What The Koli Tribe Of Purushwadi Has Taught Me

Posted on by under Asia, Food, I have been to, In Pictures, India, Travel

Purushwadi, a village that wakes up to the crowing of a rooster and sleeps soon after the sun has set, was my home last month. I had changed 4 modes of transport from Mumbai to get to this fully sustainable remote hamlet nestled in the Sahyadris. The people of this land are one of the most prosperous tribes in rural Maharashtra – Mahadev Koli. I did not know in the beginning how much I would learn from the simpletons of Purshwadi, but they overwhelmed me with their admirable lifestyle!

Age Is Only A Number (And Old Women Are Pro Farmers)

Advanced in age, this woman still begins her mornings tending to her field.

Advanced in age, this woman still begins her mornings tending to her field.

Every family in this village owns a small patch of land and almost everyone is a farmer. Children as young as 9 help their parents in the fields when their school is shut for summer. It is more common to see women working away on the farms as compared to men. They head to the fields at about 11 in the morning, after they have finished their housework, and return only after sunset. Their active lifestyle is perhaps the reason why they are so fit even in their golden years. It is not uncommon to find grandmothers toiling in the scorching sun.

Animals Are Not Playthings

Cattle are like extended family to the villagers of Purushwadi.

Cattle are like extended family to the villagers of Purushwadi.

I was moved by the compassion that the Koli tribe shows towards animals. Their cows and goats have plenty of open greens to feed on. Their sheds are cleaned and they are given a bath soon after sunrise. Happy cows also mean tastier milk! It must also be mentioned that each home owns cows, goats and hens for its daily supply of milk and eggs. The self-sufficiency of these people cannot be overstated.

Women Can Carry More Than Their Own Bodyweight

Hands of steel carry firewood to run the kitchen.

Hands of steel carry firewood to run the kitchen.

Purushwadi has not seen any of our fancy kitchen gadgets. There are no gas stoves or piped gas connections here. Firewood is used for fuel. It is not unusual to find women along the streets carrying bundles of firewood on their hike up their hilltop homes. What is particularly noteworthy is their superior physical strength that enables them to carry as much as 50 kilos (perhaps more than what they weigh) on their head.

Contentment Is More Precious Than Creature Comforts

The typical kitchen in Purushwadi homes.

The typical kitchen in Purushwadi homes.

I was astonished at how hard each woman works to run her home in this village. Not only do they wake up before anyone else in the household, but also sleep after everyone else has slept at night. Right from cleaning the house and the cowshed to cooking and serving meals to all to packing off their kids to school to tending to their fields to serving their families again to washing the dishes, and more… these women work like superheroes, saving the day for all. And they do all of this with such calm and poise! They ask for nothing in return, knowing somewhere within that their truest joy is in contentment.

Family Is A Gift, Not An Inconvenience

My guide, Balu's mother pounds rice to loosen the husk from the kernels as her granddaughter looks on.

My guide, Balu’s mother pounds rice to loosen the husk from the kernels as her granddaughter looks on.

During my short stay in Purushwadi, the women tried to teach me a lot of things – hulling rice, grinding it into fine flour, kneading a dough, making flat and round bhakris (roti made of rice flour). I proved to be a poor student, but they were patient and encouraging teachers. While all of this was happening, I observed how close-knit all the families are; also, how well the Koli tribe functions as a community. My guide, Balu, told me that his friend would work in his field for the day that he spent as my guide. And Balu would do the same for his friend when it is his turn to escort a visitor. They don’t compete against one another but work for each one’s benefit. The entire village is like a giant family. In stark contrast, most of us city-dwellers view family as an inconvenience that hinders our personal space and freedom. And despite all that we have, we are neither satisfied nor happy.

Authentic Organic Food Is In Little Villages

The ingredients for our meal are laid out.

The ingredients for our meal are laid out.

I would have all of my meals in a village home, and I’d have to walk past several fields of wheat, groundnuts, rice, amaranth and more. Gorak, a young village lad, explained to me how they decide to sow seeds based on what they would like to eat. They don’t do anything in excess. Everything is grown for the family, and only some wheat is stored for emergencies (which can be traded to other villages for money). He also told me that their land is blessed with fertile soil and they also now have proper irrigation, thanks to the dam which brings them the river-water. They don’t use any pesticide or insecticide, and this is where one can have the entire farm-to-plate experience of fully organic food.

