Kerala

 Located between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, the dramatic landscape around here is a mixture of volcanoes, whitewater rivers and ice carved fjords. Everything is so easy going here, even talking to strangers isn't such a big deal. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of this gorgeous place where it is easy to fall in love with the stunning cliffs and beautiful beaches of Varkala. Explore the backwaters of Kerala with its river networks, rice fields, tea plantations and houseboat cruisers. You can also go elephant spotting in Wayanad or relax while you are having a traditional ayurvedic massage.

Calcutta

 India's intellectual and cultural centre. If you are a fan of Bengali dance, poetry, art, music, film and theatre then this is the place where you can learn all about it. Some of India's most incredible restaurants are here, and you will be hungry after a day of wandering around the Kali Temple, named after a three-eyed goddess. Calcutta is a famous pilgrim spot. It is here that Mother Teresa built the Nirmal Hridag (home for the dying).

Goa

 A place of hippies and prescription drugs (but without the prescription), Goa is a place where you will also find colonial Portuguese architecture and magical Indian spices. Have a look around the majestic cathedrals and basilicas in Old Goa, meet the hippies in Vagator and Chopora, swim in the Dudhsagar waterfalls and bathe with the elephants. Check out the state capital Panaji and then head to a party on Anjuna and Palolem, Goa's most happening beaches.

Vananessi

 This is India's most spiritual and holy place where Hindu pilgrims come to wash away their sins in the mighty River Ganges. It is also where people cremate the bodies of their loved ones in public. Drinking from the local Gyan Kupor Well is believed to help the pilgrims to reach a higher spiritual plane.

Agra and Taj Mahal

 Today Agra is an industrial city but its fort, tombs and mausoleums tell you the story of another time. With its marble walls, the Taj Mahal is the main reason people flock here. Come and have a look four yourself and see why the Taj Mahal is a symbol of great love and one of the modern-day Seven Wonders of the World.

Delhi

 India's multicultural capital, Dehli is a huge somewhat polluted melting pot. Cows line the streets as do scores of homeless people which can be confronting but exploring this crazy city is definitely worth the patience. Paraghanj is Delhi's version of Khao San Road, a place where you can meet fellow backpackers. Visit the bazaars of Old Delhi and have a look around India's largest mosque, the Jama Masjid. Also check out the palatial Red fort which is one of Delhi's icons.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajastan state and is popularly known as the Pink City. This is a place with many names: the City of Victory, the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan and the Pink City. Whatever you call it, you will get a diverse view of the city when you wonder around its streets. Camel carts, cows and rickshaw drivers are everywhere while street kids beg in front of Jaipur's big hotels and jewellery shops. One of the best things in Jaipur is the local bazaars. You should also visit the Hawa Mahal, an impressive building from pink sandstone and a structure you will find nowhere else in the world.