India

Elect's take

"India overwhelms the senses in the most extraordinary way. No other destination combines such a concentration of history, culture, colour and energy, and no two visits ever feel quite the same."

What makes India so compelling is the sheer diversity. Rajasthan alone could justify a month of travel, with its desert forts, painted havelis and extraordinary palace hotels. The south offers an entirely different experience, from the backwaters of Kerala to the temple cities of Tamil Nadu. Delhi and Mumbai are fascinating megacities that reflect the country's complexity and ambition, while hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling provide cooler escapes with remarkable scenery. India also has some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. The palace hotel tradition here is unmatched, and staying in a converted maharaja's residence remains one of the great travel experiences.