Be the first to read my new book on the Portuguese Camino!

Join the launch team of the upcoming book. I would love to share the early drafts, bonuses and general experience of writing the book about our camino. For an author the journey is not over until the book is written.

If you want to see what a writing deadline looks like in the wild, go hike Makalidurga trek Bangalore with friends.

Not the “reel version” where everyone looks effortlessly heroic and nobody sweats or wheezes or stares into the distance calculating the nearest loo like it’s a life-or-death expedition.

The real version.

The version where you start, of course, with food.

The Breakfast Ritual (and the Eternal Question of Toilets)

We slipped through the early morning dark, collecting our little group of four like precious pages you don’t want to lose. The road still belonged to the night. Street dogs yawned. The city was quiet in that rare and precious moment that takes you back to simpler times.

Then we stop for breakfast—because no one I know climbs anything on an empty stomach, especially not a hill in a National Forest with rocky opinions.

We pull up at the only restaurant open in the early morning, an Udupi restaurant in Yelahanka: idli, vada, and cautious coffee (cautious because coffee is always followed by that very practical thought: Where is the bathroom and how far is it and will it be open and will it be… civilised?)

Even in a familiar place, I found something new: the glorious Mangalore bun — sweet, soft, slightly mischievous. Like the kind of sentence you write when you stop trying to impress people and start trying to tell the truth. 

Note: Yelahanka is a very familiar place – this is where two of my children were born. I reckon I gave them a gift – not just born in Bangalore, but specifically, Yelahanka.

Writing lesson #1: Newness isn’t always a new destination. Sometimes it’s a new bite in an old restaurant. Sometimes it’s a new line in a story you’ve told yourself a hundred times.

The Group That Keeps You Honest

We met the rest of the crew—assembled by White Magic trekking group (I’ve trekked with them before, which matters, because trust is a kind of oxygen). It wasn’t just the four of us, but nearly thirty of a larger group – and we all had to say hello to each other. All happy and cheerful – for now. What a lovely surprise to meet up with another hiking friend, Anjana had walked the Camino Invierno with me a couple of years ago.

Here’s what friends do on a hike: they keep you laser-focused.

Not by yelling motivational slogans. Not by posting quotes about “conquering mountains.” Because no one conquers anything but oneself.

They do it simply by being there—one more pair of footsteps, one more shared bottle of water, one more “you okay?” that you can’t shrug off casually.

Writing lesson #2: Accountability doesn’t have to be harsh. Sometimes it’s just friendship with hiking shoes on.

The Railway Line, and the Small Joy That Cracks You Open

Before the trek properly began, there was the railway line. A train slid past—calm, steady, unbothered by our human drama.

And honestly? The delight of it. That clean clack-clack rhythm. That sense of movement going somewhere with purpose. It made the morning feel cinematic in the simplest way. The wild waving to bemused passengers rubbing their sleepy eyes in the hot anticipation of reaching their destination.

Writing lesson #3: Progress doesn’t need to be loud. A train doesn’t announce itself with speeches. It just moves. Just write that story, that page, that sentence today.

The Climb: Rocky, Hard, and Unimpressed by Your Plans

Then the hike. It was hard. Rocky. Hard again. The kind of trail that doesn’t flatter you.

And somewhere along the way I had that moment that every writer recognises—when the body says, “No,” and the mind says, “But you should.”

My asthma and cough caught up with me. Breathless. A bit giddy. Vertigo? Possibly. It wasn’t the Himalayan trek altitude kind of challenge, but my lungs didn’t care about technicalities.

After a while I told Anju, “Leave me.”

Not dramatically. Not as a tragedy. Just practical. I needed to stop without dragging the whole group into my slow-motion struggle. So I sat in the thin, scrappy shade of a thorny bush—the kind of shade that’s more philosophical than effective—and watched the world move past.

Writing lesson #4: Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is pause. Not quit. Pause. Start again. The difference is everything.

