Yangon: Adventure Next Door

By Abhik Dutta

Looking beyond the tried and tested South Asian countries for a quick escape ? Aching for a change of pace, a change of scene and yet want to go to a truly eye-opening destination ? Looking for an exciting destination in the neighbourhood ? Then look no further, Myanmar is the right place for you. Burma, or Myanmar as it is now known, is that little piece of Asia that has been left unexplored for such a long time. This recently democratized country has spent decades shut off from the rest of the world. Having only recently opened its borders to tourists, the country and its folks are welcoming people with both arms. This little undiscovered jewel of a country has something for everyone.

From untouched verdant forests to bustling cities, from century-old crafts to centuries-old Buddhist pagodas, Myanmar is the land waiting to be explored.

Landing in its ex-capital Yangon or Rangoon as it was previously known, will find you visiting the most spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda, which is said to have been built about 2500 years ago, to house heir that was given by the Buddha himself to two brothers. The gorgeous golden spire towers over the city of Yangon can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Moving on to Bagan, expect to be amazed at the over 3000 Buddhist pagodas that dot the Bagan landscape. Marvel at the beautiful sleeping Buddha or the absolutely beautifully carved standing Buddhas at the Anand Temple. Burma has a rich history of settlements, civilizations have flourished here for many centuries.

Kings have come, made their mark on this fertile land, thrived, built temples, pagodas, monasteries and been wiped out. The country has stood mute spectator to centuries of rulers. Once part of British India, the country has had to fight a long battle to be truly free, this has translated to a country that is both sheltered and welcoming at the same time. Throw in the magic of the unexplored territories, and unknown vistas that are yet to be discovered by the lay visitor, and you have an eye-opening experience awaiting.

Sunset at Bagan

If history is your thing then spend hours marvelling at the great architectural heritage of the country at the Museum. Or catch the mesmerising sunset over the Ayeyarwaddy against the backdrop of the beautiful pagodas. Burma of old, was always known to produce exquisitely handcrafted products. Shopping in Myanmar will allow you to buy centuries old lacquer work or Burmese silk. The gorgeous lotus silk is unique to Myanmar. The Burmese believe that wearing lotus silk can help prevent illness and brings good luck. Lotus root strands are woven together to make one of the most expensive fabrics in the world. It is soft, naturally stain resistant, waterproof, breathable and wrinkle-free, making it such a beautiful fabric to drape!!

Moving to Mandalay, a day excursion will find you staring across the oldest teakwood bridge in the world. The U Bein, built in 1850, made from reclaimed teak from an old palace, the measurement for this ancient bridge was done using footsteps. Imagine laying out 1086 pillars across a lake based on footstep measurements. If that doesn’t blow your mind, what will?

U Bein Bridge

The leaning tower of Ava is the nickname given to what remains of an old palace whose official name is The Nanmyint Watch Tower. The intricately carved Bargayar Monastery boasts of teak pillars and jaw-dropping ancient carving. A great part of this trip is the ability to get in touch with both worlds, the world gone by and the world that is. Like seeing the world’s biggest bell, the Mingun Bell that is a short boat ride away from Mandalay, a craft hub. Myanmar is littered with unfinished pagodas and stupas, a mute spectator to the changing tides of rulers. Being a largely Buddhist country, there are many monasteries and pagodas that the trip will take you through.

You will find the largest book in the world at the Kuthodaw Pagoda. 729 slabs of marble on which the entire Theravada Buddhist Pali Canon is inscribed will be among the lasting images you will carry back from this gentle and beautiful land. Having had your fill of culture, the Pindaya Caves beckon. Here centuries of Buddhist statues have been placed forming a truly marvellous spectacle. And then the verdant forests of the Inle Lake, where generations of fishermen continue to live a life untouched by technology. Floating gardens that fill your heart with peace and calm. Local weavers and markets showcase their wares. This beautiful, if still unexplored land will fill your mind with peace, your heart with calm and humble you with its large heart. Monuments, history, temples, lakes and monasteries will touch you in ways that you won’t believe.

Fisherman at Inle Lake

Don’t believe us ?

Come, try it for yourself !!

Then click here to read more about how to have an adventure of a lifetime…

https://thewanderers.travel/package/index/myanmar/bliss-in-burma

Go wild with your tribe

By Farah Bode

Made up of a number of islands, Borneo itself isn’t a country, but 3 countries who exist side by side, Malaysia, Indonesia and the supremely tiny but extremely oil-rich kingdom of Brunei. Our adventure takes place in Malaysia.

