaz
Tipu sultan’s final resting place is the Gumbaz. The Gumbaz is a dome placed on a cubical structure and decorated with beautiful ornamental railings with 36 black granite pillars in support of the dome. The Gumbaz is said to be inspired by Bijapur architecture. The mausoleum has Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and Tipu Sultan’s mother’s burial inside the main dome.
Triveni Sangam
Sangam stal
“Triveni Sangama” is the confluence of 3 holy rivers Kaveri River, Lokapavani River & Hemavati River. It is situated just few kilometers from the Tipu Sultan’s Gumbaz burial.
Nimishambha Temple
Sri Somavamsa Arya kshatriya Committee members commissioned this beautiful red stone temple in 2006. “Nimishambha” means that prayers are fulfilled within a minute. This temple is open from 6.00 AM to 1.00 PM and resumes from 4.00 PM to 8.30 PM. in the evening, however it is better to check on current timings. The temple premises are very peaceful and well maintained.
Nimishambha Temple
Chamundeshwari Temple
Perched on the top of the Chamunda hill is the famous Sri Chamundeswari Temple. ‘Chamundi’ or ‘Durga’ is the fierce and warrioe form of ‘Shakti’ who had slayed the twin demons, ‘Chanda’ and ‘Munda’ hence the name ‘Chamundeswari’. It is also said the ‘Mahishasura’ was killed by Devi Chamunda form of Maa Durga in the darkest hours of night. The temple is open from 7.30 AM to 2.00 PM and resumes from 3.30 PM to 6.00 PM. Though there is huge car parking area, devotees often climb to the temple via stairs on the other side of the hill.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
One of the prominent Hindu shrines, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple marks the sheer architectural grandeur mostly inspired by Hoysala style. Constructed in 894 AD, the temple is very ancient with several changes done over centuries. Devotees offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu on Sesh Naag with Goddess Lakshmi. The temple gopuram are adorned with intricate carvings in Vijayanagar style, depciting stories from puranas and holy scriptures.
How to reach :
By Road : Frequently buses ply from Bangalore and can be booked over Bus booking websites like Paytm. By car, you can follow the route as Bengaluru highway via Srirangapatnam.
By Rail : Several trains are available to Mysore Junction or Srirangapatnam station.
By Air : Nearest Airport is Bengaluru International Airport. You can hire out-station cab or Zoom car to drive over to Mysuru which is close to 3 hours by road.
Did you visit Mysuru – what places did you like?
Reach me on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions regarding the travel to Warangal.
Can a library bring together two people who are otherwise poles apart?
Can books fill up void in our lives?
Sara Nisha Adams explores the possibilities in her debut book, The Reading List. When I had first picked up the January book of our book club, I did not check for much reviews or blurbs. I wanted to go in blind. The initial few chapters almost made me put down the book but my resolution to finish at least a book a month egged me to carry on. I am glad that I did! The book evoked old memories of my time spent in the United Kingdom. I was staying in the quaint town of Tysley and the nearest library was one in Acocks Green. In the first week of my deputation, I walked into the library to apply for membership. My heart did a hula dance when I was informed I could have close to 8 books at a time, I could request books, reserve books from other libraries – now that was an experience I last had in school. I revisited all those happy memories while reading the book.
“Please try to remember that books aren’t always an escape; sometimes books teach us things. They show us the world; they don’t hide it.”
sara nisha adams
Aleisha takes up a seemingly boring job at the library as her Summer job. Aidan, her elder brother heralded Harrows Road library as his refuge, quite contrary to Aleisha’s views. Caught in between her ailing mother Leilah and boring job, Aleisha prepares herself for a monotonous summer until she comes across a reading list.
Mukesh is an old, feeble widower who is desperate to change his unproductive days. His wife, Naina’s death has left a huge nothingness in his life. He chances upon a book his wife used to read from the library. Reluctant at first, he gingerly starts reading the book to cope up with his pain of loss of his wife. The book starts to heal his emptiness and he drags himself to the Harrows road library to ask for more books. Thus his path crosses with Aleisha. Grumpily, Aleisha suggests book from the reading list to Mukesh but they end up discussing the books.
An unlikely friendship starts taking shape and the duo start relying on each other through book recommendations. The books mentioned in the reading list play their unique magic on the two individuals- sometimes quite different from each other’s experience. Anything more which I may say, may be a spoiler!
“These are the books that brought me closer to myself, that shaped me and my world — I hope they’ll bring you light and joy and, if you ever miss me, you’ll find me within their pages.”
