KP On The Go!

Introduction People who are breifly familiar with the history of Deccan or that of the Delhi Sultanate, would easily recall this famous name - Deogiri, a.k.a. Daulatabad. The quirky Sultan Mohammad bin-Tughlaq forcibly moved the capital here from Delhi in 1327, only to move it back to Delhi later in 1351. This quirk was dictated by a logic that Deogiri was located closer to the centre of the Sultanate and would be well insulated in case of attacks from across the Indus. However, the place lacked an important artefact - water - and that necessitated the return of the Sultan. This quirky tale, somehow assumes significance in today's narration as most of Maharashtra faces a severe drought. One can easily inferr that scouting for water, and/or proper planning for irrigation before moving could have offered a better result for the Sultan, saving the logistics of moving the capital twice and in turn, a saving-grace for his legacy. One can also infer that adequate preparation and pla...

Introduction Pondicherry - or Puducherry formally - is the much hyped, former French colony on the eastern coast, surrounded by Tamil Nadu on other three sides. The French aspect of this town is now limited to a select few streets near the coast, while the rest of it would pass for any standard Tamil Nadu town. The Francophile section of Pondicherry is what draws the people here with its grid-pattern streets, art deco walls and laid back cafes. Traveling to Pondicherry is more of an experiential thing, as against other places where you may rush to take in all the sights. The charm of this place is all about the languid and laid back character that it presents to the traveler. -x-x-x- Getting There & About The best way to get in to Pondicherry is via Chennai, located at a 3 hours drive. Local buses - both AC and Non-AC - ply frequently. Pondicherry on the map Once in Pondicherry, you can rent a scooter or a bicycle depending on the comfort level. Scooters are prac...

Introduction Pichavaram is a tiny coastal hamlet located in the Uppanaru river delta on the Tamil Nadu coastline. Its claim-to-fame is the adjoining mangrove forests. These forests are a protected sanctuary - second largest of its kind in Asia - and house a unique ecosystem that thrives in the low-lying marshlands. Pichavaram on the map We did Pichavaram as a part of our Pondicherry trip around the Replublic Day weekend in 2016. -x-x-x- About Pichavaram A major calling card of Pichavaram is of course, the mangroves themselves - and the narrow winding channels (waterways) that pass through them. The forest is also rich in avian life that thrives on the marine fauna found aplenty. It is a common sight to see local fisher-folk waddle around in waist-deep water looking for their catch. -x-x-x- Getting There Pichavaram is located about 15km north of Chidambaram city, 5km off the coastal highway from Cuddalore to Chidambaram. From Pondicherry this distance...