The Wanderers Stories

Season’s Greetings from The Wanderers!

Happy New Year!

We take this opportunity to thank each of you for making 2014 a great year for The Wanderers. And we wish you and your loved ones a fantastic 2015! May it be bigger, better and happier for everyone, wherever you are. To add to your happiness quotient, we promise to bring you awesome travel experiences from around the world throughout 2015 As a trailer, here’s a glimpse of what we would like to begin with! A winter trip to Canada, a wild trip to Botswana, a boat trip down the Mekong, a journey to Colombia or a road trip to North East India. We have all this and more for you in 2015. It’s after all the year of the wanderer.

Don’t believe otherwise..

Botswana

Explore the wonders of Botswana in the wilderness hotspots of this diverse country with this luxury camping expedition. You spend your days in the Okavango Delta and take game drives in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park before finishing the trip with the sight of the cloud of spray from the mighty Victoria Falls. Its a one of a kind trip- exclusive & wild! Check out our latest package on Namibia

Lake Louise and Banff National Park

Enjoy a unique range of recreational activities from world-class ski options, to Dogsled mushing, snowshoe tours, skating along ice-trails and much more. This trip is dedicated to highlight the winter wonderland – Canada, where you get to experience dog sledges, some winter wildlife, visit Lake Louise and Banff National Park and explore Vancouver city.

Colombia

Colombia, located in the southwest of South America, is a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. It is known to fascinate the world with its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery & adventure and the warmth of its people and rich centuries-old culture. Discover this completely new world. Check out our latest package on Colombia

River Mekong in Laos

Take a trip down the River Mekong in Laos and its world renowned islands. Start the cruise at Pakse, situated at the confluence of Xe Don and Mekong Rivers, before continuing your cruise to Wat Phou – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the remote 4000 Islands!

Discover the beauty of the Sultanate of Oman with this seven days journey. Start your travel in the capital city of Muscat, a vibrant city that has successfully balanced the modern with its traditional culture. Here you will be introduced to Oman’s history, culture and development. Make your way along various tourist hot spots of Oman like Nizwa, Bahia Fort, Wadi Nakher, Jebel Shams and Wahiba Sands before returning to Muscat, where you end your trip. This trip gives a fascinating insight into a destination so close to India. Check out our package for Vietnam

South Africa

Pamper yourself and your loved one while discovering this beautiful country together. This 11 day tour takes you on a magical journey in Rainbow Nation. With the ease of self drive for most part of the journey, you can take your time reaching your destinations. Stop at little-known places. Discover those hidden nooks. Go on game drives. Do activities together. Get awed by the sights and the scenery along the way. Live in luxurious lodges and hotels throughout which have been handpicked specifically for this luxury offbeat tour.

Tanzania

See the best that Tanzania has to offer in luxury. Stay at some of the most luxurious tented accommodations and camps while you go on Safaris and game drives. Start your trip at Ngorongoro, famous for its Crater where humans and wild beasts coexist peacefully. Move on to Serengeti National Park, unequalled for its natural beauty and the greatest concentration of plains game anywhere. Drive down to Lake Manyara National Park, extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. From here you can either return back home or extend your trip and take in the beaches at Zanzibar while staying in the lap of luxury some 45 km away from Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. Check out our latest package on Tanzania.

Mongolia

Discover Mongolia starting with a 2 day visit to the smaller brother of Baikal, Lake Khuvsgul, the deepest lake in Central Asia. In Ulaanbaatar, you will experience a blend of tradition and modernity in the rapidly developing city. Head east to Maikhan Tolgoi, followed by a trip to Gobi desert and then a walk through the ice gorge at Yolyn,Am,Mongolia’s largest sand dunes.Finally, experience Naadam festival which is the most colourful festival of the Mongols. Check out our latest package to Mongolia.

