In pictures: Tracing the hues of the Indian tricolour across the country

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Gateway of India at dusk: In the middle of Mumbai’s bustle but still removed from the din, stands the Gateway of India at the edge of the Arabian Sea. This archway opposite the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, is a landmark of historical and cultural significance and marks the site from where the last British troops left Indian soil. A walk along the Colaba Causeway leading to the Wellington Pier, is one of the best spots to enjoy an evening in Mumbai when the sky is aglow, the music of buskers fills the air, and the sun immerses itself into the horizon

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The Taj Mahal on a full moon night: The Taj Mahal, is a testimony to architectural brilliance and India’s multihued history. The masterful symmetry and the details only amplify the primary essence of this marvel — love and devotion. Many a poem has been written about the dazzling beauty of the ivory mausoleum in the glow of the full moon. The monument remains open from thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes before sunset barring Friday. For the famous view of the Taj shining in moonlight, make sure you keep an eye out as limited tickets are made available online seven days before the full moon night

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Snowy Gulmarg in the winter: One of the most frequented destinations in Kashmir, Gulmarg has always held a special charm of its own. Named by 16th-century ruler Yousuf Shah Chak, the meadow blooms with colourful flowers in the spring before transforming into a snowy winter wonderful as the season changes. The epicentre of winter sports and special high altitude military training, winter in Gulmarg is an experience one wouldn’t pass on

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A boat ride on the backwaters of Kerala: God’s Own Country is clad in a garb of perennial greenery and a boat ride on the famed backwaters of Kerala is a leisurely travel experience. The ‘Venetian Capital of Kerala’, Alappuzha, and the Kumarakom, a collection of islands on the Vembanad Lake, are the two primary places to experience the beauty of gliding through the waters and soothing your eyes with verdant landscapes

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Assam’s tea gardens: With over 2,500 gardens across the state, Assam produces almost half of the tea in India. Some of the most picturesque tea gardens in the country, the sprawling estates are spread across Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tinksukia, Sibsagar, Golaghat, and Nagaon. The lush greenery stretches across miles and has been the home to the multilingual and multiethnic group of tea garden workers or the tea-tribes. One can be a part of the Assam Tea Festival in November and breathe in the green vibrance of the land

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At the edge of Pangong Lake: Blue skies kiss slate-blue mountains that meet a shimmering blue lake. Ladakh’s Pangong Tso, the highest freshwater lake in the world, truly presents an other-worldly sight. Spreading out to around 160km, one-third of the lake lies in India and the rest outside Indian borders. Recreating a famous movie scene, or just moments of quiet contemplation — a few moments at the edge of this lake in Leh is a travel experience for the books

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Along the coast in Goa: When it comes to blue waters and a beach getaway, this western state is never far from anyone’s mind. Lazy strolls and languid days in the south and spirited nightlife in the north, there’s many a mood to Goa. Baga, Calangute, Ashwem beaches are the most popular beaches offering a range of activities ranging from water sports to fire shows and parties, while southern beaches like Palolem, Cabo De Rama, Agonda, Utorda serve as the perfect break from the humdrum with its deserted serenity, green land and blue waters. There’s always the sight of the water in a tucked-away beach in Goa