The Journal

Everything, written honestly and slowly.

Travel, food, motherhood, and every day moments

Editor's Pick · Journal
A Winter Day at Our Farm in India | Fresh Sugarcane, Peas & Village Life

One of our favourite spots at the farm, sitting quietly under the trees and watching the fields. Welcome to our […]

JUN 2026 · 2 MIN READ

A Winter Day at Our Farm in India | Fresh Sugarcane, Peas & Village Life

JUN 2026 · 2 MIN

One of our favourite spots at the farm, sitting quietly under the trees and watching the fields. Welcome to our […]

TRAVEL

Best Kachori in Kota: Famous Shops You Must Try

MAR 2026 · 3 MIN

After my marriage, during one of my morning rides into Kota city, I noticed something that instantly caught my attention. The streets…

TRAVEL

Pack Your Bags for a Trek in Sahyadris

MAR 2026 · 2 MIN

Planning a trek in the Sahyadri Mountains? Packing the right things can make your trek safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. The Sahyadris have…

TRAVEL

The Pink City of India | Complete Guide to visit Jaipur 2026

MAR 2026 · 8 MIN

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. It was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who was the king…

MATERNITY

Simple Affirmations to Help You Feel Calm During Pregnancy

MAR 2026 · 2 MIN

There are days filled with excitement and hope, and there are also moments when worries quietly appear. During this time, speaking gently…

MATERNITY

Comparison between Breastmilk and Formula Milk

MAR 2026 · 2 MIN

Breast milk is the best nourishment for babies, but there can be situations where parents may need to switch to formula. For…

MATERNITY

Breastfeeding Truths Every New Mother Should Know

MAR 2026 · 5 MIN

As a new mother, the postpartum phase felt overwhelming with advice and opinions coming from all directions about breastfeeding, the baby, my…

MATERNITY

How to Increase Milk Supply: Is It Possible?

MAR 2026 · 2 MIN

The answer is yes. In many cases, it is possible to increase milk supply. Milk production is driven by milk removal. The…

MATERNITY

Basics of Breastfeeding & Breastmilk

FEB 2026 · 7 MIN

Breastfeeding is both a natural and a learned skill for both mother and baby. It takes patience, adjustment, emotional strength, and sometimes…

MATERNITY

Gentle Affirmations From One Mother to Another: Words Every New Mom Needs to Hear

FEB 2026 · 2 MIN

Motherhood changes you in ways no book truly prepares you for. The physical recovery, the emotional shifts, the quiet doubts, […]

MATERNITY

Ajwain Gudh Chikki Recipe for Postpartum Mothers

JAN 2026 · 1 MIN

Ajwain gudh chikki is a gentle, warming, digestive traditional sweet for postpartum recovery. It is made with ajwain (carom seeds), jaggery, and…

MATERNITY

Traditional Gudh ki Paath Recipe – Best Postpartum Drink for New Mothers in India

JAN 2026 · 2 MIN

Traditional Gudh ki Paath recipe for new mothers. A nourishing postpartum drink made with gond, ghee & jaggery for recovery and strength.

MATERNITY

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: Complete Guide for Expecting Moms

JUL 2025 · 2 MIN

If you're on the final stretch of pregnancy, one of the best things you can do to stay prepared is to pack…

MATERNITY

Our Babymoon Experience in India

JUN 2025 · 5 MIN

In the final stretch of my second trimester, my partner and I decided to take a break from to-do lists and hospital…

TRAVEL

Chokhi Dhani Jaipur: A Cultural Evening Experience

MAY 2025 · 3 MIN

Namaste and Khamma Ghani from Jaipur! It rained today, but luckily it stopped by evening. The weather turned pleasantly cool. […]

TRAVEL

Khadakwasla Dam by Bicycle: Scenic Views & Ice-Gola Cravings

MAY 2025 · 3 MIN

After wrapping up work a little early, I didn’t feel like staying cooped up at home. So, I hopped on my bicycle…