Sara Nisha Adams1
Though the underlying theme of the book is friendship, The Reading List is an ode to bibliophiles. The book gushes on how lucky we readers are! We can find consolation in stories that resonates with our lives and also sometimes, escape to a fantasyland of the book world, leaving behind our sorrows. Pick up The Reading List with an open heart -specially if you are a beginner!
You can also reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your views on books. Cheers to Reading!
Kodagu or Coorg is one of the most idyllic hill stations in Karnataka. Coorg has it all! The lush green spice and coffee plantations dotted throughout the forest-covered terrains. Exotic scenery mesmerizes the travelers. Madikeri is one of the centers for tourism.
We had stayed in Sannidhi enclave homestay. We were greeted with warm welcome however there is no kitchen facilities so it is better to carry dinner from town. Most of the places close by 7 PM so kindly plan accordingly.
Raja’s Seat
This spot was a favorite place of recreation for the Rajas where Raja used to spend time with his queens and consorts. The place offers beautiful view of the horizon and the play of clouds in early morning. It is one of the most important tourist spots in entire Madikeri.
Raja’s seat, Madikeri
Raja’s Tomb
Raja’s tomb, Madikeri
Raja’s tomb is located in Mahadevpet, which is just 1.5 km from Madikeri. The campus has three tombs which were built for the royal dynasty. The largest central tomb belongs to the Kodava king Doddaveerarajendra and his wife Mahadeviamma.
Abbi Falls
The falls is located around 8 km from the Madikeri town centre and 122 km from Mysore. The road from the Raja’s towb take to Abbi falls. there is ample space to park vehicle as there is paid parking.
Abbi Falls
Namdroling Monastery
Namdroling Monastery
The Namdroling Nyingmapa monastery which is also known popularly as the Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargye Ling. the moastery is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. There are lot of good spices shop near the monastery. The monstery was closed for visitors due to Corona spread.
Glen Lorna Tea Estate
The lush green tea estate overlooks the lofty step hills. Glen Lorna is the only tea plantation in Coorg. there are stay options in the tea estate or you can travel to Madikeri for over night stay.
Tea estate
Mrityunjaya Temple
Mrityunjaya Temple
Another 12 km from Glen Lorna tea estate, Mrityunajay temple is located in very remote part of Coorg and one must reach by car. Google maps shows teh correct way but one has to be extra cautious while driving through private coffee plantations on the way to reach it.
How to reach :
By road: Tourists can reach Coorg via SH27 by road. Frequent buses,both Government and private, ply from Bengaluru.
By air: Nearest airports are Mysore, Mangalore and Bengaluru. Manglore and Bengaluru are international airports located 135kilometer and 260 kilometer away respectively. Taxis are available from airports to Madikeri.
By train: The main train junction stations close to Coorg are Mysore, Hassan and Manglore.
Did you visit Kodagu – what places did you like?
Reach me on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions regarding the travel to Warangal.
“The premise of this book is that doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave.” sets the tone of the book. Morgan Housel shares a string of stories from around the world wherein he proves his ideas for saving and managing money. It is years of practice that later becomes one’s natural habit to identify patterns in savings and investments – the assiduity which goes in determining the actions and the reactions to money earned or saved, or getting gifts from others. The book talks volumes about preservation of wealth, correct pursuit of monetary happiness. This is a book which I wish I had read in my early 20s then probably I would have had a changed perspective towards
“Spending money to show people how much money you have is the fastest way to have less money.”
“Planning is important, but the most important part of every plan is to plan on the plan not going according to plan.”
Morgan says to save money according to the goals. In the book, he describes that the goalpost should however be dynamic and should move further away as you are almost close to it, that way it will be easy to determine the priorities on where money needs to be spent. When it comes to the adopted habits, it is better to have a clear idea. One should always ask oneself :
Is money going to enable your happiness?
Is money enough to secure the future and have stability?
Is the money enough for comfortable living or an ultra-expensive lifestyle?
“There is no reason to risk what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need.”
To sum up, saving money and accumulating wealth are two different goals. Years of self-disciplined regime in saving money may help you to accumulate wealth, it may help you to achieve the level of financial security you have been striving for. As much as, with time, different purposes may add to the list and the goals will keep evolving. Often unforeseen expenses also derail us from our targets. Consistency is the key to success.
You can also reach me on Facebook or Instagram to share your views on books. Cheers to Reading!
Ordo Ab Chao 