But beyond this summit, did you know that Davos is a typical Swiss town replete with pristine beauty and utterly awe-inspiring landscapes? Located in the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, Davos is perched at an altitude of over 5000 feet above sea level making it the highest city in Europe. It is located about 150 km from Zurich. With a kaleidoscope of sights spanning nature, architecture and history, there is plenty to do and see while in the mountain city. Read on to find out more:

Church of St. Johann

In 1289 twelve families from Valais settled in Davos and working together, they built a church dedicated to John the Baptist. The small tower still stands as a reminder of this. Since then the church whose tower was almost 72 meters was destroyed by fire and has been subsequently rebuilt. In 1909, the church was expanded from 200 to 800 seats, and in 2009, the interior was renovated. This included the restoration of the “Paradise” Giacometti painting from 1928.

Davos Town Hall

The town hall has been the political centre of the municipality of Davos for over 700 years. It achieved its greatest historical importance after the creation of the Zehngerichtenbund or federation of the ten courts in 1436. At the time, Davos was the capital of this federation, and the town hall was the seat of justice. For
nearly 400 years, the town hall was one of the most important political centres of Graubünden. The first town hall building from the 13th century was completely destroyed by fire in 1559. Since its reconstruction in 1564, the building has been repeatedly altered. Its stark cubic shape dates back to 1930.

Kurpark

A serene oasis nestled in the centre of Davos, Kurpark is a tranquil park enveloped by greenery all around. It is a great place to take a stroll, host a picnic or meet up with friends. There are lovely walking trails, manicured paths and a host of art installations and sculptures.

Admire Iconic and Heritage Buildings

Take a stroll along Davos town and there is never a dearth of heritage structures which are a haven for architecture lovers. Case in point is the Davos Library with its intricately painted facade which is located close to Postplatz.

And then there are houses that invoke vintage vibes apart from the iconic Davos Congress building as well as the zondacrypto Arena which is an indoor arena that is a hub hosting multiple sporting events including ice hockey.

Trekking Trails

Apart from spending time near the Davos Lake, the town is a haven for adventure junkies with hikes for every kind of travellers. There is close to 700 km of signposted hiking trails spanning all ranges of diffculty levels. Stunning vistas, alpine flowers, beautiful mountain lakes and magnificent Alpine views are just some of the add ons! The mountain ridge hike from Mount Jakobshorn to Mount Tällihorn and the hike to the Jöriseen lakes are some of the most popular routes.

Davos also forms for a perfect day trip from Zurich.

The post Five Things to See and Do in Davos, Switzerland appeared first on Rashminotes.

It is key to note that the walled quarter of the city has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and it is arguably one of the best places to spot yesteryear gems like pols, chowks and the like. It is here that you can spot heritage houses with jaali windows as well as an outdoor sitting area which served as a meeting place for social gatherings.

Many of the homes have ornately carved rich brackets, columns and pillars crafted mainly in teak wood. These reflect the grandeur and properity of rich textile merchants who often traveled abroad and bought back wealth which was used to build these homes.

The heritage walk starts from the famous Swaminarayan temple and ends at the Jumma Masjid and both these buildings are known for their unique architectural styles.

The city is also home to multiple step wells and many of them date to the 14th century. They are again replete with magnficent carvings, intricately carved walls and windows and served as not only sources of water but as rest places for travellers.

One place that is not to be missed while in the city is Sarkhej Roza which is a magnificent architectural complex that houses mosques and tombs. The buildings again have noteworthy lattice work, elaborate panels and combines features of Islamic and Persian architecture. It is a must visit if you are a fan of timeless art and architecture.

Click here and here to read more posts about architecture.

The post Photoessay: Ahmedabad on a Architecture Trail appeared first on Rashminotes.

Key Considerations

When designing for urban spaces, the key considerations revolve around context, density, and human experience. First, it is essential to respond to the site and its surroundings—working within constraints of limited space, neighbouring structures, and local regulations while still creating a distinctive identity. Second, light, ventilation, and privacy become critical, as urban homes are often tightly packed. Third, sustainability must be at the core of design. Integrating green spaces, energy-efficient systems, and natural elements helps balance urban density with ecological well-being. Finally, the user experience is paramount as the home needs to balance both form and function.  It should be a space where aesthetics and practicality blend seamlessly.

