Known as the Land of High Passes, India’s northern region of Ladakh, is characterised by towering granite peaks with an average elevation of over 3000 metres above sea level. This is mountaineering territory – challenging trails wind over craggy peaks and trace deep valleys, with stunning scenery guiding every footstep. At the summit of many of these alps you’ll find squatting gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) quietly overseeing the plunging gorge scars below.

No, this isn’t the Maldives. But, for all the classic, deserted island beauty found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands – 1300 kilometres off India’s south-eastern coast in the Bay of Bengal – it may as well be. There are over 300 islands (less than 40 inhabited) in the archipelago offering countless mangroves, coral reefs, tangles of tropical rainforests and pristine stretches of sand to explore.

Choose your own adventure on the shores of Goa, a southern Indian state where beautiful beaches are easy to come by. Looking out to the Arabian Sea, there’s every kind of shoreline here: party beaches, lava rock-lined beaches, dolphin-spotting beaches and even secret coves where marine critters from sea cucumber to urchins wash up on the edges. With temperatures rarely tipping below 25°C, even in winter, this is a year-round paradise. 

Although India’s ancient wonders are countless, there are plenty of modern stunners, too. The structure of this Bahá'í temple of worship in New Delhi is based on a lotus flower, its petals unfurling to the sun above. Although the building is of particular significance to those of Bahá'í faith, the temple is open to all for prayer, meditation and contemplation, or, to those who wish to admire its unique architectural beauty.

There are no fewer than 30 caves – with some doubling as monasteries or sanctuaries – intricately carved into the granite cliffs near the village of Ajanta in the heart of India. It’s a beguiling glimpse into the Hinayana/Theravadin Buddhist community: the multi-century construction project began as far back as the 2nd century BC. Not only were rock-hewn doors, stairs, internal shrines and facades carefully sculpted, they were also adorned with extensive and colourful murals; the remains of which some can still be glimpsed today. 

Yes, Rajasthan has many architectural treasures (the pink presence of Hawa Mahal or the celestial blue of Jodhpur, for example) but are you familiar with Chand Baori, a 20-metre-deep well? The precise, repetitious pattern of the 3500 descending steps is a harmonious example of careful geometry; an impressive feat considering it was constructed over a thousand years ago.

It’s fitting that the Sun Temple of Konârak dedicated to Surya, the sun god, is bathed in its rays. This elaborate structure has stood on the shores of the country’s eastern edge since the 13th century, the staggering result of more than 12 years of work and the hands of 1200 builders. Its most distinctive feature is the depiction of the 24 wheels of Surya’s chariot, a representation of the ever-moving cycle of the seasons.

The Valley of Flowers National Park at the northern tip of the country there is an endless carpet of blooms that ignite the plains in vivid, lurid colour during spring. Here, at 3600 metres above sea level, there are beauties rarely glimpsed outside of the reaches of West Himalaya, namely the stately purple Himalayan monkshood. Countless clusters of poppies, marigolds and orchids also flower here, especially in the peak seasons of flowering between July to mid-August.

The pucked green earth of India’s north-eastern valley of Dzukou looks like it's straight from a science fiction film. There are careful efforts made to ensure visitors to the area don’t disturb the pristine valley, which springs to life during summer when the lack of trees is undetectable thanks to the abundant flowers and foliage that seem to proliferate in the heat. Hiking is a popular, though strenuous, activity here, with a nine-kilometre walk over the rolling terrain the area’s most favoured.

Kerala is India’s sleepy state, where you’re never far from the peaceful pull of calm, flowing waters. Due west off its coast are the idyllic Lakshadweep Islands, a 36-island set bursting with scuba diving, snorkelling and hammock-dwelling opportunities, all amid the Elysian setting of icing sugar sands and palm trees.