The Green Spots: Perfume, Valleys, and Permission to Take Your Time

I climbed again—higher, then higher still—stopping whenever I found green. A patch of mercy. A small pocket of cool.

And then: the perfume of the flowering jalagiri (Weeping jasmine -that scent that makes you believe the world is kinder than your breathing suggests). With its rich drooping bunches of white flowers, it filled the air with a fragrance that speaks of India – Deccan India. In February every pocket of soil and water had one of these trees. the leaves green and rtender, and the flowers dipping in luscious locks all over the tree.

Below me—green valleys, rich with banana and grape vines, glinting lakes like someone scattered mirrors into the landscape.

It pays to stop and take your time.

It’s a hike, not a competition.

Say it again for the part of your brain that treats everything like a scoreboard.

Writing lesson #5: You don’t earn your story by suffering fast. You earn it by noticing.

The Stories on the Trail (and Why Talking Helps You Finish)

I talked to everyone passing me.

That’s my favourite way to climb anything—feet moving, curiosity awake. People shared scraps of their lives: first trek, tenth trek, heartbreak trek, “I’m here because work is eating me alive” trek.

In writing, we call these “character details.”

In life, we call them “human.”

Writing lesson #6: When you’re stuck, talk to people. Stories are everywhere. You don’t have to invent the whole world alone.

☀️ The Heat, the Scramble, and the Gentle Decision to Stop

All the while, the heat climbed like it had its own ambitions.

The path turned into bare rock scramble—hands-and-feet work, the kind that demands attention. And I realised: I could push through, but why?

So I decided to stop.

It was okay. Really.

Not a collapse. Not a defeat. A decision.

I shifted my goal from “reach the top” to “be fully here.” I admired trees and flowers, and watched for birds. And yes—did I tell you I had binoculars?

Apparently, binoculars are a social event. Passersby stopped to borrow them and gasp at tiny winged miracles.

Writing lesson #7: Finishing isn’t always reaching the peak. Sometimes it’s completing the experience you actually came for.

Down Again: Another Train and the Sweet Relief of Descent

Then down.

Another train.

Because the world likes to give you symmetry when you least expect it.

Coconut water appeared like a blessing—cold, sweet, immediate.

And then—a lovely surprise: meeting my old friend Anjana.

She said, “This was not an easy trek.”

I agreed, with the tender satisfaction of someone whose lungs have filed a formal complaint.

Writing lesson #8: Naming difficulty is not negativity. It’s honesty. And honesty is what makes writing land.

The Real Photo, the Real Day, and the Real Point About AI

Now let’s talk about the part that matters to me as a writer, and maybe to you too—especially if you’re trying to finish something and you’re flirting with the idea of letting technology do the heavy lifting.

I’m not anti-tech. I’m fascinated by it. I use AI writing tools and I enjoy the cleverness of it. But here’s what Makalidurga reminded me:

Do the hard yards first.

Walk the mountain.

Build the friendships.

Take the real picture.

Then—then—use technology to shape, organise, polish, and share what you earned.

Because AI can help you write a post.
But it cannot give you the thorny-bush shade.
It cannot give you the breathlessness that makes you humble.
It cannot give you the scent of that flowering jalagiri.
It cannot give you the stranger who borrows your binoculars and lights up like a child.
It cannot give you the train slipping past in the morning dark and making you feel, briefly, like life is a poem.

Writing lesson #9: Tools can refine your work. Only living can supply it.

Finishing vs Failing (and the Secret Third Option)

So what did this hike teach me about writing, finishing, and failing?

• Finishing sometimes means reaching the summit.

• Failing sometimes means stopping before the end.

• But there’s a third option most of us forget:

Choosing.

Choosing to stop without shame.
Choosing to savour without rushing.
Choosing to measure success by presence, not performance.

And oddly enough, that choice makes it more likely you’ll finish the next thing—because you didn’t turn this attempt into a story of personal inadequacy.