TRAVEL

Luxury in the Land of High Passes: My Ladakh Staycation Experience

MAY 2025 · 3 MIN

I’ve been to Ladakh before, the adventurous way. Crammed into a shared cab from Manali, puffed in like cotton in a pillow…

TRAVEL

8 Simple Ways to Stay Fit While You Travel

MAY 2025 · 5 MIN

Long journeys require a healthy body. Frequent travel? That takes real stamina. And if you’re dreaming of travelling well into your 50s,…

TRAVEL

Ramdara Temple in Loni Kalbhor: A Peaceful Escape Near Pune

MAY 2025 · 2 MIN

Sometimes, the best kind of escapes are the ones that don’t need much planning and don’t involve getting stuck in traffic. As…

TRAVEL

From Reality to Fantasy: Ghibli Art of My Himalayan Adventures

APR 2025 · 1 MIN

In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of our Himalayan travel memories, reimagined with a dreamy twist inspired by Studio Ghibli. From…

TRAVEL

Two Days in Mussoorie: Must-Visit Places & Travel Tips

MAR 2025 · 3 MIN

Reaching Mussoorie on a local bus during peak season on a weekend sounds absolutely crazy—but we did it! Do I recommend it?…

TRAVEL

Hidden Trail Near Koyna River

JAN 2025 · 2 MIN

Many hikers prefer trekking during the monsoon and winter seasons, avoiding summer due to the assumption that it would be too hot…

TRAVEL

Top 10 Best Cafes in Manali for Food, Views, and Vibes

JAN 2025 · 5 MIN

Manali is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and of course, foodies. During my time here, I’ve had the pleasure of…

TRAVEL

Dawn to Dusk: Silhouette Stories from Kasarsai Dam

JAN 2025 · 1 MIN

Kasarsai Dam is 30-40 mins drive away from Hinjewadi, Pune. The close proximity and tranquil surroundings make it a popular destination for…

Peaceful Mornings at the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden

JAN 2025 · 2 MIN

On a calm, foggy winter Saturday morning, my partner and I woke up much earlier than usual, around 5:30 am. For days,…

TRAVEL

Harihar Fort Trek – The Not So Dangerous Trek in India

JAN 2025 · 2 MIN

Harihar Fort is a unique trek located at an altitude of about 3,676 feet in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra. What…

TRAVEL

Night Trek to Kalavantin Durg

JAN 2025 · 4 MIN

The moment we began hiking through the pitch-dark trails, relying only on the limited light from torches and phones, with the chilly…

TRAVEL

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Rishikesh: Spirituality, Adventure, and Serenity

JAN 2025 · 6 MIN

We arrived in Rishikesh at 5:00 am, hired a personal auto, and headed toward Ram Jhula. As we approached the […]

TRAVEL

A Day Around Rishikesh

JAN 2025 · 3 MIN

As I approached, the sound of cascading water grew louder, and the first sight of the waterfall left me in awe. The…

TRAVEL

Chaurasi Kutiya Rishikesh, Beatles Ashram

JAN 2025 · 2 MIN

The ashram is vast, with nature slowly reclaiming its space, giving the site a rustic, tranquil charm. It was thoughtfully designed, featuring…

PHILOSOPHY

Selecting the Clay for Skincare

SEP 2024 · 4 MIN

Clay is a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions. It is primarily composed…

TRAVEL

An Oasis in Cold Desert, Deyzor

AUG 2024 · 3 MIN

He welcomed us warmly and introduced himself as Karanbir. He kindly offered us to join him for breakfast, but we insisted that…

TRAVEL

Exploring Ratlam in a Few Hours

AUG 2024 · 2 MIN

I explored Ratlam with my siblings started the day with samosa, kachori and a cup of kesar chai from a local shop…

Dharamshala Travel Guide

JUN 2024 · 7 MIN

Dharmshala is located in Kangra valley at the foothills of Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh. I spent around 4 weeks in Dharmshala…

