With hundreds of National Parks and nature reserves to explore, India is a paradise for the nature-tourist. The country is virtually bursting at the seams with biodiversity, showcasing some of the most extravagant flora, fauna and wildlife to be found on our planet. So whether it’s fluorescent birdlife, dense tropical jungles or wild tigers that you seek, you can be sure to embark on an incredible journey when you plan a trip to one of India’s incredible wildlife sanctuaries.

There are plenty of options available for enjoying nature in India and with a wide selection of National Parks scattered throughout the land, it seems that you’re never too far away from a forest, mountain range or jungle to explore. India is a big place and some of the best parks are not always the easiest to reach, so be sure to decide what it is you seek before choosing where to go. The obvious draw for many tourists is the Royal Bengal Tiger and India by far remains to be the best destination in the world for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. I’m a huge fan of tiger safaris in India and have written a separate article here covering this subject in much more detail, but for the sake of introducing you to some of the best National Parks on offer then please see my shortlist below…

Ranthambore gets top of the list in my opinion, for not only have I seen more wild tigers here than any other place in India, but the fact it’s so easy to access (three and a half hours train from Delhi) means it’s a winner every time! Ranthambore is a fascinating blend of history and nature. Inside the park is an impressive ancient fort that’s well worth a visit in between safari trips. The park supports a wide range of plants and animals, including around 30 tigers. Not only is it close to reach from Delhi, but you could easily include a few nights here when following a tour of India’s most popular tourist trail – The Golden Triangle.

Many people are surprised to learn that lions are indigenous to India. Once upon a time Asiatic lions roamed throughout the Middle East and India but nowadays Gir National Park is the only place left in the world they can be seen living in the wild. The Asiatic lion is different from it’s African cousin in so much as it’s typically smaller in size and lives within a forested area. There are no tigers to be seen in this area, but sightings of leopards are also quite common, making it one of the best parks in India for seeing big cats. The park is situated at quite a distance away from many of the main tourist trails of India, so do factor this in before booking, but I would say a visit to Gir is well worth the long journey.

The swamps and grasslands that form this stunning National Park make it the perfect habitat for the Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros and this sanctuary is home to more of these stunning animals than any other place on earth. Another great appeal for visiting Kaziranga is the option of taking an elephant safari, where you can get up-close with nature, while experiencing a ride atop one of these magnificent creatures. The park sits on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in India’s remote Northeast region of Assam, approximately six hours from Guwahati.

A canoe cruise on the muddy waters, meandering through thick mangrove forests in pursuit of the Royal Bengal Tiger is sure to thrill you to no end. This park is actually home to one of the largest concentrations of tigers on the planet (estimated at 300), which are particularly elusive in this region and therefore rarely seen. The Sunderbans form a vast network of water channels amidst thick mangrove forests that collectively form the world’s largest river delta. The place is beautiful and highly recommended to visit if you get the chance.

The Valley of Flowers has a limited viewing time and involves a bit of a trek to get to, but you’re sure to feel on top of the world if you ever get to this enchanting place! The high altitude alpine valley is a glacial corridor that comes alive during the monsoon season with around 300 different varieties of flowers. They appear as a bright carpet of colour against a mountainous snow capped background. Best time to visit is between mid-July and mid-August, when the majority of flowers are in full bloom.

Divided by the Kabini River are two of South India’s most famous National Parks. Bandipur is located on the popular route from Mysore to Ooty and therefore gets visited more often, but both parks form part of a wider protected area known as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The area is home to some tigers (although they’re rarely sighted) and is more famous for seeing south Asia’s largest population of wild elephants. It’s not uncommon to sight the elephants bathing on the banks of the river and even treading through the surrounding tea plantations that border onto the parks’ forests.

There’s no doubt that India’s wide range of ancient forts and temples stand tall and proud, glistening in the sunlight as some of the country’s greatest sights to see. Beyond the obvious allure of the Taj Mahal, there are many lesser-known places that are well worth a visit. I could never list them all here but read on for my shortlist of some of the best buildings and monuments to look out for…

I distinctly remember traveling in India with some friends from the USA and what amazed them (coming from a relatively new country) was just how old some of India’s monuments actually were. If you’re visiting India for the first time (and sightseeing is your kind of thing) then there’s no doubt you should start your trip in Delhi and plan a tour through the regal desert state of Rajasthan. I would say that within 10 -14 days you could take on a comfortable tour that captures many of the key sights worth seeing.

