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# IYTravel

Global Travel Blog

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://iytravel.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [His Way of Sharing](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/his-way-of-sharing/) - A simple question—"Could you share something?"—became the beginning of an unexpected journey into another person's way of being.
- [After the Wave](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/after-the-wave/) - A wave on the southern coast of Sri Lanka marked the beginning of a subtle inner collapse — through Tangalle, Tissamaharama, and the slow unraveling of control.
- [The Day I Didn't Leave](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/the-day-i-didnt-leave/) - After planning to leave Gem River Edge in Kataragama, I found myself staying longer than expected. A terrace above the trees and the slow rhythm of daily life gradually changed the course of the journey.
- [Galle, Sri Lanka —Where the Body Finally Rests](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/galle-sri-lanka-where-the-body-finally-rests/) - Galle, Sri Lanka — a place where nothing insists on happening, and the body begins to slow down on its own.
- [Beyond the Main Road: Arrival at Gem River Edge](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/beyond-the-main-road-arrival-at-gem-river-edge/) - Hidden beyond the main road in Kataragama, Gem River Edge seemed simple at first glance. A few days later, leaving no longer felt necessary.
- [Sri Lanka Between Calendars. Sinhala New Year](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/sri-lanka-between-calendars-sinhala-new-year/) - Between tropical rain, empty streets, and an unsettled ocean, Sri Lanka begins to reveal itself slowly.
- [The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh: When Silence Is Not Peace](https://iytravel.com/india/the-beatles-ashram-in-rishikesh-when-silence-is-not-peace/) - A reflective visit to the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, where meditation, myth, and silence reveal a deeper cultural story.
- [Gokarna, India: A Place Where Time Slows Down](https://iytravel.com/india/gokarna-india-a-place-where-time-slows-down/) - A personal reflection on Gokarna, India — a fishing village on the Arabian Sea where time slows down, life becomes simple, and beauty reveals itself gradually.
- [Fort Kochi: the Man Who Read My Silence](https://iytravel.com/india/fort-kochi-kerala-encounter/) - A reflective journey through Fort Kochi, Kerala — colonial history, quiet encounters, and an unexpected conversation that changed the meaning of a brief stop.
- [The Word Was with God: How India Found Me](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/the-word-was-with-god-how-india-found-me/) - Dedication "Which god do you like?" — a question from a statue vendor in Varanasi. This chapter of my journey is dedicated to my beautiful family, who accepted my decision to leave for six months. And to the incredible new friends I met along the way. To Nastya and Mykola – the main guides on
- [Between Life and Flame: Tales from the Ganges](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/between-life-and-flame-tales-from-the-ganges/) - More on Varanasi:👉 Where the Fires Burn – First Encounters with Varanasi captures the raw emotional power of first impressions.👉 Journey Through Varanasi – Saturn, Sound, and Spirit explores a symbolic performance and the soul’s resonance with the sacred. In the Shadow of Shiva: Aghori Encounters As you may remember, for Mykola, there is no
- [To Be or Not to Be: On the Eve of the Great Bathing](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/to-be-or-not-to-be-on-the-eve-of-the-great-bathing/) - If you're new to the Maha Kumbh Mela, you may want to start with my earlier posts:Madness or Faith? A Pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela explores the initial plunge into the spiritual chaos,while Exploring Hinduism’s Greatest Festival – Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 dives deeper into the rituals, symbolism, and scale of the event. The
- [At the Edge of the Universe: A Journey Through Puttaparthi](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/at-the-edge-of-the-universe-a-journey-through-puttaparthi/) - A Museum of Faiths Missed the beginning? Read the first part of the story here: Puttaparthi: A Dream Made Real The next morning, a smaller part of our group set off to visit the Museum of Religions in Puttaparthi, where much of the exhibition is devoted to Sai Baba's life and the shared essence of
- [Puttaparthi – A Dream Made Real](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/puttaparthi-a-dream-made-real/) - A Different Kind of India The next morning, our journey to Puttaparthi began. It was long but not tiring. The ride to the Varanasi airport and the flight to Bangalore passed quickly. Soon, we were in a taxi heading toward the dreamlike destination I knew nothing about—Puttaparthi, the town of Sai Baba. The view from
- [Journey Through Varanasi: Saturn, Sound, and Spirit](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/journey-through-varanasi-saturn-sound-and-spirit/) - Discover more from Varanasi:👉 Where the Fires Burn – First Encounters with Varanasi reveals the first touchpoints with India’s most mystical city.👉 Between Life and Flame – Tales from the Ganges continues the journey with intimate insights into the river and its eternal rituals. Myth of Saturn: Karma, Time, and Transformation In just three days
