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The vast peninsula separated from the Eurasian landmass by the Himalayas, is the size of Europe and home to some 1.89 billion people in six countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan (some add the Maldives).

Over centuries, the Mughal emperors, the Rajputs, the Muslim sultanates, the Sikh empire, the British colonialists, all left their imprints on the land and the people. The result is that modern South Asia can be a bewildering patchwork to the outsider. The variety of religions and cultures in the region is staggering. More than 450 languages are spoken in India; the mountain kingdom of Bhutan, with a population of less than a million, has some two dozen languages of its own.

If it can be bewildering, it’s also exciting. The history, the geography, the arts, the cuisine and, it must be said, the rivalries, make the region endlessly fascinating.

And it’s not all about the past. The burgeoning economies of the region fuel talk of the coming Asian Century. Bangladesh now has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. India’s pharma and telecoms industries are world-class and it has a highly developed space programme.

Yes, there is still much poverty, and some political uncertainties, but there’s also huge optimism for the future. It’s the future that makes South Asia so exciting today.

Hidden gems in South Asia

Jaipur

Jal Mahal

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the middle of the 18th century, the Water Palace is typical of Rajasthani architecture. The palace has five storeys, of which four are under water. It was apparently a summer retreat and a picnic spot where royals gathered to go duck hunting. You cannot enter the palace but you can see it from the banks of Man Sagar Lake.

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Jaipur

Hawa Mahal

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

Built as an extension to the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) was designed to allow female royals to watch processions without being observed. The palace resembles a collection of beehives, with more than 953 jharokas (windows) with intricate lattice work allowing the wind to cool inhabitants during the summer.

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Jaipur

Nahargarh Fort

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

One of the best forts in Jaipur for sunset views, Nahargarh is also believed to be haunted by the ghost of a Rathore prince called Nahar Singh Bhomia. In an attempt to pacify his spirit, you’ll find a small fortress built in his name inside the fort. Nahargarh was built as a royal retreat by Sawai Jai Singh, and it is the beautiful Mahavendra Palace that is its architectural highlight. The palace’s arched entrance is decorated with floral frescos, while inside its courtyard lies nine identical suites, meant for each of his queens. Each suite is two-storied with living quarters, bedroom and kitchen. At the palace’s head lies the king’s palace, complete with decorated doors and frescos.

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Rajasthan

Rajasthan

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

Rajasthan is India’s royal state. Dubbed the ‘Land of Kings’, its rich history can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisations of 2000 BCE, with excavations in Bundi showing prehistoric settlements. However, it is the Rajputs for whom Rajasthan is best known. Beginning in the 9th century, this dynasty gave Rajasthan both its initial name of Rajputana and its most profitable period. The Rajputs were a cluster of different communities and clans who came together to share a common ideology and culture, synonymous with being a warrior clan. The two Rajput kingdoms that stood out were the Sisodias of Mewar whose capital was Chittorgarh (and later Udaipur), and the Rathores of Marwar with Jodhpur as their capital. Many more existed in the region, often fighting against each other. In Indian history, Rajputs are synonymous with tales of chivalry, romance and flamboyance, as told through folk tales. But the various Rajput clans who set up small kingdoms slowly emerged as a combined force. They were in almost constant conflict with the Mughals, with things coming to a head in the 16th century with Mughal Emperor Akbar. He had married a Rajput princess and formed alliances with some rulers, but the Sisodias and Rathores refused to countenance an allegiance. A 1526 battle saw Akbar take Chittorgarh, with the town’s women famously self-immolating to preserve their honour. In the 18th century, The British East India Company convinced many of the Rajput states to join them, forming an independent state with the new name of Rajasthan. Most of the rulers became vassals of the British Raj. There were around 19 states which eventually merged into Rajasthan. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle is a firm fixture in India's tourism industry and the region has excellent travel infrastructure and services for all travel types and budgets. Here's our essential guide on planning a trip to Rajasthan; highlights, what to see, and how to get around.Architecture of Rajasthan The history of Rajasthan is shown through its many forts, palaces and historical buildings. Almost every major city — and many minor ones — will have some form of architectural wonder to explore. Temples Rajasthan’s temples date back to the 4th century, although more ornate and architecturally interesting temples began to develop from the 9th century. These typically had sculptures and marble carvings, such as the stunning Delwara complex at Mount Abu. Other notable temples include the Brahma Temple in Pushkar, which is one of the few in India dedicated to Brahma. This Hindu god was said to be cursed with having no places of worship on earth. Take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake before offering your prayers in the temple. For a change of pace, visit the Karni Mata temple in Bikaner, which holds more than 20,000 black rats. Each time a rat dies, a statue is built inside the temple complex. Havelis Havelis (mansions) were the homes of rich merchants and traders in Rajasthan’s cities. Decorated with stone carvings and interiors of murals and frescoes, each merchant tried to outdo the next to show their importance and wealth. Every major city in Rajasthan will have havelis worth visiting, but Jaisalmer is a particular hotspot. Look out for the Patwon Ki haveli and the elephants of Nathmal Ki haveli. Chattris and baoris Built to commemorate the region’s maharajas and nobles, chattris (cenotaphs) are a frequent feature of Rajasthan’s architecture. Chattri literally translates as umbrella, which references the dome-like structure that covers the cenotaph. Rajasthan’s desert location means that conserving water has always been a major issue. Baoris are stepwells that were traditionally built to provide drinking water. Over time, they became meeting places and temples, decorated with sculptures and carvings. The 46m deep Ranji Ki Baori in Bundi is a fine example, showcasing carvings of Lord Vishnu. Hill forts and palaces These sprawling complexes often housed whole cities within them, including palaces, temples and trading centres. Built on hillsides, these forts used natural defences to protect themselves, such as forests, deserts and of course, hills. The views from the forts are spectacular. Although initially conceived for protection from invading armies, these forts quickly became more extravagant as royal families settled in. Some of the best examples of Rajput architecture can be found in its palaces. Two of the most striking are the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur and the City Palace in Udaipur. Look out for the sheesh mahal (hall of mirrors). Visiting these forts is a chance to experience and imagine Rajasthan in its Rajput period, when kingdoms nudged up against each other and courtly culture helped develop the region’s arts, textiles and music. There are eight main hill forts in Rajasthan, clustered around the Aravalli mountains. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, these forts were built by Rajput kings and date from the 5th century.

