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Lakkar Bazaar occupies a narrow ridge road above Shimla's more famous Mall Road, and on a cool morning in the off-season, you can hear the rhythmic scrape of chisel on wood before you see a single storefront. The name itself is a declaration: "Lakkar" means wood in Hindi, and this market has been selling carved wooden objects for well over a century. It is not a large place. You can walk its length in ten minutes if you don't stop. But stopping is the point. This is one of the few marke...

At the far end of the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh lies Tosh Village, a quiet mountain settlement surrounded by towering deodars and snow-tipped peaks. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the skies feel expansive, and the pace of life follows the rhythm of the hills. Even though the village is at an altitude as high as 2,400 metres, Tosh continues to be the last motorable village in the valley.   With its laid-back charm, rustic wooden houses, and panoramic views of Tosh Gla...

In the golden heart of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh ki Haveli stands tall—a structure of ambition, artistry, and political defiance. Often called the Ship of the Desert for its prow-shaped design, the haveli is famed for its peacock-like roof, 38 uniquely carved balconies, and a history as dramatic as its silhouette. Unlike most havelis in the region, which were built for wealth display or noble leisure, Salim Singh ki Haveli was constructed to challenge authority. Its very existence was mean...

Tucked high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4,270 metres, Hampta Pass gives its visitors an unparalleled experience through dramatically changing views. In just a span of a few days, it takes you from grassy meadows carpeted with flowers to stark, towering snowy mountains. This natural corridor connects the lush green valleys of Kullu with the dry and rocky landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti. Trekking through Hampta Pass isn’t just a walk, it’s a journey filled with nature’s contrasts, e...

Purana Qila sits on a low mound in the middle of Delhi's Pragati Maidan area, flanked by a busy zoo on one side and a national crafts museum on the other, yet the moment you pass through its massive sandstone gateway, the city's honking, relentless sprawl feels like something that happened to someone else. This is a fort that predates the Mughal obsession with symmetry and marble inlay. Its walls are rougher, its history murkier, its stones layered with the ambitions of at least two empires a...

Har Ki Pauri, or "Steps of the Lord," is a ghat in the heart of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, that houses centuries of faith within its stone steps. It is one of the most revered locations in Hinduism, located on the banks of the river Ganges. Pilgrims travel from across India and beyond to take a dip here, believing the river’s waters can cleanse sins and renew the soul. Amid the gentle sound of temple bells, the faint scent of incense, and the steady flow of the Ganga, Har Ki Pauri becomes t...

Jaipur’s celestial masterpiece, Jantar Mantar, was built in the early 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not just an observatory but a testament to India’s extraordinary astronomical prowess. Home to 19 massive instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial, Jantar Mantar offers a fascinating glimpse into how ancient scholars decoded the cosmos. More than just a historical landmark, it’s a living marvel where the mysteries of the universe meet Rajasthan’s rich cu...

Kalkaji Temple, a sanctuary of deep spiritual energy, is located in South Delhi, where the city’s modern pulse meets ancient rhythms. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s an experience. For instance, have you ever wandered into a place and felt its energy pulling you in? Kalkaji Temple radiates that kind of energy. This temple is dedicated to an incarnation of the fierce and protective Goddess Kali, known as Goddess Kalka Devi. With its dynamic blend of faith, history and devoti...

Ever fantasised about getting lost in a land where snow-covered mountains reach the heavens, rivers sing ancient lullabies, and forests become the earth's whispered secrets? That's Parvati Valley for you—a mystic sojourn in Himachal Pradesh where spirituality and nature go hand in hand. But what really sets Parvati Valley apart is its combination of raw Himalayan splendour and deep-seated spiritual power. From hiking and hot springs to ancient temples and yoga retreats, every move here...

The Beatles Ashram, or Chaurasi Kutia, is not just a spiritual retreat—it’s where global pop culture met ancient Indian wisdom. In 1968, The Beatles stayed here to learn Transcendental Meditation, leading to a creative explosion that gave birth to nearly 40 songs. Today, this abandoned-yet-alive ashram stands as a timeless symbol of inner peace, artistic rebirth, and East-West cultural fusion. Where Music Met Meditation: The Legacy of the Beatles Ashram The Beatles Ashram...

Nestled in the lap of a mountain on the banks of the Beas River, along the Mandi-Manali national highway, the Hanogi Mata Temple is a highly esteemed place of worship. Known locally as the Saraswati Mata temple, it honours Hanogi Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati. Some people also associate the temple with Maa Durga. This reflects the dual essence of Durga’s power and strength, and Saraswati’s grace and wisdom. The culmination of divine energy mixed with the breathtaking scenery...

The Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, held at Bharat Future City, Hyderabad on December 8–9, witnessed the esteemed participation of Her Excellency Mahishini Colonne, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to India. Her presence added remarkable diplomatic value to the international gathering, which brought together delegates from over 40 countries. Her Excellency appreciated Telangana’s long-term development vision under Telangana Rising 2047, especially its focus on technology, women empowerment,...

