“In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.” ― Pico Iyer, The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Veli Tourist Village – a Lake, a Missing Estuary, and a Toy Train.
Category: Backwaters
Travel Diaries: Akkulam Bridge – Water Hyacinths & a Ragpicker
Akkulam Lake in Trivandrum - partially covered with the curly greens of water hyacinths. September 17, 2025, Wednesday I had just finished window-shopping at Trivandrum Lulu Mall and eaten a quick lunch, but I was still hungry. Next on my list was a bridge over the Akkulam Lake in Trivandrum. This spot was on the … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Akkulam Bridge – Water Hyacinths & a Ragpicker
Travel Diaries: A Nightmare, a Missed Boat, & an Ethereal Ride to Sambranikodi – Part 2
Mangrove trees near Sambranikodi Island You can read the first part of this blog here. A Sudden Camaraderie Even as I wiped my brow with a tissue and settled onto a window seat, I was still feeling embarrassed by my mistake. My mind was overloaded with the could-have-been and would-have-been scenarios: “I should have called … Continue reading Travel Diaries: A Nightmare, a Missed Boat, & an Ethereal Ride to Sambranikodi – Part 2
Travel Diaries: A Nightmare, a Missed Boat, & an Ethereal Ride to Sambranikodi – Part 1
Sambranikodi Island - a Mangrove Paradise in Kollam, Kerala. See Ashtamudi On August 9, 2025, while I was walking through the shores of ‘Ashtamudi Lake’, near the Kollam KSRTC bus stand, I noticed a double-decker boat, with the name ‘See Ashtamudi.’ Out of sheer curiosity, I jotted down the boat’s contact details. Back in the … Continue reading Travel Diaries: A Nightmare, a Missed Boat, & an Ethereal Ride to Sambranikodi – Part 1
Travel Diaries: Exploring Thevally – Part 2
🔖 Disclaimer Please read the first part of the blog here to understand the full context. This blog reflects my personal travel experiences and thoughts. All opinions are my own and not intended as factual or political commentary. I’ve taken care not to share any sensitive or restricted information. Thevally Bridge The Thevally Palace As … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Exploring Thevally – Part 2
Travel Diaries: Exploring Thevally – Part 1
16 May 2025 A Blister Whenever my non-Malayali friends ask me what they should keep in mind while exploring Kerala, I tell them that carrying a bottle of drinking water and an umbrella, applying sunscreen, and wearing light clothing can never go wrong. But I’m learning the hard way what can go wrong, even if … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Exploring Thevally – Part 1
Lirio's Wanderings 