September brings a refreshing transition across India, as the monsoon begins to recede and the landscape remains lush and vibrant. It is a month of festivals, cultural celebrations, pleasant journeys and seasonal flavours. From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, September offers wonderful opportunities to experience India’s diverse traditions, landscapes and timeless heritage.
Before we move ahead, we pause with deep sorrow to mourn the loss of so many lives, including travellers, in the devastating floods that struck Nepal in August. We remember those who lost their lives, extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones, and stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragic disaster.
We take a closer look at Mumbai—not through its familiar sights and bustling streets, but through its deeply spiritual side. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the city takes on an entirely different personality as homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces come alive with devotion, celebration and a remarkable sense of togetherness. For us, experiencing Mumbai during Ganesh Utsav is more than witnessing a spectacular festival; it is a journey into the spiritual heart of one of India’s most vibrant cities.
Yet, Mumbai’s spiritual character extends far beyond the fervour of Ganesh Utsav. Perched on a hill overlooking Girgaum Chowpatty, the historic Babulnath Temple offers a quieter and more contemplative experience. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple has a fascinating history and is revered for its naturally manifested Shiva Lingam. Temple tradition also holds that idols of Ganesha, Hanuman and Parvati were discovered at the site, adding another layer to the temple’s rich spiritual legacy.
From the joyous and colourful Ganesh Pandals of Mumbai, we travel to the obscure village of Doddamallur near the toy town of Channapatna near Bangalore. The place’s claim to fame is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple. A beautiful black stone image of Krishna as a baby crawling on all fours captured the imagination of the great Carnatic musician and saint Purandaradasa, that he spontaneousl composed and sang one of his most popular kirtanas here.
Food is one of the most delicious expressions of India’s rich culture and heritage, and nowhere is this more evident than during the festive season. Among India’s many celebrated culinary traditions, the colourful and elaborate Onam Sadya of Kerala holds a special place. Served on a banana leaf and bringing together an array of flavours, textures and traditional dishes, the Sadya is much more than a feast—it is a celebration of Kerala’s culture, community and spirit. In this edition, we take you on a culinary journey as we decode the many flavours and traditions that make the Onam Sadya so special.
September is a busy month on India’s travel and tourism calendar, with a host of important industry events taking place across the country. Among the highlights are the Rajasthan Domestic Travel Mart in Jaipur, Marwar Travel Mart in Jodhpur, Kerala Travel Mart in Kochi, and the IATO Annual Convention in Visakhapatnam. These events bring together tourism stakeholders, travel professionals and industry leaders, providing valuable platforms for networking, collaboration and showcasing India’s diverse destinations and tourism offerings. As another month unfolds, we hope these stories inspire you to look beyond the familiar and discover the many layers of India—its faith, music, food, festivals and timeless traditions. Until our next journey together, keep exploring, keep discovering, and let every journey create a new story worth telling.
Every Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai undergoes a spectacular transformation, as neighbourhoods across the city compete to welcome Lord Ganesha with grandeur, artistry and devotion. From the legendary Lalbaugcha Raja, whose darshan draws devotees from far and wide, to the historic celebrations at Ganesh Galli, the city’s famous pandals are destinations in themselves. Each has a story, a distinctive tradition and an atmosphere that must be experienced to be truly understood. Elaborate decorations, magnificent idols, music, chanting and thousands of devotees create an unforgettable spectacle. We take you to some of these famous Ganpati Pandals of Mumbai. Read more →
Perched on a small hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty, Babulnath Mandir is one of Mumbai’s most revered Shiva temples and a tranquil spiritual landmark amid the bustle of the city. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have ancient roots, with its present structure dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Devotees climb the steps to seek the blessings of Babulnath, while the temple’s elevated location offers glimpses of Mumbai and the Arabian Sea. Its serene ambience, intricate architecture and enduring traditions make Babulnath a fascinating place to experience Mumbai’s spiritual side, away from its familiar urban rhythm. Read more →
Onam Sadya is the magnificent traditional feast of Kerala, an essential part of the celebrations that mark Onam. Served on a fresh banana leaf, this vegetarian feast brings together a delightful array of dishes, each contributing its own flavour, texture and character. From creamy parippu and fragrant sambar to avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, pickles and crispy banana chips, the Sadya is a celebration of Kerala’s culinary heritage. The grand finale is often a selection of delicious payasams. More than a meal, Sadya represents hospitality, abundance and togetherness, bringing families and communities around the festive table to celebrate the spirit of Onam. Read more →
Sri Aprameyaswamy Temple, located at Doddamallur near Channapatna, is a revered Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Aprameyaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is renowned for its exquisite Dravidian-style architecture, sacred traditions, and the beautiful Ambegalu Krishna, a unique crawling form of Lord Krishna worshipped here. According to tradition, the temple has ancient origins and received patronage from several South Indian dynasties over the centuries. The adjoining Aravindavalli shrine is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The temple remains an important pilgrimage centre, drawing devotees seeking blessings, especially for children and family well-being. Read more →
Highlights
Legends and Stories
History
Architecture & Layout
Legend of Purandaradasa
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
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