South Asia is intense, colourful and enormously varied. India alone could fill a lifetime, Nepal is the gateway to the Himalaya, Sri Lanka packs beaches, wildlife and hill country into a small island, and the Maldives is the region's barefoot-luxury escape. Plan around the monsoon: October to March is the classic season for most of the region.
Countries in South Asia
India
The Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's forts, Kerala's backwaters and Himalayan foothills.
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Sri Lanka
Ancient rock fortresses, scenic tea-country trains, leopards and golden beaches.
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Nepal
Everest and Annapurna treks, Kathmandu's temples and jungle safaris in Chitwan.
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Maldives
Overwater villas, house reefs, manta rays and guesthouse islands on a budget.
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Top landmarks
Taj Mahal
The white-marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan, perhaps the world's most beautiful building.
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Amber Fort
A honey-coloured hilltop fort-palace with a mirrored hall.
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Hawa Mahal
The Palace of Winds, a pink honeycomb façade of 953 windows.
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Red Fort
The Mughal emperors' red-sandstone citadel in Old Delhi.
Discover →Sigiriya
A 5th-century palace on top of a 180-metre rock, with frescoes and lion paws.
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Temple of the Tooth
Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine, housing a relic of the Buddha.
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