Anjuri and Akriti's Travel Guide for 2019 - Curated especially for the Traveler in you!

Have ambitious globe-trotting goals this 2019? Psyched in the City’s bloggers Akriti and Anjuri have curated a list of destinations for when wanderlust ensues this year.

Seychelles

Looking to start your new year with some sun, sand, sea and hammocks? Located off East Africa, in the Indian Ocean, known as “The Galapagos of the Indian Ocean” lies this scenic destination that is a collection of 115 islands. Pristine white sand beaches kissed by aquamarine waters surrounded by hills, coral reefs and beautiful national parks. Its easy to find beaches that are not swarmed by humans, coupled with a once in a lifetime experience of spotting sea turtles or giant Aldabra Tortoise makes it a perfect holiday spot.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Anse Source d’Argent, isolated Anse Marron, a place for couples: Anse Takamaka and impeccable Anse Lazio.

**Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is the smallest capital in the world.**

Norway

Is watching the northern lights on your bucket list? You might just get lucky if you’re in Norway between favourites January and March. Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, surrounded by mountains, glorious glacial masses and profound coastal fjords. All it takes is a short drive and you can find yourself away from the Metropolitan life and into the picturesque countryside, wandering into the wilderness. Do you have a love affair with skiing? Fishing gets to you? You’re an avid hiker? Then this is where you should be.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Bergen, The Geirangerfjord area, The Stavanger region, The Sognefjord area, discover the breathtaking cliffs called Preikestolen and Fishing at the Atlantic Road.

**In Norway, during Polar Night, which lasts from November to January, the sun doesn’t rise at all. However, in summer, the** **midnight sun** **is a natural phenomenon that occurs during summer in Norway. 76 days of midnight sun between May and July greets travellers to Northern Norway**

Japan

Have you seen those beautiful pictures of pink and white Cherry Blossom trees in Japan? it’s not just the Cherry Blossom, there is so much more about Japan. With a unique contrast of modern day technology and old-time charm, you will find the best of both the worlds in Japan. Compact cities, regal palaces, beautiful villages, in numerous temples and shrines create a rich potpourri of culture and modernity not seen elsewhere. Not to forget the Japanese food, it’s divine. Travel in the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto and whizz through beautiful hamlets cocooned within the fastest trains in the world.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Climb Mount Fiji (not just watch), Visit Tokyo for its high rises, ride a Shinkansen, Hanami for the cherry blossom trees and eat lots of ramen.

**The Japanese have a love affair with luxury spending about** **$33 billion on luxury goods.**
**Also, Inemuri (napping at work)—is seen as a sign of being a hard worker in Japanese business culture.**

Mexico

Talcum powder turquoise beaches, chilli-laden cuisine, magical colourful towns, mariachi music, tequila and lots and lots of cactuses. But this is not all there is to Mexico. You have to visit Mexico and we’re positive you’ll fall in love with the country. The food here is a gastronomical delight, the climate is pleasant and there is so much beauty all around, you cannot cover it all in just one trip unless it is a month long. There are snowcapped volcanoes and sun-kissed beaches. People in Mexico are some of the nicest we’ve ever met.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Best time to visit Cancun is during the spring break, San Miguel de Allende (there is nothing prettier), Oaxaca and Chiapas for their canyons and virgin beaches, Baja California to watch whales and Mexico City for Frida.

mexico — **Mexicos is the largest exporter of Beer. Hello Corona!**

Jordan

A land of World Heritage Sites and exquisite panoramic desert landscapes. Camel caravans against the sunset lights is such a lovely setup. There are numerous monuments, including Roman amphitheaters and crusader castles that are culturally rich and inviting. Jordan’s desert landscapes are not narrowed to the southeast: they embrace a salt sea at the lowest land point on the planet, canyons overflowing with seasonal water and retreats of palm trees. You can plan a holiday to Jordan with minimal budget and still live life king size while you’re there.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites- Visit Petra, a 2000-year-old city, definitely go see Mount Nebo for breathtaking views of Jordan valley, dead sea and views of Jerusalem from up top. Do not miss Siq and King Abdullah Mosque.

**Amman, the capital of Jordan, is the oldest city on earth with human settlement as early as 13th century BC. You can also walk from north to south in Jordon on a 402 miles hiking trail known as** **Jordon Trail.**

Sri Lanka

Located to the south of India, Sri Lanka is one of the best countries to plan a quick International vacation with your family. With long stretches of clean striking beaches, lots of elephants, the famous Sri Lankan tea and the hospitality of the people making it one of the top destinations. There are culturally rich heritage sites and temples on one hand and safari tours of Sri Lanka’s national parks on the other.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites– Other than spending your time on beautiful beaches you must also visit Sigriya, The temple of the tooth, Yala national park, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Adam’s peak.