Kailash Manasarovar

Our Kailash Manasarovar Expedition to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which lies in the Southwestern part of Tibet, is an incredible experience. It is an epic pilgrimage to the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, that is considered the most sacred and revered pilgrimage for Hindus, Jain’s and Buddhists alike. It is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding spiritual journeys known to man. Apart from this group tour, we have other journeys to Mt Kailash including a trip via Lhasa, another one which is an arduous trek, the inner parikrama, the chopper tour, the private journey and more. Do contact us for details, Check out our latest Kailash package

North East India

The North Eastern region of India is one of the least explored regions of India. With its abundant natural wealth, wildlife sanctuaries, high mountains, tribal culture, tea gardens, waterfalls, famous temples, the majestic Brahmaputra valley, angling opportunities, fast flowing rivers, quaint markets and a flourishing textile trade, it’s a wonder that these sister states have been able to keep themselves under wraps for so long! This unveils all of the above during its sojourn through Assam, Meghalaya and the Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh.

Meetings – Incentives – Conferences – Events

Does the reward of a trip to London and Paris or to Australia and Thailand galvanise the sales force into action? We are sure it does if the booming numbers of incentive travelers to places far and wide is any indication. But how about taking this a notch higher and announcing a trip of a lifetime that is truly worth coveting? A voyage to the Antarctic for the top performers! Or a trip to the Arctic Circle or the North Pole or a Trans Siberian Rail journey for the deserving few… Is it time to turn incentives on its head and move away from mundane trips to the truly extraordinary experiences of life? So, next time you are planning a trip for your delegates, do you want to go on planning the ordinary or would you like to give it a Wanderers touch? For more info, please click on the link.

Return as a Wanderer..

Thanks for all your arrangements. The trip was absolutely fantastic and very well organized. Thank you for making this trip happen in a short period of time. I know it was challenging indeed, given the time constraints.It will certainly remain a Dream Trip etched in our minds. I do look forward to organizing a trip too next year with Wanderers ..and hopefully many more trips thereafter. It was really a pleasure working with you!

Cheers,

Om Hemrajani, after his recent trip to Switzerland, Austria and Prague

Israel – Shalom!

Abhik Dutta, The Wanderers

Abhik Dutta traveled to Israel for a recce trip and this is what he had to say about this beautiful country.

“I had always wanted to visit Israel having grown up reading books about the country and its people, how the state was formed, about kibbutz life, their culture of innovation, the politics and religion of the region, the holocaust etc. So, when I got the invite from the Israel Ministry of Tourism to visit the country, I already had one leg in the El-Al flight! Tel-Aviv, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea is a city on steroids! An active city, where people are forever on the go. Cycling, running, skating, sailing, segwaying, dancing. Always moving. No wonder its called the Non-Stop City. Jaffa, is the exact opposite. Quiet, reflective, artsy, historical. To escape the noise.

For more offbeat trips and unique experiences around the world, please visit our website.

We would also like to hear from you! If you have any ideas or requirements to help customize personalized tours, do write to us at askus@thewanderers.co.in or contact us at any of our offices.

The Wanderers in conversation with Lukas Prochazka

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place.

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Banff Lake Louise.

Banff was established as Canada’s first national park back in 1885. It is the World’s 3^rd oldest national park (#1 is Yellowstone NP in USA, established in 1872, #2 is Royal National Park in Australia, 1879).

Once ‘Siding 29’ on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street in such a way that it would offer the best possible views of Cascade Mountain.

What is a must buy when in Banff Lake Louise?

With over 200 shops, outdoor retailers and art galleries in Banff and Lake Louise, there is endless selection of souvenirs to take home for every type of traveller. That includes art, jewellery, locally made chocolate and hand-made local beauty products at the Rocky Mountain Soap Company.

One take-away after a visit to Banff Lake Louise?

Everlasting memories, created by enjoying this vast mountain playground, and perhaps a photo of local wildlife if you are lucky.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Make sure you spend enough time in Banff National Park to really enjoy its attractions and activities at a leisurely pace. Take time to slow down and breathe fresh mountain air. Try one of our outdoor adventures, go for a soak in the hot springs or enjoy a spa treatment. Stroll down Banff Avenue with its many shops, restaurants and pubs.