Maximizing space

Maximizing space in compact urban homes requires a balance of smart planning, structural ingenuity, and thoughtful design interventions. When the footprint is limited, building upwards becomes critical. Double- or triple-height volumes, skylights, and vertical connections help open up interiors, making compact homes feel expansive.

Cross ventilation and careful placement of openings are essential in dense urban fabrics. Multifunctional furniture, built-in storage, and movable partitions help optimize space without clutter. Furniture should serve more than one purpose—for example, a study table that folds into the wall or storage integrated under seating.

Bringing Green Indoors

When outdoor space is restricted, greenery can be integrated indoors through indoor plants, balcony gardens, or even wall treatments. The design embraces a sustainable approach, using passive cooling and natural ventilation to regulate interior temperatures—proving that comfort does not always need to rely on machines. Geen terraces, vertical gardens, and sensitive spatial planning allows natural systems to permeate the built environment.

Dos

• Maximize natural light and ventilation – design openings, skylights, and cross-ventilation to enhance comfort.
• Use multifunctional furniture – compact, built-in, or foldable pieces to save space in urban homes.
• Incorporate greenery – through balconies, courtyards, vertical gardens, or even indoor planters.
• Opt for a neutral base palette – then layer textures, natural materials like bamboo, and accents for warmth.
• Prioritize sustainability – use locally sourced materials, sustainable furnishings, passive cooling, and energy-efficient systems.

Don’ts

• Avoid over-cluttering – too many elements can make compact homes feel smaller.
• Don’t block natural airflow or light with heavy partitions or oversized furniture.
• Avoid excessive ornamentation – simplicity often creates a more timeless aesthetic.
• Don’t ignore scale – furniture and finishes must be proportionate to the space.

Styling Tips

• Use mirrors and reflective surfaces to create an illusion of openness.
• Introduce accent lighting to highlight design features and add warmth.
• Layer natural textures like wood, stone, cane, or linen to soften interiors.
• Add personalized art or handcrafted elements to make spaces unique yet uncluttered.

Read more about this topic in my article in The Hindu Property Plus.

The post How to Design Compact Urban Spaces that are both Stylish and Green appeared first on Rashminotes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Wheat Flour
• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 tbsp ghee
• 4 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• Warm water for dough
• Finely chopped green chilli, deseeded – as per your choice 2 or more
• One sprig curry leaves finely chopped
• A small handful of fresh coriander finely chopped
• 1 tsp cumin

Method

• Activate the yeast by mixing sugar, dry yeast, and warm water (it should not be hot you should be able to dip you finger in it). Cover and wait for 5 minutes. The yeast would have risen which means its ready for use.
• Take a large oven proof vessel. Add whole wheat flour, salt sugar, ghee, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, chillies, and oil and mix. Add the activated yeast and give it a mix. Boil some warm water and add to this dough – you should just mix with a spatula to get a sticky texture.
• Cover with a damp cloth and proof for an hour. It would have become double in size.
• Now beat it down mix and add some oil on top and cover for an hour.
• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees centigrade for 10 minutes.
• The dough would have risen again, now place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
• Leave inside for 5 minutes.
• Take it out – be careful it will be very hot.
• Rub butter on the top, cover for 30 minutes.
• Demould and enjoy.

Click here and here for other healthy homemade recipes.

The post Recipe: Easy Home Made No Knead Savoury Bread appeared first on Rashminotes.

It’s relevance in today’s design landscape aligns with minimalist elegance and luxury in homes, emphasizing lasting value over boldness. Highly versatile, Cloud Dancer adapts to natural light beautifully, pairs effortlessly with both cool and warm palettes and lets architectural details, textures, and materials take centre stage. So, here is a look at the different ways you can use Cloud Dancer in your home.

Living Room: Works as an ideal primary wall colour to open up the space. It visually balances bolder furniture tones and allows accent materials like wood, bamboo, stone, or metal to stand out. Works well for minimalist, Scandinavian, and modern Indian living rooms.

Dining Area: Creates a calm backdrop that highlights dining tables, statement lights, and artwork. It also enhances the perception of cleanliness something homeowners subconsciously value in dining zones.

Kitchen: Perfect for wall surfaces as it has the quality of making compact spaces look larger. Pair with cabinets crafted in wood for a warm look.

