Evolution

Gone are the days when suitcases came only in dull greys and blacks.

Step into any airport or railway station today, and it’s a runway of rolling colour. Bold patterns, quirky designs, vibrant hues—our luggage has become a statement, not just a storage solution.

If you grew up in the ’80s, you’ll remember this: the family suitcase. Singular.
One trusty, sturdy companion for every trip—be it a wedding, vacation, or a quick dash to the hometown.
It was often a brown or navy VIP hard case, tough as nails and just as dependable.

Heading off to college in the ’90s? That called for a rite of passage: your very own suitcase.
A special one. A grown-up one.

And those suitcases? They weren’t just for packing—they doubled up as seats on crowded platforms.
The youngest always got dibs.

We marked our suitcases with our names, phone numbers, and full addresses—loud and proud, plastered across the surface.
To tell it apart from the crowd, we tied colourful ribbons to the handle.
A canvas cover made it last longer (and maybe hid the scratches from being loved a little too much).

That one suitcase knew every family holiday, every reunion, every train journey.

The suitcase was a person with their own identity!

At some point—quietly and quickly—the one-for-all suitcase became a thing of the past.

Now, we have occasion-based luggage:
Cabin bags for short hops. Overnighters. Check-in trolleys. Transit bags. Luggage for business. Luggage for vacations. Luggage just because.

And the colours? A spectrum!
Neon greens, sunny yellows, ocean blues—each one chosen, perhaps, to match the mood of the traveller or the destination.

Each family member now wheels their own suitcase.
Sometimes one person brings three—a matching set like the Three Bears from Goldilocks: Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear.

Then came the designer era.
Stylish logos. Sleek silhouettes. Funky fonts.
Are they originals? Are they knock-offs? Who cares—they look fabulous. Dreams on Wheels

Mokobara makes you want to pack your bag and escape.
Samsonite is still the silent strong type—reliable, global, elite.
And Tumi? The moment you see one, you know the traveller means business.

Airports today aren’t just transit zones—they’re catwalks for carry-ons.
Trolleys tell stories.
Colourful suitcases spin by on carousels like moving art installations.
It’s fashion meets function. Wanderlust meets wishlist.

So next time you're at an airport, pause for a moment.
Don’t just check the departure board—check out the luggage.
It’s a whole world of colour, character, and stories waiting to be wheeled away.

Never Have I Ever: A Road Trip Down South

 

Life’s a highway, they say, but boy, was the last year more of a bumpy backroad! Between family drama, work stress, financial worries, and responsibilities piling up, there wasn’t a moment to breathe. Vacations? Forget it. The best I managed were those quick, blink-and-you-miss-it weekend getaways.

 

So, when the chance for an epic road trip to places we’d never been came up, we decided to hit the gas. What was the agenda? Food, shopping, architecture, and as much fun as the backseat of a car could hold.

 

It All Started With a Leak

 

Not the metaphorical kind, but a literal one—our bathroom ceiling decided to rain indoors. Walking out of the house, I couldn’t help but wonder if I'd return to an indoor swimming pool. But hey, life’s about risks, right?

 

Thankfully, the support system in my complex gave me the confidence to jump onto the train with a clear conscience. My Christmas lunch? A humble Vande Bharat meal, a far cry from the elaborate spreads we had planned for the days ahead.

 

Christmas: Nostalgia and Cab Chaos

 

We landed in Tiruchirapalli—tiny, charming, and brimming with childhood memories. There were grand plans to show my kids around. But alas, Christmas night also turned out to be a cabbie holiday. No sightseeing, but a royal hotel feast filled the gap. There’s something magical about reconnecting with cousins over good food, isn’t there?

 

The next day was all about walking memory lane—my first school, the same dusty streets, my parents’ old colleges. Nostalgia hit like a freight train.

 

To Vailankanni and Beyond

 

Crowded, chaotic, and utterly soul-stirring—Vailankanni was next on the itinerary. A heartfelt prayer, a divine fish curry, and we were off to Karaikudi.

 

Here’s where life took a luxury turn. At Visalam, we were greeted like royalty. The rooms were plush, the service impeccable, and the food? Oh, the food! Course after course of Chettinad cuisine, served with such flair, it felt like a culinary hug.

