India Travel Guide

Delhi

Through a sweltering bazaar with each vendor crying out louder than the next, clamouring through a sweaty crowd, a beggar tugs at your shirt as the sticky stench of the city pierces your nostrils. Navigate your way across the road through a perennial traffic jam of blasting horns and angry shouts, and suddenly you'll find yourself stepping through the trees into a deserted courtyard, flanked by gurgling ponds below the huge glittering dome of an ornately patterned mosque. This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slums, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights. With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colorful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings. While Delhi itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, and it provides the best links for traveling to the hill stations of the North.

Read more about Delhi »

Agra

The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new Capital in Delhi his heart remained here. In 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct the world's greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal.

For many, Agra represents the best and worst of India. The city is a daunting sensory experience for even the most hardened traveler; the streets are foul, the air polluted and, particularly in the alleyways around the Taj Mahal, you will come across the most persistent touts and rip-off merchants in the East. Despite this, its magnificent sights alone make a visit to India worthwhile.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', India's favorite tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day trip by train. However it is worth spending at least a night here just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; at dawn the mausoleum changes from grey to pink to brilliant-white.

Climate

Agra is located on the Ganga plain and has a continental climate, with very hot summer weather and cool winters. In summer (April to September) temperatures can reach as high as 119°F (48°C) and dry winds prevail. The annual monsoon season is between July and September. Winters temperatures (November to February) are comfortable at about 57°F (14°C) during the day but may fall below freezing at night. Agra experiences dense fog during the winter months of December and January. The most pleasant time to visit Agra is between October and March.

Udaipur

Udaipur was once the capital of the powerful state of Mewar and has great pride in being the only one of the seven major Rajput states to have upheld its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasions. The Mewar household is the longest lasting of all the ruling powers in Rajasthan, and possibly the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. The current ruler is the seventy-sixth in an unbroken line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD.

Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles (320km) southwest of Jaipur. The city is centered around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.

Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere - taking in the view from a rooftop, wandering around the relatively hassle free city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake, or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace past the ghats (riverside landings) where washerwomen congregate.

Jaipur

Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 meter high sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city and at the last count it was home to two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over zealous traders, most are enthralled and enchanted by this still-welcoming city.

Climate

Jaipur has a semi-arid climate, with hot weather in summer and cool, comfortable winters. Summer is between April and June and temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season from July to September is characterized by torrential downpours and high humidity. Jaipur's winter weather is more pleasant with clear, blue skies and temperatures averaging around 64°F (18°C). The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.

Varanasi

One of the ancient seats of learning in India, Varanasi is situated between Delhi and Kolkata at a bend in the sacred Ganges River. Home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries in the world, Varanasi is the place where scholars still come to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and debate on the nature of God.

For over 2,000 years it has been the religious capital of India, more revered and sacred than all the other places of pilgrimage put together. Hindus believe that to die in Varanasi is to be forgiven every sin, receive instant enlightenment and immediately be admitted to heaven, no matter who or what you are. As a result the elderly flock here to end their days, and cremation is big business on the ghats beside the Ganges.

Apart from its religious significance, it is also the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks - in particular, its silk brocades. The town does a roaring trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. Being the cultural center of India, it is home to many musicians, novelists and philosophers.

Climate

As with most cities on the Ganga plains, the Varanasi climate is hot in summer with pleasantly cool weather in winter. In summer (April to June) temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season (July to September) brings torrential downpours and high humidity. Winter weather in Varanasi is more agreeable with clear, blue skies and temperatures hovering around 68°F (20°C). The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March.

Mumbai

Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse and home to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian sub-continent. As well as being the country's financial capital, Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all international trade, and a base for many of India's largest companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty with almost half of the population living in slums. In the last count the population was 21 million, and growing rapidly.

The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in 1509. In 1661 it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown. The center of Imperial Bombay, an area known as Fort, contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a prosperous 19th century English industrial city. The fascinating range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city - churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Like many Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are congested with cattle, carts and motor vehicles and the air is thick with smog and the sound of horns, but despite this the city has much to offer and those en route to Goa should take time to discover Mumbai's colorful and fascinating history and its vibrant, energetic and friendly people. At worst, the experience will make Goa's beaches seem even more peaceful.

Read more about Mumbai »

Goa

This small state, halfway down India's west coast, was a Portuguese colony until 1961. This goes some way to explaining the alternative atmosphere here. Cut off from British India by a wall of mountains and vast alluvial plains Goa relied on trade with a declining Portuguese Empire, but what was lost in British trade it made up for in Portuguese attitude and it retains a distinctly laid-back feel today.

Goa was discovered by travelers in the late 60s who were relieved to have found somewhere away from the mainstream, where holidaying meant simply hanging out, smoking weed and partying on the beach, particularly at full moon. The state quickly grew a reputation for its hedonism and liberal attitude under a hot sun that sets in splendor every evening over the Arabian Sea. In recent years the authorities have tried to discourage the hippies and budget backpackers, angling rather for clientele with fatter wallets, and Goa is trying to shake off its image as a hippy hangout.

Now with a quick rail link to Mumbai and charter flights from the UK, thousands of tourists flock here each winter to relax and enjoy the Goan cuisine - a blend of exotic Indian spices with the Latin love of meat and fish. Many hotels and resorts have popped up over the last few years to cater for this ever-popular destination, but with more than 25 miles of beautiful sandy beaches there is still plenty of tranquility to be found.

Read more about Goa »

Kerala

Tucked away in the South West corner of India, Kerala is a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountains. The name means 'land of coconuts,' and palms still shade almost the entire state from the tropical sun. The tropical landscape is criss-crossed by dozens of rivers and countless waterways and visitors can spend idle days riding small ferries through the backwater lagoons and see village life close-up in this, India's most populous state.

