Mumbai, or Bombay as it is more commonly known, is India’s business capital. In the 500 years since its “discovery” by the Portuguese, Mumbai has been transformed from an aboriginal fishing village into a sprawling metropolis of some 14 million people. It is the money capital of India, a magnet for entrepreneurs, the home of India’s stock exchange, and headquarters for many national and international companies.

Mumbai, or Bombay as it is more commonly known, is India’s business capital. In the 500 years since its “discovery” by the Portuguese, Mumbai has been transformed from an aboriginal fishing village into a sprawling metropolis of some 14 million people. It is the money capital of India, a magnet for entrepreneurs, the home of India’s stock exchange, and headquarters for many national and international companies.

Pepper, ginger, coffee and cashew nuts flow through the important Indian port of New Mangalore – a red-roofed town of many flavours. Taste freshly caught fish, smothered in taste-bud tantalising spice pastes, and visit stunning temples and spectacular pine-tree lined beaches – with plenty of space to relax and recharge. The whacks and whoops of make-shift cricket games echo from grassy clearings, while rickshaws flit through the streets, and incredible smells of cuisine drift out from kitchens. View less India can be a thrillingly chaotic and stimulating place, but the Kadri Manjunath Temple is a tranquil oasis of serenity, and one of the country’s most beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Trees and shrines intertwine, while the towers are embedded with golden deities. A little outside of the city, Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is another beautiful site, nestled within the flow of the Nandin River. There is an unusually high congregation of Catholic worshipers in New Mangalore, and St. Aloysius Chapel is their colourful place of worship. Richly decorated inside, vibrant frescoes from the brush of Antonio Moscheni are lavished across the interior, rivalling some of Italy’s finest. Lazy waves roll ashore at New Mangalore’s tranquil beaches, where you can settle back and relax. Cool off with a dip in the waters, or bob on the surface in a leisurely boat. Enjoy wide panoramas of the sunset bouncing off waves where long-legged, wading birds tread carefully.

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.

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.

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.

Glorious temples, monuments and pagodas glint in the sunshine of Yangon, rising from a sea of lush greenery. Although it’s no longer Myanmar’s capital – since 2006 – the city remains the country’s largest and most culturally alluring. Having fallen under British control, it is littered with colonial architecture, in amongst the chaotic and colour-stacked streets. View less The day starts early here – with tea in one of the many inviting tea shops, fit in like a local by sipping a laphet yay – Burmese tea of black tea, and condensed milk. Explore the bustling streets, which are alive with energy, before heading to Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s best-known sight, and a glorious golden wonder arising from a sea of palm trees. The Buddhist pagoda is almost 100 metres tall and its glinting dome is crusted with a dazzling display of 5,000 diamonds and 2,000 rubies. Locals claim it was built 2,600 years ago – which would make it the oldest pagoda in the world, but scientists date it to the 6th century. Regardless of the true age, it’s an unforgettable sight, and an astonishing golden vision. One way to throw yourself into the deep end of authentic Yangon life is by jumping aboard the Yangon Circular train – which was built by the British in 1954. The rickety train takes you on a three-hour round tour of the city, offering a real insight into local life, as you travel amongst kind-hearted locals. See merchants coming aboard to sell vegetable, eggs and jewellery, as the city rolls past the windows. Escape the bustle at Inya Lake, which offers a little tranquillity, with paths for strolling amid the palm trees, floral displays and ferris wheel.

Glorious temples, monuments and pagodas glint in the sunshine of Yangon, rising from a sea of lush greenery. Although it’s no longer Myanmar’s capital – since 2006 – the city remains the country’s largest and most culturally alluring. Having fallen under British control, it is littered with colonial architecture, in amongst the chaotic and colour-stacked streets. View less The day starts early here – with tea in one of the many inviting tea shops, fit in like a local by sipping a laphet yay – Burmese tea of black tea, and condensed milk. Explore the bustling streets, which are alive with energy, before heading to Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s best-known sight, and a glorious golden wonder arising from a sea of palm trees. The Buddhist pagoda is almost 100 metres tall and its glinting dome is crusted with a dazzling display of 5,000 diamonds and 2,000 rubies. Locals claim it was built 2,600 years ago – which would make it the oldest pagoda in the world, but scientists date it to the 6th century. Regardless of the true age, it’s an unforgettable sight, and an astonishing golden vision. One way to throw yourself into the deep end of authentic Yangon life is by jumping aboard the Yangon Circular train – which was built by the British in 1954. The rickety train takes you on a three-hour round tour of the city, offering a real insight into local life, as you travel amongst kind-hearted locals. See merchants coming aboard to sell vegetable, eggs and jewellery, as the city rolls past the windows. Escape the bustle at Inya Lake, which offers a little tranquillity, with paths for strolling amid the palm trees, floral displays and ferris wheel.

