Beaches, palaces, backwaters, the high Himalaya and holy cities — the whole country, curated.
A spice-trade port where Chinese nets, Dutch and Portuguese buildings, a synagogue and Kerala culture sit side by side along the harbour.
Rolling tea hills, misty viewpoints and rare mountain wildlife in Kerala's high range, best enjoyed slowly with plantation walks and cool evenings.
Slow-moving backwater canals, houseboats, rice fields below sea level and village life along Vembanad Lake in the heart of Kerala.
Rajasthan's Pink City: hilltop forts, royal palaces, bustling bazaars and craft villages that keep block printing and gem cutting alive.
Romantic lake city of white palaces, havelis and hills, with easy day trips to forts and ancient Jain temples in the Aravallis.
India's capital layers Mughal monuments, colonial boulevards and old-city street food into one large, lively destination full of history.
Home of the Taj Mahal and a string of Mughal forts, tombs and gardens, with easy day trips to Fatehpur Sikri and wildlife areas.
One of the world's oldest living cities: sacred ghats, evening prayer ceremonies, silk weavers, winding lanes and nearby Buddhist Sarnath.
High-altitude desert of monasteries, turquoise lakes and mountain passes. Acclimatise slowly; some areas need an Inner Line Permit.
Houseboats on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, snowy Gulmarg slopes and green Pahalgam valleys. Check current travel advisories before booking.
Himalayan valley of pine forests, snow passes and apple orchards, with adventure sports, cafes in Old Manali and the Atal Tunnel to Lahaul.
Yoga capital and gateway to the Himalayas: riverside ashrams, white-water rafting, evening Ganga aarti and the holy ghats of Haridwar.
No destinations here are at their best that month — try another month or ask us.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India · About 14–15 January (fixed around Makar Sankranti)
Skies over Gujarat fill with thousands of kites as families race to the rooftops. Expect kite makers from abroad, undhiyu and chikki on every plate, and glowing night kites.
Tip: Wear sunglasses and a scarf; book a rooftop spot in the old city early.
Diggi Palace, Jaipur, India · Usually the last week of January (confirm on the official site)
A free, crowded gathering of authors, thinkers and musicians in a heritage palace. Sessions run in parallel from morning to evening, with evening concerts and plenty of chai and chatter.
Tip: Hotels triple their rates; book accommodation as soon as dates are announced.
Panaji, Margao and Vasco, Goa, India · About 6–9 February 2027 (before Lent, dates follow Easter)
Colourful floats, brass bands, masks and dancing take over Goan towns for four days, led by the mythical King Momo. It is a joyful, family-friendly street party.
Tip: Watch the Panaji parade from a cafe balcony and use taxis; parking disappears.
Leh Palace and Likir/Diskit monasteries, Ladakh, India · About early to mid-February 2027 (Tibetan calendar — confirm closer to the time)
A winter ritual at Leh with masked dances and a symbolic procession to send away bad luck and welcome the new year. The valley is white and almost tourist-free.
Tip: Winter temperatures drop below minus ten; pack proper layers and check flight reliability.
Kashi Vishwanath area and ghats, Varanasi, India · About 6 March 2027 (lunar calendar — confirm closer to the time)
A night of fasting, chanting and temple queues dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a wedding procession through the old lanes. Varanasi feels especially intense on this night.
Tip: Temple queues are very long; visit the ghats and smaller temples instead if you dislike crowds.
Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, India · Holi about 22 March 2027, with celebrations starting a week or more earlier (lunar calendar — confirm closer to the time)
The birthplace of Lord Krishna celebrates Holi for weeks, from flower holi to the famous lathmar festivities in Barsana. Expect colour, devotional singing and thick crowds.
Tip: Wear old clothes, protect phones in sealed bags and stay in Mathura, not in the temple lanes.
