Dreams of the kingdom far-far away

Amid the preparation for my qual exam next month, I day-dream about the places to visit for a vacation. Home is up there on the list, as always. But I am also planning a solo trip to some other place on the way to/from home.

I read a bit about Bhutan tourism, and the idea is so appealing that I can not get it out of my mind. Finally, today I managed to search a bit about the country. Luckily, Indian citizens do not need a visa (nor a passport!) to go to Bhutan. Yay!

Two totally random, somewhat funny, fascinating and revealing facts about the country that Wikipedia describes as ``the happiest least developed country on earth" :

* Druk air, the Royal Bhutan airlines, is the only airlines that is allowed to land in Bhutan. It has a ``fleet" of four airplanes (!), and connects to five cities around the world (the farthest being Dubai, followed by Delhi!). It is owned by the Bhutan government, Ministry of Finance. Because of the monopoly it enjoys, it is exorbitantly priced, with return fare from Delhi being about $800! Seasonal flights are to/from Bodh Gaya. Evidently due to the majority Buddhist population.

* In Dec 2003, the then King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, himself led an offensive against (anti-Indian) militants in Bhutan! With his prince (who's now the king). I totally imagine someone on a horse leading through a foggy, mountainous terrain, and the militants scurrying away dropping all their weapons. Hail the king!

waaaah! I want to be there NOW!!