India Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Ancient, diverse, and exquisite, India is a sensory experience that can also be overwhelming. From its rich culture, delicious food to its historic architecture and scenic vistas, the country has something for every kind of traveler. In case you need a bit of guidance figuring out what to do in the country, here is our list of the best things to do in India.

Jaipur is one of India’s most vibrant cities. Steeped in rich history, scattered with famous bazaars, and graced with hilltop temples, the things to do in Jaipur seem endless. The capital and the largest city in the northern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur forms one of the three points in the renowned Golden Triangle, attracting even more curious visitors to its iconic sights. Known as the Pink City due to the mandated color of the city’s buildings, the things to see in Jaipur will impress travelers from all over the globe. If you’re wondering what to do in Jaipur, check out our top ten picks of things to see and do around one of India’s most enthralling cities::

Less than a day’s journey north of Delhi lies the alluring state of Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s most popular tourist draws. Pushing on into the state beyond the colonial-era hill station of Shimla, you come to Manali, the jumping off point for the breathtaking but relatively easy Hampta Pass Trek.Famed for spectacular Himalayan landscapes that change dramatically as you progress and combining stunning mountain scenery with four or five days of manageable walking, this route is an irresistible option for novices and experienced hikers alike.

The city of Agra is one of the three cities that make up the famous Golden Triangle tour in India, making it a must-visit destination by default. Taj Mahal — one of the seven wonders of the world and a site no traveler to India wants to skip, is housed in the city. And while the Taj is undoubtedly the biggest attraction in Agra, there is more to the city than just the masterpiece.

Delhi, the capital city of India, may overwhelm most visitors on first sight, but it has its own way of growing on you. The mesmerizing balance between history and modernity makes Delhi one of the most unique cities on the planet. You can find breathtaking forts, palaces, gardens, temples and mosques that are steeped with history, and explore cosmopolitan delights, exciting nightclubs, international cuisines, fantastic shopping experience and a beautiful culture, all while touring Delhi.If you’re planning to take that much anticipated trip to India anytime soon, it is a must that you visit the Indian capital and here are some of the top things to do in Delhi. 

Imagine climbing to a viewpoint and looking down on India’s holy river to watch hundreds of people wading into the muddy waters to wash away their sins. Now imagine bearing witness to an actual cremation ceremony taking place on the banks of the same river. These are just two of the deeply spiritual things to do in Varanasi, but it doesn’t stop there. As one of the oldest cities in the world and the holiest city in India, Varanasi tours offer visitors an intense but magical glimpse into Hinduism and the local way of life. When it comes to what to do in Varanasi, this city is more about observing and absorbing the surroundings than hopping from place to place.

North India offers a diverse mix of cultures and terrains. It will take your entire vacation just to explore India and some of the most famous offerings in northern India: including Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Rajasthan! North India houses some of the most popular tourist destinations in all of India. This includes the Golden Triangle, the desert beauty of Rajasthan, the historical Uttar Pradesh, and countless religious destinations. The historical cities of New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra should be on the top of your list - as you will get to see the grand monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort! The beauty of Rajasthan, with its grand forts, endless deserts, and beautiful oasis cities like Jaisalmer, and the lake palaces of Udaipur should not be missed! For those who want to explore their spiritual side, destinations like Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Gaya will be the main draw.

India has one of the best weather conditions in January. Winter offers cool temperatures and clear skies, perfect for sightseeing. Now is a great time to go skiing in Gulmarg or Uttarakhand, take a trip to the beautiful coastal state of Kerala, enjoy a perfect beach holiday in Goa or visit the enchanting forts and palaces of Rajasthan. There are tons of places to go and things to do if you visit India this time of year.However, visiting India in January is not without its drawbacks though. Since this is a popular month for tourists, Crowds and high prices may be something to contend with. But if you wish to enjoy a peaceful holiday, you can always go off the beaten track — India’s sheer size allows for flexible travel.

February is one of the best times to visit India. Officially, it is still winter, but the chills and fogs of January are replaced by pleasant days and clear skies in large swathes of northern India. In the south, the blistering summer heat is still a month or two away. You can explore the length and breadth of this ancient land in February and engage in a variety of outdoor activities. Spot a royal Bengal tiger on a safari of Ranthambore. Gaze in wonder at the gorgeous Taj Mahal bathed in moonlight and go river rafting near Rishikesh.

