Cochin to Singapore

A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints.

Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favoured anchorage for sailors and traders from every far-flung corner – even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world’s first global port city. Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath the weight of singing copper. Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, marvel at the Krishna murals that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built Christian churches – as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis. A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti, followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light finish.

Far to the south of Sri Lanka is the city of Hambantota with a colorful and storied traditional Ruhuna past and great promise for the future. This gateway to Sri Lanka is rich in resources and since being upset by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, has put great emphasis on rebuilding and moving progressively into a central role in the development of the southern region of Sri Lanka. Traditionally an agricultural area, the region is also known for having some of the country’s most skilled jewelers and crafts people.

Galle is an ancient Muslim port where different political influences from Europe have merged. In fact, the Galle Fort was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and British until the late 19th century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The surviving Dutch-colonial architecture and narrow streets exude the historic atmosphere of this living fort. The 18th century Dutch church has a splendid wooden memorial to one of the commanders of Galle, while the Arab quarter has a distinctly Moorish touch.

Rising majestically up from emerald waters, Port Blair in the Andaman Islands has to be seen to be believed. An ex-18th century penal colony, the island is today the capital city in the Andamans as well as being the main entry point for the rest of the archipelago. As with the other islands in the archipelago (86% of the Andamans are covered with forest), wildlife is diverse and plentiful and offers much in the way of amusement: 270 species of birds (including 14 endemic birds) call the islands home.

To call North Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park big is an understatement. It’s vast. It’s epic. At over 3,000 square miles, its behemoth. The park is named after Mount Leuser (10,230 feet) and straddles the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. The range pf ecosystems in the park is astonishing; tropical rain forest, lowland forest, mountainous terrain, freshwater lakes and rivers and alpine meadows are just the beginning. This glorious diversity has earnt the park its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve site.

Over 120 mammals, 350 species of birds and 4000 plant species are found in the park, including the exponentially rare Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, sambar deer and leopard cat. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed. By following your experienced guide’s advice, trek in silence, wait and listen. You’ll be greeted with a cacophony of squawks and squeals and sightings that will go down in your personal history. Don’t be surprised if you hear the distinct kissing mating calls of orang-utan. The Bohorok Orangutan Sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located on the eastern side of the park and is one of the world’s leaders for orang-utan observation. From its inception in 1973 to its temporary closing after a flash flood destroyed it in 2002, the rehabilitation centre cared for and released captive orang-utans to the wild. Thanks to several international aid agencies, the centre was rebuilt in 2004 and continues to do exceptionally fine work.

To call North Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park big is an understatement. It’s vast. It’s epic. At over 3,000 square miles, its behemoth. The park is named after Mount Leuser (10,230 feet) and straddles the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. The range pf ecosystems in the park is astonishing; tropical rain forest, lowland forest, mountainous terrain, freshwater lakes and rivers and alpine meadows are just the beginning. This glorious diversity has earnt the park its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve site.

Over 120 mammals, 350 species of birds and 4000 plant species are found in the park, including the exponentially rare Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros, sambar deer and leopard cat. Wildlife sightings are guaranteed. By following your experienced guide’s advice, trek in silence, wait and listen. You’ll be greeted with a cacophony of squawks and squeals and sightings that will go down in your personal history. Don’t be surprised if you hear the distinct kissing mating calls of orang-utan. The Bohorok Orangutan Sanctuary of Bukit Lawang is located on the eastern side of the park and is one of the world’s leaders for orang-utan observation. From its inception in 1973 to its temporary closing after a flash flood destroyed it in 2002, the rehabilitation centre cared for and released captive orang-utans to the wild. Thanks to several international aid agencies, the centre was rebuilt in 2004 and continues to do exceptionally fine work.

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens’ skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. View less

Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean – and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city’s neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up – nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs – and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay – a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples – like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore’s cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city’s eponymous gin-soaked cocktail – a Singapore Sling.