Bedrooms: Adds restful tone that supports soothing, sleep-friendly palettes. It works especially well in bedrooms with mixed materials such as linen, jute, cane, ribbed wood, allowing each texture to shine.

Bathrooms: When combined with terrazzo, brushed nickel, or soft grey stone, Cloud Dancer offers a spa-like, serene ambience in your bathroom.

Circulation Spaces (passages, foyers, stairwells):  Brightens transitional areas that usually receive less light, ensuring visual continuity throughout the home.

Styling Cues

Combine Cloud Dancer with beige, sand, oat, caramel, and muted terracotta for a cozy, inviting look. Use Cloud Dancer as a backdrop for art walls or statement lighting fixtures. Introduce greenery/leafy plants, indoor palms, and earthy pots in order to complement its soft tone beautifully. Mix clean lines with organic curves to enhance its modern yet serene feel. For maintenance tips, opt for high-washability paints or matte enamel finishes to prevent scuff visibility. Use a soft cloth and diluted soap water to clean high-touch areas around switches and corners. In kitchens, choose stain-resistant finishes for easier upkeep and long-term durability.

Lastly, for colour combinations, pair it with warm neutrals like mushroom, taupe, driftwood greys, caramel and beige. Bring in earth tones such as olive, rust, terracotta, and muted sage for natural warmth. For modern contrasts, use charcoal, slate black, or midnight blue to strike a dramatic yet balanced look. Soft accents like blush, dusty lavender, and muted golds work beautifully for a gentle, elegant finish.

Dos and Don’ts

• Use it where you need calmness, clarity or visual ease.
• Pair it with warmer tones to avoid a “flat” look.
• Test it in natural light; the shade shifts subtly through the day.
• Don’t combine Cloud Dancer with stark pure whites, it may start looking dull.
• Don’t leave it unsupported; it needs texture or materiality around it to stay interesting.
• Avoid overusing cool lighting; it kills the warmth of the tone.

The post How to Add Cloud Dancer – Pantone Colour of 2026 to Your Home appeared first on Rashminotes.

Synonymous with Christmas, Christmas markets are all about artisanal goods, handcrafted gifts, native crafts and local cuisine. Germany has always been known as the birthplace of Christmas markets and it is definitely one of the best places to soak in the spirit of Yuletide. But beyond Germany, there are several other places in Europe known for their Christmas markets that open as early as the third week of November. So, if you are in Europe during December, the below Christmas markets must be on your list.

Strasbourg: this city in the Alsace region of France is often called the capital of Christmas given the grandiose celebrations through out the city. It is also known to be the birth place of Christmas tree and even today hosts one of the tallest trees of the region. With multiple markets hosting a bevy of stalls, all retailing authentic, handmade goods, this alluring city is a must visit during Christmas time.

The entire city is decked up with lights and wonderful decorations and is indeed a sight to behold. Apart from mulled wine, the markets are a great place to sample tarts and soups. Strasbourg is about 550 km from Nice and 500 km from Paris.

Colmar: located just over 70 km from Strasbourg, Colmar is a pretty village that exudes plenty of fairy tale vibes and old world charm. The historic town centre hosts as many as six beautiful markets replete with illuminated chalets retailing goodies of all kinds.

With streets and alleyways radiating warmth from the little fairy lights, these markets are indeed a great idea to visit with your family. There are activities like treasure hunts and fun rides for children too.

Vienna: the capital of Austria is known to host some of the largest and oldest Christmas markets in Europe. While there are multiple markets (close to 20) in the city, the one which is most famous is the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz (City Hall Square).

The city hall itself is richly decorated and the market has a large ice rink that is perfect for skating enthusiasts. There are life size advent decorations as well as a plethora of stalls selling Christmas decorations, nativity sets and a several gourmet delights including baked potatoes, roasted chestnuts and pretzels.

Budapest: the Hungarian capital is also known for hosting some of the largest markets in the region. It is here that you will find authentic souvenirs crafted from local folk art and hence is a haven if you like tradition and culture. Think knitted ornaments, glass blown artefacts, handmade candles etc. Do sample sausages, chimney cakes and of course mulled wine.

Einsiedeln : one of the most important pilgrimage centres in Europe, Einsiedeln is known for the Benedictine monastery located in the town. This fairy tale Swiss village which is an easy day trip from Zurich, hosts an authentic Christmas market against the backdrop of the monastery.

