1. An utterly unique travel destination.

One of the best aspects of visiting Bhutan is that it’s a place hardly visited by the tourists. Step into a world where Gross National Happiness takes precedence over material wealth. Bhutan’s unique philosophy prioritises the well-being of its people and the preservation of its pristine environment. As you explore this remarkable nation, you will witness how this holistic approach permeates every aspect of life, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and contentment.

2. A photographer’s dream.

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, Bhutan is an absolute paradise for any photography enthusiast. With its awe-inspiring mountain ranges, pristine valleys, and mystical monasteries, this enchanting country offers a plethora of striking scenes waiting to be captured through the lens. Every corner of Bhutan tells a unique and captivating story, enticing photographers from all around the world to explore its hidden gems and capture moments that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s the vibrant festivals with their colorful costumes and traditional dances or the serene beauty of its untouched nature, Bhutan is truly a photographer’s dream come true. So grab your camera, step into this mesmerizing wonderland, and let your creativity soar as you capture extraordinary moments in this land of pure inspiration.

3. One of the world’s most exclusive tourist destinations.

Immerse yourself in breathtaking natural beauty, explore ancient monasteries that whisper tales of wisdom, and connect with the warm-hearted locals who embrace you with open arms. In this hidden gem of a country, every moment is an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. Allow Bhutan to captivate your senses and leave you with memories that will inspire your soul for years to come.

4. Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

10,200 feet above Paro, hanging on a cliff is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan.

5. The Happiness Kingdom, the Bhutanese people are kind, open and friendly.

‘Gross National Happiness’ is Bhutan’s development philosophy that measures the quality of life based on the spiritual and mental well-being of its people.

6. Sublime mountain trekking.

Bhutan’s treks will take you through physically challenging routes that include crossing high mountain passes and snow

7. ‘Adventurous dining’ cuisine.

Bhutan is the only country in the world where chilli is not used as a seasoning but a vegetable! The national dish is ’ema-datshi’, which is a chilli and cheese stew served with rice.

8. Spiritual haven.

Buddhism in Bhutan is not a religion; it’s a way of life. The reason why Bhutan is as peaceful as it is maybe because Buddhism is deeply engrained in the mentality of each inhabitant.

9.  No takeaway food.

You won’t find a single McDonalds in Bhutan! A nice break from your everyday life.

10. Travel with a personal guide.

Zaritha van Wyngaardt will make it her mission to show you the best of Bhutan. Zaritha is an experiential travel specialist. She and her team are backed by years of organising and accompanying incentive travel groups and events for big corporate clients.

ABOUT THE OBVIOUS CHOICE:

With our well-travelled CEO, Zaritha van Wyngaardt at the helm; we offer corporates, leisure and group travellers the support to enjoy authentic travel and events in a variety of vibrant local and international destinations.

From smaller intimate gatherings to elaborate productions; our clients benefit from the dedicated attention of an efficient, close-knit team of driven and agile experts with decades of experience in the logistics of travel and event management; and an extensive established network of notable suppliers to meet any client’s need.

Contact us today to discuss the right event or incentive packages for your team’s needs and take your company performance to another level.

For further information, visit The Obvious Choice website; like our page on Facebook and follow our experiential travel adventures on Instagram.

The post 10 Reasons To Visit Bhutan with The Obvious Choice appeared first on The Obvious Choice.

“There should be somewhere on earth a place which no nation could claim as its own, where all human beings of good will who have a sincere aspiration, could live freely as citizens of the world and obey one single authority, that of the supreme truth; a place of peace, concord and harmony…” – The Mother.

Auroville (City of Dawn) is a universal and experimental township located in the Viluppuram district, South India. The City of Dawn is named after Indian seer and spiritual visionary, Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950). It has its origins in the French language, “Aurore,” meaning dawn and “ville,” meaning city. Mirra Alfassa, “The Mother,” and Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator founded the township and Charter (Visionaries) in 1968. It was designed by architect Roger Anger.

In short, the purpose of Auroville is a collective experiment dedicated to human unity and international understanding.

