Known as India’s party state, Goa has a distinct, laid-back vibe that pairs well with its happening beaches, buzzing bazaars and legendary nightlife. When Australian television presenter and backpacking enthusiast, Sommer Shiels comes to Goa, however, she chooses more immersive experiences, which tell her what the state is really about, such as kayaking, shipwreck diving and finding secluded beaches. She also meets a historian and artist, who tells her the story of Goa.

Shipwreck Diving In Goa

Situated at the mouth of the ravine between two red sandstone cliffs, which represent demons, Badami is the erstwhile capital of the Chalukyan empire. Through its architecturally stunning cave and rock cut temples, Sommer Shiels unearths the story of the place.

The Cave And Rock Cut Temples Of Badami

While the evocative ruins of Hampi encourage notions of fantasy, bring the past to life and make the unreal real, the landscape provides the perfect setting for it. Sommer Shiels experiences this portal to the Vijayanagara empire through its landmarks such as the Ugra Narsimha statue, the Virupaksha temple, the Hazara Rama temple and the Vitthala temple, which are arresting works of art.

Hampi - A Portal To History And Mythology

Sommer Shiels explores the erstwhile hunting reserve for the royals of Wodeyar dynasty, which is now among India’s great safari destinations - the Nagarhole National Park in Kabini. From beautiful deer and migratory birds to jackals and majestic elephants, she feasts her eyes on the abundant wildlife in the park.

Safari At Nagarhole National Park

Alleppey played a very important role in the maritime history of India. Today, however, the stunning backwaters of Kerala are known for the rejuvenating houseboat stays that they offer. While Sommer Shiels explores the mesmerizing labyrinth of waterways on a houseboat, she makes pit-stops to catch a sneak peek into the traditions, culture and beliefs in Alleppey.

Seeing Traditional Dances And Local Festivals At Alleppey

Life in Alleppey moves at a relaxing pace. Sommer Shiels sees the arresting beauty of the backwaters on a houseboat, and along the way she gets glimpses into the beliefs and ways of life of the locals. She also visits Munnar, where she goes cycling around the misty, lush green hills and surrounds herself with idyllic scenery and the sharp aromas of tea and spices.

The Spellbinding Backwaters And Hills Of Kerala

Sommer Shiels goes to Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat, where she visits Sabarmati Ashram, the humble dwelling of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. She learns about his strenuous efforts in India’s struggle for freedom, and she gets inspired by his ideals. She also goes to Gir National Park, the last reserve in the world for Asiatic lions, where she goes on a safari and spots the king of the jungle.

A Tryst With Leaders And Lions In Gujarat

Situated at the tip of western Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch is a land of many wonders. Sommer Shiels experiences its unique landscape and rich culture as she gets an insight into the formation of the salt desert, tries the traditional sweet and savoury dishes of Gujarat, has an ATV ride across the desert and witnesses the BSF parade.

India's Incredible White Desert

In the remote westernmost corner of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is the quintessential desert town, its golden, sand-coloured ramparts rising out of the arid Thar like a scene from the Arabian Nights. Sommer Shiels explores the iconic sights of Rajasthan’s Golden City such as the Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Sonar Qila. She also experiences a desert camp at Sam sand dunes.

Desert Camping In Jaisalmer

Rajasthan is the land of barren deserts and an equally colourful culture, valiant kings and magnificent forts and palaces. Sommer Shiels visits Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan, where she sees the Mehrangarh Fort, learns about its history and tries zip-lining. She also visits Nimaj, a picturesque place nearby, where she stays at the palace of the king, gets a taste of the royal life and is introduced to the life of the common people in the village as well.

Exploring Rajasthan’s Royal Heritage

Encircled by distant hills, Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is the heart of its cultural activities.  Moeen Latif takes a deep dive into the local culture at the historic Shree Govindjee temple, and witnesses the fascinating art forms of the region at the Sangai Festival. He also tries his hand at a local Manipuri martial arts form called Thang Ta, and tucks into regional delicacies.

Imphal – The Heart Of Manipuri Culture

On a backpacking trip to Manipur, Moeen Latif visits its capital, Imphal, where he tries powered paragliding on an airstrip that was used by the British for their plane landings during the World War 2. As he takes a tour of the city, he begins to get an insight into everything from the architectural styles of the four tribes living here. He also gets a chance to visit the birthplace of polo, the Imphal polo grounds and witnesses a match. 

Uncovering The Stories Of Manipur 

After visiting the centuries-old all-women Ima Market in Imphal, Moeen Latif takes a boat ride on the famous Loktak Lake, Northeast India’s largest freshwater lake. Here, he meets up with some of the locals, who have developed an entire way of life on the floating islands of this lake. He also goes on a trip to spot the rare Sangai deer at the world’s only floating national park.  

The Floating World Of Lake Loktak  

On his way to see the India-Burma border, Moeen Latif stops to have a cup of tea with the farmers of a local village, and they teach him a few phrases of their local language. Upon reaching, he crosses over to Tamu in Myanmar to see the beautiful pagodas and comes to know the story behind the Thoibi lake. He then leaves for Ukhrul, the highest point in Manipur, but is stopped on the way by some gun wielding men. 

From Manipur To Myanmar 

Avid traveller, Moeen Latif visits the ancient Khangkui caves in Ukhrul, where a local tells him about the legends associated with the Tangkhul tribe inhabiting thewritee region. This gives him a glimpse into the history of the local headhunters. He then goes to Makhel village where he finds out about some more quaint ways of the local Naga tribes.

The Intriguing Tribes In Ukhrul 

Long considered the ‘wild east’ of India, Nagaland abounds in primeval beauty and tribal culture. Here, Moeen Latif attends the famous Hornbill festival, one of the most colourful festivals in the world, where he finds himself immersed in the music, dance and traditions of different tribes such as the Sangtam, Phom and Ao Naga tribes. He also visits the spot, where the infamous Battle of Kohima took place.

The Hornbill Festival

Stretching from the frozen summits of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, India encompasses an incomparable range of landscapes, cultures and people. Our hosts go to different parts of the country, from mountain to coast and from desert to rainforest, experiencing different sights, cuisines and cultures along the way. This endlessly fascinating country surprises and challenges these seasoned travelers in ways that makes them realize why it’s called a ‘backpacker’s litmus test’. 

Backpack India