10 days in India Itinerary

It may very well be fair to call India "incredible," given its mind-boggling diversity of landscapes, climates, cultures, and languages. The world's largest democracy, and second only to China in terms of population, India contains majestic peaks dusted with glistening snow, sun-drenched beaches, ancient hand-carved temples, and sprawling cities jam-packed with people, vehicles, and animals. Many tour India during the country's devotional festivals, which range from immense parades that convert cities into giant performance stages, to simple farming fairs dedicated to relatively obscure local deities. Whenever you choose to vacation in India, make sure you see some of the country's World Heritage Sites, which include the legendary Taj Mahal and Chilika Lake, the planet's second-largest lagoon.

A hilly and mountainous state with valleys and highland plateaus, Meghalaya offers a treat for nature lovers. A holiday in Meghalaya usually involves some combination of trekking, mountaineering, river canyoning, and swimming, plus a tour of ethnic villages and sampling of local cuisine. Visit the wettest place on earth, where subtropical forests hide living root bridges, impressive waterfalls, spectacular rock formations, and long cave systems. Sacred groves, lakes, and national parks harbor abundant wildlife, while year-round ethnic festivals and fairs keep alive traditional lifestyles.