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India is a kaleidoscope of experiences, cultures, landscapes, cuisines and religions.

Think it, and chances are, India has it. The country loves its monikers and is proud of its many superlatives. A salt desert. The largest river island. The world’s largest floating park. A village that disappears in the monsoon and reappears in summer. A park with white tigers. A city of lakes. These are but some of the unique experiences to be found in this country.

As a traveler, you are best off picking a region or a state and dedicating time to exploring it in depth. It is not possible to soak in the incredible diversity of the country whose culture, language, and landscape changes every few miles in just one trip. This may require a few lifetimes.

Unsure of where to start? Here are some of the highlights.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best city for lovebugs

This historically rich city often forms part of India’s most popular tourist circuit: The Golden Triangle, linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Of course, the biggest reason to visit Agra is to see the Taj Mahal, one of the modern-day Seven Wonders of the World. Widely considered to be the greatest ever monument to love, it was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

The ivory-colored marble mausoleum sits in a complex that also includes gardens, two mosques and a museum. Further down the river is the spectacular Agra Fort, an expansive red sandstone structure famed for its monumental Delhi Gate and private palaces and mosques. Indeed, most of Agra’s historical landmarks are located close to each other on the banks of the Yamuna.

The Taj is best seen at dawn or sunset, and the best views are across the river, from Mehtab Bagh Park. Agra is also famous for its petha, a sweet treat made from candied white gourd and often bought as a souvenir.

Detour: An hour’s drive away is another amazing historic site, Fatehpur Sikri – a ghost-haunted ruined city that was once the capital of the Mughal Empire under the emperor Akbar.

2. Delhi

Best for history and architecture buffs

India’s historic capital region forms the apex of the Golden Triangle. Delhi is a city and Union Territory, centred on Old Delhi – aka Shahjahanabad – and British-built New Delhi, India’s capital. Why visit? Well, if you walk almost anywhere in Old Delhi or New Delhi, you are likely to come across a historic building, ancient monument or timeworn tomb, mosque or fort.

Topping the shortlist of must-sees are Mughal- and Delhi Sultanate-era buildings such as UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin, the Qutab Minar in south Delhi, the Jama Masjid and Red Fort in Old Delhi and the Jantar Mantar observatory in New Delhi. Also make time for the 1980s Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple) and India Gate, at the heart of Delhi’s government district.

Delhi is intense and chaotic but always interesting, and it’s home to some of the finest cuisine (and street food) in the country. This is also a city that comes up trumps when it comes to entertainment – a visit to the bars and cafes of Hauz Khas Village in the evening will prove that point. And Delhi’s markets – Karol Bagh, Janpath, Paharganj, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market and Chandni Chowk – are great for picking up souvenirs and affordable fashions.

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for tea and toy trains

The former summer capital of the British Raj, the hill station of Darjeeling is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Kanchenjunga (Khangchendzonga) – the world’s third-highest mountain at 8586m (28,169ft) – looks benevolently over this town, with its silver fir forests, meandering roads, lush tea gardens and plunging valleys.

As well as seeing relics of British colonialism, you can take a camping trek to the Singalila National Park, check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (where Tenzing Norgay was once director), climb up to Tenzing Rock, shop and promenade on The Mall and sample some of India’s finest brews at one of the city’s many tea estates. For a more spiritual experience, find peace at the Japanese Peace Pagoda, the Ghum, Dali and Bhutia Busty Buddhist monasteries, or the Mahakal Temple on Observatory Hill (where Hindu and Buddhist deities reside together).

The pride of Darjeeling is the tiny “toy train” that travels along the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway runs downhill to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to connect with trains from Kolkata, but most tourists focus on the short trip by steam locomotive between Darjeeling and Ghum.

Detour: For a change of scene, there are more beautiful hill stations surrounding Darjeeling, such as Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik – all accessible by shared 4WD.

4. Goa

Best for relaxation

One of India’s smallest states, Goa is a top holiday spot thanks to its sun, sand, food, and vibes. Despite its small size, the state is culturally rich, with unique music, food, dance, and architecture, influenced by four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. Get a glimpse of this heritage at the ruined basilicas of Old Goa, at centuries-old Goan homes such as Figueiredo House and Palácio do Deão, and at concerts of mando and fado music.

