Spiritual depth, human scale, sensory overload
The Indian Subcontinent is colourful, chaotic, and full of culture. From India’s intensity to the mountains of Nepal and Bhutan and the beaches of the Maldives and Sri Lanka, this region offers huge variety and unforgettable experiences.
India is the obvious catch and unlike anywhere else on earth. Sri Lanka and the Maldives are easy and rewarding, while Nepal and Bhutan are perfect for adventure and scenery. Pakistan and Bangladesh can be fascinating but need more planning.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh – Densely populated and rarely visited by tourists, offering river life, vibrant cities, and a strong cultural identity. 
Very busy in Dhaka so plan well in advance and don’t just turn up. Visas essential in advance. Dress modestly. Mosquitoes can be prevalent all year round so consider tablets. Cox’s bazar is a world famous beach to catch. The hinterland is also interesting. Allow plenty of time for travelling around.
🇧🇹 Bhutan – Famous for its focus on happiness and sustainability, with Himalayan landscapes, monasteries, and tightly managed tourism. You must have a guided tour booked in order to apply for a visa. You also need to pay a mandatory $100 payment as part of the Sunstainable Development Fee. Sites include Paro, Thimphu (the capital which surprisingly has no traffic lights), and Punakha. The Punakha Suspension Bridge and Tiger Nest cave are also a highlight. The food is all organic since it’s all local and pesticides are banned. Bhutanese people are very piety and religious, which means they are respectful but any interpretable disobedience, i.e. rule breaking, specifically around monasteries will likely be punished.
🇮🇳 India – Like a continent all on its own with so many cultures, monuments, religions and foods all wrapped into one. One of the most diverse travel destinations on Earth. So many destinations all rolled into one each with their own culture, heritage, food and language. In general, be prepared for an onslaught of colour, noise and life at all angles. You must be up for it to enjoy it. Western food is very hard to come by. Streets are packed 24/7. Some highlights include Jaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan and Kerala for the backwaters and beaches in the far south. Trains are legendary but book at least second class. Bottled water only. Visas still needed in advance. Have a plan and don’t accept and advice from locals on the street. Try to catch a cricket game if you can. Some of the former royal palaces are now hotels and some of the best places to stay anywhere. Not crazy prices and worth it if you can.
🇲🇻 Maldives – A collection of low lying coral islands focused almost entirely on luxury resorts, diving, and beach travel. Generally known for honeymooning or luxury travel. Access often via Dubai. Diving is great and the hotels are excellent but some are very isolated so choose carefully. One island, one resort rule: Book the right island for what you want. Party vibe = North Male Atoll. Quiet/romantic = South Atoll.• All-inclusive is worth it. Food + drinks on resort are 3x city prices. A single cocktail can be $25. All-inclusive saves hundreds.• Bring USD cash in small bills for tips, seaplane fees, and local island trips. Cards work at resorts but local islands are cash-only. (KK)
🇳🇵 Nepal – Best known for the Himalayas and trekking, with Kathmandu as a cultural hub and strong spiritual traditions. World famous for Everest enthusiasts. Famous for Everest base camp but the mountains can be enjoyed by no climbers too up to a point. Mainly a cash society. Kathmandu is bustling and very busy. Visas are generally on arrival. Unique local food such as momos – dumplings.
🇵🇰 Pakistan – Dramatic mountain scenery in the north and rich historical cities, with improving tourism but still under visited. Safety can vary so stay to guided or normal routes. Border with India currently closed. Visas essential in advance. Climate can vary a lot but often very hot and humid in cities. Punjab is a great place to catch, especially Lahore. Cricket is great to watch if you can. Dress conservatively.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – A compact island with beaches, tea plantations, wildlife, and ancient cities, making it one of the easiest entry points to the region. Can be caught in many ways but good for solo travel as well as tours and beaches. Political situation erupts from time to time so watch out for that. Iconic locations include Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Anuradhapura, and the beaches of Mirissa and Unawatuna. Generally more relaxed that India.
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