-
Valkala Is My New Valhalla, India
We headed for Valkala, Kerala, after being interned in the Shivandanda Ashram over Christmas and to my utter joy, I found my future stomping grounds. Valkala beach is broken into two parts. North Cliff is busy and crazy, while South Cliff is a little busy in the center and peaceful elsewhere. Backstory Once upon a…
-
Shivananda Ashram Isolation, Kerala, India
The Shivananda Ashram is actually why we visited India in December, and not just for the sun and fun escape from Northern Europe’s dreadful winter. Sure we wanted to spend Christmas in the sun but also with a touch of spiritualism. The surprise was that Kerala is a very Christian state and that the ashram…
-
Marari Beach Life, Kerala, India
This post is about how to escape from the cold, grey, winter months in Northern Europe via Marari Beach, Kerala, India. It takes place in December and early January. Let’s begin with my general observation. The Christmas holidays in Kerala are quite busy (the state was converted to Christianity by the disciple Thomas in AD…
-
Lachmi Hills Hike in Munnar, Kerala, India
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Munnar, Kerala, the Lachmi Hills trek offers an unforgettable half-day hiking experience. While my initial plan was to ascend Anamudi—the highest peak in Southern India at 2,695 meters—closure by the Forestry Service redirected my adventures to the accessible Meesapulimala, the region’s second highest peak at 2,640 meters. However, updates…
-
A Day (& Night) in the Life of Varanasi
A day (& night) in the life of Varanasi is just that. A casual day spent in the Indian town of Varanasi (also called Benares or Kasi). In this video you will see that the town is the canvas and the people are the unique brush strokes. And every day is a new painting. And…
-
How to Trek the Chamba Valley, India
This is an outline on how to trek the Chamba Valley, India. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a shoestring. Follow the links to dig deeper into the adventure. This is…
-
How to Trek to the Source of the Ganges River, NW India
How to trek to the source of the Ganges River in NW India. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided pilgrimage on a shoestring. Follow the links to dig deeper into the adventure. This…
-
How to Travel from Manali to Leh, NW India
This is a post on how to travel from Manali to Leh, NW India, the hard way. I completely underestimated this scheduled 18-hour ride. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided activity on a…
-
How to Ride to Lamayuru Monastery, NW India
In this post I outline how to ride to Lamayuru Monastery, NW India. It is the oldest in Ladakh, dating back beyond the 10th century. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided motorcycle activity…
-
How to Trek near Leh, NW India
In this post I outline how to trek near Leh, NW India (to the Diga La Pass specifically). I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided adventure on a shoestring. Follow the links to dig…