19-03-2023
Offbeat Trips
As I detailed it out in my previous blog, a trip to Cambodia can be an emotional churn. The country still has reminders of the atrocities of the cruel Pol Pot regime scattered across the country’s landscape.
In this blog, I will share with you my experience visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The museum is a powerful and emotional reminder of the atrocities that occurred in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s.
As I entered the museum, I was struck by the eerie silence that permeated the halls. The museum is housed in a former high school that was transformed into a prison and interrogation center by the Khmer Rouge. The stark white walls and barred windows of the classrooms were a stark reminder of the horrors that took place within them.
The museum is filled with exhibits documenting the genocide, including photographs, artifacts, and personal accounts from survivors. One of the most powerful exhibits was a wall filled with the photographs of the prisoners who were held at the prison. As I looked at the faces staring back at me, I could not help but feel a sense of sadness and horror at the suffering that they endured. While the photographs of all these souls who endured such evils evokes extreme sadness, the proof of the hatred Pol Pot and his met evoked was evident from their photos. Their photos were also displayed there, but the faces have been scratched out by someone. I am assuming it was a visitor as the fierceness of the scratches showed that the person was acting out in pain and anger. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge killed people in Cambodia for their perceived opposition to the regime's ideology and vision for a communist society
Pol Pot was a Cambodian politician and revolutionary who led the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. During his time in power, Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge carried out a brutal campaign of mass murder and genocide that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people, or approximately one-quarter of the country's population. The Khmer Rouge had a vision of creating a classless society based on agrarian communism, which meant that they wanted to abolish all forms of private property and establish a system of collective farming. To achieve this, they launched a radical and violent campaign to purge Cambodia of anyone they considered to be an enemy of the revolution, including intellectuals, professionals, religious minorities, and anyone suspected of opposing the regime.
The Khmer Rouge believed that urban areas were breeding grounds for capitalism and imperialism, and they sought to eliminate them by forcibly relocating millions of people from the cities to the countryside, where they were put to work on collective farms. The conditions on these farms were extremely harsh, and many people died from overwork, malnutrition, and disease.
The Khmer Rouge also set up a vast network of prisons and detention centers, where they tortured and killed anyone suspected of being an enemy of the revolution. These prisons, including Tuol Sleng, were used to extract false confessions from prisoners, who were then executed or sent to labour camps.
Walking through the prison cells and torture chambers was a chilling experience. The tiny cells were barely big enough for a person to stand up in, and the rusted metal beds and shackles were a stark reminder of the inhumane conditions that prisoners were forced to endure. One of the most moving exhibits was a room filled with the clothes and belongings of the prisoners who were killed at the prison. Seeing the shoes, clothing, and personal items of the victims was a powerful reminder that they were real people who had families and lives before they were taken to the prison.
While unlike the memorials of the killing fields, there are no skulls and bones that serve as a harsh reminder of the torture these people bore, Leaving the museum, I felt a deep sense of sadness and anger at the atrocities that took place in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. But I also felt a sense of hope, knowing that the museum is working to educate visitors and prevent such atrocities from happening in the future.
Visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum was a sobering and emotional experience. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of Cambodia and the resilience of its people in the face of unimaginable horrors.
Safety tips for solo women travelers in India
An all-girls trip will be the perfect getaway you don't want but NEED, away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of your life. You will be your authentic self on this trip other than the modified version you have to present to the world every day.
India has many beaches other than the usual Goa that you previously must not have considered a potential vacation spot. This vacation, try something new! You never know; you could find a brand new beach favourite for your holiday.
You feel like you want to travel, but you don't want to leave your 'furry' companions behind. Finding pet-friendly venues in India is sometimes a challenge, and few hotels are willing to accept and keep our 'paw-some' companions. Pet-friendly travelling i
If you travel to any southern coastal city in India during winters, chances are that the prices will be too high and the quality of service will not be comparable to what you will get in Sri Lanka. The island has a better interstate road network, making l
Travel can set you free, expand your horizons and make you a student of global culture, but it can also make you feel unsafe and terrified if you’re not in the right place. Here is my list of some of my favourite destinations for women to travel to.
