Mahe to Mumbai

There are many nations around the world with bragging rights to miles of pristine white coral sand and balmy turquoise seas but few can take it to the same level as the Maldives. Its 1,200 islands are spread out over 26 coral atolls; the combined land of all the islands is little more than 100 square miles. That means you are rarely more than a few steps from the beach. Many of the villas are actually built on stilts out over the water, so you may actually have to walk onshore in order to get to the beach. Besides curling your toes in the sand, many people come here to sample the Maldives enviable world-class dive spots. Others simply snorkel among the endless coral reefs. There are so many coral atolls here that our English word derives from the Maldivian name atholhu.

Day itinerary:

There are many nations around the world with bragging rights to miles of pristine white coral sand and balmy turquoise seas but few can take it to the same level as the Maldives. Its 1,200 islands are spread out over 26 coral atolls; the combined land of all the islands is little more than 100 square miles. That means you are rarely more than a few steps from the beach.Many of the villas are actually built on stilts out over the water, so you may actually have to walk onshore in order to get to the beach. Besides curling your toes in the sand, many people come here to sample the Maldives enviable world-class dive spots. Others simply snorkel among the endless coral reefs. There are so many coral atolls here that our English word derives from the Maldivian name atholhu.

Sri Lanka’s capital and largest city, Colombo offers fine restaurants, a buzzing nightlife scene, and good museums, parks, and beautiful Buddhist temples that are all worth visiting. The beach resort of Mt. Lavinia is only a short taxi ride from the downtown area and offers a golden, sandy beach and sunset views to die for. As an exciting blur of colors and cultures, Colombo presents a neatly packaged microcosm of this island nation.

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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 colourful 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.

Trincomalee has one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Because of this several European nations fought over Trincomalee, which was already one of the most visited places of Hindu worship. Close to Trincomalee are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the former capital of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa dating back to the 12th century with its impressive ruins and statues. The second site is Sirigiya; the city of the Rock Fortress. Sirigiya is Asia’s best-preserved city center dating back to the first millennium. A massive wall defends part of the lower city and various features have been overgrown by the forest or await excavation. At the site’s summit is the fortified palace with its ruined buildings, cisterns and rock sculptures.

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Richly cultural and historic Trincomalee is surrounded by treasured sites which hark back thousands of years – and hold unprecedented cultural value. Set on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka – on the peninsula that it shares its name with – venture inland to explore some of the world’s most majestic and evocative archaeological and holy sites. Or take it easy and lay back on Trincomalee’s plentiful palm-lined beaches. Boat tours can take you out to cruise among dolphins and whales or to the reefs of Pigeon Island. A swirl of colonial houses temples and mosques line the multi-cultural streets of this fascinating destination. Live like a local and start the day with a steaming cup of Ceylon tea and buffalo curd for breakfast before heading out to visit extraordinary sites of ancient worship as you explore Sri Lanka’s incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Head inland to the jaw-dropping Golden Temple of Dambulla a vast temple dominated by a gleaming gold Buddha figure. The amazing Ancient City of Polonnaruwa dates back to the 12th century and is an unearthed treasure trove of ruins – famous for its meticulously thought out urban planning. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka and you can visit the first capital at the Sacred City of Anuradhapura – a place of immense value to the Buddhist faith. The Sirigiya Rock Fortress is a jaw-dropping collaboration between man and nature and the incredible fortress sits perched above an almighty 200-metre high slab of rock.

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Far to the south of Sri Lanka is the city of Hambantota with a colorful and storied traditional Ruhuna past and great promise for the future. This gateway to Sri Lanka is rich in resources and since being upset by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, has put great emphasis on rebuilding and moving progressively into a central role in the development of the southern region of Sri Lanka. Traditionally an agricultural area, the region is also known for having some of the country’s most skilled jewelers and crafts people. The bazaar or ‘pola’ is a popular market place where locals sell produce, goods, and fish.

Kochi, formerly and still commonly known as Cochin, is one of the west coast’s largest and oldest ports. The streets behind the docks of the historic Fort Cochin and Mattancherry districts are lined with old merchant houses, godowns (warehouses), and open courtyards heaped with betel nuts, ginger, peppercorns, and tea. Throughout the second millennium this ancient city exported spices, coffee, and coir (the fiber made from coconut husks), and imported culture and religion from Europe, China, and the Middle East. Today Kochi has a synagogue, several mosques, Portuguese Catholic churches, Hindu temples, and the United Church of South India (an amalgamation of several Protestant denominations). The city is spread out over mainland, peninsula, and islands. Ernakulam, on the mainland 2 km (3 miles) from the harbor, is the commercial center and the one-time capital of the former state of Cochin. Willingdon Island, which was created by dredging the harbor, holds several luxury hotels as well as a navy base. The beautiful Bolghatty Island, north of Ernakulam, is a favorite picnic spot for locals. On it there’s a government-run hotel in a colonial structure that was once used by the Dutch governor and later by the British Resident. Another local favorite is Cherai beach on Vypin Island, which is a 10-minute ferry ride from Fort Cochin. The Fort Cochin district, Kochi’s historic center, is at the northern tip of the Mattancherry peninsula. Houses here often recall Tudor manors; some have been converted to hotels, others remain in the hands of the venerable tea and trading companies. South of Fort Cochin, in the Mattancherry district, is where you’ll find the city’s dwindling Jewish community. Their small neighborhood, called Jew Town, which is now dotted with cafés and shops selling curios and antiques, is centered on the synagogue.

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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 favoured 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.

As the gateway to Goa, Mormugao is a storied city, surrounded by beaches, fascinating heritage sites, and ocean-wary fortifications. As a former capital of Portuguese India, the colonisers who landed here embarked on an extensive programme of fortification, springing up defences along the region’s pretty beaches. Mormugao was also an important location for the spread of Christianity, with significant missionaries landing here including Saint Francis Xavier – whose final resting place can be found in Old Goa.

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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. 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 – flavoured 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 colourful 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.

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is a city of contrasts and colors, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside bustling bazaars. From the iconic Gateway of India to the vibrant street food scene of Chowpatty Beach, it’s a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The heartbeat of Bollywood echoes through its bustling streets, while historic landmarks like the Elephanta Caves whisper tales of bygone eras. With its bustling local trains and bustling markets, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, where dreams are pursued against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea’s shimmering waters.

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A spicy destination of colour 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 centre, 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 Harbour. 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 honouring his life and work.