FIRST-TIMER

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

Established in 1973 as one of India’s first tiger reserves, this sprawling 400-squarekilometre sanctuary in Rajasthan has been a boon for the wild tiger population, which has grown from 14 when it opened to 67 today. The park is one of the best places to see royal Bengal tigers in the wild – usually through a guided safari in an open-top jeep. ranthamborenationalpark.com

SHIMLA

Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is now a teeming and tumbling Indian city over 2,000 metres above sea level and presided over by the distant Himalayas. But stroll along Mall Road and you can still conjure up the languorous days of the Raj in the hill station that was the British administration’s summer capital. Get even more into the costume drama mood by taking the slow but marvellously evocative train up the mountain from Kalka or visiting the restored Victorian Gaiety Theatre.

ELLORA CAVES

Around 300 kilometres east of Mumbai, the Ellora Caves are one of the world’s biggest examples of rock-cut temples and monasteries. Cut into a huge cliff of basalt rock over the course of centuries, from 600-1000 AD, the two-kilometre-long complex features monuments and artwork from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain perspectives.

TEA FIELDS OF DARJEELING

Darjeeling produces the champagne of tea and is home to more than 87 accredited tea estates – all tucked away in seven valleys in West Bengal. For a trip behind the scenes, stay overnight in a plantation bungalow such as Glenburn Tea Estate, which comes with an impressive Himalayan backdrop. Many estates also provide tours, bikes and hands-on workshops. glenburnteaestate.com

VARANASI

The spiritual home of India, Varanasi is a chaotic heap of temples, universities, alleyways, cows, pilgrims and legends, all squatting on the Ganges’ west bank. It’s said to be one of the oldest cities in the world, with at least 2,500 years of continuous habitation. People come to bathe in the sacred waters of the river, while others come here to die; according to legend those cremated on the ghats (ceremonial steps) by the river will be free of the cycle of death and rebirth and achieve enlightenment.

PEOPLE COME TO BATHE IN THE SACRED WATERS OF THE RIVER, WHILE OTHERS COME HERE TO DIE當地人會在神聖的恆河中沐浴，或是前來迎接死亡