If you are looking for a fun family adventure holiday with something for a large group across ages, look no further. Malaysian Borneo is your own island paradise. Made up of 2 districts— Sabah and Sakau there is so much to see, feel and experience.

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, who is an old hand at wild water rafting, or simply someone who wants to experience the joys of wild water rafting, or simply want to introduce your passion to those important to you with grade 1 & 2 rapids, the Kiulu River awaits. This beautiful river, in the north-western part of the Sabah province, is the perfect place to truly engage with the deceptive grace and hidden power of this beautiful sport, to be humbled by a mighty river, to get soaked and make memories of a lifetime. Easy enough for the children in the group and the folks enjoying their second childhood to partake, this is truly a family activity.

While the rapids may take all your attention, and your energy, a quick look up towards the rainforest will calm your soul.

Returning to the hotel after a sumptuous lunch will put you in the right mind for the next day’s adventures.

Snorkelling is perhaps the closest that we can get to being fish, enjoy the colour, beauty, diversity and calm of the world beneath the waves. Riding out to the marine park under the watchful eye of a master diver will allow you to enjoy a brief spell of sunshine on the boat, preparing you for the majesty of what lies beneath!

Schools of fish, welcome you into their quiet serene world. Following the rules keeps you safe and respecting their domain keeps the fish safe. What wonderful sights await the intrepid adventurer, one who is brave enough to take the plunge- pun intended.

An experience that will be hard to describe, because as usual so much happens beneath the calm of the surface. Swimming, hiding from predators, feeding, all in a day’s work for the underwater folks, but an experience of a lifetime for us, who are merely visitors to their world!

For those who haven’t found their inner mermaid or merman the beach awaits! Sunbathing, walking by the shore in the spotlessly clean beach, picking up shells but keep you busy on the outside, while your soul is refreshed by the gentle lapping waves, the rhythmic flow of water that lulls you into a state of bliss. Perfect for deep introspection, or revisiting the forgotten art of daydreaming. Watching clouds roll by, or curling up with a great book. Switch off from the world, move beyond technology to the here and now.

All the nature lovers, immerse yourself in the lush equatorial forest of the islands. Bring that geography class to life, moving the words about Equatorial forests, canopies and the like to really live 3D experience
While the youngsters marvel at this, the older generation will be reliving a past when these dense forests were but a drive from their very city.

The UNESCO World Heritage site Kinabalu National Park is home to a mind-boggling 4500 species of plants including 77 types of orchids! Spot pitcher plants, that devour insects, to beautiful orchids that are indigenous to Kinabalu on your guided tour. Finish your day with a Canopy walk, a look at the forest from a totally different angle. Enjoy the grandeur of the old trees from the treetops – a height that is usually reserved only for birds and monkeys. Feel the majesty of nature in all her glory. Soak up the aura of the deep green foliage, recharge your soul through this immersive experience. Breathe in the pure air, recharge your spirit!

Somewhere between the humongous pitcher plants and the grace of the old forest canopy, lies the Poring Hot Springs. These sulfur springs are best enjoyed in Japanese style bathtubs, perfect for rejuvenating from the exertions of the earlier two days. Tired and aching muscles will find a new lease on life, the cool forest climate is a perfect foil for the warm and welcoming bath.

The beautiful state of the Sabah still has so many intriguing and wonderful secrets to share. The Gomantong cave system with its intricate cave system that is home to the largest birds cave, home to bats and swiftlets.

Moving on to the Sakau province, explore the richness of the ecosystem by the banks of the Lower Kinabatangan River as your real adventure awaits. Cruising down the river spot Orangutans, River Monkeys, Gibbons and Macque. The mere beginning of your own Indiana Jones Adventure.

Taking this up to the next level is the nocturnal safari, where one can sight crocodile birds and other creatures of the night!

Waking up to the calls of the hornbills and chattering monkeys, this alarm clock sets the tone for yet another day immersed in the forested wonderland.

Spending the day learning about Orangutans at the Kabili-Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch dedicated workers work with these cute and adorable orphaned babies rehabilitate them in their natural habitat. Making the 10 min trek to the viewing point becomes so worth it when these gentle giants come to share a meal with you.

This trip is one of a kind. The very wide variety of things to do makes it a complete family holiday. With something for everyone, it moves beyond just lush meadows and paddy fields into the very heart of an undisturbed jungle. Beaches and snorkelling, diving and boat cruises, walking under the canopy to walking alongside it, watching animals to playing with baby Orangutans. This is, in fact, the perfect trip to take the whole family on.