Goa is blessed with a long, sandy coastline, and many activities here are centered on the beaches, from water sports to yoga. Step away from the sand and the hinterland reveals quiet villages with interesting local customs and festivals. Goa is also growing as a culinary destination, offering a taste of many different Indian and world cuisines and exciting new interpretations of local food.

Local tip: When choosing a Goa beach, North Goa has the parties and night markets, hippie culture, surfing schools, buzzing beaches and hip new cafes and bars. South Goa is known for its natural beauty, quiet beaches, wildlife sanctuaries such as Bhagwan Mahavir near Molem and Netravali near Palolem, and prehistoric sites such as Usgalimal.

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5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert romance

Jaisalmer is India’s city of gold, thanks to the gleaming color of its undulating sand dunes and sandstone buildings touched by the rays of the setting sun. The biggest attraction here is the living city inside Jaisalmer Fort. Inside, you will find havelis (traditional manors), royal palaces, timeless Hindu and Jain temples, and stalls selling an assortment of locally-made artifacts, accessories, jewelry and paintings.

Away from the fort, Jaisalmer’s heritage can be explored in opulent historic homes such as Patwa’s Kotha Haveli (and museum), and on visits to the five-story Tazia Tower in the Mandir Palace complex. Also make time for the sandstone cenotaphs at Vyas Chhatri, and the ancient stone buildings around the Gadisar and Amar Sagar Lakes.

Planning Tip: The famous sand dunes are located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar desert. The Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri are the most popular spots, but overnight camel safaris that travel deeper into the desert will take you away from the crowds. For a comfortable overnight desert stay, book a night at one of the tented desert camps around Jaisalmer.

6. Kerala

Best for backwaters and beaches

A lush paradise following India’s western coast, Kerala is blessed with beautiful beaches, placid backwaters, rich wildlife, myriad art forms and a diverse culture that more than justifies its celebrity status. But this steamy southern state offers more than just Ayurvedic massages. Onam, Vishu and other local festivals give a glimpse of the state’s rich culture, in the form of dance and music, cuisine, handicrafts and martial art forms. Try to catch a performance of Kathakali or Mohiniyattam dance.

If you’re lured to Kerala by the sand, the west coast is dotted with unspoiled beaches such as Kovalam and Varkala, while Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the gateway to backwater cruises by houseboat. To the east are hill stations such as Munnar, Wayanad and Thekkady, where tea, coffee and spice plantations grow luxuriantly across the hillsides. Sloth bears, Indian bison and tigers can be found in wildlife sanctuaries such as Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Aralam, Neyyar, and Begur, and in national parks such as Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Planning Tip: If visiting the historic port city of Kochi (Cochin), go during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, a popular contemporary arts festival.

7. Leh, Ladakh

Best for a taste of the mountain life

A mystic land in the high Himalayas, Ladakh is blessed with stunning vistas, clear skies and dramatically picturesque mountain valleys. It is the ideal spot for anyone looking to rewind, digitally detox or connect with nature.

You’ll find adventure aplenty. You can trek into the lofty Markham and Nubra Valleys or attempt the climb up the highest trekkable peak in India, 6153m (20,187ft) Stok Kangri. Ladakh’s twisting roads offer a uniquely thrilling experience to those seeking an epic road trip, especially the crossing over the Khardung La pass on the highest motorable road in the world.

Most people visiting Ladakh’s ‘Little Tibet’ begin the journey in Leh – a capital city blessed with a cool, dry climate and significant religious sites such as the Shanti Stupa and towering Leh Palace. You can learn about Tibetan and Buddhist culture at Ladakh’s many monasteries (try timeless Thiksey Gompa near Leh) or warm up with some traditional Ladakhi food – a unique mix of Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese culinary traditions.

Planning tip: Bear in mind that while summer is the best season to visit Ladakh, it is also the most crowded time in Leh. During winter, many parts of Ladakh are closed. Road travel to Leh from Manali or Srinagar is usually only possible from April to November when the high passes are clear of snow.

8. Madhya Pradesh

Best for glimpses of tigers

Madhya Pradesh sits in the heart of India – a vast territory known as the “tiger state” because of its tiger-stalked national parks, sanctuaries and reserves. It’s tough to choose between the state’s parks, which are famed for their successful conservation efforts. As well as tigers, Kanha Tiger Reserve is a good spot to see the endangered barasingha (swamp deer). Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is famous for tiger sightings and Pench – which many believe was the inspiration for The Jungle Book – has rare black leopards. Indian giant squirrels find a home in Satpura, while Panna is home to seven endangered species of vultures.