Owner and founder of the Obvious Choice, Zaritha van Wyngaardt, spent one day in Auroville during her India journey in March this year. She was accompanied by her husband, Gerhardt van Wyngaardt.

Here are some of their Auroville highlights…

The Matrimandir:

“The Matrimandir will be the soul of Auroville. The sooner the soul is there, the better it will be for everybody and especially for the Aurovilians.” – The Mother.

The Matrimandir is found at the centre of Auroville. This futuristic golden sphere-shaped building is referred to as ‘The Soul of the City.’ It is situated in a large open area called ‘Peace.’

According to Sri Aurobindo’s teaching on ‘The Universal Mother,’ the Matrimandir literally means ‘Temple of the Mother.’ More can be read about the character, role and understanding of the Divine Mother in his book, ‘The Mother.’

The upper hemisphere of the Matrimandir’s Inner Chamber is completely white with a crystal glass globe at the centre. A ray of electronically sunlight falls on the globe through an opening at the apex of the sphere and thus radiates an abundance of natural lighting in the Inner Chamber. No images, organised meditations, flowers, incense, religion or religious forms are allowed in the Inner Chamber. The 12 meditation (concentration rooms) are called ‘Petal’ rooms.

Green Practices and Organic Food:

Auroville has over two dozen farms united under the Auroville Farm Group (AFG). Farmers specialise and study in their own fields of interest – orchards, crop fields, vegetable gardens and/or dairy (all organic). The technologies used are eco-friendly (windmills for water, solar energy, micro-sprinklers and methane gas collectors).

“Supreme art expresses the Beauty which puts you in contact with the Divine Harmony.” – The Mother

Art and Culture:

Zaritha and Gerhardt are passionate about the arts, so we are not surprised at all when they ended up at Svaram Musical Instruments, Vocational Training Center and Research Station.

The beauty of Svaram instruments is that they can be played without “knowledge”, that exactly your novice approach brings out their special gift, similar to the Zen advise to retain the “Beginner’s Mind”, or in the context of the ancient Indian Rasa Theory: let Adbhuta, the sentiment of Wonder inspire your approach.” – Aurelio (Founder of Svaram).

Svaram instruments are researched, designed and home-made by Auroville community members, volunteers and students, bridging the differences of culture, education, background and generations.

Sound healing and therapy.

Sound stones (made from black granite) vary in shapes and sizes and is played with the help of water and all parts of the hands. The full mass of the stone becomes a resonating body. This cutting-edge sound can almost be compared to a space-age sound.

The Sound Bed is the size of a massage table and has 50 strings or more attached to the bottom. The receiving individual lies on top of the resonating box while the tuned strings are gently played by the sound therapist. The magical vibrational sounds are absorbed by the body’s cells. This ‘altered state’ nurtures the whole system of the mental-emotional-physical constitution, releases blockades and traumas, regenerates and leaves an imprint of harmony and well-being.

For more images on the unique instruments of SVARAM, click here.

Although we only touched base on Auroville’s Green Practices and SVARAM Musical Instruments sections, Auroville has more to offer in the fields of Architecture, Education and Reaserch, Rural Development, Health and Wellness, Industry and Commerce, Art and Culture and City Services.

Auroville seems to be the ideal city or ‘idea’ for the future, however in the ‘real world’ we still have a long way to go. The beauty of Auroville’s concept is that it all started with Sri Aurobindo’s vision. His vision turned into the Mother’s passion, to serve and to make the world a better place. Her passion was put into action by architect Roger Anger.

What is your vision?

What is your passion?

Remember, “All those who wander are not lost.” If you are in search of your passion or looking at expanding your vision or just to simply restore and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, then you might want to check out at least one of the four featured tours on offer from the Obvious Choice:

• Bhutan
• Leh | Ladakh
• The Nagaland Festival Tour
• Ayurveda Retreat and Nature Tour, Kerala.

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.

For further information, visit the Obvious Choice website at www.obviouschoice.co.za or send Zaritha an email.

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

The post Auroville in India is more than a visionary experience. appeared first on The Obvious Choice.