Explore northern India over two weeks with this itinerary. You'll start in bustling Delhi before you retreat to mountain serenity in Darjeeling, then continue to historic monasteries and their sacred texts, artifacts, and stories throughout the state of Sikkim. Encounter sacred lakes, hilltop temples, colorful markets, and more before you return to Delhi.
This unique two-week journey highlights a region in northern India known for Buddhist sites and outdoor activities. After a night in Delhi, you and your guide will fly to Jammu and Kashmir where you'll acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying Himalayan culture in the town of Leh. Then, begin a series of hikes and scenic transfers to the area's best temples, monasteries, valleys, and wildlife preserves—all while staying in friendly lodges and camps for the ultimate adventure.
This guided tour highlights India's western (and lesser-known) state of Gujarat for those seeking to sidestep the tourist trail. Kick-off in Ahmedabad, a 600-year-old-walled city—and India's first UNESCO-listed site—before visiting various palaces and indigenous villages known for embroidery, woodcarving, and mud painting. Continue to Palitana where you'll experience 863 marble temples before circling back to Ahmedabad for any last-minute textile shopping.
Combine urban and wildlife adventures in this 11-day guided itinerary through India. Get the lay of the land in New and Old Delhi before making your way to Kaziranga National Park for safaris with rhinoceros, elephants, and gibbons. From here, head to Sundarbans National Park to search for Bengal tigers by boat before finishing with a stop in India's cultural capital—Kolkata—a colorful city known for scrumptious cuisine.
With spectacular beaches, lush hillsides, and tranquil canals, this authentic 11-day tour gets to the heart of South India's state of Kerala. After a night in Cochin, a guide will drive you through magnificent rolling hills dotted with tea and spice plantations. Next, head to Alappuzha to cruise your way through Kerala's rustic backwaters followed by some relaxation on the Arabian Sea. Complete the loop in Cochin where you'll explore the city's charming Fort Kochi by bicycle and tuk-tuk.
This exciting 10-day itinerary introduces travelers to South India's serene state of Kerala. Kicking off in the historic city of Cochin, located on the Arabian Sea, you'll set off for lush plantations, protected parks, and hill towns in the Western Ghats. Next, cruise your way through the area's glittering backwater canals before finishing the adventure with some relaxed beach time, fresh seafood, and a taste of Ayurveda.
Visit palaces, forts, and other wonders of the captivating state of Rajasthan. The journey begins in New Delhi, whose highlights you will explore before heading toward Agra, home of the majestic Taj Mahal. Then, it'll be time to enter Rajasthan: You'll see wild tigers in Ranthambore, visit the Step Wells of Bundi, and tour through Udaipur, the "Venice of the East." Head to the blue city of Jodhpur, make a pilgrimage to the sacred lake of Pushkar, and tour the beautiful state capital of Jaipur.
Known as the Land of Kings, Rajasthan is the jewel in India's crown, with ancient citadels, imposing forts, and ancient palaces stretching from the mountains to the desert. This 16-day tour takes you from the busy streets of Delhi to the edges of the Thar desert, where you'll explore some of the oldest and biggest forts in Asia, before heading back down through the mountains to Ranthambore to go looking for Bengal tigers in the wild. And, after all that, you'll visit the Golden Triangle of Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi, where you'll visit the ancient capital of Amer and see the sun rise over the Taj Mahal.
From tigers to temples, and ancient palaces to bazaars, India is one of the most magical places in the world. This 10-day trip takes you all the way from the bustling capital and the holy city of Varanasi to Rajasthan, where we'll wander in the footsteps of past kings. Top that off with a trip to the Taj Mahal at sunrise and a tiger safari through one of northern India's biggest and most beautiful national parks and you're in for a whirlwind adventure through the heart of this amazing country.
Experience the magic of northern India on this amazing 16-day trip from Delhi to Kolkata. Visit the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan, before following the holy Ganges River as it flows through Uttar Pradesh to Varanasi. From sunrise boat trips to breathtaking sunsets, ancient palaces, religious rituals, historic hotspots, and the chance to visit some of India's most incredible and influential cities, this trip has it all.
Marvel at the ancient cities, majestic architecture, and timeless beauty of India's spectacular Golden Triangle before heading deep into the jungle in search of the elusive Bengal tiger. Lose yourself in the bustling streets of Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and explore the ancient royal cities of Fatehpur Sikri and Karauli, before joining a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park and going sightseeing in the magnificent Pink City—Jaipur.
