A spicy destination of color and chaos, the city formally known as Bombay is a deafening collision of contrasts and culture. Known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai is at once an economic center, fashion hub and home for Bollywood’s world of glamour. This is the real India, and Mumbai is a city of unparalleled extremes and contradictions. Brutal poverty is rife in sprawling slums, while unimaginable wealth glares in the exuberances of the world’s most expensive private residence. A place of dazzling, overwhelming cultural experience – littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites - your only option is to dive in headfirst and immerse yourself in India’s extraordinary and enriching embrace. The Gateway of India was completed in 1924 and formed the symbolic entrance to British India. The last of the British troops passed through the landmark in 1948, as Mumbai entered the new era of independence. See remnants of the colonial past in the architecture and art deco buildings of the Colaba district – like the incredible High Victorian Gothic styled Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus building. Visit another World Heritage Site at the remarkable carved 7th-century Elephanta caves, which wait a short ferry ride from Mumbai Harbor. Dharavi is a unique experience and Asia’s largest slum is one of the most densely populated places in the world. It received global attention as the setting for the film Slumdog Millionaire. Take a tour for a remarkable insight into the conditions and community within the slums, which house a majority of the city’s population. Meet the people - kind and welcoming – as you buy products like handmade pottery and textiles, and experience an amazing city within a city. Elsewhere in Mumbai, visit the house where Gandhi lived - now transformed into a museum honoring his life and work.

The gateway to Goa, set on the south west coast of the Arabian Sea, Mormugao is a former Portuguese colony, which invites you to explore beautiful beaches and crumbling fortresses. Taste the spicy kick of Goan cuisine and discover a cultural landscape of gilded churches and colonial history. You may even recognize the area - it served as the setting for the film The Sea Wolves. Brilliant birdlife and plunging waterfalls wait in the wildernesses and national parks around the city, should you venture further afield. Take in the sea view from the Japanese Garden, as you explore the peninsular that Mormugao inhabits. Wander to enjoy stunning views of the coastline and beaches spreading along the shore, or head straight for the embrace of a luxury coastal resort, where you can lie back and enjoy a rejuvenating beach day. Take your pick from various welcoming beaches, like the palm-tree fringed Bogmalo beach, which has clear, turquoise water and is perfect for swimming. Hollant beach is ideal for a laidback coastal wander and is a scenic fishing spot, while Colva is bedecked with restaurants and shacks serving up refreshing coconut milk, and coconut curry – flavored with poppyseeds and red chilli. For an accompanying drink, as your skin gently bronzes, give local feni a try – a delicious Goan spirit distilled from cashews. The colorful buildings of the Latin Quarters add a Portuguese echo to the city and its architecture. Goa is notable for its array of Catholic churches, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrating the Catholic influence on Asia. These churches and convents date back to the 16th century, when St. Francis Xavier was sent to these shores to restore the virtue of the colonizers. His remains still rest here, within the treasured Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Pepper, ginger, coffee and cashew nuts flow through the important Indian port of New Mangalore - a red-roofed town of many flavors. Taste freshly caught fish, smothered in taste-bud tantalizing spice pastes, and visit stunning temples and spectacular pine-tree lined beaches - with plenty of space to relax and recharge. The whacks and whoops of make-shift cricket games echo from grassy clearings, while rickshaws flit through the streets, and incredible smells of cuisine drift out from kitchens. India can be a thrillingly chaotic and stimulating place, but the Kadri Manjunath Temple is a tranquil oasis of serenity, and one of the country's most beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Trees and shrines intertwine, while the towers are embedded with golden deities. A little outside of the city, Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is another beautiful site, nestled within the flow of the Nandin River. There is an unusually high congregation of Catholic worshipers in New Mangalore, and St. Aloysius Chapel is their colorful place of worship. Richly decorated inside, vibrant frescoes from the brush of Antonio Moscheni are lavished across the interior, rivalling some of Italy’s finest. Lazy waves roll ashore at New Mangalore’s tranquil beaches, where you can settle back and relax. Cool off with a dip in the waters, or bob on the surface in a leisurely boat. Enjoy wide panoramas of the sunset bouncing off waves where long-legged, wading birds tread carefully.