Kerala has some of India's best coastal resorts; among the finest is the much-photographed Kovalam, which many argue has the best beach in the country. Here visitors can take in Kerala's rich cultural and artistic life and enjoy the best vegetarian cuisine on the planet.

When the rest of India gets too hot to handle, Kerala is soothing and rejuvenating, whether you stick to the lowlands or head for the hills, passing through scenery dotted with churches and temples, past spice, tea, coffee and rubber plantations, enjoying natural forests with wildlife reserves filled with elephants.

Compared to the rest of India Kerala is short on monumental sights to see; the drawing card here, though, is the natural beauty. The countryside undulates westward from the mountains offering vistas of rich green valleys. Rivers glide across the plains towards the sea, creating attractions like the Athirampally Falls, ending in a linked chain of lagoons where the silence of the still waters is broken only by boats and canoes, seagulls and cranes.

Climate

Kerala features a wet maritime climate and experiences heavy rains during the southwest summer monsoon season, while in the east a drier tropical climate prevails. The average daytime temperature in Kerala ranges from 82°f to 90°F (28°C to 32°C) to (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 68°F (20°C) in the highlands. During the summer months Kerala experiences gale force winds, storm surges, and cyclone-related torrential downpours while the winter months are much cooler.

Kolkata

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a city of contrasts and contradictions and that makes a lasting impact on its visitors. It is India's third largest city, and home to some of its holiest temples and finest colonial structures.

As the 'Cultural Capital of India', Kolkata has the biggest concentration of artists, writers and publishers in the country. And although the center of Bengali culture, Kolkata is also a diverse city, with a polyglot mix of languages spoken across its 14 million inhabitants.

Kolkata was home to two Nobel laureates - Mother Theresa, whose humble home can still be visited - and writer Rabindranath Tagore. The city also accommodates sports fans, with Eden Gardens, the city's temple to cricket and the second largest such stadium in the world, and Saltlake Stadium, one of the world's largest football venues with a capacity of 120,000.

From 1772 to 1912 Kolkata was the capital of the British Raj, a legacy evident in its superb colonial architecture, highlighted by the enormous Victoria Memorial, and well-planned infrastructure. The latter half of the 20th century, however, saw Kolkata enter a period of decline, with rampant poverty and economic stagnation. It was only in the 1980s, under India's first democratically elected Marxist administration, that the city turned the corner.

Today visitors making the journey to this eastern corner of the country find a city that has rediscovered its pride and cultural identity, offering a Bengali welcome warm enough to seduce the most jaded Indian traveler.

Read more about Kolkata »

Bangalore

Until 1831, Bangalore slumbered in the shadow of neighboring city Mysore. When the British took control over the local kingdom they moved the capital to Bangalore, upgrading its infrastructure in the process with fine colonial buildings, roads, rail connections and wonderful parks and gardens. Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is today the state capital of Karnataka, and is still known informally as the Garden City due to its leafy avenues and quiet suburbs. Bangalore was the first city in India to become electrified, and has ever since retained its cachet as India's most technologically modern and progressive city. It is also quite literally one of the country's coolest cities, with an average temperature far lower than the scorching plains of the surrounding region. Among other advantages Bangalore enjoys are noticeably cleaner streets and a generally calmer and less frenetic atmosphere than other Indian cities. Bangalore is also well known as the center of India's IT and telecommunications industries, and thus attracts professionals from India and abroad. The influx of westerners and knowledge workers, coupled with the rise in affluence, have made this India's most modern and secular of cities, imbued with relaxed and refreshing attitudes that many find liberating but others scandalous. Bangalore is not a city packed with tourist attractions, but is more often used as a base for tourists to explore the charms of southern India. However, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see in the city itself. Apart from some attractive buildings and parks, what is on show here is the modern face of India, confident, brash and progressive, connected to the world at large and evolving all the time. It's a fascinating and energising glimpse into the future of this developing superpower of a nation.

Read more about Bangalore »

Amritsar

Tucked away in the estreme north of India is the small town of Amritsar. Though a large city of more than 1 million people, Amritsar is not known for fabulous restaurants or nightlife; people traveling to Amritsar are searching for a more spiritual experience.

Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh religion, which has roughly 30 million followers worldwide. This faith is reflected in the day-to-day life of the city: for example, nearly all the restaurants in Amritsar are vegetarian.

The city's name means 'pool of nectar', which pays tribute to Amritsar's most famous attraction, The Golden Temple. The magnificent structure is a pilgrimage site for Sikhs, but welcomes visitors of all faiths. The dormitories nearby offer free food and accommodation to all who enter. Aside from the Golden Temple, there are other attractions in Amritsar worth visiting, including the Jallianwala Bagh gardens, the Mata Hindu Cave Temple, and the museum at the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Amritsar's location makes it a great base to explore the north of India. A popular and fun excursion is to see the daily international march-off at the closing ceremony of the India-Pakistan border. Travelers armed with visas can explore further into the Pakistani city of Lahore.

Delhi

Through a sweltering bazaar with each vendor crying out louder than the next, clamouring through a sweaty crowd, a beggar tugs at your shirt as the sticky stench of the city pierces your nostrils. Navigate your way across the road through a perennial traffic jam of blasting horns and angry shouts, and suddenly you'll find yourself stepping through the trees into a deserted courtyard, flanked by gurgling ponds below the huge glittering dome of an ornately patterned mosque. This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slums, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights. With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colorful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings. While Delhi itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, and it provides the best links for traveling to the hill stations of the North.

