Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?

Overall, this year did not involve much travel, except for visits to a few religious and scenic places. Here are some of the highlights:

Lord Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, Tirumala Tirupathi

Lord Venkateshwara is our Kul Devta, and we make it a tradition to travel once a year to this temple. Lord Venkateshwara Swamy of Tirumala is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, worshipped as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and celebrated as the “Lord of the Seven Hills.” The Tirumala temple is among the richest and most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. In fact, it is the second richest temple in India and one of the busiest globally, drawing millions of devotees annually.

Shri Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Mantralayam

Mantralayam is a revered pilgrimage town in Andhra Pradesh, famous as the site of the Jeeva Samadhi of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, a 17th‑century saint and philosopher of the Dvaita Vedanta tradition. It remains one of South India’s most visited spiritual destinations. A Guru is an essential guiding light in human life, illuminating the path of wisdom, discipline, and self‑realization. Among the revered Gurus, Sri Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam stands as a beacon of devotion and compassion. His teachings continue to inspire countless devotees, reminding us that faith, humility, and service to humanity are the true foundations of spiritual growth.

Scenic Places in Kerala

During our trip to Kerala, we experienced breathtaking natural beauty. The refreshing landscapes, rich wildlife, and serene atmosphere made it a memorable journey. I also had the chance to try new cuisines I had never tasted before, which added to the joy of the trip.

Shri Harihareshwara Temple, Harihar, Davangere

Visiting this historical place was a magnificent experience. Harihareshwara Temple in Harihar is a remarkable Hoysala‑era shrine dedicated to Harihara, a unique deity that fuses Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Built in the early 13th century, it stands as both a spiritual and architectural marvel in Karnataka. The temple continues to function as a living place of worship, not just a historical monument.