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Bundi

Taragarh Fort

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

Bundi has some amazing viewing points, so head to the Taragarh Fort for a view over the city. This 14th-century fortress’ name means the Starry Citadel, and this is a perfect place to do some stargazing on a clear night. The fort houses the Garb Gunjam cannon which rather curiously means The Thunder from the Womb. Although crumbling in places, the fort is worth the steep climb for its palaces, murals and views over Bundi. Watch out for the monkeys.

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Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

Known as the Blue City, Rajasthan’s second largest city is dominated by the formidable 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. Palaces, citadels and cenotaphs set in lush gardens surround Jodhpur, but it is the iconic shade of blue that gives it its identity. One of the largest and best maintained forts in India, Mehrangarh was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the founder of the Marwar Kingdom and the city of Jodhpur. Standing on a rocky outcrop, the fort is 410ft above the city, encircled by walls and surrounded by gates. There are several palaces, courtyards, temples and cannons inside the fort, which offers great views of the blue-clad city below. There are seven entrance gates, of which two — Jayapol and Fattehpol — were built by different rulers to commemorate their military victories. It’s about a 300m walk up through the hills to Mehrangarh from the Old City. If you’re feeling lazy, you can take an autorickshaw up the winding road.

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Udaipur

City Palace

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

The City Palace complex is one of Rajasthan’s architectural highlights. Its Chandra Mahal is still a royal residence and entry is restricted to the ground floor, which houses the Mahal’s museum and a collection of royal memorabilia. Grand courtyards, lush gardens and monuments dot this architectural masterpiece in the middle of Jaipur’s Old City. Built in the 18th century, the opulent palace includes Mukut Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, City Palace Museum and Shri Govind Dev Temple. Standing tall along the banks of Lake Pichola, there are eleven individual palaces here, filling Udaipur’s skyline and forming the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

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Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

An 800-year old living fort, the never-ending sand dunes of the Thar Desert and haunting tales bring the Golden City of Jaisalmer alive. Glowing in shades of yellow, Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhatti clan and is famous for its fort. It earned the name the Golden City from the yellow sandstone used to build the fort and houses of the Old Town, creating a golden glow over the town. Nearly 4,000 people still live in Jaisalmer Fort — more than a quarter of Jaisalmer’s population. Other historical sights include the city's Jain temples and Gadisar Lake with its elaborate cenotaphs.