When we all speak of saving the Earth’s forests, it is when we visit places that are supremely well tended that we are actually in reality helping save them. By putting our money where it can be utilised best and most effectively we are in effect helping save these wonderful forests and the animals that inhabit them. But with all great and wonderful things, it rests on us to enjoy responsibly, because after all we but guests in their world!

Check out our latest package on Borneo 

Insiders View on Karnataka

By Sushmita Das


Karnataka is a tapestry of colours, cultures, flavours, landscapes, timelessness and heart stopping beauty. It’s a place where vibrant worlds seamlessly meld into one another every few hundred kilometres. Sedate plains suddenly rise to dizzying mist covered hilly heights, and then plunge with careless abandon in a white-watered freefall to become languid rivers that flow past cities where time has stopped altogether. And cities where time rushes a relentless rush to keep up with the world; cities that sometimes escape into the deep quietude of thick forests and sometimes, stretches their arms wide open to embrace the sea. Host to some of India’s largest and most powerful dynasties, the state has across the centuries, carried a legacy of art and culture.

Q] One little known fact on Karnataka that everyone should know about when travelling to Karnataka.

Karnataka is blessed with sand, sun & surf; hills; it is rich in wildlife; unique cultivation of silk & coffee.

It is rich in heritage & glorious stories of ruling dynasty of Hoysala, Chalukyas, Wodeyars & Tipu Sultan.

Q]What is a must buy when in Karnataka?

 One must buy  Channapatana Wooden ToysMysore Pak which is an Indian sweet made of generous amounts of ghee, sugar, gram flour, and often cardamom also one must buy the famous Mysore sandalwood soap and perfumes infused with sandalwood fragrance. Silk in Mysore goes back to the time of Tipu Sultan according to some accounts so if you are someone who loves sarees then you must buy a  Mysore silk saree or two. Karnataka is a heaven for Coffee lovers, Mysore is by far the nearest big city to Coorg, which produces some of the best coffee in the country.

Q] One take-away after a visit to this region?

 The taste of various worlds found in within the border of single state.

Q] What is your advice to first time travellers?

You must try all the different cuisines that this region has to offer. The sandalwood products from here are the best & refined work found in India. Come to the state with immense & high expectation to experience the best at one shot. This state never disappoints its guests.

Q]One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Karnataka?

 Come to Karnataka with a empty bag because when you leave, the bag will be full.

Q] One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss?

The Beautiful Coffee Trails Serene Beaches.

Q] Most romantic place to take a special someone to.

There are a lot of places to visit like Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Gokarna.

Q] Where should anyone, travelling to this region, definitely get their picture taken.

Do visit Mysore Palace, Hampi Monument, the hill top of Chikmagalur or the Kabini River bed, the hilltop of Jain Shrine of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola to get amazing pictures.

Q] Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Best place to experience the sunrise are Hampi, Shravanabelagola & Badami Caves for sunset.

Q] Best place to have local food?

Dig in to the authentic delicacies when in Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Mangalore

Q] Your favorite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

 Gowda & Mangalorean cuisine, Kodava Cuisine. Bangalore is blessed with beautiful land for wine cultivation. Local winemaking factory offers guests a visit to the winery & also gives a chance to taste a few.

Q] One place only the locals would know.

Sakleshpur which is a hill station in the Western Ghats mountain range. It’s surrounded by slopes covered with tea, coffee and spice plantations. Extremely beautiful..

Q]  The best pub and place to experience the nightlife here.

District 6, Bang – The Ritz Carlton, Church Street Social, Skyye, The Bierre Club, Arbor Brewing Company, 1522 The Pub & Toit Brewpub are some of the best places to experience the nightlife here.

Q] A local festival you feel more travelers should come and see

 Mysore Dasara which a 10-day royal festival celebrating victory of truth over evil starting with Navaratri and the last day being Vijayadashamiis. The Mysuru tradition celebrates the warriors and the state fighting for the good during this festival.

 Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to this region and what would that reason be?

  Karnataka is blessed with good climate. The entire year the state can be visited & planned to visit. However in North Karnataka which is closer to Deccan Plateau is comparatively hotter between summer months.

Q] In one sentence, Karnataka is ?

Karnataka is One State with Many Worlds.

