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Books Travels

Ross Island : “Death in the Andamans” in the Andaman Islands

April 8, 2026
Ross Island from the 15 minute ferry from Port Blair.

On the ferry to Ross Island, don’t sit in the front, and don’t wear cotton shorts. That’s what I was wearing when we hit a particularly angry wave, and got drenched. I spent the rest of the 15 minute ride perched on the edge of the boat, in a kind of malasana, thankful to my yoga practice.

Ross Island

Ross Island is an important part of most tourist itineraries to the Andamans Islands. What makes this island interesting is that the ruins of the British cantonment are now engulfed in the humongous roots of trees growing across the island.

The overgrown roots that now overrun the British ruins at Ross Island.

The overgrown roots that now overrun the British ruins at Ross Island.

Although it was scorching in the Andamans, I decided to explore Ross Island, one of the most fascinating historical sites there. It’s a short ferry ride from Port Blair, and should certainly be on your list of things to do while in the Andaman Islands.

I was excited because I was also finally going to do the kind of thing book dreams are made out of – I was going to explore a location I had read about in a book I had loved. A book that had all the ingredients of a thriller – an isolated island bathed in fog, a few murders, good looking officers and intelligent women.

Death in the Andamans

My copy of "Death in the Andamans"

My copy of “Death in the Andamans”

“Death in the Andamans” is a book by MM Kaye, written in 1960. Since I’d read and loved this book, a visit to Ross Island was the most anticipated part of the trip for me. As MM Kaye wrote, “It was a disturbingly creepy place. What my Scottish grandfather would have termed ‘unchancy.'” I had to see for myself….

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Food Travels

2 Undiscovered & Must-Visit Cafes in Morjim, Goa (2026)

March 16, 2026
Happy to see Kalindi appreciate fresh, healthy food.

With Kalindi’s arrival into our lives, things have become a bit more special. We feel like celebrating everything – first steps, to first words, complete sentences, and of course birthdays. For Animesh’s birthday this year we decided to head to Goa for a quick getaway. Kalindi loves sun, sand and sea, and we found a new Greek-style property in Morjim Beach. Over the next few days we also dined at two undiscovered cafes in Morjim, Goa that ended up becoming the highlight of our trip.

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Travels Temple Tours

Shri Mahaveerji Jain Temple: A Family Pilgrimage

November 6, 2025
Shri Mahaveerji Jain Temple in Karauli, Rajasthan in the evening.

I’ve visited very few Jain religious sites, the most notable being my visit to Shravanbelagola.  A few months ago I also got the chance to visit the Shri Mahaveerji temple in the Karauli district of Rajasthan, another important Jain pilgrimage site.

The temple is regarded as a Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra, which means signifying a miraculous site within the Digambar Jain tradition. Lord Mahaveer, the 24th tirthankara (an enlightened spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of birth and death), is the principal deity here.

The Road to Mahaveerji

…began with a plan.

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Pregnancy/Parenting Notes Travels Yoga & Vedanta Philosophy

A Shopaholic Mom Wonders – How Much Is Too Much?

September 5, 2025
Practicing mindful parenting in Sri Lanka.

The “Problem” of Plenty

As people who can provide for their children, we’re constantly grappling with the question: how much is too much when it comes to things? I believe that’s at the heart of conscious parenting, making intentional choices rather than giving in to excess. From the moment Kalindi was born, there’s been no dearth of clothes, toys and general stuff. I remember thinking, we had enough things to last until she started school. A year and a half later, I know that to be true.

A friend of mine used to lament that her family was plagued by ‘the problem of plenty’. Every time I heard her say that, something inside me would instinctively recoil. I wondered how she could complain about having too much in a world where people struggled for the basics. I’d flinch every time I heard, hoping one day she would see the light and find a solution for her so-called ‘problem’.

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Travels

The Thenkani Organic Farm Retreat

January 30, 2025
In good company.

We look very happy here, but just a minute ago we were wondering about the salt in the tea.

Last weekend was our first weekend getaway for 2021.  Our friends were celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary and we decided to make a trip out of it.  As city dwellers we’re always looking for some time out in the great outdoors, sipping some great coffee to the song of early morning birds, and telling stories under the stars around a bonfire.  Although Thenkani Organic Farm Retreat advertises itself as a perfect relaxed weekend away from home, it was anything but that.

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