Read more about Delhi »

Agra

The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new Capital in Delhi his heart remained here. In 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct the world's greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal.

For many, Agra represents the best and worst of India. The city is a daunting sensory experience for even the most hardened traveler; the streets are foul, the air polluted and, particularly in the alleyways around the Taj Mahal, you will come across the most persistent touts and rip-off merchants in the East. Despite this, its magnificent sights alone make a visit to India worthwhile.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', India's favorite tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day trip by train. However it is worth spending at least a night here just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; at dawn the mausoleum changes from grey to pink to brilliant-white.

Climate

Agra is located on the Ganga plain and has a continental climate, with very hot summer weather and cool winters. In summer (April to September) temperatures can reach as high as 119°F (48°C) and dry winds prevail. The annual monsoon season is between July and September. Winters temperatures (November to February) are comfortable at about 57°F (14°C) during the day but may fall below freezing at night. Agra experiences dense fog during the winter months of December and January. The most pleasant time to visit Agra is between October and March.

Udaipur

Udaipur was once the capital of the powerful state of Mewar and has great pride in being the only one of the seven major Rajput states to have upheld its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasions. The Mewar household is the longest lasting of all the ruling powers in Rajasthan, and possibly the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. The current ruler is the seventy-sixth in an unbroken line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD.

Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles (320km) southwest of Jaipur. The city is centered around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.

Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere - taking in the view from a rooftop, wandering around the relatively hassle free city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake, or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace past the ghats (riverside landings) where washerwomen congregate.

Jaipur

Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 meter high sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city and at the last count it was home to two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over zealous traders, most are enthralled and enchanted by this still-welcoming city.

Climate

Jaipur has a semi-arid climate, with hot weather in summer and cool, comfortable winters. Summer is between April and June and temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season from July to September is characterized by torrential downpours and high humidity. Jaipur's winter weather is more pleasant with clear, blue skies and temperatures averaging around 64°F (18°C). The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.

Varanasi

One of the ancient seats of learning in India, Varanasi is situated between Delhi and Kolkata at a bend in the sacred Ganges River. Home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries in the world, Varanasi is the place where scholars still come to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and debate on the nature of God.

For over 2,000 years it has been the religious capital of India, more revered and sacred than all the other places of pilgrimage put together. Hindus believe that to die in Varanasi is to be forgiven every sin, receive instant enlightenment and immediately be admitted to heaven, no matter who or what you are. As a result the elderly flock here to end their days, and cremation is big business on the ghats beside the Ganges.

Apart from its religious significance, it is also the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks - in particular, its silk brocades. The town does a roaring trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. Being the cultural center of India, it is home to many musicians, novelists and philosophers.

Climate

As with most cities on the Ganga plains, the Varanasi climate is hot in summer with pleasantly cool weather in winter. In summer (April to June) temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season (July to September) brings torrential downpours and high humidity. Winter weather in Varanasi is more agreeable with clear, blue skies and temperatures hovering around 68°F (20°C). The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March.

Mumbai

Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse and home to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian sub-continent. As well as being the country's financial capital, Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all international trade, and a base for many of India's largest companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty with almost half of the population living in slums. In the last count the population was 21 million, and growing rapidly.

The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in 1509. In 1661 it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown. The center of Imperial Bombay, an area known as Fort, contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a prosperous 19th century English industrial city. The fascinating range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city - churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Like many Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are congested with cattle, carts and motor vehicles and the air is thick with smog and the sound of horns, but despite this the city has much to offer and those en route to Goa should take time to discover Mumbai's colorful and fascinating history and its vibrant, energetic and friendly people. At worst, the experience will make Goa's beaches seem even more peaceful.

Read more about Mumbai »

Goa

This small state, halfway down India's west coast, was a Portuguese colony until 1961. This goes some way to explaining the alternative atmosphere here. Cut off from British India by a wall of mountains and vast alluvial plains Goa relied on trade with a declining Portuguese Empire, but what was lost in British trade it made up for in Portuguese attitude and it retains a distinctly laid-back feel today.

Goa was discovered by travelers in the late 60s who were relieved to have found somewhere away from the mainstream, where holidaying meant simply hanging out, smoking weed and partying on the beach, particularly at full moon. The state quickly grew a reputation for its hedonism and liberal attitude under a hot sun that sets in splendor every evening over the Arabian Sea. In recent years the authorities have tried to discourage the hippies and budget backpackers, angling rather for clientele with fatter wallets, and Goa is trying to shake off its image as a hippy hangout.

Now with a quick rail link to Mumbai and charter flights from the UK, thousands of tourists flock here each winter to relax and enjoy the Goan cuisine - a blend of exotic Indian spices with the Latin love of meat and fish. Many hotels and resorts have popped up over the last few years to cater for this ever-popular destination, but with more than 25 miles of beautiful sandy beaches there is still plenty of tranquility to be found.

Read more about Goa »

Kerala

Tucked away in the South West corner of India, Kerala is a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountains. The name means 'land of coconuts,' and palms still shade almost the entire state from the tropical sun. The tropical landscape is criss-crossed by dozens of rivers and countless waterways and visitors can spend idle days riding small ferries through the backwater lagoons and see village life close-up in this, India's most populous state.

Kerala has some of India's best coastal resorts; among the finest is the much-photographed Kovalam, which many argue has the best beach in the country. Here visitors can take in Kerala's rich cultural and artistic life and enjoy the best vegetarian cuisine on the planet.

When the rest of India gets too hot to handle, Kerala is soothing and rejuvenating, whether you stick to the lowlands or head for the hills, passing through scenery dotted with churches and temples, past spice, tea, coffee and rubber plantations, enjoying natural forests with wildlife reserves filled with elephants.

