Embark on adventures with Journeys & Mindscapes, a space where travel meets reflection. Explore landscapes both near and far, from hidden local treasures to iconic destinations, and experience stories that capture the spirit of places and the introspective moments they inspire. Whether wandering through bustling streets, serene countryside, or untrodden paths, Journeys & Mindscapes invites you to see the world—and yourself—through fresh perspectives.
Passing through Hamad International Airport, I did not expect to find a sanctuary. Gillie and Marc’s Wildlife Wonderscapes halted my hurried stride, confronting me with bronze sentinels of endangered life. In that fleeting pause between departures and arrivals, art whispered a question that lingered long after: what will we choose to protect?
The journey to the Mahabodhi Temple offered serene moments of reflection during a ritual that honored Siddhartha’s spiritual path. Visiting the Dungeshwari Caves and the Niranjana River highlighted pivotal transformations in his quest for enlightenment. Ultimately, the trip became a meaningful pilgrimage, enriching the travelers through resilience, companionship, and introspection.
The day commenced with health concerns, but a determination to explore prevailed. Visits to the Vishnupad Temple and Mangla Gauri Shaktipeeth deepened spiritual connections. Despite physical challenges, anticipation drove the journey to Bodhgaya, culminating at Mahabodhi Mahavihara Temple. The day ended with a meal, gratitude, and the enriching experience of cultural exploration.
When cancelled flights erased a long-awaited reunion, we chose stillness over disappointment. A quiet journey to Gaya–Bodhgaya replaced celebration with contemplation. Amid crowds, fatigue, and faith, the trip reminded me that meaning often emerges not from perfect plans, but from the grace of acceptance.
In the heart of Erbil, where modern life hums around an ancient hill, history still breathes through stone. The Erbil Citadel — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places — rises above the city like a memory that refuses to fade. Beneath it, the Old Bazaar buzzes with life: men sip tea and smoke shisha under the autumn sun, children feed pigeons, and the aroma of kebabs drifts through narrow lanes once walked by traders and conquerors alike. Watching people enjoy these simple pleasures, time seems to dissolve — and you realize that in Erbil, the past and present are forever entwined.
On September 6, 2025, my sister-in-law Gungun visited Ranchi after family time in Rourkela. On my day off, we explored the scenic Patratu Valley and Dam. Enjoying a leisurely boat ride and exploring an island, our adventure was filled with laughter and memorable moments, highlighting the beauty of family and nature.
Our journey to Udaipur lives on within us, etched not just in photographs but in the quiet stirrings of memory. On our final morning, we wandered through the city once more, breathing in its calm rhythms, as if Udaipur itself wished to soften the weight of our departure. Journeys, we realised, do not end with the last mile or the final boarding call. They remain within us, lingering as quiet companions, reshaping how we see the everyday. Udaipur has become a part of us—its essence folded into our own lives—until the day we fulfil the promise whispered in our hearts: to return.
We found that Chittorgarh offered a blend of history and culture, featuring the serene Kirti Stambh Jain tower and fragrant sarees. We also shared a satisfying lunch of dal-bati-churma with our driver, Deepak ji. Reflecting on our experiences, the journey back to Udaipur was marked by a deeper understanding of both valor and faith.
Every stone in Chittorgarh carries memory, but some rise higher than others — literally and figuratively. As we walked deeper into the fort, towers touched the sky, kunds whispered of battles, and the specter of jauhar hovered heavy in the air.
If Udaipur is the romantic heart of Mewar, Chittorgarh is its soul — fierce, tragic, unyielding. As we drove towards the fort that once stood as the largest in India, I felt as though we were approaching not just stone walls, but a living legend of Rajputana.
