Holidays in India are wrapped in sights, sounds, food and generous hospitality. Though India’s history goes back more than 3,000 years, its unbroken traditions and rituals remain today – some of the mantras you hear in the temples are the relics of several thousand years, for instance. There is always something happening in India and festivals are a big deal, from Diwali the Festival of Lights, which is celebrated very differently across the country, to the 10-day Dussehra which precedes it and Holi, the Festival of Colours. 

Unless you have a specific plan in mind a typical holiday will usually start with Delhi, India’s wonderfully chaotic capital with a similar population to the whole of Sri Lanka. Then it’s on to Rajasthan for the magnificent scenery, forts and palaces before heading to the tropical climes of Goa for a beach holiday if there’s time. Or from Delhi you might venture south to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, perhaps the phantom city of Fatehpur Sikri, and on to Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur where you can explore bustling bazaars, Rajput and Mughal-influenced architecture and lakes to experience the Golden Triangle in all its glory. 

On the south-west coast of India, Kerala is also a key destination; not just for its famous backwaters and houseboats but also for its wellness offering, cultural capital Trivandrum, and Cochin’s colonial history. There are beaches too; south of Cochin is Marari Beach, a vast swathe of sand backed by palms and flora.  

A stay in one of India’s heritage hotels is an absolute must if you’re seeking luxury, if only for a night or two, and the team at Incent know exactly which ones to recommend. Incent works closely with a number of hotel groups, favouring the likes of Taj, Oberoi, CGH, Raas, Samode and a stable of independent boutiques, some in the lesser-visited southern parts, whom they have trusted relationships with and know the levels of service they’ll provide.

Few distinguishing features capture the spirit of Bhutan quite like its cliff-teetering Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, gross national happiness indexes, and dramatic scenery of Himalayan peaks and forests that spring to mind its carbon-negative status. It’s a place of peace and adventure, where days are spent trekking or driving through spectacular hills and valleys and visiting temples before tucking into a bowl of Ema Datshi, the national dish of spicy, cheesy stew.

The country is home to some of the world's finest hotels which meander across the central belt and offer wellness experiences, cultural excursions, and fancy five-star services. First-time visitors to Bhutan will usually fly into Paro before taking a short transfer to the capital, Thimphu, and spend a night at either the Pemako, a luxurious city-centre hotel surrounded by attractions, shops and restaurants, or the ZhiwaLing Ascent, a secluded deluxe property a couple of kilometres outside. 

Then it’s northeast to the district of Punakha, the route snaking through the stunning Dochula Pass up to the Punakha Dzong (monastery) – Bhutan’s Taj Mahal – before eventually heading back to Paro by road or by helicopter. With a choice of incredible stays including Six Senses and Como, people usually spend two nights in Punakha, mixing in some soft hiking, visits to the nunnery and Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman) and perhaps some river rafting on the male and female rivers that pass the main Punakha Dzong.

Other classic experiences include rice picking in the paddies, blessings by monks and participating in the festivals, most of which take place inside the monasteries. The two most important are in Paro between March and April and Punakha between February and March. Then there is the Thimphu festival and the Wangdue Tshechu Festival which happens shortly after the monsoon (late September/early October).

The birthplace of Buddha, life in Nepal moves at a small pace, which is what makes it such a beautiful destination. Generally visitors holiday in India beforehand, in which case when they reach Nepal they’ll kick things off at the capital Kathmandu for three or four nights, perhaps exploring the areas of Thamel, an old hippie town with a joyful labyrinth of streets and shops, and Boudhanath with its must-see Boudhanath Stupa monument, before heading west to Pokhara, the Himalayan gateway city. 

From Pokhara you’re within reach of the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo Mustang, which is unlike anything you will have ever seen before with its Stark and moon-like landscapes, ancient temples and luxury Shinta Mani hotel. South-west of Kathmandu are the flat lands of Terai where you find more magnificent lodges and hotels. This is where you head for wildlife, specifically to see the one-horn white rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger. 

In the morning the most important thing that happens in Kathmandu is the famous mountain flight which lasts around 40-55 minutes and offers a glimpse of six of the eight 8,000m peaks. Private groups can charter a plane, perhaps with some champagne and a post-flight souvenir certificate. Flying around the Annapurna Mountains as well is just as stunning, showcasing some of the most scenic, stunning landscapes you’ll ever get to see in Nepal.

A lot of people head for the Base Camp of Mount Everest, beginning with a thrilling 15-25 minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (and its pulse-racing airport). From there you can have breakfast on the mountain or, if you’re staying for longer, embark on the iconic Base Camp trek, winding through villages like Phakding and Namche Bazaar.