Let’s just start with the most obvious! The Taj Mahal earns every grain of it’s popularity because it simply is so beautiful! Everyone loves a good story (especially a love story) and the devotional tale that goes with the construction of this site is entirely inspirational, making a visit here even more special. I won’t share that story with you now, as you’re guaranteed to be approached by a local travel guide who will tell you all about it when you visit. Enjoy 🙂 !

Another obvious choice (and the temple of my forefathers) is the stunning Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The temple is a holy shrine and the most famous pilgrimage site for followers of the Sikh religion. It’s beautifully constructed with embroidered gold panels and an elaborate onion-shaped dome on top that contains 750kg of gilded gold! Remember this is a holy place and respect should be shown at all times. Photography is prohibited within the temple and visitors must remove their shoes, wash their feet and cover their heads at all times. The golden temple is just one part of a wider complex that includes several other monuments dotted around the site, including a Sikh museum. The temple even has clean and well-appointed guest rooms available, which can be rented for a small fee on a first-come-first-served-basis (check availability on site when visiting).

This stunning temple perhaps doesn’t fit the bill of being an historical sight (constructed in 1986) but gets a mention in my list for not only being a fantastic piece of architecture, but more so because of the significance behind the Bahai faith. Until visiting this site, I hadn’t actually heard about the Bahai faith, but I’m so glad I did, for wouldn’t the world be such a wonderful place if we could take a page out of their book! In essence the Bahai faith believes and promotes the oneness of God. They embrace, accept and welcome all religions and faiths. I highly recommend a visit to this site where you can visit the information centre and learn more about the Bahai faith.

Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Khajuraho monuments are a group of temples and monuments located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. They are most notable for their distinct nagar-style architecture and erotic statues. If you’re planning to visit some of the best safari parks for tiger spotting in India (located in Madhya Pradesh) then these temples are a must place to visit along the most popular route from Delhi.

Another one of India’s listed World Heritage Sites by UNESCO is the village of Hampi with its beautiful monuments and temples. Hampi is built amongst the ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. The village is a stunning place to spend a few days amongst the rocks and boulders, busy bazaars and ancient ruins that lurk in almost every corner. In recent years Hampi has become a popular hangout spot for backpackers, which (depending on your traveling tastebuds) could be a good or bad thing. Nonetheless it’s an impressive place to visit and pretty easy to reach from most of the main beach resorts of the south, making it a good choice if you want a change of scene from sea, sunsets and sand.

The vast majority of India’s coastlines are still underdeveloped, meaning many places do not have the resources to cater for the demands of international tourism. That said, it’s immensely refreshing to visit a place that has yet to be exploited for its commercial value. So, if you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get off the beaten track and don’t mind a bit of beach tar on your feet, then India’s beaches are most definitely the place for you! I remember visiting Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands only two years ago (2015) and the locals were charging 250 rupees (that’s about £3) for a whole stuffed lobster with rice and salad! I mean these guys hadn’t even clocked on to the fact that they could probably charge foreigners ten times this price for the same meal! While writing this I’m actually hesitating as to whether or not I should be publishing such examples into the public domain, for it’s only a matter of time until hidden gems like Havelock Island become discovered by the masses, oversaturated and consequently destroyed.

On the other hand, the lack of touristic development in many of India’s beach towns does come with its downsides too. If you were to be spotted by the locals sunbathing for example, then you’re highly likely to attract much unwanted attention. Female travellers wearing bikinis could be putting themselves in danger and the vast majority of India’s shoreline remains the fisherman’s favourite toilet! The only exception to such irritations can be found in the more developed beaches of Goa and Kerala, which demonstrates how the influence of mass tourism can also bring along some very welcome innovations.

Below is a shortlist of my best beaches in India. I have yet to explore much of the east coast of India, which I hope to achieve some time in the near future and will update this post accordingly.

