Destinations in 2011

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1. Albania

The magic of striking flashes of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, the highlands backed upon the elevated Balkan landmass against a bright blue sky of Albania. Long walks in the streets, aromatic coffee, carefree nightlife and lounging around or just dancing. My favourite place is Vlore, the lively seaside city. And my penchant for art and history always attracts me to Butrint. Albania gives you such a high that it can’t be matched.

2. brazil

The joie de Vivre and tempo of the tropical passion of Brazil is infectious. From the river’s mouth on the Pacific to Manaus, the pulsating main city, there is a buzz in the air that energises you to enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere. Then you travel into the main course of the Amazon past unspoilt habitat and traditional villages to get the true flavour of the traditions and country. My favourite remains Rio De Janeiro and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls.

3. cape verde

Unexpected adventure and amazement peppers the exploration of fascinating Cape Verde. Stunning volcanic hills and wines, jaunts through grasslands and water holes, sailing, trekking and of course, the exciting cuisine. From Fogo, the spectacular volcano island which erupted in 1995, to Brava, a small island only accessible by boat, to the extraordinary mountain scenery and white sandy beaches, there’s always a something new everytime I visit this place.

4. panama

A coveted
getaway for me is not about being cooped up in a Swiss spa surrounded by 40-year-old socialites trying to look 20. When I envisage my dream journey, imagination conjures up Panama, far away from the madding crowd. Give me the shells and palms of the tropical islands of Panama, lazy long tours through unending canals. This is therapeutic and I highly recommend this mediative holiday that rejuvenates the senses and hones one’s creativity.

5. Bulgaria

This melting point of different civilisations has been the passage for kaleidoscopic tribes and peoples, giving it a unique artistic touch and customs, and later the culture of the Thracians. The Greeks and Romans boosted art and culture and later it was enriched by local Bulgarians creating this country’s distinguishing characteristics. Visiting the historical landmarks, lonesome beaches, drinking their heady wine, this is a dream getaway which offers an unmatched flavour.

6. Vanuatu

You only dream of places like this tropical haven in the deep Pacific. The angst of traffic seems like it never existed and coming back to India, is then a rude shock. I am done with the frenetic pressures of having to “sight see” or “shop”, a holiday is no longer about amassing material possessions. It is about wearing natural fabrics, hair left loose, walking the interminable beaches of Vanuatu with the music of the sea.

7. italy

The warm comforting aroma of coffee and gelato imbue this romantic land, and I go back time and again, asking for more. Is it me or are people really so welcoming and charming? If I choose another place to live in besides India, it would have to be this ancient land where Rome once ruled the world. Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Tornio, Lake Como, Tuscany — the Villas, castles, lakes, stately homes, churches, art, amphitheatres, seas and canals, steeped in tales and legends of a culture that permeate the ancient stones that create a timeless edifice are evocative of a country that lives in your heart forever.

8. tanzania
Wildlife, Game parks, adventure safaris — this attractive country has nature in its raw, real form. The most unforgettable moments of my safari are magical ‘sightings’ when I came across the most majestic, magnificent elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras. I remember seeing a black African lion from a few feet, it was simply amazing.

9. syria

In a world of instant noodles, disposable relationships and internet romance, Syria takes you back in time, to an ancient world of everlasting romance, timeless art and history. Modern comforts galore, you have best of both worlds in this magical land of the ancient Assyrians.

The deep blue green Mediterranean on one end to Turkey on
the other, Syria encompasses the sites of ancient kingdoms and tells
the legends of mighty empires. Damascus, its capital is the oldest
known continuously inhabited city of the world . I would not miss the
Syria experience.

10. JAPAN

Japan is definitely a must see in this tetrapack cloned world of vending machines where culture and tradition are on a backburner. In 1993, I spent many months in Japan at a little town called Ibaraki. Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo made for a lyrical experience. Japan gets only better with every visit.