 

Of Sarees, Tiles, and Endless Tea

 

Karaikudi welcomed us the next morning with its soft cotton sarees in glorious hues. My daughter even tried weaving one! (Apologies in advance to the buyer of that “experiment.”)

 

We visited the famed Athangudi tile-makers—regrets over our slightly misguided purchases were soothed by the sheer artistry of it all.

 

The food tour continued, of course. Each meal felt like an event. My long-ignored cravings for authentic Chettinad cuisine were finally sated, and the endless cups of tea, coffee, and crunchy murukku fueled our laughter and chatter.

 

Mansions, Messes, and Kolams

 

Morning walks through Karaikudi revealed old mansions crumbling with charm, freshly washed yards adorned with intricate kolams, and a sense of timelessness that city life lacks.

 

We tucked into a hearty mess breakfast: fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, golden vadas, and coffee so good it could make you weep.

 

The Road Calls Again

 

The road back beckoned with pit stops that were as delightful as the destinations. A meal at a Madurai Konar mess transported us straight into South Indian culinary heaven. There were roadside vendors, steaming tea, and A.R. Rahman’s magical tunes setting the perfect vibe.

 

Home Sweet Coastal Home

 

And then, we were back on the road, the windmills speeding us on our way. The familiar chaos of noisy bazaars, the salty air of the ocean, and parotta curry that tasted like home. We feasted, hugged family tighter, made decisions, and soaked in the simplicity of it all.

 

As the New Year rolled in, so did a wave of contentment. This wasn’t just a road trip; it was a soul journey. Quirky? Yes. Witty? Perhaps. Memorable? Absolutely.

 

Here’s to more adventures, less leaky ceilings, and the endless road ahead.

Heaven

 If this is what heaven feels like, am ready to make changes to my life and work towards reserving a berth there!

 6 days and nights of experiencing bliss through mountains, valleys, food and laughter.
 
The trip started with its own drama, flights getting delayed, connecting flight getting advanced and running from one terminal to another, pounding hearts, making it just before the flight gates closed.
 
The gates to heaven opened soon after and the heart did not stop pounding!
 
Srinagar was an eye opener, the heat was a killer, beautiful and clean and clear skies, the sun shone so bright it made us doubt the “cold scenes from Kashmir movies we had seen”
 
Our first authentic Kashmiri lunch was the beginning of many.
We were in food heaven, the Kashmiris do not rush their food, they slow cook their meat, the rice is flavorful, the rotis soft and buttery, the spices just right!!  Licking our plates, bowls and fingers became the norm.
 
Checking into the houseboat was not enjoyable, there was no electricity and it was now “Hot as Hell” The shikara ride was hot and though Dal lake glowed in the afternoon sun, we just got roasted.
Paradise Lost!
We wanted out, we wanted to go back to the coolness of our homes.
Soon after when the electricity got restored and we got to step into a shikara again in the evening for a sunset cruise on the lake.
 
This was such a beautiful sight, the majestic mountain ranges behind, the water glistening from the setting sun, the shops selling their wares along the lake.
The shikaras selling kahwa chai, barbecuing juicy meat, selling handmade mementoes were a sight to behold!
 
We gently slid along lotus ponds where they had closed for the day and along homes along the lake starting their nightly chores. 
Sunset on Dal lake! Must see! Must be there to experience it! 
The boathouses are stationary and decorated with intricate woodwork and carvings.  You feel like royalty eating and sleeping in them. 
 
Day 2 we were on our way to Pehelgam in the heat a stopover at Avantipura Ruins, one of the oldest temples in the region.
On the way you see plenty of cricket bat manufactures one of the few places where crickets bats are made because of the plentiful willow trees in the region 
Lunch again was delicious and a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
We stopped to buy walnuts which are grown in the region, so fresh and tasty. 
We bought saffron harvested from the fields we had just passed.
We tasted the finest Kahwa
 
Pahalgam is known for its valleys and rivers. The weather was pleasant and more Kashmir like 
We took a horse ride to Baisaran, a ride filled with screams and pleading. The view was worth the back breaking ride.
 
The shopping in the quaint little market, the morning walks along the hills  filled with tall pines and deodahar and chinar trees swaying in the breeze are now a pleasant memory.
 
