Travel Inspiration, Relaxing Music and More!

Ranganathittu is a bird sanctuary that can be visited throughout the year by bird lovers. Easily accessible from Bangalore, enroute to Mysore, visiting this place is a great option for both children and adults. Visitors experience the excitement of a boat ride that takes them within touching distance of the birds as marsh crocodiles bask in the sun. It’s a delight watching the winged visitors making happy forays into the water. November heralds in the winter migrants who stay put until March, adding to the already numerous varieties of birds one can see here. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is about 40 acres and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river. Ranganathittu is located three kilometers away from the historic town of Srirangapatna and 16 kilometres north of Mysore. The process of the formation of this sanctuary started in 1648, culminating with the noted ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali observing that the isles there formed an important nesting ground for birds,...

The Biligirirangana Hills (B R hills) along with the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (M M Hills) range forms a distinctly unusual ridge running north-south amidst the plains of Bangalore. B R Hills is a hill range situated in south-eastern Karnataka, India. Being at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the sanctuary is home to eco-systems that are unique to both the mountain ranges. The hills are famous for the temple of Lord Ranganatha or Lord Venkatesha which is situated on the highest peak of the hill range, on the ‘white cliff’ which gives the hill its name. Nearby, the ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara (M M Hills) is a very popular Shaiva pilgrim centre. It draws lakhs of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Amidst dense forest, the temple attracts not only the pilgrims but also nature lovers. The height of the hill is about 3000 feet above sea level.

Narara Marine National Park is one of the rare places in the world where one can look at corals, octopus, puffer fish, crabs, etc without having to dive into the water. It is rich in marine and bird life. It is located in Jamnagar district of Gujarat, India. The best time to visit is from December to March. One can do the 5 km walk when the tide recedes. Great place for nature lovers, families and anyone who is looking to do something different than touristy sightseeing. Note: Good footwear is a must so that one can comfortably wade through sea water.

Pyramid Valley is located near Bangalore, India. It is the biggest pyramid shaped meditation hall in the world. It is also the largest pyramid in Asia. It stands above 102 feet. It can accommodate 6000 people at a time. Various statues of Buddha, Gandhi, Osho, Shiva and Lobsang Rampa adorn the place. Built in 2005, the Pyramid is the ideal place for meditation. There is also a dormitory near the Pyramid which can accommodate 200 people at a time. It is believed that meditation in this Pyramid is about three times more effective than normal meditation. Hundreds of people visit the Valley regularly, every day, to meditate in this high energy Pyramid. The interiors and exteriors of the Pyramid have been designed in such a way as to provide the most conducive environment for meditation. The Pyramid is complete with murals, paintings and statues of Lord Buddha. It provides the perfect ambiance for peaceful and undisturbed meditation. Good greenery around and water bodies sandwiched b...

Shivamogga, located around 350 KMS from Bengaluru in Karnataka state, is a popular weekend getaway especially during the monsoon season. Shivamogga is popularly nicknamed as the “Gateway to Western Ghats”. Day trips to several beautiful places are done with Shivamogga as the base. Jog Falls – a 2 hour drive from Shivamogga gets you to Jog Falls, the second highest plunge waterfall in India (830 ft) and ranked 13th in the world by the waterfall database. It can be viewed from the top view point as well as from the bottom. Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River. While visiting Jog Falls, it is best to pack your own food or have it at Sagar town near the falls. Tyavarekoppa Tiger & Lion Safari – located en route to Jog Falls, you are put into caged jeeps and taken around on a safari to spot tigers & lions roaming in the wild! Beautiful experience. There is a mini zoo as well. Ikkeri Temple – located close to Jog Falls, Ikkeri temple dedicated to the God Shiva was...

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station & a popular skiing destination in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The town is within the Himalayas and is within miles of the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. It’s legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally makes it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Gulmarg has one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The two-stage ropeway ferries about 600 people per hour to and from the gondola main station in Gulmarg to a shoulder of nearby Mt. Apharwat Summit. It also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m. The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there. Roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet c...

