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 unparalleled 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.
Srinagar, lying on the banks of the Jhelum River in the Kashmir Valley, is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, this city’s main drawcard is the serene Dal Lake, which offers mirror images of the exquisite surrounding peaks and brightly coloured houseboats. Visitors can meander through the terraced hillsides of the 400-year-old Mughal Gardens, which are strung out over several kilometres further east around the lake; visit the Jamia Masjid, one of the most sacred mosques in India, deep in the heart of the old city; or trek up to Shankaracharya Temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Located in the Chandrapur district of India's Maharashtra state, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park. The park comprises of Tadoba National Park, Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, and large expanses of protected forest. The northern and western boundary of the park features densely forested hills which morph into smooth meadows and deep valleys as the terrain slopes from north to south. The entire reserve area constitutes a unique ecosystem which boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including, among others: leopard, crocodile, wild dog, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, barking deer, flying squirrel and wild boar. The prime attraction is undoubtedly its impressive population of over forty wild tigers, which are frequently spotted roaming this remarkable wildlife haven.
As India's third-largest state, Maharashtra, has much to offer travellers, from soaring high-rises to sacred sites. Experience the dazzling sights and sounds of glamorous Mumbai, India's commercial and entertainment centre. Vipassana meditation devotees can visit the world's largest Vipassana meditation centre, Dhamma Giri, located just outside the thriving state capital. Outdoor lovers can swim in the Arabian Sea or trek through verdant forests in exotic locations. Not to be missed are the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Maharashtra's many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are home to many rare species of flora and fauna, most notably Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tadoba National Park, Chikhaldhara, Dajipur, Bharmragarh Wild Life Sanctuary, Navegaon National Park, Tipeshwer, and Bor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Located in the beautiful state of Kerala, Nileshwaram is known as the state's cultural capital and offers an authentic experience of India. The town is abundant in folk arts, music, dance, vibrant festivals, sacred groves and ancient markets. The Theyyam Dance is a special regional dance seen at several temples in Nileshwaram. Visitors can enjoy a cruise on a houseboat along the backwaters, visit the Thaikadappuram Beach, famous for the rare Olive Ridley Turtles, meet the skilled artisans at Weavers Street and walk over the longest footbridge of Kerala spanning 400 metres. Nileshwaram is also famous for its numerous yoga and natural treatment centres, where visitors can experience traditional naturopathy. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Nileshwaram Palace and Thekke Kovilakam, situated in the heart of Nileshwar town.
A tourist attraction in Kerala, Thekkady is a district located at the Periyar National Park. Thekkady comprises evergreen forests and savanna grasslands and is known for its natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. Elephants, tigers, sambar and many other species inhabit the park. Top attractions include the exquisite ancient Mangla Devi Temple, the aromatic Abraham’s spice garden, and the massive waterfall at the sleepy, picturesque village of Chellarkovil. Take in panoramic views of the extraordinary landscape from the Chellarkovil viewpoint, and picnic on the rolling, lush green lawns at Pandikuzhi. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, to see demonstrations of the best traditional martial arts. Thekaddy also has a rich living tribal culture.
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; and the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue; and the vibrant local market.
Situated in the state of Kerala, on India's Malabar Coast, Thattekad is every bird lover's dream. Swathes of lush greenery cover this tropical landscape, famous for its abundant fauna and flora. The region's major drawcard is the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, commonly regarded as the richest bird habitat in India, with over 280 bird species. The reserve is home to the Sunbird, Ashy Wood Swallow, Black Headed Oriole, Ash Tail, Ashly Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Blue Kingfisher, Bronze Winged Jacana, and the Ceylon Frogmouth. The area is also home to a few wild animals, including elephants, leopards, sloths, and other mammals. Other fun activities include trekking through the lush forest, bamboo rafting in the river, picnicking by the nearby Bhoothathankettu Dam and cycling through the idyllic countryside.
Conveniently located 16 kilometres from the city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is a small but well-developed tourist village on the coast of the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is renowned for its exquisite palm-lined surf beaches, and the well-known Lighthouse Beach, which is lined with an array of excellent hotels, restaurants, and shops, and a striped lighthouse at its southern end, is a must-see. The village attracts surfers with its surf culture, excellent waves, and popular surf club. Enjoy a wonderfully relaxing Ayurvedic massage, sample delicious local seafood, and try your hand at a range of exhilarating water sports.
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Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a popular tourist destination featuring a variety of ornate palaces, age-old forts, and sacred temples. Dubbed ‘The Blue City’, the old city contains houses in a beautiful shade of indigo. While Jodhpur is largely a sprawling modern metropolis, enclosed within its old city walls is a labyrinth of winding, narrow medieval streets, and bazaars. The massive 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which towers over the city from its sandstone plinth, is one of the largest in the country. Other must-see attractions include the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences; and the Jaswant Thada, an intricately carved white marble mausoleum.
Fringed by the rugged Aravali Hills, Jaipur, nicknamed the ‘Pink City’ for its salmon-hued terracotta buildings, is the capital and largest city in the Rajasthan State. This metropolis combines tradition and modernity with its vibrant bazaars, lavish palaces, and ancient temples. Don’t miss the fairy-tale splendour of the Amber Fort, set against the backdrop of the arid landscape and hosting enthralling sound and light shows; the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, a collection of 300-year-old astronomical tools which look like contemporary art; and the opulent City Palace, with its palatial structures, sprawling gardens, and atmospheric courtyards. Jaipur falls within the Golden Triangle, a popular tourist circuit, which includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, and it also serves as a gateway to the neighbouring desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
A relaxing destination offering white-sand beaches, lines of palm trees, clear waters and some excellent walking opportunities, Mandrem is a peaceful hideaway in the state of Goa on the west coast of India. Although it has developed significantly in recent years, this North Goan fishing village remains more serene than the near-lying hubs of Arambol to the north and Anjuna to the south. There are two stretches of shoreline to choose from, Ashwem Beach and the quieter Mandrem (also called Junas) Beach, where yoga classes and ayurvedic treatments are widely available. There are also some lovely picnic spots along Mandrem Creek, and for an end-of-day excursion, visit the Arambol Sweet Water Lake, a secluded fresh-water paradise, and soak in the hot springs.
An ancient and deeply sacred city, Varanasi rests along the banks of the holy River Ganges and encompasses a wealth of beautiful riverside temples, stately old forts and vibrant markets. It’s considered the spiritual capital of Hinduism, and it’s widely believed that dying here will bring salvation. As a result, the city is home to a multitude of ghats – stone steps leading to the river –some of which are used for bathing rituals and others as cremation sites. An early morning boat ride along the Ganges offers an excellent way to take in the ghats and the bustling activity centred on them.