Glorious temples, monuments and pagodas glint in the sunshine of Yangon, rising from a sea of lush greenery. Although it’s no longer Myanmar’s capital – since 2006 – the city remains the country’s largest and most culturally alluring. Having fallen under British control, it is littered with colonial architecture, in amongst the chaotic and colour-stacked streets. View less The day starts early here – with tea in one of the many inviting tea shops, fit in like a local by sipping a laphet yay – Burmese tea of black tea, and condensed milk. Explore the bustling streets, which are alive with energy, before heading to Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s best-known sight, and a glorious golden wonder arising from a sea of palm trees. The Buddhist pagoda is almost 100 metres tall and its glinting dome is crusted with a dazzling display of 5,000 diamonds and 2,000 rubies. Locals claim it was built 2,600 years ago – which would make it the oldest pagoda in the world, but scientists date it to the 6th century. Regardless of the true age, it’s an unforgettable sight, and an astonishing golden vision. One way to throw yourself into the deep end of authentic Yangon life is by jumping aboard the Yangon Circular train – which was built by the British in 1954. The rickety train takes you on a three-hour round tour of the city, offering a real insight into local life, as you travel amongst kind-hearted locals. See merchants coming aboard to sell vegetable, eggs and jewellery, as the city rolls past the windows. Escape the bustle at Inya Lake, which offers a little tranquillity, with paths for strolling amid the palm trees, floral displays and ferris wheel.

Thailand’s only island province is connected to the mainland by the Thep Krasettree Causeway. Known as the “Pearl of Thailand,” Phuket offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that rise above the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is Thailand’s largest island and about the same size as Singapore. Arab and Indian navigators have called here since the end of the 9th century, while the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century.

Langkawi is the main island in a group of 104 islands that comprise the Langkawi archipelago, which is located where the Straits of Melaka meet the waters of the Andaman Sea. Once a sanctuary for pirates, Langkawi Island was a well-kept secret until it was made a duty-free port in 1987. Since then, the construction of modern amenities has created an idyllic Malaysian getaway. Its natural beauty and intriguing past make Langkawi a treasure trove for visitors to discover. The name is coined from the Malay words Lang, a brown eagle, and Kawi, a local manganese stone.

Towered over by the world’s most famous architectural siblings – the Petronas Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur is a staggering melting pot of influences. These twin towers stand 451 metres over the city and bathe in bright lights as night’s cloak descends. The glittering skyline mingles with colonial architecture and ornate temples, which decorate lush hillsides around the city. Haggle your way through humming markets, visit cultural treasures and historic sites, and dive headfirst into this city, where tradition collides head-on with modernity.

Advanced, airy and elevated, Singapore is a spectacular, futuristic vision of utopian city life. A healthy population of almost six million call it home, but this is a city designed with space to breathe, and gorgeous outdoor parks, massive indoor greenhouses and beautiful recreational spaces spread between the City of Gardens’ skyscrapers and soaring structures. Once a quiet fishing village, now a glistening island city-state and an international beacon of science, education and technology. View less Singapore is almost intimidatingly clean – and the hyper-efficient public transport system whips residents and visitors across the city’s neighbourhoods in a heartbeat. Glorious fountains and audacious skyscrapers loom up – nodding to traditional feng shui beliefs – and putting on dazzling illuminated displays after dark. The lush green botanical gardens are a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering 52 hectares and decorated with impressive colourful orchids. Or breathe in more of the freshest air by heading up to wander the canopy strung bridges of MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Head for the iconic Marina Bay – a landmark of the city crowned by three interconnected towers, which watch out over island sprinkled waters. Jaunt between Little India and the atmospheric Chinatown in minutes, where beautiful temples – like the Chinese Thian Hock Keng Temple and Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple add rich cultural intrigue. Singapore’s cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of its Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay influences, taking and enhancing the best of each. Enjoy dishes in towering restaurants, or toast the glowing skyline with the city’s eponymous gin-soaked cocktail – a Singapore Sling.