Women Are Good Leaders

A female goatherd takes her goats back home in the evening.

A female goatherd takes her goats back home in the evening.

The Kolis astounded me with their progressive mindsets which were quite unlike those I’ve come across in other Indian villages. They don’t prefer either gender over the other. Their aim is to have equal gender distribution. Women here don’t shy away from talking to men, nor do they cover their faces or heads (as is commonplace in most traditional households). The Koli women smartly take on roles that I have generally seen men perform – herding goats, lifting heavy objects, constructing huts, and more. Here, the leadership potential of women is fully harnessed. And that’s something even modern offices have failed to do.

Entertainment Is Not Drowning In A Sea Of Apps

I enjoy the Sahyadri mountains from Matha - Purushwadi's highest point.

I enjoy the Sahyadri mountains from Matha – Purushwadi’s highest point.

It was a blessing not to have any cellphone coverage in this village. I did not have a chance to waste my time on social media. Gorak took me to the highest point of Purushwadi when we hiked up for a nice sunset view. That’s when he told me how he loves to spend his free time. He hikes with his best friend. Gorak is only 25, and does not have the time-and-money-zapping addictions (of gaming or clubbing) of the city-boys of his age. The village indeed is beautiful, not only in how it appears but also in how it has shaped its people.

Education Is Only As Valuable As You Perceive

After a friendly chat with the students of Purushwadi's only school.

After a friendly chat with the students of Purushwadi’s only school.

One morning, I went to the only school of this village. On my way, I saw a little boy running towards the school, a notebook in hand. He was late, and did not want to miss his classes. A village kid can only study up to class-7 in this school and will have to travel to another village to study till class-10. If students wish to study further, they’ll have to go to the nearest town. A chat with one of the school teachers revealed how precious education is to all of them. Teachers travel all the way to the nearest town to access internet required to download educational videos for the students. The respect that these students have for their teachers is of another level altogether.

Did you expect that a rural Indian tribe could teach so much?

Write your answers as comments below! 🙂

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter for more stories on rural India. Do share this article with your friends who have no clue of what an Indian village feels like!

You too can experience Purushwadi intimately through Grassroutes Journeys.

Travel Essentials For Flashpackers – Featuring Urby Wallets

Posted on by under Tips

Over years of travelling by myself, I have discovered that there is a certain thrill in ditching the itinerary and impulsively going off the plan to explore a place that has never been on my wishlist. (I recently spent a few days with the Mahadev Koli tribe in the interiors of Maharashtra, exploring their ancient way of living.) Unplanned trips also mean being invited to a popular place at very short notice. (Just last week, I was at the Rann of Kutch, attending India’s first conference on photo-tourism.) Excitement apart, sudden plans often mean you have to pack real quick and know exactly what you need for the place you’re heading to.

Backpacking To Flashpacking – The Need To Upgrade

Swiss tents are neatly set up in Kutch during the Rannmahotsav.

Swiss tents are neatly set up in Kutch during the Rannmahotsav.

Many backpackers I know are gradually turning into flashpackers – backpackers who travel and stay with a little more luxury than the hardcore backpacker, but are still backpackers at heart (and obviously in their choice of luggage) and not quite luxury travellers. I knew I was on a flashpacking trip when I was invited by the White Rann Resort in Kutch to stay in their Swiss tents fitted with air conditioning, wooden furniture and an attached bathroom (which again was fully functional with running water, bath amenities and all). Although flashpacking reduces the items you’ll need to carry with you (for instance, bath towels and toiletries are mostly provided by the property), there are some essentials which you must never forget to pack.

Travel Wallets For Quick Packers

My leather wallet by Urby lets me store the bare essentials I need before I head outdoors.

My leather wallet by Urby lets me store the bare essentials I need before I head outdoors.

