A Weekend in Agra

Wah Taj!

As cliche as it may sound, the above title seemed the most appropriate for this post. After twenty some years of having lived in India, I had never seen the Taj Mahal in person.

Earlier last month, I finally made a trip down to go and see one of the most photographed and talked about wonders of the world. The epitome of love. Mar(b)elous beauty. Her whiteness shone bright in the rays of the rising sun. We braved the soaring June heat to have a tour of the much talked about wonder.

I was awestruck at first. It looked exactly like I had seen it in movies, making me feel like a part of the 35 mm screen. 7 am and it was over flowing with tourists like myself. I managed to click a few shots without people getting in my way. We took a tour ourselves as advised by our friendly taxi guy.What really stood out to me was the empty space marked off for the Black Taj Mahal on the other side of the river Yamuna, where Shah Jehan had wanted to be laid to rest, right across from his lady love - Mumtaz Mahal. Of course, it never was built once his son, Aurangzeb came to power.

I could see quite a few love stories blooming there. Young couples walking hand in hand, taking selfies. Of course, it was tough for us (i.e. me) to resist taking pictures as well. As grand as the Taj Mahal is from the outside, it is equally humble inside. Stark white walls, minimal stone work and small prayer rooms is what you encounter inside.

The beautiful Mughal gardens must be a delight to walk around in, on a cool winter evening. 

Till next time!

Most Romantic Places to Visit Around the World

With Valentine's Day drawing in closer, all love - struck couples must be planning something special for their better halves. While a bouquet of red roses, chocolates, a gift and a dinner date seems to be the norm, some of you may want to break away from the usual. As 14th Feb conveniently falls on a Saturday this year, a romantic getaway can be easily planned. 

The world is full of wondrous, picturesque places for couples and below are my favourite romantic destinations to choose from (in no particular order), depending on where in the world you are.

1. Bruges, Belgium - is definitely the most magical place I have ever visited. Dating back to the 9th century, this delightful city has a canal running through it and is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. Stroll down the cobble stone paths, munching on some Belgian chocolate, taking in the old world charm all around you. A candle lit dinner at Markt (the main square) with traditional music playing in the background, followed by a ride in a horse carriage will be a unique experience that both of you will treasure forever. 

2. Paris, France - fondly known as the City of Love, has a warm aura about it, even in the peak of winter. Take her shopping in the fashionable French capital, dine at the restaurant at Eiffel Tower (58 Tour Eiffel) and end the evening on a musical note by catching the late night Moulin Rouge show. Being a popular destination for lovers from all over the world, book early to avoid disappointment. 

3. Provence, France - Endless lavender fields, rolling hills and quaint, old villages is what you will find in this South Eastern part of France. Book yourself a cottage and explore one of the picturesque old towns with your partner, on foot or cycle. As this is truffle season, you are bound to indulge your taste buds in gastronomical delight.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand - is my favourite place in New Zealand. It offers a plethora of options for adventure junkies, foodies and nature enthusiasts. Take a Hot Air Balloon ride together, taking in the beauty of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Go for a scenic cruise to Milford Sound, gaze at the mighty Mitre peak and watch dolphins swimming in the distance in Tasman sea. Later, dig into a delicious meal back in town and make the most of Queenstown's lively nightlife.

5. Alleppey, India - Located in South India, in the state of Kerala, Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, is a must visit. Famous for its backwaters, stay in a houseboat which comes with it's own cook, and devour Kerala's delicacies on board. Your cook will even procure fresh fish from a fish farm while you're enjoying your cruise. Or you could have him cook the fish you caught, while on board this luxurious houseboat. 

6. Fowey, England - is a lovely English town situated on the south coast of Cornwall. Wander around the harbour, gorge on Fish n Chips and wander around the small town centre consisting of cute little shops, tea rooms and a pub. Take a walk up to St. Catherine's castle for a panoramic view of  Fowey and the nearby fishing village of Polruan. Be sure to stay in a cottage, there are various options to choose from, some of them offering modern amenities such as a jacuzzi. 