Here's the new Fresh Cuts - Episode 72! The best new Big Room / Dutch / Future / Funky House music. Enjoy! Tracklist - 1. Chico Rose & Afrojack - The Bass 2. Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone (CamelPhat Mix) 3. KAAZE - My City 4. Alexander Popov & LTN - Yet To Come 5. Daddy's Groove & Ferdy - Addicted To Drums 6. Loud Luxury - Body On My 7. AvB x Lucas & Steve - Don't Give Up On Me 8. MOTi & RUGGED - La Verdolaga 9. Merk & Kremont - Gucci Fendi Prada 10. Tiesto & Dzeko - Halfway There 11. Dido - Give You Up (Mark Knight Mix) 12. Cheat Codes & Kaskade – Be The One 13. R3HAB x A Touch Of Class - All Around The World 14. ilan Bluestone - Hong Kong 15. Dog Blood – Turn Off the Lights 16. Sick Individuals - LUNA 17. Nikisha Reyes & Gregor Salto - Feeling Wet 18. Mark Sixma - X 19. Don Diablo & CID - Fever 20. Bazzflow & Jarah Damiel - Something More (TUNE OF THE WEEK) 21. Cazztek - Don't Let The Bass G...

The largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet is at Bylakuppe in Coorg District. It is located near Mysore, Karnataka State of India. The Namdroling Monastery, also known as Golden Temple, is situated here. The work on the pagoda of the Monastery is amazing. The 3 gigantic golden idols measuring 18 meters in height in the Golden Temple takes one’s breath away. His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche established the Monastery in 1963. It has now grown into a full-fledged town housing the largest Tibetan population outside of Dharamsala in India. It is the largest teaching center of Nyingmapa – a lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. There are around 5000 monks & nuns propagating the teachings of Buddha. The name “Namdroling” was conferred by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A long, leisurely visit to the Namdroling monastery would take up almost half a day, though Bylakuppe has more to offer in terms of places to see. If adventure and thrill is what you seek, Bylakuppe might not be the best ...

Rolling mountains, roads lined with majestic chinar (maple) trees and the famous Dal Lake wearing a placid face. The postcard perfect city – Srinagar. Indulgent houseboats, historic gardens, distinctive Kashmiri wooden mosques and a mild summer climate combine to make it one of India’s top domestic tourist attractions. Srinagar is the summer capital (while Jammu is the winter capital) of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the Kashmir region. The first thing that comes into mind with Srinagar is the beauty and charm of Dal Lake that defines most of Srinagar. Spread over 15 kms around, Dal Lake is Srinagar’s jewel, a vast, mirror-flat sheet of water reflecting the carved wooden balconies of the houseboats and the misty peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir & from houseboats cruising along t...

The Art of Living Foundation is a volunteer-based, humanitarian and educational non-governmental organization (NGO). It was founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Bangalore Ashram is the Foundation’s International headquarters. The ashram is spread over 65 acres and was established in 1986. The highlights of the grounds are a lake and a central meditation centre, the Vishalakshi Mantap. A very peaceful and calm place. In the midst of nature away from the busy city, this place gives a great peace to mind. The fresh breeze and nature is relief from the smog and pollution of the city. Spend few hours here to gain some spiritual solace.

Shivanasamudra is a small town in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, which forms the boundary to the Chamarajanagar and Mysore Districts. It is the location of one of the first Hydro-electric Power stations in Asia, which was set up in the year 1902. The Shivanasamudra Falls is on the Kaveri River. After the river has wound its way through the rocks and ravines of the Deccan Plateau, it drops off to form waterfalls. This is a segmented waterfall. There are two falls – Gaganachukki falls and Bharachukki falls which is few miles away. The falls have an average width of 305 meters, a height of 98 m. The World Waterfall Database ranked Shivanasamudra falls as world’s top 45 waterfalls among the world’s 100 waterfalls.

