Travel Diaries: Kathirmudi Trek With Appooppanthaadi

Kathirmudi Trek With Appooppanthaadi In the middle of every trek, there’s a moment where you ask yourself: enikk enthinte kedayirunnu? Meaning: what the hell was wrong with me? I could have been chilling at my home now, watching a classic Malayalam comedy like Kilukkam or Sandesham, munching on some mixture or banana chips. Why the … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Kathirmudi Trek With Appooppanthaadi

Travel Diaries: Exploring Kerala Lalithakala Akademi with a Friend

A wall painting inside the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Trivandrum. September 20, 2025, Saturday Day 10/30. Time seemed to fly. I couldn’t believe I had already spent one-third of my intended time at Trivandrum. Yes, I had covered some important spots in East Fort, Palayam, and Veli by then, but my three roommates, Di, Sou, and … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Exploring Kerala Lalithakala Akademi with a Friend

Travel Diaries: Shankumugham Beach – A Stroll and a Missed Sunset.

September 18, 2025, Thursday Sagarakanyaka statue at Shankumugham Beach The word Shankumugham literally means conch-faced. Shankumugham Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Trivandrum, partly because of its proximity to Trivandrum airport, Thampanoor railway station, and bus stand. But one cannot disregard the beauty of its golden sand, sculptures, and the stunning sunrise … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Shankumugham Beach – A Stroll and a Missed Sunset.

Travel Diaries: Vettucaud Church – a Spiritual Bliss

The Madre de Deus Church, also known as Vettucaud Church. Pi Patel: Faith is a house with many rooms. Writer: But no room for doubt? Pi Patel: Oh, plenty, on every floor. Doubt is useful; it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it is tested. … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Vettucaud Church – a Spiritual Bliss

Travel Diaries: Mall of Travancore, & Mahi Bhai’s Inspiring Words

Mall of Travancore in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. September 17, 2025, Wednesday Sitting on one of the garden benches inside Veli Tourist Village, I soaked up all the beautiful sights and the heartwarming moments around me. Flowers in bloom, the toy train, the statues, kids running in the playground, seniors clicking selfies, the banter of youngsters, … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Mall of Travancore, & Mahi Bhai’s Inspiring Words

Travel Diaries: Veli Tourist Village – a Lake, a Missing Estuary, and a Toy Train.

“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.

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: Window Shopping at Trivandrum Lulu Mall

September 17, 2025, Wednesday Lost in the scale of it all. Lulu Mall Trivandrum. Day 8/30 at Trivandrum. I had pondered whether or not to visit the Lulu Mall during my Trivandrum travel days, and even if I visited it, to skip writing a blog about it. Now, even as I write, I’m contemplating never … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Window Shopping at Trivandrum Lulu Mall

Travel Diaries: Trivandrum Zoo – Aren’t We All Wild Animals Living in a Caged World?

September 16, 2025, Tuesday. "The wild, cruel beast is not behind the bars of the cage. He is in front of it." - Axel Munthe. The young poet Debarshi Mitra’s debut collection, Eternal Migrant, has a poem titled ‘Stray Cat.’ He writes: He only stays sometimes unmoved outside my window gazing into my walls with … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Trivandrum Zoo – Aren’t We All Wild Animals Living in a Caged World?

Travel Diaries: Connemara Market & an Adoration at Palayam Church

September 16, 2025, Tuesday Day 7/30. For those wondering what happened to Days 4, 5, & 6 in Trivandrum, here goes. On September 13, I stayed at my hostel, working on my freelance project and personal write-ups. On the 14th, I went home, spent two days with my family, and returned to Trivandrum only on … Continue reading Travel Diaries: Connemara Market & an Adoration at Palayam Church