Incredible India – that’s the tagline spouted by India’s Ministry of Tourism in magazines, TV ads, from sidebars on websites and in newspapers. It is, however, absolutely true – India is incredible. Home to over a billion people speaking hundreds of different languages and dialects, worshipping Gods of several different religions, eating a huge range of cuisines and living in climate extremes, from the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the humid tropics of Kerala, India is nothing if not diverse. Leave your expectations on the plane – India will surprise again and again. You can travel around the world and not experience anything like India’s frenetic cities, tranquil backwaters, majestic mountains, spiritual temples and topical beaches. India is incredible indeed.

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Mumbai

Love it or hate it, Mumbai won’t fail to leave an impression. The most populous city in India, and the sixth most populous in the world, Mumbai is crowded, loud and full of life and colour. The prospect of earning far more than in their native rural villages has prompted millions to flock to the city from across India, leading to an incredible melting pot of cultures, cuisines, religions and languages.

Kerala

Being smaller than other Indian states, Kerala can seem less daunting, and it is certainly calmer than cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. Famed for its tranquil backwaters, a languid trip down the rivers, canals and lagoons on a houseboat is utterly relaxing and a fantastic antidote to the craziness of the major cities. Kicking back on a chaise longue, watching the fish and the birds and bankside villages come and go is pure bliss.

Goa

Opinion is divided on Goa – some see it as the very worst example of modern travel excesses, but even they can’t deny that the beaches are stunning. Fine white sand, backed by jungle and sloping down to a turquoise sea, Goa’s beaches are the stuff of picture-postcard tropical paradise. And it is possible to get away from the party-mad tourists. Try Arambol, the region’s northernmost beach, which is so vast it is easy to find yourself the only soul in sight. Of course, if partying is your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Darjeeling

This quintessential Indian hill station was the first to be established by the British. Its stunning Himalayan setting and incredible views of Khangchendzonga (the third highest peak in India) are reason enough to visit but of course it is also a Mecca for tea drinkers. Fantastic treks and mountain biking along steep ridges abound so be sure to bring sensible footwear! For something really special, hop aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Built in the 1880s, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 90s for its stunning vistas as it climbs 7,000 feet.

Varanasi

India is a deeply spiritual place and nowhere is that more obvious than at the bathing ghats lining the Ganges in Varanasi. One of the country’s holiest cities, Varanasi is where many Hindus come to die or be cremated and pilgrims flock to the holy river in their thousands to wash away their sins. This public display of life and death can sometimes be overwhelming but it is profoundly moving and gives an incredible insight into an ancient religion.

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