A sailor by profession, I found my ideal career as I always was a wanderer and a passionate traveller at heart. Love navigating around the world on LNG ships taking cargo across oceans. Meeting new people, learning new cultures, experiencing their customs or just trying out some new cuisines is what makes life worth living. When not sailing, and apart from spending quality time with family and friends either at home or travelling, I try to maintain my path towards financial freedom to enable accomplishment of my future plans, an important and large part of it being Travel! Mail me at manishsamtani@laidbacktraveller.com

Is Lakshadweep really worth the Hype??

If pristine beaches, white sand and clear azure waters are your idea of paradise then paradise is right here in Lakshadweep. Located in the south western coast of India, Lakshadweep literally means “one hundred thousand islands”. Blue lagoons, brimming sea life, colorful corals and clean beaches give the perfect Laidback vibes. The beauty of these islands is unparalleled and you keep imagining how come there are so few travellers here? The serenity and lack of commercialization is the essence of its beauty and we hope it stays that way. The lack of information about travelling to these islands is again a deterrent so here is a Complete Travel Guide to Lakshadweep Islands to help you plan a tour here.

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The Perfect card for Taj Vouchers : American Express Platinum Travel card review

American Express Platinum Travel credit card India

Despite a lot of competition, Amex Travel Platinum fits the bill for the domestic frequent traveller and the Taj vouchers you receive is like an icing on the cake! If your annual spends are in the range of around ₹4 lacs, you will be able to maximize the perks offered. If one can look past the annual fee, the rewards are right there to enjoy! See what makes the Amex Travel Platinum card a worthy companion for your wallet!

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Essential Travel Guide to Diu

Diu, a sleepy little town at the tip of South Gujarat has the perfect Laidback vibes. Diu is a tiny island separated from the mainland Gujarat by a creek. Once governed by Portuguese, the Indian Military seized Diu in 1961. However, the Portugal influence is evident in its architecture, culture and heritage. Ironically, Diu forms a Union Territory with Daman, but it is about 600 kms away from the latter. This small fishing town is known for its fortress, a cathedral and also scenic beaches. It deserves to be on your travel list and here’s an Essential Travel Guide to Diu to help you plan it out.

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Essential Guide to Wildlife Jungle Safari at GIZ Devalia Sasan Gir

gir national park and wildlife sanctuary leopards

Gir National Park is the only place apart from Africa where you can see the lions in its own habitat. Established in 1965, the lions in this park were protected by the Nawab of Junagadh who ensured that their numbers keep increasing. Therefore the conservation of Lions started. The forest is mainly dry deciduous with some parts of Savannah. With teak trees covering about 90 percent of the flora. Making it a perfect habitat for these large cats. The dam built on river Hiran acts as a natural breeding ground for not only crocodiles but also other reptiles and migratory birds too.

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Great Rann of Kutch – The White Salt Desert

Great Rann of Kutch - White salt desert - Rann Utsav

Very few places are as mesmerizing as this vast expanse of white salt desert. Located mainly in the state of Gurajat in India it also extends to the Sindh province in Pakistan. The seasonal salt marsh covers an area of 10,000 sq miles and is one of the biggest salt marshes in the world. Now imagine Great Rann of Kutch – The White Salt Desert, shimmering in the moonlight and speckled with a plethora of bright colors that’s what it looks like. This three month extravaganza is organised by the Gujarat Tourism and gives a colorful insight into the life and culture of the Kutch community.

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