Twelve Months, Twelve Places

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 30 March 2025

I was at a friend’s baby shower over the weekend. It was one of those lovely gatherings filled with laughter, nostalgia, and plenty of storytelling. As always, any conversation I get to have with new people I meet invariably veers towards travel - it’s just how I am wired. So, in the middle of all the baby talk and macarons, we ended up playing a fun little game: if you could pick one travel destination for each month of the year, where would you go?

As you can imagine, the suggestions were flying. And it got me thinking: what would my list look like? So, I took a moment to sit down and jot it down. A year’s worth of travel inspiration - twelve months, twelve places. Since we are in March, let’s start this journey with the month of April, and from there, travel through the rest of the year together.

April – Taiwan

Taiwan is a destination full of contrasts. It is indeed the home of the original Din Tai Fung, a renowned Taiwanese dumpling restaurant chain, but Taiwan also is a place where ancient temples sit beside neon-lit night markets, misty mountains roll into buzzing cities, and tropical coastlines are just a train ride away. April is the sweet spot: the weather is warm but not humid, cherry blossoms are still in bloom in certain areas, and festivals light up the calendar. Visit Taipei for its quirky cafés and vibrant street food scene, then take a train to Hualien and hike the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge. Want a slower pace? Head to Sun Moon Lake or explore the lantern-filled town of Jiufen for a Spirited Away-like experience.

May – Georgia (the country)

Georgia, tucked between Europe and Asia, is one of the most underrated gems I have ever visited. I had the chance to explore it in 2024, and it completely won me over. May in Georgia is everything you want from spring travel: fresh air, blooming landscapes, and just the right amount of sun.

Tbilisi, the capital, is charming and full of character - colourful balconies, sulphur baths, and cafes serving strong coffee and khachapuri (cheese bread dreams). From there, head out to Kakheti, the heart of Georgia’s wine country, where traditional clay-pot wine-making is still alive and well. The Caucasus Mountains beckon in the north, especially around Kazbegi, where the iconic Gergeti Trinity Church stands like a watchtower in the clouds.

June – Borneo (Malaysia)

If you are looking for raw, wild nature, Borneo delivers. June marks the beginning of the dry season, making it ideal for rainforest treks and wildlife encounters. This is one of the few places on Earth where you can still see orangutans in the wild. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah or go deep into the jungles of the Kinabatangan River. For divers, Sipadan is legendary, while Mount Kinabalu offers a challenging but rewarding climb.

Getting to Borneo from India is easier than you would expect. You can fly from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai to Kuala Lumpur, and from there, take a short connecting flight to either Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Kuching (Sarawak), depending on which part of Malaysian Borneo you want to explore.

July – Leh Ladakh

In July, Ladakh sheds its winter skin and bursts into colour and life. The roads are open, the skies are brilliantly blue, and the high-altitude desert is at its most accessible. Whether you are riding through the dramatic curves of Khardung La, camping by the mirror-like Pangong Lake, or attending a local monastery festival in Hemis or Diskit, Ladakh offers a blend of adventure and spiritual calm that’s hard to match.

At Veena World, Ladakh is one of our most loved destinations. Every year, we take thousands of travellers, both from across India and around the world, to explore this stunning region.

August – Madagascar

If you are drawn to places that feel completely different from anywhere else on Earth, Madagascar is calling. August falls in the country’s dry, cooler season - perfect for spotting lemurs leaping through the treetops in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park or exploring the towering stone forests of Tsingy de Bemaraha. The Avenue of the Baobabs at sunset is a photographer’s dream, and the beaches along the Nosy Be archipelago offer snorkelling, diving, and total relaxation. Madagascar’s biodiversity is unmatched - more than 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else.

Getting to Madagascar from India takes a bit of planning, but it is well worth the effort. There are no direct flights from India, but you can fly to Antananarivo (the capital) via hubs like Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), or Mauritius (Air Mauritius) from major Indian cities like Mumbai or Delhi.

September – Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan feels like a journey back in time to the golden days of the Silk Road. September brings cooler weather and golden sunlight that glints off the turquoise domes and intricate tilework of cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. The bazaars buzz with life, the food (like plov and samsa) is hearty and flavourful, and the sense of history is overwhelming, in the best way. If you have ever dreamt of walking through ancient caravanserais and sleeping in a desert yurt under the stars, this is the time and place to do it.

October – Bhutan

Bhutan is one of those rare places where time seems to slow down. Come October, the skies are crystal clear, the mountain views are jaw-dropping, and the air carries a festive buzz. This is the season of Tshechus - vibrant local festivals filled with masked dances, music, and spiritual energy. Hike up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, wander through the peaceful streets of Thimphu, or just breathe in the pine-scented air of the Phobjikha Valley. Bhutan isn’t just a destination - it’s a way of life. One that invites you to pause, reflect, and travel more meaningfully.

November – Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a destination for the culturally curious. November is dry and sunny, making it the ideal time to explore the country’s incredible historical and natural sites. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are a marvel of ancient engineering, while Gondar offers a peek into Ethiopia’s royal past. The landscapes are just as dramatic - from the deep blue of Lake Tana to the otherworldly volcanic terrain of the Danakil Depression. Ethiopia defies expectations at every turn.

December – Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

When winter hits the Northern Hemisphere, Patagonia is basking in summer. December is the prime time to explore this untamed region, where glaciers creak, mountains tower and turquoise lakes stretch as far as the eye can see. Hike the famed trails of Torres del Paine in Chile or venture to El Chaltén and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina. The days are long, the landscapes feel infinite, and the connection to nature is deeply grounding. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the most beautiful way.

Getting to Patagonia from India is a bit of a long plane ride, but it’s absolutely worth it. You will likely fly via Doha, Paris, or Amsterdam into Buenos Aires or Santiago, and then take a connecting flight to southern gateway towns like El Calafate, Punta Arenas, or Puerto Natales.

January – Spiti Valley

Most people think of beaches or tropical getaways in January. But if you are up for a little adventure, head to Spiti Valley. Tucked high in the Himalayas, Spiti is quiet, stark, and stunning in winter. Think frozen rivers, snow-covered monasteries, and the thrill of being truly remote. The villages of Kaza, Kibber, and Tabo are largely cut off, but if you make it there, you will be rewarded with unmatched beauty and complete stillness. It’s also the season when you might just spot the elusive snow leopard on a guided trek - a true bucket-list moment.

February – Oman

While its neighbours get all the attention, Oman remains one of the Middle East’s most underrated gems. February is the perfect time to explore its rugged mountains, ancient forts, and serene coastlines. I had the chance to visit Oman about six years ago, and I still remember how awe-struck I was by its natural beauty - especially the Wadis.

These stunning canyons, carved by time and filled with emerald-green water, felt like secret paradises hidden in the desert. Wadi Shab, in particular, left a lasting impression, with its mix of hiking, swimming, and that unforgettable final cave pool. Oman offers a rare combination of luxury and authenticity, all wrapped in the warmth of true Arabian hospitality.

March – Albania

Albania is a slice of Europe still flying under the radar. In March, the chill of winter starts to fade, and the country’s mix of mountains, beaches, and Ottoman architecture begins to emerge in all its glory. Explore the castle town of Berat, often called the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, or wander the ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The coastal town of Sarandë offers views of the Ionian Sea without the price tag or crowds of its Greek neighbours.  You might be surprised to discover that Saint Mother Teresa, a figure of immense love and compassion, was of Albanian descent. Though she dedicated her life to serving the people of India, her roots trace back to this lesser-known European gem. Albania is one of those places that makes you feel like you have discovered something truly special.

This was my list - twelve months, twelve offbeat adventures. What do you think? See you next week...