Asia, the land of mysticism and wonder, the land of flamboyant culture. The land that will make you want to leave and make you want to stay at the same time. The land that can make you gasp and just stare in wonder, the land that welcomes you and draws you in. Asia is a lot of things to many people.
Asia, the most populated continent, is home to many and a resting pad for many others. The place where lotus’ bloom and tiger’s roam, the place where the cold winds from the Himalayas blow and the warm waters of the Arabia sea flow.
Both the lowest and the highest points on the earth’s surface are in Asia. The tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa – is in Asia. So is the highest mountain in the world, Everest. (Yeah, Everest, at 29,035 ft is the highest mountain in the world, but not the tallest. The tallest mountain in the world is the dormant volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA that stands at 33,480 ft if you count from the bottom of the ocean floor).
The world’s major religions – Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism were birthed in Asia; so were a few of the minor ones. Many ancient civilizations once thrived in Asia, and the ruins now tell stories of bygone days. Temples, mosques, churches, forts and castles, they’re all here in Asia. Happening places – Mumbai, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, HongKong, Chiang Mai, and so many more – they’re all here in Asia. Exotic cuisines – Vietnamese, Chinese, Afghan, Indian, Burmese, Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Iranian, Thai and so many more – they’re all in Asia.
Okay, you probably got it by now. Asia, the world’s largest and diverse continent has a lot to offer. There’s so much to explore in Asia, from Leh & Ladakh, to Macau and Hongkong, from the forests of Borneo to the foothills of the Himalayas.
I could keep going, but isn’t it better to just read these posts about travel in Asia by my friends and myself here?
There’s something romantic about the idea of working from a sailboat – ocean swims on your lunch break, an early morning paddleboard instead of a 6 am commute, checking your weather sailing app for the forecast rather than Google maps for news of the dreaded daily traffic jams. Here are the Pros and Cons of working remotely on a sailboat.
Annapurna Circuit has stunning views from start to finish, with a variety of terrain and a good mix of nature and culture. But every trekker must be prepared to face any challenges along the trail. This guide will tell give you insight into what you must know before the Annapurna Circuit trek and help you prepare for the journey of a lifetime!
If you’re visiting Korea in October or any other time during fall, you must try these delicious Korean autumn foods.
The best of Awadhi cuisine and where to find it in Lucknow, India, the City of Nawabs. Kebabs, biryani, and more.
Wondering what to eat on a cruise? Some of the top must-try dishes on your upcoming cruise vacation.
Seoul is a food-lovers paradise with traditional Korean foods and Korean-fusion. Here are 10 things to eat in Seoul!
The places we liked eating at in Goa. Restaurants with yummy food in different parts of Goa that you must try.
The Devaliya Safari Park is about 412 hectares of the Gir National Park that was developed as an interpretation zone. It’s also often called the Sasan Gir Interpretation Zone. This zone allows visitors to see lions, deers, boars, and other species of wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat too much. So you don’t have to only go on the Gir Jungle Trail to see the animals in Gir National park. The Devalia Safari Park which is about 13 kilometers from Sasan Gir Village is perfect for this!
Jim Corbett has always been associated with wildlife and tiger sightings. But there’s a lot more to do beyond safari.
The town of Sagada is one of the popular places to visit in the Philippines. It is a town located in the province of Mountain Province. Approximately a 10-12 hours trip from Manila. Some popular activities to do in Sagada are spelunking, trekking, rappelling, visiting historical sites, or exploring waterfalls.
Munnar is an alluring hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. At 1700 meters above sea level, Munnar is the “Kashmir of South India.” Find out the top things to do here from Sonakshi of Places in Pixel.
Mousuni Island, West Bengal is an offbeat destination to visit in India. Find out how to get to Mousuni Island and what to do there from Ruma of The Holiday Story
Dharamshala, the scenic city of Himachal Pradesh, is located in the Kangra Valley of the state. Dharamshala and its many small villages are known for the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains. While there are a plethora of things to do in Dharamshala, the most favorite activity for some people there is to try the different food of the region.
We’ve seen some really quirky cafes around the world while traveling; some in old factories, some in scary allies, and some of them even situated at the top of mountains. If you look for the world’s most unusual cafes and best coffee shops, you’ll find some really quirky and strange ones. Wondering where all the … Read more
Over 20 of the best coffee shops to visit across the world on your travels. Must visit coffee shops in different cities and countries.
if you’re still planning to visit Goa, here are some Goan destinations that you must visit. Top attractions in Goa, India that are visited more than the others.
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia is a budget friendly city to visit in Eurasia. Here are some of the top things to do in Armenia via Kirstin of Adventures with Ensuite.
The vibrancy and variety of Thai cuisine can be tasted via a number of Thai dishes, and felt in the intensity and complexity of the flavors.
