In the south of India, little-visited Karnataka has plenty of surprises, from the bright lights of Mysore Palace to rare wildlife sightings in the jungle

Is this the new Napa Valley? Harriet O'Brien takes a trip to the vineyards of Nashik, near Mumbai, and discovers some fresh flavours to savour

The peace was palpable. Around the temple courtyard pilgrims were reading, praying, and sweeping the gleaming marble. Meanwhile the air was filled with music and chanting, relayed via discreetly placed speakers from the golden inner sanctuary that glowed magnificently through the darkness. It was just after 4.30am at Amritsar's Golden Temple. Here, in accordance with Sikh philosophy, all are welcome – including slightly spaced-out women just arrived from England.

A visit to the Indian Ocean's most alluring archipelago will redefine your idea of the perfect beach holiday.

Hostellerie St Alban, Nézignan l’Evèque

Set in an atmospheric old village close to the historic town of Pézenas, this gracious 19th-century mansion offers 13 comfortable bedrooms, a fine-dining restaurant and an attractive garden with swimming pool. The Mediterranean coast and the hills and wilds of Haut Languedoc are within easy reach to the north. Doubles from €98 per night, room only, logis-herault.fr

The home of one of America’s leading universities is a vibrant city

Two people a second visit the marble masterpiece but there's far more to the Moghul capital than the Taj Mahal. Harriet O'Brien goes exploring in an Indian city bursting with architectural marvels and majestic vistas

IN A COUNTRY of slim, trim people it seems remarkable that there is a band of hefty heroes whose abilities are largely dependent on their girth. The average sumo wrestler weighs in at around 28 stone, while some have been known to top a whopping 45 stone. So what on earth do they eat?

There's no better place to take in the energy of Tokyo than from one of the sky-rise towers. By Harriet O'Brien

So there you are, in the Yukon, grizzly capital of the world, armed only with a bottle of Chardonnay