Aru valley and Betaab valley ( named so because of the movie shooting) were green and heavenly. The road to Amarnath yatra started from Chandanwari, just the little we saw made us realize how beautiful the whole yatra would be.
 
Next day we moved onto Srinagar again and enjoyed a visit to the old dargah Hazratbal where Prophet Mohammed’s lock of hair is preserved
On the way we stopped at an overflowing apple orchard, drank fresh juice , tasted sweet jams and tart pickles and chutneys, visited the beautiful Mughal gardens, dressed up as the Kashmiris do and thus rang in my 50’s 
What a way to bring in the milestone birthday!  
 
Gulmarg was a fascinating experience from the word Gondola!
And the views were to die for! And the food we ate, the service at Khyber! This is what royalty feels! 
The ATV ride through locales where Bollywood movies were shot, the wildflowers, the winding greens and the second highest green golf course in the world- The Gulmarg Golf Club, at an elevation of 2,650 metres (8,690 ft) above sea level.
The search for the one liquor store and stepping in confidently where women do not tread! 
 
The final drive back to Srinagar and an experience of the houseboat for the night and barbecues and drinks. 
We stopped at an old Shankarachary temple and were blessed by the beautiful view of the whole city from the top.
Houseboats are made of seasoned deodar wood which can resist the water even when they are submerged for so many years.
Morning brought a different life to the lake after the quiet of the night.
The buzz of the floating vegetable and fruit sellers and the life around the lake were like a fairy tale.
Good salesmanship had us buy seeds and bulbs hoping we could grow tulips in our homes, walnut wood bowls, papier mache boxes, colorful trays!! 
Throughout the trip I shopped, I bought so many things to give away since everything was so pretty and delightful 
 
We came back to the airport, just to sit in Delhi for hours! G20 did not affect our flight, just the usual with Spicejet! A delay which brought us back to Bangalore after 8 hours of wait and entertainment provided by disgruntled passengers
 
Reliving the memories, the pictures do not do sufficient justice to the images captured in the mind, nothing I eat compares to the food I ate, 
I miss the valleys, the mountains and the river. 
Kashmir, truly heaven on earth! 

“Every journey is personal. Every journey is spiritual. You can’t compare them, can’t replace, can’t repeat. You can bring back the memories but they only bring tears to your eyes.” — Diana Ambarsari

Coastal Delight

 When was the last time you did something for the first time

Just what I needed to reaffirm I was enough

The sea was calling me, what the doctor always advises for the mind, soul and body.

The closest beach was chosen as the destination, the cool winter picked to avoid humidity and dehydration for the spoilt Bangalorean

The trip was mostly a closely kept secret from most including family, kids were informed, few friends in Chennai were informed.

 

Though it was meant to be a "be alone:" kind of trip, one friend was keen on joining

But as fate would have it, it was not meant to be and I was on my own as it was meant to be

Surprises never end, bumping into old friends at airports and stations are such a pleasant surprise and a harbinger of good times to come.

So it was this time too and catching up on past and making plans for the future always leaves you feeling good filled with the anticipation

Station to the beach was one long drive, along perfect roads and zero traffic once we left the city limits! 

Reaching the shack and hotel , I checked in and inhaled the sea! 

It was a clear sunny day and the waves were enjoying the solitude before the crowds came in.

Located in the Tsunami nagar, it was obvious that the fishermen had been affected by the Tsunami of 2004, but being the only trade they know, they have returned to the sea

Lunch was ordered, had, not the best for a seaside restaurant. Feedback was given.

the room was basic and comfortable with a sitout to enjoy the view

The view from the hotel was breathtaking, with the fishing boats lined up ready for their daily trips, the shore temple outlined among the casuarinas in the distances, the waves going back and forth, steady, wooshing, calming.

Once the sun was sliding down, I decided to walk down and visit the monuments the place was renowned for.

Enjoyed the walk down to Arjuna's penance and from there on spent 2 hours following the crowds, admiring the sculptures, the artistry and the commercialisation of the area.

the climb up to the lighthouse was the highlight of my trip as I have always been enchanted by them and the important role they play in guiding the ships to safety 

It stands tall,silent, and constant. Only giving, never expecting.

walked towards the Shore temple, a marvel, looked smaller than when i had last seen it. Maybe I have grown up? 