Biryani, a dish that finds its way to Indian dinner tables often has an uncertain history. Find out more about this rich Indian one-pot dish.
A dosa is a traditional South Indian dish eaten with sambar and chutney. Find out more about the origins of the iconic dish here.
Idli is a savory South Indian rice-cake from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka that’s made by steaming fermented batter of rice & urad lentils and served with sambar and chutneys like tomato, coconut, etc, and milagai podi (spice powder).
A visit to Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan is a great opportunity to try different versions of Central Asian dishes at these choice restaurants.
If you’re visiting Bangkok in Thailand, here are some of the top foods and dishes to eat.
The Filipino lechon is pig meat that’s traditionally roasted on an open fire and served at family gatherings and events. Why is it an important part of Filipino?
Although one expects a national dish to have roots far back in time, the Pad Thai was invented in the 1930s on request of the Prime Minister. Find out more from Wendy, The Nomadic Vegan.
Delhi is the food capital of India, with delicacies such as chole bathure, gol gappe, tikki chaat, parantha, butter chicken, jalebi and rabri to tantalise your tastebuds.
Have a plan to visit the unusual places in Goa and popular sites in Goa? And wondering where to stay in Goa on your visit? We’ve got a tried and tested list of beach resorts in Goa from my friends and myself. many of them are close to the best places to eat in Goa … Read more
Resting seductively between two continents, Asia and Europe, Istanbul has traditionally been a melting pot of cultures, religions and ethnicities like no other. No wonder why food in Istanbul is equally diverse and, thus, fascinating.
Bangalore being the IT hub and one of the most populated cities in India, you can spot people form all over India and also from other countries living here. From temples and hill stations to waterfalls and forts, there are many places to visit around Bangalore which makes it a loved destination for tourists. Cultural … Read more
Living in Asia has its perks; warm weather, friendly locals, old churches, and most of all the best street food in Asia, or maybe even the best street food in the world. So if you’re traveling across Asia and wondering what best Asian street food you must try; here’s the list of the top Asian … Read more
Visiting Tokyo without knowing Japanese can seem scary. Luckily their hospitality coupled with most people speaking English makes getting around easier. There are so many things to do in Tokyo for adults and children. Many things on this list will be child-friendly since a six-year-old was my travel buddy. Tokyo is of course one of … Read more
Taipei has more than earned its reputation as one of the best food cities in the world. However, deciding what to eat in Taipei can be a process of elimination that’s too difficult for many travelers, especially if it’s your first time in the city, if you only have a few days or if you … Read more
We were having a chat about the number of UNESCO sites in Asia that we’ve visited. And it seems my percentage of World Heritage Sites is really really small. So I asked my friends who have visited more places than me, ‘Which are some of the most amazing must-visit World Heritage Sites in Asia?’ And … Read more
We were having a chat about the unusual food people eat in different cultures, and Laura said, “You know some people eat every part of the fish”. I said “Yeah, we do too! The fins, the eyes, everything.” And that started a long conversation about how my culture eats goat trotters, goat tripe, oxtail stew, … Read more
A Tasty Food Guide from Sticks & Spoons On our Travels to Bangkok we have eaten a lot of great food; from street food to Fine Dining. It’s a vibrant, progressive and interesting restaurant scene with so much to explore if you love to Travel for Food like we do! Here is our top picks … Read more
A series about nomads who have succeeded in an amazing nomad life, with all the challenges and the blessings.
