HOLIDAY MUSINGS FROM THE PU 2 HUMANITIES CREW
Welcome to our travel blog where the students of PU2 Humanities come together to share their stories, traditions, and adventures of our holiday travels. After hitting the pause on books and deadlines, we explored the spirit of the holidays. Here’s what we discovered……
This summer, I had an amazing trip to Kerala that I’d love to share! Watching playful dolphins in the sparkling sea was a magical experience. The water metro ride to Fort Kochi was thrilling and gave me a unique view of the landscape. I also explored the historic Jewish town where I marveled at the 450-year-old Jewish Synagogue. Kerala’s rich culture and stunning nature made my vacation truly unforgettable! ~ Shawn Calvin

This summer, I had a very refreshing, short, and enjoyable trip to Madikeri. I really enjoyed being surrounded by green hills and coffee plantations. I also enjoyed visits to Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat, which offer breathtaking views of green valleys, hills, and setting sun. The best part of the trip was the cool climate, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere. ~ Shreya Sundaresan 
My journey to Azerbaijan, the ‘Land of Fire,’ was a captivating blend of ancient history and modern charm. I was struck by Baku’s cleanliness, scenic beauty, and the warm hospitality of its people. The country’s rich heritage shone through in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural landmarks like Gobustan’s petroglyphs and the Flame Towers. In Gabala, I found serenity amidst nature’s beauty, with lakes, waterfalls, and mountain resorts that left me in awe. Azerbaijan, you’ve stolen my heart – I’m already planning my return! ~ Saira.S



Visiting Dubai was like stepping into a dream, where tradition meets modern marvels. Standing before the Burj Khalifa, I felt small yet inspired, with the city stretching out like a work of art. The adrenaline rush at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi was unforgettable, especially on the world’s fastest roller coaster. Exploring the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was a serene experience, with its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Dubai’s perfect blend of adventure and culture has left a lasting impression – I’d return in a hear tbeat! ~ Bhoomika C


The summer I had wasn’t a summer at all. In the unseasonable chill of Himachal Pradesh, I found myself captivated by the beauty and the cold winds, which I really love. I loved experimenting with various outfits that brought out the frosty elegance of winter, layering up in style to brave the cold. But the most magical part of them all was the silken snow that left me breathless both literally and figuratively, which I definitely enjoyed the most. This was one travel experience that I will not surely forget. ~ Isabel Maria Philip

Cows, Crowds & Kachoris: Banaras in a Nutshell
I went to Banaras looking for peace… but peace was stuck in traffic behind five cows.
From the moment I arrived, the city welcomed me with temple bells, honking autos, random chanting, and zero road rules. It was chaotic… and somehow still charming.
At the Ganga Ghat, I tried to meditate during sunrise, but a monkey stole someone’s banana, and a pigeon almost gifted me something mid-air. Spiritual? Yes. Peaceful? Not exactly. 😅
The streets were so narrow, even Google Maps gave up and said, “Good luck.” Meanwhile, cows walked around like VIPs.
And the food — oh, the food! Chaats, jalebis, kachoris, lassi… My diet didn’t survive past breakfast. My stomach was full, and my soul was even fuller. ✨
Evening aarti at the Ghat was beautiful. Thousands of people stood silently, lights glowing, and chants echoing. It felt like something from another world — until someone stepped on my foot and apologized by smiling.
Banaras is messy, magical, noisy, and unforgettable. You’ll lose your way but find new memories. You’ll eat too much, laugh randomly, and maybe even feel a little more alive.
Would I go back? Yes — but next time, with better shoes and looser pants. 😄 ~ Shivangi




