Best of the best India travel guide: six places to holiday this winter
Beaches, wellness, nature, spirituality, wildlife, history – whichever’s your thing, India, with its varied landscape and wealth of heritage, has options to suit every holidaymaker
Come the cooler season, tourists begin to flock to India from all over the world. And Indians themselves shake off the stupor of the sweltering summer and muggy monsoon months, and begin their exploration of the country. Whatever your interest, there is something in India to suit every kind of traveller: here is our list of must-visit destinations for this winter.
Best for history: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
In the sprawling state of Madhya Pradesh, right in the heart of India, is the historic town of Orchha. Despite its proximity to popular locations like Gwalior (famous for its nearby medieval fort) and Khajuraho (the town of temples with erotic wall carvings), it is off the beaten tourist trail. However, this town, by the Betwa river, is definitely worth a trip for its exquisite 17th century monuments.
What to do: start at the Jahangir Mahal palace inside the fort complex, and then walk across the courtyard to Raj Mahal palace for the colourful wall murals. Come back later in the evening to catch the sound and light show that presents the chequered history of this region.
Go temple hopping, making sure to include the Chaturbhuj temple with its soaring walls and tall ceilings, and the Laxminarayan temple, which is the nucleus of local life in Orchha.