Page 60 iGap Travel Guide 2022
P. 60
iGap Travel Guide | Asia
60
Panaji, Goa
Leh, Kashmir
The ‘Pearl of The Orient’ showcases the spectacular
outcome when east meets west. It is somewhat
fortunate that the Portuguese colony left their mark
before leaving, as the Indian state proudly shows
off its multicultural roots with colourful Portuguese
buildings supporting terracotta-tiled roofs and
miniature iron wrought balconies. Panaji, the capital
of the state, proves that Goa is more than relaxing
beaches, offering lively night bazaars, exotic bird-
spotting (with the odd crocodile), museums for
the knowledge thirsty, and the not to be missed:
Dudhsagar Falls.
If the list given isn’t exhaustive enough, be sure to visit one of the oldest and impeccably preserved chapels
in Goa: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. You can attend their daily mass or visit at night to see
the building light up and radiate the entire street after treating yourself to the flawless views of Old Goa on a
cruise across the Mandovi River.
Rest your head at the Afonso Guest House, a quaint and homely bed and breakfast that will not be too hard on
your pockets. Be sure to watch the sunrise whilst indulging in their popular, scrumptious Goan bread on their
beautifully kept roof-top terrace.
For the more adventurous who can easily brush
off altitude sickness, Leh – a city distinct from
the rest of India – has left behind busy roads and
noise pollution and replaced it with snow-capped
mountains and pristine lakes. The humbling
Buddhist monasteries reveal more of India’s rich,
intercontinental history. Discover the alluring
tranquillity alongside the breathtaking views at
Thiksey Monastery and then move onto to the
Lamayuru Monastery to unearth one of the oldest
monasteries in a captivating moonscape setting.
The highlight of travelling to Leh is the adventure
that comes with it, so pack your hiking boots and
get ready to trek up the mountainous rock or, hire a
camel to do the hard work for you. If trekking is not
exhilarating enough for you, strap on a lifejacket and
devour every inch of Leh’s raw beauty by kayaking
down the Zanskar River.
The peak season to travel is from April to June, where the clear skies allow the sun to keep you warm whilst
you tip-toe across on frozen lakes. The Nezer View Guest House is the ideal place to stay as it will not be too
pricey but has the very important element of central while being close by to the local bazaars.
D
Zanskar River
60
Panaji, Goa
Leh, Kashmir
The ‘Pearl of The Orient’ showcases the spectacular
outcome when east meets west. It is somewhat
fortunate that the Portuguese colony left their mark
before leaving, as the Indian state proudly shows
off its multicultural roots with colourful Portuguese
buildings supporting terracotta-tiled roofs and
miniature iron wrought balconies. Panaji, the capital
of the state, proves that Goa is more than relaxing
beaches, offering lively night bazaars, exotic bird-
spotting (with the odd crocodile), museums for
the knowledge thirsty, and the not to be missed:
Dudhsagar Falls.
If the list given isn’t exhaustive enough, be sure to visit one of the oldest and impeccably preserved chapels
in Goa: Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. You can attend their daily mass or visit at night to see
the building light up and radiate the entire street after treating yourself to the flawless views of Old Goa on a
cruise across the Mandovi River.
Rest your head at the Afonso Guest House, a quaint and homely bed and breakfast that will not be too hard on
your pockets. Be sure to watch the sunrise whilst indulging in their popular, scrumptious Goan bread on their
beautifully kept roof-top terrace.
For the more adventurous who can easily brush
off altitude sickness, Leh – a city distinct from
the rest of India – has left behind busy roads and
noise pollution and replaced it with snow-capped
mountains and pristine lakes. The humbling
Buddhist monasteries reveal more of India’s rich,
intercontinental history. Discover the alluring
tranquillity alongside the breathtaking views at
Thiksey Monastery and then move onto to the
Lamayuru Monastery to unearth one of the oldest
monasteries in a captivating moonscape setting.
The highlight of travelling to Leh is the adventure
that comes with it, so pack your hiking boots and
get ready to trek up the mountainous rock or, hire a
camel to do the hard work for you. If trekking is not
exhilarating enough for you, strap on a lifejacket and
devour every inch of Leh’s raw beauty by kayaking
down the Zanskar River.
The peak season to travel is from April to June, where the clear skies allow the sun to keep you warm whilst
you tip-toe across on frozen lakes. The Nezer View Guest House is the ideal place to stay as it will not be too
pricey but has the very important element of central while being close by to the local bazaars.
D
Zanskar River
