India

India's sprawling capital blends Mughal grandeur with modern chaos — from the Red Fort and Jama Masjid to the bustling lanes of Old Delhi and the leafy avenues of New Delhi designed by Lutyens.

India's financial capital and Bollywood headquarters is a city of dreams built on seven islands — colonial architecture along Marine Drive, street food paradise, and relentless energy.

The Pink City of Rajasthan dazzles with its terracotta-hued old town, hilltop forts, and opulent palaces. Part of India's famous Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra.

India's smallest state packs in golden beaches, Portuguese colonial churches, spice plantations, and a laid-back tropical vibe that draws backpackers and luxury seekers alike.

One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, Varanasi is the spiritual heart of Hinduism. The ghats along the Ganges, evening aarti ceremonies, and silk weaving tradition create an unforgettable experience.

Home to the Taj Mahal — the white-marble Mughal mausoleum Shah Jahan built for Mumtaz Mahal between 1632-1653, and one of the planet's most familiar buildings. UNESCO 1983. Agra Fort + the Baby Taj round out the trio of Mughal masterpieces; Fatehpur Sikri 40km west adds another UNESCO site for day-trippers. Sits on the Golden Triangle between Delhi (200km north) and Jaipur (240km southwest). The Gatimaan Express does Delhi-Agra in 1h40m, India's fastest train. Air pollution and aggressive touts are real downsides.

Rajasthan's "City of Lakes" is India at its most romantic — white-marble palaces ring Lake Pichola, with the Taj Lake Palace floating on its own island. Founded 1559 by Mewar king Maharana Udai Singh II. The City Palace is Rajasthan's largest, Bagore-ki-Haveli puts on a nightly folk-dance show, and the Monsoon Palace crowns the sunset hill. James Bond Octopussy filmed here. Day trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort (UNESCO, second-longest wall after China). Cleaner air and saner traffic than Delhi or Agra.

The ruined capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th century) scattered across a surreal landscape of 500 million-year-old granite boulders in northern Karnataka. UNESCO since 1986. The Virupaksha Temple still functions as an active Hindu shrine; the Vittala Temple's musical pillars and Stone Chariot are the postcard images. The Tungabhadra River divides the bazaar-and-temple side from the Hippie Island (Virupapur Gaddi) backpacker scene. Reached via overnight sleeper bus from Bangalore or Goa.

"God's Own Country" — India's tropical southwestern coast, where 900 km of palm-fringed beaches meet a 1,500 km maze of backwater canals. Overnight kettuvallam houseboat cruises out of Alleppey (Alappuzha), tea plantations blanketing the Munnar hills at 1,500m, the colonial spice port of Fort Kochi, Kathakali face-painted dance, and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Ayurvedic massage is everywhere. Monsoon June-September is dramatic but most travel is October-March.