Ecuador: Everything You Should Know About The South American Country Nithyananda Has Fled To

As the police continue to look for the rape-accused self-styled godman, Nithyananda, he is suspected to have fled the country - dodging the security agencies - and formed a new nation, Kailaasa.

He has purchased an island near Ecuador, South America, and has set up the 'Republic of Kailaasa' and declared it to be the 'world's greatest and purest Hindu nation', according to Times Of India.

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After this news broke, people on the Internet started searching for what and where is Ecuador. But seriously, what do we know about this place - apart from the fact that it is an island in South America and the rape-accused, Nithyananda has bought an island near the country?

So here¡¯s everything you need to know about it:

Where is Ecuador?

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Ecuador is one of the most environmentally-diverse countries in the world. It is a country in Northwestern South America, bordered by Columbia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Its capital city - Quito - is also the largest city in the country.

Ecuador straddles a part of the Andes Mountains and occupies part of the Amazon basin. It is situated on the Equator, from where it has derived its name.

History of Ecuador

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It has a long history before the arrival of Europeans. By the 1400s, the country was divided into warring chiefdoms. Large populations were supported by trade, agriculture, and networks with Costa, Sierra and the Oriente. However, Ecuador was conquered by Inca (tribe) in the late 1400s.

The arrival of Francisco Pizarro¡¯s expedition in 1532 and the Spanish defeat of the Inca ended the short reign. However, in a mere 50 years, the Inca managed to leave a strong imprint on the culture and landscape of Ecuador.

Ethnic Composition

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Most Ecuadorians speak Spanish as their first language, though there are many who speak Amerindian languages such as Quichua, Awapit (spoken by the Aw¨¢), A'ingae (spoken by the Cofan), Shuar Chicham (spoken by the Shuar), Achuar-Shiwiar (spoken by the Achuar and the Shiwiar), Cha'palaachi (spoken by the Chachi), Tsa'fiki (spoken by the Ts¨¢chila), Paicoca (spoken by the Siona and Secoya), and Wao Tededeo (spoken by the Waorani). The main ethnic groups of Ecuador include a large number of Indian-language-speaking populations. Most people are Roman Catholic.

Cuisine

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Ecuadorian food is diverse, varying with altitude and agricultural conditions. They follow the traditional three-course meal which is dominated by rice and a protein-rich food item and then a dessert, and coffee to finish their meal. In the highland region, pork, chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are popular, and are served with a variety of grains (especially rice and corn) or potatoes. In the coastal region, seafood is very popular.

How to reach Ecuador

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From Delhi, you can take a flight to Ecuador - there are not many direct flights, so you have to take a connecting flight.

While there are few direct routes to Ecuador, it¡¯s easy to pick up connecting flights to the main hubs. From the US, direct routes to Quito and Guayaquil are operated by American Airlines, Delta, LATAM and United from Atlanta, Houston and Miami. JetBlue and Spirit fly from Ft Lauderdale. Avianca and Copa Airlines have indirect flights via cities such as Bogot¨¢, Panama City and San Salvador (El Salvador). There are no direct flights from Canada to Ecuador; Canadian travelers generally have to travel via the US or Mexico, with Aerom¨¦xico.

Best time to visit the island country

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There is no best time to visit Ecuador, peak seasons are dedicated to holiday periods - mid-June to early September are busiest, as is late December to early January. Here, January to May are the warmest months with the calmest seas, cool breeze and rain showers.

Places to visit

This country offers something for everyone. From 1,000 miles of coastline with great beaches, to the Andes Mountains and tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin.

It even extends to the remote Galapagos Islands with its fantastic wildlife. In between, you will find large cities offering luxurious amenities as well as small native villages known for their colorful markets.

Here are some of the places which are a must-visit if you are in Ecuador:

1. Galapagos Islands

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Galapagos Islands are made up of 19 islands that are home to wildlife that is not found anywhere else in the world. It includes - giant tortoises, marine tortoises, flightless cormorants, and a variety of finches, mockingbirds and many more animals. To reach these islands, you can only take a cruise.

Located about 1,000 km (600 miles) offshore Ecuador, these islands inspired Charles Darwin to come up with the theory of evolution after visiting the place in 1835.

2. Cuenca

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Capital of Azuay Province, Cuenca, is known for many old colonial buildings. The narrow, cobbled streets, beautiful houses with interior courtyard and white churches are breathtaking. The city is known for its colourful festivals which are celebrated in January and November.

It also hosts the largest Inca ruins at the Canar plantations.

3. Quito

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Founded in 1534, it contains no fewer than 20 Catholic churches from the colonial era. Quito and Krak¨®w, Poland, were among the first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO, in 1978.

4. Quilotoa Loop

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It is THE place for people who enjoy trekking, the trail takes visitors through several of Ecuador¡¯s remote Andean villages. It takes four days to complete the trail. It offers a breathtaking view of villages that have colourful markets and no hustle-bustle.

5. Salinas

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Salinas is the westernmost city in Ecuador, which makes it a heaven for surfers, yachters. It is Ecuador¡¯s most popular beach city. It is known as Little Miami Beach because of its shoreline. The best time to enjoy Salinas is in December and early January.

6. Guayaquil

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Located on the banks of Guayas River that leads to the Pacific Ocean, Guayaquil is the commercial heart of Ecuador. The city was founded in 1538 by the Spanish conqueror Francisco de Orellana.

The city offers colonial buildings, lush gardens and animals native to the country, it is the best place to end your trip with.

7. Otavalo

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It is the home to most colourful and vibrant markets in the Andes. It¡¯s the go-to place for traditional handmade craft items, including the exquisite textiles (which the city is famous for), leather goods and jewellery.

Travelers cannot resist the abundant scenic landscapes in this blissful paradise of Ecuador. So, pack your bags, book tickets to Ecuador and enjoy a rejuvenating vacation to one of the most beautiful places!