Quite often, when we yearn for an escapade to a destination full of greenery and beaches, our primary choice would be ‘God’s own country’, Kerala. But some time back a friend suggested ‘The Island of Gods’, Bali, one of over 17,000 beautiful islands in the Indonesian archipelago.
    From the moment we landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport till the end of our stay in Bali, we were constantly surprised by the Balinese people, who are very religious and follow many rituals throughout the day. At every public place, Balinese houses, restaurants, souvenir stalls and even at the airport check-in desks, one finds tiny offerings of
flowers, rice and salt in little bamboo leaf trays, locally referred to as Sesajen. Though a part of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, in Bali, 90 per cent of population follows Hindu religion and culture.
    Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali, at 600 metres above sea level, was cooler and quieter than the urbanised parts of Bali. Getting around was easy as it just spreads over 5 kms and can be covered on feet.