- [Delhi Shock: My First Night in India](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/delhi-shock-my-first-night-in-india/) - My first night in Delhi’s Tibetan Quarter completely shattered my ideas about what’s “normal.” We ended up in a dark, showerless room with nothing but a small plastic jug to use instead of a tap. The floor hadn’t seen a mop since Krishna’s time. I wasn’t just hesitant to wash there but afraid to enter.
- [Exploring Hinduism’s Greatest Festival: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/exploring-hinduisms-greatest-festival-maha-kumbh-mela-2025/) - If you're new to the Maha Kumbh Mela, you may want to start with my earlier posts:Madness or Faith? A Pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela explores the initial plunge into the spiritual chaos. Morning in Allahabad The next morning, after a leisurely Indian-style breakfast — with mango lassi and various kinds of paneer (a
- [Where the Fires Burn: First Encounters with Varanasi](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/where-the-fires-burn-first-encounters-with-varanasi/) - The Road from Prayagraj: A Second Trial The morning after our symbolic lunch-breakfast, we began our departure from Prayagraj. It turned out to be just as challenging as our arrival. Crowds of pilgrims, like three days before, were trying to leave the city alongside us. We had to take a bus to Varanasi with no
- [Madness or Faith? A Pilgrimage to Maha Kumbh Mela](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/madness-or-faith-a-pilgrimage-to-maha-kumbh-mela/) - On the Road to Something Vast Passing through Govardhan, where we stayed only briefly during the day, we headed toward our next destination — a place as vast as unpredictable. For those far from Hinduism, among whom I still confidently count myself, on the third day of our pilgrimage through India, we set out for
- [The Divine Heart of India: Vrindavan, Krishna, and Rama](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/the-divine-heart-of-india-vrindavan-krishna-and-rama/) - Hare Krishna – Hare Rama. It sounds almost like “Christ is Risen – Truly He is Risen.” Hare Krishna – Hare Rama: A Familiar Sound Hare Krishna—Hare Rama. It sounds almost like “Christ is Risen—Truly He is Risen.” I embarked on a journey through India with only the vaguest understanding of Hinduism. I remember how
- [Discovering Bali: A Journey Through Culture, Nature, and Spirituality](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/discovering-bali-a-journey-through-culture-nature-and-spirituality/) - First Impressions of Bali Discovering Bali began as I stepped off a smooth five-hour flight from Hanoi into Denpasar’s modern and efficient airport. Quick bureaucratic processes made the arrival seamless, and the atmosphere immediately felt like a prelude to the island’s unique charm. My journey started with a weeklong training in human pedagogy called Mzianeti,
- [Sacred Paths and Hidden Treasures: An Insider's Guide to Bali](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/sacred-paths-and-hidden-treasures-an-insiders-guide-to-bali/) - The Rice Terraces of Tegallalang: A Living Heritage Creating an insider's guide to Bali means venturing beyond the tourist trails to discover the authentic heart of this enchanting island. Through local connections and serendipitous moments, I've gathered insights that transform a simple visit into a profound cultural immersion. Tegallalang Rice Terraces Any insider's guide must
- [A Journey Through the Tea Heritage of Ha Giang](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/a-journey-through-the-tea-heritage-of-ha-giang/) - The Baiyue Tea Project Ha Giang's tea heritage is a testament to Vietnam's cultural and ecological resilience. In the remote northern highlands, centuries-old tea trees flourish amidst limestone peaks and terraced fields, creating a landscape as rich in history as it is in beauty. This heritage weaves a narrative of enduring connection to the land,
- [Hanoi Travel Experience: Discovering the Best of the Capital in Two Days](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/hanoi-travel-experience-discovering-the-best-of-the-capital-in-two-days/) - Embarking on a Hanoi travel experience is stepping into a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern vibrancy. During my two-day visit, I uncovered the charm of Vietnam's capital through its historical landmarks, serene lakes, and even unexpected adventures like navigating local hotels and salons. Day 1: From Dong Van to the Heart of
- [Five Days in Ha Giang: A Volunteer’s Journey Through Its People and Traditions](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/five-days-in-ha-giang-a-volunteers-journey-through-its-people-and-traditions/) - Volunteering in Ha Giang is more than a journey—it's a profound immersion into the lives of the region’s diverse people and traditions, and stunning landscapes. Over five unforgettable days, I experienced the resilience, warmth, and ingenuity of the individuals who call this remote region home. Day 1: A Challenging Start and New Encounters The return
- [Beyond the Road: Ha Giang Loop and Vietnam’s Hidden Heritage](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/beyond-the-road-ha-giang-loop-and-vietnams-hidden-heritage/) - Ha Giang Loop The Ha Giang Loop, a rugged and breathtaking route in northern Vietnam, is a must-visit for adventurous travelers. Nestled along the border with China, this remote region offers an unparalleled blend of dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and raw, unfiltered experiences. Over four unforgettable days, I explored this unique corner of Vietnam,
