Author: Archana
-
Rooting for Tubers Festival – 3rd Edition
My obsession with all of these actually stems from the fact that I was born and raised in a small town in Kerala by parents who loved plants, gardens, and the outdoors! We grew a lot of fruit trees, vegetables, and tubers in addition to ornamental plants in our home. I suppose that because we…
Written by
·
-
Coleus amboinicus -Indian Borage
Many people often ask me for a list of must-have plants to grow at home. Without hesitation, I always begin with my favorite, Panikoorka. This plant is at the top of my list not only because of its remarkable medicinal properties, but also because it is an excellent all-arounder for any home. Botanical Name: Coleus…
Written by
·
-
Plant-aids from Nature’s pharmacy
Growing up, one of my fondest memories was watching The Jungle Book on DD National. I remember a particular scene vividly: Mowgli, injured in the jungle, is helped by a ‘human’ who quickly plucks some leaves, chews or crushes them, and applies them to Mowgli’s wounds. That simple act resonated with me, sparking an early…
Written by
·
-
Forage walk and lunch at Anemane Farms
With the blessings of rain God, we had a great day at the farms yesterday. Blessings because it didn’t rain yesterday and it rained enough(or maybe not) to give us some good amount of naturally grown wild greens for the meal. We reached the farm by 10.30 in the morning. I remembered the last visit…
Written by
·
-
Pathila Thoran: Kerala’s Healing Greens on a Plate for Monsoon Wellness
Karkkidakam, the month of heavy rains and seasonal shifts, brings with it the age-old tradition of Pathila Thoran—a nourishing stir-fry made from ten medicinally rich leaves. These backyard greens, harvested with care, provide a natural boost to immunity and well-being. But gathering them requires mindfulness—correct identification, safe harvesting practices, and proper cleaning ensure both health…
Written by
·
-
Portulaca quadrifida – Wild Purslane
You may not find this greens/keerai in city or town markets. Or even in villages these days! While I have seen and consumed the Common Purslane, this little one seemed to be a rare find for me. My friends in the Forgotten Greens group used to share this plant from various parts of India but…
Written by
·
-
Portulaca oleracea – Common Purslane
Purslane is found worldwide and is often considered a weed. Despite its humble status, it has been valued as a food source in many cultures for centuries. Purslane was used by ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal properties and as a food source. It was also known to be used in ancient Egyptian cuisine…
Written by
·
-
Explore Ramadevara Betta/Hill
Ramadevara Betta is a special place because it’s the first vulture sanctuary in India.It’s also great for hiking and watching different kinds of birds. Plus, it’s famous for being in the movie Sholay. People who love history, hiking, or just enjoying nature like to visit here. It is also known in another name – Ramagiri…
Written by
·
-
Blooming Delights: A Guide to Edible Flowers in India
Last Updated on 01-Oct-2025 India is a treasure trove of diverse flora, showcasing a stunning variety of edible flowers that are as flavorful as they are beautiful. Picture this: from the majestic Himalayan foothills to the lush tropical forests of the south, our country’s landscapes are bursting with blossoms that have been cherished in traditional…
Written by
·
-
Spiti Valley Trip – Local cuisine and what we had
Discovering Authentic Spiti Cuisine: A Real Experience During our 8-day Spiti Valley trip, we tried to explore traditional foods based on blogs and social media posts. However, many locals we met were unfamiliar with some of these foods. This made us wonder if these dishes were forgotten over time or if a new food culture…
Written by
·
-
Spiti Valley Trip – Things to Take Care Of
Essential Tips for a Memorable Spiti Valley Trip We recently spent 8 days exploring the Spiti Valley with two ladies and two kids, arranged through a travel agency with our choice of accommodations. Here are some key points based on our experience: By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to…
Written by
·
-
Journey to the Mountains: A travelogue: Day 11 & 12
Narkanda – Chandigarh – Bangalore I got to enjoy a moonlit night yesterday too just like the last nights at Kalpa and Lhalung. And I enjoyed the last morning of this trip in the mountains. We had a quick breakfast and continued our return journey to Chandigarh. We didn’t get much traffic delays at Shimla…
Written by
·
MY LITTLE THOUGHTS LANE 