the light baggage

Overview: After two eventful days exploring the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, Day 3 in Dirang turned out to be a soul-stirring experience, filled with calm landscapes, spiritual encounters, and warm moments—both literally and emotionally. 🌄 Waking Up to Snow-Kissed Views The day began at Brokpa Estate , our charming homestay in Dirang. As we stepped outside, we were greeted by a bright, sunny morning with crystal-clear visibility of the snow-covered mountains at a distance—thanks to the overnight snowfall. It was the kind of view that instantly lifts your mood and reminds you of the magic of the mountains. 🛕 Exploring the Sacred Circles of Mandala Top Post breakfast, we set off to Mandala Top , located around 30 minutes from Dirang town. At an altitude of nearly 10,000 ft , this unique site is home to 108 Buddhist stupas , beautifully placed in concentric circles. Each stupa is etched with the sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and was built by individual families from the region—m...

🌿 First Glimpse of the Eastern Himalayas Crossing into Arunachal Pradesh felt like flipping to a new chapter — the terrain changed, the air grew lighter, and the landscapes began to breathe life into our journey. As winding roads unfolded before us, we embraced our first experiences in this enchanting state — a soft blend of missed moments, flowing rivers, and mountain calm. 🌸 Tipi Orchid Research Centre: Missed, but Memorable Just beyond Bhalukpong , we headed toward the much-talked-about Orchid Research and Development Centre at Tipi . Nestled along the banks of the Kameng River, this center is a vibrant hub of orchid conservation and research. Unfortunately, we arrived just past the closing hour — 4:30 PM, when the gates had already shut for the day. Though we couldn’t step inside, standing at the entrance and imagining the lush greenhouses, shaded orchidaria, and rows of rare blooms was enchanting in itself. With over 10,000 orchid species , including several rare and endangered...

Overview: Before we ventured into the misty hills of Arunachal Pradesh, we decided to make a wild little pitstop — quite literally — at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. Just an hour or so from Guwahati, this hidden gem turned out to be the perfect curtain-raiser for our northeastern adventure. Where the Rhinos Roam Pobitora may not be as widely known as Kaziranga, but don’t let that fool you — this sanctuary is bursting with life. It’s most famous for its thriving population of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros , and if you’re lucky (as we were), you don’t have to wait long to spot one grazing in the open grasslands. What makes Pobitora truly unique is its incredibly high density of rhinos — they seem to rule the land here. The sanctuary spreads across a patchwork of wetlands and tall grass fields that stretch out to the horizon, framed by gentle hills and the ever-mysterious Brahmaputra River not too far away. Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary Pobitara Wildlife Sanctuary Pobitara W...

Just a stone's throw away from Bengaluru and Kolar, tucked in the serene folds of the Kolar District, lies a land that feels as though it’s been pulled straight out of a fantastical storybook. The Rock Garden at Seethagudda is a mystical wonder that beckons explorers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. With its captivating natural formations, remnants of ancient civilizations, and breathtaking vistas, it offers a glimpse into the past like no other place in Karnataka. Unveiling the Magic of Seethagudda Once the site of an ancient fort, Seethagudda is now a hidden archaeological treasure. Its most intriguing feature lies in the  pyramidical rock formations  that stand tall near a tranquil water body. These oddly shaped rocks, sculpted by the forces of nature over millennia, evoke an almost otherworldly feeling as you make your way through the landscape. The air here seems thick with a sense of ancient energy, and every corner you turn presents a new opportunity to g...

Overview: Nestled in Bengaluru, Gombeyamane stands as a testament to centuries of sculpting tradition, seamlessly blending time-honored artistry with modern innovation. Founded in 2017 by M Sridhar Murthy, a master sculptor with deep familial roots in the craft, this artistic space has become a hub for sculpting enthusiasts, artisans, and admirers alike. With a lineage that traces back over 200 years, Sridhar’s family has played a significant role in shaping India’s artistic heritage, contributing to the courts of Mysuru, Vijayanagara, and even Tipu Sultan. A Legacy Carved in Stone Sridhar Murthy hails from Shikaripur in Shivamogga district, where his great-grandfather, Thippaji, gained recognition for his artistic talent at a young age. Family tales suggest that Tipu Sultan himself commissioned a portrait from Thippaji, impressed by his ability to capture regal grandeur. Over the generations, this passion for sculpting continued, with Sridhar’s father, Shilpi Kashinath, ear...