The city of Rajgir in the Indian state of Bihar, was the first capital of the kingdom of Magadha, a state that would eventually evolve into the Mauryan Empire. This area is also notable in Jainism and Buddhism as one of the favorite places for Lord Mahavira and Gautama Buddha. Buddha not only spent many years in Rajgir but also delivered sermons here and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill. Similarly, Lord Mahavira, 24th Tirthankara spent fourteen years of his life at Rajgir and surrounding places. During a day trip, you can hire a horse cart and be driven around to see the places of interest. Important ones are Vishwa Shanti Stupa built in 1969 – one of the 80 peace pagodas in the world (the rope way to & fro is a major attraction); hot water springs, locally known as Brahmakund; Venuvana monastery (where Buddha spent some time); Bimbisara’s jail and others.

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India, literally means ‘Meadow of Gold’. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Since the travel was during winter, instead of ‘Gold’, it was ‘Salt’! Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Located in the Kashmir valley, it is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. Located at 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. Thajiwas glacier is a major tourist attraction in the region. Located 7 km from Sonamarg, it is an ideal spot for enjoying a sledge ride on the snow even in mid-summer. The nearby area is a perfect campi...

Munnar is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. It is breathtakingly beautiful – a haven of peace and tranquility. It is the idyllic tourist destination in the state of Kerala, God’s own country. Set at an altitude of 6000 ft in Idukki district of Kerala, it was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations – pristine valleys and mountains- exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests – aroma of spice scented cool air – all these are an integral part of this hill station. The low mountain scenery is magnificent – you’re often up above the clouds watching veils of mist clinging to the mountaintops. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. It also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m.

Gandikota is a place with a combination of historical significance & natural beauty. Its a long weekend activity from Bangalore – and a good drive too. Gandikota is a small village on the right bank of the river Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the ‘gorge’ (in Telugu it is called ‘gandi’), formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft. Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources. Within the fort are two ancient temples, dedicated to Madhava and Ranganatha, both are in ruins and the fort area is full of the debris of ages and many ancient structures in varying stages of decay. The Jamia Masjid has two adjacent minarets. A heritage festival is held every year in fort area. Gandikota is really an amazing place to see. The size and scale...

Here's the latest episode of my Electronic Dance Music (EDM) radio, Fresh Cuts - Episode 71! The best new Big Room / Dutch / Future / Funky House music. Enjoy! Tracklist - 1. Dubdogz, Beowulf & Woo2Tech - Azkaban 2. W&W x Maurice West - Matrix 3. MushrooM - Desert Boat 4. Cheat Codes & Daniel Blume – Who's Got Your Love 5. Low Steppa - You're My Life 6. Wolfpack & Tony Junior - Unleash the Beast (TUNE OF THE WEEK) 7. Bassjackers & APEK - Flip The Beat 8. Swedish House Mafia - Greyhound (ATLAST Remix) 9. Cedric Gervais vs Just Kiddin - Good Things 10. Bart B More - Rave Lab 11. Gorgon City - Delicious 12. Chocolate Puma - The Same Way 13. Leventina - Space Control 14. Travis Scott – Sicko Mode (Ayor Remix) 15. Zedd, Katy Perry - 365 (Zedd Remix) 16. Mr. Belt & Wezol & Jack Wins - One Thing 17. Tchami & Ibranovski - Omega 18. MOGUAI & Luciana - Faith 19. Tiesto & John Christian - Can You Feel It 20. ilan Blu...

Gujarat State of India has a lot of lesser known but increasingly popular tourist spots. One such place is the seven rock-cut caves at Kadia Dungar. These caves are situated near Bharuch. The uniqueness of these caves is the monolithic lion pillars. The shape of these caves suggests that they were Buddhist Viharas which were in use as early as 1st and 2nd centuries AD. These caves have a religious aura in them, which attracts Buddhists and people of other religions from across the world. When tourists go to visit Kadia Dungar caves, they also visit the Brick Stupa located at the foothills, which is dated around the same time. People believe that Pandavas had spend some time of their forest life at Kadia Dungar. There is also a legend that the Pandava brother Bhima married Hidimba here. The monument well-known as “Ghodki Ghadhiyal” is also enchanting. The marvelous style of ancient Buddhist architecture can be seen. ...