Travel

Taking the Waters: Soaking in Hot Springs around the World

A dip in the mineral-rich waters of hot springs has long been regarded as the ultimate source of relaxation. Here are five of my favourite hot spring soaks from around the globe.

Staring into the Sacred: Temples of Angkor

As I stumbled my way up the cobbled stones, jostling through the crush of touts and tourists, I felt awed by their hypnotic gaze. I was spellbound by this confluence of architecture, engineering and artistic triumph. Climbing up onto what was perhaps once a stone window ledge, I reached for my sketchbook. As I tried to capture this wonder in ink, the din from the crowds below melted away, the scorching midday sun was forgotten, and – once again – I was in my own little world. It was a spiritual awakening.

What Bourdain Taught Me

I pen this while seated under the shadow of a deserted lighthouse in a quaint Uruguayan coastal town, a meaty chivito clutched in one hand, its juices dripping down my arm. You would’ve approved. As I ruminate on your teachings I promise myself, and you this: I will continue to savour my meals, in whatever circumstances and locations they may be in, and write about them, with no reservations.

A Foodie’s Guide to Japan

My trip to Japan was as much a culinary awakening as a cultural rousing. Here are some budget-friendly suggestions for eating your way around the country.

Cerro Santa Lucia, Chile, Santiago

Sleepless in Santiago

In the first installment for my fortnightly travel column for The Daily Star,”South of the Equator,” I come to grips with the reality of backpacking with a toddler. Jetlagged, we discover the nocturnal side of Santiago.

12 Travel Tips for Flying with a Baby

Some ideas to make life in the air easier for you and your baby.

Fishing boat Dublar Char Bangladesh Fishermen Fishing Sunderbans

The Fishermen’s Island

Dublar Char (Dubla’s Island) is a remote fishing island perched on the very edge of the Sunderbans, at the mouth of the Ganges delta where several mighty rivers empty into the Bay of Bengal. The island, though difficult to reach, is a renowned fishing hub and famous for hosting the annual Rash Mela (Rash Festival), attracting thousands of Hindu pilgrims to its shores.

Japan Sumo wrestling

A Sumo Story

Watching the ancient sport in Japan, I came to realise that size does NOT matter.

Komodo Dragon Indonesia

On the Hunt for Dragons: Hiking through Komodo Island

Dragons exist, and not just on Westeros. Recounting my encounter with Komodo Dragons in Indonesia.

Bangladeshi Chingri

A Taste of the Surreal

Finalist, World Nomads Passport & Plate Food Scholarship 2015 – for the best travel story that transports readers to a new place through food.