You turned it into a story of awareness.

Which is what good writing is, anyway.

Be the first to read my new book on the Portuguese Camino!

Join the launch team of the upcoming book. I would love to share the early drafts, bonuses and general experience of writing the book about our camino. For an author the journey is not over until the book is written.

1) What is the Portuguese Camino?

The Portuguese Camino is a set of signed pilgrimage routes running from Portugal into Spain to finish at Santiago de Compostela. Most people start in Porto (because: flights, cafés, and a very sensible amount of optimism), then walk north via the Central Route, the Coastal/Littoral Route, or mix both.

2) Why walk the Portuguese Camino?

Because it’s the sweet spot: coastal air, river towns, tiled churches, and enough infrastructure that you’re not reinventing survival every afternoon. It’s also kinder on the body than some hillier routes, while still feeling like a real pilgrimage—mud, meaning, and the occasional “who put this cobblestone here and why does it hate me?”

3) How long does it take to walk the Portuguese Camino?

Depends where you start and how many café stops you count as “cultural research.” Typical ranges:

• Porto → Santiago (Central): ~11–14 days for most walkers

• Porto → Santiago (Coastal/Littoral): ~12–15 days

• Lisbon → Santiago: ~25–30+ days

4) How difficult is the Portuguese Camino?

Overall: moderate. Many stages are flatter than people expect, but don’t be fooled—flat isn’t the same as easy when you do it day after day. The real “difficulty bosses” are:

• Portuguese cobblestones (your feet will have opinions)

• rolling hills into Galicia

• heat if you choose midsummer

• and that classic Camino challenge: pacing your enthusiasm on Day 1.

5) What is the best month (or time of year) to walk in 2026?

For most people: April–May and September–October. You get pleasant temperatures, longer daylight, and fewer “fully booked” surprises.

• Summer (June–Aug): hotter, busier, pricier

• Winter: quieter, wetter, some closures

• Check out this seasonal guide I wrote some time ago.
• Holy Week tends to be a time when school and parish groups walk the camino. So albergues may be full – Holy Week is from the 3rd April Good Friday to 5th April Easter Sunday. Check spring holidays around these dates as well.

Roman bridge crossing the Rio Lima in Ponte de Lima; Camino de Santiago; Portugal

6) Is the Portuguese Camino well marked?

Yes—generally very well marked with yellow arrows and Camino symbols. The only places you may second-guess your life choices are: city exits, busy roundabouts, and moments when two arrows disagree like siblings.

Practical tip: download an offline map app and treat it as your quiet, dependable friend.

Metal symbol on a street, indicating the Camino de Santiago, on its Portuguese route.

7) Where do you sleep on the Portuguese Camino?

You’ve got options, and you can mix them:

• municipal albergues (basic, social, budget-friendly)

• private albergues / hostels (often easier to book)

• pensions / guesthouses / small hotels (more privacy, more sleep, more money)

In 2026, if you want a specific place on a specific night—book ahead, especially on popular stages.

Just snoozing

8) How much does it cost to walk the Camino Portuguese?

Ballpark per day (excluding flights):

• Budget pilgrim: ~€35–€60/day (albergue + simple meals)

• Comfort pilgrim: ~€80–€150/day (private room more often, nicer dinners)

Your biggest “mystery costs” are usually coffees, snacks, and the innocent phrase: “Shall we just stop for a quick pastel de nata?”

9) Where do people go to the bathroom on the Portuguese Camino?

In the glamorous locations you’d expect: cafés, bars, restaurants, municipal toilets, petrol stations… and occasionally nature (handled thoughtfully and discreetly). The practical rhythm is simple: go when you see a chance, not when you hit crisis levels. Carry tissues, a little hand sanitiser, and a small zip bag for rubbish—because “leave no trace” is not just a slogan, it’s basic pilgrim manners.

