Biography
ENLARGE
Whilst at school Niall had a burning passion to explore the world and despite taking part in an expedition to Malaysia and embarking on a BSC in Environmental Geosciences which allowed further opportunities to travel, Niall's quest to explore was not satisfied!
After completing his studies and living in France for 6 months chasing an infatuation for mountains, Niall donned his flip flops and set off in search of more adventure taking him through India, South East Asia and New Zealand. During his world jaunt Niall un-expectedly fell in love with India, landing in Delhi and zigzagging his way southwards through the country's vast variety of landscapes.
Blown away by the cuisine, architecture and receptiveness of the intrigued locals a fascination began. He has recently returned from an in-depth tour of South India covering Kerala and Karnataka. If he's not found dreaming into pictures of sunsets at the weekend, Niall can usually be found covered in mud on the local rugby field.
My Most Memorable Experience
My most memorable experience of India comes from my most recent trip to the country staying at the Bison camp in Karnataka. Having already had a successful day on safari watching the wild Elephants and Leopards of Nagarhole National Park and thinking that things could not get any better than this, I was invited along for a bush dinner on the shore of Lake Kabini at the edge of the nature reserve.
As we ate our dinner sharing stories around the camp fire, we were serenaded by the roars of a nearby Tiger in the bush. It was an incredible, goose bump provoking, experience of nature, to know that such a powerful creature prowled so near to us. Something I shall never forget!
My Favourite Destination
For myself, Munnar is a must visit destination. From here you can stroll through the tea and cardamom plantations to a backdrop of rolling hills, the Western Ghats mountain range and Devikulam Lake. The area is picturesque but also has a colonial past as a hill station retreat for the British and home to some of the highest tea plantations in the world at 2160m.
From here you can also trek to the highest peak in southern India, Anamudi, at the top you are straddling the boarder between Kerala and Tamil Nadu overlooking some of the best scenery you will ever rest your eyes upon.
My Favourite Accommodation
In my opinion this could be one of the best locations to feel in amongst nature in India.
The luxury African safari style tents at The Bison are positioned 100m from the lake and allow the wildlife, including Elephants, to come right up to the camp within 10m of you whilst you sip your tea on your veranda.
This is fantastic set up offering a truly adventurous experience in the lap of nature.