India is not a country, it’s a continent, with a spectacular mix of people, cultures and landscapes. From snow-capped peaks in the north to the sultry sun-washed beaches in the south – there is much to see and plenty more to experience here. Walk the streets of any Indian city and you’ll rub shoulders with people representing different traditions, following different cultures, speaking alien languages – while some turbaned, and other, having cute Mongolian faces. No wonder India is a country to explore and the best way to do it is by travelling to a few different states. TOP PLACES TO SEE AND EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN INDIA Meeting the tribes in Northeast: The seven states that lie in the northeast region of India are rich in Tribal culture. More than 25 different tribes live in the northeast part of India – with some having Mongolian origin, while others, lost Aryans. If you’re into culture and history, visiting northeast can just be your thing. And in the northeast, the state of Nagaland, that has the maximum …

Bhutan is a land of surprises. This is where the rice is red in colour, chilies can be the main dish, and the economic index GDP is measured in “Happiness”. From the grassy lands to the kind and fun-loving people – there is enough to be surprised about this tiny Buddhist country. But what makes Bhutan better than most of its neighbouring countries is the degree of safety you feel while walking on its unfamiliar and unversed streets. Bhutan is backpacking friendly. The entire country – from the popular towns of Thimpu and Paro to the much unfamiliar east – is comfortable to travel, hospitable and culturally diverse. But due to its imposed USD250 daily fee – which also includes your food, stay and travel – many travellers find themselves hopelessly bound to a well-planned and an unavoidable itinerary. Since that USD250-a-day fee does not apply to Indians, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians, they are free to travel in Bhutan without having to worry about a VISA. TOP PLACES TO SEE AND EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN BHUTAN Getting …

From dense forests to beautiful tea plantations, rich culture to amazing food – Kerala has something for every traveller. An ideal place for luxury travel and habitat for backpackers, Kerala, thanks to its natural aesthetic bounty, has established itself as India’s top travelled destination. But other than its natural beauty what makes it more tourist-friendly is its people, who are welcoming, inquisitive and hospitable. The culture around the state is unique and has been carefully preserved for centuries. In many ways, Kerala does not appear to be very Indian. Here things are quite organised, tuk-tuk drivers do not push you for a ride, buses run on schedule, and getting ripped-off by street vendors is a rarity. Thanks to an unusual vibe – Kerala is definitely a no miss for those visiting the southern part of India. TOP PLACES TO SEE AND EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN KERALA A walking tour in Fort Kochi: Fort Kochi is the harbour area in the town of Ernakulam. Some of the defining attractions are Chinese fishing nets, The Jew Town and …

Himachal Pradesh is India’s most popular and easily accessible hill station. Here you will find beautiful people and some of the most beautiful Himalayan landscapes with snowy peaks and plunging river valleys. Its ubiquitous apple orchards and cultivated terraces further add to the beauty. While Himachal Pradesh is largely popular for quiet and natural soundscape excursions, it is also no short of extreme adventure sports activities. From trekking to paragliding to road-trips on the world’s most treacherous roads – if it can be done in the mountains, it can be done here. Unlike the much muddled central India, travelling in Himachal is fairly easy. Here people are friendly, simple and the masters of hospitality. You can easily trust them with your life. And last but not the least, this state is also home to the Tibetan government in exile and the Buddhist leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. TOP PLACES TO SEE AND EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH Visiting The Offbeat Hallan Valley Near Manali: Most tourists flocking to Manali (despite craving for an offbeat …

Described by many as the land of Gods, Uttarakhand is the abode of the towering Himalayas, mesmerizing lakes and holy rivers. Due to its close proximity to New Delhi, the place lures a significant number of Indian tourists every year and offers them a perfect reviving holiday. It is in Uttarakhand where the four holy pilgrimage sites for Hindus – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath – are located. At large, Uttarakhand is an enticingly diverse state, with some of India’s best treks, yoga schools and holiday towns. This is moreover the land where the holy Ganges finds its origin before making its way to the other Indian states. TOP PLACES TO SEE AND EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN UTTARAKHAND Learning Yoga in Rishikesh: Among dozens of Ashrams to live in, hundreds of yoga schools to choose from, and thousands of Saadhus to speak with – you will definitely find that India in Rishikesh that you had always pictured in your mind. Rishikesh is moreover a perfect place to meet other travellers; to eat, sleep and live …