India

India’s beauty lies in its diversity – diversity of culture, landscapes and stunning vistas, India has the lot and then some in reserve.

Holidays in India aren’t for the timid of heart or mind. Allow yourself to be swept away by the staggering beauty to be found in all aspects of the nation and it’s guaranteed to be a life-long love affair.

Bazaars are a brilliant way to delve deep into Indian culture from the off. Khari Baoli, in New Delhi, is Asia’s largest wholesale spice market, with vibrant colours and mouth-watering aromas.

While in the capital, be sure to take in the stunning architecture on display, via a succession of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the Lotus Temple and India Gate. Of course, India holidays aren’t complete without popping south to Agra to see the world-famous Taj Mahal in person.

Travelling further south past Jaipur, you can visit Ranthambore National Park– a great spot for seeing tigers in their natural habitat – or head as far south as Kerala to see leopards. But the real treat lies in Ladakh in the north, where snow leopards reside in the Indian Himalayas.

If it’s stunning nature and landscapes you’re after, India boasts it in abundance. A great way to see at least part of the country is by embarking on a Ganges cruise, which flows from north of New Delhi to Bangladesh. Alternatively, head up to the Himalayas for a huge challenge and even greater rewards.

Beach holidays in India are also not to be missed. Goa is the spot for picturesque beaches and lively parties, Tarkarli is great for snorkelling and scuba diving, while Pondicherry and its French heritage is perfect for culture vultures looking for a day on the sand.

And let’s not forget the food. Street food is all the rage in India and rightly so. Tuck into Paratha (a type of flatbread) and be sure to give chole bhature (a chickpea-based curry with fried leavened flat bread) and golgappa – a fried and filled puri – a go.