Essential Travel Itinerary: India

The sheer diversity in India is probably best reflected in a history that stretches over several millennia and a constitution which counts over 20 official languages. Whether you start in New Delhi or Mumbai, you'll have plenty to soak up in both these mega cities as they have their own unique flavour and twist when it comes to food, arts, history, architecture, bazaars, nightlife. A trip to India isn't complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. The 17th century mausoleum is known the world over for its staggering attention to detail, beautiful aesthetics and the romantic history behind its conception. Another temple worth visiting is the Golden Temple, named by the Sikh guru as the 'Holy Pool of Nectar'. It's a vital pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Varanasi is situated on the river Ganges, which is India's most culturally significant river and a cradle of civilisation. Varanasi symbolises this link with history and is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities on Earth. It's people still bathe daily in the Ganges as they did 3000 years ago. Being densely populated and often unbearably hot, you might want to visit the Goa coastline; famed domestically and internationally as India's favorite beach spot.