Ok, so you wouldn’t exactly want to swim in the sea here, but this beach gets a mention for its fun and bustling vibe. Juhu beach backs on to a posh residential area, where many of the Bollywood movie stars live and are occasionally to be spotted strolling along the beach. By far the best time to visit is in the evenings, when the place completely transforms. Street vendors come out to sell everything from balloons to candy floss and offer just about anything in between from camel rides to tattoos! It’s beautiful to watch the sun setting on the Arabian Sea, while enjoying some of Mumbai’s famous street food. I would recommend trying Bhel Puri, as it’s a relatively safe option for foreigners to eat!

I’ve got my money on this place becoming very popular in years to come! Tharkali is located in the southern part of Maharashtra, sitting on the border with Goa (2-3 hours drive from Panjim). It reminds me of the early days when I used to visit Goa and before it became overcrowded. It’s a long wide stretch of ocean and is popular for water sports (especially on weekends) with many locals coming down from Mumbai. Not only is the beach beautiful, but it’s also one of the few coral reefs off the mainland, meaning it’s also a great spot for snorkelling and diving.

Arambol is a lovely beach right at the northern tip of Goa. It has a big wide stretch of sand, so you can always find a space of your own, especially if you head south towards Mandrem. Arambol is the beach of choice for many long-term travellers and there’s a wide range of decent and cheap accommodation to choose from. It’s a lot more chilled here compared to the bigger resorts of northern Goa (Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Candolim), which tend to be more popular nowadays amongst the Indian crowd. Arambol is the most established of the four main beach resorts that sit north above the Chapora River, providing a good selection of market stalls and restaurants to explore.

Moving further south from Arambol are three beautiful and very chilled out beaches. In fact from Arambol, you could easily walk along the coast and not know the difference, because each beach merges from one to the other. The sea is choppy here, so swim with caution. There are plenty of beach huts offering cheap rooms with ever more new hotels and boutiques popping up each season. If you’re looking for a chilled place to explore the northern side of Goa, then anywhere along this stretch would be the perfect location.

Although quite touristy and overcrowded these days, Baga is the perfect spot to soak up some action. The Baga stretch of beach trails south into Calangute and Candolim to form Goa’s three most commercial resorts. Here you’ll find everything that Goa has to offer; from fine dining, nightclubs, established hotel chains, water sport activities and international shopping boutiques. If you’ve been travelling in India for a long time, then pit-stopping here for a few days can be highly favourable, offering you the chance to get a good dose of some western comforts you might be missing from home. For example, when visiting Goa I like to dip into this part of town to stock up on some good quality sunscreen and some of my favourite snacks rarely to be seen elsewhere in India such as cheddar cheese, ham and fillet steak!

The ultimate chill-out beach in Goa is this delightful southern stretch known as Agonda. It’s a few kilometres north of Palolem (the South’s most popular beach) meaning you’re in a good place to get some action if you require it. Hawkers are banned from the beachfront here, meaning you can rest assured you won’t be disturbed or annoyed by local touts. If you just want to get away from it all and recharge then Agonda should be the perfect spot!

I first visited Palolem in 2004 and my how it’s changed over the years! In those days it was like discovering paradise on earth, with just enough infrastructure to provide the comforts desired, but not too commercial or crowded. In recent years however, the idyllic charm has slowly washed away. Nonetheless, Palolem still remains one of (if not the) best beaches in Goa. It’s very laid-back here (compared to the party scene in the north) and tends to attract a more hippy/backpacker crowd, with travellers coming from all over the world.

If you travel south over the border of Goa and into the state of Karnataka, you soon arrive at the fantastic beach town of Gokarna. Think Goa 20 years ago, this place has all the charm you would expect from a virgin sub-tropical coastal town, without the influx of mass tourism to spoil it. Gokarna’s main town area is one of three religious sites located in this region and is an extremely sacred place for Hindus. There are many temples throughout and it’s always charming to see the abundance of cows that live and roam freely amongst the crowds and on the beaches. A few kilometres south of the main zone are where most of the foreign travellers hangout on what I believe are some of the best beaches to be found in the country. Kudlee beach and Om beach are where you’re most likely to find a cheap (if not basic) place to stay right on the beachside. There’s no road to reach these beaches, which means you either have to trek down the cliffs or take a boat from the main town.