**Sri Lanka is the home of cinnamon. Ceylon Cinnamon is Renowned**

Vietnam

A land of extraordinary natural beauty, embedded in rich culture and traditions. You’ll find lots of lovely hill tribe villages and dynamic metropolitan cities in Vietnam. The culinary experience is one of the best in South East Asia. Simply plan a vacation to a quaint luxury spa resort or book a budget hotel and soak up all the thrill.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites -Visit the Ho Chi Minh City (biggest city in Vietnam), Ha Long Bay for emerald waters and limestone islands, Phu Quocisland for white sand beaches, Fansipan for the hiking experience and the Ban Gioc Waterfalls.

**Mekong Delta is known as the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam, which 17 million people engaged in rice cultivation. The delta produced about 20 million tons in 2008**

Madagascar

An island country famous for lemurs, its unique flora and of course for the movie with the same name. Baobab trees, rainforests, deserts and hiking, all in one place. Very few places on earth offer such diversity of flora and fauna and such an extreme kaleidoscope of nature. There are hills filled with rice paddies, sandstone canyons, mountains and limestone karsts. If you love nature and want to be close to it while experiencing the thrill, Madagascar is your place.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites– Isalo National Park, Avenue of the Baobabs, Ranomafana National Park and Tsarabanjina, a secluded Island off the northwest coast of Madagascar.

**Lamba is the traditional garment worn by both men and women in Madagascar.**

Lakshadweep, India

– One of the most beautiful and understated destinations in India, off the coast of Kerala. Uninhabited and unexplored, these are probably the most pristine islands that India has to offer. White sand beaches, topaz waters and solitude. If you love surfing, this is the premier destination for surfing in India and the best time is from April to September. There are 36 islands but only 10 of them are habitable and you need to get a permit from the Indian Government to visit. There are lagoons, coral reefs and warm waters for the snorkelers and divers in you.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites- Agatti Island, Bangaram Atoll and Kadmat Island

**Agatti Island Airport has the most gorgeous runway.**

Turkey

Ever seen those hot air balloon pictures over “fairy chimney” rock formations giving a panoramic view of the city? That’s Cappadocia in Turkey. Turkey is hands down one of the most beautiful places in the world. Diverse landscapes, an opulently historic place with some of the best tasting food ever and the only city in the world spanning across two continents. The beauty of this country ranges from wavy beaches to glorious mountain ranges and stunning mosques. And of course, Istanbul.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Cappadocia for the hot air balloon rides, Istanbul for it is one of the most beautiful places ever, Antalya, Hagia Sophia Museum, Sultan Ahmed Mosque is also known as the iconic Blue mosque, Pamukkale for thermal spa terraces and ruins.

**Two continents meet in Turkey – Europe and Asia.**

Bhutan

There are mountains, mystery, monasteries and magic. One of the most stunning landscapes of the Himalayan range can be witnessed in Bhutan. They have a fee of 250 $ per person per day to control traffic into their country. This could be an expensive trip for some, but then again, you spend money and you gain experiences and build memories. Peaceful and elegant are two adjectives that describe Bhutan as a country and their people.

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Paro Taktsang a sacred mountainside monastery, Punakha Dzong a fortress overlooking the river, Kayaking and river rafting in Mo Chhu, Visit the Thrumshing La pass and Dochula Pass.

**Bhutan is one of the last countries in the world to introduce television to its people. The government lifted a ban on TV—and on the Internet—only 11 years ago.**

Russia

New years in the world’s largest country? People plan vacations to the US, London, Canada etc. for Christmas and New Year but have you ever thought about exploring Russia? There is so much beauty and culture to soak in, there are places so pretty you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale and of course some of the best snows. If swirly-spired churches and sparkling palaces are your thing you need to start planning now. Focus on Moscow and St Petersburg, but if you have the time and means also visit Stalingrad(for its history), a Russian Gulag and Lake Baikal(the deepest lake in the world)

Akriti and Anjuri’s favourites – Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre, Sparrow Hills in Moscow. Hermitage Museum, Winter palace, Peterhof Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, Church of the Savior on Blood, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral and Moika Palace in Saint Petersburg.