84: Pondicherry - A Short History with Aditi Sriram

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

enMarch 14, 2024

Kannur with Muhammed Shihad

Winners of the GIVEAWAY of Anmol’s book - Wanderings in the Land of Mist - A complete story of Mussoorie! : Arjun Harish & Vijaya Bhat

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to founder of Kannur City Heritage Foundation, Muhammed Shihad as he takes us to Kannur!

Today's destination: Kannur, Kerala

Nearest Airport: Kannur international airport (CNN)

Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Railway station, CAN

Packing: Pack light clothes for humid weather

Time of the year: Dec-Feb

Length of the itinerary: 3-4 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Shihad talks about the history of Kannur, previously known as Canonore and its significance as a port city.
We talk about the Mapilla bay, the origin of its name and the various travellers who visited including Marco Polo, Fahien and Ibn Batuta
We also discuss the St. Angelo fort, the history of all the three colonial powers who rule there and a recent discovery of cannonballs in the premises.
Shihad also talks about the St. John’s anglican church which is nearby and the rich archives it holds.
Our next stop is the Arakkal museum as we talk about the only muslim sultanate of kerala, their allies, the matrilineal system of succession they follow and much more.
Finally we chat about the mouthwatering cuisine of Kannur as well as the cultural festivities like Theyyam.

Links:

Whatsapp: +91 8377024979

Email: mail@cityheritage.in

Link to website: www.cityheritage.in

Link to Kannur City Heritage’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/city_heritage/

Link to Shihad’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore_with_shihad/

Photo by s.hri on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://www.amazon.in/Wanderings-Land-Mist-Complete-Mussoorie-ebook/dp/B0CG6M5L8C

enFebruary 29, 2024

Mussoorie - A short history with Anmol Jain

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Listen to the episode and answer 3 simple questions linked in the URL below: https://forms.gle/V383GKghqBfarsNi6

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to columnist and author, Anmol Jain, as we discuss his book Wanderings in the Land of Mist - A complete story of Mussoorie!

Today's destination: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, DDN

Packing: Pack warm clothes

Time of the year: All year round, except monsoons

Length of the itinerary: 3-5 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Anmol provides an overview of the origins of Mussoorie, the founding fathers and how the town was established
We also talk about some of the folklore around Lord Balram and his abode in the Bhadraj hills, as well as the temple that still stands.
We talk about Landour, its origins, the convalescent depot, the cantonment and some of its important locations.
We then talk about the important personalities of Mussoorie and their connection to Mussoorie, including

Capt. Young
Sir George Everest
Jim Corbett
General Dyer

We talk about Mussoorie’s infamous title of the “Pleasure capital of the Raj”, the wild parties and the separation bells.
We talk about the urban legends and haunted stories, including the human oil extractors and dancing mistress.
We speak to the evolution of brews and breweries in Mussoorie, including the IPA and VAT 69
We close the episode with some remarkable stories that deserve to be in the movies!

Links:

Link to buy Anmol’s book:

https://rupapublications.co.in/books/wanderings-in-the-land-of-mist-the-complete-story-of-mussoorie/

Link to Anmol’s website: https://anmoljain.in/

Link to Anmol’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anmolj_75/

Link to episode on Landour: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jyTU9Q4fQK8AIkB0mBqbM?si=K_qBTWhzRAKbRKlCRbKrRg

Photo by Soham Kalghatkar on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

enFebruary 01, 2024

Indore and Ujjain with Tushar Shukla

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to our favorite listener and traveler, Tushar Shukla!

Today's destination: Indore & Ujjain, MP!

Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai airport, IDR

Nearest Railway Station: Ujjain Junction, UJJN

Packing: Pack according to the weather conditions

Time of the year: October - Mar

Length of the itinerary: 3 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Tushar starts the conversation outlining the objective of the solo trip along with the points/themes of interest in both the places
Points of interest covered - Indore:

Khajrana Ganeshji temple
Chappan Dukaan
Gandhi Hall
Lalbagh palace
Rajwada palace
Kaanch Mahal

Points of interest covered - Ujjain

Mahakaal
Harsiddhi Mata temple
Chawkhamba
Kaal Bhairav temple
Shipra river
Evening Aarti at Ram ghat

Other places in the vicinity

Omkareshwar
Bada Talaav
Indira Gandhi tribal art museum

Links:

Link to the Thushar’s blog: https://medium.com/@humanprojector83

Link to Tushar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paneldaze/

Link to Tushar’s twitter: https://twitter.com/humanprojector

Link to the blogpost: https://medium.com/@humanprojector83/the-case-of-the-missing-newspaper-a-3-day-trip-to-indore-ujjain-e6b627c9da0d

Photo by Meet Gada on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/57TXGdaPPQCCuJAAtyZDfm?si=JSDsoBSTSZey6WnV9PsTVg

enJanuary 18, 2024

Mizoram with Krishan Insan

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to returning guest, listener and traveller, Krishan Insan!

Today's destination: Mizoram!

Nearest Airport: Aizawl airport, AJL

Nearest Railway Station: Bairabi Railway station, BHRB

Prerequisites: Innerline permit - https://ilp.mizoram.gov.in/

Packing: Pack according to the weather conditions

Time of the year: October - April

Length of the itinerary: 7 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Krishan starts off the conversation talking about the objective of the trip, to experience the famous Chapchar Kut festival in Aizawl, to trek the Blue mountain and visit the Castle of Beuno.
Detailed itinerary listed below:
Day 0: Arrived at Aizawl. Direct flights for Aizawl is available from Delhi/Calcutta/Guwahati Airports.
Day 1: We reached the Parade Ground super early for Chapchar Kut Festival and enjoyed the entire Day there. In the evening we went to a Private ChapChar Kut Celebration which was a ticketed entry and spent the evening there and came back at midnight.
Day 2: We started for Sangau at 05:10.
The first stop was Aizawl City itself, Our next Stop was in Falkawn Village, The Traditions Mizo Village. We spent about 40 Minutes there.
Our next stop at Tropic of Cancer, which was after getting a few pictures clicked here, we moved and halted at Hmuifang Tourist Resort.
We halted again at the Tourist Lodge in Thenzwal at 10:30 and freshen up and moved further. Then we stopped at Tuirihiau Waterfall at 11:00. We trekked further and took a Indiginious Boat to Reach to Vantawng WaterFall Originating Point. Then we went to Thenzawl Golf Course and finally reached Sangau Tourist Lodge at 19:30.
Day 3: Started from Lodge at 05:30. We went upto Thaltlang Village (7KM from Sangau Tourist Lodge). Then we hired a 4X4 Bolero for travel upto Far Pak, 7KM (Forest Rest House) where the foothill starts.
The Blue Mountain Trek.
We started Hiking from Far Pak Rest House at 07:20 and Reached at Blue Mountain at 09:35. We spend 45 Minutes there and started back at 10:15. Reached back to Far Pak at 12:15.
Day 4: We started from Siaha Tourist Lodge for the Castle of Bawinu/Great Canyon of Mizoram. Then we moved to Palak Lake. We spent about an hour there and moved to Phura. Where we stayed Over Night inn Forest Guest House.
Day 5: We started our journey back to Langtlai.
Day 6: We visited Tuirum Li-Nghasih Lui and reached Aizawl at 20:30. We had Dinner in Aizawl Club.
Day 7: In the morning we started at 06:00 for Lalsavunga Park and then We went to Khawpawk Waterfall then we went to Local Market, where I would have preferred to spend more time. Then we moved to Airport See Off I fly to respective locations

Links:

Link to the Krishan’s website: https://www.krishanginsan.com/

Link to Krishan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insankg/

Link to Krishan’s Linkedin: https://in.linkedin.com/in/insankg

Link to Krishan’s twitter: https://twitter.com/InsanKG

Krishan’s previous episode on Tripura:

Photo by DigiLife Siaha on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

email: themusafirstories@gmail.com

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0sfbo4CGkeJJImd1Acx5K1?si=luN1sAtdSo63QvhK_fqTeg

enJanuary 04, 2024

Madurai with Sahana Kulur

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to returning guest, Sahana Kulur from https://vacaywork.com

Today's destination: Madurai, Tamil Nadu!

