Nepal: The polluted hell of Kathmandu is offset by great food, tourist traps, hotels -- and getaways. Pokhara is beautiful, Tansen is charmingly rustic and Chitwan still a wildlife enthusiast's delight. The real change is Nepal. Vastly improved air links makes criss-crossing the country much easier. Avoid getting stuck in the Kathmandu-Bhaktapur-Dhulikhel rut. Hire a van, take a trek, raft, drop out.

Bhutan: Still one of the most unspoilt places in this part of the world. An angler's haven, treks to energise the mind, body and soul -- the mountains of Bhutan are mind-numbingly impressive but these are less known, so are fresher. Hiker's and SUV-rider's paradise, for people with a civilised demeanour and adventurer's mind. If you don't fit the bill, pass. They won't miss you either.

Bangladesh: If someone tells you Bangladesh is generally a great place for tourism, smile politely and talk to someone else. A few hours drive south of Chittagong includes the wonderful, endless stretch of beach at Cox's Bazaar. Uncrowded, super seafood. Very basic. That's it. For more, read on.

Sri Lanka: Strange. The civil war never ends. And yet, tourists don't stop. Some of the best hotels and greatest deals in the region. Delightful tea country, divine seas, a touch of exotica with excellent food and uniformly superior bartending. Go south on the Galle Road. The places will find you.

The Maldives: A handful of big resort islands cater to those who would want the option of tennis and discotheque even on a space shuttle. Pah. This dream destination is about coral islands where coffee-table books come alive in Neptune's backyard. Where the whiteness of the sand dazzles and islands can be half day's boatride away. It's for those who spell holiday as p-e-a-c-e. Look for hotels with less rooms, lagoon rooms and speedboats. Maldives is difficult to get to. It's expensive. The better things in life usually are.