This is our A - Z of some of the best places that the different regions of India have to offer. Use this page in conjunction with the Ideal Holiday page when planning your own Indian Adventure.
RAJASTHAN
Agra
Home of the incomparable Taj Mahal and the marvellously preserved Agra Fort. The city itself has to some extent been tarnished by industry and so unless you choose the luxurious Amarvilas Hotel we recommend staying at Bharatpur.
Ajmer
Ajmer is an important pilgrimage centre for Muslims and has some superb examples of early Islamic architecture making it an interesting place to see whilst visiting Pushkar.
Bharatpur
Less than one hour from the Taj Mahal and next to Keolodeo National Park, notable for its huge variety of bird life.
Bikaner
Bikaner's wonderful fort and palace teeter on the edge of the Thar Desert. Camel safaris and a visit to the extraordinary Rat Temple are essential excursions.
Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh's vast fort has a fascinating history that brings to life the legends of Rajput chivalry. It is also possible to visit as a day trip from Udaipur.
Delhi
India's capital is built around stunning forts and ruins and is renowned for its cultural events, shopping and nightlife.
Deogarh
Deogargh revolves around an incredible palace (now a hotel) and a beautiful lake. It is a place to explore and experience small town life in India.
Jaipur
Jaipur is also known as The Pink City and is famous for its forts, palaces and polo. It also has some of the best shopping in India and is an essential stop for any trip to Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, dubbed the golden city is surrounded by ancient defensive walls and has some stunningly carved merchant houses. Camel safaris through the desert are also available here.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur's massive fort and sprawling markets will absorb you for days. A great place to wander and explore.
Kota and Bundi
Kota and Bundi are closely linked because of their proximity and history. Walking round the delightful Bundi gives the impression of stepping back in time as it has retained a truly authentic medieval atmosphere.
Mandawa
Established in the 18th century and surrounded by desert this busy little market town has many exquisitely painted havelis and is an ideal place to relax.
Mt Abu
A beautiful and religiously significant hill station with carved Jain temples set amongst green lush forests.
Nimaj
Nimaj consists of just eleven tents built on a dam and overlooks a lake where pelicans and other birds flock. Cookery classes using local, organically grown ingredients are held next to the dam. There are also brilliant guided tours around the local village and farm where local handicrafts and traditions are meticulously preserved.
Pushkar
Pushkar's world-renowned temples and laid-back atmosphere make it an idyllic place to stay for a day or two days relaxation. It also hosts the unforgettable Pushkar Camel Fair annually.
Ranakpur
Ranakpur is an extraordinary Jain temple complex carved out of white marble; the main building has 1444 unique columns and is nestled in the Aravalli mountains.
Ranthambore
Once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur this world-renowned Tiger Reserve is dotted with the ruins of ancient palaces and forts.
Samode
A small and rustic village with one of the best heritage hotels around. It is also possible to stay in opulent tents set in the original palace gardens.
Udaipur
Udaipur overlooks the magical and romantic Lake Palace. The towns winding medieval streets twist around one of the best palace museums in India.
Varanasi
Varanasi is possibly the holiest place in all India packed with pilgrims, sahdus and ritual burnings. The ghats or steps down to the Ganges are unmissable.
THE HIMALAYAS
Corbett Tiger Reserve
Founded by Jim Corbett, India's most famous tiger hunter, and set amidst the stunning Himalayan foothills the park has a huge variety of wildlife. Whilst tiger sightings are not guaranteed few leave disappointed.
Ladakh
"Land of high passes" and often called Little Tibet, Ladakh is situated in the north of India. It is a fantastic area for trekking and visiting the Dalai Lama who lives in McLeod Ganj and welcomes all.
Leh
Leh is surrounded by mountains and filled with fascinating monasteries. This unique town combines both Tibetan and Indian culture. It is also a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts offering everything from white water rafting to mountaineering.
McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is set in the beautiful Kangra Valley. There are picturesque walks around the local temples and the waterfalls and surrounding mountainous landscape are simply astonishing.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a stunning town on the banks of the Ganges renowned for its yoga and white water rafting. There is also superb trekking through the stunning mountain paths.