A hodgepodge of cultures collide on the banks of the estuary where Cochin carves out her home. Chinese fishing nets the size of skyscrapers, boxy Dutch architecture and pretty Portuguese palaces point to the blend of influence here, while the Raj era remnants, soaring spires of old-world mosques, and near-abandoned synagogues all add to the dense, varied tapestry of inspirations and imprints. Founded by a prince in the 15th century, Cochin immediately became a favored anchorage for sailors and traders from every far-flung corner - even taking nearby Kerala’s crown as the world's first global port city. Now, fragrant spice markets cut the hot air with cardamom and clove, while antique stores groan beneath the weight of singing copper. Hit the backstreets of Fort Kochi for a deep and dreamy Ayurvedic massage, marvel at the Krishna murals that adorn the bedchamber walls of the Mattancherry Palace, or admire India’s one of the oldest European-built Christian churches - as you duck into the cool hues of St Francis. A day can easily meander past on a backwater cruise, spreading south from Cochin, and gliding down a lacy network of creeks, lagoons, lakes and rivers. Surrounded by swaying palms and rice paddies – you’ll experience rural India in her best dress. When daylight dwindles, taste the soft spicy kick of dal roti, followed by Firni – almonds, apricots, and sweet milk crushed with pastel green pistachios for a silky light finish.

Perfumed flower garlands, colonial roots, and lavish afternoon teas welcome you to the former garden city of Colombo. Sri Lanka’s easy breezy city is certainly intoxicating, with its cinnamon dusted air, steaming cups of delicate ceylon, and sassy seaside charm. A place of full sensory immersion, explore tangled streets to sidestep frantic tuk-tuks and gaze in awe at grand colonial buildings turned heritage hotels. Cute cafes usher you inside for sweet lassi, and the walls are made for a pleasantly laxidasical pace of walking. They're perhaps most impressive on stormy days, when you can watch bruised clouds tumble and roil across the sea from this perfect vantage point. Back in the capital, stroll the ornate halls of the National Museum where gilded swords, studded masks, and rare artefacts from the ancient world and colonial times are gathered. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, to walk among the orange-robed monks who glide between flora-strewn alters, or plunge into the chaos of Pettah - where market cries reach orchestral heights. An incredible gathering of carved Hindu gods decorate the colorful pyramid of the Captain’s Garden Kovil temple - the oldest Hindu temple in the city, which rises majestically from the surrounding railway tracks. Forever the dish of the day, crab is a must in Colombo. Sit down, tuck in your bib and use your hands to crack, scoop and suck out the soft white meat – especially delicious when smothered in lashings of garlic and fiery chilli.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Thailand’s largest island promises ocean bliss and wide beaches of indulgent opulence, with some of the country’s most attractive, and dreamily dramatic scenery. Head for sumptuous spas and perfect beaches, or explore the streets of busy Phuket Town, which hum with markets, lively celebrations and an endless chorus of whirring scooters. Phang Nga Bay National Park is a nearby treasure - a remarkable landscape of towering limestone karst. The iconic rock formations are breathlessly beautiful, encased by theatrical inlets and incredible greenery-clad rock formations. Heavenly beaches - where the sun dips to paint vibrant pink and red streaks across the skies - offer intense relaxation, and you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments or take it slow to enjoy cocktails and glorious sea views while swinging in a hammock. Wander beaches where the only sounds are the rustle of folding waves, and the gentle crunch of footprints in the sand. Watersport lovers can rip across the waves, or glide through the air while taking part in the various adrenaline-pumping activities on offer. Speedboat tours give you the chance to feel the salty whip of the air in your hair, as you whizz between secluded islands, and visit authentic stilted villages, teetering out over the beautiful waters. Tuck into a delicious fusion of Thai food - think crab curry and tom yum goong’s sweet and sour prawns – to ensure this sensory journey delights your taste buds too. Lavish temples, Chinese shrines and giant Buddha statues add another layer of cultural depth.

