India

Most travellers to India have Varanasi on their itinerary. It's well known as a good spot to sign up for a crash course in Indian cookery, and is a photographer's dream with its high-octane mysticism and heady mix of saffron-robed sadhus (ascetics), pilgrims, drifters, beggars and tourists.

Tired of the Taj? If queuing under the hot sun for hours to be rushed past an architectural icon is your idea of fun, you'll love the Taj Mahal. If you prefer to linger, soak up the atmosphere and not be hounded by aggressive touts, however, head to Humayun's Tomb in Nizamuddin, Delhi.

ABSEIL IN MALAYSIA
It’s an abseiling paradise in Malaysia, with several sumptuous locations on offer for a range of abilities.  Beginners would be advised to try Gunung Jerai in kedah or Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan, while the more experienced abseiler can’t fail to be impressed by the challenge the rivers, mountains and rainforests provide.  For those looking for the ultimate abseiling test, though, look no further than Sabah’s Gunung Kinabalu.  At just over 4,000 metres, it’s one of the highest – and toughest – mountains in southeast Asia.

Dolomites - Italy
In the Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’ 007 stayed at the five-stared Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel, in Cortina d’Ampezzo part of the Dolomiti skiing area. Here you can enjoy the luxurious facilities with one exception; you will not get the chase down the slopes by some rifle wielding rogue assassins. The Dolomites is will know for it majestic ski slopes and an ideal winter break destination.

Jamaica

The Ajanta Murals are dated to around 2nd century BC – 7th century AD and said to depict scenes from the previous lives of the Lord Buddha. The walls in the caves are covered with paintings depicting mostly didactic, devotional, and ornamental.

The Ajanta Murals is one area of Buddhist art form - iconic. Buddhist art form varies across culture and time.  Earlier Buddhist painting, which started in India is said to be aniconic (none graphic representation of divine beings or religious figures).

Most of us associate India with warn sunshine, delicious foods and Bollywood. Unknown to many of us the town of Gulmarg is a skiers paradise.  This small Himalayan town is 52km south-west of Srinagar in Indian Kashmir and stands at an altitude of 2,850m.

Gulmarg has the world’s highest gondola ski lift which takes you nearly 4,000m up Mount Apharwat - with extremely beautiful views.  According to the Gulmarg.org website Gulmarg was originally called ‘Gaurimarg’ by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Gulmarg also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650m.