A small reality check: some public toilets are immaculate, some are… philosophical exercises. And yes, sometimes you’ll need a key/token, often attached to something the size of a canoe paddle. This is not a mistake. This is Iberian toilet security.

10) Why is 2027 a holy year—and does it matter if I’m walking in 2026?

Santiago has Holy Years when 25 July (St James’ Day) falls on a Sunday—2027 is one of them. Expect more pilgrims, more buzz, and more pressure on beds.

So if you’re eyeing 2026, congratulations: you may be walking in the sweet calm before the Jubilee-style surge. You’ll still want to plan sensibly, but you won’t be competing with quite as many “once-in-a-lifetime” crowds.

Be the first to read my new book on the Portuguese Camino!

Join the launch team of the upcoming book. I would love to share the early drafts, bonuses and general experience of writing the book about our camino. For an author the journey is not over until the book is written.

I’ve always loved historical fiction – but most of it was set in Europe or England. The I did read a couple of take set in Mughal era – but what about my own heritage? Where were the historical fiction set in the heart of India?
As a storyteller, I have always been fascinated by ruins – the silence of collapsed roofs, the stories etched in stone. My long‑stalled historical fiction novel set in Vijayanagara has haunted me for years. Visiting Hampi and immersing myself in research has rekindled the passion to complete it. In this reflective blog, I share the reasons behind my project and how the feel of this “lost city” empowers my fiction journey.

Why Vijayanagara captured me

Reading about Hampi’s grandeur – its 1,600 monuments sprawled over 4,100 hectares, its Dravidian architecture and its mythic association with goddess Pampa – sparked my imagination years ago. The idea that a city once rivalled Rome and Constantinople yet was completely abandoned after 1565 presents rich dramatic tension. I wanted to explore not just palaces and battles but the lives of ordinary people caught between devotion and destruction.

Research as foundation and inspiration

Returning to the novel meant that I has to ground fiction on fact. That’s just me, as a technical author, I need to have the facts right before I can write. I pored over reports describing the urban layout and studied various verions of histories of the empire’s fall. Visiting Hampi, I watched sunlight glaze the stone chariot at Vittala Temple and heard the cries of eagles mounting up from the granite boulders. I rode and twirled in the coracle ride across the Tungabhadra River, imagining a character fleeing as invaders approached. The fear of the whirlpool was real – you can see my face grimacing in fear! Running my hands over the stone tablets etched with details in ancient Kannada and Telugu I could almost feel the stories entering my being,

Facing the “vanished empire”

One of the challenges in writing about Vijayanagara is conveying both its splendour and its transience. The Battle of Talikota may end my timeline, but the empire’s decline continued as regional powers asserted independence. In the novel, protagonists witness the city’s transformation from bustling capital to ghostly ruin. Understanding the complex causes – misrule, betrayal and economic shifts – allows me to craft believable motivations for characters and to avoid simplistic good‑versus‑evil tropes.

Personal motivations and creative hurdles

Life and work slowed my progress on the manuscript, but the pandemic and the rise of generative AI made me question the role of human creativity. Returning to Hampi reminded me why I began: there is an intimacy in reconstructing a forgotten world. Fiction allows me to explore what historians cannot – the inner lives, emotions and struggles of those who might have lived and moved and vanished in the fabulous city. This is not the imagination of cities of LOTR. These are real.

Renewed commitment

Armed with new research and sensory memories, I am ready to breathe life back into my story. I plan to balance factual detail with narrative flow, using the two‑day Hampi itinerary as a structural device in one chapter and weaving in cultural elements like Hampi Utsav. Driving the dusty road to Hampi reminded me of the isolation that must have protected and isolated the city in equal measure. My blog series will act as both research notebook and creative manifesto.

Conclusion

Writing historical fiction is both challenging and rewarding. It requires respecting facts while letting imagination fill gaps. Hampi’s ruins, myths and documented history offer a rich canvas. By sharing my journey and research, I hope to inspire fellow writers and to remind myself that stories, like empires, can be revived with dedication and curiosity.

