What to wear, where to shoot, and what to eat — city by city.

Himachal Pradesh

Manali

Snow peaks, pine valleys & river cafés

Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar

Dal Lake, shikaras & Mughal gardens

Uttarakhand

Nainital

A lake town wrapped in Himalayan hills

Kerala

Wayanad

Misty ghats, spice trails & waterfalls

Tamil Nadu

Kanyakumari

Where three seas meet at land's end

Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior

A hilltop fort & living palace history

Coorg (Madikeri)

Abbey Falls

Best time · Morning, before the crowds arrive and while the light on the spray is soft; September to November for the fullest flow.

Mount Abu

Achalgarh Fort

Best time · Late afternoon, when warm light falls on the old walls and the hill is quiet.

Ahmedabad

Adalaj Stepwell

Best time · Late morning, when the sun is high enough to send light down the shaft and onto the carvings; early morning if you want the steps quiet.

Kumbakonam

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Best time · Early morning for soft light on the painted gopuram and a quieter street; late afternoon when the temple reopens and the tower glows warm.

Coimbatore

Adiyogi Shiva Statue

Best time · Late afternoon for soft light on the face with the hills behind; after dark for the light show.

Pune

Aga Khan Palace

Best time · Morning, soon after opening, for soft light on the arches and quiet lawns; late afternoon for warmer colour on the cream façade.

Rameswaram

Agni Theertham

Best time · Sunrise, when the sun comes up over the sea and pilgrims fill the shore; early morning for softer light and calmer water.

Agra

Agra Fort

Best time · Late afternoon, when the red sandstone warms to orange and the Taj glows down the river; early morning for soft light and empty courtyards.

Maheshwar

Ahilya Fort

Best time · Late afternoon, when the low sun warms the fort walls; early morning for a quiet riverfront.