Smart travellers pack light. For short trips, let your bag weigh no more than 7kg to ensure you have everything as carry-on luggage on flights (and avoid wasting time waiting for your checked bags to appear on the baggage belts). Apart from your carry on bag, it helps women to have a small travel wallet to keep on their person at all times. I’m happy to own one of Urby’s wallets for women which lets me carry stuff I cannot do without – my phone, IDs, money, credit cards and a lip balm. The smartphone wristlet is perfectly sized to fit my passport and boarding passes also. There’s a money-sleeve and coin/card pocket inside for organization.

Pick A Phone That Doesn’t Make You Cry For A DSLR

A good camera phone comes handy when you have an instant travel plan.

A good camera phone comes handy when you have an instant travel plan.

When I would travel within the city in Philadelphia, I would often be in a dilemma whether to take my bulky DSLR and the lenses out on every little walk. I also didn’t want to come across as a tourist in a country where I knew I’d be spending a few good months (unlike the regular short trips I usually did). My iPhone really helped me with that quandary by getting me some great shots that didn’t exactly make me run to my DSLR. It is a good idea to invest in a phone with a great camera, especially if you are going hiking and don’t unnecessarily wish to pile up the weight on your back.

Put Your Name On It!

I love having my stuff personalized with my name (it also makes it pointless for pickpockets to steal such things).

I love having my stuff personalized with my name (it also makes it pointless for pickpockets to steal such things).

Personalization is a double-edged sword that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your possession but also avoids cases of it being mistakenly (and sometimes intentionally 😉 ) be picked up by someone else. My Urby wallet has my name etched on it in a golden colour. When you travel to crowded places, you often tend to lose your belongings. The wrist loop makes this wallet harder to lose. The loop is detachable and can be used to latch the wallet to a bigger handbag. The ring that helps lock the wrist loop can also be used to hold a bunch of keys in a keyring. There’s good news also for the men reading this. Urby has a nice collection of wallets for men as well.

Travel Maps Will Never Lose Their Charm

Paper maps are surprisingly really useful even in this generation of Google maps.

Paper maps are surprisingly really useful even in this generation of Google maps.

The joy of walking across the winding lanes of small towns in Europe are not the same without the near-accurate maps that are folded several times over to fit into your pocket. Hostels and Airbnbs are rated higher when they delight their guests with a handy map of the place with points of interest clearly marked out and a big red dot for where the stay is located. It is hard to lose one’s way when a map guides one back home (or at least temporary home). Even though you have Google Maps for emergencies, it helps to grab a map for your self-designed walking tours, especially when you are on international roaming in no Wi-Fi zones.

When You Return From A Holiday

This Urby leather wallet can be stored safely in this clothbag that comes with it.

This Urby leather wallet can be stored safely in this clothbag that comes with it.

As travel bloggers, we often stress on packing and never the need for unpacking. But you must know that proper unpacking is just as important. All your leather bags must be protected from moisture (more so in monsoon) or else they have fungal growth and give out foul smell. Urby wallets come with their own cloth bags with drawstring for long-term storage. This helps lengthen the life of this premium leather product. The same goes for your rucksacks, hiking poles, trekking shoes, etc. Always clean your luggage when you’re back home and arrange for their proper storage so you find them as good as new for your next trip.

If You Don’t Have The Patience To Plan

When I look back at all the trips I've done, the impromptu ones have been the most fun. (Picture from Diu - I wait for the sun to set.)

When I look back at all the trips I’ve done, the impromptu ones have been the most fun. (Picture from Diu – I wait for the sun to set.)

I will never deny the benefits of a well planned holiday. Those are generally more value for money as you assumably have your tickets and stay booked at discounts and know how to make the most of your time. But every once in a while, it feels special to go on an impromptu trip to surprise your own self. You don’t have to go to the “must-visit” places or eat the famous grub of a place. Some journeys show you more of your soul than the outer world.

Have you tried flashpacking yet?

Write your answers as comments below! 🙂

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter for more tips on traveling. Do share this article with your friends who wish to backpack but with some creature comforts!

