The Tourism Council of Bhutan proudly proclaims that Happiness is a Place and Bhutan is well known as a country which takes happiness very seriously. The Bhutanese Gross National Happiness measure has been studied by economists around the world and Bhutan is proud to say that ‘the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal’. Understanding how important the concept …
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a tiny sovereign independent country, located in the heart of the eastern Himalayas. It is tucked between the two giants of Asia, the Tibetan Region of China to its north and the vast plains of India to its east, west and south. Westerners call it the last Shangri-La. Bhutanese call it Druk-Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Bhutan is one of the few countries that escaped colonization and so remained independent throughout its history. Bhutan stayed in self-imposed isolation for centuries and therefore has a unique culture deeply influenced by Buddhism with a rich and varied heritage and traditions. It embarked on a planned modernization only in the early 1960s. Through its enlightened policy, Bhutan maintains a pristine environment with a rich biodiversity. Bhutan’s development policy is based on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The Kingdom opened its door to controlled tourism only in the early 1970s. Now is the time to experience the last Shangri-La!
Sri Lanka is increasing in popularity as a travel destination as word gets out about everything this tropical paradise has to offer visitors. This large island just to the south-east of the Indian subcontinent was once joined to the mainland via a formation known as Adam’s Bridge, Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu. In Hindu mythology it was constructed during the …
India is blessed with the legacy of hundreds of palaces and royal forts. With multiple royal dynasties across its long and complex history, India offers the opportunity to see how the truly rich have lived over millennia in this land of contrasts. These days many of the former royal residences have been transformed into upmarket hotels where paying guests can …
China is so vast that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning an itinerary that captures the essence of the country and its people. One way to meet the challenge is to focus your plans on a limited geographic area that boasts some of the most iconic China experiences. You don’t need to look further than Beijing …
India and Asia offer some of the most compelling spiritual destinations for travelers and pilgrims. Sacred sites, shrines, temples, and religious communities attract worshipers and day-trippers alike. Some locations are holy sites for multiple religions or have been occupied by successive religions over millennia. In many countries, religion and spirituality is everywhere, deeply embedded into every aspect of daily life. In Japan …
When you travel to India you will be overwhelmed with the variety of arts and crafts you’ll see, and the distinct regional differences in cultural traditions which inform these practices. Buying arts and crafts in India supports local makers and helps keep communities economically viable. You may even be able to have some hands-on fun and learn how to make …
India is such a vast and diverse country that it’s impossible to capture every incredible experience in just one trip. Many travelers find themselves returning again and again as they discover the richness and variety that India has to offer. There are some essential Indian experiences which can allow you to immerse yourself in the true essence of India. These …
The animal kingdom is not separate to the human realm in Indian culture and mythology. Both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs situate humans, animals, and birds on the same plane of existence, sharing cycles of reincarnation. In India, sacred animals are highly visible in everyday life as they are venerated. Both wild and domesticated animals also play a prominent role in …
If you’re planning a trip to India, one of the best things to do while you wait for your departure day is to immerse yourself in books and films about the country, its history, and people. These days Bollywood films have a very high profile around the world but the local film industry is more diverse than you might think. …
When you think of India you probably think of the color and vibrancy of the arts, crafts and textiles, the rich and sometimes spicy variety of delicious foods and the hustle and bustle of some of the world’s busiest cities. But do you think of India as a place featuring some of the most spectacular and stunning architectural wonders of the …
When you’re travelling, there’s nothing more rewarding than a stroll through the bustling streets of the towns and cities of the country you’re exploring. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of a new culture, up close and personal. While you’re wandering, people watch and check out the tasty morsels of street food vendors cook up on the side …