Khiva, in Uzbekistan, is one of the best-preserved ancient Silk Road cities in Central Asia. In this travel guide to Itchan Kala I explore the monuments, Silk Road trade routes, and slave trade legacy of Khiva, Uzbekistan’s walled city. Itchan Kala is the ancient inner town in Khiva city (‘kala’ means ‘fortress’ in Uzbek). Walking into Itchan Kala, you feel as though you are stepping back into the era of the khanate. Narrow streets wind between mud-brick buildings, and heavy

This blog post chronicles a 2-day trek from Kumbakarai Falls to Kodaikanal, in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal reminds me of my college years. Memories of field trips to the hill town come rushing in—endless conversations with friends, walks along winding paths, and bicycle rides around the lake. During those years, I dreamed of trekking from Kumbakarai to Kodaikanal along the old mountain trail. This steep footpath was the main route to Kodaikanal before the arriva

The Tashkent Metro stations are known for their Soviet-era design and strong visual identity. Their architecture combines monumental planning with regional influences. Each station is built around a specific theme. This guide explores the network’s notable stations. Alisher Navoi Station Marble columns, chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, decorative mosaics—you don’t feel like you’re in a metro station; rather, it feels as if you’re stepping into a palace or the lobby of a grand h