Rakhee Ghelani

Tag: Religion

  • Is it too late to save Majuli Island?

    Is it too late to save Majuli Island?

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    Majuli Island, in the remote North East Indian state of Assam, is the largest river island in the world. It is rapidly being lost to the savage effects of climate change. Surrounded by the mighty Brahmaputra River, scientists predict that Majuli Island will be entirely reclaimed by the river within 20 years, and along with…

  • Nagaland: The last frontier

    Nagaland: The last frontier

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    Two boys no older than ten wander the dusty roadside, semi-automatic rifles slung casually across their backs. Hearing the vehicle, they meander off-road into the thick verdant forest that’s lush but eerily silent.  I ask my driver where all the animals are and he responds drily, “These Nagas eat everything.” Characterised by headhunters and a…

  • Naga Vilages: Near Mokokchung

    Naga Vilages: Near Mokokchung

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    Visiting Nagaland had always been on my India bucket list. I’d heard too many stories of head-hunters, mystery and remote villages, something I had to see for myself. What I found when I finally visited Nagaland however was very different. It didn’t meet the expectations I had, but surpassed so many others that I didn’t…

  • Exploring Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Ek Balam and Tulum

    Exploring Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Ek Balam and Tulum

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    Aside from Chichen Itza there are so many other Mayan ruins in Mexico, unfortunately limited time meant that I had to pick only a couple to see. The two I chose are not necessarily the most impressive, I’m told Palenque and Coba are definitely worth a visit, but they were both a little different. Rather…

  • The Magic of Rural Rajasthan: Homestay Experience

    The Magic of Rural Rajasthan: Homestay Experience

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    When I was invited to visit a homestay in rural Rajasthan I just could not say yes quick enough.  It had been almost a year since I was last in Rajasthan and since my visit to Kutch, I had found myself fantasising about getting back to rural India.  The grime and congestion of Mumbai has…

  • I Want Kandy

    I Want Kandy

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    Kandy was a town that we were looking forward to visit, because it has always been fondly remembered by a close Sri Lankan family friend as their favourite place in Sri Lanka.  With all the anticipation, I am happy to say that it certainly didn’t disappoint, even despite the relentless rain. Kandy is slightly elevated…

  • The Ancient Cities of Sri Lanka

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    The Cultural Triangle is one of the most popular tourist trails in Sri Lanka.  I am a bit of a temple junkie, having done so many throughout India over the past 18 months, so I couldn’t resist seeing the famous sites of Sri Lanka.  What I didn’t realise was just how much Buddhist history was in…

  • Diwali in Mumbai

    Diwali in Mumbai

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    For my second Diwali in India, I thought I would be alone.  My only family here in India lives in Gujarat, and my parents weren’t arriving until just after Diwali.  As good luck would have it, I received an email from a close cousin of mine in London who just happened to be passing through…

  • The Doors of Ladakh

    The Doors of Ladakh

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    Soma Gompa Temisgang Monastery        

  • Pictorial Post: Ajanta and Ellora Caves

    Pictorial Post: Ajanta and Ellora Caves

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    I first visited Aurangabad, a city about 400km east of Mumbai, several years ago when I worked for Foster’s Group, who owned a brewery there. As I was there for work I didn’t have enough time to visit the nearby Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and they have always been a site I have wanted to…

  • A Verdant Escape: Sikkim

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    When I was invited to a conference in Sikkim I jumped at the chance.  Whilst I was excited and interested in the topic to be discussed, travel, I just wanted to experience this place for myself.  I had heard so many things about Sikkim, most people who had described it to me looked longingly as…

  • Holi Varanasi!

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    I am not a big fan of Varanasi as I have mentioned in my post the last time I visited. I didn’t really want to go back but it is one of the holiest and unique cities in India and my dear friend wanted to visit, and I think it does need to be seen…

  • Following the Ramayana: Adam’s Bridge

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    Rameswaram is a town in the south east of Tamil Nadu with a spectacular temple and an important place in the ancient epic story the Ramayana. It is at the end of this island where it is written that a bridge was built by the ape army so that Lord Rama could go to Sri…

  • The Temples of Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai, Rameswaram

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    Tamil Nadu is famous for its many temples and architecture.  I was fortunate to see several of them in various towns, namely Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Thanjavur, Madurai and Rameswaram.  Whilst the architecture is similar, each temple had its own unique features.  Here are some photos of my favourites of each. Kanchipuram A quiet town with not…

  • Puri, Konark and 64 Yoginis

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    Puri is a small seaside town in Odisha that is a popular holiday retreat for local Indian tourists.  A stroll along the beach on a Sunday afternoon had a great carnival feel lots of bathing in the sea (fully clothed of course) and camel rides.  Everyone seemed relaxed and they were certainly enjoying themselves. I…

  • In the Path of Buddha – Bodhgaya

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    I left Delhi feeling the need for a bit of calm and zen; not two words that readily come to mind when thinking about India.  Visiting some of the famous Buddhist sites seemed like a good place to start. I still have such beautiful memories of trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas and the calming effect…

  • Guruvayur and Thrissur: How do you prove you are Hindu?

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    How do you prove what religion you were raised to someone you just met? A Christian can wear a cross, although anyone could do this relatively easily. A Muslim woman can wear a Hijab, but not all do. A Jewish woman can shave her head and wear a long skirt, although only the orthodox do.…

  • Varanasi: Is there any hope for India?

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    Distressed. Helpless. Filthy. Nauseous. This is how I felt in Varanasi, one of the holiest and most revered places in India. Wandering along the ghats, I observed the rituals. A man placed a cup in the Ganges, pulled it out and drank in the holy water. He looked at peace in the belief that this…

  • Pictorial Post Khajuraho: A Celebration of the Beauty of Women

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    Khajuraho is famous for its World Heritage Site carvings, and specifically for the erotica and kama sutra positions that have been carefully etched into its walls. However for me, this is not what makes Khajuraho’s temples memorable, for me its all about the women. For those of you who want to perve at the kama…

  • Orchha: Celebrating Dussehra Madhya Praddesh Style

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    Navratri is a Hindu festival that means 9 nights and is a celebration of the Goddess Durga as Autumn begins (at least in very simplistic terms). For me growing up in Australia, Navratri was the time of year we gathered together in a school hall with other Gujarati families and did Dandiya Raas.  This is…