Owner and founder of the Obvious Choice, Zaritha van Wyngaardt, is no stranger to off-the-beaten-track destinations and experiential travel adventures. 2017 was her year of travel – serious travel.

Her 2017 travels include Spain, Abu Dhabi, Oman, India, Nepal, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, Cuba, Ecuador, Iran, Thessaloniki, Cyprus and Istanbul. She concluded the year’s travels with a visit to Kaziranga, Nagaland in Northeast India.

Based on her experience, Zaritha explains why she loved this journey and why people with a passion for experiential travel, wildlife safaris and cultural festivals should consider a visit to Nagaland and specifically, Kaziranga.

1. Nagaland is a combination of natural beauty and ethnic diversity.

Nagaland is a state in Northeast India and is populated by the Naga people of Mongoloid stock.

The Nagas have a rich tribal history and they were brave warriors. The status of a warrior got ranked according to the number of human skulls he could display on a tree in his village (headhunting.) This custom later changed to animal skulls only.

Nagaland’s 16 major tribes each come with their own language, customs and traditions.

Today, most of the Nagas (90%) are Christians due to British colonisation. Although the Nagas have very much westernised, they still preserve the remnants of their early culture and ancient traditions.

Men are still the decision makers and women are expected to be humble and obedient, despite the current outcry for equality. Women supplement their household income by selling and weaving colourful shawls.

2. Nagaland is all about preservation and nature conservation.

In 2012, Kohima (capital town of Nagaland), received a boost as a tourist destination with the launch of a nature conservation and eco-tourism project. You will be overwhelmed with the sight of natural vegetation and virgin forests all around. Praise to the Kohima community for their efforts in preserving and conserving flora and fauna in their region.

Dzükou Valley and Japfü Peak offer great trekking experiences to adventurers. At the Japfü ranges you can also witness the tallest rhodendrum tree as featured in the World Guinness Book of Records.

3. The Hornbill Festival.

Agricultural themed festivals are essential to the people of Nagaland.

The Hornbill Festival has been established as an annual event on the Indian Festival Calender and takes place from 1- 10 December. The festival draws travellers from all over the world and is a perfect opportunity for the Nagas to showcase their artistry, skills, music and dance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcZ6burDK9i/?taken-by=obviouschoicetravel

Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance for this calender highlight.

4. The Silk n Dye Festival in Kaziranga.

From Kohima, Zaritha travelled 283 km (+/- 8 hours) towards Kaziranga where she attended the Silk n Dye Festival.

In short, the Silk n Dye Festival is a platform for silk weavers from the Kaziranga region to showcase their products and introduce an age old tradition of silk farming and natural dyeing to visitors from all over the world. This annual event takes place from 2-10 December at the IORA Festival Grounds in Kaziranga, Assam.

Zaritha’s voicenote over Whatt’sApp said it all, “I am losing my mind. Too many beautiful things here!”

5. Wildlife Safari at Kaziranga National Park.

Kaziranga National Park is located in the Golaghat and Nagaon district of Assam.

The park was established in 1905 as a reserve forest and has since achieved notable success in wildlife conservation.

This sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985), hosts two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses. The park is also famous for its tiger reserve (the largest in the world.)

Breeding populations also include elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.

Zaritha was on a mission to find the famous Bengal tiger – endangered on the IUCN Red List, but unfortunately Mr. Bengal had other plans. (Maybe next time.) Despite the fact that she never got to see the Bengal tiger, she had a great time in the wild. To her, Kaziranga is the one place where the endangered can still roam free – totally protected.

Have a look at these amazing images from Zaritha’s trip. (You’ll see why we are in absolute awe with this place.)

PS: Should you be interested in more information about Nagaland or an experience similar to this one, email Zaritha at the Obvious Choice. Let’s get in touch.

Visit our website at www.obviouschoice.co.za, like our page on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

In the meantime,

Travel Awesome!

ABOUT THE OBVIOUS CHOICE:

Owner and Founder of the Obvious Choice, Zaritha van Wyngaardt, is passionate
about travelling and offers corporate clients, as well as individuals, the opportunity to
travel to vibrant destinations to experience, energise and revitalise.

The Obvious Choice is your one-stop solution for Experiential Travel, Conferences,
Incentives and Event Management.

Image Credit: Zaritha van Wyngaardt

Written by Deidré Schoeman

The post Why We Love Nagaland-Kaziranga (And You Should Too!) appeared first on The Obvious Choice.

