TravelBaits: Unique Experiences and Stories from India

A lawyer by profession and an avid traveller, Ram Murali has found spectacular success with his debut novel "Death in the Air", a murder mystery set in the foothills of Himalayas, which has received critical acclaims from the likes of Vogue, Oprah Daily, Kevin Kwan and more. In this episode of the TravelBaits podcast, we talk to Ram Murali himself about his travel journeys and unique inspirations he derived from them, which he used for his novel!

Join us in an insightful conversation with Mr. Pavan, Managing Director of Prithvi Exchange, as we delve into the world of foreign exchange for Indian international travelers. Learn essential tips and tricks to manage your currency, avoid airport exchange traps, and understand the dos and don'ts of forex. Discover the truth about carrying USD, the advantages of forex cards, and how to navigate dynamic currency conversion (DCC). Whether you're a budget traveler or planning a luxurious getaway, this video provides expert advice to ensure a smooth and cost-effective travel experience.

In 1983, twenty-one-year-old Amy Edelstein set out on a 500-kilometer journey in Zanskar, India, the highest valley in the world. She walked alone by foot, crossing passes above 16,000 feet, sleeping in caves, meeting high lamas, and exploring a culture that had remained virtually the same for thousands of years. Her book on "Adventure in Zanskar" is an Amazon bestseller. In this episode, we talk with Amy herself on her journey through Zanskar and what she experienced there, and what she has in mind for anyone willing to visit the uniquely beautiful valleys and monasteries of Zanskar.  

We talk to Raj Basu, popularly known as the Tourism Gandhi of the North East, about his movement of sustainable rural tourism in the North East India. A fascinating story teller, Raj walks us through the rich history of the region, which he calls the Gateway of India into Asia. He gives a vivid description of immersive tourism, where the traveller should forgo his/her city ego, and immerse into the deep roots of rural tourism, including homestays, wildlife and trekkings. We conclude with some must do places to go and essential cross border experiences in this vast region.

This episode we talk about a very popular spiritual movement that came out of India, ie, the Hare Rama Hare Krishna movement, typically associated with ISKCON. Here, we talk with Dr Himanshu who is a professor in TIFR, Mumbai, and holds keen interest in philosophy, social and religious studies. We talk about the history and founder of this practice, how it became popular in the West and then in India, and what are the historical places of importance to visit in connection with this. We also briefly discuss the best times to visit the places, and end with a short discussion on spirituality and human progress.