Definitely set aside time to visit the heritage site of Khajuraho, whose architecturally rich temples are famous for their erotic sculptures. Other worthy stops include the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sanchi, and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, showing traces of early life in India. 

9. Meghalaya

Best for natural beauty  

This ‘abode of the clouds’ in India’s often-overlooked northeast is a testament to the country’s natural beauty. Meghalaya is blessed with thundering waterfalls, green hills and an extensive network of caves and lakes.

It’s a region ideal for those who love adventure, enjoy trying new and exciting cuisines, and want to understand India’s Adivasi (indigenous) culture. Definitely stop by the village of Mawlynnong near the Bangladesh border, billed as one of Asia’s cleanest villages.

The main attraction in the state is visiting the living root bridges created by the Khasi people, who coaxed the roots of Indian rubber trees to intertwine, forming natural bridges across rivers. Reaching these bridges, especially the famous double-decker root bridge near Nongriat, requires some cardiovascular exercise. You can find more of these beauties around Dawki and Cherrapunji (Sohra).

Planning tip: Meghalaya is best explored towards the end of the monsoon when the rain is receding but waterfalls are still in full flow. Public transport isn’t great, so hire a car and driver to get around. 

10. Odisha

Best for temples, arts and crafts

Odisha (formerly Orissa) is a state of many merits. As well as a rich religious heritage, it boasts good (if little-known) food, Indigenous arts and crafts, natural beauty, thriving wildlife and fascinating tribal culture. The history of Buddhism in India is also on display at more than 100 sacred sites and historic monuments.

The highlights of any visit are the state’s temples. Chief among them is the chariot-shaped Sun Temple at Konark, which is a marvel of Kalinga architecture. The coastal town of Puri is also home to major temples, including the Jagannath Temple, setting for a vast chariot festival known as Ratha Yatra in June or July.

Different regions are popular for their arts and crafts. Cuttack is known for its silver filigree work, Raghurajpur for pattachitra (cloth painting) and Pipili for appliqué-work. Wildlife sanctuaries here offer different treasures – Gahirmatha is home to Olive Ridley turtles; Bhitarkanika shelters endangered saltwater crocodiles and herons; and Nandankanan has white and black (pseudo-melanistic) tigers.

Planning tip: There’s always a festival or fair happening in Odisha. Puri’s Ratha Yatra attracts the biggest numbers, but the Konark Dance Festival in February and the Puri Beach Festival in November are popular too.

11. Rann of Kachchh (Kutch), Gujarat

Best for desert colors and silence

This vast area of salt flats in the Thar Desert in Gujarat is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, and ideal for those who love photography and soaking in untouched natural beauty. The Rann of Kachchh (Kutch) is also where you go to find wildlife such as migrating flamingos and the endangered Indian wild ass. Both can be seen in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Learn about the Kutchhi people who live here and their embroidery traditions, and explore the archaeological site of Dholavira. Each winter, the government hosts the Rann Utsav festival – a carnival of arts, folk dance and music.

Detour: Another major festival in the Thar Desert is the Pushkar Camel Fair in November, a huge annual camel fair accompanied by a multi-day cultural fête, held in the sacred town of Pushkar near Ajmer city in Rajasthan.

12. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Best for some lake therapy

Rajasthan loves its titles. If Jaipur is the Pink City, and Jodhpur is the Blue City, then Udaipur is the White City and the City of Lakes. It’s a befitting title for a city surrounded by seven lakes. 

There’s so much to do in this vibrant city. Take in the city view from the City Palace and trek up to the Sajjan Garh Monsoon Palace overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. Or take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to admire the city’s floating palaces – it may be touristy, but it’s highly recommended. Udaipur also has its own ghats, of which Gangaur is the most popular.

To see the city’s spiritual side, marvel at the intricate sculptures covering the Jagdish Temple or take the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple, high above the lakeshore. By the water at Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is a museum by day, and a performance venue by night – come here in the early evening to see traditional Rajasthani dances.

Billed as a city of romance, Udaipur is a popular site for weddings, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a baraat (bridegroom procession) or two while you’re in town. 

Planning tip: Udaipur is chock full of murals on its whitewashed walls. Set some time aside to wander the narrow streets and take in the intricate and colorful artwork and graffiti.

13. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for spirituality and street food

Arguably India’s most sacred city, Varanasi (Benaras) is where you go for a dose of spirituality. Located on the banks of the holy River Ganges (Ganga), the city’s riverside ghats are where thousands of pilgrims gather to bathe and seek redemption, cremate the dead and partake in rituals. You can observe the whole cycle of life and death play out on the banks of the river.

The Ganga aarti ceremony, traditionally conducted at dusk, is an incredible visual spectacle. Many visitors also gather to watch – respectfully – the funeral services at Manikarnika Ghat. A walk through the city behind the ghats will introduce you to historic buildings such as Ramnagar Fort, the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Alamgir Mosque and the Man Mandir Observatory. The Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon, is a short drive outside the city.

Varanasi also has a thriving street food culture. Its tangled lanes and bazaars are filled with vendors dishing out kachoris (fried stuffed pastries), chaats (savory snacks), jhal muri (puffed rice, vegetables and spices) and aloo puri (puffed flatbread with spiced potatoes).

Planning tip: Two souvenirs unique to the region are Benarasi paan (betel nut for chewing, with dried dates) and the Benarasi saree, woven from local silk with fine silver or gold brocade.

Some of the largest and most unspoiled tracts of wilderness on Earth, Patagonia’s temperate rainforests, towering mountain ranges, grasslands, fjords, lakes and rivers are home to more than 500 wildlife species, making it one of the most diverse and fauna-rich regions in South America.

Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and wildlife lovers alike come to this vast natural playground in the hopes of spotting condors, penguins, guanacos, pumas, whales and other creatures, but Patagonia’s harsh continental climate, challenging topography and the encroachment of estancias (ranches) on some habitats mean that some of the more elusive beasts may only be spotted in specific areas at specific times of the year.

Here’s our guide to Patagonia’s most iconic animals and birds and where best to find them.

Condors are commonly spotted in Patagonia

The national bird of Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador, the Andean condor is one of the largest birds on Earth, with a massive 3m (10ft) wingspan that puts it ahead of its Californian cousins in terms of sheer size. Contrary to popular belief that once saw them hunted by sheep ranch owners, condors are scavengers – giant vultures – rather than birds of prey, and thus not capable of carrying off livestock. Instead, they act as a clean-up crew, picking over the carcasses of dead animals.

Where to see them: Bald-headed, black, with distinctive white feathery patches on their wings, condors are most commonly spotted in the Andes, in Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, Los Glaciares, Patagonia and Cerro Castillo national parks, where they take advantage of the strong air currents to keep themselves aloft. They live near the coast as well, where there are strong ocean breezes and are frequently spotted circling above Parque Nacional Monte de León.

Sightings of pumas are rare

Kenya and Tanzania have lions, India and Siberia have tigers, the Amazon Basin is home to the jaguar, and Patagonia has the puma. Once hunted almost to extinction, the Patagonian mountain lion has made a miraculous recovery over the past few decades, due to the protective measures in place and the numerous national parks teeming with food. The largest land carnivore in the region, the tan-colored puma is a powerful predator that can bring down prey much bigger than itself.

Where to see them: Puma spotting tops the list for most wildlife lovers, but since the big cats are nocturnal and shy, sightings are few and far between. The best place to see them is Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, where there’s a large and thriving population, thanks mainly to an abundance of guanacos and wild horses. In fact, this writer spotted a very large puma while hiking there solo – an exhilarating yet terrifying experience, despite the fact that there have been no puma attacks on humans in Patagonia in decades. The big cats have also been seen at Parque Nacional Patagonia and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

Guanacos can be seen year-round

A close relative of the domesticated llama and alpaca and South America’s largest camelid (though without a hump!), the guanaco can be seen in large numbers in Patagonia year-round. A pale tawny color, with long, graceful necks and legs, huge eyelashes and soft lips adept at finding nourishment among Patagonia’s thorny scrubland, guanacos are social, alert and inquisitive animals that tend to live in small herds, composed of up to ten females, a dominant male and their offspring. In winter, they band together in much larger groups.

The herds currently roaming Patagonia’s steppe and forest represent a mere fraction of the guanacos that once inhabited these grasslands. Their numbers were severely depleted after the arrival of Europeans, and while it’s no longer legal to hunt them, they still have to compete with sheep for food.

