Hi, we're the Sivakumars 👋
We're curious, energetic travelers and home cooks who believe the best stories come from a mix of smart planning and spontaneous discovery. Here you'll find our travel journals from around the world, and From Amma's Kitchen — family recipes passed down through three generations. A little planned, a little spontaneous, always full of wonder. 🍃
Colorado Summer Weekend Adventures #1: Easy Escapes from Denver
Discover easy weekend getaways within two hours of Denver, including Pine Valley Ranch, Evergreen Lake, Clear Creek Trail, Creede, and Roxborough State Park. Perfect for families, seniors, and anyone looking for scenic Colorado adventures without strenuous hikes.
August 2, 2026
Crispy Rava Dosai from Leftover Idli & Dosa Batter
A delicious way to transform leftover idli or dosa batter into something everyone looks forward to — Amma's kitchen-wisdom recipe for golden, lace-like rava dosai.
July 20, 2026
Idli Milagai Podi, a classic South Indian spice powder.
A homemade spice powder that is nutty, aromatic, mildly spicy, and incredibly versatile. Once you make this at home, store-bought podi will never taste the same!
July 18, 2026
🍃 Welcome to From Amma's Kitchen
Food has always been the language of love in our family. Three generations connected by love, tradition, and the joy of sharing food.
July 18, 2026
San Jose to San Francisco: A Fun and Work Trip Unique California Adventure
There are family trips or a business trip, and then there are trips where you accidentally discover why people fall in love with a place — South Indian comfort food, coastal drives, and networking in the Bay Area.
June 24, 2026
Utah Calling: Scout Lookout, The Narrows, Great Salt Lake & College Friends Reunion for the Ages
Some trips are about places. This one was about people — college friends from GCT Coimbatore, thirty+ joining for a reunion in Salt Lake City — and the places were just spectacular.
April 28, 2026
Embarking on a Journey of Healing: Our Ayurvedic Odyssey
Life had gotten complicated for my husband and me over the past few years, relying heavily on regular medicines. A curious walk into an Ayurvedic hospital in Coimbatore became a turning point.
September 7, 2025
Turkey 2024 – Our Own Journey
Travel is usually about sights, sounds, and food. But this trip to Turkey (Nov 21–28, 2024) taught us it can also be about finding your own rhythm, doing things your way.
August 29, 2025
A Spiritual Journey: Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya & Gaya – May 2025
A deeply spiritual journey covering Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Gaya, each offering a unique blend of divinity, tradition, and life lessons — with a practical travelogue.
August 28, 2025
Before the Wedding: A Mother-Daughter Iceland Adventure
When I was laid off from work, I suddenly had time. My daughter was about to get married, and before she stepped into her new chapter, we took a trip together to Iceland.
August 28, 2025
Dublin, Ireland: A City of Stories
Based in Cherrywood just outside Dublin, exploring Trinity College, the Wicklow Mountains, the Aran Islands by horse-drawn carriage, and quiet evenings with family.
August 28, 2025
UK in 4 Days – A Whirlwind Journey of Castles, Friends & City Life
When my husband had a work trip to the UK, I tagged along — a perfect mix of working remotely, exploring solo, meeting friends, and squeezing in weekend getaways across Edinburgh, Wales, and London.
August 28, 2025
Slovenia: Green, Clean, and Cozy – From Ljubljana to the Lakes
Slovenia charms with green landscapes, cozy towns, and spotless orderliness — compact yet rich, perfect for a short but memorable 1.5-day visit from Ljubljana to Lake Bled and Bohinj.
August 27, 2025
2 Days in Prague/Praha
Our Prague adventure began in Staré Město (Old Town), with castles, cathedrals, the Astronomical Clock, and riverside beer under glass-arched pubs at Náplavka.
August 25, 2025
Exploring Budapest in 1.5 Days: A Travel Guide
After landing in Istanbul from the US, a quick connecting flight to Budapest and a cozy studio apartment near the Chain Bridge — castles, trams, a Danube cruise, and chimney cake.
August 23, 2025
Our Travel Adventures…
We are curious, energetic travelers who believe in making the most of every journey — a mix of smart planning and spontaneous discovery, sharing 4-5 trips a year.
August 23, 2025