February often speaks the language of love. But as we travel, we realize love isn’t just about extravagant gestures. It lives in sunrise walks on quiet beaches, in temple bells echoing at dawn, in shared experiences, that etch themselves in memory. It comes alive in the smile of a baby in Ladakh, or the shy blush of a tribal woman in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. Love takes myriad forms and one form is the love for places that tug at your heart. This month, we invite you to journey with us through places that touched our hearts — spiritually, emotionally, and deeply.
Across India, we have often found ourselves drawn to places far from the usual tourist trails. From the misty valleys of Arunachal Pradesh to the untold stories of Jajpur district in Odisha, from the timeless echoes of Champaner in Gujarat to the virgin forests and pristine waterfalls of Chhattisgarh, each journey has felt deeply personal. These offbeat corners may not always headline glossy travel brochures, yet they offer raw beauty, cultural richness, and a rare untouched charm. It is in these quieter landscapes that we rediscover why we travel — not just to see, but to truly feel.
Some years ago, we had the privilege of spending a few unforgettable days with the Galo tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. Evenings unfolded around the warm glow of the hearth — the very heart of a Galo home — where songs rose softly into the night and ancient stories were shared with quiet pride. In those flickering flames, we witnessed a way of life deeply rooted in community, tradition, and reverence for the natural world. Today, we invite you, dear reader, to discover the fascinating Galo people — a tribe that lives in harmony with nature and worships it as sacred.
As all of you would agree, travel is not just about visiting places and ticking them off from your bucket list, it is about immersive experiences that give you a glimpse of people and their culture. On a tribal trail of Madhya Pradesh, we were fortunate to interact with different tribes, including the Baiga tribe whose women are know for the tattoos that adorn their bodies. We interacted with this fascinating tribal community in the remote village of Silpidi.
The excitement around Valentine’s Day and the spiritual intensity of Maha Shivaratri in February often overshadow another deeply significant observance — Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana Day. This sacred day commemorates the passing of Gautama Buddha and marks his attainment of final Nirvana — liberation from the eternal cycle of birth and death. Through our travels, we have felt the quiet presence of the Buddha in many places: at Lumbini, his birthplace; at Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon; and at Sanchi, which stands as a timeless testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhism.
And as always, we would love to hear from you. Which destination or travel experience has stayed in your heart long after you left?
As February’s reflections gently fade, we now look ahead to the vibrant spirit of Holi. We’ll be back in March with stories splashed in colour, celebration, and the joyous energy of spring — until then, keep wandering and keep wondering.
We are all ears as Merken Doke passionately waxes eloquent about the ancient customs of the Galo tribe. His daughter Kenter Lendo, who holds a Masters Degree in Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality Management gently admonishes him and smiles at us. Her look says, “Hope he is not boring you”! Merken Doke who is an encyclopaedia about the culture and traditions of the Galo tribe, smiles and continues. Read more →
Sukhmathi lifted her arm gently and showed us her intricate tattoos, her smile never once leaving her lips. She belonged to the enigmatic Baiga tribe, one of the most distinctive tribal communities of central India. We were deep in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, in the remote village of Silpidi in Dindori district, as part of a thoughtfully curated tribal trail.
Like many Baiga women, Sukhmathi’s body was adorned with traditional tattoos — not mere embellishments, but living symbols of identity, heritage, and a culture deeply rooted in the forests they call home. Read more →
“Buddham Sharanam Gachhami” — the hypnotic, lilting chant flows softly through our minds as we approach Sanchi Stupa. A quiet, almost sacred sense of coming full circle envelops us as we stand before this timeless monument. After tracing the footsteps of the Buddha at Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath, arriving at Sanchi feels both natural and inevitable, though Buddha never visited Sanchi!
In many ways, Sanchi has stood as a silent sentinel through the centuries — witnessing the rise, flourishing, and gradual fading of Buddhism from the land where it was born. Read more →
“Clang… clang…” The sharp ring of metal striking stone echoed across the barren hills, slicing through the mountain silence. We descended the steep, timeworn steps, each step drawing us deeper into an atmosphere thick with history and whispers of the past.
A woman breaking stones paused and glanced at us from the corner of her eye. “The old temple is still further down. If it is closed, take the key kept above the door and go inside,” she said — her words brief, almost cryptic, as though passing on a secret.
As we walked through the crumbling ruins of Lamayuru in Ladakh, an uncanny blend of mystery, awe, and quiet eeriness settled over us — as if the monastery itself was guarding stories it would reveal only to those willing to listen. Read more →
Highlights
Legend of Lamayuru
Singay Lakhang
Visiting the Monastery
Exciting Bengaluru Getaways – Pick Yours Now!
We are excited to bring you a selection of customised trips, perfect for exploring the rich heritage and history around Bengaluru:
Heritage Walk in Bengaluru
A Day Trip to Somanathapura – Marvel at the intricate beauty of the Chennakesava Temple
A Day Trip to Belur-Halebidu – Discover the splendour of Hoysala architecture
We would love to hear from you! Write to us at imvoyager18@gmail.com and let us know:
Which trip would you like to join
Your convenient dates with 2–3 date options
Let’s plan your perfect heritage experience together!
Upcoming Events
Latest Travel News That You Must Know
Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Amrit Udyan open to the public from February 3 to March 31
Indian passport climbs to 75th position on passport index
IndiGo launches first-ever direct flight service between India and Greece
Guruvayur Temple introduces facial recognition system for Darshan management
Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2026 to be held in Kochi from September 24–27
India’s first underwater road-rail tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam receives central approval
India expands e-tourist visa scheme to 166 countries
South Western Railway launches Holi special trains
Brazil and India agree on 10-year multiple-entry visas
Vietnam approves new visa incentives and time-bound exemptions for eligible foreign nationals
Cambodia to host international educational tourism forum in April, showcasing growing MICE potential
Thailand launches ‘The Soul of Thailand’ nine-route campaign to promote sustainable tourism
Armenia introduces visa-free travel for Indians with valid residence permits, allowing 180-day stays
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