Someone famous once said, ‘Paradise is not a place; it’s a state of mind’. Bali is a paradise and it is just that – a state of the mind, alluring and enchanting all at once. If Bali were a drink, it would be an intoxicating one. If Bali were an adjective, it would mean beauty. And if Bali were a colour, it would have to be the rainbow. Such is the charm of the island, that Bali has been the darling destination among travellers for many decades now. Over these years, Bali has been stampeded and run over by tourists, but retains its grace and continue to welcome the world, without as much as batting a languorous eyelash. An exalted status that this Indonesian island holds; it is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’ – the world’s largest recognised area of marine biodiversity (read coral reefs and scuba diving!) Gaze at the golden beaches of Bali, watch your faith spiralling much like the many picturesque temple spires, be mystified with the magical beauty of nature and when your eyes and legs are sore from the sights, go back to the beaches for the best sun tan ever. Bali is just what the doctor ordered. Slow down at Ubud ‘I think I deserve something beautiful’ says Liz Gilbert in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ (the book and the movie that need no introduction). And she lands in Ubud, Bali. When you come to Ubud, you may feel you have hit a sudden brake in life. After all this seemingly sleepy little town set among terraced green paddy fields and forests screams ‘Slow Down’ at the fast city dweller. The town is known as a cultural centre and is home to more than 5 different museums showcasing Indonesian culture and history. Catch a Balinese dance show here or learn more about the exclusive Indonesian weave but don’t let the masks at the Setia Darma Masks House scare you! As you stroll by the Ubud Art market, you will discover the Ubud Royal Palace, the best place to study Balinese architecture. The Ubud Monkey Forest on the other hand, takes you into the depths of nature. Home to Gods Bali must be a favourite among Gods; tiered steeples of temples or Pura’s stand out in every part of the island, giving Bali the name ‘The Island of a thousand Puras’. The most important and holiest of all is the Mother temple, Besaikih – a series of 23 temples all built on different levels of Bali’s volcano Mount Agung. While Pura Besaikih is a mountain temple, water temples like Pura Ulun Danu Bratan serve more than just religious purposes. Interestingly, the temple (priest) controls the local water management system among paddy fields, and is built on water bodies like lakes. The water here is considered sacred and cleansing. Sea temples like Pura Tanah Lot and Pura Uluwatu were created to respect the God’s of the Sea. An aerial view of Bali’s coastline is said to show a chain of these sea temples protecting the island from the power of the sea. Pura Tanah Lot (Temple on sea) is accessible from the mainland via a path visible only during low tides, from where the temple sets a picture postcard view of rock against sea. A 70m high cliff is the stunning setting for Pura Uluwatu (temple of the edge) as it looks onto the sea. Most of these temples are open only to Balinese and Hindu worshippers, but you can worship nature’s elements with a salute to her beauty and power, visible at all these temples. Curvaceous coastline: Bali’s beaches Using the 50 something synonyms to beauty in the dictionary, wouldn’t do justice to the stupendous stretches of Bali’s beaches. Besides you may run out of words too! To the south-east of the island is the 5 km long shallow beach of Sanur, whose lazy curves are captivating, but retains its old fishing village feel. A charming but not sleepy beach, Sanur has loads to do with its 4km long beachfront walkway, spa’s, Orchid gardens, Coral reef diving and shallow beaches that are deemed safe for anyone. Kuta beach in the south of Bali is the sunset beach, quite the opposite of Sanur which is called the sunrise beach! Kuta is loud yet happening; it is a surfing hotspot, has the best pubs and its night market is much talked about. Bali’s beaches offer contrast in plenty. While Nusa Dua is the ‘five-star’ beach area, with its multitude of resorts and snazzy golf courses; Nusa Lembongan is a happy mix of the surfer’s stay and fancy resorts! But it may be safe to say that Lovina’s 8km stretch of beach would be one you would like to go back to on a second visit to Bali. It is where you get to reflect on the mystery of life and watch as the rest of the world rushes past. No, it isn’t lazy, but gracefully calm. Hike it up in Bali –Mount Batur Mount Batur is believed to be a sacred mountain for the Hindu’s in Bali. It is an active volcano located 1717m above sea level, a quick 2 hour trek. If you want to capture one of the best views of Bali, waking up at 2 or 3 a.m. and sweating it a bit to witness the most beatific sunrise on this side of the planet, it is definitely worth it. Atop Mount Batur, gaze at the hazy outlines of Bali’s other volcano, Mt.Agung and Batur Lake, but you might have to hold on to the ground to avoid being lifted by the clouds! Feel drained after the climb back to earth? Get revived with the stopover at Bali Pulina, the agro-tourism farm that is en-route from the mountain. The views of the terraced greens and a sip from the rarest Kopi Luwak coffee (yes, made from the poop of the civet cats!) is sure to bring back the adventurer in you. Don’t miss the tasting sessions that are offered as part of the agro-farm tour – includes chocolate coffee! Bali can be like a balm to the soul. The island of Gods may be paradise regained for many a traveller, who leaves it in a dreamy state of mind. So if your state of mind says beach balm + soul search, Bali is where you should be.