Sushmita Das – Branch Head Bangalore

Hailing from the land of tea gardens, famous Muga silk & world’s only home of one-horned Rhino “Assam” I have post graduated in Travel & Tourism Management & a trained professional in customized tour packages in India. Landing up in Tourism industry seems to be a planned focus in my life with a working experience of 6 years. Traveling has always been a part of my life & a passion to meet & interact with people from vivid lifestyle, cultural value, language & traditions. Have vastly travelled North & South of India with various people on various occasions trying to paint my life with all possible colours.

An Insider’s View on Bhutan

By Koustav Sarkar  


Bhutan
, The Land of the Thunder Dragon 

Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. The  country’s landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north. Bhutanese  are environmental friendly and mainly focus on preserving their natural resources and rich culture. Bhutan ranks first in economic freedom, peace and is the least corrupted country in the world.  

Q] Activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss? 

 There is so much to do when you’re in Bhutan, like archery, river rafting, hiking, but soaking yourself in a traditional Hot Stone bath is something one must experience when in Bhutan. 

 Q] One thing you must pack when travelling to Bhutan?

 You definitely want to pack good walking shoes and warm clothes, as you will be using them a lot.

Q] Something that one must buy when they are in Bhutan?

Bhutan is known for its unique, rich hand-woven textiles and interesting painting styles. So one should definitely  buy Bhutanese handicraft, gold and sliver jewellery, handmade wooden bowls, Buddhist paintings and sculptures.  You can buy them at Thimphu, Paro and  Phuntsheoling which are some of the major shopping centres in Bhutan. 

Q] Which are the best places to capture memories when in Bhutan?

Some great picture spots are Tigers nest, Paro dzong and Punakha Suspension Bridge. Don’t forget to take amazing panoramic pictures at Buddha’s point, BBS tower, Dochula and Chelela. 

Q] Any place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan, this place offers a 360-degree views of the Himalayas making every sunset and sunrise a surreal experience.

Q] The best place to try authentic local food?

Some of the best places to try authentic Bhutanese cuisine are The Folk Heritage Museum restaurant, Babesa Village restaurant and The Bhutanese which are all located in Thimphu.

Q] Which are the local delicacies which one must try when in Bhutan?

 Ema datshi and Ara are famous Bhutanese curries which one must try. The local wine and beer here are good too.

Q] Which is the best time to visit Bhutan?

October to December is the best time to visit Bhutan.

Q] Any local festivals that a travellers must come visit?

  Thimphu Tshechu is the biggest and the most vibrant festival which every traveller must visit when in Bhutan.

Q] Can you describe Bhutan in one sentence

 Bhutan is vibrant and filled with culture.

 

Overdose of happiness in Bhutan

By  Srinivas Krishnan

Perhaps Pharrell Williams made a trip to Bhutan before he wrote and performed his monster hit of a song, Happy.

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Well, that truth seems to be clear to the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Because their national philosophy is famously called Gross National Happiness!

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Do you know what happiness is to you? Well, Bhutan says confidently, ‘Happiness is a place.’ Now, who wouldn’t want to go to a place like that?!

Because I’m happy…
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

Clap along, sing along, or simply read along, if that’s where you wanna go…

Tiny Kingdom, Large Heart
Located in the southern foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Bhutan is about 46,500 square kilometres in area and has a population of less than eight lakh people. It may be tiny – even more so, considering its neighbours are the most populous and second-most populous nations on Earth – but it’s a country that’s bigger than the two when it comes to sheer happiness!

A remarkable way of administering a country, here the enlightened Bhutan government prioritises the happiness and well-being of its people as a form of governance. Given that, they make tourists who visit their country a happy bunch too.

Bhutan is a country which has its origins surrounded in mystery, an enigmatic Shangri-La perhaps. It’s a magical land blessed by nature, with an abundance of culture, religion and beauty everywhere you see. Take in the vibrant architecture of the monasteries, dzongs and the temples in the countryside. Walk in the Himalayan wilderness or balance your way through lush green fields. Get up close with God’s own creations. And meditate, like the wise old man at the top of the mountain…

Takes Your Breath Away

How do you do justice to a land as blessed as Bhutan? On the one hand, its beauty seems to be divinely ordained, and on the other, it’s packed with cultural attractions that put your faith back into mankind! Ask us, and we’ll tell you.