As I guide writers in my retreats, I often remind them that every book has its lost city — a place waiting to be rediscovered. Returning to Hampi reminded me of my own.

The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646) was one of South India’s most powerful states, known for its military prowess, wealth from trade and monumental architecture centred at Hampi. Much of what we know about the empire is via written accounts by Portuguese and Spanish horse traders. As well as later accounts by Islamic triumpalist writers.

Yet by the early 17th century its splendour had faded, and its capital lay in ruins. This post explores the complex factors – both internal and external – that led to the empire’s decline and eventual disappearance. There are civilisational lessons here for all of us.

Golden age and early cracks

Under rulers like Krishnadeva Raya (r. 1509–1529) the empire reached its apogee, extending from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and enjoying prosperity from cotton, spices and horse trade. Krishnadeva Raya maintained effective administration and military discipline, but his death exposed weaknesses. His successors were less capable, and the empire became increasingly reliant on the regent Aliya Rama Raya.

Misrule of Aliya Rama Raya

Rama Raya consolidated power by sidelining the legitimate heir Sadasiva Raya and replacing established nobles with relatives and incompetent favourites. He hired Muslim mercenaries and attempted to model Vijayanagara’s administration on neighbouring sultanates. Contemporary critics accused him of playing the Deccan sultanates against one another while engaging in heavy taxation and cruelty towards conquered people. His arrogance and manipulation alienated both his own nobles and his Muslim rivals.

Battle of Talikota (1565)

Fearing Vijayanagara’s growing power, four of the five Deccan sultanates (Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda and Bidar) formed a coalition. On 26 January 1565 the armies met at the Battle of Talikota. According to historians, the Sultanate forces, though smaller, had superior artillery and cavalry; their Turkish gunmen and long Persian lances outmatched Vijayanagara’s slower elephants and outdated artillery.

Two Muslim generals in Rama Raya’s army defected mid‑battle, sowing chaos. Rama Raya was captured and beheaded, and the victorious alliance sacked Hampi, burning markets. homes, temples and palaces. This single defeat crippled the empire’s military and economic base. The ruling class also fled south, abandoning the city and the citizenry.

Fragmentation and decentralisation

After the sack, Rama Raya’s brother Tirumala fled south with the royal family and treasury. He abandoned the city of Hampi to lawless elements and the invading forces. The sack, slaughter and burning continued for 6 months. In Hindu medieval rule, the civilians and peasants were mostly left alone, so they did not flee – after all one tyrant was like another. But not in this case. The invading force desecrated, looted, raped and destroyed en masse and with no consideration for humanity. 

He moved the capital to Penukonda and later to Chandragiri, establishing the Aravidu dynasty. Much of the south and east broke away as regional governors (Nayakas) asserted independence.

The empire’s remaining territories were divided among Tirumala’s sons, further weakening central authority.

Continuous wars and external pressure

Successive rulers like Shriranga I (r. 1572–1585) and Venkata II (r. 1585–1614) struggled to reclaim lost territory but faced constant invasions from Bijapur, Golconda and other sultanates. They also had to suppress rebellions by Nayakas in Madurai, Tanjore and other regions. The relentless warfare drained resources and undermined internal cohesion. By 1646, continued conflict with Bijapur and the rise of Maratha and Nayaka states ended the Aravidu dynasty.

Economic and technological factors

While military defeat was decisive, long‑term economic and technological trends contributed to decline. Vijayanagara’s prosperity depended on control of horse trade and access to coastal commerce. The Portuguese monopoly on Arabian horses and maritime trade diverted revenue and reduced the empire’s military competitiveness. Historians like Richard Eaton argue that Krishnadevaraya’s earlier victories led Vijayanagara to underestimate new military technology; the empire failed to invest in modern artillery and cavalry, leaving it vulnerable to the sultanates’ firearms and tactics.