Delve a little deeper into India's amazing Golden Triangle on this week-long tour. Explore ancient abandoned cities and historic capitals, cycle through the countryside, and visit local families and female artisans to learn more about everyday life in India. Take a food tour through Jaipur, experience the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise, and discover some of the most amazing palaces and forts in Rajasthan before winding up in the mesmerizing bazaars in Delhi.
With its vivid colors, glittering heritage, fascinating cities, and beautiful countryside from lush green oases to the Thar desert, North India is like nowhere else on earth. This 15-day trip will take you to some of the north's top destinations, including the palaces and temples of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodphur, the Taj Mahal—the world's most famous monument to love—and one of the holiest cities in the world, Varanasi, before winding up in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
This exotic itinerary is the ultimate introduction to South India's state of Kerala—an up-and-coming destination for savvy travelers. Kick off with an Arabian Sea sunset in Cochin before a private guide drives you through lush, hilly interiors peppered with tea and spice plantations. Continue the journey with an overnight cruise through infamous waterways, followed by a tour of Fort Kochi (by tuk-tuk) to finish the adventure.
Perched high in the mountains on the remote northern edge of India, Ladakh is a truly inspirational destination for a trekking holiday. This classic trek not only takes us through a spectacular high-altitude world with breathtaking vistas and entrancing scenery but also gives you the chance to experience Buddhist culture in remote monasteries, practice yoga and meditation at a special center, and be awed by expansive mountain and valley views. This is a challenge not to be missed.
Striking Ranthambore National Park presents a different side of Rajasthan to the forts and palaces usually associated with the state. The jungle-filled park is full of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. This five-day trip to Ranthambore from Delhi by train is an easy way to visit the park. Enjoy wildlife-spotting safari activities at the best times of day for observing elusive animals and birds, and have a good chance of spotting the king of the jungle himself.
Spend a week and a half exploring the state of Rajasthan with the family on this packed 10-day itinerary. You'll start and end your trip in lively Delhi, completing a circuit that sees you and the little ones immersing yourselves in the culture, history, and majestic landscapes. Let the kids roam the gleaming marble tiles of the Taj Mahal, explore the deserted red sandstone buildings and structures of Fatehpur Sikri, and count the number of bird species and exotic wildlife at Bharatpur's Keoladeo National Park.
During this 14-day journey through the southern part of Odisha, you'll travel through cultural villages and historic cities, learning about local culture along the way. Head to Bhubaneswar, the capital of the Indian state of Odisha, where the Lingaraja Temple awaits you. Take a tribal market stroll through Rayagada where you'll meet the local villagers of Kutiya Khonds and learn about their culture. Lay on the sandy beaches of Golparpur, then see where Mother Teresa lived and is now buried in Kolkata.
Perfect for travelers who would a balance of nature and city, this extensive journey into Rajasthan hits cultural highlights alongside time in a national park. Take a walking tour through Delhi before heading off to the home of the Taj Mahal, and enjoy the beauty of Ranthambore National Park before heading on to majestic Jaipur and spiritual Varanasi.
Deep in the heart of the Himalaya is the spectacular Valley of Flowers, a mountainside meadow at an altitude of 11,500 feet (3500 m.). The valley turns into a riot of colors in August and September, with over 1000 varieties of flowers, shrubs, orchids, and other plants carpeting the valley. With its diverse flora and fauna and dazzling snow-capped peaks around, the valley is a naturalist’s heaven and a trekker's delight. On this four-day trek (within a 10-day itinerary) you can witness its splendor for yourself.
Indian food is a global favorite, but as you'll discover on this tour, the country's culinary delights vary enormously by region, religion, and culture. On this culinary tour of North India, you'll sample the region's most iconic (and delicious) food. Starting with the best street food in Delhi, you'll travel east to try the distinct Dum Pukht method of cooking in Lucknow. In the desert state of Rajashtan, learn how the arid landscape has influenced cuisine. Along the way, you'll enjoy cooking classes and demos, meals with local hosts, and more.
Known as the 'Land of the Kings', Rajasthan has enthralled and delighted visitors since the beginning of time. Stretching from the Thar Desert to the Aravalli mountain range, and filled with colorful cities, palaces, tombs, and temples, Rajasthan is a magical place to explore. Journey through the heart of the state, visiting both bigger cities and little-known towns, sleeping out in the desert, and visiting some of India's holiest places, before finishing up with a trip to Agra to experience the magic of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Explore some of the most incredible architectural wonders in India and immerse yourself in culture on this tour of three cities. You'll start by experiencing the energy of Delhi before continuing on to see the Taj Mahal in Agra. Top it all off with a tour of the Pink City of Jaipur, where you'll tour even more grand palaces. Get ready to be amazed and left wanting to see more of India on this 7-day adventure.
