Where to go in India
Introduction
The Golden Triangle is India's beloved travellers' route and a perfect introduction to the country, incorporating Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the splendid Jaipur. Further south, India abounds with colonial architecture, lush jungles, ruined forts, centuries-old churches and lavish basilica.
Map
List of regions
Rajasthan was once a land of royalty and today revels in its regal past. Scores of forts and palaces loom from the arid desert sands, along with cities as colourful as their brightly swathed locals, who fill the streets in dazzling fabric outfits.
Translating as 'Land of the Coconuts' Kerala is awash with verdant backwaters and is known as God's Own Country. Experience the relaxed rivers, postcard-perfect beaches, sensational food and laid-back lifestyle of this sleepy region.
Framed by the ice-caped peaks of the Himalaya, India's mountainous north is a region of verdant, tea-studded valleys, remote hill stations and monasteries hidden amid the rock, ice and snow.
Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is home to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and also a wealth of imperial palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dotting its riverine landscape.
The classic Golden Triangle route is India's most popular tourist circuit and a perfect introduction to the magic of the country. Located in the northwest, it connects an extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical treasures in and around India's most visited cities: Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
India is rich in natural wonders, blessed with enchanting landscapes and an amazing variety of flora and fauna, the likes of which inspired Rudyard Kipling to create the Jungle Book more than 120 years ago.
There are a number of spectacular palace hotels and historic places to stay throughout India. Once home to India's royalty, the buildings have been converted into accommodation to preserve their existence, meaning that you can now stay and experience firsthand how royalty once lived.
Travelling on India's luxury trains is an ideal way to explore the country without sacrificing style and comfort. Rattle over the rails on a romantic, glamorous journey, enjoying regal service and arrive at a new destination to explore the following morning.
Eastern India is a land of temples, stupas, wildlife parks, spiritual cities and the snow-covered summits of the Himalayas. Take in the delights of the region's largest city, Kolkata, then head out to discover remote national parks and tea plantations tucked away beneath the peaks.
Mumbai is India's fulcrum of fashion and Bollywood filmmaking, a mega metropolis built around shopping, glitz and glamour. This modern ‘City of Dreams' is India's economic powerhouse, but older and more traditional ways of life still flourish.
Ancient Varanasi is dominated by the stone ghats, which line the sacred River Ganges, drawing pilgrims from across the world who come for their daily ritual ablutions.
Goa is known for its idyllic beaches, outstanding monuments and great places to stay. The beautiful landscapes, colonial architecture, lush jungles, ruined forts, centuries-old churches and lavish basilicas are as much a draw as the sandy, palm-fringed beaches and clean waters of the Arabian Sea.
