Vast, diverse, deeply spiritual and utterly unforgettable, India is unlike anywhere else on earth – a melting pot of ethnicities and religions, a treasure trove of history and culture, and a curious mixture of chaos and serenity. Stretching across more than three million square kilometres, it encompasses a staggering array of landscapes, vistas and environs, and offers unparalled travel experiences – from the beautiful beaches of Goa, to the compelling craziness of Kolkata, the sacred Ganges river banks of Varanasi, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in Kashmir and the ancient, exquisitely crafted temples dotted across the entire country. Not to mention the vibrant, friendly people, and the incredible cuisine.
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.
Resting on the banks of the mighty River Kabini, the Kabini Forest Reserve (or the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary) is a vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness. Encompassing forestland, water-bodies, and steep fertile valleys, this extraordinary reserve forms the south-eastern section of the Nagarhole National Park and is home to the world’s largest population of Asiatic elephants (estimated at around 6,000). Visitors are also likely to spot a number of endangered and rare animal species including, among others, leopard, tiger, panther, sambhar, spotted deer, python, sloth bear, cheetah, crocodile, and over 250 species of bird.
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.
Vythiri is located in the tourist-friendly state of Kerala in southwest India. Although the state is best known for its backwater tours and cruises, the hill-station of Vythiri - with its high-altitude plantations (coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber) - makes for an interesting contrast to the rest of Kerala. Key destinations include the incredibly scenic Pookot Lake, a natural freshwater lake surrounded by green mountains, offering swimming, boat trips and an on-site aquarium; the Soochipara Falls, a three-tiered waterfall complex that also makes a fantastic destination for rock-climbing; Banasura Dam, which features islands you can swim to and makes a good starting-point for hikes up Banasura Peak; and Lakkidi, a popular village on the Thamarassery Ghat Pass with great local cuisine and superb valley views.
Also known as Cochin, Kochi is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. This attractive city has served as a popular port for over 600 years and is known for its eclectic architecture and its array of religious monuments, museums, galleries, cafes and antique shops. The city stretches across a number of peninsulas and islands, which can be reached by a network of water taxis and bridges. The majority of Kochi’s visitor highlights can be found on the peninsula of Fort Kochi. These highlights include the St Francis Church, the oldest European-built church in India; and Mattancherry Palace, which dates back to 1557 and contains some exceptional Kerala murals and temple art. Other must-see attractions include the Kerala Folklore Museum, displaying more than 4,000 cultural and ethnic artifacts; the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue; and the local market, where the air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices.
Located in the Indian state of Kerala, the bustling city of Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is set along the coast of the beautiful Laccadive Sea. Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, it is renowned for its sublime houseboat cruises which float along the tranquil canals of Kerala. Alappuzha is also said to be one of the most beloved tourist centres in the state. While cruising the palm-shaded canals is the most popular thing to do, visitors can also enjoy visiting Alappuzha’s beautiful beaches, exploring the little riverside villages dotting the lush countryside and discovering an array of resplendent temples. Don’t miss the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Punnamada Lake.
One of Kerala’s most alluring towns is Kumarakom, a hub of biodiversity where mangrove forests are mixed in with rice paddies, coconut palms, and bursts of white lilies. This vivid subtropical peninsula juts into Vembanad Lake and is a popular place to study yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic massage, and from which to take bird-watching, boating, and fishing trips. Nearby attractions include the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, just two kilometres from Kumarakoram, which cascade down the mountain slopes from roughly 30 metres above, and Pathiramanal (meaning ‘sands of midnight’) a beguiling island and bird sanctuary in the middle of the lake.
Situated only 40 km from the city of Cochin, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, Mararikulam is a charming little coastal village known for its pristine sand beaches, swinging coconut palms, and quiet, laidback atmosphere. The village has managed to avoid the mass development associated with many of the other beach towns in the area resulting in an untouched natural environment dotted with only a handful of small resorts. The main attraction here is the exquisite Marari beach where you will find fishermen heading out daily to explore the Malabar coast, much as their ancestors have done for generations.
As previously described
