The Slow Arrow of Beauty

Pretty little school girls from a small town on the Kerala-Karnataka border

What is beauty? It’s such a strange term. What may appear breathtaking to me may be less than ordinary to someone else and yet we live in a culture where every once in a while a man or a woman is put up on a pedestal of being fine creations of God. This makes no sense. Surrounding ourselves with unachievable, often technically enhanced, beauty keeps us from appreciating the most simplistic, often miss-able beauty that passes us by ever too discreetly. I love how Nietzsche describes it. For only he could.

“The Slow Arrow of Beauty. The most noble kind of beauty is that which does not carry us away suddenly, whose attacks are not violent or intoxicating (this kind easily awakens disgust), but rather the kind of beauty which infiltrates slowly, which we carry along with us almost unnoticed, and meet up with again in heart, it takes complete possession of us, filling our eyes with tears, our hearts with longing.” Pg 104, verse 149, Human, All Too Human

Much love,

Rapunzels of Kerala

Young girls in Wayanad

I love the women of my country – so beautiful, hard-working and strong. Carving their paths, against all odds, in a man's world. While that's true about most of the country, where the testosterone outshines the estrogen, there's always Kerala - the god's own country and the shining beacon of hope to the women around the world. Mother Earth hasn't only blessed this utopic state with breathtaking beauty but also the highest ratio of females (reaffirming the natural beauty, I guess). The fairer sex enjoys its spot in sunshine here. Women work, study and continue to bring hope to their sisters across the nation. Seeing the social and political atmosphere, we could all use some female inspiration. While I could list number of reasons that make the women in these parts exceptional, I choose to share a very small (almost insignificant) reason that makes these women remarkable to me. I'm always fascinated by people who do important things and make them appear so simple and effortless. Meet the women of Kerala. I don't understand how they manage to keep up their traditionally long, wavy, medusa-like manes and yet get their day's work done. They go around doing their business – taking the public transport, farming, walking around the dusty roads with their immaculately done-up hair, loosely hanging down their shoulders. No comfortable ponytails or I-mean-business buns, just thick, shiny, black hair, massaged with coconut oil, brushing their strong shoulders as they unapologetically celebrate their womanhood. It's magical. They are like goddesses. At least to me. As I sit in my bed, typing this post with my hair tied up in a messy scrunchy bun, I wish I could be a little less shabby.

In Kollam

In Kollam

At Munroe Island, Kollam

In Kollam

There's more posts coming from my recent trip to Kerala.
Come back soon.

Much love.

Where I lay my head is home

Deep within a valley, far away, rests a lake. Beautiful as any sight can be. With trees so green that it's hard to believe. With travellers coming together and musicians too. Their sound like pied piper pulling us in. Deeper we go, more mesmerising the sounds become. The deafening silence broken by melodic notes. If this isn't paradise, what is? Maybe the wanderlust is taking over me. Or, the rhythm is still lingering inside my head. I can't forget the three absolutely surreal days I spent at the little hamlet town called Naukuchiatal. My camera went into overdrive as did my trance-induced body. With every music genre being represented by some of country's best talents, it comes as no surprise that the music festival was named 'Escape.' An escape it certainly was!

Much Love,

Biker Chicks, Pondicherry

There's nothing quite like feeling the wind in one's hair, balancing the two wheels, gushing past the rest of the world - there's nothink quiet like riding a bike. Its places like Pondicherry and Goa that make you realise that how much of world do you miss sitting inside a car with your windows rolled up, breathing the artificially cooled and recirculated air.

Its fantastic to experience a place on two wheels. Take some inspiration from the women in pondicherry who seem so comfortable riding their two-wheelers in their elegantly wrapped sarees and the garland adorned hair. Its liberating to see a woman ride a bike. Either that or I'm really missing my Auroville moped(gearless bike.) Maybe both.

Much Love,

Bonjour Pondy!

Also catch this post on Vogue India website here

The famous French colony of 18th century, Pondicherry’s charms are famous far and wide. The relaxed lifestyle, the French eateries and colonial architectural influence are some of the popular attractions. What I didn’t know was that Pondicherry is also becoming one of the fastest growing markets for eco-friendly and natural products. Blame it on its proximity to Auroville or the constant foreign tourist rush, the city’s shops are flooded with hand-made products.

Being hosted by my long time friend, Bidisha Samantray, I was bound to see the places that even lonely planet forgets to mention. So, reporting from a secluded beach in Auroville, I’m writing this post sitting outside my hut with only the sounds of a roaring ocean and some chirping of the birds.

My shopping excursion had to start with Living Art, the freshest store opened in the white town on the street Rue du Bazar Saint Laurant. Housing some of the most beautifully crafted products, providing employment to several villages across Orissa, Rajasthan and Gujarat, Bidisha’s store is full of charming little things from apparel to home furnishings to antiques and furniture. Best thing about this store is its selection of merchandise and its apt pricing. Its a must visit for its gorgeous appliqué bags, kaftan tops and innovative home furnishings.

