India’s Bengal tiger is an endangered species and to see one in the wild is a thrilling experience. The two main parks for tiger spotting, Kanha and Bandhavgarh have the added attraction of having tiny villages around them where you can explore the culture of the Indian countryside. It is a safari like no other. … Read more
In Mumbai, we wanted to explore the more organic aspects of the city, as we did in Kolkata (see our post on Kolkata) in order to absorb everyday life in the streets and neighborhoods. The city’s most iconic neighborhood landmarks include the Sassoon Fish Market, the Mumbai Dabbawalas (lunch delivery system) and the Dhobi Ghat … Read more
The city of Khajuraho offers a unique experience. The 25 temples are all built in close proximity to one another, with diverging styles and themes that give you an immediate snapshot of Indian religions and architectural styles throughout the ages, making it an inspiring experience. The city itself is very different from most Indian cities, … Read more
Our first visit to India a number of years ago included the cities of Delhi and Agra. Jaipur is the third stop on the most recommended tour of north India called the golden triangle. This is the tour that includes the iconic Taj Mahal (Agra). After hearing its praises for so long, I was expecting … Read more
Kolkata (Calcutta) is not on most people’s bucket list but it should be. It is one of the most interesting cities in India. It is a colorful, vibrant city that is on its way to regeneration. The perception of Kolkata for those who have not yet visited the city, is a place with overpopulation, extreme … Read more
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It has been known by many names, including the City of Light, a name derived from Kāśī (Sanskrit: “to shine”). This name survived since its first appearing in texts around 1,000 B.C., and refers to spiritual illumination. The 3,000 year old name Kashi is still … Read more
A safari experience in Nepal (Chitwan or Bardia) is very different than India (see our post on Indian safaris). Many travelers want to know which country to visit if they want to see tigers, India or Nepal. Nepal is a very special place and Kathmandu is unlike any other city on earth, so a trip … Read more
In holy cities like Varanasi and Kathmandu, some holy men (Sādhus) are quite conspicuous because of their eccentric appearance, which symbolizes their ascetic status and their renunciation of material desires (sannyāsa). This post sheds some light on why some ascetics dress and act the way they do, and dispels some myths about some of their … Read more
Paro’s biggest attraction is the sacred Buddhist monastery called Tigers Nest. It is situated at 10,000 feet up on a vertical rock face overlooking the valley. A trip to Tiger’s Nest should be part of an overall itinerary that includes all of Bhutan (see our post on Bhutan). The monastery complex was built in 1692, … Read more
Bhutan travel is very unique. It is situated on the ancient Silk Road between Tibet, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Surrounded by the Himalayas, it offers dramatic landscapes and some of the world’s most exotic trekking and hiking, like the month-long Snowman Trek, or the half-day Tiger’s Nest hike (see our post on Tiger’s … Read more
