North or South, India is unlike any other. But with a country so immense and expansive, it can be hard to choose just where to head first. Read on, weary traveller for here are some of our top picks:

Manas National Park

Manas National Park is the only place in Northern India where you can go tiger spotting and witness these incredible beasts first hand and in their natural habitat.

Gorichen Peak

Nestled close to the Tibetan border, Gorichen Peak is Arunachal Pradesh’s and a firm favourite among trekkers, climbers and all round adventurers. See another world high above the clouds by bike, motorcycle, train, car or foot – with no many methods for exploration, it is no longer this beautiful site is gaining popularity.

Tawang Monastery

There are few places as spiritually significant as India’s largest Buddhist monastery. Situated at 3,500 feet, this gompa is an essential stop for any traveller looking for something larger. Surrounded by mountains, rugged terrain, remote towns and quiet hamlets.

In addition to an otherworldly location, aesthetically impressive architecture and the company of hundreds of monks, it also hosts a myriad of colourful festivals. These include Losar, Torgya and Saka Dawa, the latter marking Buddha’s enlightenment day.

The Living Bridges of Cherrapunjee

Straight out of an Indiana Jones movie or perhaps more suited to the lands of Riverdale, these bridges are threaded together roots that have grown and interlocked over time and with human intervention. Yet there is a magic to these old bridges as they strengthen over time – one journey across is sure to stick in your mind long after your tan has faded.

The Brahmaputra River

Rivers have always held a particular resonance in Hinduism. Brahmaputra, as you can probably gather from its deity-rooted etymology, isdoubly important, especially when it merges with the Ganges.

It originates in the Angsi Glacier in Tibet and flows the length of 2,900km, making it India’s longest river. Follow it through Assam by cruise or boat trip and see if you can see any of the river’s famous inhabitants such as the dolphin, or perhaps you would rather sit silently and watch the dazzling sunset like locals have for thousands of years.

Siang

As a tributary of the aforementioned great Brahmaputra, Siang is just as unpredictable and breath-taking. For the less adventurous among us, the area is perfect for trekking, angling and kayaking. For the brave: this stretch of water is one of the world’s best (and most dangerous) white water rafting sites.

Japfu Peak and Dzukou Valley

Even in its name, Nagaland summons images of mythical beasts and adventure. It is known as the Scotland of the East and there is no better place to camp, trek and watch the gently rolling, emerald green hills disappear into the horizon.

Northern Indian cuisine itself is as unique as its culture and people. From the insect delights of Nagaland to Rajasthan’s spicy desert dishes, within each state comes a specialised cuisine tailored to their local produce and ethos. To explore it for yourself, why not book a table at one of London’s best fine dining Indian restaurants?