According to Forbes’ latest travel trends, women make 80% of all travel decisions and they now demand adventure instead of pamper-sessions.

So, what happened to the whole soul-searching Eat, Pray, Love trend? Well, let’s just say that it’s been more than 10 years since the release of Eat, Pray Love, and currently, Elizabeth Gilbert is happily married to another woman, Rayya Elias.

Women are more bold about their travel adventures and decisions, and they don’t mind doing it alone, as long as they feel safe.

In terms of physical safety, Cuba is a dream destination for girls who love adventure and travel.

Zaritha van Wyngaardt, owner and founder of the Obvious Choice, is a serious travel addict and has recently travelled Cuba. She was accompanied by her 21 year old daughter, Lenka van Wyngaardt.

Lenka, a 3rd year Physiotherapy student at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) is a bliss to travel with.

1. Kick-start Havana with a cocktail along the Hemingway Trail

Ernest Hemingway couldn’t have said it any better: “My mojito in La Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in El Floridita.”

Havana is obsessed with Hemingway as this was his home for 20 years. El Floridita is a restaurant along the trail that refers to itself as the Cradle of the Daiquiri.

La Bodeguita del Medio is a small bar off a side-street from the Plaza de la Catedral. This little gem is very popular among travellers interested in the legacy of Hemingway and his writings.

Once here, you have to stop for an ice cold mojito to break the Havana humidity and heat.

Vinales is Cuba’s second most visited travel destination. It offers travellers great hiking, caving and rock climbing opportunities.

The Vinales Valley, surrounded by its limestone hills (mogotes) is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At La Casa de Veguero you can visit the tobacco farm where you can take a peek inside one of the tobacco drying houses and watch how Cuban cigars are made.

These cigars can be purchased on site.

After all, they are the world’s best.

Zaritha captured the That’s How You Roll a Cuban Cigar Moment on video. View the clip on our Instagram page.

Oh yes, and don’t forget to follow!

4. Respect “The Che.”

Cuba loves Ernesto Che Guevara.

He is everywhere in Cuba; on the streets, the walls, the park…

Name it, Che is there.

In Santa Clara you can view the extraordinary statue of Che holding a little boy in his arms. The statue represents The Next Generation – an exceptional work of art. Don’t miss it!

5. Sing and dance with local musicians

Cuba is very passionate about their local music scene.

Musicians can be found around every street corner and most restaurants.

Make the most of your Cuban night-life experience by watching a live band or go dancing with the locals – a great way to meet new friends.

6. Leisure up on beach time

Trinidad is located by the sea and has two beaches: Ancon and Maria Aguilar. These beaches are perfect for scuba-diving, lazing in the sun and swimming with the dolphins.

6. Photography

Cuba has a lot to offer when it comes to capturing great and colourful images for your social media pages.

From architecture to cocktails, from meals to street-life, and from living with the locals to long walks on the beach – there will always be a colourful display of photo opportunities at hand.

Finally, this is what our girls had to say about their travels in Cuba:

“Cuba is like a time-warp… like a complete throwback to the 50’s.” – Zaritha.

“Cuba is the most authentically charming and aesthetically pleasing place I’ve ever been to. The food was a diverse array of flavours, the weather sunny and the people were genuine and always ensured that we were having a good time. Special note and thanks to all the cocktails.

I am glad Trump put an embargo on Cuba, because now there is more for the rest of us to enjoy.” – Lenka.

For further information, contact the Obvious Choice as follow:

Zaritha van Wyngaardt

Email: zaritha@obviouschoice.co.za

Mobile: +27 82 652 1841

LinkedIn: Zaritha van Wyngaardt

Facebook: @obviouschoicetravel

Instagram: @obviouschoicetravel

Web:www.obviouschoice.co.za

We’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime, travel awesome!

ABOUT THE OBVIOUS CHOICE:

Owner and Founder of the Obvious Choice, Zaritha van Wyngaardt, is passionate about travelling and offers corporate clients, as well as individuals, the opportunity to travel to vibrant destinations to experience, energise and revitalise.

The Obvious Choice is your one-stop solution for Experiential Travel, Conferences, Incentives and Event Management.

Written by: Deidré Schoeman

The post Cuba: A Guide for Adventure Girls appeared first on The Obvious Choice.