India is a land of a million gods, and a million temples to house them. While the grand, iconic shrines like the Meenakshi Temple or the Sun Konark Sun temple draw millions of pilgrims and tourists, a spiritual journey through India is incomplete without venturing off the beaten path. Hidden in remote villages, nestled on hillsides, or even submerged in the sea, are temples with stories so intriguing they seem like they have leaped from the pages of mythology. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about these lesser-known temples in India with fascinating stories. The Temple That Disappears: Stambheshwar Mahadev, Gujarat Imagine a temple that plays a cosmic game of hide-and-seek with the sea. Twice a day, at the whim of the tides, the Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple near Vadodara, Gujarat, is submerged entirely by the Arabian Sea. Locals and pilgrims flock to this site, waiting patiently for low tide when the temple re-emerges, allowing them to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. The sight of the temple being bathed by the ocean is a truly humbling and unforgettable experience, a powerful reminder of nature’s rhythm and the enduring faith of devotees. Where a Motorcycle is Worshipped: Om Banna Temple, Rajasthan In the heart of Rajasthan, in the village of Pali, stands a shrine unlike any other. The Om Banna Temple, also known as the Bullet Baba Temple, is dedicated to a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. The story goes that in 1988, a local man named Om Banna died in a motorcycle accident at this very spot. His bike was taken to the police station, only to mysteriously reappear at the accident site the next day. This happened repeatedly, and the motorcycle was eventually enshrined. Today, travellers stop here to pray to the Bullet Baba for a safe journey, a unique and modern

India’s vast coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometres, is a tapestry of crashing waves, golden sands, and vibrant spiritual energy. Along this dramatic edge of the land lie some of the country’s most revered temples, where the roar of the ocean provides a constant, natural chorus to the hymns of devotion. These aren’t just architectural marvels; they are sacred sites where the elements of nature and faith converge, telling epic tales that have withstood the test of time and tide. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about the most popular temples in India that stand proudly by the sea, each with a unique story to tell. Somnath Temple, Gujarat Perched on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is a powerful symbol of resilience and faith. As the first of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, its spiritual significance is immense. However, its history is equally compelling. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, a testament to the unwavering devotion of its followers. The current structure, a breathtaking blend of Chalukya architecture and modern design, stands as a beacon of hope and an eternal reminder of the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth. The evening aarti here, with the sound of the ocean waves in the background, is a truly mesmerizing experience. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu Located on the island of Rameswaram, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, making it a cornerstone of the Hindu faith. Legend has it that Lord Rama built the Ram Setu, a bridge connecting India to Sri Lanka, from this very place to rescue his wife, Sita. The temple is famed for its stunning architecture, particularly its corridors, the longest of any Hindu temple in India. With a total length of 3,850 feet

Intro: Kolkata is not just a city, it’s a feeling. A confluence of history, art food, literature, and legacy. Kolkata breathes in poetry and exhales politics. It’s where colonial architecture meets tram-lined streets, where Rabindranath Tagore’s spirit floats in the air, and where every corner has a story to tell. If you are visiting the City of Joy, DHANUSH KUMAR writes about these timeless landmarks and buzzing locales are a must on your itinerary. 1.Victoria Memorial The crown jewel of Kolkata, the Victoria Memorial is a majestic white-marble monument built in honor of Queen Victoria. Surrounded by sprawling gardens, this Indo-Saracenic structure now houses a museum featuring colonial era-paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. Why Visit: For a walk through British India’s legacy, surrounded by romantic architecture and lotus ponds. 2.Howrah Bridge More than just a bridge, this steel cantilever icon is the heartbeat of Kolkata. Stretching across the Hooghly River, it connects the twin city of Howrah and Kolkata and carries nearly 100,000 vehicles a day, yet feels timeless in its grace. Why Visit: To watch the sunrise over the river, see hand-pulled rickshaws in action, and feel Kolkata’s pulse. 3.Dakshineswar Kali Temple Located on the banks of the Hooghly, this 19th-Century temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and was once frequented by the saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It’s architecture- nine spires, red-and-white hues, and wide courtyards is captivating. Why Visit: To soak in spiritual serenity and watch riverfront rituals stepped in ancient traditions. 4.Indian Museum Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is the oldest and one of the largest in Asia. With exhibits ranging from Egyptian mummies to Buddhist relics and Mughal armor, it’s a treasure trove for the culturally curious. Why Visit: To explore the layers of Indian and global history in a grand colonial-era building. 5.Kalighat Temple An important

Intro: Museums aren’t just repositories of the past, they are architectural wonders thar breathe life into history, art, and culture. Some captivate you with their priceless collections, while others leave you spellbound with their design, atmosphere, or setting. From Paris to Doha, these museums are more than travel stops, they are destinations in themselves. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or a wanderer looking for beauty. DHANUSH KUMAR writes about eight iconic museums that promise a journey for both your mind and soul. 1.The Louvre-Paris, France The Louvre is the epitome of elegance, grandeur, and artistic legacy. Housed in a former royal palace, this museum in the world’s largest and arguably the most renowned. With over 35,000 words, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, it’s collection spans centuries and civilizations. The iconic glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei blends modernist aesthetics with regal traditions, making the Louvre not just a museum, but a symbol of global culture Why visit: To witness masterpieces that shaped human civilization, inside a structure that blends imperial and contemporary brilliance. 2.The Vatican Museums- Vatican City Art, religion, and history converge in breathtaking fashion at the Vatican Museums. Spiraling through corridors rich with Renaissance frescoes and ancient sculptures, the journey culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco stuns every onlooker. The Vatican Museums are not just a visual experience, they are spiritual, profound, and timeless. Why visit: To stand beneath the most iconic ceiling in the world and feel art’s divine energy. 3.The Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao, Spain An architectural revolution in itself, the Guggenheim Bilbao turned a sleepy industrial town into a global art capital. Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad design resembles a gleaming ship or a flower in bloom, depending on your angle. Inside, contemporary and modern art explode across vast,