Walked back towards the hotel, walked along the waves of the sea, the chatter, the laughter of people enjoying the rise and fall of the waves, the silent boats waiting to get into the water, the search for the elusive crabs in the shores, fishermen, playing cards, the smell of the sea, the salt of the water.

The feeling of calm, the setting sun, the changing colours, the night bringing with it music and a change in mood 

Dinner by the beach was what I always craved for, the food made extra special for me and a non alcoholic wine, miraculously touched by the sea giving  me a high on an higher plane.

The fishing boats were to leave at 2:00 AM and return by 5:30 AM, some of the fishermen could be seen checking their nets, the engine and the boats at night.

I set my alarm to wake up and see them leaving, 

The night was noisy, young crowds partying till early morning, unfortunately no boats left, I did wake up early to catch the sunrise on the eastern coast 

An early morning walk along the beach, avoiding bottles from the previous night, few walkers with the same aspiration, to catch the sun rising from below the water, and an interesting conversation with a stranger. How nice to avoid niceties and exchange pleasantries, but have a pleasant conversation in the here and now.

The lapping of the waves a constant reminder that everything is transient.

Some of the boats left early morning to try their luck, high tide is not the safest for them to venture into the vast ocean for a meagre catch.

Saw the boats return with the catch of the day, locals swarming to get their glimpse and buy what they could , fishermen bowing to the sea.

It doesn't end with the sale, they spend the next few hours, cleaning and untangling the nets to get ready for the next day.

I wish I had access to this sight every day! The fishermen grateful to the sea for their livelihood, for their everyday lives!

Soon after it was time to say goodbye to a day of solitude among noise and crowds, being able to silence everything else around you including the mind and just let the ocean take over your being.

My first time being on my own, traveling alone on business or meeting others halfway or for pleasure with other travelers is not the same as completely being on my own.

Some of these local tourist towns are still not comfortable with a single Indian woman but are more accepting of a foreigner traveling alone

Felt safe all the time though it was crowded. I did avoid the beach late at night, not trusting the unruly crowd out drinking on the beach.

Some memories will last forever, some lessons learnt will remain for a lifetime.

Travel solo! You will experience the world differently. 

The Tso La Tea Do

The heart wants what it wants and mine said fly fly away, To quaint tribal villages in beautiful valleys, high mountain passes and frozen lakes

The tickets were booked much in advance, keeping fingers tightly crossed
Payments made and the waiting began for holiday schedules to be published.

Dussehra, Diwali kept me busy with one and the 2 week break between the second allowed me the freedom to travel.

The unknown always leaves you anticipating the worst, so it was with the mystery of co-travelers
What we were informed to prepare for was extremely cold weather and lots of travel.
Bags were packed and repacked, wondering if coats and jackets and socks and thermals would be sufficient for the 9 days, spares were packed just to be on the safe side in those remote places.
Met one fellow traveler at the Bangalore airport and the rest on landing at Guwahati
It was a tight fit in the vehicle with bags, baggage and jackets.

The long journey through parts of Assam and Meghalaya took us to our first halt for the night with the first shocker of the trip
Sundown at 4:00 PM
Tezpur gave us time to relax and eat and drink the night away. The first of many such nights to come!
 
An early breakfast and we started off towards Arunachal Pradesh
Our first stop was Dirang, the land of the Monpa tribe.
All the while we followed  the Kameng river, orange orchards and verdant sheep breeding farms
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary gave us an opportunity to see some unique indigenous flowers and the national flower of the state
We ate the food the locals ate and relished the simplicity and taste of home grown vegetables and freshly caught fish and succulent pork
The homestay was a marvel, a huge bungalow and farmhouse with the river down below,
The night was well spent wrapped in wollens and warming ourselves over a campfire and hot local rum listening to the owners local gossip and history

Two crazy us, woke up early to experience the 4:00 AM sunrise of the east
We were treated to a glorious sight, the sun rays on the mountains, the early morning glow lighting up the skies, the lakes glittering.
Worth the freezing cold morning
 A heavy breakfast and hot tea and we set off for our village exploration
Thembang was full of fun twists and turns and plenty of colour and we visited the Dirang dzong
We drove to Sangti valley and were enchanted by the beauty of the village, its stone houses and the lazy river flowing by along paddy fields and pine forests.
Picture postcard views throughout our drive
An overnight stay at Dirang again and the early sunset still a surprise for us 


