It is 5 am and it has rained heavily last night in Darjeeling. Stray drops of water which got trapped in the leaves of trees are finally falling in puddles on the road below making a distinct sound as the whole town sleeps. I quietly close the doors of my hotel and tip-toe into the […]
Author: Gaurav
As a child I used to flip the pages of my pocket atlas and explore far off places for hours. Too bad that someone in my school stole it. It couldn't however steal the dreams to travel. Having spend half a decade in corporate job, one day while watching National Geographic, I thought if an American can do it why can't an Indian get paid to travel. I am happy I sold my belongings to travel to Thailand.
When I came back, I was sure what I wanted to do. 'Travel, and live off it'
Write to me on: gauravbhan@gmail.com
Ola! Are you Gurav from India?
I have been shouted upon by a stranger, almost duped into hiring a ridiculously expensive tuk-tuk and hit upon by women offering ‘massaze’. By now, I have all my guards up to slam anyone who even tries to approach me. Having gotten this heartwarming welcome in Bangkok, I plan to drive to Pai, a small […]
Darjeeling: 5 Cozy places to eat
Two things special about Darjeeling are the clouds that float into your room through the windows and the hospitality of its people. I purposefully avoided big restaurants and chose to explore the smaller more cozy ones. Here is what I recommend – 1. Sonam’s Kitchen – This small but neat restaurant is on Zakir Hussain road. There are few benches to sit so you will have to share the space with other travelers. That’s what makes this place so unique. You will eventually end up having conversation with someone. Food: I would not have breakfast anywhere else in Darjeeling but Sonam’s Kitchen. Try number (d) on the menu – Hash brownies, Toasts, Half fried eggs, slices of cheese & tomatoes. Make it go with Darjeeling ginger tea. There is a shelf from where you can pick up any book and read. You can even buy one. They have a dog named ‘Lola’. She may just walk up to you and rest its head on your leg while you eat. Sonam’s Kitchen, Darjeeling 2. Kalden Cafe – It is run by an old Tibetan couple who will […]
Northern Thailand: I know how the clouds smell !!
I see a narrow road going uphill. It is deserted and covered with weeds, and there is a big iron gate at the entrance. Obviously, not everybody goes there. This is what spurs my curiosity all the more. A local juice seller tells me that it leads to ‘Pang Ma Pha’, the highest mountain peak […]