Sunset is the best time to arrive at the 5th-century-B.C. Temple of the mythical sea God Poseidon. Perched on cliffs above Cape Sounio, the temple ruins, surrounded on three sides by sea, have stunning views out over the Aegean. It was mentioned in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. More recently, English Romantic poet Lord Byron visited this atmospheric spot in 1811 and inscribed his name at the base of one of the temple's Doric columns.

Visakhapatnam truly offers something for every type of traveler, from the beach bum to the culture vulture. There are eight beaches in this southeast India port city, as well as hilltop parks, a nature preserve, caverns, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, sacred Buddhist monuments and a fascinating submarine museum. Take a day trip to visit the fragrant coffee plantations of the Araku Valley.

Though often used as a gateway to nearby beach resorts, Thiruvananthapuram offers plenty of its own to reward travellers who stay. From South Indian cuisine and a sophisticated art scene to architectural treasures and historic landmarks, there’s so much to experience in Kerala’s capital.

Blossoming bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals on leafy boulevards and 18th-century colonial buildings colour the former French colony of Pondy, which sits on the Bay of Bengal. But it's also unmistakably Indian, with colourful festivals throughout the year, several mosques and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Quiet beaches stretch north and south from town, good for swimming and sunrise strolls. Pondy is a popular weekend getaway destination from Chennai and is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle.

Coastal charm meets cultural heritage in the sacred city of Puri, where pilgrims flock annually to celebrate the Ratha Yatra. Besides world-famous temples, Puri boasts beaches and markets that buzz year-round, while the wetland landscape beyond the city retains its wild edge.