6 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.

One of the jewels in India's crown, Rajasthan is probably at its most appealing when seen from the berth of an express train. An epic railway journey across India's largest state reveals sleepy villages frozen in time many centuries ago, ancient fortresses and temples with commanding views over the surrounding landscape, and giant cities teeming with life, noise, heat, color, and spice. To see as much as you can during your trip to Rajasthan, explore the famous Golden Triangle, which includes the cities of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Other notable destinations worthy of a well-rounded Rajasthan itinerary include Bikaner, famed for its sweets, and Udaipur, known for its lakes and romantic backdrops.