Recommended Experiences

The mountainous slopes of the tea plantations of southern India and Sikkim provide some of the best walking trails in the country. Munnar and Darjeeling are tea growing centres where you'll find plenty of cultural interest as well as good accommodation options including traditional tea planters' bungalows.

The Golden Temple of Amritsar is the centre of the Sikh faith and a sublime vision with its richly gilded central temple rising from an artificial lake in which the dazzling colours are perfectly reflected. Early morning is the best time to see it in its resplendent glory as the first rays of sunlight strike the temple's golden domes.

From the twin peaks of Nanda Devi in the far northwest to mighty Kangchenjunga in Sikkim, the breathtaking Indian Himalaya has endless opportunities for superb trekking. You can complete a classic trek such as the Singalila Ridge or follow in the footsteps of the early explorers on Curzon's Trail in the Garwhal Himalaya.

Lying in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, the far flung kingdoms of Ladakh and Zanskar offer fabulous trekking in the summer months. The Markha Valley Trek in Ladakh is one of the great Himalayan treks, or go wild in remote Zanskar. Whatever you choose, the dramatic landscapes and ancient Tibetan culture will leave a lasting impression.

If you want to practice your yoga moves, there's no more authentic place than Rishikesh, often called the yoga capital of the world. Devotees travel from far and wide to study at the city's many ashrams and yoga centres, or you could simply practice your moves at a secluded spot on the banks of the Ganges.

The annual camel fair at Pushkar is one of India's great spectacles. Hordes of herders from across Rajasthan gather in the desert dunes to parade, race and trade thousands of camels. Although the camels are the stars of the show, the colourfully dressed locals and the throng of musicians, entertainers and traders will equally grab your attention and assault your senses.

Built as symbols of wealth, power and defensive might, India's magnificent forts are a legacy to India's rich dynastic history. There are over 1,000 across the country but arguably the most magnificent are Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the Red Fort of Agra, Jaipur's Amber Fort, the Golden Fort of Jaisamler and Chittaurgarh Fort - the largest in all India.

Old Delhi is where you'll find the landmark historical sights of India's capital city. The Mughal era Red Fort is Old Delhi's most impressive monument, but you will also find the largest mosque in India - Jama Masjid, the soaring tower of Qutb Minar, and the Raj Ghat - the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi.

The third highest mountain in the world, Kangchenjunga dominates the skyline of Sikkim and West Bengal. Two of the best places to enjoy spectacular views of the mountain are from the old hill stations of Darjeeling and Gangtok where there are several excellent viewpoints. For trekkers, the classic Singalila Ridge trek offers mangificent vistas of Kangchenjunga, when the weather is clear of course.

Navrati is an annual 10 day Hindu festival and a great place to celebrate it is in the state of Gujarat. Each autumn Gujarat explodes into a riot of colour, costume and dance for Navrati with traditional dances going on late into the night. The elaborate, brigthly coloured outfits fo the dancers reflect the region's rich textile culture.