Spread out across the Western Ghats, the misty vales of Coorg offer the perfect getaway from Bengaluru's ills. Its capital Madikeri, once the throne of the Kodava kings, is now a tourist magnet.
This is a destination where you can pick coffee and cardamom in the morning, go white water rafting in the afternoon and sip your tipple by campfire at night. Yes, you can also just sit around and watch the fog roll by.
Stepping onto the private island of Vettila Thurutu, it's hard to believe we are only half an hour by speedboat from the bustling city of Kochi. Surrounded on all sides by the waters of Lake Vembanad, the island is now home to one of Kerala's most exclusive properties.
Vaamika Island resort has five lakefront villas with a total of nine guestrooms spread across its lush seven acres.
We know this one's been around for years, but trust us when we say Mussoorie is making a comeback -- and you won't want to miss it. A new breed of small heritage properties are dotting the hillsides here, making a stay in the Himalayan foothills a newer, cooler experience.
Less than 200km away from Mumbai, this popular retreat - also known as India's wine country - has managed to balance rapid industrialization with the preservation of important religious and cultural sites, while protecting its green landscape, fresh lakes and winding rivers.
Though Nashik is best known for the Indian winery Sula Vineyards, it's also home to a few noteworthy temples, a lovely sprawling garden, 2000 year old caves and even a brand new water park.
Shimla is superbly ensconced in a dense cedar forest and offers spectacular vistas of the majestic snow-clad peaks. This small town was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in 1864.
The British, for their part, tried to recreate an English village in this Himachali Town. Evidence of this still exists today; as you enter Shimla you will notice the colonial architecture and the beautiful English gardens.
The majesty of Mehrangarh; the romance of the Blue City; the extravagance of Umaid Bhawan -- Jodhpur's landmarks are some of Rajasthan's most iconic, and make it a spectacular setting for a weekend away.
Though more often visited as part of a wider tour of the region, Rajasthan's second-largest city is a short flight from Mumbai and New Delhi, so works equally well as a two-night break.
Shanghai is a city of immense magnitude with a consummate desire to be bigger, better, faster and newer. Beyond this grand obsession lies a fascinating city with pulsating energy, a rich history and unparalleled charm. In the global spotlight following the 2010 World Expo, Shanghai has rolled-out the red carpet for the world to see.
If you haven't been to Udaipur yet, it's safe to say you're missing out on one of India's most beautiful sights.
Full of heritage hotels, new and 'faux' palaces, it's where Rajasthan is at its most romantic and peaceful. Wherever you stay, take a boat ride along Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, splendidly lit up at night.
Just an hour's flight from Dubai, you'll find yourself in romantic Oman. Its ruler, Sultan Qaboos, has ensured new architecture here is tasteful, low-key and -- to a large extent -- eco-friendly, meaning the culture and charm of Oman are still very much in evidence
The capital, Muscat, is a great base from which to explore the rugged interior of Oman or visit nearby souks, shisha cafes and pristine beaches.
The Arab traders referred to Sri Lanka as Serendib, or serendipity, and since peace was declared on the island in 2009 it is once again becoming a destination for travellers in search of a tropical oasis.
Condé Nast Traveller suggests you how to spend time on the tear-shaped island's seaside capital -- Colombo.
Any jaded traveller will say that there isn't much to Singapore unless you love eating, drinking and shopping. But we don't believe that's true. Colonised, split and restructured, the island nation that calls itself the Republic of Singapore has bold splashes of art, culture, heritage and some of the world's most curious architecture.
Indeed, the land of the Merlion may be small -- but you can't deny that it keeps you coming back for more
There are two kinds of people in this world -- ones who have been to Bali and others who haven't. If you belong to the latter, we suggest you pack your bags and check-in your surfboards because you won't want to miss what this Indonesian beauty has to offer.
With smiles as warm as the sun that hits their shores; Balinese folk are possibly the kindest people you will ever come across. Bali's Seminyak area is akin to North Goa with its narrow roads, boutique stores and a variety of restaurants.
Whether it's cruising by Sydney's famed Opera House or basking in the sun at the exclusive Hayman Island resort, Australia serves up a range of delightful offerings.
South America is one of the world's most diverse continents. Home to the biggest rainforest, the highest waterfall and the largest continental mountain range, this vast peninsular is for the most part overlooked for the sake of its more advanced northern neighbour.
South America has only recently emerged as a holiday destination for the well-heeled traveller with top of the line resorts, luxury homestays and chic beach villas popping up from coast to coast.
Hong Kong is a city with two personalities. During the day, it is one of the biggest financial centres of the world. In the evening, however, the entire city transforms into a canvas where mesmerising evening lights dance with the electricity of a young night.
Antwerp in Belgium is Europe's second largest port and for many years was the centre of diamond trade. It is a city rich in Flemish art and architecture.
Hua Hin has carved a unique niche for itself in Thailand's tourism history. Unlike the more recently-discovered and done-to-death beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, Hua Hin still has some of the intrigue and charm it possessed on the day King Rama VII discovered it way back in the 1920s. He built an official palace there called Klai Kangwon which is used by members of the Royal Family, even today. Hua Hin hosts many of Bangkok's rich and famous, who use their properties -- sprinkled along the mile-long beach -- as ideal weekend getaway spots from the big city.
Today, this city is in the throes of an urban renaissance with its cutting edge fashion, contemporary architecture and vibrant café culture.
