Travel Stories
For Condenast Traveler US on Mumbai
I am going to Bombay to become a movie star. Why not? Every country in the world, if it is lucky, has a city that allows people to create such gauzy fantasies unfettered by the grim shackles of reality. They thrive and inspire, catalyze personal transformations and fuel creativity, not through wide-open spaces but through vibrant congestion.
For British Airways Magazine on Chennai
Why it is best to land in Chennai at dawn.
For The National Abu Dhabi on the Indian Monsoon
Why the monsoon makes Indians mad with joy.
Whitewater Rafting Story for The National Abu Dhabi
Take Me to the River I am standing at the edge of the Nantahala River within the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. Beside me, clutching my hand tightly, is my eight-year-old daughter, Malu. It [...]
For Destinasian on India
Mountain Magic: Chimagalur: Destinasian: August 2009 I am hiking up the lush Baba Budan Hills of Karnataka, carrying little more than a flask of freshly brewed coffee. It’s a bright February morning and the temperature [...]
For Destinasian Magazine on Coonoor India
A Higher Calling The cool Blue Mountains of Tamil Nadu may not be as sedate as they were a generation ago, but they’re still a very special place, as one returning devotee discovers By Shoba [...]
For The National in Abu Dhabi on sport fishing
The lure of sport fishing A man struggles under the weight of a mahseer caught in Karnataka. Courtesy Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd by Shoba Narayan Last Updated: June 18. 2009 5:35PM UAE / June [...]
For Washington Post on Indian Safaris
The wildlife you see on safari in North India
For Condenast Traveler US on Goa
Once a hippie haven where even India's tightly chaperoned teens could turn on, tune in, and drop out, Goa has lately gone upscale. Living in a trading port for the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Europeans meant that Goans were forced to interact with the outside world far earlier than the average Indian. This has made them friendly but not overly curious about foreigners.
Latest Articles
Red FM Radio on Namma Bangalore
In which RJ Tuhin interviews me.
Hindustan Times: Spectacular Street Fairs
Karnataka, like many Indian states has over 1000 village fairs that take place throughout the year. Most are linked to season or festivals. Bangalore is a miniature in this area and has a whole host of fairs that happen within the city. This piece is about the spectacular street fairs.
Namma Bangalore in FT
About Bangalore in FT. And I am quoted in it.
Namma Bangalore: Rubi Chakravarty’s take
Here is a take on the launch at The Oberoi Bengaluru from self-described "funny girl" Rubi Chakravarti.
Hindustan Times: Goa versus Bangalore
What does it take for a city to catalyze creativity? Which are the global cities known to foster a creative ferment—like Florence did in the 15th century? In India, only five cities are mentioned in UNESCO’s list of Creative Cities.
Wisdom Circle: What does your soul want?
What are you going to do with the rest of your life? These are questions for the ages; questions that every religion attempts to answer. At the same time, these are urgent, immediate questions that each of us contend with every single day.
Deccan Herald on Namma Bangalore at the Bangalore Literature Festival
Where I spoke about the Kannada language and how it shaped my experience of Bangalore.
HT Media on Namma Bangalore at the Bangalore Literature Festival
Where I spoke about belonging and what Bangalore meant to me.
Hindustan Times: tribal goddesses
A long time ago, my friend Gauri Acharya took me to see a fire-walking ceremony. I have never forgotten it and this post is based on that experience. Check out the photos
