Time Traveller

Puducherry is not just a union territory on the map of India; it is a unique soul where the fading pages of history and the sharp paradoxes of modern life converge. While most of India celebrated freedom in 1947, this coastal enclave remained a French stronghold until 1954. Officially integrated in 1962, Puducherry today stands as a living museum of Gallic culture tucked away on the Coromandel Coast. White Town: A Journey Through Time Stepping into White Town (the French Quarter) is like walking through a portal. One moment you are in the heart of Tamil Nadu, and the next, you are surrounded by the quiet elegance of an old French arrondissement. The Architecture: Rows of iconic mustard-yellow and pale-white colonial buildings with high ceilings and heavy wooden doors. The Taste: Authentic boulangeries and patisseries where the scent of fresh baguettes and croissants fills the salt air. The Evolution: Historic mansions that once housed colonial administrators have been repurposed in...

Bangalore is globally celebrated as the high-tech 'Silicon City,' a landscape of glass buildings and rapid innovation. Yet, nestled within this frantic pace lies Basavanagudi —a neighborhood that has stubbornly and beautifully held onto its identity, earthy charm, and traditional values. If Bangalore has a heart that beats with authentic Kannada culture, it is here. A Village Within the City Basavanagudi isn't just a suburb; it’s a feeling. Often described as a 'village within Bangalore,' it keeps the spirit of community alive through its legendary fairs and festivals. Kadalekai Parishe: The famous groundnut fair that transforms the streets into a vibrant village carnival. Avarebele Mela: An annual food festival at National College Grounds dedicated to the humble flat bean, drawing foodies from across the state. Ganeshotsava: A celebration so grand it is often compared to the legendary Mysore Dasara. For the modern woman balancing a career and tradition, Basavan...

Cricket is not just a game; it is an emotion. The battle between bat and ball on the field is brought to life by the voices echoing from the commentary box. Truly, watching cricket without commentary is as bland as cooking without salt. The Glory of Channel 9 and the Boxing Day Battle It was December 26, 1999 . The Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The air was thick with anticipation as the world’s greatest batsman, Sachin Tendulkar , faced off against the master of precision, Glenn McGrath . It wasn't just a match; it was pure poetry. McGrath, who famously never bowled a bad ball, versus Sachin, the technically perfect maestro. Two eyes felt insufficient to capture that rivalry. Adding soul to those moments were the stalwarts of the Channel 9 era: Richie Benaud, Tony Greig, and Ian Chappell . Their insights were as electrifying as the game itself. In those days, many Indian fans would wake up in the dark of the early morning, not just to see the cricket, but to hear those iconic voices...

Khandugadahalli is a small, quiet village, nestled about 7 km from Kadur taluk in the Chikkamagaluru district . In the heart of this village stands the Someshwara Swamy Temple —a place that, for me, holds a connection far deeper than stone and mortar. It’s a place woven into the fabric of my own family history, a spot where my ancestors found something unique, and whose devotion has echoed across generations. Growing up in Mysore , I admit I felt no strong pull towards this temple or even my native place, Kadur. My occasional visits with parents and relatives were nothing more than a ritual. For a long time, I wasn't what you would call a believer (and honestly, I still don’t consider myself deeply religious). Yet, with every visit, a subtle, inexplicable draw began to take hold. The Shift in Perspective There’s a popular Kannada proverb — “Sankata bandaga Venkataramana” —which perfectly translates to, "we remember God only in times of trouble." That line describes my yo...

***Hyacinth Beans with uppittu, Hyacinth Beans with sambar, Hyacinth Beans with dosey, Hyacinth Beans with palya, Hyacinth Beans with roti...*** As winter sets in, especially in the months of December and January, Avarekalu (Hyacinth Beans) become a comforting staple in South Indian households. This humble bean holds a very unique, almost sacred, place in the food culture of South India, particularly in our own Bengaluru. 👑 The Legend of Bendakaluru and Avarekalu The connection between Bengaluru and the hyacinth bean is not new—it is centuries old. According to folklore, when the Hoysala king, Veera Ballala II , was hunting in the area of present-day Bengaluru, he quenched his hunger with a simple, rustic meal of boiled beans. Impressed by its taste, the king is said to have named the area 'Bendakaluru' (meaning 'boiled beans' in Kannada). This name, over time, famously evolved into 'Bengaluru' . Even today, the taste of Avarekalu grown in the Magadi region ...

  The region surrounding Bangalore is a treasure trove for trekkers, offering an exciting blend of natural beauty and profound history. Rocky hills, monolithic structures, and majestic forts holding centuries-old clues—these are the features that continuously draw adventurers. From the time of the Hoysala and Vijayanagara empires, local rulers built numerous formidable hill forts for governance and protection. Today, their ruins stand as evocative reminders of our past. 🏰 Living Proofs of a Grand Past The architectural legacy is visible everywhere: Nandi Hills (Nandi Durga), with its association with Tipu Sultan's palace and the infamous "Tipu Drop," is living proof of this heritage. Skandagiri , offering a pleasant atmosphere similar to Nandi Hills, holds a special place in the hearts of trekkers. Hills like Gudibande , Savandurga , Huttari Betta , and Devarayana Durga all proudly proclaim the fort-building traditions of past dynasties. While some structures remain st...