We at The Wanderers have put together a Bhutan package that ensures you not only bask in nature’s bounties but also wonder at the marvels made by man. It includes a visit to the gobsmackingly located Tiger’s Nest Monastery as well as to valleys which have views that can make Switzerland jealous. You can get up close with the Takin – a unique goat-antelope – and the Black-Necked Crane as well as marvel at the strategic location of the Punakha Dzong that plays an important role in Bhutan’s history. All this, done in great comfort and with The Wanderers’ attention to detail.

The highlights of Bhutan Escape with The Wanderers

• Visit the Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Be warned: It will take your breath away in more ways than one!
• Visit the Motitang Takin Preservation Centre to understand the uniqueness of Bhutan’s national animal
• It’s permanent peak season here: have your fill of the mighty mountains here, including Mt. Gangkar Puensum, which at 24,590ft is the tallest in Bhutan
• Sing happy dzongs! Visit the Punakha Dzong, Rinpun Dzong, Wangchulo Dzong as well as other Lhakhangs and Gompas
• Watch beautiful birds strut their stuff at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, situated at the edge of the forest and wetlands in the Phobjikha Valley
• Drive through lush blue pine and rhododendron forests and via the majestic Chele-la Pass to the stunning landscape of Haa
• Pay obeisance at the Memorial Chorten at Thimpu as well as offer prayers to the largest statue in the country of the Buddha, at Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
• Comfortable accommodation at the three locations of Thimpu, Punakha and Paro and a well-crafted itinerary that brings Bhutan alive to you

Even if you are not Pharrell Williams, we are sure you would like to be happy. Click below to know more about how The Wanderers can make you happy by taking you to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan!

Simply contact us at the following coordinates.

Sharad: 8291445737

Email Id: sharad@thewanderers.co.in

Check out our latest group tour on Bhutan 

Get Antarctica off your Bucket list Now!

By Alifiya Calcuttawala


To go boldly where no man has gone before!
If you are a Trekkie then this statement probably brings the same shiver of anticipation and
excitement down your spine that it did all those many years ago watching Captain Kirk explore
new galaxies on TV.
To embark on your own personal adventure, both inwards and to the last truly unexplored
continent, Antarctica.


Where the land lies under many feet of ice, huge glacial mountains reach for the sky, penguins,
sea lions and whales cavort in the icy cold sea, untouched by commercial tourism, and without
busloads of tourists jabbering in every language known to man. Antarctica.
Head off on your own Columbus-like exploration, brave cold winds, sea swells and rubber
dinghies, to make landfall. Antarctica.

Explore long forgotten whaling houses, abandoned science camps watch the only place on
earth where the countries of the world work with everyone else, in a spirit of togetherness.
If adventure is your thing, you crave solitude and enjoy the journey just as much as the
destination then Antarctica should have been on your bucket list.

But it is now time to take it off the list and move to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
This physically demanding trip requires a higher level of fitness than your usual run of the mill
cruise or holiday. Drills to help you in emergencies form part of your daily routine.
Unpredictable wind conditions coupled with the icy cold seas make it more of an extreme
adrenaline pumping adventure than a pleasure cruise. Physically demanding conditions,
temperatures below freezing, choppy and stormy seas just add to the allure of the journey.


The Antarctica adventure begins from the minute you board the ship. The icebreaker ship,
will be your home for the whole trip, making excursions aboard the all-weather Zodiac
to the last unexplored continent. Evenings will be spent learning more about the place you’re about to visit, watching movies, documentaries and listening to biologists share their knowledge with you!
Starting your journey through the scenic Beagle Channel, heading for the open South Atlantic
Ocean. You will cross the Tierra del Fuego or the Land of Fire before heading South on your
way to Antarctica.


Going through the Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands come into view, moving between
Greenwich and Livingstone islands through Macfarlane Strait, landing on Half Moon Island
where the Argentinian Camara station is located, marking your first step on Antarctica!

Be prepared to be surprised by the Gentoo penguins and their babies, and fur seals
That will be the first of three or four landings across the whole trip. Imagine that! Going into
territories that were available only to explorers of old, men and women who took adventure to
the next level, with belief in their hearts, charting their course with the help of the stars to lands
they only saw with their eyes closed.

The whole idea of knocking this off your bucket list early is basically to make this entire trip
when you are resilient to deal with the vagaries of the weather, strong enough to acclimatise to
the biting cold and have enough chutzpah to give your friends FOMO.
The trip is said to be soul changing, and puts you in touch with yourself. If that is true, and it is,
wouldn’t you benefit from life changing experiences earlier in the day rather than later?
Finally, let’s face facts, if you don’t experience this fantastic journey now, then when…
because ultimately You Only Live Once!!