The Secret Sauce Of A Vegetarian Travel Blogging Marathoner – Hydrolysed Protein

Posted on by under Food, Tips

“You’re Bengali, but vegetarian!? Why? And where do you get your protein from?” I have run out of fingers to count the number of times I’ve been asked those questions. I’ve also had many athletes look in askance at me, wondering if I’ll be able to finish yet another marathon. Then there are those over-chivalrous men trying to help me lift my luggage when I’m out on one of my solo trips – “Let me get that for you!” Why do people not trust women to be strong enough? (Especially when you are not big-boned and don’t eat meat.) Whatever your preconceived notions, you are clearly not asking me the correct question, which is “What are you doing right?” Nevertheless, I’ll be outspoken and still answer that for you – I’m getting my required fix of hydrolysed protein.

How I Prep For Treks

I did the week-long Har-Ki-Dun trek in Uttarakhand's snow-clad Himalayas in 2016.

I did the week-long Har-Ki-Dun trek in Uttarakhand’s snow-clad Himalayas in 2016.

Years of travelling on my own and embracing an active lifestyle have made me fall in love with trekking. And although easy hikes don’t require much preparation except a generally fit body, several long-duration treks call for meticulous planning because you need a lot of strength not only to walk but also to carry your rucksack and ensure you don’t fall ill. While I practise uphill climbing by taking the 26 flights of stairs to my flat each day and get my cardio fix with 40-minute jogs, I know I also need to build up my muscle strength through weight training and a sound diet. It is not easy to get the recommended daily dose of protein (1g for every kg of body-weight) with a vegetarian diet without also increasing the total intake of carbs and fats (I would be overeating if I ate food only with an eye on the protein-count). So I trust the pioneer of hydrolysed protein suppliers in India – Protinex.

Why Protinex?

Protinex - the pioneer in hydrolysed protein

Protinex – the pioneer in hydrolysed protein

While I don’t usually take supplements because I have a natural tendency to eat healthy, my active lifestyle requires that I consume more protein than the average girl with a sedentary desk-job. Hours of hiking, gymming and running can burn a lot of your good calories. And I would never want to be emaciated even if pop-culture glamourizes that sort of body-image. Post workouts, I need a quick recovery drink to restore the protein level of my body. Did you know that a very active person also needs to ensure her body is quick at healing? Lifting weights at the gym can sometimes wear out your muscles, and you need a form of protein that your body can quickly absorb. Your regular food has intact proteins which take time to act as your body first needs to break up those molecules before they can be absorbed. The protein powders and biscuits that Protinex provides have hydrolysed proteins which are sort of pre-digested so they can act faster when you eat/drink them with milk.

Why Even Have Milk With Hydrolysed Protein?

Protinex tastes better with milk, and even better if you have it in the middle of nature! ;-)

Protinex tastes better with milk, and even better if you have it in the middle of nature! 😉

I was talking to a couple of nutritionists recently at a bloggers’ event where Protinex launched a protein calculator to help people gauge if they’re getting enough on a daily basis, and I asked them why I couldn’t just gulp down spoonfuls of their protein powder with water. They told me that it takes a few other nutrients for protein to properly be digested and absorbed by the body, and that is why they always recommend having it with milk. Also, just protein tastes bitter and some milk makes it appetising by adding some flavour to it. My palate has matured with all the food tastings I do in different parts of the world, but it still helps that Protinex comes in different flavours. (I use chocolate! 🙂 )

When You Need More Than Everyone Else…

Rural dwellers who do a lot of laborious work have a higher protein need. (This strong lady is from Purushwadi.)

Rural dwellers who do a lot of laborious work have a higher protein need. (This strong lady is from Purushwadi.)

Last weekend, I spent a few days living in the remote village of Purushwadi, interacting with the villagers as I observed them go about their daily lives full of labour. It is admirable how much a woman works in rural India. The lady in the picture above is carrying logs of wood that collectively weigh over 50kg, perhaps more than even what she weighs! Every such person needs a lot more protein than you and me (yes, even with our gym-hike-run-repeat routines). And frankly, if you want washboard abs and toned arms, go help a farmer in the field!

Rigour Is Rewarding

I got this breathtaking view in the German village of Schwangau only after hiking for a bit.

I got this breathtaking view in the German village of Schwangau only after hiking for a bit.

