travelandleisureindia.in
Overwatervillasandprivatebeachesarederigueur
in the Maldives. But have you ever considered an
underwater nightclub? Take a speedboat to Subsix,
a property of Per Aquum Niyama Hotels, and climb
down a grand three-tier staircase to go six metres
under the waterline and into the first nightclub
of its kind. Here, you can dine and dance into the
night in the company of moray eels, hawksbill
turtles, groupers, and other exciting marine life that
surround the underwater restaurant. The nightclub
takes after its surroundings—coral-like chandeliers,
blue lighting, capiz shells hung from the ceiling,
and anemone-inspired chairs. Order lunch from a
lavish sub-aquatic menu and pick one of the creative
cocktails to wash it down. If it’s a Wednesday or
Saturday, come dressed for an underwater glow
party. Lunch at `13,730 per person; niyama.com.Locatedinthenorth-centralpartofNepal,theAnnapurnaMassifmakesforoneof the
planet’s most thrilling trekking routes. Ever since the route opened to trekkers in the 1980s,
the 160- to 230-kilometre hike (depending on your start point) has come to be loved for its wild
trails, views of snow-capped mountains, rustic villages, and some astounding flora. The trek
takes anywhere between 11 and 14 days to complete, beginning at Besisahar and ending in the
adventure town of Pokhara. The highest pass, Thorang-La, stands at around 1,550 metres,
and offers views of spectacular peaks like Manasalu and Annapurna. Along the way, trekkers
can stay at scenic teahouses operated by local communities. G Adventures runs an 18-day tour
of Annapurna, all inclusive, for 64,000 per person; gadventures.com. Stay at Temple Tree Resort & Spa for6,000 per night.
no.
Challenge Yourself to the Annapurna Circuit Trek
no.
Party with Turtles & Eels
in the Maldives
REASONS TO TRAVEL NOW
FROM LEFT: DAVE STAMBOULIS/ALAMY; COURTESY OF NIYAMA HOTELSThechaoticcapitalof
Bangladesh, Dhaka, flies
quietly under the radar of
South Asian tourism. However,
the few who care to venture
here are guaranteed to discover
mouthwatering food on its
streets. After nightfall, an
alluring aroma of spices wafts
across the lanes of Laxmi
Bazaar, Narinda, Chankharpul,
and Dhaka University. Begin by
sharing a plate of chotpoti and
fuchka with your partner—the
chickpea dish is popular among
locals. For the main course,
sample the kacchi biryani,
which features layers of meat,
rice, and potatoes with aromatic
spices. The biryani is typically
washed down with borhani,
a yoghurt-based drink. Savoury
dishes like bakhorkhani,
shami kebab, haleem, and
desserts like doi chira are the
other stars of Bangladeshi
cuisine. Hop on a tuk-tuk tour
with Cholo Bangladesh Tours
for the ultimate food-tasting
experience. From `4,200 per
adult; cholobangladeshtours.
com. Stay at the five-star Pan
Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka for
`10,000 per night.no.
Devour the Street
Food of Dhaka