Sindhudurg

This Maharashtrian district (an 8-ish-hour drive from Mumbai) is a serene, relatively untouched patch of India’s beautiful West Coast, made dramatic by its many forts.

Thar Desert

This massive desert touches some of the most beautiful cities in the world, including Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, and is home to some of India’s most vibrant art-forms.

Aizawl

 

 The gorgeous capital city of Mizoram is literally built on a ridge nearly 4,000 ft. above sea-level. Talk about living on the edge.

Chitrakoot Falls

These impressive falls – known to some as India’s Niagara – serve the dual purpose of telling you what season it is (if, for some reason, all your senses have failed except eyesight): They are brownish in the monsoon because they carry silt, but are clear in the summers when they don’t.

Allepey

And, while we’re in Kerala, it would be unfair to move on without a little detour through the stunning backwaters. Home sweet houseboat.

Athirapally

What do you get when you combine streams, forests, an 80-foot waterfall, and perfect Kerala weather? God’s own vacation destination.