The entire main street is decorated with fascinating light structures and the attractive red chalets retail all sorts of goods like handmade wooden ornaments, pine cone decorations and a wide variety of wreaths. Do take time to sample various kinds of artisanal cheese when here.

Read this post to know more about the Christmas Markets of Switzerland.

The post Five European Christmas Markets to Visit this Holiday Season appeared first on Rashminotes.

Nestled amidst enchanting woods, the lake is accessible after a short 200-meter walk through a traffic-free nature park. The entire ambience seems straight out of a picture book with moss covered boulders and gnarled trees surrounding the lake. There is a quality of intrigue coupled with allure which makes the place almost magical.

The view of the lake amidst the imposing woods is sure to leave you ensnared and whether it is autumn, winter, spring or summer, Blausee is a popular attraction with locals and tourists alike.

The history of Blausee dates 15,000 years ago in the last ice age and was formed after a huge landslide and glacier fall. The lake is fed by groundwater from the Kander river and underground springs. The’unique blue tint is due to the clear mineral-rich water. Since only the blue spectrum of the light is absorbed, the water appears a splendid azure hue. While the area was historically remote, the expansion of the road leading to the lake and the establishment of the Lötschberg Railway in the valley resulted in the entire region experiencing an unprecedented rise in the number of visitors.

It is interesting to note that Blausee is also associated with a legend. Based on this legend, artist and sculptor Raffael Fuchs has carved in stone a beautiful lady who was found dead in Blausee many years ago. According to the story, after the sudden death of her lover, with whom she had previously spent many romantic hours in this area, she went night after night to the Blue Lake. In deep mourning she struggled with fate until she finally met her own death. Because of her tears, the lake is said to have acquired its blue color.

There are several activities that one can indulge in while here. This includes hiking, trekking as well as a slow boat ride on the placid waters of the lake. There are some lovely hiking trails in the Blausee Nature Park. The gorge trail leads directly to the rock room and the Wolfsschlucht while the bridge trail takes you to the water house and the playground. You can also enjoy a picnic in the park or take a slow walk through the paths as you tread along roots, stones and on soft earth. With firs and deciduous trees all around, this is a haven for nature lovers. There is a restaurant as well as a trout farm within the nature park.

During the warmer months, you can experience new insights and perspectives at Blausee. With the glass-bottom rowing boat, you glide gently over the crystal-clear waters and learn a lot of interesting facts about this small natural wonder. Because the water comes from underground springs, it is crystal clear. The tree trunks and rocks, which are up to twelve meters under water, seem to be just below the surface. The trip in the glass-bottom rowing boat is included in the entrance fee and no reservation is required.

All in all, Blausee is an idyllic paradise and is a great idea for a family outing. It is about 180 km from Zurich and forms for the perfect day trip from Zurich. It is just under 60 km from the Swiss Chalet village of Brienz.

The post Blausee aka Blue Lake: One of Switzerland’s Most Beautiful Mountain Lakes appeared first on Rashminotes.

Mythical Tales Galore: The festival is intrinsically associated with ancient folklore. History has it that the locality of Basavanagudi was once home to groundnut fields and was earlier called Sunkenhalli. It is said that a ferocious bull would come every full moon night and destroy the crop causing grief and fear among the farmers. Hence, they prayed to Lord Shiva and the Holy Bull Nandi to protect their crops. Their prayers were answered and as a token of gratitude the farmers took a vow to offer a part of their harvest to the Holy Bull. According to another story, one of the farmers hit the bull with a stick and on returning the next day, they saw it turn into a stone idol. Realizing that the bull was actually divine, the farmers built a shrine which is incidentally the big bull aka Doddabasavana temple. As a token of gratitude they decided to offer a part of their harvest each year to the Lord.

Doddabasavanna Temple, the Epicentre of the Festivities: The famous big bull temple in Basavanagudi, which is incidentally one of Bangalore’s most famous and historical landmarks, is central to the traditions and festivities associated with Kadlekai Parishe. It is here that the farmers offer a part of their harvest before selling them at the fair. It is also important to note that many farmers who come from neighbouring villages like Hoskote, Kolar etc, first pay obeisance at the Aralepete Basavanna temple in the Cottonpet area of the city and then proceed towards the temple in Basavanagudi. The entire area around the latter is replete with a vivacious fair like environment with play areas set up for children which including merry go rounds, giant wheels and a whole lot of fun rides.