Conclusion

The fall of the Vijayanagara Empire was not a sudden collapse but a confluence of misrule, internal dissent, shifting alliances and external aggression. The Battle of Talikota crippled its core, but decentralisation, continuous wars and economic challenges prevented recovery. By the 17th century, successor states like the Nayakas of Madurai and Tanjore and the Mysore Kingdom filled the vacuum. Understanding these factors is essential for appreciating the tragedy and legacy of Hampi’s vanished empire.

Hampi is in Karnataka, on the Tungabhadra River, near the border of the modern state of Andhra Pradesh. Among golden granite boulders along the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, India, is the site of Hampi  – in a landscape once dominated by the wonders of the vanished Vijayanagara Empire (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Over 4,000 hectares of desecrated and destroyed temples, markets and palaces bake under the burning Deccan sun. I had a lot of questions about how to access the site, its history and what to see. I had to discover a lot for myself, so – in between the plethora of touristy content – I hope these posts of my actual visit there helps you. As a travel author, I can’t help myself – I’m addicted to helping people get the real facts about a place.

1. Where is Hampi located

Hampi sits on the southern banks of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, near the Andhra Pradesh border in southern India. It is roughly 140 km southeast of Badami and Aihole. The surrounding terrain of granite hills and riverine plains gave Vijayanagara natural defences. The nearest town with rail connections is Hospet, about 13 km away. Bangalore is just over 300 kms away, we found it best to drive to Hampi on an excellent national highway, NH 48 and NH 50.

2. Hampi temple history

The Virupaksha Temple, the oldest shrine at the site, was established in the 7th century by the Chalukyas and greatly expanded by Vijayanagara rulers in the 14th century. It remains an active place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Pampa. Beyond Virupaksha, Hampi boasts more than 1,600 monuments, including the Krishna, Achyutaraya and Vitthala temple complexes, all showcasing classical Dravidian architecture

3. What is Hampi famous for

Hampi was the last capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and at its height was among the world’s richest cities. All that remains is a vast array of temples, palaces, markets and civic structures set amid thousands of acres of spectacular boulder-strewn hills. Visitors flock to see icons like the stone chariot of Vitthala Temple, the monolithic Narasimha statue and the delicately carved Lotus Mahal. I went to see how such a magnificent city could disappear from history. 

4. 10 Sentences about Hampi (FAQ)

1. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located along the Tungabhadra River.
2. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565 and became one of the world’s wealthiest cities.
3. The ruins cover about 4,100 ha and include more than 1,600 monuments.
4. The Virupaksha Temple dates back to the 7th century and is still in use.
5. Hampi’s architecture exemplifies the Dravidian style with towering gopuras and elaborately carved pillars.
6. The site is named after Pampa, a form of Parvati, who, according to myth, performed penance here.
7. The city was sacked in 1565 at the Battle of Talikota and abandoned.
8. European archaeologists revived interest in Hampi in the 19th century leading to conservation efforts.
9. Highlights include the Vittala Temple’s musical pillars and the Queen’s Bath.
10. Today, Hampi attracts pilgrims, historians and tourists from around the world who explore the ruins on foot, by bicycle or by coracle ride.

5. Which is the best time to visit Hampi

The ideal season is October to February, when temperatures range from 15–25 °C and post‑monsoon greenery enhances the ruins. Winter also hosts the Hampi Utsav, a cultural festival celebrating music and dance. Summer months (March–June) can exceed 40 °C, making exploration uncomfortable, unless you are a statue carved in stone.

6. Can Hampi be covered in 2 days

Yes. A two‑day itinerary allows you to see major highlights. On Day 1, start at the Vittala Temple, walk along the river to the Krishna Temple, and visit the Narasimha monolith, Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables Day 2 can include the Queen’s Bath, Mahanavami Dibba (royal platform), Ramachandra Temple, and sunset on Hemakuta Hill.

