Indonesia

For most Indian travellers, Indonesia means Bali, and Bali works because it feels like several islands at once: surf towns and beach clubs, rice-terrace villages, cliff-top temples and reef-fringed islands just offshore. Our trip divides the week between a beach base in Seminyak and a private pool villa in the forest outside Ubud. Seminyak is for boutique shopping, beach clubs and sunsets on the sand, while the drive south to Uluwatu brings a cliff temple above the Indian Ocean and the Kecak fire dance at dusk.

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart. Days here take in the Tegallalang rice terraces and jungle swings, the Sacred Monkey Forest, the water temple of Tirta Empul, where Balinese Hindus bathe under holy springs, and the drive up to Kintamani for views of Mount Batur and its crater lake. Balinese Hinduism shapes everyday life, so expect small offerings of flowers and incense on every doorstep and temple ceremonies by the road.

One full day is spent crossing by fast boat to Nusa Penida for Kelingking Beach's T-Rex-shaped cliff, Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong, with snorkelling at Crystal Bay. A floating breakfast in the villa and a candlelight seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach make it ideal for honeymooners. The dry season from April to October is the best time, with sunny days and calm seas. As there are no direct flights from Hyderabad, most travellers connect through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. A short stopover in the connecting city can easily be added to the trip.