16 Nights Asia / Orient

The island capital of the Maldives teems with high rises and narrow streets, all ringed by seawalls. Shopaholics can savor Male's flavors in the local markets, which are packed with fresh produce, and along Chaandanee Magu, the spot for local souvenirs, such as carved wooden dhonis, miniature replicas of the boats dotting area waters. The golden-domed Friday Mosque presides over the landscape, while the underwater riches of the atolls lure scuba enthusiasts from around the globe

Kerala is the talk of the town when it comes to travel in India, and the city of Cochin gives you a glimpse into why people love the state so much. Walk the streets of Cochin Fort ? here, youll find the St. Francis Church, Indias oldest colonial-built place of worship, as well as bustling Princess Street, with its colorful architecture displaying Dutch, Portuguese and British influence. See the Chinese fishing nets at the bay, purportedly brought here in the 14th century by emissaries of emperor Kublai Khan. Cruise to Cochin and explore the ornate Paradesi Synagogue and learn more about Keralas historic Jewish community, or feast on a paratha flatbread at a local eatery.

Kerala is the talk of the town when it comes to travel in India, and the city of Cochin gives you a glimpse into why people love the state so much. Walk the streets of Cochin Fort ? here, youll find the St. Francis Church, Indias oldest colonial-built place of worship, as well as bustling Princess Street, with its colorful architecture displaying Dutch, Portuguese and British influence. See the Chinese fishing nets at the bay, purportedly brought here in the 14th century by emissaries of emperor Kublai Khan. Cruise to Cochin and explore the ornate Paradesi Synagogue and learn more about Keralas historic Jewish community, or feast on a paratha flatbread at a local eatery.

Hambantota is the main town in Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. This underdeveloped area was hit hard by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and is undergoing a number of major development projects including the construction of a new sea port and international airport finished in 2013.

Perched on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, Galle wears its history on its sleeve. Windswept beaches and nodding palms surround its colonial-era showpiece, a 16th-century Portuguese-built fort, while the rest of the city is trimmed with Dutch-style houses, quirky shops, whitewashed mansions, and heritage museums.

Floating 780 miles across the Bay of Bengal from Kolkata, this port city in the Andaman archipelago is the splash-down point for the Mahatma Gandhi National Marine Park. Diving, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips provide views of rare corals and marine life. On shore, family-friendly Gandhi Park offers amusement rides and a nature trail. Nearby Viper and Ross islands contain historical remnants of British rule, while Corbyn's Cove has remains of Japanese bunkers at its palm-lined beach.

Port of Belawan is a harbor in Medan, Indonesia. Located on the northeast coast of Sumatra, Belawan is Indonesia's busiest seaport outside of Java. Medan is a popular tourist destination for history buffs and food lovers, and a gateway to another well-known destination in North Sumatra, Lake Toba.

Port of Belawan is a harbor in Medan, Indonesia. Located on the northeast coast of Sumatra, Belawan is Indonesia's busiest seaport outside of Java. Medan is a popular tourist destination for history buffs and food lovers, and a gateway to another well-known destination in North Sumatra, Lake Toba.

This small, roughly diamond-shaped island at the end of peninsular Malaysia may be coated in modernity, but underneath lies conservative Confucian values. Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian influences make Singapore a highly tolerant city with a wealth of fascinatingly sundry cultures.