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India

Taj Mahal & the Golden Triangle

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

The Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are all located within 250km of each other and can be covered by road or rail. This is a trail filled with history and laced with stories — you get to see forts and palaces, mosques and mausoleums. The iconic Taj Mahal is on everyone’s itinerary but there is also the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Delhi is more fascinating with its monuments and markets, while colourful Jaipur offers palaces and forts. Plan for a minimum of five days to see the Golden Triangle — but more is always better.

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Jaipur

Amer Fort

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath
Place

Built in the 10th century and constructed from red sandstone and marble, Amer Fort (also known as Amber Fort), with its elaborate ramparts, opulent palaces and old temples, has been home to royalty since the 16th century. Set over four levels with six separate sections, the fort overlooks Maota Lake. Its palaces — Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) and Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) — use fans and fountains to create a cool, calming atmosphere. The Sheesh Mahal is filled with mirrors and pieces of coloured glass inlaid into its walls and ceilings. Built by Maharaja Man Singh in the 16th century for his queen, the palace is supposed to mimic the starry sky. According to legend, one candle was enough to light up the entire palace, causing it to glow and glisten even in the dark. Look out for the marble carved magic flower: seven unique designs including lotus, fish tail, cobra and scorpion, which are unveiled by hiding part of the panel with your hand. The Sukh Niwas is where the king spent time with his queen and concubines. This palace is decorated with paintings of vases in blue, green and yellow, designed to give a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. This palace is also home to a rudimentary form of air-conditioning, with a channel cut into the ground where cold water would flow, cooling the palace’s temperature.

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Manaslu region

Rupina La Trek

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler
Experience

For those on organised camping treks, a fabulous alternative route for the first half of the Manaslu Circuit is to start trekking from Chanaute or Barpak, both of which are north of the town of Gorkha. Cross over the Rupina La (4,720m; April to November only), and join the Manaslu Circuit at Lokpa. This is a real wilderness trek with around five days away from all human habitation except for the occasional herder with his yaks. The trail skirts the Gorkha and Boudha Himal and has impressive mountain views.

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Makalu

Makalu for untouched views

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler
Place

One of the great forgotten trekking routes of Nepal, the strenuous two-week march straight to the base camp of the world’s fifth-highest mountain, the daunting Mt Makalu (8,463m) will delight those who revel in tranquil mountain trails, a sense of being off the beaten path and, most importantly, awesome mountain views. The name Makalu is derived from the Sanskrit, Maha Kala, which is a name for the Hindu God Shiva. When you stand at base camp and stare up at Makalu you could feel as if you’re in the presence of the gods. A combination of logistical problems, the difficulty of the trekking and the lack of side routes and connecting trails means that only a few hardy groups come out this way. Most leave with the smug smile of people who’ve just experienced the magic of an older, more dramatic corner of Nepal. This is definitely a trek for the discerning walker. Almost all of the (very few) people who trek Makalu take a simple up and down route along the same path. For those with plenty of time and stamina, and who are very well-equipped with a full, experienced expedition-style support team, there are wildly exciting treks to Kanchenjunga or even Everest.

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South Asia travel guides

Best safaris in Sri Lanka
Guide

Best safaris in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is one of the country’s biggest draws. With two marine sanctuaries, 26 national parks and a dazzling diversity of scenery and wildlife, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s ecological heavyweights.

Must-visit historical sites in Sri Lanka
Guide

Must-visit historical sites in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape has been shaped by millennia of religious influences, global commerce and the legacy of colonial rule. While the central part of the country is dotted with

The best quiet beaches in Sri Lanka
Guide

The best quiet beaches in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

With 830 miles of coastline, Sri Lanka is virtually synonymous with surf, sand and sunny days on some of the best beaches on earth. If your idea of a perfect holiday is to snorkel, surf the waves or simply while away lazy afternoons under a giant umbrella—or you want a beach break after

Active adventure holidays in Sri Lanka
Guide

Active adventure holidays in Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Traditionally known for its rich history and quiet natural charm, Sri Lanka has more recently established itself as an adventure travel destination too. Whereas active holidays in Sri Lanka were once limited to pleasant hikes in tea country, adrenaline junkies of all ages and abilities can increasingly enjoy more boisterous pursuits including kitesurfing, whitewater rafting, and trekking.

Everest treks
Guide

Everest treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Mount Everest, (8,848m) the highest mountain on Earth, exerts a magnetic pull on trekkers, mountaineers and armchair adventurers alike. The main Everest treks can be busy and, in my opinion, over commercialised, but for sheer awe nothing comes close to the trails threading through the Khumbu, the area around Everest.