Compared to the rest of India Kerala is short on monumental sights to see; the drawing card here, though, is the natural beauty. The countryside undulates westward from the mountains offering vistas of rich green valleys. Rivers glide across the plains towards the sea, creating attractions like the Athirampally Falls, ending in a linked chain of lagoons where the silence of the still waters is broken only by boats and canoes, seagulls and cranes.

Climate

Kerala features a wet maritime climate and experiences heavy rains during the southwest summer monsoon season, while in the east a drier tropical climate prevails. The average daytime temperature in Kerala ranges from 82°f to 90°F (28°C to 32°C) to (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 68°F (20°C) in the highlands. During the summer months Kerala experiences gale force winds, storm surges, and cyclone-related torrential downpours while the winter months are much cooler.

Kolkata

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a city of contrasts and contradictions and that makes a lasting impact on its visitors. It is India's third largest city, and home to some of its holiest temples and finest colonial structures.

As the 'Cultural Capital of India', Kolkata has the biggest concentration of artists, writers and publishers in the country. And although the center of Bengali culture, Kolkata is also a diverse city, with a polyglot mix of languages spoken across its 14 million inhabitants.

Kolkata was home to two Nobel laureates - Mother Theresa, whose humble home can still be visited - and writer Rabindranath Tagore. The city also accommodates sports fans, with Eden Gardens, the city's temple to cricket and the second largest such stadium in the world, and Saltlake Stadium, one of the world's largest football venues with a capacity of 120,000.

From 1772 to 1912 Kolkata was the capital of the British Raj, a legacy evident in its superb colonial architecture, highlighted by the enormous Victoria Memorial, and well-planned infrastructure. The latter half of the 20th century, however, saw Kolkata enter a period of decline, with rampant poverty and economic stagnation. It was only in the 1980s, under India's first democratically elected Marxist administration, that the city turned the corner.

Today visitors making the journey to this eastern corner of the country find a city that has rediscovered its pride and cultural identity, offering a Bengali welcome warm enough to seduce the most jaded Indian traveler.

Read more about Kolkata »

Bangalore

Until 1831, Bangalore slumbered in the shadow of neighboring city Mysore. When the British took control over the local kingdom they moved the capital to Bangalore, upgrading its infrastructure in the process with fine colonial buildings, roads, rail connections and wonderful parks and gardens. Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is today the state capital of Karnataka, and is still known informally as the Garden City due to its leafy avenues and quiet suburbs. Bangalore was the first city in India to become electrified, and has ever since retained its cachet as India's most technologically modern and progressive city. It is also quite literally one of the country's coolest cities, with an average temperature far lower than the scorching plains of the surrounding region. Among other advantages Bangalore enjoys are noticeably cleaner streets and a generally calmer and less frenetic atmosphere than other Indian cities. Bangalore is also well known as the center of India's IT and telecommunications industries, and thus attracts professionals from India and abroad. The influx of westerners and knowledge workers, coupled with the rise in affluence, have made this India's most modern and secular of cities, imbued with relaxed and refreshing attitudes that many find liberating but others scandalous. Bangalore is not a city packed with tourist attractions, but is more often used as a base for tourists to explore the charms of southern India. However, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see in the city itself. Apart from some attractive buildings and parks, what is on show here is the modern face of India, confident, brash and progressive, connected to the world at large and evolving all the time. It's a fascinating and energising glimpse into the future of this developing superpower of a nation.

Read more about Bangalore »

Amritsar

Tucked away in the estreme north of India is the small town of Amritsar. Though a large city of more than 1 million people, Amritsar is not known for fabulous restaurants or nightlife; people traveling to Amritsar are searching for a more spiritual experience.

Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh religion, which has roughly 30 million followers worldwide. This faith is reflected in the day-to-day life of the city: for example, nearly all the restaurants in Amritsar are vegetarian.

The city's name means 'pool of nectar', which pays tribute to Amritsar's most famous attraction, The Golden Temple. The magnificent structure is a pilgrimage site for Sikhs, but welcomes visitors of all faiths. The dormitories nearby offer free food and accommodation to all who enter. Aside from the Golden Temple, there are other attractions in Amritsar worth visiting, including the Jallianwala Bagh gardens, the Mata Hindu Cave Temple, and the museum at the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Amritsar's location makes it a great base to explore the north of India. A popular and fun excursion is to see the daily international march-off at the closing ceremony of the India-Pakistan border. Travelers armed with visas can explore further into the Pakistani city of Lahore.

Delhi

Through a sweltering bazaar with each vendor crying out louder than the next, clamouring through a sweaty crowd, a beggar tugs at your shirt as the sticky stench of the city pierces your nostrils. Navigate your way across the road through a perennial traffic jam of blasting horns and angry shouts, and suddenly you'll find yourself stepping through the trees into a deserted courtyard, flanked by gurgling ponds below the huge glittering dome of an ornately patterned mosque. This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slums, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights. With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colorful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings. While Delhi itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, and it provides the best links for traveling to the hill stations of the North.

Read more about Delhi »

Agra

The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new Capital in Delhi his heart remained here. In 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct the world's greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal.

For many, Agra represents the best and worst of India. The city is a daunting sensory experience for even the most hardened traveler; the streets are foul, the air polluted and, particularly in the alleyways around the Taj Mahal, you will come across the most persistent touts and rip-off merchants in the East. Despite this, its magnificent sights alone make a visit to India worthwhile.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', India's favorite tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day trip by train. However it is worth spending at least a night here just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; at dawn the mausoleum changes from grey to pink to brilliant-white.

