India is one of the most colorful and mysterious countries in the world. Take a walk through the swarming, spice-scented markets of Mumbai or on the peaceful white sand beaches of Goa. Explore the sparkling blue lakes and jeweled palaces of Udapiur or the incredible temples, bathing ghats and silk markets of Varanasi. See the beautifully laced stone façade of the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur, India’s pink city, or head off the beaten path to the Bengal Tiger Reserve at Ranthambore National Park. No trip to India is complete without a visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal – it absolutely takes your breath away!

While Northern and Southern India can be combined for an extended trip, there are draws to each region.

Northern India will never disappoint, as it has the most iconic landscapes and architecture in all of India, as well as some of the best wildlife viewing. In the north is where you can view the Taj Mahal at sunset, glowing orange and pink, or take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River. Have afternoon tea on a boat on Lake Udaipur, or head into the wild to see the famed Bengal tigers as well as leopard, hyena, marsh crocodiles, wild boar and of course, the ubiquitous langur monkey.

Southern India, on the other hand, is a boon for those who love diving in to other cultures. The south has Hindu temples with intricate architecture set into the rolling, lush hills. Spend a few nights on a houseboat on Vembanad Lake, or go back into history to the 4,000 year old city of Madurai with Meenakshi Temple. Not to be missed are the white-sand beaches along the Arabian Sea.