Tag: Airport & Air Travel

Air travel is a popular means of transportation for both domestic and international travel, offering efficiency and speed over long distances. It has become an integral part of modern global connectivity, enabling people to reach far-flung locations quickly and conveniently.

Farewell to Udaipur — An Epilogue

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes8 Comments

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.

The Journey to Udaipur — From Ranchi Skies to Lake City Nights

On By Judhajit RoychoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes6 Comments

The trip from Ranchi to Udaipur started with a feeling of anticipation. At Delhi’s busy airport, we stopped to enjoy a good meal before catching my connecting flight. Arriving in Udaipur felt like entering a peaceful place after the hustle—the airport was calm and almost tranquil. After a brief drive, we checked into our hotel and began planning the next day’s activities. The plan was straightforward but exciting: a motorbike tour through Udaipur’s charm, exploring its winding streets and hidden spots waiting to be uncovered.

A Corkscrew into Baghdad: My First Descent into Iraq

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes16 Comments

In August 2007, I embarked on my first flight into Baghdad, experiencing a nerve-wracking corkscrew descent designed for safety amidst conflict. Arriving in a war-torn city, I was there to help transform the Trade Bank of Iraq's digital landscape. Supported by a local colleague, I navigated security and customs, witnessing Baghdad's scars of war alongside its resilience. This journey signified a significant beginning in my professional life.

The Unforgettable Journey: Traveling Chaos with Jupiter Airlines

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes4 Comments

In 2007 Baghdad, amidst ongoing conflict, travel became a chaotic ordeal with limited options, relying on Jupiter Airlines. The experience at the airport was a stark contrast to modern standards, marked by disorganization and chaos. Boarding was a frenzied push for space, while flights felt more like overcrowded village buses. Despite the absurdity, this journey mirrored the unpredictability of life in Baghdad, embodying the resilience and determination of its people amidst hardship.

Warli in Transit: Ancient Lines, Timeless Stories, & a Journey Through Art

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents8 Comments

Airports evoke a unique introspection, marked by the transition between known and unknown. While waiting during a layover at Doha, the author reflects on a Warli art mural seen at Indira Gandhi Airport. This ancient art form, practiced by the Warli tribe, symbolizes ancestral memory and nature's sacredness. The mural serves as a cultural ambassador, reminding travelers of enduring stories and the traditions connecting them to India's heritage.

Unexpected Awe: Seeing Palm Jumeirah from Above

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes13 Comments

During a routine flight from New Delhi to Baghdad, a breathtaking view of Dubai's Palm Jumeirah from the airplane window sparked a sense of wonder. The iconic man-made island, a symbol of human ingenuity, is a blend of luxury and functionality, offering opulent villas, world-class hotels, and a vibrant retail hub. This unexpected encounter served as a reminder of the awe-inspiring experiences travel can bring.

Crossing Borders in a Pandemic: My Journey Home Through the India–Iraq Travel Bubble

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes8 Comments

Living between Iraq and India during the pandemic meant months of uncertainty, until a new India–Iraq travel bubble offered hope. With strict RT-PCR testing, smooth online clearances, and efficient airport processes in Baghdad, Dubai, and Delhi, my long-awaited journey home was unexpectedly seamless. Even in a global crisis, safe and well-managed travel is possible with the right systems in place.

Cosmos at Doha Airport: A Journey Through Art, Stars, & Stories

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes12 Comments

Cosmos is a stunning artwork by the renowned French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, located at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. The artwork consists of a large metal sphere covered with gold leaf, resembling a giant astrolabe. The sphere is suspended from the ceiling and rotates slowly, creating a dazzling effect of light and movement. Cosmos is inspired by an ancient Islamic astrolabe from the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, which is the oldest surviving one in the world. The astrolabe was a device used by astronomers and navigators to measure the position of celestial bodies. Cosmos symbolizes the journey of travelers around the world and their connection to the stars.

Luxury & Art: A Layover at Hamad International Airport

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Journeys & Mindscapes7 Comments

During a six-hour layover at Doha's Hamad International Airport, the author discovered an immersive experience filled with art and comfort. The airport features modern amenities, including art installations that reflect Qatar’s culture. Notable artworks, such as KAWS' "Small Lie" and Urs Fischer's "Lamp Bear," create a whimsical environment. The experience transcends typical airport visits, making it a memorable cultural journey for travelers.

khovar wall painting

Khovar: Murals of Memory & Matriarchal Wisdom in Jharkhand

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents26 Comments

While traveling from Ranchi to Delhi, the author observed a replica Adivasi hut adorned with Sohrai and Khovar paintings at Birsa Munda airport. Khovar, a historical mural painting tradition originating from the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand, India, is used to decorate wedding rooms and is considered to bring good fortune. This distinct art form, now recognised by a Geographical Indication tag, reflects matriarchal roots and a deep bond with nature, even adapting to changing times by being created on paper and cloth.