Climate

Agra is located on the Ganga plain and has a continental climate, with very hot summer weather and cool winters. In summer (April to September) temperatures can reach as high as 119°F (48°C) and dry winds prevail. The annual monsoon season is between July and September. Winters temperatures (November to February) are comfortable at about 57°F (14°C) during the day but may fall below freezing at night. Agra experiences dense fog during the winter months of December and January. The most pleasant time to visit Agra is between October and March.

Udaipur

Udaipur was once the capital of the powerful state of Mewar and has great pride in being the only one of the seven major Rajput states to have upheld its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasions. The Mewar household is the longest lasting of all the ruling powers in Rajasthan, and possibly the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. The current ruler is the seventy-sixth in an unbroken line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD.

Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles (320km) southwest of Jaipur. The city is centered around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.

Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere - taking in the view from a rooftop, wandering around the relatively hassle free city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake, or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace past the ghats (riverside landings) where washerwomen congregate.

Jaipur

Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 meter high sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city and at the last count it was home to two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over zealous traders, most are enthralled and enchanted by this still-welcoming city.

Climate

Jaipur has a semi-arid climate, with hot weather in summer and cool, comfortable winters. Summer is between April and June and temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season from July to September is characterized by torrential downpours and high humidity. Jaipur's winter weather is more pleasant with clear, blue skies and temperatures averaging around 64°F (18°C). The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.

Varanasi

One of the ancient seats of learning in India, Varanasi is situated between Delhi and Kolkata at a bend in the sacred Ganges River. Home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries in the world, Varanasi is the place where scholars still come to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and debate on the nature of God.

For over 2,000 years it has been the religious capital of India, more revered and sacred than all the other places of pilgrimage put together. Hindus believe that to die in Varanasi is to be forgiven every sin, receive instant enlightenment and immediately be admitted to heaven, no matter who or what you are. As a result the elderly flock here to end their days, and cremation is big business on the ghats beside the Ganges.

Apart from its religious significance, it is also the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks - in particular, its silk brocades. The town does a roaring trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. Being the cultural center of India, it is home to many musicians, novelists and philosophers.

Climate

As with most cities on the Ganga plains, the Varanasi climate is hot in summer with pleasantly cool weather in winter. In summer (April to June) temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season (July to September) brings torrential downpours and high humidity. Winter weather in Varanasi is more agreeable with clear, blue skies and temperatures hovering around 68°F (20°C). The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March.

Mumbai

Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse and home to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian sub-continent. As well as being the country's financial capital, Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all international trade, and a base for many of India's largest companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty with almost half of the population living in slums. In the last count the population was 21 million, and growing rapidly.

The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in 1509. In 1661 it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown. The center of Imperial Bombay, an area known as Fort, contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a prosperous 19th century English industrial city. The fascinating range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city - churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Like many Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are congested with cattle, carts and motor vehicles and the air is thick with smog and the sound of horns, but despite this the city has much to offer and those en route to Goa should take time to discover Mumbai's colorful and fascinating history and its vibrant, energetic and friendly people. At worst, the experience will make Goa's beaches seem even more peaceful.

Read more about Mumbai »

Goa

This small state, halfway down India's west coast, was a Portuguese colony until 1961. This goes some way to explaining the alternative atmosphere here. Cut off from British India by a wall of mountains and vast alluvial plains Goa relied on trade with a declining Portuguese Empire, but what was lost in British trade it made up for in Portuguese attitude and it retains a distinctly laid-back feel today.

Goa was discovered by travelers in the late 60s who were relieved to have found somewhere away from the mainstream, where holidaying meant simply hanging out, smoking weed and partying on the beach, particularly at full moon. The state quickly grew a reputation for its hedonism and liberal attitude under a hot sun that sets in splendor every evening over the Arabian Sea. In recent years the authorities have tried to discourage the hippies and budget backpackers, angling rather for clientele with fatter wallets, and Goa is trying to shake off its image as a hippy hangout.

Now with a quick rail link to Mumbai and charter flights from the UK, thousands of tourists flock here each winter to relax and enjoy the Goan cuisine - a blend of exotic Indian spices with the Latin love of meat and fish. Many hotels and resorts have popped up over the last few years to cater for this ever-popular destination, but with more than 25 miles of beautiful sandy beaches there is still plenty of tranquility to be found.

Read more about Goa »

Kerala

Tucked away in the South West corner of India, Kerala is a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountains. The name means 'land of coconuts,' and palms still shade almost the entire state from the tropical sun. The tropical landscape is criss-crossed by dozens of rivers and countless waterways and visitors can spend idle days riding small ferries through the backwater lagoons and see village life close-up in this, India's most populous state.

Kerala has some of India's best coastal resorts; among the finest is the much-photographed Kovalam, which many argue has the best beach in the country. Here visitors can take in Kerala's rich cultural and artistic life and enjoy the best vegetarian cuisine on the planet.

When the rest of India gets too hot to handle, Kerala is soothing and rejuvenating, whether you stick to the lowlands or head for the hills, passing through scenery dotted with churches and temples, past spice, tea, coffee and rubber plantations, enjoying natural forests with wildlife reserves filled with elephants.

Compared to the rest of India Kerala is short on monumental sights to see; the drawing card here, though, is the natural beauty. The countryside undulates westward from the mountains offering vistas of rich green valleys. Rivers glide across the plains towards the sea, creating attractions like the Athirampally Falls, ending in a linked chain of lagoons where the silence of the still waters is broken only by boats and canoes, seagulls and cranes.

Climate

Kerala features a wet maritime climate and experiences heavy rains during the southwest summer monsoon season, while in the east a drier tropical climate prevails. The average daytime temperature in Kerala ranges from 82°f to 90°F (28°C to 32°C) to (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 68°F (20°C) in the highlands. During the summer months Kerala experiences gale force winds, storm surges, and cyclone-related torrential downpours while the winter months are much cooler.

