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Looking for somewhere to visit in India that’s not well-trodden by tourists? Kerala in the steamy south moves to a slow beat of its own drum. One of the most fascinating places to visit in the state is Fort Kochi, a charming seaside town famous for being the first European settlement in India. Highlights of Kochi’s colonial architecture include 16th century Mattancherry Palace built by the Portuguese, Bolgatty Palace one of the oldest Dutch palaces outside of Holland, and 16th century St Francis Church built by Portuguese Franciscan friars. Kochi also has the four-month-long Kochi-Muziris Biennale which showcases contemporary international and Indian art and is the largest exhibition in the country. The biennale kicks off on 12 December 2020.
Escape the bustling cities on mainland Vietnam with a visit to the Con Dao Islands. Located off the southeast coast, this remote archipelago of 16 islands is accessed by an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Con Son, the only inhabited island, is also the only one with an airport. The rest of the islands can be visited through the permission of the Con Dao National Park but don’t expect them to be well set up for tourists, you need to be prepared with your own food and water. Island hopping, however, is well worth the effort for the treat of seeing various wildlife and excellent diving, with visibility averaging between 20 and 30 metres from February till July. Nearby Hon Bay Canh Island is renowned for its turtle breeding during June and September.
For unobstructed views of Mt Everest’s north face, a trip to Rongphu Monastery is a must whilst visiting Tibet. The Roof of the World monastery is currently the closest you can get to the technical climbing Everest Base Camp due to the cleanup being undertaken by the Chinese government. Travel is permitted here only with a private tour and guide and the return trip starts from Lhasa and takes around 10 days. The 400-mile journey by 4WD along the striking Tibetan Plateau is one you won’t easily forget. You’ll visit ancient monasteries Gyantse or Shigatse, walk on Karola Glacier, view holy lake Yandruk Tso and finally reach Gyatso-La Pass at 17,218 feet where’ll get your first breathtaking view of Everest. Though the mountain is undoubtedly the star attraction, for first-time travellers to Tibet, the spiritual nature of the region and the friendliness of the Tibetan locals are also stand out highlights.
When looking at where to travel in 2020, not everyone would think Sri Lanka as the first pick. But this unique destination has a lot to offer! Sri Lanka’s south and west may be burgeoning tourist hot spots but the north and east are relatively untouched. In little-visited Jaffna, right at the top of the country, it’s different from the south. There’s a distinct lack of Insta-famous locations, which could make it all that more appealing. Highlights include the stunning Nallur Kandaswamy, a Hindu temple dedicated to Skanda/Murugan – the god of love, war and beauty, Delft Island, an outlying coral and limestone island and Mangos cafe, famous for its traditional south Indian curries. If you’re after a wildlife experience in Sri Lanka, three hours south of Jaffna is Wilpattu National Park which has the best sightings of leopards in the world, as well as sloth bears and barking deer.
Cambodia’s headline sight of Angkor Wat, and its fascinating cities Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, attract millions of people each year. For first time visitors these are must-see attractions but be aware you will be bumping elbows with many other tourists. If you want to get to know the ‘real’ Cambodia, then you need to experience the natural wonders of its untamed tropical wilderness. A fledgling eco-tourism industry is emerging offering untamed Cambodian adventures involving a range of experiences and activities that will enrich your trip. From highland hikes to visit hill tribe villages, viewing endangered animals such as gibbons and hornbills, to walking with elephant herds and visiting bird and animal wildlife rescue centres. Not only does eco-tourism keep the forest safe from poachers, but many former poachers have also been trained as guides.
With over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, there’s plenty of scope to find an off-the-beaten-track corner. The island of Sulawesi, an hour’s flight from Denpasar could be a good choice. With nearly 70,000 square miles made up of a rugged mountainous interior and four peninsulas, this island is known for its untouched coral reefs and sublime dive spots. While popular with Indonesians, it’s not usually on foreign itineraries. One of the drawcards of Sulawesi for culture aficionados is the Toraja tribe who holds elaborate funeral ceremonies that can last up to a week. Rather than being discouraged, visitors are welcome to attend, and there are even special covered platforms for out of town guests to watch proceedings. While you can’t guarantee there will be a funeral when you’re there, if you tour with a driver and local guide they will know of any events.
Landlocked Laos may not have the sandy beaches and diving of Indonesia but it does have some of Asia’s largest and most amazing waterfalls. Some to put on your bucket list include Nam Tok Katamtok Waterfall in Champasak Province which drops a dizzying 300 feet, Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang Province, a three levelled waterfall with a drop of nearly 200 feet, and nearby Tad Sae Falls, equally impressive for its aesthetic cascades and pools. The best time to see Laos’ waterfalls is after the monsoon between September and October. The dry season, November to February, is optimal for travelling on the Mekong River and exploring Laos’ waterways
