Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan

Set on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the capital city and by far the largest urban area on the island. A mix of historic architecture and contemporary living, this vibrant place is certainly worth including in your trip if you want to get to know modern Sri Lanka.

Set in the northwest of Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is the largest conservation area in the country, home to a decent range of wildlife, notably including elephants, leopards and sloth bears. It also experiences far lower visitor numbers than the more popular Yala National Park.

Set in northcentral Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is an iconic hilltop fortress. Other attractions in this area include the rock temples of Dambulla and the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It’s a fascinating area, which is home to some really good accommodation options.

Set in the mountainous centre of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is the centre of the tea-producing region, a famous British colonial retreat which is commonly referred to as ‘Little England’, renowned for elegant homestay bungalows out amongst the various tea plantations.

Set in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, Yala is the largest and best-known national park in the country, famously home to elephants, leopards and sloth bears, as well as having some decent beaches. The area also has a surprisingly good range of safari accommodation.

Set on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a pleasant fishing port, lined either side with some lovely beaches, which feature an unusual mix of accommodation from intimate boutique guesthouses to enormous beach hotels and a major golf resort.

Set on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle (pronounced 'gorl') is an historic port, centred on an impressive Portuguese, Dutch and British fort, a lovely place to explore and with some really authentic accommodation options.

Set in the northwest of India, Delhi is a vast and sprawling city, a ragtag collage of thousands of years of successive empires and a major powerhouse of the modern economy. Although there is plenty of local colour, most international visitors treat the place as little more than a transit stop on the way to more exotic and less hectic locations. A major base for luxury trains.

Set in western Bhutan, Thimphu is the capital of the country, a relatively modest little place with a reasonably intimate atmosphere and some strong cultural aspects, but which tends to feature relatively fleetingly in most trips.

Set in western Bhutan, Punakha is the middle of the five main valleys that most commonly feature in trips, much lower in altitude and having a considerably warmer climate, with some fascinating history and culture, great options for hiking, biking and rafting, as well as an excellent range of accommodation options.

Set in central Bhutan, Gangtey is the second most easterly of the five main valleys that most commonly feature in trips, at higher altitude, centred on an impressive monastery, with some pleasant rural scenery, black-necked cranes, lovely hiking and some great accommodation options.

Set in central Bhutan, Bumthang is the most easterly of the five main valleys that most commonly feature in trips, noticeably more remote and at higher altitude, with some gorgeous scenery, impressive architecture, particularly interesting culture, abundant festivals and some great accommodation options.

Set in western Bhutan, Paro is the most westerly of the five main valleys that most commonly feature in trips, the location of the main airport and more heavily inhabited than more easterly areas, it is home to the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery, with excellent hiking trails and a wide range of accommodation options.