Shimla
The summer capital for the British India from 1819, Shimla maintains a romantic colonial charm. Beautiful buildings plucked straight from 19th century England and some interesting walks make this a great place to begin your trip to the Himalayas.
ASSAM
Assam
Assam is the easiest north-western state to visit and produces more than half of all the tea in India. It is also famous for its rare one-horned rhinos found in Kaziranga National Park.
Kaziranga National Park
The park is located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. With its mystical swamps and surrounding thickets of elephant grass it provides the perfect habitat for the huge variety of wildlife that can be seen here. The best way to get around is by elephant as they allow you to get scarily close to the other attractions!
KERALA
Hampi
Usually overlooked, Hampi has some of the best ruins around. Originally the capital of the largest Hindu empire ever, this bizarre boulder strewn landscape makes an interesting and unusual destination.
Kerala
Kerala is famous for its beautiful backwaters, the rivers and inlets surrounded by palm trees and the fascinating Indo-Portuguese culture make it a great place to relax.
Kochi
Kochi is an unlikely mixture of Portugese, Dutch and South Indian influence, making this port an absorbing destination. The fort overlooks the harbour where dolphins are often seen enjoying the view.
Kollam
Kollam provides the best access to Kerala's famous backwaters. Enjoy a cruise on your own private boat through the narrow rivers and watch the world float by.
Lakshadweep Islands
Only one third of the islands are inhabited and tourists are strictly limited. These islands are a paradise rarely experienced and as the perfect beaches and wonderful diving are not world-famous yet we advise you to go before anything changes.
Munnar
Munnar is a small hill station surrounded by some of the highest tea stations in the world. An interesting contrast to the rest of Kerala, it is well worth exploring.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry was colonised by the French in the 18th century and is dotted with pretty buildings. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram nearby is world-renowned and visitors to the city will love the Creole cuisine not to mention the gorgeous beaches.
Trivandrum
Trivandrum is a city built over seven hills and best seen on foot. Also known as the city of the Sacred Serpent the narrow thoroughfares reveal temples and pagodas at every turn.
THE WEST COAST
Benaulim
A lovely beach that has been sympathetically developed. Although not quite as pristine as some places further south Benaulim offers all the attractions of Goa and a serene environment.
Diu
Often described as "Goa thirty years ago" Diu is a beach town on an island, it has few tourists and a lot to offer inquisitive travellers. Wonderful views and a laid back atmosphere makes this a great destination.
Goa
Goa boasts India's best beaches along with great nightlife; it is a perfect place to relax amongst the palm trees whilst also offering access to western frivolity!
Junagadh
Situated at the base of the temple-studded Girnar Hill Junagadh is an exotic and unspoilt haven. Taking its name from the old fort, there is plenty to see and explore.
Mumbai (Bombay)
Mumbai is an extraordinary metropolis, home to Bollywood stars and India's elite. It is a mix of old and new with skyscrapers, beautiful colonial architecture and amazing bazaars.
Old Goa
Visiting the remains of the city that once rivalled Lisbon in its architectural splendour is an important part of any trip to Goa. Dating back from the 16th century the beautiful cathedrals house museums dedicated to the fascinating Portuguese colonial era.
Palolem
Goa's best beach, referred to by many as the last real paradise in Goa. Accommodation can be a little basic but this is more than made up for by the idyllic surroundings.
Panaji
Panaji is the small and pretty state capital of Goa and has some delightful churches, fountains and museums to enjoy on your way to the beaches further south.
Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary
The last refuge of the Asiatic lion and home to a wide variety of other wildlife including leopards. Jeeps will transport you to the more remote regions of the park where discovering one of these rare animals is both an exciting and exhilarating experience.
CENTRAL INDIA
Kanha National Park
This was the setting for the Jungle book and is one of the last great refuges of the tiger. It offers virtually guaranteed tiger sightings elephant safaris, as well as a wealth of other flora and fauna.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata is the cultural centre of India, a bustling city filled with enough museums and art galleries to satisfy the most avid fanatics.
Khajuraho
Unbelievable and sometimes erotically carved temples open a window to India's past. One of India's most amazing spectacles and for many, the highlight of their trip.