Of late, the more alluring way to see Kerala has been by water. Rated by National Geographic Traveler as one of the world 50 must-see destinations, Kerala Backwaters is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes, estuaries and canals, linking them to the river that extends almost the entire length of the state. These waterways have been used for centuries to carry coconut, rubber, rice and spices for trade, and a rapidly escalating tourist industry has made them an idyllic window from which to observe another world.

The overused term “lost world” finally feels appropriate when you first glimpse the Hampi ruins, once a thriving metropolis that peaked around the fifteenth century. A UNESCO certified World Heritage Site, Hampi is best reached from Hospet [15-km], a town whose tourist-infrastructure industry is linked to the Vijayanagara ruins and stark landscape, which make this region so famously magical.

For those anxious to escape the swelling crowds that inhabit the country`s tourist spots—especially during peak season—the country has a magnificent, oft-overlooked asset: Andaman and Nicobar. The 572-odd islands sprawl from the Coco Channel, off Burma to the nautical frontier with These islands are tailormade for shamelessly idle self-indulgence—remote beaches, azure water, ankle-deep sand and sunsets that paint you into your own personal Andaman and Nicobar has all the requisite island distractions: beaches, reefs, and some of the world`s best windsurfing. So, forego the souvenir stores. Instead, ferry to or get your requisite shot of history at Viper the main attraction is the gallows, situated on a hillock with a view of the sea. Then head to Karmatang Beach where you`re more likely to share the sands with turtles than sun-pickled tourists. There is a beach for every day in the year—reason enough to extend your stay.

India is thought of in the west as the next economic inspiration where the cheaper well sophisticated workers will soon be taking all our jobs. Seeing the country as a traveler there is little confirmation of all this, just an increased opulence for some sections of the populace. Just as everywhere in the world, everyone who can afford one now has a mobile phone, with five million new subscribers being added every month. There are lots more new cars on the road but they are easily outnumbered by scooters and motorbikes which are much more affordable. This has added to the noise and stress levels in towns as every scooter rider feels he (although sometimes she) has the right to drive down the street as fast as he can with horn blaring. The onus is on the pedestrians to get out of the way. In India every street supports a small pack of dogs (as well as a couple of cows), but what is really new are people having dogs as pets, mostly small breeds, as most Indians live in cramped houses.