| In the spirit of the new year, I’m going to let you in on a secret: I’m a hypocrite. Every time a friend visits India, we end up in Jaipur, where I complain about how travelers rarely venture out of India’s Golden Triangle (Jaipur, Delhi and Agra) as we maneuver through the zinging bylanes of Johri Bazaar. (Mind you, I’m also a chronic complainer, so that’s not saying a lot.) But, truthfully, I love Jaipur. I love its rust- and blush-colored walls as India’s “Pink City.” I love the utter range of its many, many historic sights – from the intricately-latticed Hawa Mahal (“Palace of Winds”) to the quirky, geometric observatory, Jantar Mantar. (Wes Anderson could never.) What I love most, however, is that it’s a city that’s conscientiously retaining its character as it grows. Beyond its rich history and its royal presence (as home to one of India’s prominent royal families), Jaipur is on its way to becoming a different Indian city. Swish new bars, hole-in-the-wall cafes, a burgeoning gastronomy scene and endless shopping. Every trip to Jaipur is different. So it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or your twentieth time – Jaipur is always a good idea. | | | Based between India and Portugal, I’m the Destination Editor for India and the Subcontinent at Lonely Planet. Apart from writing about travel, food and culture, I frequently write about my experience of being raised as a third-culture kid. | | | It would take a lifetime (and some more) to see India in its entirety. Pick a region or two to explore on your first trip, and return for more. | | | | | There are few sites in India (the world even) as iconic as the Taj Mahal. But what exactly makes it so special? Save this guide and thank us later. Tip: Book an unforgettable nighttime tour, which is only on offer for the night of the full moon and two evenings either side. | | | | | India’s beautiful palace hotels | | | | | What to eat and drink in India | Feast on spicy and comforting bowls of dhal (curried lentils or pulses), savor creamy rice pudding and sip South India’s piping hot filter coffee. Here's what else is on the menu. Tip: Vegetarians, you’re in luck! Vegetarian food is abundant in India. | | | | | How to spend 24 hours in Delhi | | | |  | Fiordo di Furore, near Sorrento, Italy | | Campania is Italy with the volume turned up – it’s hotter, louder, livelier, bellissima and jam-packed with epic Roman ruins, puffing volcanoes, soulful cities filled with palazzi, cafe-rimmed piazzas, Gothic churches and galleries displaying art by Caravaggio. | | | | Photography by: Matt Munro for Lonely Planet, Annika Hockwin for Lonely Planet, Martin Harvey/Getty Images, Eddie Gerald for Lonely Planet, Alex Anton/Shutterstock, Aire Spa, Balate Dorin/Shutterstock, Kiev Victor/Shutterstock, Kerry Murray for Lonely Planet | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
