Blog: My Quintessential India Trip Dream

Whenever my father brings up my marriage matter, I tell him I will get married after I publish my second book and complete my India trip. I'm not sure if it's the marriage clause that jinxed my dreams, or vice versa; all three of my plans have been caught in the infinite loop of "wishing" … Continue reading Blog: My Quintessential India Trip Dream

Trivandrum Series: Spellbound at Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery

Ravi Varma's Statue inside the Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery. After the Kathirmudi Trek, I went to sleep feeling like a king, but I woke up like a wounded soldier in a hospital bed, my whole body sore and aching. I rested the whole day, working on my write-ups, only leaving my bed for my … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Spellbound at Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery

Poem: An Argument With God

Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com Why is love always a pain I have to get over? Why can't I ever have a happy ending? But my child, You are love-personified. My living love-letter to the world, The happy ending they deserve. Everything you do Is love-encoded. An infinite reservoir of love Awaits your beckoning. … Continue reading Poem: An Argument With God

Trivandrum Series: Kathirmudi Trek With Appooppanthaadi

Kathirmudi Trek With Appooppanthaadi In the middle of every trek, there’s a moment where you ask yourself: enikk enthinte kedayirunnu? Meaning: what the hell was wrong with me? I could have been chilling at my home now, watching a classic Malayalam comedy like Kilukkam or Sandesham, munching on some mixture or banana chips. Why the … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Kathirmudi Trek With Appooppanthaadi

Trivandrum Series: Exploring Kerala Lalithakala Akademi with a Friend

A wall painting inside the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Trivandrum. September 20, 2025, Saturday Day 10/30. Time seemed to fly. I couldn’t believe I had already spent one-third of my intended time at Trivandrum. Yes, I had covered some important spots in East Fort, Palayam, and Veli by then, but my three roommates, Di, Sou, and … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Exploring Kerala Lalithakala Akademi with a Friend

Trivandrum Series: Shankumugham Beach – A Stroll and a Missed Sunset.

September 18, 2025, Thursday Sagarakanyaka statue at Shankumugham Beach The word Shankumugham literally means conch-faced. Shankumugham Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Trivandrum, partly because of its proximity to Trivandrum airport, Thampanoor railway station, and bus stand. But one cannot disregard the beauty of its golden sand, sculptures, and the stunning sunrise … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Shankumugham Beach – A Stroll and a Missed Sunset.

Trivandrum Series: Vettucaud Church – a Spiritual Bliss 

The Madre de Deus Church, also known as Vettucaud Church. Pi Patel: Faith is a house with many rooms. Writer: But no room for doubt? Pi Patel: Oh, plenty, on every floor. Doubt is useful; it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it is tested. … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Vettucaud Church – a Spiritual Bliss 

Mall of Travancore, & Mahi Bhai’s Inspiring Words

Mall of Travancore in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. September 17, 2025, Wednesday Sitting on one of the garden benches inside Veli Tourist Village, I soaked up all the beautiful sights and the heartwarming moments around me. Flowers in bloom, the toy train, the statues, kids running in the playground, seniors clicking selfies, the banter of youngsters, … Continue reading Mall of Travancore, & Mahi Bhai’s Inspiring Words

Trivandrum Series: Veli Tourist Village – a Lake, a Missing Estuary, and a Toy Train. 

“In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still.” ― Pico Iyer, The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Veli Tourist Village – a Lake, a Missing Estuary, and a Toy Train. 

Trivandrum Series: Akkulam Bridge – Water Hyacinths & a Ragpicker 

Akkulam Lake in Trivandrum - partially covered with the curly greens of water hyacinths. September 17, 2025, Wednesday I had just finished window-shopping at Trivandrum Lulu Mall and eaten a quick lunch, but I was still hungry. Next on my list was a bridge over the Akkulam Lake in Trivandrum. This spot was on the … Continue reading Trivandrum Series: Akkulam Bridge – Water Hyacinths & a Ragpicker 

Window Shopping at Trivandrum Lulu Mall

September 17, 2025, Wednesday Lost in the scale of it all. Lulu Mall Trivandrum. Day 8/30 at Trivandrum. I had pondered whether or not to visit the Lulu Mall during my Trivandrum travel days, and even if I visited it, to skip writing a blog about it. Now, even as I write, I’m contemplating never … Continue reading Window Shopping at Trivandrum Lulu Mall