Biography
ENLARGE
After completing a BA in Arts Management, Ben worked in Emerging Market Investment where he regularly had the chance to head overseas, feeding his interest in exploring other cultures.
Following a career break and a year away travelling extensively overland in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, he decided to take the logical step of combining his background in client services and passion for India with Audley.
During Ben's four month trip through India, he travelled from Kerala's tropical South, through Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, on through Himachal's stunning foothills into the rugged valleys of Kashmir, where he got the chance to try flyfishing in the glacial rivers under the shadow of the Himalayas - a boyhood dream!
Since then Ben has been back to India with Audley experiencing more the of fascinating culture, people and food of the North - a recent highlight being a trip deep into the Shekhawati region to explore some of the area's unique and forgotten architecture and frescos.
Ben's passions besides travel are food, photography, music and fishing in unusual places - he's already planning a trip back to the mountain rivers of Northern India next year in search of the mighty Mahseer!
My Most Memorable Experience
So much happens in the course of a trip to India that it's almost impossible to pin down one favourite experience! Early mornings in Rajasthan are always special, there's something amazing about things coming alive at the beginning of the day.
From the mist clearing over Lake Pichola in Udaipur, to watching the milk sellers driving their rickety carts down busy streets, to sweet shops opening up for the day and old men taking chai on street corners - this time of day always fascinates me! Sometimes it's best just to sit back and watch it all unfold.
My Favourite Destination
Ramgarh is one of the less explored towns of the Shekhawati region, a rural area in Northern Rajasthan. On my last visit back to Northern India I was lucky enough to head to this region again to check out a new hotel in this magical little town.
Almost competely untouched by tourism, you can wander freely through the streets which are lined with some of the most colurful and elaborately decorated Havelis in India. Donkey and cart is still the primary mode of transport and the scent of handmade sweets and freshly brewed chai fills the air. It's a wonderful place to spend a few days.
My Favourite Accommodation
If the desert is your thing, this is the place to go! Quite simply one of the most secluded and romantic locations to spend the night.
I wouldn't usually opt for luxury accommodation, favouring smaller character places, but everything about The Serai is just so good. From the beautifully designed tents with their amazing bathrooms, to the delicious organic food sourced from their own desert garden, the attention to detail is outstanding - with service to match.
Grab yourself a massage at their excellent spa and then watch the sun sink over the desert horizon with a cocktail before dining by firelight - a truly memorable experience.