Cartagena de Indias

Vibrant, dynamic, and the origin of yoga, India is a nation guaranteed to engage all senses—often concurrently.

As far as charming, well-preserved colonial cities are concerned, Cartagena, often referred to as the illustrious “Jewel of The Indies,” is a leading contender for one of the finest in the world.

Colorful, chaotic, crowded – all the clichés about India are true, as are the tropes of culture shock, sensory overload, and a land of contrasts. It is a vast country with diverse cultures and customs across its length and breadth. A bewildering array of sights, sounds, and smells greet you as you navigate the fast-paced cities where high-rises stand cheek by jowl with slums, and yes, there are indeed cows on (some of) the streets. However, this is also the land of majestic mountains, sandy beaches, scorching deserts, and thriving forests, not to mention opulent palaces, awe-inspiring heritage sites, pulsating cities, and enchanting villages.

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds, and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

India serves up travel on a massive scale. How massive? Well, India’s 28 states and 8 union territories cover nearly 3.8 million sq km, and the distance from the far north of Ladakh to the southern tip of Tamil Nadu is more than 3200 km (1988 miles) – greater than the distance from London to Istanbul.

India loves kids of all ages. Its lively tumult, which can be overwhelming for adults, is manna to children. The sights, sounds, and smells mean they’re never bored. Moreover, actions and exclamations, which may raise eyebrows elsewhere, are easily absorbed by India’s accommodating culture.

With its dense tapestry of cultures and landscapes, India feels like dozens of countries rolled into one. However, a single visa will cover you for travel across more than 3 million sq km (more than a million sq miles) of territory, encompassing everything from steamy jungles to the high passes of the Himalayas.

Stretching along 7500km (4660 miles) of sun-toasted tropical coastline, India’s beaches swing from deserted white-sand wonders and golden surf beauties to lively pilgrimage strands and palm-dusted hippie-vibe havens.

Like much of the Caribbean, Cartagena is a blend of coastal beauty, historical significance, and cross-cultural influences. Palm leaves sway in the salty sea breeze, dazzling sunsets paint the sky enchanting shades of pink and gold, and sun-kissed beaches meet the shimmering sea.

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s easiest cities to navigate.

While Colombia is an affordable destination overall, visiting touristy Cartagena can leave your wallet feeling lighter. Luckily, there is a wealth of free or almost-free activities and experiences that showcase the coastal city’s rich heritage, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere. Whether it’s strolling through the picturesque Old Town or discovering the vibrant street art in Getsemaní, explore Cartagena’s memorable free adventures.