India
Replete with spiritual getaways, divine mountains, sun-drenched beaches and exciting sanctuaries, India is where urban comforts rub shoulders with rustic treasures.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Taj Mahal, Ganges, Amer, The Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Gir Forest, Ellora Caves, Rohtang Pass, Periyar National Park, Kangchenjunga, Sundarbans
Things to Do: Witness the power of love at Taj Mahal, Agra, attend the enchanting prayer meetings at the bathing ghats of Varanasi, pay homage at the Sikh shrine of Golden Temple, party hard at the beaches of Goa.
Sri Lanka
Featuring dynamic landscapes, sandy beaches, and umpteen evidence of folklore, Sri Lanka is a pristine paradise in itself.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Major Attractions: Dambulla Cave Temple, Adam’s Peak, Temple of the Tooth, Sigiriya, Hikkaduwa beach
Things to Do: Scale the Sigiriya mountains, buy rich tea samples at Hill Country, surf at Arugam Bay, discover hidden islands at Neduntivu, take the Holy Ramayan trail from Kandy to Colombo.
Shanghai
The business center of China combines cosmopolitan vibes and a rustic, old-world charm in equal proportions. Majestic pagodas, resplendent gardens and stunning views of inland waterways are a few reasons to visit Shanghai.
Best Time to Visit: October to November
Major Attractions: The Bund, the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden, the China Art Museum, People’s Square
Things to Do: Get a bird’s eye view of the city metropolis at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, buy traditional art and crafts at Nanjing Road, take a look at the Ming relics in Shanghai Museum, imbibe the Renaissance vibes at the Bund.
Bali
Bali is a leisure island with volcanic peaks, serene paddies, and waterfalls that form the perfect mood for relaxation.
Best Time to Visit: May to July
Major Attractions: Tanah Lot, Mount Batur, Goa Gajah, Uluwatu Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Neka Art Museum
Things to Do: Soak in the hot springs of Toya Bungkah, photograph the iconic landscapes at Jatiluwih rice terraces, get some aquatherapy at Waterbom Bali, Shop for Balinese fashion at Seminyak, go snorkeling and surfing at the Nuka Islands
Phuket
Thailand’s hilly island with mystical rainforests and a happening nightlife
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Major Attractions: Patong, Karon beach, Phuket Trickeye Museum
Things to Do: Go bungee jumping at the jungle sites, ride the waves at Phuket Surf House, gaze at the Big Buddha and the breathtaking horizon surrounding it, kayak at Phang Nga Bay.
Singapore
A luxury destination for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Major Attractions: Sentosa Island, Garden by the Bay, Universal Studios Singapore, Little India, Singapore Flyer
Things to Do: Enjoy cityscape views from Marina Bay Sands, visit temples and authentic Chinese restaurants at Chinatown, Pick up sculptures, relics and Asian outfits from Little India street, say hello to the orangutans at Singapore Zoo, swim with the dolphins at Siloso Beach.
Tokyo
Home to the finest examples of Japanese architecture and educational establishments.
Best Time to Visit: September to December
Major Attractions: Imperial Palace, Senso-Ji Temple, Nijo Temple, The Kyoto National Museum and Municipal Museum of Art
Things to Do: Sip local beverages at the Golden Pavillion, Take spectacular views of the city from Kiyomizu Temple, Survey the impressive art collections at the National Museum, Explore Japanese cuisine and Geisha traditions at Gion.
Seoul
Seoul’s fascinating culture, neighborhoods, mountains, and parks are sure to appease the wanderlust in you.
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Major Attractions: Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung,
Things to Do: Roam the courtyards of Gyeongbukgung Palace, sample Korean delicacies at Bukchon Hanok Village, unwind in the shade of the gigantic trees at Jogyesa Buddhist Temple, marvel at the art exhibits in War Memorial and Museum.
Bangkok
The land of enchanting shrines and pristine beaches
Best Time to Visit: March to November
Major Attractions: National Museum & Wang Na Palace, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Jim Thompson House, Khao San Road
Things to Do: Shop for vintage items at Chatuchak Weekend Market, Unite with Lord Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, marvel at the sights of Wat Pho, take a street food tour at Chinatown.
Taiwan
Drenched with the true essence of Southasian culture, Taiwan is an urban metropolis promising magnificent views of the skyline, upscale shopping and colonial buildings of the yesteryear.
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Major Attractions: Lungshan Temple of Manka, Taipei Zoo, Sun Moon Lake, National Palace Museum
Things to Do: Climb mountains and cross rivers at Yangminshan Park, pay respects to Guangdong at Xingtian Temple, Tour the Temple of Confucious, attend a carnival at Danshui, shop at Shilin Night Market