Travel and Cultural Insights

  Sri Lanka's Ancient Lion Rock Fortress in the Sky: My Unforgettable Journey to the Majestic Sigiriya The World: An Introduction to a Dream Come True I have often said that the first picture of Sigiriya I saw had entranced me. Something really mystical about the sight of this huge massive chunk of solitary rock, thrust up from the earth, surrounded with a tide of greens forming lushness of jungle. The stories about the palace in the sky, about an exiled king, fortress full of secrets made it even more interesting. Last summer, my visit to Sri Lanka enabled me to visit Sigiriya. It stretched so much beyond any expectations I had of it. It was perfect adventure, history, art, and nature all being wrapped into one unforgettable-day experience. Getting to Sigiriya: Scenic Drives and Cultural Insights My start from Colombo took a drive toward Dambulla-the nearest base-town-only about 170 km with about four hours' worth of trip from Colombo. I hired a car with a local driver...

Kutralam in Tamil Nadu: The Real Experience of Succumbing to Waterfalls, Herbal Baths, and Other Family Holiday Experiences A Tamil Nadu Journey: The Natural Spa I've heard a lot about Kutralam-a lot from friends and family-including how the waterfalls aren't just waterfalls but something extraordinary. They said the water streams through herbal forests, like nature itself gives you a massage. I always brushed it off. "How special can a waterfall be?" I thought. But when finally I went to visit my family on a nicked monsoon weekend, I realized how wrong I was. It was not a trip; it was a soul-refreshing experience I did not know I needed. Here's my full journey in my own words-from ice-cold showers under the falls to hot bajjis and peaceful temple visits. Main Falls-the Natural Shower that Hit Me Full in My Heart and Back The first in the series where people visit is from the famous Main Falls or 'Peraruvi.' The tumultuous roar of water was unite...