Where to see them: Guanacos are particularly numerous in Tierra del Fuego, where there are no pumas, but sightings are also frequent in Parque Nacional Monte de León – and pretty much guaranteed in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, where they number at least 2000, and Parque Nacional Patagonia, known as the Serengeti of the Southern Cone. They share a habitat with the Patagonian armadillo, which like to burrow near lakes, and the swift-footed ñandú (rhea).

Look out for whales and dolphins

Four whale species can be seen in Patagonia’s coastal waters: humpback whales, orcas, southern right whales and – very rarely – blue whales. From December to March, Whalesound and Solo Expediciones run dedicated whale-watching tours from Punta Arenas to Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the southern Chilean fjords, where humpback whales, en route between Antarctica and the Arctic, stop to feed and perform their spectacular breaching displays.

Where to see them: Orcas can be spotted around Argentina’s Peninsula Valdés, hunting seals and sea lions, but you’re much more likely to catch sight of endangered southern right whales – between April and December, more than 2000 of them come to the sheltered bays around the peninsula to breed and raise their young. Regular boat trips depart from the village of Puerto Pirámides.

During these boat trips, you’re also likely to see dusky dolphins – small, playful dolphins that like swimming in the wake of boats and engaging in acrobatic displays, leaping high above the water. The black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin is very frequently seen during routine ferry crossings of the Magellan Strait, from mainland Patagonia to Tierra del Fuego; small pods often follow the ferry. As for the world’s largest mammal? With luck on your side, you could spot a blue whale if you happen to be on a ferry in northern Chilean Patagonia, en route to the island of Chiloé. There have been occasional sightings in the Gulf of Corcovado as well.

Vizcacha live in large burrowing colonies

Adorably cute, extremely agile and looking like a cross between a large rabbit and a chinchilla with a longer, curlier tail, vizcacha (sometimes translated as “bunny-squirrel”) are usually spotted bounding up steep slopes. Reddish-gray in color and blending in well with their mountainous habitat, these large rodents are endemic to South America and live in large burrowing colonies.

Where to see them: In southern Chile, you’re likely to spot them among the lunar landscape of Reserva Nacional Jeinimeni, while in Argentina, the plains vizcacha inhabiting the pampas are seen as pests that compete with livestock for food.

The extremely endangered huemul is tricky to find

Native to the mountains and periglacial scrubland of southern Chile and Argentina, the huemul is a notoriously shy deer that’s critically endangered – there are only 1500 or so left in the wild, the majority of them in Chile. The stocky southern deer is Chile’s national animal; it even appears on the country’s coat of arms, alongside the condor.

Where to see them: You would be incredibly lucky to spot one, though there have been occasional sightings in Parque Nacional Patagonia, Parque Nacional Torres del Paine and Reserva Natural Los Huemules. The latter is a private nature reserve in southern Argentina, near El Chaltén; its founders hope that habitat preservation and scientific study will help increase the deers’ numbers.

Spot flocks of Chilean flamingos

When we think of flamingos, we usually think of the tropics, and Patagonia seems an unlikely home for these graceful stilt-legged birds. Paler than the Caribbean flamingo but pinker than the Greater flamingo, Chilean flamingos live in large flocks.

Where to see them: Chilean flamingos are often spotted during the southern summer on the approach to Parque Nacional Torres del Paine – a flash of pink in the shallows of the pale-blue Laguna Amarga. They also inhabit the lakes and lagoons of Parque Nacional Patagonia; if you’re driving through the Chacabuco Valley in the direction of the border with Argentina, you can see them in large numbers at Laguna Seca.

Penguin chicks hatch in November and December

What’s black and white and outnumbers Patagonia’s human inhabitants almost two to one? If you’ve answered “penguin,” you’re absolutely right! From October to April, Patagonia hosts around 3.4 million Magellanic penguins as they swim back to their burrows from the coast of Brazil to nest and lay eggs. Chicks hatch in November and December, so if you visit then, you’re likely to get glimpses of these beaked balls of fluff.

Where to see them: The biggest Magellanic penguin colonies are in Punta Tombo, Argentina, reachable via driving or tour bus, and Isla Magdalena, Chile, accessed via half-day boat tours operated by Turismo Comapa, from Punta Arenas. The Magellanic penguin is by far the most common penguin you’re likely to spot along Patagonia’s coastline.

