Alex
Specialist: India, Sri Lanka & Uzbekistan
After studying for a Master’s degree in English Literature at Delhi’s Jamia University, Alex took up a career in furniture retail, working for several years in the Middle East and the UK. He joined us in 2008, and is now one of our principal consultants for the Indian Subcontinent, with expertise in Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka as well as India itself, which he returns to regularly on TransIndus recces.
Travel High
I had a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sighting at Ranthambore National Park, in Rajasthan. We were on our way out of the reserve at dusk when news came through on the radio that a tiger had been spotted heading towards a water hole close by. We went straight there and came across not just the tiger - a female cooling off in the water, but also her three fully grown male cubs. Fabulous!
Favourite Hotel
Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, Kerala. "This idyllic hotel on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad can only be reached by launch, which adds greatly to the sense of expectation. As you approach, the individual cottages, set within a network of irrigation canals, emerge alluringly from the palm canopy. Each is furnished in hand-made jackwood, with intricate window carvings and cool terracotta tile floors. The bathrooms open on to private, walled courtyards, each with a banana or palm tree growing in it – you can shower al fresco (or "open-to-sky" as they call it) – heavenly! The pool is a delight too, with a Jacuzzi, and is beautifully positioned overlooking the lake. There’s a wonderful Ayurvedic Centre where guests can enjoy a traditional Keralan massage while gazing across the mirror-like water. In the evenings, performances of Kathakali dance and Carnatic music are staged."
Travel Tip
Cochin, Kerala, India. "Enjoy a sunset cruise around the harbour –an ideal way to experience the vessels and unique atmosphere of the port, as well as the famous Chinese fishing nets dotted along the promenade”.
Contact Alex at [email protected] to discuss your holiday plans in the Indian Subcontinent.