Hunt for Fiddleheads in the Wilderness

JUN 2024 · 2 MIN

This evening, I wandered into a nearby forest of Manali with locals to pluck fiddleheads, ferns, and other wild veggies. Three women,…

TRAVEL

Justa Lake Nahargarh

JUN 2024 · 3 MIN

When we stayed for a long time at my in-laws' place in Kota, we were pretty busy visiting relatives and doing lots…

Triund Trek – In The Heart of Dhauladhar

MAY 2024 · 7 MIN

As I wrapped up my office work and packed my backpack for the next day, the playful growl of thunder echoed through…

Bai Dinh Pagoda Photoblog

MAY 2024 · 1 MIN

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and what I found most fascinating is the temple and the…

Candid Moments from Vietnam

MAY 2024 · 1 MIN

During my Vietnam trip, I found it very interesting how people go beyond and decorat the bonsai trees everywhere. Sharing some photos,…

Best Cafes in Dharamshala

MAY 2024 · 8 MIN

In Dharmshala, Dharmkot, Mcleodganj, and Bhagsu, you'll find no shortage of cafes with pretty views. Sipping on a hot cup of coffee…

TRAVEL

Coliving and Coworking In The Himalayas

MAY 2024 · 4 MIN

Are you bouncing from one fancy hotel to another, or maybe you're trying to get some work done in a bustling hostel,…

Things To Do In And Around Danang

APR 2024 · 8 MIN

Last night, we took a sleeper bus from Ninh Binh city to Danang, arriving at 11:30 AM. After checking into our hotel…

My Khe Beach Photoblog

APR 2024 · 1 MIN

My Khe beach is a golden sand beach that's perfect setting for a tranquil early morning walk or a serene evening spent…

Everything You Need Before Traveling to Vietnam

APR 2024 · 3 MIN

If it's your first time going to Vietnam, this guide can especially help you plan and remember important things.

Ninh Binh Travel Guide

APR 2024 · 6 MIN

While day cruising on Halong Bay, I first heard that people often choose between visiting either Halong Bay or Ninh Binh as…

RECIPES

Making Gune and Celebrating Gangaur

APR 2024 · 2 MIN

Gune is a traditional sweet snack made during the Gangaur festival in some states of North India. It's the main sweet offered…

TRAVEL

How To Manage Vegetarian or Vegan Food for Vietnam Trip

APR 2024 · 5 MIN

Vietnam is famous for its meat-based dishes. As a vegetarian, I wondered if I could find vegetarian food to eat in Vietnam…

TRAVEL

A Summer Trip to Nilgiris Mountains – Ooty, Coonoor, and Coimbatore

APR 2024 · 6 MIN

Ooty is called the Queen of Hill Stations because it's so pretty, with old-fashioned charm and amazing views. Coonoor is quieter but…

RECIPES

Kadha for Cold and Cough Relief

APR 2024 · 2 MIN

Kadha is an Indian traditional herbal concoction used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate symptoms of cold, cough, and other respiratory ailments. It…

TRAVEL

Photoblog: Felt Right at Home in Ninh Binh

MAR 2024 · 1 MIN

Seeking refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle, we chose Gia Vein District. Anna’s place instantly felt like home to […]

TRAVEL

Blossoming Trails: Our Ratangad Trek Photo Album

FEB 2024 · 1 MIN

Ratangad is situated near Bhandardara in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, approximately 175 kilometers from Pune. It offers breathtaking views […]

LIFE

A Sick Day Turned Creative Escape

JAN 2024 · 2 MIN

Down with fever, cold, and cough, facing a screen to write code felt like an insurmountable challenge. Rather than pushing through, I…

TRAVEL

A Perfect Honeymoon Retreat: Andaman Itinerary for 7 days

JAN 2024 · 3 MIN

Embarking on a journey to Andaman was an experience that held immense significance for me, being my honeymoon trip with my partner.…

LIFE

A Tale of Love and Cows in my Family

JAN 2024 · 1 MIN

As I perused my office emails, the sound of my mom’s voice chatting with someone caught my attention. “Kitni patli […]

