Getting the flavour of…

A palatial escape from New Delhi A five-hour train journey from the Indian capital, the 18th century palace of Bhainsrorgarh makes for a fascinating and relaxing long-weekend retreat from the city, says Alex Travelli in 1843 magazine. “Breathe a sigh of relief” as the “unhurried” locals and their livestock make way for you on the approach to this fortified royal residence, built in the 1740s on a crook of the Chambal River in the deep south of Rajasthan. It is closed to sightseers, but is open as a hotel, where guests can enjoy “opulent” local cuisine and fine views over the countryside. Paddle down the “unspoilt” Chambal or explore the beautiful 11th century ruins of Baroli (reminiscent of the more famous temples of Khajuraho), and the frescoes and palaces of Bundi, also nearby. Visit bhainsrorgarh. com for more information. A hiker’s paradise in Greece The second-largest island in the Cyclades, and only two hours by ferry from the port of Rafina, near Athens airport, Andros is far lusher than its neighbours, with rolling green hills, forested peaks and wetlands teeming with wildlife. The hiking on its footpaths (all 200 or so miles of them) is “dramatic” and varied – and there are some 70 beaches, so you can conclude every walk with a swim in “crystal waters”, says Rachel Howard in The Sunday Times. One-third of the island is a nature reserve, and hidden high in the hills are dozens of stone villages, as well as the “magnificent” manor houses of some of Greece’s most “illustrious” shipping magnates. Beyond the “genteel” capital, there are some fine places to stay, such as the farmhouses of Ktima Lemonies, the “ecoretreat” of Onar, and Mèlisses, an “antiquefilled” guest house running creative retreats and cookery workshops. Visit visitgreece.gr/ en/greek_islands/cyclades/andros.

A road trip across the Alentejo Occupying a third of Portugal’s land mass, but home to only 6% of its population, the Alentejo is a beautiful region of vineyards and cork forests, castle-topped villages and golden beaches. To take in a good range of its delights, hire a car and explore widely, says Hannah Summers in The Times. The best of the castles is Marvão, in a medieval hamlet teetering on a granite cliff in the north. In the centre of the region is Évora, the capital, which has 15th century walls, a spectacular Roman temple and an “eerie” 16th century ossuary, the Chapel of Bones. And in the southwest lie glorious beaches, such as Praia do Malhão. Stay nearby in one of the bungalows-on-stilts at the “elegant” Paraiso Escondido guest house.

Bungalows from s250 per night; visit paraisoescondido.pt.