Finding Adventure at Home – My Unique Summer Break
While many of my friends were traveling and exploring exotic locations, my summer break looked very different. I didn’t go on a flight or visit the snow-covered mountains of the north. But that doesn’t mean my summer wasn’t meaningful or full of small adventures — just of a different kind. Instead of going places, I spent my holidays rediscovering my little world. I took time to do the things I usually push aside during the busy school year.
One of the most special things I did was spend more time with my grandparents. I listened to stories from their past — tales of childhood, struggles, and love. Sitting with them during the quiet evenings, sipping chai, made me realize how much wisdom and warmth exist right within our homes. I also took up a personal challenge — to improve a skill I’ve always admired but never had time to explore. I started sketching every day, using YouTube and online resources to learn. Slowly, my lines became more confident, and I even created a small sketchbook filled with drawings from my imagination. There were lazy afternoons when I read books I had long ignored, evening walks where I noticed how the sky changes colour at sunset, and late-night talks with my cousins and friends over phone calls that made me laugh till I couldn’t breathe. This summer taught me that you don’t need to travel far to discover new things. Sometimes, the best kind of travel is the journey inward — discovering yourself, appreciating small moments, and connecting more deeply with the people around you.
~ Somesh.V😊
A Visit to Grandma’s House: Where there is no traffic and is filled with nature
(The Journey Begins)
While the journey takes a maximum of 2 hours from Bangalore, with pretty mountains and coming across many lakes and sunsets, it’s a peaceful journey when you know that it’s just you and your sibling. You’re going to stay without parents, which is quite an excitement. 🥰🥰
(At Grandma’s place)
Soon we reached my cousins, and my grandma was waiting for us. I was pleased to see my grandma and my cousins right when everything was all ok, that is when the heat hit, it was so hot that I was not used to in Bangalore, even the tap water was steaming hot, good thing I did not forget my sunscreen 😅
(Things that I enjoyed)
I missed my grandma’s food, especially chicken curry with idly. She made the best curry for breakfast, as I’m writing, my mouth started to water 😆 My cousins and I went on a mountain hike. It was a hard one, but worth a view of the whole village; it was the best day ever. We supported each other to finish the hike at the top, and we had a nice picnic under a huge tree and a cold evening wind 🥰 It was my cousin’s birthday, and we threw a surprise party in the backyard of my grandma’s place. At night, it was quiet, except for the noise of insects inside the vehicles. We celebrated with a homemade cake 🎂
(End of visit)
Where a house full of laughter and noise becomes quiet for the rest of the year
There, my grandma sends us home with a smile filled with sadness, secretly giving us money while leaving and packing a bag with handmade snacks. It’s a once-in-a-year happiness ❤️❤️ that I can’t wait for next summer break.
~ Likitha 😎
A Heartwarming Vacation in Kannur
Our recent vacation to Kannur was filled with warmth, tradition, and coastal charm. We stayed at my grandparents’ house, which added a special, nostalgic touch to the whole trip. Waking up to homely breakfasts and the sound of nature felt like a true escape from the usual routine. There were fun days where I spent my time at the Payambalam Beach. The wind, the golden sand, the gentle waves, and peaceful sunsets created the perfect setting for relaxation. It’s a serene stretch of a coastline that truly captures the essence of Kerala’s beauty.
Of course, we couldn’t leave Kannur without indulging in the famous Thalassery biriyani and Falooda—it was the perfect treat after a warm day out. We also spent some lovely time at the Thalassery Beach and walked along the Kadalpalam (sea bridge), where the sea breeze and beautiful views made some unforgettable moments. Kannur, with its blend of culture, calmness, and coastal beauty, gave us memories to cherish. Looking forward to our next visit already!
~ Riya Jeejo
Mumbai: A First-Timer’s Guide to the City of Dreams
Mumbai is not just a city; it’s an emotion. 💖 It embraces you as you are, it teaches as you go, and it returns you no matter how far you try to go. It never stops, it never sleeps 🌃, and you just feel it becoming part of you the moment you step foot into it. This summer, a fleeting visit to Mumbai became a lifelong memory. 📜 I discovered iconic spots such as Marine Drive 🌊, Bandra 🎇, and Siddhivinayak Temple 🪷. I took the metro 🚇, drank chai ☕ in the rain ☔, and enjoyed street food 🥟 that was absolutely to die for spicy vada pav, tangy sev puri, and buttery pav bhaji.
From the colonial splendor of Colaba to the vitality of Bandra’s graffiti lines, each area tells its own story 📸. What I saw during a walk through Dharavi was the resilience and the spirit of community, and I was really moved. Sunset at Carter Road Rock Beach 🌅, moments of serenity at Mount Mary Church ✨, and late-night kebabs at Bademiya were some of the highlights. The spell that Mumbai casts is in its contrasts of luxury and struggle, peace and chaos, tradition and modernity. It accepts millions of dreams each day, and has room for more. A sea breeze carries stories, the monsoons will bring back memories, and the people will make you feel at home 🏠 even when you are far away from home.
What a place, what a place. What makes Mumbai truly special isn’t just its sights or food, but its people, whose warmth makes you feel at home even in the city’s chaos. Mumbai took my breath away ❤️, and I’m well aware I won’t be able to stop coming back because, really, you can’t just leave after falling in love with this city.
So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to fall in love with the City of Dreams. ~ Sakshi, Raksha, Alizah

Finding my joy in little things
In my summer holidays, I visited the Esha temple, which had a very beautiful view as you can see in the picture. It was just after the monsoon rains. We also had some watermelon juice, which was delightful to have with my cousins.
Next, we had a village function where one man had to lift a pot of jasmine flowers on his head and dance. In front of him, people would hit themselves with huge knives. This is done for many decades as it is believed it is all done for the health and wealth of people in the name of god.
In the next few days, I explored many hotels with my cousins and tried a variety of dishes. Finally, my holidays were filled with travelling to places, with some traditions and cultures, and a mouth full of different dishes.
~ Vismaya
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