About an hour’s drive south of Gokarna is another sacred Hindu settlement on the Karnataka coastline called Murudeshwar. This is a very Indian town with few services catering for foreigners at present. However, the reason it gets a mention in this list is because there’s a spectacular statue of Lord Shiva which has been built right on the tip of the headland. The statue is HUGE and definitely adds some charm and character to the stunning beach scenery surrounding it. There are a couple of decent and modern hotels built out on the cliffs, mostly geared towards Indian pilgrims visiting the holy sites nearby. If you were traveling by road between Goa and Kerala, then this could be a great resting point to stop for a night along the way.

Nestled in the south of Kerala is the beautiful costal town of Varkala. The main beach is actually separated by two cliffs, unsurprisingly referred to by the locals as the north and south cliff respectively. Varkala is very popular with backpackers and long-term nomads and is a great place to meet other travellers. The north cliff is notably busier with more cafes and beach shacks, while the south cliff is more relaxed with a better selection of places to stay. The waves are big here, so swim with caution and the colour of the sea is notably more turquoise compared to hues seen in Goa and Karnataka. If you stroll a few kilometres along the coast from the south cliff there’s apparently a natural supply of fresh spring water that trickles out from the cliffs where you can fill your water bottle. Please ask locals for the exact location and only drink at your own risk!

Kerala’s most established beach resort is the beautiful southern stretch known as Kovalam. The area is a popular surfing spot and there’s a good selection of guesthouses and restaurants dotted along the pedestrianised promenade. In my opinion Kovalam is not as charming as Varkala, but at only 15km away from the capital city, it’s easily reachable and a good place to enjoy the sun, sand and sea.

Located on the utmost southern tip of the country, Kanyakumari is a town where you can see the sun both rise and set from the same place. In April (during full moon) you also have the chance to see the sun setting and the moon rising at the same time! Furthermore, Kanyakumari is the meeting spot for three seas (The Arabian Sea, The Indian Ocean and the Bay Of Bengal) and it’s for all of these reasons that tourists like to visit this place. It’s easy to make a day trip to Kanyakumari from the popular beach resorts of southern Kerala, although you might want to spend a night here to admire the early sun rising on the three converging seas.

Geographically the Andaman Islands are located closer to Thailand than they are to mainland India, but (thankfully) the Indian government has restricted access from South-east Asia, meaning you can only visit this region by either flying or taking a ship directly from the mainland. For this reason alone, the Andaman Islands are all the more special. The fact they are so remote and difficult to access makes it ever more rewarding to reach them and then, when you discover just how stunning the beaches are, you feel even more satisfied at having made the journey. By far the best place to check out for a first time visitor is Havelock Island. The north east coast of this micro island is the most developed section, with the bulk of guesthouses to choose from. It’s also one of the cheapest places in the world to learn diving with qualified level 5 PADI instructors and some amazing corals nearby. On the west coast though is where you’ll find the best beaches. Elephant beach is accessed by a 20 min jungle trek and is a perfect snorkelling spot. While Radhnagar beach was once voted as Asia’s greatest beach by Time magazine (and rightfully so) for its powder white sands and strikingly still seawater making it a perfect choice for swimming.

The backwaters of Kerala are a peaceful and serene network of water channels that run adjacent to the coast of the Arabian Sea. With more than 200 km of palm-fringed lagoons, canals and rivers, the labyrinth of channels that forms the Keralan backwaters are a stunning sight to behold and the perfect place to unwind and tune in to the slow pace of life that dawdles here.

By far the most popular way to explore the backwaters is to charter a traditional Keralan Houseboat. The houseboats are made using old-style techniques. Wooden planks are held together with coconut fibres to make the hull, while the roof is constructed out of bamboo poles and palm leaves. The houseboats most certainly have a rustic charm and are a recommended choice if you can afford them! Sadly the price for chartering a houseboat has more than tripled over the last few years and nowadays you’d be lucky to find a boat for less than 10,000 rupees (£120) per night! That said, the boats are often furnished to a pretty high spec and the price typically includes a delicious Keralan meal served up on a banana leaf! Make sure you agree to the terms before booking, as I’ve heard some reports from other travellers that the food has been pretty basic. If you’re paying top dollar, then I think it’s standard to expect tiger prawns and beers be included in the price, so always check upfront exactly what’s being offered before you hand over any money.

If spending a small fortune on a houseboat isn’t your kind of thing, then fear not, as the whole experience is really rather overhyped in my opinion and the sector has become a bit congested recently, with far too many boats fighting for mooring spaces along the popular routes. You might therefore want to be a bit savvy and plan a trip during low season as not only will there be less people, but you’ll have a better chance of negotiating a good deal (low season being April – September).

