India

India is sensory overload in the best possible way — a vast subcontinent of incredible diversity where ancient temples, Mughal palaces, and modern megacities create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) is the classic introduction, taking in the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's pink and amber forts, and Delhi's chaotic charm.

Rajasthan is India's most colourful state — camel safaris in the Thar Desert, lake palaces in Udaipur, and the blue city of Jodhpur. Kerala in the south offers a completely different India — serene backwater cruises, ayurvedic retreats, and spice plantations.

Goa delivers beaches, Portuguese heritage, and a laid-back vibe that's attracted travellers for decades. Varanasi, India's holiest city on the Ganges, is one of the most intense and unforgettable experiences in all of travel.

Indian food alone is worth the trip — from butter chicken in Delhi to dosas in Chennai, biryani in Hyderabad to thalis in Rajasthan. India is incredibly affordable for Australian travellers.