Day 4 took us on a long drive to Tawang via Se-la Pass
The road moved along the Dirang River for 10 kms and then the road climbs towards Sela Pass. Situated at an altitude of 14,000 ft. this route to Sela Pass from Dirang is sparsely populated and the forest cover is alpine.
This famous pass is covered with snow for most of the year as is Paradise Tso
The drive was bewitching with piercing snow peaks towering above us, waterfalls at every corner and a gushing Nuranang river accompanying us most of the way.

We stopped at the Nuranang waterfalls, one of the most spectacular falls in eastern Arunachal made famous by the movie Koyla
and its magical rainbow.
We could have spent hours there listening to the gushing river and being sprayed by the water from the falls
An overnight stay in Tawang and to keep the cold at bay we had our now much needed local rum and the kerosene powered room heater and double blankets each


The next day we set off to Zemithang
We were now quite used to the cold and had bundled up in multiple layers
Zemithang at an altitude of 2150 meters, sandwiched between Bhutan and China, lies in the remote and isolated north-western corner of Arunachal. This region also has high cultural and historical significance. As there has been very little impact of urbanization in the village, it provided an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the indigenous Monpa tribe.
Numerous water streams and falls are there and one can enjoy the view of Nyamjanchu rivers that meander down below the ranges of mountains of different colors. We Spent the cold afternoon exploring the village to see the traditional lifestyle of the Monpas. Evening we drove to the Gorsam stupa and enjoyed the tranquil setting of the stupa, measuring 120 feet in width and 100 feet in height.
Overnight we stayed at a Zemithang village homestay 

We stayed with the locals, eating in their wood fire kitchens, sitting at their low tables and chairs, with no electricity for most of the day or night and simple tasty food,rice is a staple and so is the watery dal.
No chicken and meat available at these remote locations, plenty of cabbage and cauliflower grown locally served for all our meals

Tea was served hot and milky! 

Red tea a hot favourite 
No outside vehicles are allowed to Zemithang, hence we used our host as driver and his vehicle to travel around
Bhutanese wines and rum helped us warm ourselves for the night

After breakfast and much needed Tea, we set off to Tawang via the high-altitude route and  we witnessed  some of the most spectacular high-altitude scenery on the way while stopping at the high-altitude PT Tso and Tsungatsar Lake or Madhuri Lake again made famous by Madhuri in Koyla 

Tanhai Tanhai
 This is an extremely scenic drive with a bird’s eye view of Tawang township below. Late afternoon we visited Tawang Monastery, an important seat of Mahayana Buddhism. This famous monastery of the Gelukpa was founded during the 17th century and it is also one of the largest monasteries in the world. We spent time at Tawang monastery exploring and experiencing its history and architecture. Overnight at Tawang again with our wonderful hosts and their delicious food.

On Day 7, After breakfast and several cups of tea to warm us, we drove to Bomdila, a place of misty mountains, lush forest, apple orchards and Buddhist monasteries. Bomdila , the district HQ of the West Kameng district, is located at a height of 2,530m.
We also experienced freshly falling snow on our route and worried about sudden snowstorms which are common in these areas
The lake which was flowing when we had seen it a few days back, was now frozen!  The trees covered in snow were a lovely sight to behold
In the evening we experienced the local flavor  – heading out on walks and visiting the Bomdila Monastery. The tea was hot and milky and sweet! 

The Overnight stay was at Bomdila at the monastery
Much warmer and more comfortable in our normal clothes now!

But the food served was bland and tasteless, making us wonder about the monk's life!

The last day of travel saw us on the long drive from Bomdila to Guwahati back to the plains, we made a stop at the Bhutan border where happiness was just a step away
The hotel had the best view of the city and the open terrace was a pleasure to sit in at night with clear warm skies 

Next day was off to the crowded airport and a long flight back home, 
bags were filled with local goodies, the heart was happy with the memories, the soul filled with calm and tummy loaded with fish and rice and the liver crying for mercy!