Kolkata

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a city of contrasts and contradictions and that makes a lasting impact on its visitors. It is India's third largest city, and home to some of its holiest temples and finest colonial structures.

As the 'Cultural Capital of India', Kolkata has the biggest concentration of artists, writers and publishers in the country. And although the center of Bengali culture, Kolkata is also a diverse city, with a polyglot mix of languages spoken across its 14 million inhabitants.

Kolkata was home to two Nobel laureates - Mother Theresa, whose humble home can still be visited - and writer Rabindranath Tagore. The city also accommodates sports fans, with Eden Gardens, the city's temple to cricket and the second largest such stadium in the world, and Saltlake Stadium, one of the world's largest football venues with a capacity of 120,000.

From 1772 to 1912 Kolkata was the capital of the British Raj, a legacy evident in its superb colonial architecture, highlighted by the enormous Victoria Memorial, and well-planned infrastructure. The latter half of the 20th century, however, saw Kolkata enter a period of decline, with rampant poverty and economic stagnation. It was only in the 1980s, under India's first democratically elected Marxist administration, that the city turned the corner.

Today visitors making the journey to this eastern corner of the country find a city that has rediscovered its pride and cultural identity, offering a Bengali welcome warm enough to seduce the most jaded Indian traveler.

Read more about Kolkata »

Bangalore

Until 1831, Bangalore slumbered in the shadow of neighboring city Mysore. When the British took control over the local kingdom they moved the capital to Bangalore, upgrading its infrastructure in the process with fine colonial buildings, roads, rail connections and wonderful parks and gardens. Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is today the state capital of Karnataka, and is still known informally as the Garden City due to its leafy avenues and quiet suburbs. Bangalore was the first city in India to become electrified, and has ever since retained its cachet as India's most technologically modern and progressive city. It is also quite literally one of the country's coolest cities, with an average temperature far lower than the scorching plains of the surrounding region. Among other advantages Bangalore enjoys are noticeably cleaner streets and a generally calmer and less frenetic atmosphere than other Indian cities. Bangalore is also well known as the center of India's IT and telecommunications industries, and thus attracts professionals from India and abroad. The influx of westerners and knowledge workers, coupled with the rise in affluence, have made this India's most modern and secular of cities, imbued with relaxed and refreshing attitudes that many find liberating but others scandalous. Bangalore is not a city packed with tourist attractions, but is more often used as a base for tourists to explore the charms of southern India. However, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see in the city itself. Apart from some attractive buildings and parks, what is on show here is the modern face of India, confident, brash and progressive, connected to the world at large and evolving all the time. It's a fascinating and energising glimpse into the future of this developing superpower of a nation.

Read more about Bangalore »

Amritsar

Tucked away in the estreme north of India is the small town of Amritsar. Though a large city of more than 1 million people, Amritsar is not known for fabulous restaurants or nightlife; people traveling to Amritsar are searching for a more spiritual experience.

Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh religion, which has roughly 30 million followers worldwide. This faith is reflected in the day-to-day life of the city: for example, nearly all the restaurants in Amritsar are vegetarian.

The city's name means 'pool of nectar', which pays tribute to Amritsar's most famous attraction, The Golden Temple. The magnificent structure is a pilgrimage site for Sikhs, but welcomes visitors of all faiths. The dormitories nearby offer free food and accommodation to all who enter. Aside from the Golden Temple, there are other attractions in Amritsar worth visiting, including the Jallianwala Bagh gardens, the Mata Hindu Cave Temple, and the museum at the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Amritsar's location makes it a great base to explore the north of India. A popular and fun excursion is to see the daily international march-off at the closing ceremony of the India-Pakistan border. Travelers armed with visas can explore further into the Pakistani city of Lahore.

Delhi

Through a sweltering bazaar with each vendor crying out louder than the next, clamouring through a sweaty crowd, a beggar tugs at your shirt as the sticky stench of the city pierces your nostrils. Navigate your way across the road through a perennial traffic jam of blasting horns and angry shouts, and suddenly you'll find yourself stepping through the trees into a deserted courtyard, flanked by gurgling ponds below the huge glittering dome of an ornately patterned mosque. This is Delhi, city of contrasts, where an elephant can overtake an overheated Italian sports car on the streets, where colonial mansion stands next to squatter slums, and where cows are revered, but musicians are labelled 'untouchable'. The city's pace is chaotic, yet fairly relaxed, and makes it ideal for exploring. You're certain to be confronted with some strange and exotic sights. With a long and troubled history, Delhi is full of fascinating temples, museums, mosques and forts, each with a distinct architectural style. In Old Delhi, visitors will find a charming selection of colorful bazaars and narrow winding alleys. In comparison, New Delhi - the city created to reflect the might of the British Empire - consists of tree-lined avenues, spacious parks and sombre-looking government buildings. While Delhi itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, and it provides the best links for traveling to the hill stations of the North.

Read more about Delhi »

Agra

The last Lodi Sultan moved his capital to Agra in 1504, and although he was defeated in 1526 by Babur, the founder of the Mogul empire, it remained India's premier city for almost two centuries. The city's greatest days were during the reign of Babur's grandson, Akbar the Great (1556-1605) who built Agra Fort, and although Shah Jahan created a new Capital in Delhi his heart remained here. In 1631 he chose Agra as the spot to construct the world's greatest monument to love - the Taj Mahal.

For many, Agra represents the best and worst of India. The city is a daunting sensory experience for even the most hardened traveler; the streets are foul, the air polluted and, particularly in the alleyways around the Taj Mahal, you will come across the most persistent touts and rip-off merchants in the East. Despite this, its magnificent sights alone make a visit to India worthwhile.

Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms the 'Golden Triangle', India's favorite tourist route. Situated just 125 miles (200km) south of Delhi, it makes an easy day trip by train. However it is worth spending at least a night here just to truly appreciate the wondrous Taj Mahal and its many moods; at dawn the mausoleum changes from grey to pink to brilliant-white.

Climate

Agra is located on the Ganga plain and has a continental climate, with very hot summer weather and cool winters. In summer (April to September) temperatures can reach as high as 119°F (48°C) and dry winds prevail. The annual monsoon season is between July and September. Winters temperatures (November to February) are comfortable at about 57°F (14°C) during the day but may fall below freezing at night. Agra experiences dense fog during the winter months of December and January. The most pleasant time to visit Agra is between October and March.

Udaipur

Udaipur was once the capital of the powerful state of Mewar and has great pride in being the only one of the seven major Rajput states to have upheld its Hindu allegiance in the face of Muslim invasions. The Mewar household is the longest lasting of all the ruling powers in Rajasthan, and possibly the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. The current ruler is the seventy-sixth in an unbroken line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD.

Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the world, Udaipur is situated 200 miles (320km) southwest of Jaipur. The city is centered around Lake Pichola and has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.

Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere - taking in the view from a rooftop, wandering around the relatively hassle free city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake, or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace past the ghats (riverside landings) where washerwomen congregate.

Jaipur

Situated 190 miles (300km) southwest of Delhi, Jaipur is an essential stop in any tour of Rajasthan. The old walled section of the city is known as the Pink City; it was painted red (a lucky color in Hindu culture) to welcome England's Prince Alfred in 1853 and the fading old buildings retain their hue. Jaipur is one of India's newer cities, founded in 1727, and was the creation of Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of the Kuchwaha Rajputs, who decided when Mogul power was on the decline to move from his outmoded hillside fortress at Amber to establish a new capital on the plains further south.

The Pink City was built in only eight years. Much of it was designed by Jai himself, including the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, a fascinating astronomical observatory with massive instruments used to predict the monsoon and identify the movements of the stars. Most impressive is a 27 meter high sundial that is accurate to the nearest two minutes. All seven gates into the old city remain, one of which leads into Johari Bazaar - the famous jewellers' market that has the best selection of precious stones in India.

Jaipur is now a thriving commercial city and at the last count it was home to two million people. Although some visitors are put off by the over zealous traders, most are enthralled and enchanted by this still-welcoming city.

Climate

Jaipur has a semi-arid climate, with hot weather in summer and cool, comfortable winters. Summer is between April and June and temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season from July to September is characterized by torrential downpours and high humidity. Jaipur's winter weather is more pleasant with clear, blue skies and temperatures averaging around 64°F (18°C). The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.

Varanasi

One of the ancient seats of learning in India, Varanasi is situated between Delhi and Kolkata at a bend in the sacred Ganges River. Home to some of the most ancient and revered monasteries in the world, Varanasi is the place where scholars still come to learn the ancient knowledge of the Vedas and debate on the nature of God.

For over 2,000 years it has been the religious capital of India, more revered and sacred than all the other places of pilgrimage put together. Hindus believe that to die in Varanasi is to be forgiven every sin, receive instant enlightenment and immediately be admitted to heaven, no matter who or what you are. As a result the elderly flock here to end their days, and cremation is big business on the ghats beside the Ganges.

Apart from its religious significance, it is also the hub of many traditional industries and is world famous for its silks - in particular, its silk brocades. The town does a roaring trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. Being the cultural center of India, it is home to many musicians, novelists and philosophers.

Climate

As with most cities on the Ganga plains, the Varanasi climate is hot in summer with pleasantly cool weather in winter. In summer (April to June) temperatures can reach as high as 113°F (45°C), while the monsoon season (July to September) brings torrential downpours and high humidity. Winter weather in Varanasi is more agreeable with clear, blue skies and temperatures hovering around 68°F (20°C). The best time to visit Varanasi is between October and March.

Mumbai

Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse and home to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian sub-continent. As well as being the country's financial capital, Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all international trade, and a base for many of India's largest companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty with almost half of the population living in slums. In the last count the population was 21 million, and growing rapidly.

The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in 1509. In 1661 it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown. The center of Imperial Bombay, an area known as Fort, contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a prosperous 19th century English industrial city. The fascinating range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city - churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Like many Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are congested with cattle, carts and motor vehicles and the air is thick with smog and the sound of horns, but despite this the city has much to offer and those en route to Goa should take time to discover Mumbai's colorful and fascinating history and its vibrant, energetic and friendly people. At worst, the experience will make Goa's beaches seem even more peaceful.

Read more about Mumbai »

Goa

This small state, halfway down India's west coast, was a Portuguese colony until 1961. This goes some way to explaining the alternative atmosphere here. Cut off from British India by a wall of mountains and vast alluvial plains Goa relied on trade with a declining Portuguese Empire, but what was lost in British trade it made up for in Portuguese attitude and it retains a distinctly laid-back feel today.

Goa was discovered by travelers in the late 60s who were relieved to have found somewhere away from the mainstream, where holidaying meant simply hanging out, smoking weed and partying on the beach, particularly at full moon. The state quickly grew a reputation for its hedonism and liberal attitude under a hot sun that sets in splendor every evening over the Arabian Sea. In recent years the authorities have tried to discourage the hippies and budget backpackers, angling rather for clientele with fatter wallets, and Goa is trying to shake off its image as a hippy hangout.

