A world of water in all its changing forms, a magical place where you can hear hints of the first human languages through the unwritten chants of the Brahmins.

Hailing from Moscow, Elena Ashikova is an artist who has been recording her travels through sketches, drawings and paintings. Her sensitivity towards a place and its people is evident in her regard and stripped-down, subtle aesthetic.

As a universally recognized symbol of hospitality, tea is served to convey kindness, to celebrate a special occasion or simply to bring people together. Its presence in every culture takes on special forms that reflect people and their traditions.

A roundup of our all-time favourite novels to inspire your travels.