That said, further south, Isla Martillo – in the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia, reachable via boat tour with Tangol Tours – is also home to Gentoo penguins, while rockhopper penguins can be seen along the coast east of Argentina’s Puerto Deseado. There’s also a small king penguin colony on the main island of Tierra del Fuego, near Bahía Inútil, that’s grown in size over the past few years, and it’s the only place outside the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica where you can actually see these magnificent birds. Chile Nativo runs full-day tours from Punta Arenas.

Beavers were introduced to the region in 1946

In 1946, the Argentinian military came up with the bright idea of importing ten pairs of Canadian beavers from Manitoba and letting them loose in Tierra del Fuego, in the hopes of kicking off a lucrative fur trade and attracting more settlers to the sparsely populated southernmost region. With no natural predators to hold them back, the beaver population spread like wildfire, with numbers estimated between 70,000 and 100,000 today, and caused as much damage to Fuegian forests as wildfires.

Where to see them: If you’re looking to spot these industrious water-loving rodents, you’re likely to come across their dams and large stretches of ghost forest where thriving lenga (southern beech) used to grow – particularly if you go trekking on Chile’s Isla Navarino or take to the hiking trails in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego near Ushuaia.

Make it happen

Wildlife spotting in Patagonia is really easy, and unless you’ve got pumas or huemuls on your bucket list, you don’t even need a dedicated guide to make it happen. You’re likely to see ñandú (rhea) while driving Patagonia’s traffic-light roads; guanacos and endemic birds, such as the Magellanic woodpecker and rufous-tailed hawks, while hiking the trails of national parks and nature reserves; and a wealth of sea birds, seals and sea lions just by visiting Chile’s and Argentina’s coastlines.

However, if you’re coming to Patagonia specifically to see the region’s rarer and harder-to-spot creatures, it’s worth looking into multiday wildlife safaris offered by operators such as Chile Nativo, Swoop Patagonia, EcoCamp Patagonia, Eagle-Eye Tours, and Far South Expeditions, to name a handful of reputable outfitters.

Bozeman offers an embarrassment of scenic splendor just a short drive from downtown. Heading south will take you through glorious mountain and river scenery towards mighty Yellowstone National Park, one of America’s top adventures.

Head west, and you’ll be traveling in the footprints of fur trappers, mountain men and Lewis and Clark. Drive east, and you’ll reach the Old West town of Livingston and the Paradise Valley, offering a glorious back route to Yellowstone. And all sorts of short walks and hikes are possible along the way.

With enough activities to satisfy young families, history buffs and hardcore outdoor adventurers alike, a day trip from Bozeman will give you a taste of the very best that central Montana has to offer. Even on a short trip, we encourage you to stay an extra day to make time for one of the following fun-filled day trips.

Livingston

Why go: Wander historic Western buildings, museums and art galleries

Historic Livingston is well worth a visit for its authentic and understated Western charm. Old-timers will tell you this is what Bozeman was like before the Californians arrived. The former railway town and one-time home of Calamity Jane also has some serious literary credentials, as the former home of writers Thomas McGuane, Jim Harrison and Tim Cahill.

The historic Murray Hotel still has lots of original Western touches, and you can stay in the suite where movie director Sam Peckinpah lived for a year. The town’s two local history museums and many art galleries are also worth a stroll.

How to get to Livingston:
Take I-90 east for 25 miles (40km) over the Bozeman Pass to the Livingston turnoff.

Chico Hot Springs

Why go: Unwind in historic hot springs & a honky-tonk saloon

For more than 120 years, visitors have been drawn through the beautiful Paradise Valley to historic Chico Hot Springs for three excellent reasons: stunning natural beauty, a soak in the region’s best hot springs and a slap-up dinner in the resort’s historic dining room.

Most day-trippers are happy with a soak and a poolside Chico Amber Ale, but the more ambitious can sign up for horseback rides and private mountain biking trails. Winter is particularly magical here, with dogsled rides and cross-country ski trips on offer. You might even spot the odd celebrity propping up the saloon bar, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when live music gets the cowboy boots tapping.

How to get to Chico Hot Springs:
Take I-90 east for 25 miles (40km) towards Livingston, then turn south on US-89 through the Paradise Valley. Chico is just south of Pray, a total of 50 miles (80km) from Bozeman.

Big Sky

Why go: For the outdoor activities – hiking, biking and horse riding

Montana’s premier winter ski resort is also a prime destination in summer, especially if you like getting active. Enjoy 360-degree mountain views if you take the tram up to the summit of 11,116ft (3388m) Lone Peak, or hike up if you’re super fit. Other options include the rewarding hike to Beehive Basin, or some epic, lift-served downhill mountain biking.

