The Nostalgia of Home Flavors..!

Much after we have moved on in our lives, the home we have lived in, is almost like a second skin, in whose memories we often, carry ahead all what we have learnt.

..Cooking at Vidya Niwas, Dharamsala, was only carrying on the tradition of good hospitality and sharing of food and recipes. On Many occasions, I have served the 'roast' on the table and allowed my guests the honor of garnishing and tasting the meal themselves..it has taught me, to understand not only, the flavors which favor the tongue of many global travellers, but also somewhere deep left a desire.

As the days go by, we hope the young, who have visited us and my children, will carry this pleasure forward..hosting and teaching on the table is an exercise of the heart, which can heal you and others with its thanks giving joy..!!

Dalai Lama Dharma Chat..India Miniguide, 2102

07th January, 2012.." You could do with my warmth, said the Chimney to 'The Chair' !


The laughing Karma at Vidya Niwas, Dharamsala is many times, the underlying enjoyment of our guest's vacations in the Dalai Lama's town. While we always talk of technology and a courageous spirit, which can face the storms of life and move on, towards its goal..it by no means undermines the permanence of human bondage whcih is, sweetened by love, laughter and sharing concerns. An old shawl, ancient in its design, eternity in its memory of my mother who gifted it to me, can still on a cold day warm me up with its love.

India travel will no doubt, bring for each one of you, its own moment of 'nirwana'..however, what will stay for eternity are the human relationships you make on your journey and which we hope, will warm you forever..!!

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India Travel - Spiritually Energizing Holidays in India, Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet.

My Mystic Moments..India Miniguide, 2012

There are many moments in our life, where our experiences go beyond the mundane, day to day travelogue. India as a country, always evokes images of spiritual mysticism, but in all reality, like any other part of the world, it can at some invisible stroke of night, touch you beyond the dark !

Years ago as a child, when my father was posted in Agra (UP), we had a colonial house completely out of a victorian romance. In the sun porch facing the beautiful sprawled garden, where every old tree had its own history, there was in the corner an old piano..a left behind from the British Raj.

It was also the time, when I was learning classical music, studying in one of the oldest convent schools of India, St. Patrick. There were scenes every day with my music teacher as, my Hindi was nothing to write home about ! My teacher in exasperation, would throw up his arms and ask for the blessing of the muse for me, every time I struck a wrong note !..Then one day late in the night, when I was all alone with my grandfather, we heard the melody of the piano. It seemed very close to Raag 'Behrawi', which was not my favorite, as I always chose the more ambivalent 'Raags'- 'Bahaar n Malhar'. This happened nearly everyday and I was soon scripting to all my friends of a 'haunted house', which chose to educate me in my musical skills.

Then one day,as I was reading in the sun porch, I heard an almost beseeching 'meow' behind me..and lo and behold, there was our house cat sitting on the piano playing with the keys..the mystery was solved but, a mystical moment was etched in my life forever !

The comical mysticism of my childhood has found, place in my website..,Dalai Lama , Dharamsala Travel - Spiritually Energizing Holidays in India, Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet. , as my mystic moments. We hope you can enjoy them as you pen a few of your own.

Sun,Energy &Attitude Dharamsala!

We often drink in the energy of the Sun...It is a bright sunshine gold exquisite to the touch of our hands! It teaches us to reach out and catch,what cannot be bought in any market.

Even as the cold wind whistling on the roof top of Vidya Niwas, in Dharamsala circled around us,there was a gust of Sun Energy& Attitude in the Surya Namaskar we learned from the Yoga guru.....with much to follow as the days went by...quick on the calender and forever etched in our minds!

18th December 2011 :- Guests sharing diary notes in Vidya Niwas

Healing Bonds 2011

There are so many bonds which can bind us in so many different ways..Healing, must always be from the Heart, which very often sings its own song. Who can know why when we return tired from work, a steaming kettle on the fire can welcome us..we know not the magic of the stars on a dark night which can set dreams ablaze !

A comforting touch..a loving caress, even a long distance phone call from a near one, can be in itself the whole essence of a Healing Bond..!!