7. Rome, Italy - Steeped in history, Rome has much to offer, in terms of great food and sightseeing options. Stay in a historic hotel that offers a mix of old world charm and contemporary luxury in the heasrt of the Italian capital. Watch the sunset at the top of the Spanish steps, wine and dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants/ bars at Campo de' Fiori or Trastevere. Do remember to try the Gelato while you're there!

8. Bangkok, Thailand - Although known for all the wrong reasons, Bangkok can be a great romantic getaway. A foodie's heaven, shopper's paradise, interesting night life and most importantly, fantastic hotels at reasonable rates. If you want to go all out, stay at the Lebua and enjoy a fantastic evening at one of the world's best rooftop bars - Sky Bar, known for its eclectic cocktails and live jazz. It will surely take your love to new heights with a panoramic view of the city from the 63rd floor. 

9. Nagarkot, Nepal - is a delightful hill station on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Early morning views of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, from here are simply magnificent. Stroll around the quiet village, snack on some buff momos (Nepal's specialty!) and relax in your cottage. International wines are much cheaper than India here so do try a few.

10. Kashmir, India - is undoubtedly the most breathtaking state in India. It's beauty beckons tourists from all over the world, whether you want to stay in a shikara/ houseboat in picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar or visit the never ending rugged beauty of Ladakh, you are bound to have an experience like never before. The following lines from Led Zeppellin's song Kashmir sum it up:

My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon, I will return again 

Sure as the dust that floats high in June, when movin' through Kashmir.

A year older in dreamy Paris

Ever since I enrolled for French classes at Alliance Francaise, while in college, I was completely smitten by the city of Paris. In class, Paris was projected as the city of dreams, romance and Renaissance. And when I got an opportunity to visit it for my birthday weekend a few years later, Paris was everything (and more) that I hoped it would be.

We got into Paris Gare du Nord station on a cold, foggy morning in January. The station was really impressive, the ornate wall clock on the Eurostar platform, adding to its charm. We managed to navigate our way to the hotel using the beginner level French I had learnt and forgotten years ago. Somehow, it all came back to me there and that is how we found our way around the beautiful city of Paris.

One of my favourite portraits

Our hotel was right down the street from the Eiffel Tower. After settling into the hotel, we started our sightseeing tour on foot, with a map in hand. Our first stop was Orsay Museum featuring exhibits by Monet, Van Gogh and many great artists. After being inspired by some of the greatest art displays, I crossed the road to take in a view of River Seine. I could not help but feel an air of romance around me, with street Jazz musicians on every turn and quaint cafes dotted along every street. 

Paris is magical. Although it was grey and bitingly cold the entire weekend that we were there, the city exuded warmth and love throughout. We managed to visit all major attractions, got lost a couple of times, but soon enough got the hang of finding our way around, on foot - through narrow cobblestone streets and boulevards as well as the metro. I even managed to take a picture with The Mona Lisa, like hordes of other tourists, in front of a security guard, much to my amazement. At dusk, we were at Champs Elysees, the most expensive street in the world, at the time. I visited some of the exclusive, designer show rooms there and walked out shortly afterwards, frightened by the prices. Someday, I thought!

Champs Elysees all lit up

We had dinner at one of the chic bistros there. As the menus were in French, we decided to stick to dishes that were easy to understand. Nevertheless, they turned out to be the complete opposite of what we thought we had ordered. Wine, jazz and Crème brûlée made up for it. There was an on going Christmas fair at the end of the street and the lit up Ferris wheel looked mighty inviting. We went up for a ride in that and got to witness stunning views of Paris at night, with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance. Soon enough, it was time for our late night Moulin Rouge show. Good seats, warm hospitality, a glass of bubbly, fabulous costumes and cabaret dance later, we headed back to the hotel.

X'mas Fair close to Champs Elysees

It was going to be midnight soon and I couldn't have asked for a better way to bring in my birthday. Until, of course, just by chance, the Eiffel Tower dazzled us by shining bright like diamonds exactly at midnight. We took pictures and dug into the best Black Forest pastry I have ever had, period. It was one of my best birthdays ever and the start to an even more exciting year, as I later found out.

My first rendezvous with Paris, the City of Light & Romance, left a lasting impression on me. It's like a passionate love affair which makes you keep coming back for more.

Paris is always a good idea - Audrey Hepburn