Waking up to a magical view of the mountains in a secluded glass villa. Manicured lawn and pathways in the backyard. Sounds dreamy? We happened to live this dream in Primrose villas at Chikmagalur - yet another gem of South India! Before I say anything more, I shall let the pictures speak for themselves :) Where is Chikmagalur? Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka. It is located roughly 250 km from Bangalore. The highway to this district makes it easily accessible by road. A popular weekend getaway, Chikmagalur is famously known for its coffee estates and scenic treks. With a var ..read more

For a long time, I have been trying to find an engaging series to read. Something that makes me fall in love with the characters and makes me want the series to not end at all. It is often easy to find a good book, but a great series is hard to come by. The Truly Devious series transported me to a world that I had dreamt of as a kid. The ideal school where exams are not as important but passion is. A school with numerous tunnels, castles, and mystery lurking around the corner. It is the perfect setup, not just for children or young adults, but for all age groups! Here is a detailed review of a ..read more

Every time I pick a thriller or a mystery novel, I tend to put on my Sherlock hat and start predicting the ending. It is an annoying habit that I have tried in vain to give up. The narrative, as pronounced as it might be, loses its value if I get the ending right. Yes, I believe that if I could solve the mystery before the protagonist did, it is no good plot. I am sure most of us are culprits of trying to outsmart the writer, be it of a thriller novel, or a movie. But, The Silent Patient is one of those rare books that promise a jaw-dropping ending. This book is indeed a perfect thriller and c ..read more

In my quest for tea estates, I discovered another gem in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. In the middle of a forest, a colonial bungalow surrounded by a few acres of tea plantations. It was the perfect setting for a long-pending family trip. Here is an account of yet another brilliant vacation amidst the flourishing tea plantations of Valparai.  Do check out my previous post on Sakleshpur tea estates in case you missed it! Where is Valparai? Valparai is a hill station in the Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. It is located around 100Kms from Coimbatore and 67Kms from Polla ..read more

India is known for its rich culture and heritage. Popular tourist destinations of the country are thronged by visitors all year long. While it is straightforward to plan a trip to any of the well-known places in India, there are hidden gems that remain uncovered in most tour packages. One such is the Kadamane tea estate in Sakleshpur, Karnataka. Out of the many tea/coffee plantations in south India, only a handful have managed to preserve their estate bungalows that age back to the 1800s. A vacation in these quaint cottages is a lifetime experience for anyone who wishes to enjoy India in its i ..read more

Most people love traveling to new places. The excitement to explore is real. But more often than not, long journeys could mean unbearable boredom. While there are many creative ways to engage oneself during travel hours, my personal favorite has always been reading. Be it 2hrs by train or 24hrs by flight, I have never missed packing a book before I set off. A good book can serve as a great travel buddy, making the journey a lot more fun. Here is a list of 6 fiction books that I consider great travel companions. Absolute Power David Baldacci | Thriller | 550 pages | ~10hrs reading time Ab ..read more

As a kid my summers involved reading books, frolicking with cousins, watching M.A.D on Pogo or Finger Tips on TinyTV, and of course, beach evenings! The books that I read as a child influenced my personality to a great extent. They teleported me to exciting worlds. The characters became my friends and, together we solved many mysteries.  The lazy summer afternoons spent with fictional characters bring back so many fond memories. Maybe it is time to take a short trip down the memory lane! Here is an account of my favorites, off the top of my head. Harry Potter - J.K. Rowl ..read more

"Why does one maintain a journal? What do they even write about? Should I start one?" Have you ever been intrigued by these thoughts? Have you ever started journaling but never stuck with it? I have been maintaining a personal journal for more than a decade now. I started way back in high school. It is one habit that has stuck with me and is here to stay. This post is an attempt at demystifying journaling for those who wish to start. How did it start? One summer vacation, I came across leather-bound diaries stacked away at my grandma's. Those belonged to my late granddad who I have never m ..read more

New Year Resolution - "Start reading books" "Read more". A few weeks later, an unfinished book is abandoned in a corner. Relatable much? Reading is a habit that many wish they have. Some have tried and failed, while others wonder why people even read! If you are someone who wishes to develop a reading habit this year, it can be achieved by following these 6 simple, actionable steps. You are one earnest attempt away from kickstarting a remarkable journey. Step 1: Pick the right book Yes, you have heard it several times before because this is the most crucial step.  Investing time in p ..read more

Kindle has revolutionised reading in unique ways. Millions of users vouch for the advantages that come with a Kindle and why every reader needs to own one. Keeping the price factor out of the equation, many readers are hesitant to switch to e-books for the fear of losing the pleasure of reading. If you are an avid reader and are wondering if a Kindle is worth it - I went through this dilemma for four years, and here is an honest review of Kindle Paperwhite vs an actual book. Where does a Kindle Win? Portability: Undoubtedly, Kindle wins hands down!  I am someone who always budgeted s ..read more