The best Annapurna treks
Guide

The best Annapurna treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

For lots of visitors, trekking in Annapurna = trekking in Nepal, in particular the two blockbuster treks: the Annapurna Sanctuary and the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Upper Mustang treks
Guide

Upper Mustang treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Beyond the highest Himalayan peaks, up on the northern border with Tibet, is Upper Mustang. I find trekking in Upper Mustang a world apart to the rest of the country; here it's less about the awe-inspiring scenery of most

Langtang Valley treks
Guide

Langtang Valley treks

Often visible from Kathmandu city centre, the Langtang Valley treks are some of the most accessible trekking in Nepal.

Manaslu treks
Guide

Manaslu treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

The hiking trails around mighty Manaslu (8,156m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, have it all. Trekking in Manaslu takes you through steamy lowland valleys and fields of rice which give way to ice-coated passes stalked by leopards.

Dolpo treks
Guide

Dolpo treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

A vast and little-known area of western Nepal, Dolpo is a magical region of frozen desert, piercing blue skies and unnamed peaks. I find trekking in the Dolpo region a world apart from the

Trekking in Far Western Nepal
Guide

Trekking in Far Western Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

In terms of development, this part of Nepal comes at the bottom of almost every list, but for adventure, trekking in Far Western Nepal is near the top of the class. This is a landscape of deep, dank forests, sparkling sheets of water, lonely ice and snow-covered mountains, narrow canyons and ancient villages.

Kanchenjunga treks
Guide

Kanchenjunga treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Way out in the east of Nepal a wall of rock and ice rises up over eight and half kilometres into the sky. This is Kanchenjunga and at 8,586m it’s the third highest mountain on Earth.

The best Makalu treks
Guide

The best Makalu treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

One of the great forgotten Nepal trekking routes, the strenuous two-week Makalu trek is one of my top recommendations for those seeking tranquil trails, getting

After the earthquake
Article

After the earthquake

David Ways

On April 24, 2015 at 11.56am, a devastating 7.

Sri Lanka: From Serendib to serenity
Article

Sri Lanka: From Serendib to serenity

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Nowhere does the ancient and modern coexist as happily as in Sri Lanka. This is a centuries-old civilisation, but it is also a young nation enjoying a period of renaissance following a decades-long civil war.

Wild Sri Lanka
Article

Wild Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is one of the country’s biggest draws. With two marine sanctuaries, 26 national parks and a dazzling diversity of scenery and wildlife, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s ecological heavyweights.

Saving Pushkar's historic camels
Article

Saving Pushkar's historic camels

Mariellen Ward
Mariellen Ward

Pushkar is a small and peaceful town, one of the most sacred in India. It’s the site of one of the only temples devoted to Brahma.

Loved to death
Article

Loved to death

Karam Filfilan
Karam Filfilan

The Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world. The mausoleum, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal is seen as a symbol of love, while its 42-acre complex is admired as an exemplar of Mughal architecture and Indian history.

The arts and crafts of Rajasthan
Article

The arts and crafts of Rajasthan

Rachel Bracken-Singh
Rachel Bracken-Singh

Rajasthan is among the richest states in India when it comes to the quality of its textiles, artwork and clothing. But how do you ensure you’re buying authentic craftworks from responsible sources — and where can you visit local artisans?

Visiting The Historical Palaces & Forts Of Rajasthan
Guide

Visiting The Historical Palaces & Forts Of Rajasthan

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

Rajasthan is India’s royal state. Dubbed the ‘Land of Kings’, its rich history can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisations of 2000 BCE, with excavations in Bundi showing prehistoric settlements.

Guide

Rajasthan's best national parks

Rajasthan’s rugged, dry terrain is dominated by desert. However, pockets of jungle and fauna exist in its national parks, two of which are home to the seldom spotted tiger.

Guide

What to eat in Nepal

Nepalese food is a blend of different cultures and traditions, with Chinese, Indian and Tibetan influences. Although not traditionally seen as one of the world’s foremost cuisines, Nepalese food is slowly becoming more recognised.

How To See India's Golden Triangle
Guide

How To See India's Golden Triangle

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

First, a fairly major caveat: only Jaipur is actually located within Rajasthan. Delhi and Agra (home to the iconic Taj Mahal), the other two corners of India's famous Golden Triangle, are outside the state's eastern border.