The Telangana Rising Global Summit 2025, held at Bharat Future City, Hyderabad on December 8–9, witnessed the distinguished presence of His Excellency, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India. His participation marked a significant moment in India–Nepal diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation. His Excellency appreciated Telangana’s vision under Telangana Rising 2047, especially its focus on tourism, sustainable development, skill empowerment, entrepreneurship, and...

Panna Meena Ka Kund is a hidden wonder that waits quietly in the shadow of Amer Fort, just outside Jaipur. While Amer Fort attracts crowds with its royal halls and battlements, this stepwell feels like a secret treasure tucked away behind yellow sandstone walls. Walk up to it in the early morning, and you’ll see how the sun paints perfect patterns across the zigzag steps. The steps look like a puzzle carved into the earth, and the still water below mirrors the sky. More than just...

Amid the grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb complex in Delhi, there lies a lesser-known but historically rich monument: Isa Khan’s Tomb. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, this tomb actually predates Humayun’s and showcases the architectural prowess of the Lodhi era. Built in the mid-16th century, this tomb is among the rare surviving structures from the Sur dynasty in India. What makes it truly remarkable is its octagonal design, a rarity for its time, and its proximity to Mughal...

Old Delhi is a street food lover’s dream, where every alley, every corner, and every vendor tells a story of tradition, flavour, and irresistible aromas. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling kebabs, crispy paranthas, and sweet, syrupy delights that have been perfected over centuries. Here, food isn’t just a meal but an experience, an explosion of taste, spice, and culture packed into one unforgettable bite. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Old Delhi’s street food scene is an...

The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that covers four revered sites in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is believed that undertaking this journey cleanses sins and paves the way for salvation ( moksha ). The trek begins at Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River, and continues to Gangotri, the origin of the Ganges. Kedarnath is home to one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, while Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Traditionall...

The sand covers everything slowly in the Thar Desert, but it hasn't managed to erase Kuldhara. Seventeen kilometres southwest of Jaisalmer, this village of roofless stone houses still stands in dry rows, their doorways opening onto nothing — no voices, no cookfires, no cattle. The walls are intact enough to suggest rooms where families once slept, ate, argued, loved. But nobody has lived here since approximately 1825, when the entire population of Kuldhara and eighty-three surrounding village...

Kerala’s rich history finds its heart in Fort Kochi, a coastal gem that embodies the state’s cultural essence and remains a must-visit for every traveller. This historic town is a testament to Kerala’s lively past, with Fort Immanuel—built in 1553—marking India’s first European fort. Wandering through its streets is like stepping into a living museum, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences blend seamlessly, reflected in architectural marvels like St. Francis Church and the Dutc...

Nestled in the historic quarters of Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church is a silent witness to centuries of colonial rule, maritime exploration, and cultural exchanges. Built in 1503, it is the oldest European-built church in India and played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and architectural landscape of the region. A significant marker of history, the church is also known as the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India. Des...

Perched atop serene hills in Tripunithura, Kochi, the Hill Palace Museum stands as Kerala’s first heritage museum and the largest archaeological museum in the state. Once the royal residence of the Maharajas of Cochin, this grand palace has been transformed into an ethno-archaeological museum, offering a fascinating journey through time. Set across 52 acres of lush greenery, the museum houses rare manuscripts, ancient sculptures, royal artefacts, and a botanical garden—a treasure trove...

Mr. M.D. Naidu, Founder & CEO of Pracharam Media and Organiser of the Stree Shakti Pratibha Awards 2025, met and felicitated Dr. Kadiyam Kavya garu today in New Delhi during a warm and inspiring interaction. During the meeting, Mr. Naidu honoured Dr. Kavya garu with a traditional shawl and presented a specially crafted digital portrait, appreciating her impactful contributions as a youth inspiration, public influencer, and strong advocate for women empowerment. Mr. Naidu also...

In a significant diplomatic engagement today, MD Naidu, Founder & Visionary of the Stree Shakti Pratibha Awards , met His Excellency Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, at the Embassy of Nepal, New Delhi. During the 20-minute discussion, MD Naidu extended an official invitation for Nepal’s participation in the Stree Shakti Pratibha Awards 2025 . The Ambassador warmly welcomed the initiative and confirmed that Nepal will have definite representation a...

Mr. M.D. Naidu, Founder & CEO of Pracharam Media and Organiser of the Stree Shakti Pratibha Awards 2025, attended a special cultural evening hosted by Her Excellency Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, at the Sri Lanka Residence in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event celebrated the launch of the unique travelogue, “Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka”, authored by Dr. Anthony Vipin Das and Ms. Vidushi Duggal, featuring an insightful conversation moderated...

Keerthi Foundation, a leading rehabilitation and de-addiction centre in Chennai, today announced the expansion of its treatment programs aimed at addressing alcohol dependency, drug addiction, and behavioural health issues. The organisation has strengthened its clinical, counselling, and wellness services to meet the increasing demand for structured recovery support in Tamil Nadu. India has witnessed a significant rise in substance-use disorders over the past decade, and metropolitan ci...