TRAVEL

Chasing Dragons and Lanterns: A Vietnam Adventure

DEC 2023 · 3 MIN

Shall we visit the lantern lit charming streets and lakes ? I asked my husband, and after a moment’s thought, […]

RECIPES

Kanji: India’s Traditional Fermented Drink

NOV 2023 · 2 MIN

Kanji, the ancient Indian elixir, has been tickling taste buds for generations. Its zesty, spicy kick and gut-friendly goodness make […]

PHILOSOPHY

Power of Bioenzymes: A Natural, Cost-Effective, and Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution

OCT 2023 · 4 MIN

Say goodbye to expensive and toxic chemical-based room cleaners that not only dent your wallet but also pose risks to […]

RECIPES

Wholewheat Biscuit Recipes

OCT 2023 · 2 MIN

Goodbye to store-bought biscuits and welcome to my homemade ones! Have you ever seen your family enjoying not-so-healthy snacks from […]

TRAVEL

Dressing up for the Colors of Rajasthan: Exploring My Rajasthan Wardrobe

OCT 2023 · 1 MIN

When it comes to colors, how many are too many? Pairing the same skirt with a different top Don’t forget […]

TRAVEL

Udaipur – Where Palaces Mirror in Lakes and History Echoes in Every Corner

SEP 2023 · 6 MIN

My sister and I realized that we hadn’t spent quality time together in a while. To escape the daily grind […]

TRAVEL

My first trip to Manali: A Mesmerizing Journey into the Himalayas

SEP 2023 · 4 MIN

Working in an IT company, as many of you might have experienced, can lead to unbearable work pressure at times. […]

TRAVEL

Enchanted Escapes: Romancing the Hills of Mahabaleshwar

AUG 2023 · 5 MIN

I've been hanging around Pune for the past few years, and let me tell you, I've made my way to Mahabaleshwar 3…

TRAVEL

An Unforgettable Trip To Spiti Valley

AUG 2023 · 9 MIN

Spiti is an absolute wonder, enchanting and otherworldly in its splendor. The name itself denotes its exceptional location, serving as a link…

LIFE

DIY Ubtan

APR 2023 · 1 MIN

Ubtan is a popular traditional beauty treatment that is made with natural ingredients. Here’s a recipe for making ubtan at […]

TRAVEL

The Cold Desert of India, Nubra Valley

SEP 2022 · 4 MIN

The weather gods gave us a hint that they were not favoring us by sending wild winds in Turtuk. Driver bhaiya said…

TRAVEL

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration In The Mountains

AUG 2022 · 2 MIN

I had taken an early shower and cleaned the kitchen to prepare prasad. Ranjan had no idea what I was doing, he…

TRAVEL

A few hours in and around Kota during Monsoon

AUG 2022 · 3 MIN

We parked the car 200 meters away from the bridge and rain showers added a thrill to the experience. Walking to the…

TRAVEL

24 hours in Pink City of India – Jaipur

AUG 2022 · 4 MIN

An ancient Hindu temple located at a distance of 10 Km from Jaipur city with a few natural pools amidst the Aravalli…

TRAVEL

Flowers As It Is

JUL 2022 · 1 MIN

The clouds are back in the Kullu valley of Himachal, the trails are filled with vibrant flowers and I couldn't resist seizing…

TRAVEL

Picnic day at Sajla Waterfall | Offbeat Destination Near Manali

JUN 2022 · 2 MIN

In the past 2 years, it was one of the rare times when we slept at 1:15 AM IST on Saturday. However,…

TRAVEL

Guide to Explore Pangong Lake | Where Heaven kisses earth

JUN 2022 · 5 MIN

Part 1: Packing for an epic Leh and, Ladakh trip (opens in a new tab)Part 2: Manali to Leh Roadtrip […]