Ever wondered how I grab eye-popping aerial shots of gorgeous places? No, I don’t own a drone camera. I hike all the way up for beautiful views. The calf-pain is worth it when you can see entire villages and cities from up above. Now, not every photographer can take pictures from the top if he doesn’t first labour to get there. And how will you labour if you haven’t eaten well?

On A Running Spree!

You too can run marathons if you practise regularly and have a balanced diet.

You too can run marathons if you practise regularly and have a balanced diet.

Any new thing is intimidating until you start somewhere. I still remember those days when I struggled to run continuously for even 5 minutes. But years of steady practice has taken me from sub-half-marathon distances to half-marathons to full-marathons (42.2km). I almost cried to the finish line when I did the Delhi full marathon last year, but when I ran the same distance in New York a few months ago, I was smiling ear to ear. And there was barely any sign of pain when I woke up next morning (thanks to the post-run recovery protein drinks).

Do you get enough protein every day?

Let me know through your comments below!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter for more tips on staying fit as a traveller and pursuing an active lifestyle. Do share this article with your friends who need some prodding with regards to their health!

Udaipur Is More Than Just Lakes!

Posted on by under Asia, I have been to, In Pictures, India, Tips, Travel, Udaipur

I used to have a certain vision of Udaipur in my head. I would think the City of Lakes was all about water, almost like Venice. I wondered if I’d have to be rowed to every site. When I finally had the chance to see this Rajasthani city, I discovered there is so much more! Founded by Maharana Udai Singh, the 16th-century ruler of the Kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is a delight to behold! While I barely had a weekend to explore this city, the time was enough to convince me of its uniqueness. Follow my lead to see Udaipur for yourself:-

A Warrior’s Pride – Maharana Pratap Memorial

Maharana Pratap Memorial

Maharana Pratap Memorial

Before you go gaga over the list of lakes you’ll check off your list while in Udaipur, it’ll help to know a little bit about the region’s history. After several years of battling against the Mughals, the warrior prince Maharana Pratap was able to rest a while with his father – Maharana Udai Singh during a few years of peace in the new capital of Mewar – Udaipur. A statue of Maharana Pratap seated on his valiant horse, Chetak, is kept atop Moti Magri Hill as a memorial to his courage and service. From up here, you can get a panoramic view of the Machla Magra Hills and the Fatehsagar Lake. While you hike up this hill, you can also visit the Hall of Heroes Museum which has paintings of Mewari history and large models of Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Haldighati.

Lake Fatehsagar – For Leisurely Walks

You can also indulge in watersports at Fatehsagar!

You can also indulge in watersports at Fatehsagar!

Interestingly, all of the lakes in Udaipur are artificial. They all are interconnected in a sophisticated manner though. Close to the Maharana Pratap Smarak, the embankment around Lake Fatehsagar is ideal for a morning stroll. You might want to indulge in some traditional boat ride or jet off in a speedboat to admire the lush green Aravali Hills all about. For those into vintage cars, there is a museum not far from this lake.

Saheliyon-Ki-Bari: For The Queens And Their Pals

Fountains at Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Fountains at Saheliyon-ki-Bari

When the sun is still not at its peak, take a peek at the fountain-garden which the king built for his queens to relax and spend time with their friends – Saheliyon-ki-Bari. While it might seem a little underwhelming, you might be able to sight some interesting birds in the gardens if you are into birding.

Glide Up To Where You Can See It All!

Cable car ride to Machla Magra Hills

Cable car ride to Machla Magra Hills

If you still wonder how photographers manage to get breathtaking aerial views of all of Udaipur, I’ll let you in on a secret – it’s the hills!!! Get your ticket for a cable car ride to Machla Magra Hills and be prepared to be mesmerized! You can lunch at the cafe at the top after you exhaust yourself taking pictures of the lakes and chocolate hills decked in green.

