Some curated travel experiences that you would never wish to miss in this life.
Scuba Diving at Elephant Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The azure blue waters of the Andaman seas lure you to explore their depths. You enter the mysterious world beneath the water—a fantasy land of marine life, like animated graphics. The thrill of spotting creatures among the wavy coral reefs baffles and enchants you. Watch violet and indigo clams shut determinedly, miniature shoals of colourful fish swimming in thick bunches, flickering and frolicking like electric shockwaves; the real Nemos peeping in and out of the coral reefs; massive jellyfish; and snake-like eels peeping out from dark crevices.
Swimming with the Dolphins in Mauritius
Head out into the wild seas on a yacht until you’re in the middle of nowhere. Get flanked by azure, hazy seas all around. The colour of the seas in Mauritius is enthralling. The soothing, warm enchantment that oozes from the waters is absolutely energizing. You are then taken close to the dolphins and gently lowered into the blue waters to swim with the playful creatures. You become the sea mermaid with an experience of a lifetime.
White Water Rafting in Rishikesh with Cliff Jumping
White-water rafting in itself is a heavenly experience. To top it off, you get the adrenaline-pumping thrill of diving into the holy waters of the Ganges at its furious best. Choose your grade from 1 to 4+, ranging from the smoothest to the toughest. Every massive rapid makes you feel like it might be your last. At the endpoint, you climb a rocky cliff to jump back into the water. That moment of free fall from the cliff into the cold water is a thrill beyond words.
Paramotoring in Tehri, Garhwal
A frail, small motor whirring endlessly lifts you high into the air. The ravines—all orange, steep, and layered with rocky textures—unfold before your eyes. A mesmerising bird’s-eye view of the mountains and the blue-green Tehri River meandering through the orange-brown ravines captivates you. You feel like a bird, at times gripped with apprehension, thinking about the small motor supporting you up high. These ascents and descents make your insides feel hollow. The thrill continues until you touch the ground again.
Quad-Biking in La Vallée des Couleurs (South Mauritius)
Huge, heavy, almost massive quad bikes await you. Then you embark upon the most powerful ride of your life—whirring and purring across the rugged mountain bends. You stop to admire the colours, sights, and beauty of nature. You gaze at the 23 Coloured Earth, made up of different coloured volcanic soils, pat the century-old turtles, and pose by the sparkling waterfall. It’s a thrilling and beautiful few hours as you manoeuvre your beast of a quad bike across acres of forests, rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and mountains.
Sunset on the Singapore Flyer
As you ascend on one of the world’s largest observation wheels—165 metres high—you feel a surge of amazement. The Marina Bay area offers some of the best panoramic views of Singapore. You stand in awe, watching golden sunlight reflecting off skyscrapers, the glistening Marina Bay Sands, and the waterfront. Admire the shifting colours of the South China Sea turning from blue-green to dusky pink. As night falls, the city lights gradually turn on, and shimmering billboards come to life. Catch one of the most romantic and breathtaking moments of your life!
Staying in a Houseboat at Ashtamudi Lake
The lake oozes serenity, and you enjoy a magical experience gliding through calm, mirror-like waters. Watch the coconut groves lining the banks and the quaint village life nestled within. The Chinese fishing nets will fascinate you. The houseboats offer modern comforts, with fresh, authentic, traditional meals prepared onboard. Satiate your food cravings as you explore the hidden backwater channels. The sunsets over Ashtamudi are gorgeous—the sky explodes into a riot of colours with all shades of orange, pink, and purple over the golden waters.
Parasailing at Pattaya
By speedboat, you’re taken out into the sea. You land on a large float and wait your turn, collecting adrenaline for the final thrill. Then it’s your turn—once you’re buckled and harnessed, swish, you soar into the air. The blue sea, small boats, and larger ships float below you. Your legs dangle awkwardly, gusts of air blow you here and there. You feel the wind around you, enjoy the distant shoreline, and breathe in freedom. The speedboat pulls you by a tether. You fly—even without wings. I was apprehensive… what if I collided with a seagull!
Canoeing with Tanaz
At dead of night, you stealthily follow Tanaz carrying your oars and gear. After hauling the heavy paddles and kayaks down a rough path to the quiet and mysterious waters among the mangroves, you begin paddling through the all-pervading silence. The sudden, occasional splash of sea creatures startles you. Tanaz explains bioluminescence—and the beauty of a million fireflies lighting up the water with each stroke of your paddle fills you with awe. Tanaz also narrates fascinating stories associated with each star, and you find yourself lost in the darkness of Havelock Island’s mangroves.
Watching the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, at Sunrise
Wat Arun, the spectacular Buddhist temple named after Aruna—the Hindu god of dawn—has distinctive spires that make it one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks. Situated on Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple dazzles when its spire catches the first rays of the sun. The golden glow is breathtaking. The river’s reflection at dusk offers a surreal, enigmatic journey into the realms of spirituality and beauty.
By Bidisha Dutta
An avid traveller and a lover of literature, Bidisha Dutta works as an Editor with a renowned publishing firm. . Writing and reading is her second nature, and she just cannot sit in peace without these. She can be reached at bidishadutta2000@gmail.com.
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