Now with a quick rail link to Mumbai and charter flights from the UK, thousands of tourists flock here each winter to relax and enjoy the Goan cuisine - a blend of exotic Indian spices with the Latin love of meat and fish. Many hotels and resorts have popped up over the last few years to cater for this ever-popular destination, but with more than 25 miles of beautiful sandy beaches there is still plenty of tranquility to be found.

Read more about Goa »

Kerala

Tucked away in the South West corner of India, Kerala is a narrow strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountains. The name means 'land of coconuts,' and palms still shade almost the entire state from the tropical sun. The tropical landscape is criss-crossed by dozens of rivers and countless waterways and visitors can spend idle days riding small ferries through the backwater lagoons and see village life close-up in this, India's most populous state.

Kerala has some of India's best coastal resorts; among the finest is the much-photographed Kovalam, which many argue has the best beach in the country. Here visitors can take in Kerala's rich cultural and artistic life and enjoy the best vegetarian cuisine on the planet.

When the rest of India gets too hot to handle, Kerala is soothing and rejuvenating, whether you stick to the lowlands or head for the hills, passing through scenery dotted with churches and temples, past spice, tea, coffee and rubber plantations, enjoying natural forests with wildlife reserves filled with elephants.

Compared to the rest of India Kerala is short on monumental sights to see; the drawing card here, though, is the natural beauty. The countryside undulates westward from the mountains offering vistas of rich green valleys. Rivers glide across the plains towards the sea, creating attractions like the Athirampally Falls, ending in a linked chain of lagoons where the silence of the still waters is broken only by boats and canoes, seagulls and cranes.

Climate

Kerala features a wet maritime climate and experiences heavy rains during the southwest summer monsoon season, while in the east a drier tropical climate prevails. The average daytime temperature in Kerala ranges from 82°f to 90°F (28°C to 32°C) to (82° to 90° F) on the plains but drops to about 68°F (20°C) in the highlands. During the summer months Kerala experiences gale force winds, storm surges, and cyclone-related torrential downpours while the winter months are much cooler.

Kolkata

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is a city of contrasts and contradictions and that makes a lasting impact on its visitors. It is India's third largest city, and home to some of its holiest temples and finest colonial structures.

As the 'Cultural Capital of India', Kolkata has the biggest concentration of artists, writers and publishers in the country. And although the center of Bengali culture, Kolkata is also a diverse city, with a polyglot mix of languages spoken across its 14 million inhabitants.

Kolkata was home to two Nobel laureates - Mother Theresa, whose humble home can still be visited - and writer Rabindranath Tagore. The city also accommodates sports fans, with Eden Gardens, the city's temple to cricket and the second largest such stadium in the world, and Saltlake Stadium, one of the world's largest football venues with a capacity of 120,000.

From 1772 to 1912 Kolkata was the capital of the British Raj, a legacy evident in its superb colonial architecture, highlighted by the enormous Victoria Memorial, and well-planned infrastructure. The latter half of the 20th century, however, saw Kolkata enter a period of decline, with rampant poverty and economic stagnation. It was only in the 1980s, under India's first democratically elected Marxist administration, that the city turned the corner.

Today visitors making the journey to this eastern corner of the country find a city that has rediscovered its pride and cultural identity, offering a Bengali welcome warm enough to seduce the most jaded Indian traveler.

Read more about Kolkata »

Bangalore

Until 1831, Bangalore slumbered in the shadow of neighboring city Mysore. When the British took control over the local kingdom they moved the capital to Bangalore, upgrading its infrastructure in the process with fine colonial buildings, roads, rail connections and wonderful parks and gardens. Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is today the state capital of Karnataka, and is still known informally as the Garden City due to its leafy avenues and quiet suburbs. Bangalore was the first city in India to become electrified, and has ever since retained its cachet as India's most technologically modern and progressive city. It is also quite literally one of the country's coolest cities, with an average temperature far lower than the scorching plains of the surrounding region. Among other advantages Bangalore enjoys are noticeably cleaner streets and a generally calmer and less frenetic atmosphere than other Indian cities. Bangalore is also well known as the center of India's IT and telecommunications industries, and thus attracts professionals from India and abroad. The influx of westerners and knowledge workers, coupled with the rise in affluence, have made this India's most modern and secular of cities, imbued with relaxed and refreshing attitudes that many find liberating but others scandalous. Bangalore is not a city packed with tourist attractions, but is more often used as a base for tourists to explore the charms of southern India. However, that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to see in the city itself. Apart from some attractive buildings and parks, what is on show here is the modern face of India, confident, brash and progressive, connected to the world at large and evolving all the time. It's a fascinating and energising glimpse into the future of this developing superpower of a nation.

Read more about Bangalore »

Amritsar

Tucked away in the estreme north of India is the small town of Amritsar. Though a large city of more than 1 million people, Amritsar is not known for fabulous restaurants or nightlife; people traveling to Amritsar are searching for a more spiritual experience.

Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Sikh religion, which has roughly 30 million followers worldwide. This faith is reflected in the day-to-day life of the city: for example, nearly all the restaurants in Amritsar are vegetarian.

The city's name means 'pool of nectar', which pays tribute to Amritsar's most famous attraction, The Golden Temple. The magnificent structure is a pilgrimage site for Sikhs, but welcomes visitors of all faiths. The dormitories nearby offer free food and accommodation to all who enter. Aside from the Golden Temple, there are other attractions in Amritsar worth visiting, including the Jallianwala Bagh gardens, the Mata Hindu Cave Temple, and the museum at the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Amritsar's location makes it a great base to explore the north of India. A popular and fun excursion is to see the daily international march-off at the closing ceremony of the India-Pakistan border. Travelers armed with visas can explore further into the Pakistani city of Lahore.