Families are well catered for, and walkers of all ages will enjoy the short 1.6-mile (2.6km) return hike to Ouzel Falls, a canoe paddle around Lake Levinsky or a mosey down the trail on a horse riding trip from a local ranch. And there’s whitewater rafting and zip lining, too, so teenagers won’t feel left out.

After all that calorie burning, refuel over a green Thai curry at Lotus Pad, or grab a craft beer and burger at Lone Peak Brewery.

How to get to Big Sky:
The turnoff to Big Sky is in the Gallatin Valley, 40 miles (64km) southwest of Bozeman, along a very scenic stretch of road. Big Sky Resort is a further 9 miles (14.5km) up a side valley.

Yellowstone National Park Loop

Why go: Buckle up for a whistlestop tour to see hot springs, bison and mud pots

If you only have one day to see Yellowstone National Park and are happy to spend much of that day in the car, two of Yellowstone’s entrances are easily accessible from Bozeman. Taking advantage of the northern entrance at Gardiner and the western entrance at West Yellowstone, you can make a grand loop that takes in the highlights of northwestern Yellowstone.

Entering the park at Gardiner, visit the naturally sculpted hot spring terraces at Mammoth before continuing past waterfalls to view the elk and bison herds grazing Madison Junction. If you have time, it’s worth detouring south to Old Faithful to view Yellowstone’s most spectacular collection of crowd-pleasing geysers and belching mud pots.

This is a long day trip, so break this itinerary into two days if possible. Otherwise, leave Bozeman at dawn!

How to get to Yellowstone National Park:
From Bozeman, head through the Paradise Valley to Gardiner, enter Yellowstone National Park and drive to Mammoth, Madison Junction and Old Faithful. Exit the park at West Yellowstone, from where it’s 90 miles (145km) back to Bozeman through the Gallatin Valley. Be warned: this is an epic 240-mile (386km) loop.

Yellowstone’s Northwest Corner

Why go: Hike, ride horses or fly fish in Yellowstone’s most peaceful corner

Everyone thinks they know Yellowstone National Park, but few people visit the park’s secret far northwestern corner, accessible from the Gallatin Valley and an ideal spot for multi-day backpacking trips or horse treks. Experienced hikers can tackle the Gallatin Sky Rim Trail – a long day (or even better, overnight) walk that offers amazing views from its rugged volcanic ridgelines. Several outfitters run excellent day-long horse rides or multi-day pack trips in this part of the park.

The good news is that no park entry fees are required to see this area of Yellowstone. The bad news? There are more grizzlies than humans here, so bring bear spray and keep your eyes open.

How to get to Yellowstone’s Northwest Corner:
Head southwest from Bozeman on US-191 through the Gallatin Valley, pass the turnoff to Big Sky and continue south towards West Yellowstone. Trailheads line the road, starting 59 miles (95km) from Bozeman.

Headwaters of the Missouri

Why go: Learn about mountain men and Indigenous heritage

Fans of Western history should zip West of Bozeman for 40 minutes to reach Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers merge to form the mighty Missouri, North America’s longest river. Lewis and Clark camped here for a week in July 1805, and interpretive panels detail their voyage, as well as the stories of the fur trappers and mountain men who hunted and traded here. There are also family-friendly hiking and biking trails.

Also worth a visit is nearby Madison Buffalo Jump State Park, where for 2000 years, Indigenous hunters stampeded herds of bison over the deadly pishkun (cliffs). Hike up to the cliffs to take in the views and contemplate this undeniably efficient hunting method.

How to get to Headwaters of the Missouri State Park:
Head northwest on I-90 for 26 miles (42km) to Logan; from here, it’s 7 miles (11km) south to Madison Buffalo Jump or 5 miles (8km) northwest to the Missouri Headwaters State Park.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Why go: Head underground to explore stalactites and rock formations

To complete the day trip trio of state parks, continue 20 miles (32km) west of the Missouri headwaters to the Lewis & Clark Caverns, Montana’s first state park and the biggest cave system in the US Northwest. A two-hour guided tour (available May to September) will take you through the dripping, twisting cave complex, at one point descending a natural rock slide. It’s great family fun, and there’s also a shorter accessible tour for visitors with mobility issues. Simple but shady dog kennels (free) are available for your pup while you tour the caves.

