The story of Nina’s Pathways

In 2011, Sydney-based Nina Gage founded Nina’s Pathways, a travel organisation that caters to small groups, specifically to Sri Lanka.

“It seems that for some of us, our passions and interests only come to fruition later in life, after retirement.

Travel was always an obsession of mine, much to my family’s consternation. ‘There she goes again off to one of the world’s trouble spots,’ was a catch-cry common in our household. Little to my children’s knowledge, I have been travelling to the world’s trouble spots since I myself was a teenager – my first visit to India was in 1967, traversing from England, where I spent a year.

In the years following, I have travelled from Cambodia to Penang, Kenya to Tanzania and Russia to Croatia.
In 2010 I had the good fortune to visit Sri-Lanka, which I had never managed to get to in my previous trips, but had always greatly admired. I went with my two daughters. It was particularly special as Sophie was pregnant at the time, and we enjoyed two wonderful weeks of learning, relaxation and laughing.

*Nina and her eldest daughter Sophie at the Glass House, Galle, 2010*

Then, in early 2011, I was compelled to return and travelled more extensively, this time with some girlfriends. We explored further north, incorporating the lovely tea plantations of the dramatic Central Hills.

The bud of a good idea began to unfold. Why could I not share this experience with others?

Like a lot of women, I have supported and been involved in many family businesses. This would be a venture of my own, and provide a chance for me to put my passion for travel into action.

And so, Nina’s Pathways was formed.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an incredible country. Peace has come at last after the prolonged thirty-year confrontation, and the eyes of the world are slowly turning to see the rich diversity that Sri Lanka offers.

From the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the north, through the ancient capital of Kandy and on to beautiful tea plantations in the Central Highlands, to the southern national parks that protect wildlife - elephants, leopards and birds – I have grown enamoured of the beauteous natural environment and the range of culture and history.

The history of Sri Lanka is fascinating. Galle, which is reputed to be the famous Tarshish of the Bible, is said to be where King Solomon obtained gems and spices. It is the port where the Portuguese first landed in 1505, and was captured and fortified by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th Centuries.

This is city I particularly love. It is a great place to wander, with many Dutch buildings, charming winding streets and an ambiance of Old Holland.

*Nina at the UNESCO listed Sigiriya, 2011*

There are other aspects of culture in Sri Lanka that make this a perfect destination for our group: Ayurvedic wholistic treatments, terrific cuisine and fantastic shopping.

It is quite a joy to have a new and exciting venture at this stage of life. Why not seize the day?

As Freya Stark said:

‘To awaken in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.’”

– Nina Gage, April 2011