The second Destination was Via Pondicherry, which was particularly nice for its selection of leather bags and accessories.

Next, Bidisha took me to the magical La Maison Rose, a colonial bunglow converted to a shopping place and restaurant.

This Bunglow houses three beautiful shops Oh la la!, Domus and Amethyst. I loved Oh La La! for its simplicity of design. The crinoline skirt with a wired hem is perfect a statement piece or a petticoat for gorgeous shaping.

Giving high street a break, Bidisha took me street shopping to her favourite roadside vendor, Opposite the Post Office, this is a treasure trove for all export brands that Indians are devoid of otherwise. You would be surprised to find some incredible chic pieces here!

My final stop, before leaving to Auroville was the fisherman market which is a great place for the plastic weave ‘lunch box’ bags and traditional imitation jewellery and other knick-knacks. Do not miss this market. Its a great place for photography too. (Though I forgot mine in all the excitement)

Also, when in Pondy do not miss having cocktails at the terrace top restaurant Qualithe, a rather shady place, popular hangout for the young tourists and savvy locals. Satsanga, a fine dining restaurant is another recommendation for brilliant French food.

While you’re walking down the promenade and past the beautiful Indo-French architectural wonders, you come to realise that this city is as charming as the decadent rosebud carefully nestled in middle of that old romantic novel. So totally classic and yet so endearing and special. A trip I’ll never forget.

 
Much Love,

Last Days of Sun

 

Check out my latest post for Vogue India website...  

Know all about little treasure cove that Goa is HERE

Much love,

Eat, Love, Pray!

I know I've been gone for a while... but I'm gonna make-up for it BIG TIME! I was busy travelling to Dharamsala/Mcloed Ganj, beautiful l'il hill stations nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh! Delhi heat has been attacking us poor morals for quiet and this plan was a spontaneous result of our idle deliberations. I had to work really hard in the days following up to the travel dates to make sure I earn this little break.

When I call this trip a 'plan' i'm exaggerating, really... it was anything but! How we get there... no idea??! Where we stay.. mmm, we'll find something!! It was so last minute we took whatever closest train station we found aka Chandigarh and took a cab from there and checked into a hotel at 10pm ( after nearly 3 hours of walking up and down the streets , climbing infinite flights of stairs and negotiating tariffs or cleanliness!). Anyway, we woke up next morning to a cloudy grey sky, crazy cold breeze and fluttering colorful prayer flags. Our prayers for a 'Cold' summer were answered!

Our Hotel, ' Pema Thang' at Mcloed Ganj was as perfect as it could get... clean room, spacious and a view to die for ...AND a balcony!!! There restaurant served delicious fresh food too. Lets just say finding a great place to stay ensured nearly 5o% of our trip's success (c'mon you know comfort is important! IT IS!!)

While we were busy walking up and down the streets to Bhagsunak, sightseeing, getting a taste of the local cuisine, shopping, meeting new people, in all this crazy hyperactivity we were at ease. SO much ease that I can't even begin to explain. Tibetan refugees living in this part of the country are truly inspiring people - they are gentle, polite, earnest, proud and friendly. They have been fighting for Tibet's freedom for years and have been living away from their homes and their people for more than 30 years now but are still fighting this battle.

The love and regard they have for Dalai Lama keeps them going through their lives hoping that good karma will help them cross this endless tunnel to find a happy and peaceful existence. I was really in love with this place, its people and its life... no wonder travelers from across the world have settled down in this quaint town and fallen in love with its unassuming beauty.

Here's DAY 1 :

The gorgeous l'il guest house that hosted our stay!

Looking out from the balcony and taking in the mesmerizing beauty of himalyan ranges..

The prayer flags ruffling into the breezy winds as the clouds swallowed up the sun!

Me and my friend Madhur sitting by the Bhagsu waterfall... we took a crazy and spontaneous trek down into the valley!

Joey, Anjani and Madhur -- Super tired after walking back up on the road!! the trek was awesome and the water flowing was FREEZING!!!

Kangra Valley - Gorgeous view form Bhagsu trek

Me and Madhur outside a punjabi dhaba cafe.

Did I tell you that we got invited to a private party at Merina's Lost World Cafe @ Bhagsunak and danced till our calves hurt and drank till... well till the time drinks kept coming! :D

Went back downhill @ 2am and a 45 minute walk later reached our hotel.... it was dark, cold and scary!!!!!

haha

P.S. - i love that outfit... can't believe i'm repeating an entire outfit on 2 consecutive posts.. but who cares! ;)

P.P.S - that Blue brocade bag came from Sikkim, gifted by my friend Garima. (Though I did find plenty of such bags in Dharamsala too!)