Banff National Park is not only a place to see, it is a place to explore!

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Banff Lake Louise.

Enough memory cards for your camera, as Banff National Park offers unparalleled scenic beauty, with opportunities to admire high peaks, majestic glaciers, turquoise lakes, and a chance to spot wildlife, such as black and grizzly bear, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, or deer.

One activity anyone travelling to Banff Lake Louise should not miss.

A hike or horseback ride to Plain of Six Glaciers in Lake Louise in summer or Johnston Canyon Ice Walk in winter!

By far one of the most scenic hikes in the Canadian Rockies, the Plain of Six Glaciers hike offers expansive views of the impressive mountain features that surround Lake Louise, including Mount. Lefroy, Mount. Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. After your steady hike up, enjoy a snack at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.

A canyon full of rushing water in summer, Johnston Canyon freezes in winter to form sparkling walls of ice. Formed by ancient glaciers, this is a spectacular geological landmark that is well worth the visit on a guided tour.

Where should anyone, travelling to Banff Lake Louise, definitely get their picture taken.

On the Rock Pile, a beautiful viewing spot only 5 minutes away from the parking lot at Moraine Lake (short 15 min drive from Lake Louise).

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

The top of Sulphur Mountain that can be easily reached by the Banff Gondola.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Vermillion Lakes just outside the town of Banff.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to?

Any of the two “Castles in the Rockies” – The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Imagine yourself a turn of the century railway baron at the European inspired Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains on the shores of the world’s most famous emerald glacier lake. Ask about the rich history of the Banff Springs, the renowned “Castle in the Rockies”, a National Historical Site located in the heart of Banff National Park.

Best place to have local food?

Maple Leaf Grille & Lounge, right on Banff Avenue.

Head Chef Morne Burger has created an award-winning menu showcasing the best in Rocky Mountain cuisine. Choose from a variety of fresh seafood from both Canadian coasts or enjoy succulent cuts of Alberta bison, beef and elk. With over 600 wine selections, the Maple Leaf has won nine consecutive Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

With over 120 restaurants, pubs, and lounges, it’s almost impossible to pick one favourite dish. This travel destination has attracted some of the very best in Canadian and internationally inspired foods, also known as Canadian Rocky Mountain Cuisine. Many restaurants help you sample the regional fare, bringing in organic and sustainably sourced Alberta beef and bison, fine cheeses and wines. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Swiss fondue or pizza, you’ve got more than enough choice of restaurants to try. After dark, kick up your heels at a local dance club or relax with a beverage at a groovy lounge.

One place only the locals would know.

With over 1,600 km of hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, there is many options to get off the beaten path and visit hidden jewels visited mostly only by knowledgeable local people.

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink.

The Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon on Banff Avenue.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see

Ice Magic – international ice carving competition taking place outside in front of The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

The things guide books won’t tell anyone about Banff Lake Louise?

Banff National Park is such a magical place that many people who originally came only for a short visit, move and stay here permanently. That is why tourists visiting Banff and Lake Louise will encounter workers from many different regions of Canada and even from different countries, when staying in local hotels, eating in local restaurants and shopping in our gift shops.

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Banff Lake Louise and what would that reason be?

Banff National Park is a four season destination that offers unique experiences and world class attractions 365 days a year.

There is no wrong time to visit Banff and Lake Louise!

In one sentence, Banff Lake Louise is Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique combination of unspoiled wilderness, modern amenities and opportunities for active exploration.

Lukas Prochazka is Manager, Asia at Banff Lake Louise Tourism and in charge of all sales and marketing activities in India, China, Japan and Korea. Born and raised in Czech Republic in Europe, Lukas moved to Banff in 2004 and has made it his new home.

On his days off, Lukas can be found hiking, running, climbing, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the most remote corners of Banff National Park, enjoying everything this unique protected mountain playground has to offer.

Check out our latest package on Canada

Tag: Lake Louise

Insiders view on Banff Lake Louise