Traveling alone or with a group of women can promote independence and autonomy. It allows women to make decisions for themselves and take charge of their own experiences. This can be empowering for women who may not have had the opportunity to make their
Adventure travel has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, with men being the primary focus of marketing campaigns and the primary participants in many types of adventure activities. This has created a barrier for women who want to explore the wor
Shimla, located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Known for its pleasant weather, stunning vistas, and colonial architecture, Shimla is a perfect place for you to vis
One of the most significant benefits of travel is exposure to different cultures. When we travel to a new place, we get the opportunity to experience different customs, beliefs, and ways of life. This exposure can help us broaden our perspective and learn
These are just a few of the safest cities for women to travel alone. Of course, safety is always relative, and it's important to take precautions no matter where you are. But by choosing one of these destinations, you can rest assured that you'll be in go
Safety concerns are a significant factor when planning their trips. India has been in the news for incidents of harassment and violence against women, which has led to a perception of the country being unsafe for female travelers. Despite this, there are
Lansdowne, a quaint hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Lansdowne is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. The place is famous for its scenic beauty, lush green fo
My trip to Cappadocia in Turkey was one of the most elevated experiences of my travelling life. One of the most unique experiences of my trip was visiting the underground city of Derinkuyu. This ancient city was built entirely underground, and it was fasc
Angkor Wat, located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia, is a must-visit destination for any traveller, especially women travellers. The stunning temples and ruins that make up Angkor Wat are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also provide a unique
Battambang is a charming and unique city that is well worth a visit. From the historic buildings and temples to the thrilling Bamboo Train and the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
While visiting the world famous beach town of Unawatuna, we were suggested a trip to the Cinnamon island by the caretaker of the beach villa we had rented out for our family trip. Cinnamon Island is a hidden gem of Sri Lanka. This small island is renowned
A trip to Cambodia can be an emotional churn. The country still has reminders of the atrocities of the cruel Pol Pot regime scattered across the country’s landscape. In this blog, I will share with you my experience visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Muse
Know what happened when two young Indian women from Delhi travelled to the capital city of Cambodia. Our meet and conversation with a Buddhist monk at the royal palace with silver pagoda, our trip to the famous FCC and the amazing food.
If there is anything that can pull you away from the beautiful temples of Angkor Wat, it is the aroma of rice and Amok. Cambodia is a culinary delight for a foodie like me who can enjoy the evenings after exploring the fascinating country
Sri Lanka is my all time favourite destination for a family holiday; not only because of the golden grained beaches but also because of the offbeat experiences it offers at minimal costs. One such experience is island hopping in Koggala lake, not very far
Some say Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities they have ever visited; at least some of my friends claim so. I too enjoyed my trip to Istanbul immensely, after all I travelled with three of my closest friends. One of the most significant experiences
We wandered into this area in Istanbul just by chance but then as we explored it, we realised we had hit the jackpot. A little bit of research and we knew we were in the right place. The creative and boho vibe in Tomtom is fostered by its abundance of art
By embracing the opportunity to explore new destinations, women can take control of their mental well-being and cultivate a healthier, happier state of mind. So, pack your bags and embark on your next adventure – your mind will thank you for it! And if yo
Walking inside the Hagia Sophia, I was struck by the incredible scale of the interior. The soaring domed ceiling and intricate mosaics that covered the walls and floors were truly breathtaking. The vast space was once a church, then a mosque, then a museu
I travelled to Cuba and made some really nice friends. These were the silent observers on the streets of Havana that mingled with the citizens. These were the statues on the streets and corners of Havana. Interestingly, many of them were not on any pedest
As I walked down the cobblestone paths of a 'not so tiny' but quaint village of Şirince, I spotted the Turkish evil eye embedded in our path. I couldn't help but wonder about our own versions of it in India, the nazarbattu.
What I am going to describe to you in this blog is not for the ones easily embarrassed. This is my description of my first time at a Turkish Hammam. Now as Indians, we are well acquainted with the term ‘hamman mein sab nange hain’ but then when you actual
There are some things that I cannot walk past without stopping and exploring; one of them is small bookshops and vintage memorabilia shops. It seemed to me that there were some very interesting ones in Havana, the capital of Cuba, and you would find them
Travel to Ladakh isn’t easy; it's expensive and it is can take a toll on your body...after all you are finding amusement at thousands of feet above sea level. So when you do take a trip to Leh-Ladakh, be very careful in creating your itinerary.
Meghalaya, also known as "the abode of clouds," is a picturesque mountain state that separates the Assam valley from the plains of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji is among one of the wettest places on earth. Floating clouds, rain and drizzle, impressive waterfall
One thought always overwhelms me as I sit down to plan a holiday in the hills; will it be too crowded? Any true-blue Dilliwala can tell you how genuine this fear is. There is no hill station within a few hundred kilometers of Delhi, that has escaped us.
Meghalaya, also known as "the abode of clouds," is a picturesque mountain state that separates the Assam valley from the plains of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji is among one of the wettest places on earth. Floating clouds, rain and drizzle, impressive waterfall
Travel to Ladakh isn’t easy; it's expensive and it is can take a toll on your body...after all you are finding amusement at thousands of feet above sea level. So when you do take a trip to Leh-Ladakh, be very careful in creating your itinerary.
This was my third trip to Ladakh, first was way back in 2005 when Leh was not even on the domestic tourist map. Second one was last year in 2022 and almost a year later; I was back in Leh, waiting to head off to explore eastern Ladakh. Exotic and starkly
From the moment we decided to embark on this incredible adventure, our spirits were intertwined in a bond that transcended the physical realm. I, along with my fellow female trekkers, shared a burning desire to conquer one of the most challenging experien