As one of Malaysia’s primary Andaman Sea travel destinations, Langkawi island offers a little bit of everything. Set in an archipelago of 99 islands (plus five only visible at low tide) of the same name, it might not be as undeveloped as it was 10 years ago, but Langkawi still has coconut trees, sandy beaches and rice fields as far as the eye can see. Langkawi – the main island – has been featuring more and more on traveler’s bucket lists and rightly so. Known as the “Jewel of Kedah”, the island is all about nature. Jungle-clad limestone pinnacles rise up out of the water, pristine beaches run for miles and sunsets that melt into the horizon are par for the norm. Life is lived in the slow pace in Langkawi, just as it has been done since the 16th century, when European admirals would travel to the island to buy peppercorns. The 20th century has not been as kind to the island as it could have been. The island was declared a duty free haven in 1987, bringing bargain hunting crowds. The island’s unique mangrove ecostructure offers much for the traveler looking to dive beyond the coast. So, if unspoilt natural beauty is what you crave, why not jump in a kayak and paddle your way through Langkawi’s thick jungle, lulled by the sounds of the forest’s (many) denizens as bemused monkeys will watch you from their treetop stations. Search the skies as well as the seas, as kingfishers, white-bellied fish eagles and kite eagles all call the forest home during migratory periods.

An incredible, disorientating collage of cultures and heritage, Georgetown is a fascinating layered city of countless influences. Taking its name from King George III, Malaysia’s cultural capital, Georgetown, has long been a trading hub and outward-looking city. Grand colonial architecture mixes with Chinese, Indian and British influences, forming an artsy, exotic melting pot of food, color and extraordinary heritage. Quirky coffee shops hum, while the fragrances of incense and sounds of gong strikes reverberate from temples. Rickshaws trundle through its streets, as modern street art adds interest to every spare wall. Shophouses, passed down through generations, add more color to the rich mosaic of life on show here. Bright pagodas, layered with deities rise up, while multi-colored paintwork shimmers in the sunshine of this UNESCO World Heritage Site city’s historic streets. The fragrant spices of Little India offer a slice of Delhi - although if you’re feeling hungry, Chulia Street’s feast of street food is also a good starting point – try wonton noodles with soft pork. The Blue Mansion – another World Heritage Site – is a sky-colored insight into the city’s rich history and a star of the silver screen. The other World Heritage Site, the Clan Jetties, form a fascinating wander, as you climb across stilted boardwalk piers of over-water wooden villages. These fascinating floating villages were created by Chinese immigrant communities in the 19th century. Escape the city into the green rainforest of Penang Hill, or to Penang National Park - where trails slice through dense jungle and open up to pearly white beaches. Monkeys roam the trees, and giant lizards crawl, in this small but stunning national park.

Towered over by the world's most famous architectural siblings - the Petronas Twin Towers - Kuala Lumpur is a staggering melting pot of influences. These twin towers stand 451 meters over the city and bathe in bright lights as night's cloak descends. The glittering skyline mingles with colonial architecture and ornate temples, which decorate lush hillsides around the city. Haggle your way through humming markets, visit cultural treasures and historic sites, and dive headfirst into this city, where tradition collides head-on with modernity. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is a multicultural metropolis of lively markets and tongue-tantalizing street food. Globe-trot between different streets and influences in minutes, as you discover diverse architectural treasures all over the city. Evenings are spent shopping in air-conditioned malls and bustling streets filled with sprawling outdoor markets. Fill up on fragrant coconut rice of nasi lemak and sink ice-cold beers to soak up the lively atmosphere. Malaysia achieved independence in Merdeka Square in 1957, when the Union Jack was lowered, and Malaysia’s flag was hoisted high into the sky. One of Malaysia’s most visited attractions is Batu Caves, an awe-inspiring, colorful journey into a sacred void in these immense limestone cliffs. Huge statues tower over the brightly-hued steps, as you climb to the unique cave temple, in this most dramatic of locations. The golden onion dome of the National Palace, Istana Negara, is a spectacular sight, where horses clop and white-robed soldiers wait patiently. Look for the Malaysian flag fluttering before it – if it’s present, the King and Queen of Malaysia are in residence.

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens' skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean - and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city's neighborhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up - nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs - and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colorful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay - a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples - like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore's cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city's eponymous gin-soaked cocktail - a Singapore Sling.