How to get to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park:
The caverns are 50 miles (80km) from Bozeman. Take I-90 northwest to Jct 274 near Three Forks, then follow US-287 for another 16 miles (26km).

Some of Scotland’s most appealing places will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Those dramatic peaks, lonely glens and lochs, all that tartan and haggis – it really does all exist, in wonderful real life.

From craggy Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are – truly – as glorious as you’d imagine. Yet this proud nation is more than a mere series of postcards. Spend even a short time here, and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, teeming wildlife and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you’ve decided on the best time for your visit, you need to decide on the best places to go while you’re there.

Our list of the best destinations in Scotland will help get you started.

1. Stirling

Best for castle fanatics

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle. This fortress has seen serious action: it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine; came under attack during the 1745 Jacobite rising; and dispatched troops to the battle of Bannockburn, the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart, just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip: Since many tourists come on day trips, it’s best to visit in the afternoon. You may have the castle almost to yourself around 4pm.

2. Speyside

Best for whisky tasting

Scotland’s national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been made here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland’s most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors. (Head over to Islay for peatier varieties.)

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor. The smell is glorious.

Planning tip: Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

3. Shetland Islands

Best for bird-watching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s northernmost outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO Geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish, though, thanks to its deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on little-trafficked roads. It’s the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness, Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain’s most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas, as well as the northern lights.

4. Loch Lomond

Best for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour’s drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland’s best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland’s first national park, the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods, before it narrows in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3031ft) is a popular climb. Follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile (11.25km) round-trip on the popular Tourist Route; allow around 5 hours.

5. Edinburgh

Best for year-round entertainment

Scotland’s capital is justly famous for its festivals. Yet this is a city of year-round pleasures and many moods. Visit in spring to take in the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils; or on a chill winter’s day to observe fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery, top museums, spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers up panoramic views over the city.

6. The Scotland Borders

Best for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely. That’s their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country manors (Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests), as well as a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys (Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best), plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

7. North Coast 500

Best for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands. And the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (the truly fit can also cycle it) – with the reward being some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the lovely city of Inverness, looping past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt, and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights – as well as the famously warm Highland hospitality found in the region’s classic rural pubs and old crofting villages – make this an unforgettable week-long tour.

8. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to absorb Scotland’s landscapes is to walk across them. Expect peaks that tower over lochs and sea cliffs that gaze over the wind-whipped sea, yes – but also short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather. At the top of many hikers’ wish lists is the 96-mile (155km) West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William, a weeklong walk through some of the country’s finest scenery that finishes in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it’s possible to do just a day’s hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus. Whichever section you take on, pack waterproof layers and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour: The 1345m (4413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who’s reasonably fit. Treat the peak with respect, and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

9. Isle of Skye

Best for photographers

In a country famous for over-the-top scenery, the Isle of Skye is an apex. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, a photo opportunity awaits at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles. And – if you can tear your eyes from the natural world – you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants, too. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. Yet the crowds tend to stick to Portree, Dunvegan and Trotternish – and it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip: Come prepared for changeable weather. When it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed. But all too often, it isn’t.

10. Perthshire

Best for enjoying nature’s bounty

In Perthshire, the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors, and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There’s a feeling of the bounty of nature here that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth. Savor it all.

11. Glasgow

Best for live music and pub culture

Scotland’s biggest city lacks Edinburgh’s dramatic setting, it’s true – but its varied activities, warmth and energy leave every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, this is a great city for browsing art galleries and museums and discovering the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world’s great live music scenes.

Local tip: Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at legendary former ballroom Barrowland (crowned the UK’s best music venue by Time Out in 2023). Or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice ‘n‘ Sleazy, a classic indie dive.

12. St Andrews

Best for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by amateurs and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass), and the main enemy is the wind off the sea, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

The historic Fife university town of St Andrews is the game of golf’s unofficial headquarters, and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you’re not so keen…well, the city has impressive medieval ruins, stately university buildings, idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants.

13. Skara Brae

Best for ancient history

Visitors to ancient sites often find it difficult to imagine them as they existed millennia ago, or to build a connection with the people that built them. Yet Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney, with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, dating back 5000 years, is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

14. Glen Coe

Best for clan history

Scotland’s most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belie the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by warriors of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen’s finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip: Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.