In the hollow of the wooded hills of the Maikal range, in the wild setting of Chhattisgarh, the Bhoramdeo temple stands its stone structures inherited from medieval times. Built by the Nagvanshi dynasty, this sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva displays its harmonious proportions and its lace bas-reliefs. Between spiritual traditions and ancestral know-how, the site …
Languid on the banks of the Narmada, in the southwest of Madhya Pradesh, Maheshwar offers the image of a city frozen outside of time. Preserved from the beaten track, this city imbued with the memory of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar cultivates a discretion that contrasts with the depth of its history. It offers travelers a peaceful …
Nestled on a fortified plateau of the Vindhya Hills, over 600 meters above sea level, Mandu (or Mandav) is one of the most fascinating architectural and historical gems of Madhya Pradesh. Famous for its hanging palaces, elaborate hydraulic system and monumental Afghan monuments, this ghost city bears witness to a romantic and tumultuous past, immortalised …
Located in the Bastar region (Chhattisgarh), the town of Barsoor stretches along the peaceful banks of the Indravati, witnessing its prestigious past as the capital of the Chhindak-Nagvanshi dynasty (10th to 14th centuries). It still bears the splendour of an era when it was nicknamed the “city of 147 temples and 147 ponds”, making it …
Situated between Jaipur and Agra, Abhaneri, the ancient “City of Brightness” (Abha Nagri), is a historical treasure. Its heritage rests upon two 9th-century CE marvels: the ingenious Chand Baori, a colossal stepwell and true feat of stone engineering, and the Harshat Mata Temple, whose carved ruins whisper of the fervor and finesse of medieval Indian …
Located on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert, Churu is considered its gateway. It’s a city often overlooked, but for the curious traveler, it reveals itself to be a true gem of authenticity. It offers a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of Shekhawati, far from the tourist crowds, and to discover a facet …
Far from the bustle of more well-known towns like Mandawa or Nawalgarh, the village of Mahansar offers a peaceful respite. It is in the tranquility of its narrow streets that one of Shekhawati’s gems is revealed: the “Sone Chandi Ki Dukan,” an old shop housing dazzling frescoes, enhanced with genuine gold and silver leaf. Mahansar …
On the road between Pondicherry and Thanjavur, in Tamil Nadu, stands the Chidambaram Temple, a place where sacredness takes an unexpected form. Shiva is celebrated here as Nataraja, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance, who embodies ether. This peculiarity is the prelude to the temple’s great secret: an empty space inviting us to seek the …
Nestled at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains in the peaceful Pali district, the village of Ghanerao is an invitation to travel back in time. Once a powerful princely “thikana,” located on the strategic border of Mewar and Marwar, this little-known corner of Rajasthan offers a peaceful escape off the beaten track. It’s the perfect …
Nestled in the heart of the unspoiled Kinnaur Valley (Himachal Pradesh), the Narayan Nagini Temple in Kalpa is much more than just a place of worship; it is a reflection of the unique local culture, where Hindu and Buddhist traditions blend harmoniously. Rooted in mythology and legend, this century-year-old wooden temple embodies the spiritual soul …
Rajasthan is not just about the imposing forts of Chittorgarh, Mehrangarh, or Jaisalmer. Beyond these giants, one discovers a multitude of more intimate structures, such as the Rawlas. These ancient residential forts of the Thakurs (local lords) are true hidden gems. Often nestled in the peaceful countryside of Rajasthan, they reveal a unique and authentic …
Located in Nagda, just 20 kilometers northeast of Udaipur (Rajasthan), the Sas-Bahu temple complex is a true architectural gem that never fails to amaze me. Each visit is a new opportunity to contemplate and rediscover these remarkable buildings. These temples are an eloquent testament to medieval Indian architecture and sculpture, reflecting the distinctive architectural style …
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might know that Shekhawati is one of my favourite regions in Rajasthan. It’s a surprisingly under-visited destination despite its exceptional cultural richness. Of all the cities in Shekhawati, Ramgarh particularly caught my attention. Founded in the late 18th century by the famous Poddar family, it …
Nawalgarh is a major city in Shekhawati, a semi-desert region in northern Rajasthan. Founded in the mid-18th century, it became one of India’s most prosperous cities in the following century thanks to the “Marwaris,” merchants who made their fortunes on the Thar Desert trade route and later in various industries based in Mumbai and Kolkata. …
In semi-desert areas like Shekhawati, in northern Rajasthan, water management is vital. Thus, in addition to stepwells and other reservoirs, numerous “kuas” (pronounced kooa) have sprung up throughout the region. With their Persian-style towers adorned with exquisite frescoes, these unique wells reflected the opulence of wealthy Marwari merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. As …
Kotay, just an hour north of Bhuj (Gujarat), boasts the remains of a temple dedicated to Surya, the Hindu sun god, dating back to the 9th century CE. Also known as Ra Lakha, the shrine, although polished by the hot winds of the desert plains of Kutch, still retains its beautiful features.
Located in Rapar Taluka, east of Kutch district (Gujarat) and an hour and a half from the archaeological site of Dholavira, Vrajvani is a much revered temple, especially by the Ahir community. This shrine is absolutely unique in India in that it houses 140 life-size statues of women.
Harshnath, located on the Aravalli hill of Harshagiri, 900 meters above sea level, is the beautiful archaeological surprise of Sikar district (Rajasthan). This group of temples, the oldest of which dates back to the 10th century AD, is still little known to travelers.
It’s no longer a secret, the Shekhawati region is one of my absolute favorites in Rajasthan. Not only is it the native land of my in-laws, but above all it is an inexhaustible treasure trove of architectural jewels. The Khemka Shani temple located in the city of Ramgarh, two hours from Jaipur, is one of …
Nasik, located 160 km from Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is considered one of the holiest cities in India. Not only does it host the famous Kumbh Mela every twelve years, but it is also where Lord Rama of lived for a few years in exile with his wife Sita and his brother Laskhman. On …
