Mumbai is India's largest city and financial capital, located on the west coast along the Arabian Sea. A dynamic metropolis, it is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, thriving arts scene and vibrant culinary culture, offering an immersive introduction to modern India. Visitors can admire landmarks such as the Gateway of India, explore the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, browse bustling markets and sample the city's celebrated street food. The waterfront promenade at Marine Drive provides a welcome contrast to the city's energetic pace, while its museums, galleries and celebrated film industry embody the creativity, diversity and striking contrasts that define Mumbai.
Resting in the spectacularly scenic Western Ghats of south-western Karnataka, Coorg is a historically significant hill station and a well-loved tourist destination. Coorg is one of mother nature’s darlings with its picturesque landscape, comprised of undulating hills, cascading waterfalls, flourishing valleys, lush forests and endless spice farms. An oasis for both nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this enchanting natural environment provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Spend the day trekking up Pushpagiri, Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri Peaks, angling in the mighty Kaveri River, and golfing at one of the area's world-class golf courses.
Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site stretching over 5000 square kilometres in southern India. The park is a place of unspoilt wilderness, with serene forest, bubbling streams and a tranquil lake. Elephants, tigers, sloth bears and gaurs can be found here as well as an impressive array of birdlife and ancient trees of teak, sandalwood and silver oak. The best time to visit is March through April when the waterholes are dry and the animals visit the lake to drink. However, the weather is more pleasant from November to February.
Mysuru, previously known as Mysore, is the cultural capital of Southern India and Karnataka's second-largest city. Known for its efficiency, fantastic structure, and cleanliness, it is a pleasure to visit; at the same time, it has retained its historic atmosphere. Filled with enthralling Hindu palaces and hosting vibrant festivals regularly, the city is an excellent place to begin an exploration of Indian heritage. The grand Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas is a must-see, especially during the Dasara Festival when lit up by 100 000 bulbs. A browse of the legendary sandalwood and silk products made locally should also be an activity high on visitors’ itineraries. Animal lovers should make sure to visit the Bandipur Sanctuary, part of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, to see ‘guar’ (Indian bison), and spotted deer.
Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is the oldest existing city on the Indian peninsula, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a recorded history spanning more than 2500 years. It is known as ‘the city of temples’ due to its countless ancient Hindu shrines, including the great Meenakshi-Sundareswar Temple, spread over 6 hectares and featuring a series of 50-metre-high gateway towers that can be seen from afar. The best time to visit Madurai is between October and March, when temperatures are between 20-35 degrees.
The capital of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Anuradhapura is an impressive major city set on the banks of the Malvathu River. This is an important heritage area, recognised by UNESCO. The city developed around the sacred, third-century ‘tree of enlightenment, Sri Maha Bodhi, said to be the oldest tree on earth, looked after for 2000 years. A massive collection of ancient ruins encompasses monasteries, palaces, and other monuments, and is surrounded by beautiful green jungle. Numerous sites are still used for religious ceremonies today. Must-sees include the massive Abhayagiri Dagoba, (‘Hill of Protection’), the stunning Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, guarded by the statues of 344 elephants; and the Jetavanarama Dagoba, which was, at the time of construction, the third-largest building in the world (after the two pyramids), and was the site of one of the first Buddhist sermons.
Situated in the Central Province's Matale District, of Sri Lanka, Dambulla is a large town famous for its 2000-year-old rock cave temple known as ‘Dambulla Cave temple’ (or ‘Golden Temple of Dambulla’). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to be the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, encompassing numerous caves filled with a collection of religious statues and colourful murals. The surrounding area boasts the most extensive rose quartz mountain range in South Asia. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Ibbankatuwa Ancient Burial Site - a significant and fascinating archaeological site.
The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies at the centre of the Kandy Plateau, an area of beautiful tropical tea plantations. A magnificent must-see feature of the area is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of The Tooth (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha). Other fascinating places to visit include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where craftspeople can be seen at work, and the Kandy Muslim Hotel, which offers the finest spiced curries served with naan or Rotis.
Negombo is a lively coastal town on Sri Lanka's west coast, located just north of Colombo and within easy reach of the country's main international airport. Best known as a traditional fishing hub, it combines colonial heritage, bustling local life and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for the start or end of a Sri Lankan holiday. Visitors can explore the vibrant fish market, cruise the historic Dutch Canal and nearby lagoons, or discover centuries-old churches that reflect the town's multicultural history. Fresh seafood restaurants, beachfront cafés, and activities such as boat trips and kitesurfing add to Negombo's appeal, while its long sandy beach and colourful sunsets provide an enjoyable setting for unwinding.