It is sad but not a lot of people know that Bir actually has a lot of amazing food spots to try out different cuisines and dishes here. Bir Billing is primarily famous as Asia’s Best Paragliding Site and has many monasteries, treks, etc. for you to check out here. But amongst all this, no … Read more
Ever had this happen? Travelled on holiday to a new city and after a fun day sightseeing, dropped into that famous café or bar and got stumped looking at the bar drinks list. Yep, that’s happened to me. What should I drink? What drink is famous in this city? What’s on the list of top … Read more
When you take a trip to India, towns like Mumbai and Goa. Ramdaspur or Ambarsar are the erstwhile names of Amritsar, another city in Punjab that you must visit. Located about 217 km North West of the Chandigarh, the State Capital, Amritsar is very close to the Wagah Border that separates present-day India and Pakistan. … Read more
Israel has the best food in the world. I may be slightly biased since I lived there for 5 years, but the fresh produce; incredible dips like hummus and tahini; and the Middle Eastern take on Mediterranean food is hard to beat. While there are countless must-see places in Israel, one of my favorite cities … Read more
It’s summer somewhere in the world right now! We’re lucky we live on a blue dot that has summer in some place no matter the time of the year; and there are always some nice holiday destinations that are perfect for water sports. My friends and I have put together a list of the best … Read more
Planning a trip to Goa? If you’ve already looked at our lists of where to eat in Goa to where to stay in Goa or the popular attractions to see in Goa, and are still craving for more, you’re in the right place. Here’s a list of some of the must-visit places in Goa that … Read more
My family always talks about how our great-grandfather Joseph Frank Rebello was the secretary to Kaka Baptista, the great freedom fighter. So it was necessary to visit the museum dedicated to him in Manori, Kaka Baptista East Indian Museum. How to get to the East Indian Museum in Manori? The East Indian Museum is in … Read more
Street Food and Local Restaurants in India that you must visit to try or eat at least once Indian food is most delicious food in the world! Okay, maybe not the sole winner among food around the world, but Indian dishes are definitely some of the most loved snacks and dinners in the world. Street … Read more
There’s so much to do in Vietnam. It’s such an incredible country and I simply love it. Here’s my list of 13 things to do when you visit. 1. Go to Ninh Binh When I was in Hanoi I decided to visit Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is two hours away from Hanoi. There are a … Read more
What’s for dessert? I love dessert! Don’t you? So I’ve asked a few friends of mine to list the best desserts in their cultures. So here we have it – yummy desserts, Italian desserts, simple desserts, quick easy desserts, chocolate desserts, tasty desserts, light desserts, french desserts, fun desserts, summer desserts. Everything from great desserts to amazing desserts in different countries … Read more
Bombay, the city of dreams, that’s where I live. My Bombay. Or should I say my Mumbai? I’m an East Indian from Mumbai, or Bombay as we still like to call it. Bombay from the Portuguese meaning ‘good bay’ or Mumbai from the Goddess ‘Mumba’. Of course we’ve had a lot of names over the … Read more
What’s for dinner? A question as important as asking about breakfast or dessert. What’s for dinner tonight? Is there any dinner? What’s easy to cook for dinner tonight? What can we make for dinner? Supper? Wat eten we vanavond? Vad blir det till middag? You cooking up a feast there? Beth sydd i swper? Kin Khao? Kas … Read more
What are the reasons you must visit Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise island in the Indian Ocean that is littered with romantic hideaways, palm tree lined beaches and glistening blue-green waters. Here are just 10 of the top reasons why you should visit this beautiful island as soon as you can. Food … Read more
What’s for breakfast in different cultures and countries across the world? What’s for breakfast mom? What’s for breakfast darling? What’s for breakfast nan? What’s for breakfast at the cafe? What’s for breakfast honey? I’m hungry. What’s for breakfast? Is there any breakfast? Ever wondered what to have for breakfast? Some of these may be healthy breakfast … Read more
On my recent visit to the UNESCO-designated city of Jaipur, Rajasthan I was lucky enough to visit Nahargarh Fort, originally named Sudharshangarh Fort. (Nope, not Nahargarh Palace; that’s just the name of many local hotels. Nahargarh Fort itself contains a number of palaces that we saw.) The name Nahargarh Fort directly translates to ‘Abode of … Read more
India, the land of dreams and legends, the land that has everything to offer – from scorching deserts to frozen mountains, from flowing rivers to blooming valleys – everything you want to see, you can find it in this beautiful land we call home. But if you’re like me – a city dweller from Mumbai – you … Read more
Tigers! The majesty, the magnificence, the sheer presence of wild nature. One of the reasons people from across the world visit India. And the reason so many of us visit National Parks. The last time we saw tigers was at Ranthambore National Park in February. So this May we went to Pench National Park in … Read more
Love of nature took us to Pench National Park, India where we saw the tiger Raiyyakasa, the mate of Collarwali and a lot of wildlife.
Ramadan or Ramzan is a Muslim celebration of when the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Fasting is necessary for Muslims who aren’t sick, elderly, menstruating, breastfeeding, pregnant or travelling. It’s one of the famous Five Pillars of Islam. My Muslim friends fast from dawn till dusk, and don’t have sex, eat, drink, or smoke. … Read more
Singapore is one of my favorite countries to visit. I have been there at least 8 times, and will be living there for three month next winter. My first time there in 2002, we did all of the touristy thing—Raffles, the Night Safari at the Zoo, Jurong Bird Park, the Botanic Garden, Orchard Street, Chinatown—and … Read more
You’ve already read the blog about how I found it difficult to get back into a Kayak because my boobs kept getting in the way. But that’s not the only problem I’ve had with having big boobs. My country wants me to go braless Take for instance the fact that bras my size are not … Read more
Bells ringing, childhood memories. The ice cream cart comes to our neighborhood, but here in Bombay it’s kulfi. Sometimes it’s the kulfi man with the basket on his head announcing his arrival. ‘Kulfi-eaah’. As kids we used to run happily for ice cream or kulfi. That instant brain freeze when you bite, the cool feeling … Read more
When you’re looking for places to visit in Kodaikanal hill station in Tamil Nadu, Bryant Park shows up in the top 10. This South Indian nature park set up in 1908 by H.D.Bryant covers 20 acres in Palani Hills opposite Coakers Walk on the East of Kodaikanal Lake.