Lake Pichola’s Palatial Paradise

The Taj Lake Palace at the centre of Lake Pichola as seen from the City Palace

The Taj Lake Palace at the centre of Lake Pichola as seen from the City Palace

It is always a great idea to plan a walking tour after you’ve filled your belly. The City Palace is a fort and a museum that has plenty of stories for the curious visitor. Located by the famous Lake Pichola, the palace allows you to gaze at the elegant Taj Lake Palace Hotel which appears to float on the celeste waves at the centre of the lake. If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, explore the Crystal Gallery which has a dazzling collection of rare crystal artefacts from Maharana Sajjan Singh’s collection.

Peep Over The Aravalis From Sajjangarh Fort

It's windy up here at Sajjangarh Fort!

It’s windy up here at Sajjangarh Fort!

After you’ve spent most of your day seeing the top sights in Udaipur, spend your evening atop Sajjangarh Fort, only 30 minutes from Udaipur. Rent a self-drive car using this Zoomcar coupon code and zip over to the Monsoon Palace which affords you a gorgeous view of the undulating hills. Sunsets will never be so stunning! If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can hike to the surrounding wildlife sanctuary. Who knows, you could get lucky with a panther sighting! 😉

Shop In Old Udaipur

These bags ask to be picked up at Hathipole Market.

These bags ask to be picked up at Hathipole Market.

As if your day couldn’t be more power-packed, there’s more you can do with your time! After nightfall, head over to Udaipur’s Old Town and ditch your rickshaw to walk through the narrow alleys lined by little shops on both sides. Don’t forget to haggle for a good price while you fill your shopping bag with tiny pieces of art, shoes, bedsheets with traditional patterns, hand-stitched blankets and more. Hathipole Market also has numerous cafes and rooftop restaurants that glitter at night and add to the romance of the city.

Kumbhalgarh’s Great Wall – No This Isn’t China! 😀

Kumbhalgarh Fort - the second longest wall in the world!

Kumbhalgarh Fort – the second longest wall in the world!

After a busy first day, your second day should be a relaxed one. Wake up at leisure and enjoy a lazy long brunch at your hotel before you set off for Kumbhalgarh. 100 odd kilometres from Udaipur, a drive of over 2 hours brings you to Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district. This fort is a World Heritage Site and the second longest wall after the Great Wall of China. Only parts of the fort are accessible to tourists, but one can easily see what a marvel this structure is! Maharana Pratap was born in Kumbhalgarh and there’s a museum close to the fort which tells the story of this place through interactive models and a short film. The experience at the museum is quite insightful.

Dal-Baati From The Dhabas

Dal-baati!!! My favourite Rajasthani dish!

Dal-baati!!! My favourite Rajasthani dish!

After the Kumbhalgarh Fort trek, satiate your appetite at a nearby dhaba. Don’t count your calories as you order platefuls of dal-baati and churma! 🙂

Are you convinced yet that you should be going to Udaipur?

Let me know through your comments below!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter for more travel ideas in India and abroad. Do share this article with your friends who’re planning their next holiday, so they can save up on their travel expenses with coupons from CouponsJi!

Have We Forgotten That “Travel Blogging” Is Also About “Blogging”?

Posted on by under Essay, Tips

A few years ago, blogging meant writing long, sincere articles on topics close to our heart. The very word “blog” comes from the term “weblog” which literally means “an account (or log) maintained on the web”. Over time, the wave of “microblogging” (think tweeting, Instagramming, etc.) has reduced this art to a shadow of its former self. These days, I come across a lot of people who claim to be bloggers but don’t have a website or even an article to their credit! Does an Instagram account with a bunch of selfies or a daily addiction to posting disappearing stories of one’s private life justify the title of a “blogger”?

Where Has Writing Disappeared?

Attila Jozsef's statue sits by the Hungarian Parliament building, this Hungarian poet's lines from one of his poems raised on the steps below.

Attila József’s statue sits by the Hungarian Parliament building, this Hungarian poet’s lines from one of his poems raised on the steps below.

I am reminded of the days when writers and poets had the courage and the strength to pen their thoughts down to be immortalized even as foreign armies mortified their will to live. They wrote so much in times of war. We write so little now that we have peace. I was strolling by the Pest side of Budapest one day, taking one step at a time on the cobbled embankment by the River Danube. There, beside the architecturally imposing Hungarian Parliament building, I noticed the bronze sculpture of Attila József, the poet who wrote: “By The Danube” (A Dunánál in Hungarian). A couple of verses from that poem stood out on the marble steps below the steps where he was seated. Is it not ironical that precious writing is engraved on stones and preserved in our museums with the same enthusiasm with which we delete e-books from our phones to make more room for apps that promote narcissism?