A trip to India in March signals the end of the cold season in India and is the last month of the shoulder season in the country. So expect fewer crowds and moderate prices. In the Himalayas, temperatures are perfect for hiking and outdoor activities during this time. Down south, in places like Bangalore and Chennai, conditions are considerably hotter, but fewer crowds mean emptier highlights and cheaper accommodation. Now is a fantastic time to tick off bucket-list destinations along India’s Golden Triangle, and participate in the Holi Festival or city-hop without jostling with fellow tourists.

Exploring India in April sees the mercury continue to rise as the summer season kicks in. This is when sightseeing across the northern parts of the country becomes uncomfortable due to the blazing summer sun. However, head for destinations like Goa, Mumbai, and Kerala and you might encounter a light rain. The upside? Hotels offer off-season prices and highlights across northern India are practically empty. Now is an excellent time to track Bengal tigers in Central India, go island hopping in the Andaman, or cool off in the Himalayas.

Although May sits firmly within the hot Indian summer months, there are still plenty of amazing reasons to visit India during this time. India in May is one of the best times to spot the endangered Bengal tiger and to trek through the foothills of the Himalayas. If you are looking for some beach fun, head to coastal areas like Goa and Kerala. And surely, there are no shortages of cultural and historical attractions. A great time awaits if you visit India in May.

Holy cities and jaw-dropping landscapes in India teem with unexpected adventures anywhere you go. Whether you’re exploring the royal palaces of Rajasthan, reveling in mouth-watering cuisine in Delhi, or hiking through the lush jungles of Periyar, the country is sure to leave a lasting impression for years to come. If you’re looking for the best India itinerary, then look no further. With multiple tours and routes to choose from, we’ll help you decide how long to stay in India and what unforgettable sites you won’t want to miss. Read on to discover amazing itineraries for your trip to India.

A short 5-day tour of India is an excellent opportunity to focus on one exciting part of this vast country. If you have 5 days in India, you can do the famous Golden Triangle, which includes a visit to the Taj Mahal, the country’s most popular monument. Or go on repeat safaris at the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, increasing the chance of spotting the elusive Bengal tiger. You plan a customized trip to Kerala for 5 days and enjoy its backwaters. Or spend 5 days in Goa for the perfect introduction to some of India’s finest beaches like Palolem.

In a perfect world and with unlimited time at your disposal, you would be able to travel to India, ticking off all the places that interest you. But even 7 days is enough to explore the best the country has to offer if you focus on 2 to 3 destinations. Learn about culture in northern India at Darjeeling and Sikkim, explore major temples, such as Kailasanathar Temple, or complete the Golden Triangle. To help you uncover and experience the country’s mystery and allure when you only have limited time, here are four exciting itineraries for 7 days in India to help inspire your travel.

From the jagged peaks of the Himalayas to the ornate domed palaces of New Delhi, India has captivated travelers for centuries. 10 days in India can still give you a great experience, especially if you stick to 4-5 destinations in one region of the country. From exploring vibrant cities like Jaipur, boating in the glistening Lake Pichola, or venturing on a jungle safari at Ranthambore National Park, we can arrange the right itinerary for your 10-day tour in India!

A 2-week holiday in India gives ample time to uncover many of the mysteries and charms of this unique land. Rather than just visiting the most-trodden destinations, such as the Golden Triangle, a few weeks in India opens doors for you to discover steaming jungles in Kerala, the arid cold desert in Markha, palm-fringed beaches in Goa, and even soaring mountains. If you are looking for inspiration to spend 2 weeks in India, here are our 2-week long trips that will give you a taste of the most unmissable of India’s myriad attractions.

India is an incredible destination that offers a plethora of experiences perfect for any traveler on a limited timeframe. While four days may sound too short a travel duration for India, you can actually get a lot done if you focus on 2-3 destinations. With so many destinations to visit, spending four days in this vibrant country will allow you to explore its rich cultures, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you spend 4 days in India immersing yourself in bustling cities like Mumbai or interacting with wildlife at Ranthambore National Park, each day promises awe-inspiring activities and attractions. For inspiration on how to make the most of your trip, check out our India 4-day tours.