FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Summer is on its way, and we have compiled the perfect destinations for your trip to India. Our cover feature serves up 20 recommendations spanning every kind of holiday— whether you’re looking to spend time with your family, friends, or partner, or f lying solo this season ( p. 34). I can never get enough of Rajasthan; whether you seek history, culture, or art— or are simply a shopaholic (like me!)— the state is a paradisiacal destination. Our City Focus zooms into the state’s capital, Jaipur, and can help you make the most of a trip to the city ( p. 16). If you’re touring India, chances are you will at least stop by Mumbai. Let our 24-hour guide chalk out your day’s itinerary in the Maximum City ( p. 26).

In our other stories, we explore the old-world charm of Delhi through a very special heritage walk ( p. 74), and the city’s modern allure through an interview with Italian couple Giorgio and Martina, who landed in the country for work but couldn’t help falling in love ( p. 24). In the eastern part of the country, we visit Balipara in Assam to sample the tea-plantation life ( p. 52). Down south, the Kerala Folklore Museum in Kochi turns out to be a delightful personal ode to art and architecture of the past ( p. 60).

As the sun sizzles in the sky, the Himalayas make for pleasant holiday destinations. In this issue, we check out two retreats in the northern hilly state of Uttarakhand: a wellness- centric getaway in Mukteshwar ( p. 30), and another by the banks of River Ganga just outside of Rishikesh ( p. 28).

As summer comes knocking on your door, start planning your exploration of the marvels of India. But whenever you do visit, make sure you travel responsibly and safely!