Travel news

Locked away

A 19th century Tibetan metal lock from Leh in Ladakh

V. Venkatesan

Fort Road in Leh is an enchanting, O. Henry-esque world shops named Same Same But Different, syrupy salesmen peddling cashmere shawls for, well, mere cash... And there, amidst the usual trinkets, I came across what must be the most useless lock in the world. 

&nbspAfter a bit of haggling, I bought it for Rs. 200. Made of hand-forged metal, the lock works on an elaborate lever mechanism. But whereas it took me a whole afternoon to learn to lock it, a two-year-old could perhaps pick it in twenty seconds. In the nineteenth century, Tibetans used it as a cabinet lock. Today, it rests on a friend&rsquos worktable, passing for a paperweight.

Your Perfect 3-Day Kutch Guide: Places To Visit, Things To Do, Where To Eat, And More

5 Books That Perfectly Showcase The Rich Culture Of 'Calcutta'

Top Winter Festivals You Must Experience On Your Next Europe Trip

Top Places To Visit In And Around Bhuj This Winter

Beat The Crowd: Offbeat Places To Visit In Kashmir This Winter

SCROLL FOR NEXT