Held on the last Monday of Kartik: The festival is always held on the last Monday of the holy month of Kartik which is the 8th lunar month in the Hindu calendar. According to author and historian Rajeev Nrupathunga, it was a day when lamps would be lit in all temples which helped farmers and visitors who came to the fair during the days when there was no electricity. In fact, the vicinity of the big bull temple is full of rocks which have hollow depressions on their surface and each of them would be filled with oil soaked cloths which would be lit up with a wick. These lights would be visible to the soldiers guarding Bangalore fort during the days of the yore.

Nandikolu Kunitha: this is an ancient folk dance that is performed as part of the Kadlekai Parishe festivities. Dancers balance a heavy, intricately decorated pole bearing the statue of a Nandi and dance away while the offering of groundnuts is made to the Lord. It is a high energy performance as the dancers precariously balance the pole which is close to 22 feet tall and weighs over 100 kg against high octane drum beats in the background. It is a traditional dance that symbolizes resilience and strength and is an integral part of this harvest festival.

Originally a Two-Day Festival: originally the parishe was a two day affair with the Monday being called the “Dodda” or big parishe and Tuesday being the “chikka” or small parishe. Now the festival has been extended to five days with several initiatives being taken to make the massive festival plastic free and environmentally friendly. Read more about this and the festival in general in my article in Zee Zest.

To read more stories about Bangalore, read this post. For more snapshots of Kadlekai Parishe 2025, click here.

The post Five Traditions You Need To Know About Basavanagudi’s Annual Kadlekai Parishe (Groundnut Festival) in Bangalore appeared first on Rashminotes.

There are close to 70 carpets on display and are from as far as Persia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. All of them were generally woven by women. They were at the forefront of producing these masterpieces, mostly for personal use. The men sheared the sheep, goats or camels for the wool and did the dyeing, while the women carded and spun the wool yarn and wove the designs from their imagination.

Their Shamanistic views translated their surrounding objects into icons and patterns. For example people, animals, birds, mountains, gardens, flowers etc have all been translated onto these carpets. The weavings were either flat kilims (like durries) which have two dimensions-warp and weft; or carpets with a pile, i.e. the third dimension of a vertical knot that creates the soft cushiony surface.

According to Danny, most of these tribes were nomadic and moved as the seasons changed. Their horizontal looms were uprooted and moved along with the caravan of belongings. That is probably why a lot of these tribal carpets which are handmade are not cookie cutter or straight edged. They are aptly “perfectly imperfect”!

The carpets on display are between 100 to 200 years old and were actively used in the day to day lives of the homes and families they belonged to; whether on the floor, as curtains to divide the tent into living quarters, as beds and blankets, as storage bags for food and clothes etc.

According to Danny most of these weaves are long gone and the weaving techniques are nearly extinct. Danny with his remarkable collection ensures that these treasures are peserved and cared for. As part of this process, the carpets are soaked and washed, repaired and conserved.

He also mounts rare fragments on cloth and canvas to give them the respect they deserve as phenomenal work of art. As per Danny they try to do all this without changing the onginal intent of the weaver.

The exhibition is on from 25th October 15th November 2025 and is at Gallery Sumukha. Address: 24/10, BTS Depot Road, NGO Colony, Wilson Garden, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560027.

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post.

The post Carpet Stories from the Old Silk Roads – An Exhbition of Authentic Tribal Carpets in Bangalore appeared first on Rashminotes.

Here is how you can make it:

Ingredients

• Stem of one broccoli
• Two tablespoons of almond powder (just roast and coarsely grind a handful of almonds or use a ready-made version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Milk/coconut milk (optional)

Method

• Thoroughly clean and wash the broccoli stem. Make sure to slightly chop off the end of the stem.
• Boil the stem until it is cooked till soft. It should reach a mashable consistency.
• Allow it to cool completely and blend to a smooth paste with almond powder and add some water if it feels too thick.
• Transfer to a thick-bottomed pan and bring to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring.
• Allow to cool for five minutes and optionally add milk or coconut milk if you are vegan.
• Serve hot.

Click here and here for other zero waste or root to shoot recipes.

The post Recipe: Easy Two-Ingredient Broccoli Stem Soup appeared first on Rashminotes.