Check out our latest Antarctica Expedition.

An Insiders View on Taupo, New Zealand

By Tim Taylor


Taupo, a town near the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, is distinguished by its lakefront setting and outdoor sports ranging from fishing to jet-boating. The vast waters of Lake Taupo, a volcanic caldera, drain into the Huka Falls, dramatic, crystal-blue cascades reachable by hiking and biking trails. Surrounding Taupo are hot springs like those filling the Craters of the Moon reserve. The major local attractions here include trout fishing, skiing, and geothermal parks.

Little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to the Taupo Region NZ/ or a region you call home?

  The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake. Lake Taupo in only a Crater lake and is the result of the world’s largest volcanic eruption. It is 25,000 years old and of the same size as Singapore.

What is a must buy when in Taupo?

Lava Glass Art

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Taupo?

 A good pair of sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing, a camera, charger and you are good to go!

One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss?

River Jet Trip

Where should anyone, travelling to this region, definitely get their picture taken.

A picture by a Maori Marae

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

Taupo Lookout or down Waimangu Valley


The best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Clear of surroundings

The most romantic place to take a special someone to.

Rotorua Governments Gardens

One place only the locals would know.

Rainbow Mountain

The best place to have local food?

A Marae is a good place to have local food.


 Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

My personal favourite is NZ Lamb and NZ White wine.

 What is your advice to someone travelling to Taupo for the first-time?

We believe in punctuality, So please be on time.

How would you describe Taupo in a sentence?

Taupo is compact, clean and a very welcoming town.

   Tim Taylor,
Taylor’s Tours.

Check out our latest package on New Zealand 

An Insiders View on Iceland

By Renato Gruenenfelder

Iceland, a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Icelandic culture is founded upon the nation’s Scandinavian heritage. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse and Gaelic settlers. The country’s cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, Icelandic literature, and medieval sagas. Iceland has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army, with a lightly armed coast guard in charge of defence.

One little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know when travelling to Iceland?

Iceland is a beautiful country with a unique geography and is cited to be abundant in culture and nature.

Things to buy when one is in Iceland?

Woollen goods (sweater, socks, hats, gloves, scarfs), Blue Lagoon beauty products, Icelandic chocolate, Fish products, Photobooks, Lava-Ceramic & jewellery, Icelandic vodka, Brennivín schnapps.

Any advice for first-time travellers?

Prepare for unpredictable weather – don’t underestimate distances – plan journey according to available daylight (big difference between summer and winter)

Things to pack before travelling to Iceland?

Warm clothes which are waterproof and windproof & a sturdy pair of shoes.

Any activity one mustn’t miss out when they are in Iceland?

Watch out for Midnight sun or Northern lights, walking on a Glacier, Whale watching, Blue Lagoon, Icelandic horses, Boat trip on Glacial lagoon between icebergs.

 What are the best places to catch up for a drink?

Visit places like Bjorgardurinn at Fosshotel and Íslenski Barinn, these places are the best to catch up with the locals.

The best place to have local food?

There are many places which serve authentic local food such as:
Fiskmaradurinn – The Fish Market
Seafood buffet at Restaurant Reykjavik
Lava Restaurant at Blue Lagoon
Laekjarbrekka Restaurant in Reykjavik


What are the local delicacies which one must try when in Iceland?

One must definitely try the Slow roasted lamb, Hákarl, hotdogs, Icelandic Fish , local lamb soup and Icelandic Ice cream.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Don’t complain about prices!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

Everywhere! Iceland is a very picturesque country.

The most romantic place to take a special someone?

You can visit The chapel and “Into the glacier” which are said to be some of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

 Any local festivals you feel travellers should come and see?

One must visit Iceland during the Airwaves Music Festival, Reykjavik’s Art Festival and Culture Night, Secret Solstice Music Festival to experience the true Art and Culture of Iceland.

Which is the best time to go see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights appear from September until April – but February to March, and September to October – particularly around the equinoxes are the best months to see them. 


Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Iceland and why?

Travelling from late November to January, Iceland seriously lack in daylight which can be frustrating for photographers and outdoor adventurers, But that won’t be an issue for aurora seekers.

Can you describe Iceland in one sentence

Iceland is like no other place on earth.

Renato Gruenenfelder, General Manager, GJ Travel Iceland
From Reykjavik, Iceland, age 51.

Check out our latest young explorers family self drive vacation package on Iceland.