WRITTEN BY
Varuni Kaensacha
PUBLISHED ON
November 30, 2017
LOCATION
Philippines, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka
Travelogues has access to Remote Lands’ tireless experts, travel writers around the globe, and a unique range of contacts at the top of the industry. But, it’s our readers and users that actually get to go to all of these amazing places and do all of these incredible things while we’re stuck in the office.
As North Asia is gripped in a white winter and Agung begins erupting in Bali, we’ve taken a look at your #TakeMeToRemoteLands Instragram pics and have chosen our favorites – with results ranging from beasts of burden at the Taj Mahal to tattooed faces of the Chin State in Myanmar
Nagassa Cove, Philippines
“Meeting Nagsasa cove for the first time made me [feel] like I am in a totally different country,” Jiyon says. “The pine tree-like Agojo trees painted the mountains with a light brown hue [that] made the spot brighter in November.”
Easily accessed from Manila by car, Nagsasa Cove is a hidden gem not far from some of the biggest cities in the Philippines.
“[It’s] less crowded than its neighboring coves; my search for a relief from the busy city life was easier than I thought,” he says, adding that the highlights were rediscovering the river, connecting to the sea, and enjoying the majestic view over the cove.
Taj Mahal, India
“To see Taj Mahal with my own eyes was such an overwhelming experience,” says photographer EC Tong, adding that it took 20 years and 20,000 workers to complete. “A magnificent structure indeed, but yet I couldn’t help but wonder [about] the sacrifices and deaths just to fulfill one emperor’s ambition.”
“Regarding the above image, I was fortunate enough to be at the right place and the right time to capture the bull cart in the foreground because such scene is rarely captured within the grounds of Taj Mahal,” Tong says.
There is more to experience in and around Agra than the Taj Mahal, including Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the Mehtab Bagh.
Bhutan
“I’d dreamt of Bhutan for years, finally spending six and a half weeks there this year, primarily to trek the remote high passes of the 29 day Snowman (Lunana) Trek 2,” says Kari Michal, adding that it is one of the hardest.
“Raging glacial rivers, lush forests everywhere, cloudless blue skies crisply cut off when they met the towering peaks of snowy mountains,” Kari says, adding that there were even glimpses of the reclusive snow leopard. “Coupled with the ancient Dzongkha and monasteries, monks dressed in saffron colored robes, and yaks at every turn, Bhutan was life changing.”
Bhutan is known for its mountain treks, and its luxury accommodation options for 2018 look to increase with the opening of several Six Senses properties. Two Aman destinations are already found on the Druk path.
Chin State, Myanmar
“Traveling to Myanmar is much like traveling to other Asian countries: there are the popular tourist sites that everyone visits because they are beautiful and accessible and there are the off the beaten path destinations that most tourists do not visit. The mountains of Chin State is such a place,” says travel photographer Ron Gesser from Montreal. “The Chin state is a dry, rugged area that is less accessible than most areas of Myanmar and therefore is one of the poorest states in the country.”
“Driving there takes six to seven hours from Bagan, the majority of which is on dirt roads. The inhabitants are composed of various hill tribes who did or still do practice an animist religion, many of whom have been converted to Christianity because of the missionary work that had been done there over the last few centuries,” Ron tells Travelogues. “Many of the older generation woman have facial tattoos that they received as young girls with each distinctive tattoo pattern representing a different tribe.”
Ron adds that there are a number of theories why this practice existed but none that are confirmed, stating that the practice of facial tattoos was banned by the government a number of years ago, which is why only middle-aged and older women have these tattoos.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
“Ta Prohm, once called Rajavihara, is one of the largest temples of the Angkor complex. So tells us our tuk tuk driver,” says writer Sreesha. “I’ve learnt since that Rajavihara means the monastery of the kings. But it [wasn’t] the facts that rendered me speechless.”
“Entering Ta Prohm through the […] towers of Bayon, the other famous temple in this complex, transports you to a surreal moment. One where a once-magnificent structure lies reduced to rubble in most places and roots of tall trees grow through the stones, casting an other-worldly light on the ruins around you,” Sreesha tells Travelogues.
“Ta Prohm is eerily quiet in spite of the crowds. The imposing quality of nature that is obvious in this place has robbed us of our voices. We can only stare in wonder.”
Found in Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s most popular attraction. The Bayon was built in the late 12th century.
Udiapur, India
“The picture was taken during a recent two-week trip to India where my partner and I visited Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan,” says Ewan Dalby, adding that the pic was taken in beautiful Udaipur in the early evening.
Udaipur is one of west India’s most dynamic cities, with dozens of sites of architectural interest, including the City Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, and Kesariyaji Temple.
“We were sitting in a restaurant enjoying a drink and some food, watching the sunset over Lake Pichola. We were there over the Hanuman festival. Lanterns were being lit and released into the water whilst music played in the background,” Ewan says.
With the large Lake Pichola and the more northern Fateh Sagar Lake and others, Udaipur is sometimes known as the City of Lakes.
Udawalawa, Sri Lanka
“After navigating along the stunning coastline on the West and South of Sri Lanka, our trip headed inland toward the national park of Udawalawa,” says Luke Smith. “The park is home to a diverse ecosystem, including an array of megafauna, that draws in tourists keen to witness the wildlife.”
“This image observes a mother and her calf while they graze in their natural habitat,” Luke Smith tells Travelogues. “Seeing these majestic creatures, free to roam and thriving within their environment, is truly an amazing sight and something that Sri Lanka can offer across a multitude of different parks.”
Final Favorites
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