Nearest Airport: Madurai International airport, IXM

Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction, MDU

Prerequisites: NA

Packing: Pack according to the weather conditions, summers can be hot.

Time of the year: October

Length of the itinerary: 2-4 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Sahana starts the episode with some backstories about her travels to Sri Lanka, the inspiration for this trip - from a world famous architect, Geoffery Bawa to the coolest drink in South Inida - JigarThanda.
We cover the history and background of Madurai as well as the popular legends about the city and its main attraction, the Meenakshi temple.
The points of interest include a visit to

Meenakshi Amman temple - the most iconic structure and soul of Madurai
Koodal Azagar temple - an experience going to the rooftop of a temple and observing the gopurams up close.
Thepakkulam temple - the floating temple
Tirumalai Nayak Palace - the palace of the Nayaka king and location of some very popular songs from Guru to Bombay. The palace has a museum and a sound and light show as well.
Markets of Madurai including the Pudhu Mandapam, Banana market, Sungundi sarees, Madurai Malli or jasmine, the kumkum and the dasara golu or dolls
The cuisine of Madurai includes the variety of idlis and dosas, ragi puttu, Kari dosa, idiyappam, keerai vada, mutton chukka, bun parota, jigar thanda, paruthi paal among others.
Other options include a visit to the archaeological site of Keeladi, Vellacheri doll village and a number of jain caves and rock sculptures

We wrap up the discussion with other points of interest in the vicinity including Chettinad, Tanjavur, Chennai that one can plan for an extended itinerary.

Links:

Link to the blog post: https://vacaywork.com/madurai-travel-blog/

Link to Sahana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sahana.kulur/

Link to Sahana’s website: https://vacaywork.com

Sahana’s previous episode on Bijapur:

Photo by Ben Chobot on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

enDecember 21, 2023

cultural heritage

historical significance

religious tourism

ivm podcasts

travel experiences

Senior Travel to Goa with True Joy Travels

WINNERS OF THE GIVEAWAY (NAMMA BANGALORE), pls check your email for further instructions.

Tanushree Tyagi

Vijay Prakash

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to returning guest, Saakshi Rajat - a traveller and co-founder at True Joy Travels, as she takes us to Goa with seniors!∂

Today's destination: Goa!!

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport, GOI

Nearest Railway Station: Karmali Railway Station, KRMI

Prerequisites: NA

Packing: Pack according to the weather conditions

Time of the year: July

Length of the itinerary: 5 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Saakshi starts off with an overview of True Joy travels - a luxury travel service company for seniors, their USP and objectives. You can check out more on the social media handles of TJT linked below.
We discuss the planning and considerations that go into curating the trip and itinerary for seniors, origin story of TJT.
The points of interest include a visit to

A heritage walk to Fontainhas - the latin quarter of Old Goa
A visit to Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral
A visit to some popular beaches
A trip to Chorao island and Salim Ali bird sanctuary
A boat ride around the mangroves of Chorao island
A visit to a local’s home and cooking session
A stop at Konkani canteen for goan thalis
A visit to a casino
A stop over at fort Aguada and the beach

We wrap up the discussion with upcoming trips and contact info for True Joy Travels

Links:

Link to TJT’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truejoytravels/

Link to Saakshi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saakshirajat/

Link to TJT’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyk7iRYo0Q3l-NreJMjY94A

Saakshi’s previous episode on Majuli: https://open.spotify.com/episode/16TwAz8XY5luMwv3yYsO9r?si=3QfbEnXqRRetZ5bjXa8BvA

Other episodes on Goa:

Riverside Goa - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HeHcX8FwaKiDHge99x5NX

Islands of Goa - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RDLi8SRHdd14TvngVl61H?si=jz8a856xSR-h8nvYNO7csA

