Best beaches in India

India is a country that’s almost a continent. From the sky-high peaks of the Himalayas to the waterlogged jungles of Kerala and the dry-as-a-bone deserts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, this enormous nation covers an astonishing variety of terrain. There’s always somewhere worth visiting no matter what the weather is doing.

Get thee to New York's museums and get thee to them now. There's an end in sight to summer's dog days, and with the promise of cooler early-autumn days comes a fresh turnover in the exhibitions on offer throughout the city. Some of the big summer tentpoles—Africa Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum, installations at both MoMA and MoMA PS1—will run all the way into October, so if you haven't made your way to them yet, there's still time. Joining these holdovers are a myriad of newer options, the variety of which ensures that there's something for everyone. Find our guide below. 

In India, every journey is an experience, whether you rumble across the subcontinent on a classic Enfield motorcycle or rattle through the hills in a chartered 4WD.

India is heaven for budget travelers. Few places on earth offer quite so many rewarding travel experiences for such a pocket friendly price, particularly if you travel in cheaper classes on buses and trains and stay in budget hotels or hostels.

Mumbai is a vibrant and bustling city that offers something for everyone. From its diverse culture to its abundance of historic sites, Mumbai has something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife or explore the city’s many attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in Mumbai. These Mumbai Airbnbs put you in the heart of it all.

When it comes to accommodations, Bali offers a wealth of options that cater to every traveler’s desires. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique villas nestled amidst rice paddies, Bali’s lodging choices are as diverse as its landscapes. Immerse yourself in opulence and indulge in world-class amenities, or embrace the island’s bohemian charm by staying in guesthouses surrounded by lush gardens. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Bali’s best accommodations provide the perfect sanctuary to unwind and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

New Delhi is India’s vibrant, multi-faceted capital. The city is a part of the larger Delhi region and serves as the seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The sprawling metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and is home to several beautiful parks and gardens, like the Lodhi Gardens and the Mughal-era garden Shalimar Bagh. It’s also famous for its bustling markets and numerous monuments, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Planning a trip, especially a first trip to India, can feel like a mammoth job, and making sure you have a comfortable place to stay on arrival in New Delhi is one of the most important factors. It’s even worth siphoning off a portion of your budget to go towards staying somewhere a little more splashy. After a long flight and the sensory overload of the city, having luxury accommodations, first-class facilities and service to match is priceless. Here’s a reliable selection of New Delhi hotels famed for their traditional (and exceptional) Indian hospitality from world-renowned brands like Oberoi and Taj Hotels and Shangri-La.

Situated in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel and one of the world’s most popular (and spectacular) UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The monument’s grandeur, the intricate detailing, and the stunning play of light as the sun rises and sets all contribute to an experience that captivates millions of visitors each year. Many take the journey to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh solely to see the Taj — in fact, many would argue to trip to India would be incomplete without making the detour. Because of this, most visitors who come to Agra are there for the same reasons and stay for only a night or two. And there’s nothing wrong with this. There’s a huge amount to see at the Taj Mahal complex (with differing times of day offering a varying experience) and you shouldn’t overlook visiting other heritage sites such as the Agra Fort, and Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. And when you add the crowds and heat, a trip to Agra can be full on. That’s why carefully handpicking your accommodation is important. There’s a handful of superb hotels near Taj Mahal, the number one being The Oberoi Amarvilas that offers views of the monument from its range of suites and bedrooms. If your budget allows, a stay at this luxurious hotel will make the chaotic city easier to handle. But there are also a handful of other trustworthy, comfortable, and budget-friendly hotels in Agra. Here’s some of the best.

The rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, may be sparsely populated, but there’s a deep human history here, from ancient stone circles to traditional Gaelic culture. These interconnected islands have shaped a distinct way of life, not just in the Harris Tweed and whisky distilleries that travellers encounter, but also in the daily routines of remote fishing communities. Spanning over 150 miles, this island chain is stitched together by causeway, bridge, road and boat, meaning visitors can pick their own method — car, bike, bus or ferry — to make the most of this extraordinary destination.

Backpacking can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel – with little more than your clothes on your back and an onward ticket in your hand. But where are the world’s best backpacking destinations? We asked our readers, and here are the results.

Co-author of the Rough Guide to India, Nick Edwards, explains why trekking in Ladakh is among India's finest.

Another simple yet essential part of an Indian meal, in the north at least, naan is a leavened flatbread that is kneaded with yoghurt and baked on the sides of a deep clay over – the tandoor that lends its name to the tandoori cuisine of North India. Thick and chewy, it is the perfect accompaniment for rich meaty dishes. Purists prefer it plain, though you can also bake it with garlic or with coconut and almonds (peshwari).