Nomadic Tales

Chasing sunsets in Colombo 🌅

Day one in Colombo couldn't have been more magical, standing on the shores of the Indian Ocean, I felt a deep sense of gratitude as the sun gracefully dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with a vibrant palette of oranges and pinks, while the waves whispered their own soothing melody.

But the magic didn't stop there. As evening set in, Marine Drive was lined with small carts selling an array of local treats. The sweet, spicy and tangy goodness of achcharu to the crispy perfection of isso vadai, every bite was a burst of flavor that left me craving more.

While the vibrant colors of the sky mirrored the vibrant energy of Colombo, I felt a connection with the city and its people. It's moments like these that make travel so special – the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, flavors, and experiences.

Here's to the magic of sunsets, the joy of discovery, and the simple pleasures of life on the road. Colombo, you've already stolen a piece of my heart! ✨️

Some Saturday mornings I wake up and crave the soft bun maskas with a cup of Irani Chai and Cafe Goodluck is the answer!

Situated in the heart of Pune, a cherished establishment that has a rich history steeped in tradition and legacy. Founded in 1935 by the late Hussain Ali Yakshi, this iconic cafe began as a modest Irani tea stall.

During its early years, Cafe Goodluck became a hub for locals seeking a refreshing cup of Irani chai and simple, yet delicious Bun maskas. Over time, its popularity soared and the menu expanded.

This place serves as a captivating portal of time travel, transporting visitors to a bygone era through its vintage ambiance, traditional flavors, and timeless charm. Stepping into this iconic café is akin to entering a time capsule, immersing oneself in the nostalgia of yesteryears.

My visits to Cafe Goodluck usually start with a cup of Irani chai served in charmingly mismatched cups, along with the pillowy soft buns slathered with generous amounts of butter followed by 's favorite Chicken Cheese Grilled Sandwich - packed with tender, flavorful chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, a perfect symphony of textures and tastes. The joy of that first bite and hearing the crunch of perfectly toasted bread is unparalleled.

If I am here for brunch, the next order is always the Mutton Keema with Bread and is an absolute must-try. The aromatic and richly spiced mutton keema (one of the best) paired with soft, fresh bread is a gastronomic delight that leaves an unforgettable impression. I am sure would agree.

Last year the whole cafe was painted in a blue and yellow theme from the iconic Red theme (pic 7) but despite the passing years and changing trends, Cafe Goodluck has stood the test of time, adapting its menu while retaining its core offerings, and has garnered a loyal following. Its commitment to quality, flavors, and preserving the essence of Pune's culinary heritage has made it a timeless institution in the city's food scene.

Have you visited Cafe Goodluck? Whats your favorite memory of this place?

As the sun dips into the Arabian Sea, painting the sky with a palette of soft pinks and golden hues, casting a spellbinding spectacle along the Konkan shore. The gentle lull of waves harmonizes with the whispers of a year bidding adieu, creating a poignant symphony of moments.

Standing amidst this celestial artwork, I find solace in the embrace of nature's grandeur. Each stroke of color on the canvas of the sky reminds me of the passing time and the promise it holds.

In this serene twilight, I welcome the arrival of 2024 with a heart full of gratitude and hope. Here's to embracing the unknown, cherishing each sunrise, and letting the beauty of this moment guide us through the adventures that await.

2024 be good! ✨

"

Can you be in Kolkata and not have Puchka 🤷🏻‍♀️

While
and I went shopping,
and found the best Puchakas on the streets of Gariahat ❤️

Just Kolkata things! ✨️

Which is your favourite puchka place in Kolkata?

Is a trip to Kolkata ever complete without a picture with the iconic yellow taxi 🚕

Here's mine 😄

The glimmering lights and dazzling decors on the streets make it extra special during Durga Puja ✨️

Sudden change in plan led way to a new plan and I landed up in Kolkata during Durga Puja. It was indeed the best decision ever!!

Kolkata during Durga Puja is a whole different vibe! 💫

The city transforms into a wonderland of lights, colors, and festivities. Every corner tells a story, and the joy in the air is contagious.

Just another monsoon weekend around Pune!

As the raindrops danced and the misty clouds rolled in, we set out again on some less crowded roads of Sahyadris to enjoy the Maharashtra Monsoons!

There's no better way to savor the beauty of the Sahyadris than by indulging in crispy, piping hot Aloo Bajjis and soft, wholesome Pithla Bhakris on a nippy rainy day (Pic 2)

We stumbled upon a quaint little eatery tucked away in the lush greenery, where these local delicacies take center stage. The Bajjis, deep-fried to perfection, burst with flavors, and their spiciness is sure to warm your soul on a drizzly day.

Surrounded by the mist-kissed mountains and the symphony of raindrops, we relished every bite, finding solace in the simplicity of this moment.

After exploring around a bit, we made a quick pitstop for the much needed caffeine boost - brewed my fav cup of Monsoon Malabar (Pic 3) and drove back home.

Back in June this year, as the first monsoon showers painted the Sahyadris with lush green hues, I embarked on a short drive to embrace the magic of the season. The wind whispered tales of rejuvenation, and the petrichor filled the air with nostalgia. 🌿

Stopping by the roadside, I set up my little coffee corner, ready to brew a much needed cup of warmth with the gorgeous view of Sahyadris. I poured hot water over the coffee, witnessing the alchemy that transforms simple ingredients into pure bliss and enjoyed the beautiful monsoon evening I had been waiting for, after the dry scorching summer of Pune!

This short drive and the simple joy of brewing my own coffee by the roadside is a celebration of life's little pleasures. It's a reminder to cherish the present, to bask in the goodness of the moment, and to find joy in the most ordinary of experiences. 💛✨

During my roadtrip last year, I came across a beautiful beach somewhere in North Goa. This was my first road trip after almost a year.

As we reached the beach, I jumped out of the car and took a stroll around. What a gorgeous set up it was! Sound of the waves crashing the rocky shore, sunlight passing through the dancing leaves of casuarinas and not a single soul around. I was ecstatic to be out on the road after sooo long.

"𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑢𝑝 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 🏕 🤩" Is what I was thinking.

But this isn't that simple. There are a lot of factors that one needs to consider before choosing a campsite:

~ Safety first! So always reach out to your local friends or the people from the nearby villages to know weather camping is allowed at the particular place and is the place safe at night.

~ When camping on a beach, make sure you are at a safe distance from the ocean, considering the tide lines during high tides.

~ If you plan to stay at the campsite for more than a day, choose a site with ample shade.

~ Lookout for nearest source for water.

~ Make sure you do not to set up your tent under the coconut trees and stay away from uneven surfaces.

~ Avoid pitching your tent at untrampled spots like plant filled meadows or a lakeshore. You may cause damage to the scenery that will take years to reverse. Instead camp on smooth rock or bare ground to minimize your impact and always make sure to behind.

~ Think about an emergency situation in advance and make sure you are not too far from civilization. In case you are, make it a point to stay in touch with your family or friends.

What does your Perfect campsite look like? Let me know in comments below 👇

Eid Mubarak!! 🌙🕌💫

Only in complete silence, will you hear the desert ~ Bedouin Proverb