Guide

What to eat in Rajasthan

Rajasthani cuisine is well-known across India for its richness and abundance of spice. Its desert location plays a huge part in its food scene, with cured, pickled and dried foods all popular.

Guide

Rajasthan travel FAQs

All you need to know to begin planning your trip to Rajasthan. What currency does India have? How easy is it to exchange money?The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR).

The Journal Podcast #2: On the trail of Nepal's mystical yarsagumba
Article

The Journal Podcast #2: On the trail of Nepal's mystical yarsagumba

Karam Filfilan
Karam Filfilan

Known as the 'roof of the world', Nepal is home to some of the world's most famous mountains and awe-inspiring treks. However, there is more to this country than just Everest and Annapurna base camps.

The best time to trek in Nepal
Guide

The best time to trek in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

October to November is the most popular time to trek in Nepal, with the weather at its mildest and the temperatures manageable. However, routes can be busy during these months and trekking lodges full, so make sure you plan your stops in advance.

The Best Time To Visit Rajasthan
Guide

The Best Time To Visit Rajasthan

Lakshmi Sharath
Lakshmi Sharath

The best time to visit Rajasthan is the cooler, drier period between October/November and February/March. This period avoids the peak summer months of April-June when temperatures soar and things become uncomfortably hot, and also the monsoon season of July-September, which can bring significant disruption.

In the land of Serendib
Article

In the land of Serendib

Ethan Gelber
Ethan Gelber

In 2004, my fiancée was posted to a yearlong volunteer job in Sri Lanka. I willingly joined her, inspired by the opportunity to explore this fabled South Asian island: Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Nation of Smiling People, ancient land of Serendib.

Who will save  India’s monuments?
Article

Who will save India’s monuments?

Somdyuti Datta Ray
Somdyuti Datta Ray

The Qila-i-Mubarak (Red Fort) in Delhi has been the seat of trials and bloodshed ever since its commissioning by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638. Set in the walled city of Shahjahanabad, the red sandstone complex was the empire’s home of administrative affairs, of celebrating art and its artists, feasts and festivities.

Kerala’s ancient art forms
Article

Kerala’s ancient art forms

Karam Filfilan
Karam Filfilan

Look beyond Kerala’s houseboats, tea plantations and Ayurvedic retreats and you’ll see a more primal side to the state. Kerala is home to many different types of classical dance, built out of traditional religious stories and filled with dynamic performances and elaborate costumes.

Guide

When to visit Kerala

The appealing thing about Kerala is that it's a year-round destination, with things to do even during the rainy season.

Cruising Kerala's backwaters by houseboat
Guide

Cruising Kerala's backwaters by houseboat

Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook

The 'backwaters' is the name of the enchanting palm-lined waterways that are synonymous with Kerala. This 900-odd kilometre labyrinth of canals connects large regions of Kerala and was constructed centuries ago for transporting cargo, such as spices and rice.

Best Beaches In India—Other Than Goa
Guide

Best Beaches In India—Other Than Goa

Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook

Goa is world-renowned as India’s major beach destination, with everything from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, but its popularity has come at the cost of overdevelopment, Westernisation and a sometimes over-rowdy party culture. However, there is much more to India’s beach scene than trance parties and commercialised towns.

How to visit the holy Indian town of Maheshwar
Guide

How to visit the holy Indian town of Maheshwar

Sharell Cook
Sharell Cook

The holy town of Maheshwar sits alongside the sacred Narmada River about two hours south of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. It is often referred to as the "Varanasi of Central India" because of the many temples and ghats that line the river.

Experiencing India's great Kumbh Mela pilgrimage
Article

Experiencing India's great Kumbh Mela pilgrimage

Mark Stratton
Mark Stratton

The boatman’s face is swaddled by a scarf against the early morning chill as we drift amid a low silvery mist hugging the Ganges’ surface. We’re approaching the Sangam where the Ganges meets the Yamuna: a sacred confluence revered in Hindu mythology, where the nectar of immortality fell from the heavens.

Visiting Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Guide

Visiting Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

Robin McKelvie
Robin McKelvie

Getting around Getting here is easy these days – you can access the Cultural Triangle from Colombo by car in around three hours. A car with a driver is recommended rather than a hire car due to the sometimes poor Sri Lankan driving standards.

