I realise that we are two months into the year, but there’s no law against posting a wanderlust list in March. Besides you know what they say about wishes – let the Universe know and they shall manifest (subject to terms and conditions)! Hoping that the forces are listening, here is a list of destinations to explore in 2016:
- Ladakh (India)
I have been up north but the beauty of Leh-Ladakh in Kashmir is undeniable. Although I’ve travelled across India, I don’t think there’s any place as beautiful as these inaccessible, mountainous areas. Their impossibly lovely landscapes, lakes and fields call out to me and I hope to take a Ladakh tour when the weather is more forgiving. According to those well versed in Ladakh tourism, June to September is the best time to visit the region.
- Japan
Japan has been on my wanderlust list ever since I laid eyes on its picturesque gardens and gorgeous cherry blossoms that carpet the streets and parks during flowering season. And then I discovered Haruki Murakami who acquainted me with its prefectures and admirable modern culture. Travel to this country has turned out to be painstakingly expensive, so I’ll need a sponsor to make a trip there. I can’t wait to ride their flawless metros and make it to the outlands.
- Turkey
Who doesn’t want to go to Turkey? Both the tourism board and tour operators have done a great job of acquainting travellers with delightful places like Antalya and Cappadocia. Turkey with its alluring melange of Arabian and European influences is definitely on my wanderlust. As a lover of history and architecture, I am keen on visiting the Temple of Artemis and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul; not to mention picking up beautiful souvenirs in the Grand Bazaar.
- Ireland
How can I not lust after Ireland when it has served as the arresting venue for a show as grandiose as Game of Thrones? Mention Ireland and you are transported to a land of steep cliffs, boisterous seas, Irish whiskey and endless green pastures. I have been to London and the English countryside but I have not yet been able to slake my thirst for Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle and the Titanic monument at Belfast are some of the attractions I want to visit.
- Russia
I have a friend living in St. Petersburg and he has ensured that I am not a stranger to the glorious land of Russia. Every street, building, and park in Moscow and St. Petersburg seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. Russia is on my lust list for its Kremlins, the charming Mediterranean coastline of Crimea, the snowy landscapes and mountains of Kamchatka and the beautiful colonnades and squares of St. Petersburg.
Until 2014, whenever people asked me about my travel bucket list, I was always at a loss. The truth is, you have to see some of the world in order to start craving for the rest of it. 2015 did that for me. And most likely, my feet will be pretty busy in 2016 as well.
What’s on your wanderlust list this year? Leave a comment and let me know.
Ladakh too is high on my mind!
Great list! Japan and Russia are on mine as well!
Thanks! 🙂
No problem! 🙂
Now that’s some wanderlust list! I agree Japan is costly, bahut jyada to be honest! Russia is one of my dream destinations and I too hope to land in that part of the world sooner that later!
Wish you wandering soul makes sure your feet are always restless and you tick all of the places from the list!
Cheers,
Rajiv
Thanks Rajiv 🙂
🙂
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My aim for this year is to see as much of Scotland on foot as possible. I have set myself a 100 walk challenge (on #22 so far!). Longer term goal is to climb all 282 Munros. Good luck with visiting everywhere on your wanderlust list 🙂
Wow that’s a lofty goal! Good luck with that. And I’d love to visit Scotland some day too 🙂
I have been to Ireland and Jammu & Kashmir,these places are simply Awesome:).Lovely Article,very well said:)