TRAVEL

An Adorable Gallery from Streets of India

JUN 2022 · 1 MIN

Sisterly Affection at its Finest, Pune

TRAVEL

Clouds As It Is

JUN 2022 · 1 MIN

Cloud As It Is

TRAVEL

Land of Baltic People, Shyok Valley, and Khardungla | Guide to explore Turtuk

JUN 2022 · 7 MIN

Living indoors in extreme weather of the valley was a thought miles away, I could hardly process the idea of going out…

TRAVEL

Pile of Corpses – Rohtang Pass

JUN 2022 · 4 MIN

Rohtang Pass is one of the highest passes in Himachal Pradesh situated at a distance of 51 km from Manali(3,980 m/13,058 ft […]

TRAVEL

Exploring Leh, The Touristy Way | Guide to Travel Leh

JUN 2022 · 7 MIN

Last night, we fell into deep slumber soon after we laid down in not so comfortable guest house. We woke up at…

TRAVEL

Manali to Leh Roadtrip – Unbelievable Landscapes

MAY 2022 · 6 MIN

Please read part one before reading this blog. Part 1: Packing for an epic Leh and, Ladakh trip (opens in […]

TRAVEL

Packing Bag For An Epic Ladakh Trip

MAY 2022 · 3 MIN

Part 1: Packing for an epic Leh and, Ladakh trip (opens in a new tab)Part 2: Manali to Leh Roadtrip […]

TRAVEL

Jewels of Odisha | Travel Guide to Odisha

JAN 2022 · 5 MIN

Jai Jagannath!Locals would greet you when you are in Odisha. Jagannath is a diety in Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha. […]

TRAVEL

Largest Mangrove Forest In The World, Sunderbans

JAN 2022 · 4 MIN

The mangrove area in the delta formed by the confluence of Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of […]

TRAVEL

Planning Workation In Goa

FEB 2021 · 5 MIN

Consider the below factors while planning your long-term holiday with a 9 to 5 job. Step 1: Decide Destination There […]

TRAVEL

Indian Travelers’ Checklist: Kitchen Essentials

FEB 2021 · 1 MIN

We enjoy eating homemade food while we travel and we have prepared a list of kitchen essentials required for basic […]

TRAVEL

A Day in Bundi, Rajasthan

JAN 2021 · 4 MIN

I am currently living in Kota. Bundi is 40-50 minutes drive from here. It is in the south-east region of […]

TRAVEL

In search of Solitude and Camping at Rai-Ling Plateau

MAY 2020 · 5 MIN

Due to some office work related priorities, I was unable to take out time for weekend travel. As soon as […]

TRAVEL

Getting Lost In Andharban Dense Forest !

MAY 2020 · 5 MIN

Yes, you read it right ! I saw a couple of fireflies videos on Facebook and I couldn’t stop thinking […]

TRAVEL

Bhigwan – Paradise for nature lovers

MAR 2020 · 3 MIN

Bhigwan is a town on the border of Pune and Solapur districts in Maharashtra. It is famous for bird watching, […]

TRAVEL

Nag Tibba

FEB 2020 · 3 MIN

On a random Friday snack break, I asked my colleague – Let’s go trekking !!She replied – Let’s go!Being novice […]

The Mysterious Lake With A Floating Island, Parashar Lake

OCT 2019 · 3 MIN

Two of my office colleagues came up with an idea of trekking to Parashar lake. I pulled my laptop to […]

Early Morning Ride To Sinhagad Fort

SEP 2019 · 2 MIN

I was eagerly waiting for this day, the last day of the semester !! I was balancing my exam preparations, […]

Kataldhar Waterfall Rappelling and Trekking

SEP 2019 · 3 MIN

Kataldhar is a big waterfall near Lonavla in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This waterfall is not very popular because it […]

TRAVEL

Torna Fort

SEP 2019 · 4 MIN

A year back, when I came to Pune I had a long list of forts that I wanted to climb. […]

TRAVEL

3 Days in Sambhajinagar: City of Gates Guide

SEP 2019 · 6 MIN

I boarded a bus from Pune at 9:45 PM and arrived in Sambhajinagar at 3:30 AM. The Zostel was about 1.5 km…