Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.

Goa has the ability to revitalize the soul, whether one craves the energy of nightlife and zest for revelry, or the rejuvenating power of meditative yoga on an endless beach. It’s all here, from the dynamic bazaars buzzing with color and spices to the curious blend of Portuguese and Indian traditions and architecture – all celebrated with zeal and joy in Goa.

Sri Lanka’s capital until recent times, this fascinating city is filled with an intriguing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and ancient temples. A key stop on the spice routes, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading companies left behind churches, monuments and religions, as well as smatterings of their languages that have been incorporated into the speech and daily routine of the local Sri Lankans.

Atiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced “maaley”) is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the country’s political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

Atiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced “maaley”) is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the country’s political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

Praslin, the second largest island of Seychelles and arguably tops in attractions, features stunning beaches, azure seas, tangles of jungle and a trademark relaxed atmosphere. What makes Praslin unique is the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest of rare fauna, and most famously the coco de mer palm, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been aptly called the Garden of Eden.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

This capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

Praslin, the second largest island of Seychelles and arguably tops in attractions, features stunning beaches, azure seas, tangles of jungle and a trademark relaxed atmosphere. What makes Praslin unique is the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest of rare fauna, and most famously the coco de mer palm, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been aptly called the Garden of Eden.

Nosy Be is an island off Madagascar’s northwestern coast. In the southeast, the forests of Lokobe Reserve shelter chameleons, geckos and frogs. The capital, known as Hell-Ville, has French colonial buildings and a covered market. Lemuria Land is home to a variety of lemurs, plus reptiles. Also in the park is a 19th-century distillery still used to extract essential oils from the native ylang-ylang tree.

Off the coast of Tanzania, the island of Zanzibar is imbued with exotic local spices and fruits, such as clove, lemon grass, jackfruit and mango. The aroma of these enticing scents fills the air as you explore the town, from its intricately carved doors and grand palaces to its formidable forts and sugar-white beaches. Peruse the market for a lovely keepsake of this unique place, or simply enjoy a cool drink in Old Stone Town.

Mombasa lies on a coral island linked to the mainland by causeways. This is Kenya’s second-largest city and its chief port. Its long and complex history includes a well-established part of important trade routes, a city cloaked in Middle Eastern mystery, Portuguese Indian cultures creating an exotic and colorful atmosphere. White beaches border ink-blue Indian Ocean waters, but most visitors are drawn to Kenya’s vast interior game reserves.