Future Bucket List Adventures - India and the Maldives, South Asia

South Asia

South Asia is the area usually considered to include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Both India and the Maldives are on my bucket list for a future trip.

India

One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City” for its trademark building color. At the center of its stately street grid (notable in India) stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex. With gardens, courtyards and museums, part of it is still a royal residence.

Amanbagh Resort

Amanbagh is a divine, luxurious resort located two hours from Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, offering tranquil relaxation. The hotel offers experiences to visit the ancient city of Bhangarh and the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Bhangarh

Abandoned just a generation after its founding and rumoured to be haunted, Bhangarh is home to remnants of palaces, temples, pools and bazaars, preserved amid green lawns and giant ficus trees. A national heritage site, it was built in the 17th century by Diwan Madho Singh of the Jaipur royal family. Amanbagh can arrange guided visits to the ruins of this folkloric, medieval city.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Once the personal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar, Sariska Tiger Reserve is located just 45 minutes by car from Amanbagh. Today the reserve acts as a sanctuary for endangered tigers, and is also home to wildcats, caracals, Sambar deer and many other beautiful species.

Agra

Agra is a city on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal (17th century), designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

Located 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, all rooms afford uninterrupted views of the Taj while the elements of design pay homage to its Mughal splendour.

The Taj Mahal

An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Agra Fort

The Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra, and also known as Agra's Red Fort.

Wildlife S.O.S. Elephant and Bear Conservation Centres

Wildlife SOS is an animal welfare non-profit organization, set up to protect Indian wildlife. They rescue abused animals, rehabilitate them, and where possible, release them back into the wild. They have two rehabilitation facilities near Agra: the Bear Rescue Facility which is the world’s largest rescue centre for sloth bears; and the Elephant Conservation and Care Center which rescues and rehabilitates abused captive elephants. They are about 30 minutes apart.

Goa

Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda

W Goa

With its boho aesthetic, perma-soundtrack and fashionable guests, India's first W hotel brings some chic Ibizan vibes to northern Goa.

Kerala

Kerala, a state on India's tropical Malabar Coast, has nearly 600km of Arabian Sea shoreline. It's known for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters, a network of canals. Inland are the Western Ghats, mountains whose slopes support tea, coffee and spice plantations as well as wildlife. National parks like Eravikulam and Periyar, plus Wayanad and other sanctuaries, are home to elephants, langur monkeys and tigers. Kerala is also known as the land of festivals, one of the most famous being the colourful Onam festival.

Taj Bekal Resort & Spa

The Taj Bekal is a 5 star resort and is known for houseboat inspired rooms, Ayurveda therapies, and its flowing backwater and beach location.

The Maldives

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. With the powder soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, the Maldives are unparalleled in terms of their striking visual beauty.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is one of the only Maldives luxury resorts that offers the ultimate hideaway experience. The resort is described as a slice of paradise!

These are the places I aim to visit on a future trip to India, Seychelles and the Maldives.