Visit Pondicherry

The yoga capital of the world on the Ganges, evening aarti and whitewater rafting below the Himalayas.

Chinese fishing nets, a Portuguese church, a Jewish quarter and Kathakali dance in the port of Kerala.

The Maratha capital and student city, Shaniwar Wada and the Osho ashram, two hours from Mumbai.

India's first UNESCO city: Gandhi's Sabarmati ashram, stepwells, pols and the textile museum.

Visit Mumbai, India's financial capital and entertainment hub. Explore the Gateway of India (iconic 26-meter basalt arch built to commemorate King George V's 1911 visit), see the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic railway station with intricate carvings), wander through Colaba Causeway (bustling street market for antiques and souvenirs), and sample street food like vada pav (spicy potato fritter in a bun) at Chowpatty Beach.

Visit Agra, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India. See the Taj Mahal (a white marble mausoleum built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan), explore Agra Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage site with red sandstone architecture and Mughal palaces), and visit Fatehpur Sikri (a nearby Mughal city with well-preserved monuments like the Buland Darwaza).

Visit Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan known as the Pink City. Explore the Amber Fort (a hilltop fortress with intricate carvings and elephant rides), see the Hawa Mahal (palace of winds with 953 small windows), visit the City Palace (royal residence with museums and courtyards), and shop for handicrafts at Johari Bazaar (famous for jewelry and textiles).

Visit Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka in India. Explore the Bangalore Palace (a Tudor-style mansion inspired by Windsor Castle), stroll through Lalbagh Botanical Garden (home to a 300-year-old silk cotton tree and glasshouse), and try local street food like masala dosa at Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR).