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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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One of the most loved snack exports out of India has its origins in this Rajhastani city. Bikaneri Bhujia, an Indian version of potato chips, has become popular across the globe and today the crispy snack, using gram flour and spices, provides employment to over 2.5 million people. Bikaner boasts many unique architectural features such as the Bikaner Havelis – manifold mansions lining the narrow lanes of old town, signalling a glorious and opulent heyday in Bikaner history – and the beautiful Junagarh Fort, with its tall ochre walls extending for almost a kilometre around the impressive structure.
Situated amid the vast expanse of the Thar Desert on the far western border of India’s Rajasthan state, the city of Jaisalmer is home to the world's only inhabited medieval living fort. This 12th-century city served as a bustling trading post along the famous Silk Road and still to this day features markets selling silk, cashmere, silver jewellery, bronze statues and much more. The undeniable star attraction of this city is the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort, which rises from the desert floor like a gigantic sandcastle and encompasses winding streets filled with shops, temples, hotels and ancient mansions. Visitors can also look forward to taking jeep and camel safaris into the surrounding desert and exploring a variety of grand palaces, elaborate Jain temples and ornate havelis.
Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of Udaipur is built around three interconnected lakes – Lake Pichhola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake – and is encircled by the hills of the Aravalli mountain range. It is home to an array of ancient temples and fairy-tale-like palaces (several of the latter have been converted into luxury heritage hotels) and is known as one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and romantic cities. Must-see attractions include the City Palace, the Lake Palace (set on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola), and the Udaipur Solar Observatory – Asia’s premier solar-gazing site.
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With its name meaning 'In the seat of the Himalayas', Himachal Pradesh is just that – an idyllic state that rests flush in the lap of the Western Himalayas, in the far north of the Indian subcontinent. Famed for its spectacular natural beauty, Himachal Pradesh is India's most rural state, with just 10 percent of the population living in urban areas. Home to the Dalai Lama, who resides in the hillside city of Dharamsala, the state showcases a strong Tibetan presence that is echoed through its Buddhist temples and monasteries. A haven for culture vultures and history enthusiasts alike, Himachal Pradesh's most notable attractions include the charming capital city, Shimla; Key Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and Lama training centre located more than 4000 metres above sea level in the Spiti Valley. For nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, the scenic hill station of Khajjiar, with its snowy mountain peaks and lush pine forests, is a true paradise. Home to diverse landscapes, travellers are drawn in from far and wide to enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking and ice skating.
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.
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