Susegad Goa - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SrAaNTHCZfJ4KyuFjY1Tq?si=Nj6tJirJTmyzpCCQ8e-L9A

Roadtrip to Goa - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5qVIaTJi9aVGkG306w94jW?si=swG6hsIARuiFP5n1e194cw

Photo by Mohammad Aqhib on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

enDecember 07, 2023

Namma Bangalore with Shoba Narayan

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Answer 3 simple questions in the linked google form and stand a chance to win a copy of Shoba’s book on Bangalore!

https://forms.gle/3AYKXjBpULeXUJSP7

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks with a author, columnist and podcaster Shoba Narayan as we talk about her latest book, Namma Bangalore: The soul of a metropolis

Today's destination: Bengaluru!

Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

Nearest Railway Station: KSR Railway station (SBC)

Prerequisites: NA

Packing: Pack according to the weather conditions

Time of the year: NA

Length of the itinerary: NA

Itinerary Highlights:

Shoba opens the episode with an overview of the book, her connection to Bangalore and how the book came about.
We talk about the history of Bangalore, including the recent discoveries of hero stones that date the city back to 750-500 BC. We also talk about the myths and legends as well as Bangalore’s earliest trade connections.
We dive into the transformation of Bangalore of the 90s from pensioner’s paradise to the pub city of the 00s, some of the iconic drinks and breweries, the drinking culture of Bangalore, as well as the earliest connections to liquor.
We talk about the monsoon delicacies and snacks and take a quick stroll down memory lane.
Next we cover some iconic neighbourhoods of Bangalore, including Malleshwaram, Shivajinagar and VV Puram.
We cap off the episode by talking about the green lungs of Bangalore and closing comments.

Links:

Link to buy “Namma Bangalore: The soul of a metropolis”: https://www.amazon.in/NAMMA-BANGALORE-Metropolis-SHOBA-NARAYAN/dp/9357024662

Link to Shoba’s website: https://shobanarayan.com/books-main-page/namma-bangalore/

Link to Shoba’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shobanarayan/

Link to Shoba’s podcast: https://birdpodcast.com/

Photo Credit: Namma Bangalore: The soul of a metropolis, published by Rupa Publications

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

email: themusafirstories@gmail.com

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

enNovember 23, 2023

Tribes of Chhattisgarh & Odisha with Varun Suchday

This week, The Musafir Stories speaks with a award winning travel writer Varun Suchday as he talks about time spent with the Tribes of Chhattisgarh and Odisha

Today's destination: Chhattisgarh and Odisha!

Nearest Airport: Maa Danteshwari Airport, Jagdalpur (JGB)

Nearest Railway Station: Jagdalpur Train Station (JDB)

Prerequisites: NA

Packing: Pack according to the weather conditions

Time of the year: Oct-Feb

Length of the itinerary: 7 days

Itinerary Highlights:

Varun takes us on a one of a kind journey to the hinterland of tribal India as he shares his experience spending time with the tribes of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
Varun spent a month living and interacting with tribes such as Muriaa, Maria, Halba, Gond, Dhurva,, Praja and Bonda.
The topics covered during the episode include

Cultural and religious practices
Concept of Dowry in some tribes, hunting and eating practices, forest to table way of life
Guru maayis and the dying form of travelling songs
Haats or tribal markets, things bought and sold in such markets
Festivals of the tribes
Ant chutney and local brews like Salfi
Cock fights and controversies
Places of interest - Jagdalpur, Bastar, Kanger valley national park, Chitrakoot falls, Thirathgarh falls, Dholkal trek, Kotpad, Koraput, Deomali Hills, Bonda Ghati, Dantewada.

Links:

Link to Varun’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdworldstoryteller/

Link to Varun’s blog: www.windsoftravel.com

Link to Varun’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WindsofTravel

Photo by AMIT MAHATO on Unsplash

Follow the Musafir stories on:

Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=en

email: themusafirstories@gmail.com

Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media.

We are @‌IVMPodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

Follow the show across platforms:

Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn, Gaana, Amazon Music

Do share the word with your folks!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.