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Showing posts from June, 2020

Chiang Mai and Samoeng Circuit, Thailand

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The city close to nature, foodies’ paradise, grand temples of intricate architecture, dotted with quaint villages and a scenic mountain road circling through villages, jungles, waterfalls, and farms, Chiang Mai is a balanced blend of urban life and peace of mind. I stayed in a homestay run by a very courteous couple in one of the by-lanes close to the Old City. Pancakes cooked by the host were so delicious that I made them my regular breakfast every morning. I explored the Old City and night market for 2 days and dedicated the rest of the days to traveling to nearby villages and completing the scenic drive of the Samoeng Circuit. Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn The Old City, walled on four sides, is the most happening place in Chiang Mai, bustling with cafes, restaurants, pubs, street food carts (one of them being Michelin Star!), hotels, tourists, and not to forget grand temples, and there are lots of them, each one equally beautiful in its own way and charming. The most popular among them...

Manda Forest Walk, Jammu

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 Wanderers always find new paths to explore and paths destine wanderers to new experiences.  It's May'2021 and everything is shut. Groceries and essential services operate from 6-10am and post that the whole city of Jammu is deserted. A long drive on highway, relishing delicious savories at Pahalwan's and stop over to have scrumptious Kaladi kulcha in the busy old city market would usually be a days affair because of the hustle and bustle of the city, but it just reduced to hours for this hop over as the city got under lockdown. Usually this time of the year in Pune, I would be trekking some new fort in Sahyadri or exploring mountains in Himachal or Garhwal/Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. Its been many years since I have spent so much time in my own backyard that finding or rather re-discovering old paths, alleys, gullies and spots became a constant habit. I would walk for  8-10 kms just to quench this wanderer thirst in me as all travel plans seemed far fetched from reali...