Yes, two days are enough to see the highlights, provided you resist the urge to photograph every boulder. Good luck with that.

7. Why is Hampi called Lost City

After the Battle of Talikota in 1565, invading sultanates destroyed and plundered Vijayanagara. The capital was abandoned, and its ruins lay forgotten until British archaeologists renewed interest in the 19th century. This period of oblivion led to the nickname “Lost City.”

8. Hampi Karnataka nearest airport

Hampi has no airport; travellers fly into nearby domestic terminals. Vidyanagar Airport (VDY) in Toranagallu is about 30–35 km away and has intermittent flights from Bengaluru on regional airlines, Alliance Air and Star.

Hubli Airport (HBX) lies 160–180 km away and has direct flights from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. 

9. Hampi Karnataka nearest airport distance

Road distances from Hampi are:

Vidyanagar Airport – 30 km,

Hubli Airport – 180 km,

Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru) – 368 km, and

Belgaum Airport – 270 km.

Vidyanagar is a 45‑minute drive, Hubli about three hours and Bengaluru around 5–6 hours by road.

10. Nearest international airport to Hampi

The nearest international gateway is Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru, roughly 350–368 km from Hampi. Visitors can connect to domestic flights to Vidyanagar or Hubli or hire a car for the 5‑hour journey. 

Conclusion

Hampi’s combination of mythic landscapes, monumental architecture and rich history make it an epic destination for travellers and scholars alike. For further exploration of why the Vijaynagar Empire fell, read on.

Five unforgettable days in the Himalayas

From September 27 to October 2, 2025, writers from around the world gathered on a ridge in the Himalayas for an extraordinary experience — the Himalayan Writing Retreat 2025, hosted by bestselling author and writing mentor Susan Jagannath.

This wasn’t just a getaway — it was a creative awakening. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, crisp air, and peaceful rhythms of nature, participants rediscovered the joy of writing and the power of community.

Reigniting the Writer Within

Over five inspiring days, writers dove into a balance of structured workshops, personal writing time, and meaningful conversations. Each morning began with mindfulness and reflection — grounding participants before diving into guided writing sessions designed to spark creativity and overcome blocks.

Afternoons offered space to write freely, share insights, or simply sit in stillness as ideas unfolded. Whether polishing a manuscript, starting a memoir, or exploring a new creative path, every writer left with renewed confidence and direction.

The Road from Rishikesh

The transformation began immediately at Rishikesh, where the retreat began – even though it seemed like a transitory halt. The journey began where the Ganga pours down from the mountains onto the plains, a surging mountain damsel braided through with trees and jewelled rocks, racing down through the ugly rash of Rishkesh towards the calmer slopes of the gigantic plains of Northern India. It’s a long drive from Rishikesh to our eyrie in the mountains.  The winding road is a challenge for some. That front seat is a prime position.

Connection, Clarity, and Creative Confidence

One of the most powerful parts of the retreat was the connection forged among writers. From laughter over chai to evening sharing circles, a sense of camaraderie filled the air. Many described it as transformative — not just for their writing, but for their mindset and purpose.

The retreat offered:

• Expert mentorship and gentle guidance from Susan Jagannath

• Daily writing sessions, prompts, and reflection exercises

• Time to reset, refocus, and write without distraction

• A nurturing creative community and lifelong friendships

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 retreat came to a close, the mountains echoed with new beginnings. Participants left with notebooks full of ideas, hearts full of gratitude, and a renewed commitment to their writing journeys.

If you’ve ever dreamed of giving your writing the time and space it deserves — surrounded by inspiration, nature, and like-minded creators — the next Himalayan Writing Retreat may be your turning point.

The Himalayan Writing Retreat 2025 reminded us that when writers gather with open hearts, stories bloom. Every word written there carries a little of that mountain magic — clarity, courage, and creative joy.

✨ Stay tuned for details on the next retreat — and get ready to write your story where inspiration truly lives.