The Pink Passport

27/07/2026

Almost skipped IITM Bangalore... and I'm so glad I didn't.

I thought I'd just walk around, check out a few travel companies, pick up some brochures, and head back. But the best part of the day wasn't any of that.

It was the conversations.

I found myself chatting with people who genuinely love travel. We spoke about places we've been to, destinations still on our wishlist, hidden gems, food, cultures, and those random travel moments that somehow become our favorite memories.

By the end of it, it didn't feel like I was talking to exhibitors or travel professionals. It felt like I was meeting fellow travelers who simply enjoy sharing stories.

Sometimes, you don't come back with a booking—you come back with ideas, inspiration, and a few wonderful conversations that stay with you.

Safe to say... deciding to visit IITM today was totally worth it. 🌏✈️

24/04/2026

A place that gently reminds you to slow down - Shravanabelagola🤍

📍 Quick Travel Info
Location: Near Hassan, Karnataka
Distance from Bangalore: ~145 km
Travel time: 3–3.5 hours by road
Route: Bangalore → Nelamangala → Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Shravanabelagola

🕒 Timings & Entry
Hill climb timings: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry fee: Free
Best time: Early morning or sunset

🪨 Climb Details
~600+ steps to Vindhyagiri Hill
Barefoot climb mandatory
Takes around 30–45 mins (depending on pace)

🌿 Why it’s special
Major pilgrimage site in Jainism
Home to 1000+ year old statue of Bahubali
Hosts the Mahamastakabhisheka (once every 12 years)

💡 Tips
Carry water (no shops on top)
Avoid mid-day heat (steps get very hot)
Wear comfortable, modest clothing
Take it slow—it’s not just a climb, it’s an experience

03/02/2026

18/01/2026

✈️ My First Trip of 2026: Fort Kochi! 🌴

I’ve always believed that travel is not just about places — it’s about experiences. Here are 5 reasons why I chose Fort Kochi as my first trip of the year:

1️⃣ Heritage & History: From the Portuguese forts to the colonial architecture, Fort Kochi feels like stepping back in time.

2️⃣ Art & Culture: With its street art, galleries, and the Biennale festival, creativity is around every corner.

3️⃣ Coffee & Cafes: The cafe culture here is perfect for slow mornings, good books, and fresh brews ☕

4️⃣ Offbeat Exploration: Narrow streets, quaint shops, and hidden corners make wandering endlessly fun.

5️⃣ Sunset Vibes: The iconic Fort Kochi beach and Chinese fishing nets create the perfect backdrop for reflection and photos. 🌅

If you could pick anywhere for your first trip of 2026, where would it be?

17/01/2026

✈️ 2026 is calling… Where will you go? 🌍

New year, new adventures! Whether it’s hidden gems in your own country or off-the-beaten-path international destinations, 2026 is your year to explore, wander, and collect stories.

Slow travel: Immerse yourself in a city, culture, and local life rather than rushing.

Eco-conscious trips: Explore responsibly — nature and heritage deserve our care.

Mini getaways: Weekend escapes that recharge your soul before the next big trip.

✨ What’s your #1 dream destination for 2026 and why?

Let’s inspire each other! Share your travel plans, bucket-list spots, or hidden gems you’ve discovered. 📸🌄

02/01/2026

✨ Kotilingeshwara Temple | Where Faith Touches Infinity ✨

Kotilingeshwara Temple - One Crore Lingas.

🌿 Why Kotilingeshwara is special
This sacred temple is believed to house over 1 crore (10 million) Shiva Lingas, making it one of the largest congregations of lingas in the world. Every linga here represents devotion, patience, and faith — donated by devotees over the years as a mark of prayer and gratitude.

🕉️ The Main Attractions

🔱 Largest Shiva Linga: A towering 108-foot Shiva Linga, one of the tallest in the world

🌺 Massive Nandi Statue: A serene 35-foot Nandi, seated in eternal devotion

📍 Location & How to Reach

Distance from Bangalore: ~100 km

Nearest Town: Kolar

🚗 Easily accessible by road; a popular day trip from Bangalore

🚆 Nearest railway station: Kolar

⏰ Temple Timings

6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Best time to visit: Early morning or evening aarti

✨ Kotilingeshwara isn’t just a temple — it’s an experience of scale, silence, and surrender.
A place where devotion feels infinite, just like Lord Shiva himself.

🙏 Har Har Mahadev

01/01/2026

Here’s to a year of unexplored roads and unforgettable journeys. Keep Traveling!

22/10/2025

Walking tours are always my favourite, especially when they lead me to hidden treasures of a city.

Recently, I had the joy of exploring the heritage baris of Kolkata, where the timeless tradition of Kali Puja is still beautifully preserved. I also visited some of the theme-based Kali Puja pandals, experiencing divine darshan and soaking in the creativity, devotion, and vibrancy that makes this festival so special.

Kolkata never fails to surprise me — a city where heritage, art, and spirituality coexist in the most magical way.

Thank You Souvik Dasgupta for this experience.

25/08/2025

✨ Step into the past in the heart of Kodaikanal

From typewriters to timeless treasures, the Vintage Museum is where history comes alive.
Every corner is a story, every artifact a memory waiting to be rediscovered. 🕰️

It’s not just a museum, it’s an experience… a journey back to when life was slower, simpler, and full of charm. And trust me, it makes you see today a little differently. 🤍

📍 The Vintage Museum: Kodaikanal’s hidden gem – a must-visit for culture, nostalgia & charm!

28/05/2025

🌸 Peaceful Escape in the City: Sushwani Mata Mandir, Electronic City 🙏
📍 Just a few minutes from the heart of Electronic City, Bengaluru

Looking for a quiet spiritual break amidst the chaos of city life? Visit the Sushwani Mata Mandir, a serene Jain temple dedicated to Sushwani Devi Mata, known for her protective and nurturing energy. 💫

🛕 The temple is beautifully maintained, with calm surroundings, marble floors, and an aura of divinity that instantly soothes the mind. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it’s the perfect place for a few moments of prayer or peaceful reflection.

✨ Why Visit?

Peaceful atmosphere

Clean, spiritual, and welcoming

Less crowded – ideal for solo time or family visit

Hidden gem within Electronic City!

🕰️ Timings:
Open daily – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎟️ Entry: Free
📸 Photography is allowed in outer premises – please be respectful inside

🛣️ Easily accessible by road, autos, and cabs within E-City and surrounding areas.

Whether you're seeking divine blessings or just a moment of stillness, Sushwani Mata Mandir is a small but powerful stop worth visiting.