Explore sun-drenched beaches, lush green valleys and snow-capped mountain hideaways in India, a country of many natural treasures. For exciting places you can get away and play, consider:

Goa
India's natural beauty is on full display in the state of Goa, where most months the sun kisses the palm-stubbled beaches where the Arabian Sea meets the land. This "Pearl of the Orient" offers a vast array of water-filled options for visitors: swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, sunbathing and more. But travelers also enjoy local sightseeing excursions, particularly to the area's temples and churches where fine examples of Portuguese architecture are on display.

Auli
Make your way to the top of the world in Auli, a luxury ski resort town at 10,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayas. Here you can enjoy some of the best slopes anywhere during the winter and hiking and mountain biking during the summer. Year-round, you'll always be assured of spectacular panoramic views.

Madikeri
When you stay in the capital of Kodagu in Southern India, where coffee and tea plantations line the rain-soaked hills, you'll immediately fall in love with the area's rugged beauty. Travelers needn't travel far to enjoy sacred waterfalls, the elephant training camp of Dubare, and the wonders of Nagarahole national park and wildlife area.

Eat...

Famous Goan cashew nuts. Cashews from Goa are available in a variety of flavors, including masala. Prices vary depending on the vendor and quality.

Play...

Ski the Himalayas (Auli). Take advantage of four slopes - and the awe inspiring beauty of the surrounding Himalayan peaks - from December through March.

Scuba in the Arabian Sea (Goa). Whether your reward is the colorful marine life or Spanish and Portuguese shipwrecks, Goa delivers. Popular dive sites include Grand Island and Angria Bank.

Explore...

Dubare elephant training camp (Madikeri). Naturalists not only educate visitors about elephants at this special sanctuary, they allow the visitors to interact with the graceful and intelligent creatures.

Iruppu Falls (Kodagu). Many visitors believe the falls have the power to wash away sins. Most will enjoy the natural beauty of the falls regardless of their beliefs.

Nagarahole National Park. The park is a protected territory for many endangered species. Tourists move through the park in Jeeps and vans run by the forest department in hopes of spotting animals such as tigers, elephants, panthers, and about 250 bird species.

Narsimha and Vasudeva Temples (Auli). Narsimha Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is about 1,200 years old; the Vasudeva Temple nearby is considered very sacred.

Shop...

The Wednesday Market (Anjuna Beach). Beach fashions and souvenirs are affordably priced at this market, which tailors to tourists.

Joshimath. Located just 5 kilometers from the ski resort at Auli, Joshimath has shops that offer ski-wear and souvenirs that will help you remember what a great time you had on the slopes.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.