As an alternative to taking a houseboat, there are several other cheaper (and dare I say even better!) options for you to consider…

As a cheaper alternative, then consider chartering a houseboat for a day trip instead. You could then look to spend the night in a homestay on the waterfront and save a few rupees in the process. The last time I slept on a houseboat, I distinctly remember being attacked by mosquitoes all night and seeing a large spider in my cabin in the morning, which might not be everyone’s idea of fun for a £200 price tag!

Alleppey is the main hub for the backwaters and if you get yourself down to the central ferry terminal, you can then look out for the local public ferry. For just a few rupees you can hop on board, as this service is very much used like a bus by the locals. It will give you a much more authentic experience of life afloat the Keralan backwaters. The downside is that these boats are quite big, meaning they only traverse fixed routes up and down the middle of the main channels, so you won’t get to see the village-life up close.

For a few rupees more than the public ferries are the government-run tourist boats. There are about 5 boats a day, which again run out of the Alleppey main ferry terminal. They also follow a similar route up and down the big channels but the main difference is that they have an open deck on top for sightseeing.

Another cheap option is to take the 8-hour long ferry from Alleppey to Kollam (or vice versa). The boat departs daily from the DTPC boat jetty at 10:30 am and costs 300 rupees (price last checked in 2016). Some people might want to take note that this boat makes a stop along the way at the Matha Amrithanandamayi (Mission of the Hugging Mother). In my opinion, this boat journey is quite long and considering there are no amenities on board, can also become a bit repetitive and tedious after some time.

I save the best option till last and suggest that the greatest way to experience the Keralan backwaters is to rent a small canoe, kayak or what the locals call a Shikara (small motor boat) and take a tour of the narrower canals and lagoons. You might not get all the luxuries of a houseboat, but you will definitely see a lot more and have a great day out. Highly enjoyable!

I can’t remember the exact words (so I will paraphrase here) but the late, great writer, Kushwant Singh, made me laugh once when he wrote that…

“The Western obsession for Yoga and spirituality in India is a complete mystery to the native people and could be compared to thousands of Indians flocking to the U.K and being totally obsessed with Morris Dancing.”

The common Indian of today is more concerned with establishing his prosperity within a notoriously materialistic society and has very little time for chanting mantras and opening chakras. On the other hand, having been raised in the western world, I concede there is a great craving for spirituality in our world today and must confess I’m a bit of a wannabe Yogi myself!

Yoga has become big business in recent years and the Indian response to this growing western appetite for self-discovery means there are literally thousands of schools and programs to choose from. Furthermore (and especially if you’re new to yoga) it can be overwhelming to get your head around all the different techniques and styles on offer. In this way, it’s always good to choose a retreat that will introduce you to a selection of styles, so you can hopefully discover what’s best for you. With any luck, some of the recommendations below will put you onto the right track.

One should always tread carefully when seeking out an ashram in India because there are plenty of charlatans in this sector, who are more concerned with taking your money than teaching anything spiritual. Always read reviews online and speak to previous students if you can to make sure you’re in for a good ride.

As with many things in India these days, yoga doesn’t necessarily come cheap, but in most cases, spending a bit of money will assure you get a comfortable place to stay with good food and access to excellent teachers. Some institutions are extremely popular and get booked up quickly so consider reserving a space well ahead if you can.

Another thing to mention is that while the focus of yoga taught in the west is predominantly centred around the physical experience; holding poses (asanas), the majority of schools in India place a greater emphasis on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Yoga; namely breathing, meditation, cleansing and even community work (seva).

The list below mentions some of the more popular and established retreats and institutions to be found in India. Many of these places offer introductory courses and drop-in day classes as well as lengthier programs, typically referred to within the industry as teacher-training programs. I’ve always found this term a bit mis-leading, for surely a yogi should have practiced for many years before even considering training to become a teacher?

Please consider that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other retreats (particularly the more traditional ones), that don’t have much of a footprint on the Internet. Rishikesh is an obvious place to see what’s on offer locally, as it’s widely considered as the Yoga Capital of North India along with Mysore being the best hub for yoga in the South.