1. Andaman Islands

Location: Located far off India's Southeastern coast in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands offer the ideal beach getaway.

Activities: Scuba/snorkeling off Wandoor, a romantic hike from Mount Harriet to Madhuban, and swimming with elephants

Lodging: Most of the luxury resorts and hotels are located near the capital city of Port Blair and are equipped with restaurants serving a variety of seafood, South Indian specialties, and international cuisine

Transportation: There are daily ferry connections with the mainland but it's best to take one of the many domestic flights available
Season to Visit: December to March

2. Shimla

Location: Often referred to as the most romantic hill station in India, Shimla is spread across a 12 km rocky ridge in Himachal Pradesh and is surrounded by a dense forest.

Activities: Chadwick falls, Jakhoo Hills for a great view of the town, and a day trip to the Tattapani hot springs

Lodging: Some of the better hotels include the Shilon Resort, Combermere, Cecil Oberoi, Asia the Dawn and Springfields

Transportation: Domestic airfare from Delhi costs on average $69

Season to Visit: March to June and September to November offer moderate temperatures

3. Houseboat Tour in Kerala

Location: All your worries drown in the rivers and canals of rural Kerala as your private thatched boat glides through the tropical vegetation on either side.

Activities/Lodging: Houseboats (average $175 per night) come furnished and with a personal chef and conceirge. The best tours are the overnight boat excursions weaving through the Alapuzzha and Kollam backwaters.

Transportation: Fly to Cochin Airport and take a tour company shuttle/taxi to the dock

Season to Visit: Anytime except June to September (monsoons)

4. Jaisalmer

Location: Located in the middle of the Rajasthan desert, this city is as much an architectural marvel as it is a natural one.

Activities: There are numerous palaces, mansions, and buildings with their exquisite stone and wood carvings to marvel. The Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis tours are can't misses.

Lodging: Lake Palace (Udaipur), Monsoon Palace (Jaisalmer), Residency Palace (Jodhpur)Transportation: Jodhpur is the nearest airport and daily rail travel is available

Season to Visit: October to March

5. Goa

Location: It's a beach destination with good nightlife and a great variety of international food.

Activities: Day trips to Dudhsagar waterfalls, numerous dinner cruises are a must and the night is available for partying or taking it easy on the beach

Lodging: Top picks include Majorda Beach Resort, Prainha Cottages, and Riva Beach Resorts. Due to the constant volume of visitors hotels are cheaper and there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from.

Transportation: Goa is a major national air hub and rail service is also plentiful

Season to Visit: September to March