India

A dazzling kaleidoscope of colour

By Sharell Cook , Mariellen Ward , Lakshmi Sharath , Mark Stratton , Somdyuti Datta Ray & Rachel Bracken-Singh

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Over one billion people and 23 major languages — India is one of the world's most diverse places. You could visit every year for a lifetime and still not see all of it.

Many come for its colourful history and tongue-tingling food, or to find themselves at the feet of a Yogi. However, the list of adventures in India is never-ending. You can trek in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, hunt for tigers deep in the jungle, head out to watch a desert sunset on camelback or get lost in aeons-old temples — many of which are still used for worship today.

The contrasts in this kaleidoscopic world can be extreme, particularly in the cities where you'll see sleek skyscrapers on one street and people sleeping on pavements on the next. It's the kind of destination that you have to respond to: the intensity of the experiences will challenge and enthral you. Some find it a little overwhelming, but many more get utterly hooked and come back time and again.

Hidden gems in India

Uttarakhand

Kedarkantha Trek

Bachan Rana

Experience

The Kedarkantha Trek is a beautiful hiking trail in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of the Uttarkashi district. This trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India and is suitable for beginners and families. The trail is also well-known among nature lovers, birdwatchers, and professional trekkers. It is a really versatile trek, offering the experience of a tough climb to a peak, 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, beautiful sunrise views, exploring dense forests, alpine lakes, Garhwali cultures, spiritual places and much more. The trek starts from the quaint village of Sankri and passes through beautiful dense forests of deodar and rhododendron, the alpine lake of Juda ka Talab, several small streams, vast landscapes of alpine meadows, and a steep climb to the summit of Kedarkantha. After a slightly difficult climb, this beautiful trail offers trekkers breathtaking views of some of the amazing mountains and ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Mount Swargarohini, Black Peak, Mount Bandarpunch, Ranglana, Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges. I usually recommend taking 4 to 5 days to complete the trek, which covers a distance of about 20 km and a maximum height of about 12,500 ft. I love doing this trek best in the winter and spring, especially in December and January, as the trail is completely covered with fresh snow, which is a truly breathtaking experience... like walking on the stairs to heaven. However, the trek is accessible throughout the year, except during the monsoon season due to heavy rains and landslides. Whilst there, I recommend taking the opportunity to spend some time at a spiritual place which is believed to be the meditation place of Lord Shiva and hence the peak is named "Shiva Ka Kanth" (Kedar's Kanth) where the "Kanth" means "Throat".