What To Eat In Sri Lanka
Guide

What To Eat In Sri Lanka

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

Sri Lankan food is often compared to that of South India, and they do share some similarities in terms of ingredients and techniques. But Sri Lankan cuisine has a distinct identity, thanks to the communities and cultures that have shaped the country’s history.

Off the beaten track in Nepal
Guide

Off the beaten track in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

If you're going trekking in Nepal chances are you're already familiar with the big beasts; the world-famous

Challenging Nepal treks
Guide

Challenging Nepal treks

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

You'd be forgiven for assuming that trekking in Nepal is some sort of endurance sport.

Easy treks in Nepal
Guide

Easy treks in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

Despite being home to most of the world's tallest mountains, trekking in Nepal can – in places – be relatively easy-going.

Sri Lanka off the beaten track
Guide

Sri Lanka off the beaten track

Vidya Balachander
Vidya Balachander

From ancient ruins to a vibrant and welcoming contemporary culture; from lazy afternoons on glorious beaches, to hikes through the rolling hills of tea country and wild elephant spotting in untouched national parks; Sri Lanka is a destination that truly has it all. Despite having its hard-won stability rocked by occasional political disputes, Sri Lanka's tourism infrastructure is developing in leaps and bounds.

Sri Lanka With Kids
Guide

Sri Lanka With Kids

Emma Boyle
Emma Boyle

Sri Lanka is an excellent place to visit with kids of all ages, and it may not be as challenging or adventurous as you first assume. Firstly, and most importantly, Sri Lankan culture is famously welcoming and is particularly doting of children: your youngsters are guaranteed to be a hit wherever you go.

Trekking in Bhutan
Guide

Trekking in Bhutan

Bradley Mayhew
Bradley Mayhew

Bhutan is notorious for its hefty tourist tax (officially, Sustainable Development Fee, or SDF) which is currently priced at a (temporarily reduced) USD $100 per person per day (Indian, Maldivian and Bangladeshi citizens get a discount).

Trekking in Nepal
Guide

Trekking in Nepal

Stuart Butler
Stuart Butler

The Nepal trekking industry is plagued with an oversupply problem – there seem to be more trekking operators than actual trekkers, which puts immense downward pressure on prices. This might seem like a good thing for you, but when you see a 12 day EBC trek for $800 it means corners are being cut somewhere, usually in the pay and quality (and therefore safety and wellbeing) of ground staff.

Alternatives to the Annapurna Circuit trek
Article

Alternatives to the Annapurna Circuit trek

Dil Gurung
Dil Gurung

The iconic Annapurna treks are a fixture in the

Trekking the Indian Himalaya
Guide

Trekking the Indian Himalaya

Shikha Tripathi
Shikha Tripathi

Growing up in the mountains in India, when the Himalayas were little more than a scenic backdrop, I never realised the privilege of calling them home. The youngest mountain chain in the world cradles ten of the world’s highest peaks and is the source of the Indian subcontinent’s mightiest rivers.

South Asia itineraries

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes
Nepal

Everest Base Camp trek with Gokyo Lakes

Alternative Everest Base Camp itinerary
18 days
Classic Everest Base Camp route
Everest Base Camp

Classic Everest Base Camp route

16 day Everest Base Camp trek itinerary
16 days
Annapurna & Poon Hill Sunrise Trek
Nepal

Annapurna & Poon Hill Sunrise Trek

A customisable trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill
14 days
Nepal trekking, whitewater & MTB adventure
Nepal

Nepal trekking, whitewater & MTB adventure

Epic multisport itinerary in Upper Mustang
12 days
Upper Mustang trek to the Walled City
Nepal

Upper Mustang trek to the Walled City

A trek through Nepal’s restricted Tibetan side
14 days
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Nepal

Manaslu Circuit Trek

A lesser-known alternative to the Annapurna Circuit
14 days

South Asia travel companies

South Asia, Southeast Asia

Yonder Travel

Tailor-made journeys to Asia
South Asia

Snow Cat Travel

Group & private tours to Nepal
West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia

Experience Travel Group

Immersive Holidays That Give Back
Maldives

Secret Paradise Maldives

Maldives local island experts since 2012
Central America, South America, Africa (and 8 more)

Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris

In-depth nature & wildlife tours in outstanding destinations
South Asia

Third Rock Adventures

Private and tailor-made holidays in the Himalayas
Europe, South Asia

Compass Holidays

Self-guided walking & cycling tours
India

Active India

Tailor-made luxury, cultural and active tours of India

Places to go in South Asia

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.