Are Pictures Really Worth A Thousand Words?

Lake Fatehsagar in Udaipur entices me to linger here a little longer.

Lake Fatehsagar in Udaipur entices me to linger here a little longer.

There was a time when travel blogging was about painting a picture of the place with the brushstrokes of words. Each article would at the max have a couple of pictures. Fast forward to today, and a DSLR, an editing app and a string of carelessly thrown phrases (as caption) are making photographers believe they are travel bloggers. A famous saying goes – “A picture is worth a thousand words.” I beg to differ. A picture does not show you what your eyes cannot see. It does not tell you of the sounds that accompanied the sights or what the touch of a feather felt like. A great photo may attract an audience, but only great writing can keep them there.

How Should One Swim Against The Current?

Few of us have friends who tell us where we're going wrong.

Few of us have friends who tell us where we’re going wrong.

If you too, like others, are guilty of introducing yourself as a blogger without owning a blog (and no, a Facebook page or a Snapchat / Instagram / Twitter account doesn’t count), it is time you rectified your mistake. Either acknowledge that you only do microblogging or (what I recommend) get your own blog! You will thank me later when you discover the joys of long-form blogging. If writing does not come naturally to you, practise different styles until you know what feels more authentic to your personality.

Do You Need To Be Tech-Savvy To Blog?

Just like saplings that need a pot to grow their tiny roots in, our thoughts need space to fledge in.

Just like saplings that need a pot to grow their tiny roots in, our thoughts need space to fledge in.

Many gifted writers I know do not write on digital platforms because they cannot be bothered with the perceived hassle of managing a website. They are intimidated by the thoughts of getting a design for their site and paying through the nose for web hosting. Setting up your own blog is not rocket science! ResellerClub, for instance, provides pre-installed hosting so you can hit the ground running with zero assistance even as someone with no technical knowledge. Use my promo code – OINDRILADE to get 30% off on all of their WordPress Hosting Lite plans. You also get an SSL certificate free for the first year (the secure sockets layer padlock green sign on the browser assures your audience that your website is trustworthy). Did you know that your site will be hosted by ResellerClub on the cloud, so it’ll be quite fast?

Did Anybody Say “Vlogging”?

If only blogging could be done this way... (The Serai Bandipur's welcome note on a leaf.)

If only blogging could be done this way… (The Serai Bandipur’s welcome note on a leaf.)

A popular argument against old-style writing is the diminishing attention-span of the youth. Apparently, nobody has the patience to read a good, long article! But show them a video that takes just as much of their time, and they’ll watch it till the end. Video blogging or “vlogging” has become the latest “cool thing to do” for bloggers. But can that medium really give the viewer the freedom to vividly imagine a place guided only by the words of a writer? Don’t motion pictures put an end to the imagination by declaring what is and what isn’t? Can videos let the audience stay in their makebelieve world for as long as they wish? The second the clip ends, the magic is gone. Stories woven by the written word stay with people a long while, especially if they’ve taken a long time to read.

Will Blogging Ever Be Meaningful Again?

An early morning breakfast can get your creative juices flowing.

An early morning breakfast can get your creative juices flowing.

As a writer, I have daily wars to wage. Wars against naysayers who think I’m wasting my education and youth. Wars against the millions of mini Kim Kardashians out there who hog most of the social media attention, thanks to the ever-changing and degrading notions of what is “cool”. Wars against my dwindling confidence in my ability to make a living out of a career that I consider cathartic. And also those wars against blank pages that refuse to be filled. Then, I remember the writers who wrote all through all the big wars that have made History such a heartbreaking subject. And I know that the best writing happens in the middle of a war.

Do you still believe in long-form blogging?

Let me know through your comments below!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter for more insights on the world of travel blogging. Do share this article with budding bloggers around you so they can save on hosting costs with my coupon code – OINDRILADE!