Regions at a Glance

Delhi is a city where you can travel back in time, from the magnificent ruins of imperial cities to the futuristic satellite city of Gurgaon, while feasting on everything from modern Indian to street food and experiencing shopping heaven in Delhi's bazaars and emporiums.

Rajasthan's forts and palaces are the epic riches of this 'Land of Kings' , while their royal hunting reservations are now national parks, ripe for spotting tigers and other wildlife. You'll also find princely legacies in Rajasthan's bazaars, from miniature paintings to traditional puppets.

Besides the stunning Golden Temple, the Punjab has palaces and follies, and the region is also home of butter chicken, basmati rice, naan, tarka dhal, and the tandoor (clay oven). The Attari-Wagah border crossing is worth a trip for its fabulous transborder pomp.

From alpine Kashmir to the moonscapes of Ladakh and Zanskar, be humbled by the awesome scale of nature and take high-altitude hikes through Buddhist villages. Such beauty inspires spirituality; mantras fill Ladakh's gompas, pilgrims converge on Amarnath's ice lingam and Sufi spirituality suffuses Srinagar.

High Himalayan passes and plunging valleys make for great trekking, climbing, motorcycling, paragliding and skiing. The scenery is consistently awe-inspiring, and the cultural variety huge, from colourful Hindu festivals to ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Agra's Mughal architecture is the height of imperial virtuosity. The Taj Mahal is so famous that it's as familiar as an old friend, yet its ethereal beauty will make you catch your breath. And don't miss out on other local masterpieces, such as Akbar's Mausoleum or the mighty Agra Fort.

Uttar Pradesh contains ancient Islamic cities, two of Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage centres, and two of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. The Ganges River and its tributaries flow across UP, lined with holy ghats (ceremonial steps).

Trekkers can take their pick from temples, sacred lakes, remote glaciers and rolling alpine meadows. Head to Rishikesh for a spiritual tune-up, and seek snow leopards, Asiatic black bears, brown bears and blue sheep in the national parks.

Once the British Indian capital, Kolkata is full of colonial-era architecture, but the modern city mingles chaos and culture in an enticing and very Indian mix. Cuisine here is renowned across the subcontinent, with the focus on fresh fish and prawns.

Darjeeling is the quintessential Indian hill station, offering spectacular Himalayan views, and historic accommodation. Take a trip to West Bengal to spot an awesome Royal Bengal tiger.

Bodhgaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, is a magnet for Buddhist pilgrims, while the Unesco-listed ruins of the ancient Nalanda university are just one of many early Buddhist relics. Jharkhand’s serene Betla (Palamau) National Park is famous for its wild pachyderms.

This former kingdom pimples its lushly forested ridges with Tibetan-style Buddhist monasteries, surreal Hindu temples and the odd gleaming mega-statue. Behind rises a thrilling panorama of Himalayan peaks, the mesmerising presence of Khangchendzonga focussing the lenses of photographers and the energies of energetic trekkers.

This area is home to some of India's most enigmatic tribes, and the one-horned Indian rhino is just one of the local roll-call of exotic animals on this wild frontier.

Odisha's dazzling temples tell a captivating tale of rulers who spared no expense in their veneration of the divine. The tribal markets of Onkadelli and Chatikona offer fascinating opportunities to mingle, and there are tiger reserves, crocodile-filled mangrove forests and coastal wetlands.

Madhya is home to some of India's top tiger habitats, with good prospects of sightings. And while you're looking for tigers you'll see plenty of other wildlife too.

Here you can see Asia’s only wild lions and India’s only wild asses, as well as Gujarati embroiderers, weavers, printers and dyers producing some of India's finest textiles. Or join Hindu and Jain pilgrims on treks up stunning, temple-topped peaks.

Blending British grandeur and Indian flamboyance, Mumbai's architecture is a fabulous fusion of styles. Flavours from India and beyond mingle here, from local snacks to global flavours. Spot Bollywood stars and beautiful people as you dance till dawn in sleek bars and neon-filled nightclubs.

Ajanta and Ellora hide exquisite cave paintings and rock sculptures, while the Konkan Coast has some of the most secluded beaches in India. Nasik is the epicentre of India's burgeoning wine industry, producing exciting vintages that are starting to cause a real stir.

Goa’s beaches are no secret, but with palms swaying overhead and golden sand under your feet, it doesn't matter; there are still spots to escape the crowds. Add fresh seafood, and beautiful colonial-era architecture, and you can see what all the fuss is about.

The temples of Karnataka overflow with carved embellishments, while the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is home to one of Asia’s biggest populations of elephants, plus tigers and leopards. The table is laden too, with everything from Udupi vegetarian thalis to Mangalorean seafood.

Hyderabad's past splendours and contemporary style make it one of India's most engaging cities, while its famed biryani and spicy vegie dishes provide a rich cuisine. Ancient Buddhist remains are dotted throughout the region, and Tirumala is a major Hindu pilgrimage site.

The inlets and lakes of Kerala’s backwaters are a peaceful retreat from the modern age. Back on land is a fine assortment of wildlife-filled national parks, while the Keralan kitchen offers delicate dishes flavoured with coconut and spices.

Age-old tradition collides with cosmopolitan flair in Chennai, while Tamil Nadu’s intricately carved, colour-bursting temples attract pilgrims from all over India. Escape into the Western Ghats’ cool, Raj-era hill stations, or crash out in Puducherry’s peaceful, pretty French Quarter.

With lush greenery, pristine waters and golden coastline, the Andaman Islands are an ideal place to chillout on sun-warmed sands. This prime snorkelling and diving destination is excellent for first-timers and veterans, and is culturally fascinating, with many tribal groups.