Santosh Mishra loves the beauty of Fiji and has visited most of the places in Fiji.

He is the director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the High Commission of India under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in Suva.

Mr Mishra joined as the director in 2019.

He hails from the remote rural village called Karnamepur in the Bhojpur District of Bihar State situated in the central part of India.

“Incidentally, I would like to mention here that many people of Fiji Girmit came from my area under the Girmit System,” he said.

After obtaining Post Graduation in Economics from the Magadh University, Bodh Gaya in his State, Mt Mishra moved to the capital of India Delhi and joined Government Service in the Parliament of India.

He also worked in the High Commission of India in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago as second secretary (Hindi and Culture) on deputation to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India since 2007 to 2009.

How Many Places In Fiji Have You Been To?
I have visited many places in Fiji including Labasa, Savusavu, Vanalato (Floating Island), Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Rakiraki, Tavua, Nausori and Beachcomber Island.

Beachcomber Island Resort.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Every Visitor To, And Why?
It is very difficult to select one place which a visitor must visit in Fiji as almost every part of Fiji is gifted with attractive attributes by nature.

However, since I have to make only one choice, I would recommend every visitor to visit Beachcomber Island for its natural beauty and serene environment.

The island can be reached through a sea ferry from Denarau Port and it’s about a one hour sea journey to the island.

The natural beauty and the deep blue sea surrounding the island are extremely enchanting.

The hospitality at the island is excellent.

I would advise every visitor to spend at least one or two nights to experience nature from close quarters and enjoy various adventure sports available there.

What is your favorite place for a pie or coffee, and why?
Mana Coffee at 8 Selbourne Street in Suva is my favorite place for coffee which has great service and ambience.

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park is a nature reserve near Suva, Fiji. It offers hiking trails, swimming, and birdwatching. Photo: P&O Cruises Australia

What is your favorite secret backyard spot?
Colo-I-Suva National Park is one such secret backyard spot which I like the most.

Tavoro Falls, Taveuni.

What is the one place in Fiji that is on the top of your bucket list?

The beautiful island of Taveuni is on top of my bucket list where I would like to visit as soon as possible.

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