Cascades among mossy green rocks

This is a vintage men's angrakha or jama (I am not sure of the historically appropriate term) that I am wearing as a dress on an expedition to yet another waterfall.

The fabric feels like handloom-ed cotton, is definitely hand-blockprinted and is a flouncy dream of an outfit. The sleeves are too big and too long but that has never stopped me from enjoying an item of clothing. I love the fact that a lot of historical Indian costumes look gender neutral and they give me hope that one day we will evolve beyond this gender-based existence.

Tropical waterfalls on road-trips

Happy 2017! Here are some photos that make me happy, from a fun road-trip we went on last month at the beginning of summer.

On our meandering trip exploring the highlands south of Sydney we came across this impressive escarpment-leaping waterfall. The scenic bush walks, lush valley and deep gorges made the place just magical, the best part was we could get in the water and look over the edge down the towering cliff. It was a dizzying but breathtaking experience that I am in no hurry to forget.

Travel Photos: Erskine Falls, Great Ocean Road

Here are some photos from when we went to Melbourne and drove up the Great Ocean Road, it was a spectacular ride but I get car sick so the highlight for me was the beautiful Erskine falls we walked down to and scampered around in the cold.

There is a reason I

Running around a dry waterfall in Ko Samuii

This water-fall was fun to get to, riding a rickety scooter up a hill, stopping for some tender coconuts and then walking down to the ravines.
There was no water as we went before the monsoons but it was really fun to run up and down the rocks with a puppy that was wandering about.

An old hand block-print top with denim cut-offs, slip-ons and a locally made bag completed the look for the day. Nothing special, just travel comfort appropriate.

Swathed in Magic and Ferns

Flowy anaarkali dresses in cotton block-prints and bandhani are my go-tos all year round, in all sorts of locations, these photos were taken bushwalking in the forests leading to waterfalls. Travelling to the mountains west of Sydney to explore the canyons, cliffs and waterfalls is a frequent excursion for the boy and I. The plethora of ferns, the swirling mists deep in the jungle, the almost other worldly sounds and smells, all make this place more magical every time we visit. Breathtaking views from the top, almost inaccessible valleys at the bottom, steep gorges and breathtaking rain-forests everything is both magical and majestic at the same time.

I feel like this dress just blends into the fernery, I can hide my warm woolies into its folds and if you know me, you know I have many many dresses exactly like this one. I love desi hand-crafted clothes but I also like my outfits not to limit my movements and like exploring even more, so I like my clothes pretty but functional in ways that makes sense to me.

Calm Sights and Sounds

Ancient woodland, sunlight pouring through a canopy of trees, the gurgling of a tiny water-fall and a tranquil pond at the foot of it surrounded by mossy rocks. This was the place I spent my birthday this year, dressed in comfortable cotton block-print, carrying a fabric bag and dozing by the beautiful sounds of birds and nature.

Jungle Book

Pretending to be Mowgli in a tropical rainforest, chasing creeks, skipping on mossy rocks leading to waterfalls and loving the smell of the forest. I never wanted to leave and can't wait to go back to the mountains and clamber over rocks till I am exhausted. Of course the cold meant, all the layering happened under the block-print dress, beanie came out to play and boots with thicks socks were needed.

Yes, I go camping in flowy dresses, sometimes trip a little bit but my love for block-print flowy goodness means I rarely want to wear much else. What do you wear to go camping?

Chasing waterfalls

Coastal and rainforest walks are by far my most favourite hiking activity. Every once in a while we get tired of the concrete jungle and escape to the Blue Mountains to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. From the roar of the water to the towering cliffs and dark foliage, there are many reasons why waterfalls capture my imagination. Winter is one of the best seasons to explore the area as most people tend to stay away giving us a chance to enjoy the cold weather surrounded by picturesque nature. We drive up the hills and set up our camp, descend through glades of tree ferns and soak up the spray as the cascades plummet down the slopes into the National Park. It feels magical and relaxing, rejuvenating and exhilarating all at the same time.