Napoleon tried to occupy La Maddalena, and who could blame him? The largest town on the largest island of the Maddalena Archipelago, La Maddalena is renowned for its beautiful beaches and its national park. Hire a private boat to explore the surrounding uninhabited islands, or just relax on the café au lait sands of Spalmatore Beach.

Olbia (Greek for “happiness”) is a popular jumping-off point for those visiting the white-sand beaches of the Costa Smeralda, but those who linger in the coastal city uncover a historic centre filled with archaeological landmarks, piazzas ringed by wine bars, and authentic eateries.

You'll need a car and an area map to reach Porto-Vecchio's beaches, where you'll find pure white sands lapped by brilliant turquoise water. The busy beaches are the top attraction in this port town, which travellers report hasn't yet been totally overrun by the tourist trade. Sample fresh seafood in the local restaurants, and plan a side trip south to the charming town of Bonifacio.

Ajaccio, Corsica's main city, is fun to visit at any time of year. But if you're a secret (or not-so-secret) Napoleon Bonaparte groupie, plan to be there on August 15 and join the celebration of the birthday of Ajaccio's most famous son. Casa Buonaparte, Napoleon's family home and birthplace, is worth a visit, as is the town cathedral. Or just enjoy the Corsican sun.

Corsica is a laid-back French island, with a breezy vibe that’s part European weekend and part tropical honeymoon. The port city of Bastia flings its arms wide open to weary travelers disembarking from a long ferry trip. For a truly charming Corsican experience, catch a train through the mountains to the beach, passing by rustic villages and grazing cows along the way. Take a few hours or even a few weeks to explore the island’s famous walking trails, including the varsity-level GR 20.

Lonavala is one of the twin hill stations located near to each other, the other being Khandala. These hill stations are very popular getaway spots for people from Mumbai and Pune, which are very well-linked with Lonavala by road and rail. Monsoons are the best time to visit Lonavala/Khandala.

The city of Mahabaleshwar is a pinnacle of greenery, boasting one of the only evergreen forests in the world. The landscape abounds with lush hills, valleys and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat and Babington Point, all of which offer spectacular views. Trot along on horseback for a delightful four-legged tour of the gorgeous Venna Lake area, and savour juicy native strawberries, mulberries and corn.

East meets West in this sun-soaked state, where Indian culture intertwines with Portuguese influences left over from a 500-year occupation. The beaches have long served as a magnet for serene hedonists. To the north, the tourist-centric scene is prevalent, with an international flair that is now skewing more hip than hippie. Travel south for stretches of unspoiled sand and an escape from large resorts. Temples, mosques and wildlife sanctuaries provide diversions from the beach.

The misty hills, lush teakwood and sandalwood forests, and acres of tea and coffee plantations of Kodagu are, in a word, stunning. Also known as Coorg and dubbed "The Scotland of India," Kodagu is a postcard-perfect region of scattered villages and hamlets, which are the epitome of old-world charm. Kodagu is ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white-water rafting, and major festivals like Keil Poldu (worship of weapons), Cauvery Shankaramana (return of the river goddess) and the Huttari (harvest) festival are a huge draw.