So excited to be going on our first Tiger safari! We all were. We knew that chances were slim since many people after going on numerous Safaris fail to see tigers. Of course, there are more things to do than just a safari. This Indian National animal has proven to be quite elusive to see, … Read more
Why do people go to Palolem, Goa? There are a lot of beaches in Goa that are perfect for getting some sun. Goa is a beach destination, so unlike the rest of India. It’s famous for beaches like Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Majorda, Colva, Vagator and many more. But Palolem tops the list. Perfect for budget … Read more
/Although I received a minor discount (media rates) for this stay, this does not influence my opinion of the experience. UPDATE: As of September 2018, the Lodge at Amer is no longer under the flagship of Lebua. “Lebua ae Lebua. Lebua ae Lebua.” I won’t tell you which family member was singing that song as … Read more
Igloo? In India? Really? Normal questions that my friend Tejashree gets when talking about her trips to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. But yes, igloo stays are now economical and I’m so glad I got this off my bucket list. I want to one day stay in igloos in Abisko like my friend Michelle did, or the … Read more
On our way to the Igloo Camp near Hamta Pass, Manali, which is a well known destination for skiing in Himachal Pradesh, India, we stopped for a bit somewhere near Curve 24 to look at the Backwoods Mountain Camp in Hamta Village that we plan on staying in once it opens again in April. The … Read more
I’ve dreamt of staying in a glass igloo in Kakslauttanen one day; and waking up to see the Northern Lights from the warm interiors of the igloo. I’ve also dreamt of being seated around a fire outside an igloo and traipsing through inches of snow in Iceland or Sweden to see the Aurora and capture its … Read more
The life of a nomad, a dream for many that goes unrealized. You can live the life of a nomad no matter what you do. All you need is the grit and the mettle that Gemma had when she decided to go be a nurse in an unusual location? Want to hear her story? Read … Read more
Since we’ve been young, a trip to Bandra for shopping meant we got to eat some tantalizing snack at Elco Pani Puri Centre and Restaurant on Hill Road in Bandra. Hill Road has always been a street shoppers’ paradise. I remember coming here since I was 4 or 5, with mum and my siblings. And … Read more
Doing what you want and love isn’t something that should wait till later. Sometimes you just have to break free from the shackles or a routine existence and jump into that different life. And who knows? You just might find what you were meant to do. Today, Melissa from High Heels and a Backpack shares … Read more
As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day and the reaffirming of our freedom, we celebrate our right to be all we can be and our right to choose our own destiny. We celebrate youngsters like Jeremy who have chosen to walk the path less travelled, to find their own destiny, and to give hope to … Read more
Zuka in Pondicherry If you’re ever in Pondicherry, two places that you absolutely have to visit are Zuka and Café Olé. Located almost side by side, they are havens for choco-crazed folk like me. Zuka is a store with a wide range of chocolate goodies to offer, from cakes to pastries to little miniatures. Although for … Read more
Travel exposes us to different cultures, weird encounters, bizarre environments. What’s the most peculiar travel adventure you had?
While on our way to discover the secrets of the Dead Sea region and the healing properties of the Dead Sea, we stopped for a few hours at Masada. The 2000-year-old fortification once housed King Herod’s palace, with its 3 rock terraces, overlooking the Dead Sea. This Majestic fortress is open all days of the year … Read more
As I was saying earlier, as part of my trip to Israel we spent a few days in different locations. The diversity and beauty of the country is truly amazing. Our next stop on the tour was the Dead Sea area. So we left Tel Aviv early in the morning and headed towards the Dead … Read more
Visiting Jerusalem, Israel is interesting, educational and spiritual. The CityofGold is home to Tower of David, Israel Museum, Via Dolorosa. Read more about Sarah’s trip here, and the marriage proposal’s she received.
Here are a few places to visit on your trip to Eilat in Israel, Dolphin Reef and Ice Mall.
A much-deserved break in the Indian rains at Chandoli National Park “There’s a long weekend coming up. Let’s do a short trip together”, says my friend and boss. Happy me starts dreaming of exotic locations that I cannot afford. Of course, smart boss-friend is also on a budget like me and decides that an easy … Read more
“Not going to Bangkok or Pattaya? Not even Krabi or Koh Samui? Are you Serious? But that’s where all our Indian brethren always go!” Our friends had a bit of a puzzled expression on their face when we announced we were off to Chiang Mai. My response was a slight grimace, followed by a long … Read more
