Mesa Verde National Park, CO

A must see National Park in southwest Colarado - home to the Anasazi tribe.

Panoramic View of Cliff Palace Mesa Verde

A historic park that boasts of spectacular cliff dwellings. Here are some photographs of the 'Cliff Palace"taken during the walking tour in 2009.

Cliff Palace upclose

Testament to the life of the Anasazis

Original Photo Credits: Adrish (please do not reproduce)

I fancy history and so driving to Mesa Verde more than once from the Bay Area was something I wasn't surprised I was doing. During our first trip in 2007, we were fortunate to have found a reservation inside the park at FarView Lodge. The food at the restaurant was outstanding and to date we remember the "game of day" entree that we had ordered. This place is on the pricier side but given its location that would be reasonably acceptable to most tourists.

During our first trip we realized that from the entrance gate, the tourist center is a good ~25 mile uphill drive and takes about an hour to navigate through the winding roads. So remember if you are planning to get there in the evening, try to make it before dark!

Our other two stays have been at the Budget Inn Hotel (with full kitchen) in Cortez, about 10 miles west of the park entrance. We absolutely loved this place and so did our parents who were able to unwind here with some home made food.

Despite the multiple trips to Mesa Verde I have never had enough time to do the Balcony House - that remains on my 'to do' list even today! So if you are planning on seeing everything that the park offers keep 3-4 days in hand.

Mesa Verde is 2 hours drive from the Arches National Park and if you are planning a holiday in Moab, Utah keep this place in mind. Mesa Verde is worth every minute of your trip!!

Santiniketan, Birbhum, WB, India

Santiniketan - the land of two nobel laureates - Rabindranath Tagore and Amartya Sen - of literature and economics!!

This is my favorite destination in the entire world not only because I have a home here but because it gives me the most desired perspective of how life can be kept as simple as we want it to be.

The locals on a routine day of their lives

A 4-hour road trip from Kolkata or a 3-hour train ride from Howrah or Sealdah - pick your choice - both have their own charm. A good time to visit to get a feel for the sheer rural culture of Birbhum is Poush Mela (last week of december) or Dol Jatra (Holi). It gets crowded but thats what gives you the real experience. From Tagore to Baul songs - Santiniketan stands tall in preserving the cultural heritage of Bengal.

Sriniketan Road

The vast greenery enroute

Kantha Stitched Scarf on Tassar Silk

Poush Mela has been my favorite and most of my home decor comes all the way from the talented rural artisans - gives my home the vibrant hues and colors - much needed in our fast paced life. Dont miss the famous Birbhum posto that most bengalis would die for! And also remember to pick up a "kantha" embroidered clothing or bedsheet or anything else you fancy from the street-lined vendors in the town - I personally go to Bhubandanga.


Khwai-er mela is also a popular hangout for Saturday afternoons  - plenty to eat (mostly the delighful bhaja's) and buy.

I have always enjoyed the very homely & absolutely delicious hot food served at Banalakshmi which is slightly off the beaten track. Also brought back bottles and bottles of ghee and aachar from their store.

Am sharing some snapshots of our road trip from Kolkata to Santiniketan that we make almost every year.

Photo Credit: Adrish (please respect originality by not reproducing these photographs for any commercial or personal purposes)

Kantha Stitched Scarf on Tassar Silk

Khwai (ravine)

Poush Mela

Disclaimer: Please do not consider any specific information as any sort of "recommendation". This is only a personal memo that I am sharing on the internet - the views and opinions are solely from my personal experience and may or may not align with yours.

Weekend Getaway in Sequoia National Forest, CA

Cant take too many days off and have already been to most of the favorite destinations (maybe several times) in the area - a common problem with many in the Bay Area including us. 

Maybe I have an answer for you?

Poso Guard Station Cabin was a real find - at 4500 feet - a small cabin beautifully located with views of the San Joaquin valley in the Sequoia National Monument area. A dream destination if you are ready to stay away from internet, telephone and just be with yourself, your family, friends, beer, and nature.

Do you see the serenity here?

Poso Guard Station Cabin

The cabin needs you to bring your own bedding, toiletries including toilet paper, and kitchen items (including trash bags and paper towels). It is a cozy cabin with heating and 1 bedroom + 1 bathroom - so not strictly rustic. There is plenty of space outside to pitch tents and enjoy nights of campfire. You will need to take ample firewood in your car(s). The cabin maybe booked online. 

Plenty of hiking areas around and a pretty drive to Lake Isabella during the day.

It is ~5 hours drive from the Bay Area and well worth a long weekend trip. 

Remember - the closest gas station is miles away - maybe ~45-60 mins drive away so keep your fuel tank happy and full!! maybe carry an extra can if you have one!! Always better to be safe when on a fun trip....

Enjoy the pics taken from our visit in April 2011 (April is a little cold given the elevation) and if you are inspired to make a trip from reading this blog do leave me a note - will be much appreciated!!

A View of the San Joaquin Valley from the Cabin

Sunset @

San Joaquin Valley 

Campfire being readied for a long night of fun  

The pretty Cabin itself!!

Cabin entrance view