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Continuing my journey to discover India one state at a time, I spent three days exploring Modhera, Patan, Somnath, and Dwarka in Gujarat. I’m not a very religious person; what draws me to ancient temples is their architecture and history. These places were a revelation. I had seen pictures of Modhera and the stepwells of…

Bali—though a part of Indonesia—feels culturally distinct from the rest of the country. With about 90% of the population practicing Hinduism, the Balinese have preserved their traditions and culture, not just in their rituals but also in their deep attachment to their villages, unique architecture, and homes. It was a unique experience to see familiar…

Kohima, Nagaland—so different from what I’d heard. Contrary to popular belief, it’s a peaceful state, home to 16 tribes, each with its own language, attire, musical instruments, and culture. Interestingly, the tribes don’t understand each other’s languages, so they use Nagamese—a fascinating blend of Assamese and Naga—to communicate. There’s little infrastructure to speak of, but…