- [Is Tam Coc a Good Alternative to Ha Long Bay?](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/is-tam-coc-a-good-alternative-to-ha-long-bay/) - Is Tam Coc a Good Alternative to Ha Long Bay? Tam Coc, often described as an alternative to Ha Long Bay, offers a unique experience of Vietnam’s iconic karst landscapes—this time on land. Located in Ninh Binh province, it immerses visitors in a countryside setting of rivers, rice paddies, and limestone peaks, providing a perspective
- [Easy Riders: From Hoi An to Hue on Two Wheels](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/easy-riders-from-hoi-an-to-hue-on-two-wheels/) - From Hoi An to Hue: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Heart Traveling from Hoi An to Hue isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s a scenic and cultural travel. Covering 120 kilometers, this route unveils the beauty of central Vietnam, blending natural wonders, historic sites, and local flavors. Opting for the Easy Riders service transformed the journey
- [From Da Nang to Hoi An in One Day](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/from-da-nang-to-hoi-an-in-one-day/) - A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine Exploring Da Nang: Cham Art and Coastal Views From Da Nang to Hoi An, discover a captivating journey through Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, stunning coastal landscapes, and the timeless charm of ancient towns. The morning in Da Nang, Vietnam’s dynamic coastal city, began with rain, setting a reflective tone
- [From Chau Doc to Da Nang: A Journey Through South to the Central Vietnam](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/from-chau-doc-to-da-nang-a-journey-through-south-to-the-central-vietnam/) - From Chau Doc to Da Nang: A Cultural Adventure The journey from Chau Doc to Da Nang wasn’t just about moving from one place to another; it was an adventure shaped by local quirks, unexpected lessons, and the rhythm of Vietnam’s daily life. My last morning in Chau Doc started serenely enough. After breakfast at
- [Worth Exploring Chau Doc? Have you ever been to South Vietnam?](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/worth-exploring-chau-doc-have-you-ever-been-to-south-vietnam/) - Exploring Chau Doc: A Gateway to Nature and Culture. Tra Su Forest and Nui Sam Mountain Exploring Chau Doc reveals the enchanting blend of nature, culture, and everyday life in the Mekong Delta. This town is a hub for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Chau Doc is located in the An Giang province near
- [How to get from Phu Quoc Island to Chau Doc: A Return to the Mekong Delta](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/how-to-get-from-phu-quoc-island-to-chau-doc-a-return-to-the-mekong-delta/) - The journey from Phu Quoc Island to Chau Doc marked a transition from the bustling island life to the tranquil rhythm of the Mekong Delta. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand, just 15 kilometers off Cambodia’s coast. I left the island of Phu Quoc early in the morning, catching a
- [Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on a Scooter](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/exploring-ho-chi-minh-city-on-a-scooter/) - Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on a scooter is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Vietnam's largest city's chaotic yet captivating rhythms. My journey began with this exhilarating mode of transportation, which revealed Saigon's hidden stories and vibrant energy. A Day on Two Wheels: Discovering Ho Chi Minh City The day started early, with Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on a scooter is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Vietnam's largest city's chaotic yet captivating rhythms. My journey began with this exhilarating mode of transportation, which revealed Saigon's hidden stories and vibrant energy. A Day on Two Wheels: Discovering Ho Chi Minh City The day started early, with
- [Exploring Vietnam’s Mekong Delta: Markets, Pagodas, and Local Life](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/exploring-vietnams-mekong-delta-markets-pagodas-and-local-life/) - The Gateway to the Mekong Delta Exploring Vietnam's Mekong Delta is like stepping into the heart of Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders. Known as the “Mother of Water,” the delta spans across a vast network of rivers, canals, and lush landscapes, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who call this region
- [Phu Quoc Island  – A Controversial Place in South Vietnam?](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/phu-quoc-island-a-controversial-place-in-south-vietnam/) - First Impressions of Phu Quoc Island Phu Quoc Island is often advertised as a tropical paradise, yet it greeted me with mixed emotions. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, just 15 kilometers off the Cambodian coast. Known for its palm-lined beaches and national parks, the island spans over 570
- [Backpacker Journey to Vietnam: From Lake Como to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)](https://iytravel.com/south-and-southeast-asia/backpacker-journey-to-vietnam-from-lake-como-to-ho-chi-minh-city-saigon/) - #The journey of a lifetime has started—my backpacker journey to Vietnam. The morning air in Malgrate was crisp and clear, wrapping Lake Como in a serene farewell. It was a day I had envisioned for months—leaving behind the familiar comforts of home for six months of exploration in Southeast Asia. As I sipped my final Backpacker journey to Vietnam

