About this blog: Dandeli is one of the best places for birding in India. besides, it is in Dandeli where I learnt to appreciate the art of birding. While most of it revolved around camera shutters going down at an incredible speed, I learnt to appreciate the intriguing art of birding while post processing the … Read more Ganeshgudi Forest, a Safekeep for the Hornbills and Small Pleasures of Birding in Dandeli!
Wooden fishing boats sleep at a fishing village by the banks of Mekong river. The ongoing project of building a dam on the Mekong in quest of hydropower threatens the fishing community at large. Not to mention the the fate of endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
If you give a Laos man a fish from the sea, he would not like it. He would say, “It does not smell of the earth!” River Mekong bears testimony!
When the water rises, the fish eat the ants; when the water falls, the ants eat the fish.
(A Laotian proverb)
One of the seven dragons that protect the ancient city Luang Prabang, according to the local legends, as seen from air!
Laos is one the most bombed countries in South East Asia during the American war on Vietnam! Remnants of a cluster bomb adorn the entrance of a cafe. Note the dates mentions: 1967-1977
A lady sells plenty of greens (local produce and quintessential Laotian cuisine) at a local night market at Luang Prabang.
This little man’s smile made my day!
Another little man is busy making an enclosure for his kittens at one of the temple complex of Luang Prabang while his sister is busy watching a YouTube video!
One of the many gorgeous temples of Luang Prabang downtown. “Templed-out” is a word that Luang Prabang added to travellers’ lingo and there are good reason for the same!
Buddha and his teachings, as engraved on the wall of a temple wall at Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is also known as the land of thousand elephants!
A traditional Laos food platter, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. Notice the Dok Chompa, national flower of Laos used in decoration!
The finery of serving food!
A carp fish, grilled and served and supposed to be eaten with sticky rice.
Pork intestine, a typical Laotian delicacy along with many other Laos Street food
Silver ear rings on sell at the Lunag Prabang Night Market!A Bell fruit tree at a Laos house garden!The quintessential French feel as a remnant of the French Colonial days. At the Sofitel Luang Prabang, which used to be a French governor’s villa a few decades back! (An honest review ofSofitel Luang Prabang: timeless luxury at the heart of Luang Prabang!)A flying bird as a home decor in front of a Laos household at Luang Prabang!
Snake wine being sold at the Luang Prabang night market. Note many other insects are put into local liquor bottles too!
Mekong river embraces Luang Prabang!
In case you want to read a few books touch the nerve of this landlocked country from South East Asia, my recommendations are listed below:
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About this blog: Bonedi Barir Durgapuja takes you through the century old Bengali Zamindar or wealthy households of Kolkata and Bengal where traditional rituals, customs are observed. The eldest daughter in law of the household whispers to Maa Durga’s ears, “Aasche Bochor abar esho”…Come again next year, such is the charm and homeliness of these … Read more Bonedi Barir Durga Puja Parikrama of Kolkata (Updated with Map)
About the Blog: I stayed at two places during my Dandeli adventure days! One was Old Magazine house and the other one was Dandeli Jungle camp. While the first stay was full of watching exotic birds of Dandeli up close and personal, the latter was all about an adventure traveler’s cup of tea. Here is … Read more Live your Jungle dream at the Dandeli Jungle Camp, Karnataka!
It numbed a part of my mind. The moment I visited the War Remnant Museum, Saigon. Sure, I have read tons of literature, spent sleepless nights watching movies on the Nam war and felt the terror. And not lived in it. For when Copolla had filmed the Napalm bomb razing over the swaying palm trees … Read more Never Again: Saigon War Remnant Museum
As I am writing this blog post, my forefathers from past 14 generations, along with a school of “Pretatma”, the disappeared souls with desire for Earthy pleasure have been unleashed from the hell. The smokescreens shall appear in the alleys. This is their night. Are you prepared to treat them with the relish of 14 … Read more Dakini Yogini: the Demons of Kalipuja
Time follows its serpentine course as we make merry by the side, all engulfed in fun and frolic. It was a little more than 30 months, Sayantan proposed me a plan of Nam escapade. Now, I am a Thai travel veteran and in love with the tiny nascent beaches by the Andaman sea. I had … Read more Vietnam: My 2 Weeks Travel Itinerary
Hampi‘s ruins instilled an emptiness in my mind, never foretold. 9/11 with horrid visuals of twin towers crumbling to dust had been the only profound destruction I ever witnessed, with the panic stricken voices of United 73 airlines to jostle with the Islamic extremists to bring the aircraft down. I needed the sense of comfort … Read more Romancing the Konkan Coast: Goa beaches
Bangkok‘s floating markets witness joyous family celebration as well as curious travelers’ footfall at large. You will see vibrant happy families feasting together on weekends with signature Thai dishes. They eat different varieties of food in smaller portions and fresh ingredients and herbs feature high on their choices. The floating markets are epitome of this … Read more Bangkok’s Floating Markets
