WHEN TO GO - October

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu festival that takes place over five days each fall, all throughout India. The element of light in this festival represents good overcoming evil. The main festival night consists of prayers, fireworks, feasts and the exchange of gifts.

An astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar, in India's state of Rajasthan for the Pushkar Camel Fair. For five days, the camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered into beauty contests, raced and traded. It's a great opportunity to witness a true traditional Indian festival.

During the ninth month of each lunar year, many Buddhists make a pledge to not eat meat in the hope of improved fortune. On the island of Phuket, this is excuse enough for an all-out celebration. Two action-packed weeks see huge parades and carnivals through the streets, fireworks and of course, plenty of delicious vegetarian food.