India

From floating palaces to sunset Kingfisher beers on a rooftop — here’s my love affaire with Udaipur, a city like no other — one with an artistic soul, that blends royal charm, and modern magic in every moment.

Written by Vivienne Gunning—Jaipur’s all pink walls, spicy street food, and royal vibes—this city’s got stories in every corner and color in every frame.

In the smoke and silence of Varanasi’s cremation ghats, I came face to face with the Aghori Sadhus—Hinduism’s most feared and misunderstood ascetics. What I saw shocked me, challenged me, and shifted my view of life, death, and everything in between. This is not your average travel story. #AghoriSadhus #Varanasi #IndiaUnfiltered #SpiritualTravel #CremationGhats #CultureShock #TravelWriter #SacredIndia #LifeAndDeath

Explore the rich tapestry of Hinduism through the eyes of a curious traveler. Delve into its origins, beliefs, and practices, and ponder the challenges it faces in modern society.

Hierdie blog is die eerste in ’n reeks wat dieper delf in die ware Indië—nie net die betowerende prentjie wat aan toeriste verkoop word nie, maar die land soos dit werklik is. Die skrywer, Vivienne Gunning, deel ’n persoonlike reis, huiwerig om die kraan oop te draai, want sodra die stories begin vloei, kan dit nie gestop word nie. Dit is ’n blik op die kontras tussen die Indië wat besoekers sien en die Indië wat daagliks leef en asemhaal—’n plek vol kleure, gesigte en geskiedenis, maar ook ’n wêreld waar insig selde die oppervlak breek. Wat bly oor ná die groete en die glimlagte? Hierdie reeks gaan daardieper antwoord soek.

A deeply personal account of witnessing cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, India—exploring the profound complexities of life, death, and spiritual beliefs.