My Trip to the Playground of The Gods – Travel Memories
The road to Tawang felt like a slow unfurling of the world. Each bend opened onto a new valley, each valley a different shade of green, and by the time I reached the district where the Monpa communities live, I had the sense of stepping into a place that refuses to be hurried. My days […]
Shergaon in Two Days — Orchard Mornings, Monastery Evenings, Waterfall Afternoons
“Into the mountains we went, walked along streams of gurgling waters dappled in sunlight and mist. Lost in the forest of old trees, we counted 32 shades of green at a glance while birds with iridescent feathers flit among juniper trees. Climbed steep slopes full of pine and rhododendron to explore ancient ruins. Hopped over […]
The Enduring Romance of Unstitched Garments in Northeast India
I travel to learn with my hands—by touching the warp and weft, by watching how a drape is coaxed into place, by listening to the quiet stories that cloth carries. As a culture travel curator and textile enthusiast, I’ve long been enthralled by the poetry of unstitched garments. In a world ruled by seams, zippers, […]
Journey into the Heart of Assam: An Exploration of Hand Weaving and Artisan Traditions
Since learning to weave from my grandmother, whom I lovingly call Aita, in 1978-79, I have been in awe of the region’s vibrant tapestry. With each trip I make—whether on a solo recce or with guests—I feel like I am stepping into a fresh story woven into the very fabric of this enchanting land. It […]
Why Travel with Curtain Call Adventures: Your Gateway to Immersive Experiences in Northeast India and Bhutan
Julie and her team managed my Guwahati trip brilliantly. Every detail was thought of right from a comfortable stay to transport. They even helped me get a darshan at the Kamakhya temple. And their recommendations for shopping and food were spot on. This is the second time I have had the opportunity to travel with […]
Embrace Nature and Community: Discover the Transformative Power of Travel in Assam
One of the most exciting experiences is when you are invited to celebrate a village festival designed to put their community on the map—literally! As a travel curator, I’ve witnessed the profound impact that immersing oneself in nature and connecting with vibrant local communities can have—especially in the breathtaking landscapes of Assam. Here, nestled in […]
A Rice Planting Experience in the Playground of The Rain
I stood in the cool waters of the paddy field, a refreshing contrast to the humid morning even though the rain clouds gathered above, covering views of Western Bhutan, the high mountains. Vivid green of the young rice saplings stood out in the landscape of flooded mud fields all ready for the planting to start, […]
Eight days in birders’ paradise
Touring across bio diverse hotspots in Assam and Arunachal, here’s an in-depth account of rare bird sightings in breath-taking vistas As we made our way through rain swept hillsides, snowy peaks and verdant valleys on an eight-day birding tour across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, each of us came back with a cache of treasured memories. […]
Plan Your Next Trip : Curtain Call Adventures 2023 Spring Tours (March-May)
I started curating specialized tours and customized holidays in 2017 to the Northeast of India. The biggest delight for me has been the appreciation of children travelling along with their families to experience rustic villages and scenic outdoors, a far cry from their digital world. By highlighting it’s tribal traditions, local talents, textile and food […]
A wedding to remember
A story about an elopement, the marriage that follows and the age-old customs that graced the occasion. A beaming Rajib greeted me outside Imphal’s quaint airport. He is my travel partner for Manipur. As we walked towards the car park chatting about our upcoming textile tour, he mentions – “Now I have an Assamese driver […]