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South Asia

Good things happen when you deep-fry pastry … India’s samosa.

This deep-fried pastry is one of the world’s most popular

It’s a little cheeky to say this dish is from India, because even Indians would admit that the basic idea for the samosa came from elsewhere.

  • Ben Groundwater
The Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP), with a footprint of 65,000 square metres, is claimed to be the biggest Vedic temple in the world.

Bigger than St Peter’s Basilica, India has a giant new icon

It’s something of a shock when we have our first sightings of Vedic Planetarium. It may still be under construction, but it doesn’t disappoint.

  • Julietta Jameson
Relaxation retreat … and repast.

Luxury lodge moved, stone by stone, to remote wilderness to restore ambience

After a road was built nearby that ruined the ambience of this remote lodge in India, the owner had it removed piece by piece and relocated.

  • Julietta Jameson
The Terminal 3 complex at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

Cramped, chaotic: One of the world’s busiest airports can only get better

It might be one of the top 10 busiest airports in the world, but the facilities here are well short of international standards. Thankfully, upgrades are coming.

  • Michael Gebicki
Cruising the Ganges.

This extraordinary cruise on holy waters is stranger than fiction

Namaste to come what may – this passage to India is full of quirk, surprise and rare insight.

  • Julietta Jameson
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Kolkata can feel like you’ve stepped on to the set of a Wes Anderson film.

The colourful city that feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson film

With its cinematic streetscapes and vivid cultural life, this city is peak “accidentally Wes Anderson”.

  • Julietta Jameson
The entrance to the rock carved Kailasha temple at Ellora Caves in India

Asia is flush with ancient marvels, but nothing matches these caves

The extraordinary cave network of Ajanta in India houses a trove of masterpieces dating back thousands of years.

  • Matt Wade
The economy cabin is set up in a 2-4-2 layout.

Roomy economy cabin layout makes this flight great for couples

There are some minor shortcomings but the service and legroom – enough for my 190-cm partner – outweigh the negatives on this 11-hour haul.

  • Georgia Dunkley
This is where to get the classic Taj snap.

Ten things I learnt on my first visit to India

I’m anxious about my first trip to India. Then I hear that even Tripologist Michael Gebicki has succumbed to illness while there. What hope is there for me?

  • Trudi Jenkins
The most romantic way to see Sri Lanka is by rail.

The small country that’s the ultimate destination for train lovers

While India might be renowned for its trains, Sri Lanka’s railways are a decidedly quieter affair – but no less impressive.

  • Sophie Dickinson