South Asia: Sri Lanka, Maldives, India, Bhutan, Nepal

Covered in forests, fringed by golden sands, filled with colourful cultures like nowhere else on Earth and dotted with the ruins, castles and palaces of lost civilisations, South Asia is an assault on the senses – in the best possible way.

Made up of  Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan, no two countries are the same with a diversity in people, culture, religion, cuisine and natural beauty unrivalled anywhere else on the planet.

The Maldives make for the perfect tropical island escape, with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the purest of white-sand beaches and the warm and illuminating Maldivian people.

Some might say Sri Lanka has been hiding in plain sight. However, this is changing fast with scores of travellers each year discovering its myriad charms and the news spreading fast. Train rides through tea plantations, oodles of elephants, rolling surf perfect for catching a wave, fresh seafood and flavourful curries, timeless ruins and some of the world’s most friendly locals – it’s little wonder that Sri Lanka is topping bucket lists.

An old saying goes “There’s the rest of the world, and then there is India.” And no truer words have been spoken. With a smorgasbord of tantalising recipes – from spicy samosas and deep-sea delights to milky lassis and vegetarain curries – and a culture as colourful and diverse as its food, India is a place that is sure to exasperate, thrill and absolutely confound all at once. 

If you’re after Himalayan views, rural villages, jungle wildlife, rainbow prayer flags and delicious momos, then Nepal is the place for you. Life slows down here, whether you are enjoying a sunset from the top of a snowy mountain, slowly strolling around a medieval city square in Kathmandu, biking around the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini or laughing with the locals in a countryside cafe as you watch elephants casually pass on by down the streets.

If you are not yet convinced, read our array of articles, tips and incredible deals to find out more about this enchanting corner of the world.