## Pages

- [Explore The World With Me](https://iytravel.com/) - Discover hidden beauty worldwide. Join IYTravel for insights, stories, and a journey beyond the ordinary.
- [South & Southeast Asia](https://iytravel.com/south-southeast-asia/) - Travel stories and reflections from South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Journeys shaped by culture and meaning.
- [Lumina Lanka](https://iytravel.com/lumina-lanka-travel-lightly-live-deeply/) - A travel journal of spiritual journeys, sacred places, and personal reflections. Discover destinations that transform from the inside out.
- [My India](https://iytravel.com/my-india/) - A travel journal of spiritual journeys, sacred places, and personal reflections. Discover destinations that transform from the inside out.
- [Destination](https://iytravel.com/destination/) - Destination explores how journeys are chosen — through curiosity, resonance, and meaning. A quiet entry point to regions and stories on IYTravel.
- [Meet IY](https://iytravel.com/about/) - Inna Yugova is the author of the travel memoir My India and the founder of IYTravel — a space for reflective, meaningful journeys across cultures.
- [Journal](https://iytravel.com/journal-2/) - A travel journal of spiritual journeys, sacred places, and personal reflections. Discover destinations that transform from the inside out.
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## Categories

- [South and southeast Asia](https://iytravel.com/category/south-and-southeast-asia/)
- [Vietnam](https://iytravel.com/category/south-and-southeast-asia/vietnam/)
- [Indonesia](https://iytravel.com/category/south-and-southeast-asia/indonesia/)
- [Bali](https://iytravel.com/category/south-and-southeast-asia/indonesia/bali/)
- [India](https://iytravel.com/category/india/) - India is more than a destination — it is a turning point. It does not reveal itself all at once. It unfolds through contrast — movement and stillness, clarity and disorientation. These stories are fragments of that encounter, drawn from places like Rishikesh, Varanasi, and beyond — where what appears external often becomes deeply personal.
- [Sri Lanka](https://iytravel.com/category/south-and-southeast-asia/sri-lanka/)

## Tags

- [Fort Kochi](https://iytravel.com/tag/fort-kochi/)
- [Gokarna](https://iytravel.com/tag/gokarna/)
- [karnataka](https://iytravel.com/tag/karnataka/)
- [India](https://iytravel.com/tag/india/)
- [Slow travel](https://iytravel.com/tag/slow-travel/)
- [coastal India](https://iytravel.com/tag/coastal-india/)
- [Rishikesh](https://iytravel.com/tag/rishikesh/)
- [Beatles Ashram](https://iytravel.com/tag/beatles-ashram/)
- [Yoga in India](https://iytravel.com/tag/yoga-in-india/)
- [Galle](https://iytravel.com/tag/galle/)
- [Sri Lanka](https://iytravel.com/tag/sri-lanka/)
- [Tangallle](https://iytravel.com/tag/tangallle/)
- [Travel Journal](https://iytravel.com/tag/travel-journal/)
- [Yala](https://iytravel.com/tag/yala/)
- [Tissamaharama](https://iytravel.com/tag/tissamaharama/)
- [Longform](https://iytravel.com/tag/longform/)
- [Kataragama](https://iytravel.com/tag/kataragama/)
- [Gem River Edge](https://iytravel.com/tag/gem-river-edge/)
- [Homestays](https://iytravel.com/tag/homestays/)
- [Menik Gnaga](https://iytravel.com/tag/menik-gnaga/)