Menu
India is quite simply one of the most diverse nations on the planet; a wealth of monuments, world heritage sights, countless languages, religions and ethnic groups, a plethora of local textiles, handicrafts and cuisines, to a gamut of birds and wildlife. Add to this a unique topography ranging from the mountains of the Himalayas to the plains of the Deccan, the beaches of Goa, the deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat; the waterways of Kerala to the tropical forests of Madhya Pradesh and the desert islands of the Andaman and Lakshadweep. One of the oldest civilizations on earth dating back to 5000 BC gives her a historical wealth which is immense. She is a land where, in places, time has stood still for centuries and in others it has been catapulted into the 21st century. Yet there is one thing common throughout the land, and that is the genuine warmth and hospitality of her people. Once captivated by India, you will be tempted to return time and again, and it has the diversity to keep you enthralled for countless trips.
I’ve visited Sri Lanka six times. It is a land of contrasts and natural beauty; primeval jungles teem with wild leopard and elephants, while saffron clad monks meditate beside wondrous ruins – testament to the noble civilisations of the past. Golden beaches stretch for miles with nothing obscuring the view but fishing boats, slender swaying palms and surfers.
In the interior, the cool misty mountains loom over lush green slopes be-speckled with brightly dressed tea pickers. Beyond, the nation’s colonial history, the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Anuradhapura, (the Cultural Triangle), the old capital of Kandy and the colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya, all offer different facets of the country. However, there is so much more to this stunning island, and a visit to Sri Lanka can be a heady, intoxicating, and an emotional experience.
In addition, all the destinations are no more than a few hours’ drive from one another, so in a mere 24 hours you can imbibe the tranquillity of plantation, wonder at the strength of such a gentle faith at an ancient Buddhist temple, and stroll hand-in-hand along a romantic beach in the evening!
Dominated by the Himalayan Mountain range and the mighty Mount Everest, Nepal guarantees spectacular views at every turn. With mountains also comes trekking, climbing and white-water rafting. Situated by the serene Phewa Tal Lake, is Pokhara, where fishing, boating and paragliding can all be enjoyed. Chitwan and Bardia National Parks, provide the opportunity to view the Royal Bengal tiger (if you are lucky) or the endangered one-horned rhinoceros or wild elephant, and wonderful birdlife.
Nepal also boasts a number of UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, seven of which lie within the Kathmandu Valley alone. These ancient temple and palace complexes are inspiring examples of skilled craftsmanship – exquisite thangkas, gold painted stupas and intricate woodcarvings as well as portraying Nepal’s unique and complex blend of religions and traditions. A photographer’s paradise.
Most recently I was involved in a consultancy project to bring a series of homestays to the fore, working with families in rural areas, usually unexplored, and where the focus, apart from discovering a truly authentic experience, was sustainability and women’s empowerment.
Bhutan’s landscape, made up of imposing, pristine mountains, thick, primeval forests, deep ravines and beautiful traditional villages. Being predominantly Buddhist, it is scattered with monasteries (dzongs), and saffron clad monks, who, when not in prayer or meditation or doing chores are often found playing board games, sharing stories and laughing whilst checking mobile phones! Archery is the national sport and can be seen played in public areas most weekends and green chili peppers together with ‘cheesy sauce’ is the national dish. It is also a land where the vast majority of the inhabitants love their king and queen. The country has no traffic lights, it is forbidden to climb high peaks (where spirits dwell), and employees must wear traditional clothing—a gho robe for men and kira dress for women—during work hours. It is a land of fascinating ancient traditions and festivals but as always, I advocate getting a little away from the main destinations and exploring a land which has still remained unchanged for centuries.