The western state of Gujarat is often overlooked in favor of Rajasthan to the north, but travelers who make the effort find an incredibly beautiful and diverse culture and landscape awaiting them. On this 12-day trip, you'll visit places that showcase the best of Gujarat. From its ancient archaeological sites to vibrant modern cities, open wildlife-filled plains, and deeply religious buildings, Gujarat is colorful, historic and interesting at every turn.
This nine-day tour of India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) combines fascinating culture, monumental architecture, untamed wildlife, and historic splendor. See some of the most compelling highlights of northern India, including the magnificent Taj Mahal, the "pink city" of Jaipur, and the wealth of attractions in Delhi. Nature lovers are also in luck, because in addition to the "classic" Golden Triangle Circuit, you'll also visit the Ranthambore National Park, where there's a high chance of spotting the Royal Bengal Tiger.
This 14-day introduction to the scenic and less-visited northeast will give you a totally different perspective of India. Start in historic Kolkata, one of India's most exciting mega-cities. Fly north to Nagaland, where you can spend time at the annual Hornbill Festival (held in early December), a spectacular display of Naga tribal culture. Continue to the Kaziranga National Park in Assam to spot animals on safari, ending in the small state of Meghalaya.
The western state of Gujarat is renowned for its distinctive handicraft and textile traditions. You can experience the best of these on this 11-day tour of the state. Starting in the capital, Ahmedabad, you can visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, one of India's finest cultural collections. Continue through a number of architecturally significant towns and cities, including Vadodara and Bhavnagar. End with a few days in and around Bhuj, on the edge of the spectacular Rann of Kutch Desert, and awash with finely produced textiles and local crafts.
Across most of India, August is firmly at the heart of the monsoon season. With hot, wet weather in both the north and south of the country, crowds and prices will be low at this time of year. To avoid the rain, you can travel out to the desert of Rajasthan, or head up to the high mountains of Ladakh for a cooler, drier respite.
By September, the monsoon is starting to dry up in parts of India. With light rain in Delhi and Rajasthan and fewer crowds than in the winter, this is a great month to visit the attractions of the Golden Triangle. Hot spots like the Taj Mahal will be quiet, with great visibility, and you can expect shoulder season prices in most of the country.
October is the beginning of peak season in most of India. Falling temperatures and less rain make this a good time to visit Delhi and the Golden Triangle, before the heavy mist of December and January. The rain is also receding in Kolkata and West Bengal, and the attractions of Rajasthan will be pleasant and dry.
November is well into peak season in India. At this point, the monsoon rains have cleared, and the mists of December and January haven’t yet set in around Delhi. West Bengal, Rajasthan, and parts of South India are also cooler and drier than usual, making this a great month for sightseeing all over the country.
July is India’s off-season due to the rainy and wet weather. Across most Indian states, the monsoon is in full swing; rain falls every few days at this time of year. This is a good time to visit some of India’s drier areas, such as the historic cities of Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu's ancient temples.
June is the off-season in India: Delhi and the north are hot, while South and Northeast India are experiencing heavy rains. If you don’t mind braving the heat or the damp, this can be a good time to take advantage of reduced crowds and lower prices. Plus, there are cultural festivals in Kerala, Varanasi, and elsewhere to enjoy throughout the month, rain or shine.
The month of May is firmly in the middle of India’s blazing summer. Temperatures in both North and South India are at their peak, so it’s a good month to retreat to the mountains and escape the heat. While there won't be many foreign travelers to compete with, this is summer vacation in India and there's a spike in domestic tourism—you'll want to book your hilltop retreat in advance.
By April, the peak travel season is over in much of India. Temperatures are rising in North India and Tamil Nadu, and rain in Kerala is increasingly frequent. However, there are still some great places to visit this month—high season is just beginning in the Himalaya, Mumbai is still pleasant and dry, and it’s an ideal time for tiger-spotting in India’s national parks.
March is when temperatures in North India begin to climb. This is the last month of the shoulder season, before the north succumbs to the blazing heat of summer, and South India edges closer to the monsoon. However, the warmer weather makes this a great time to visit the Himalayas, and both Mumbai and Goa are pleasant and dry.
Although some areas, like the Himalaya, are freezing cold at night in December, the climate elsewhere ranges from pleasantly warm in Delhi to quite hot in Mumbai and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, the Northeast Monsoon will be winding down at this time; pack a raincoat if you plan to travel there. And if a celebratory atmosphere is what you're after, there's no shortage of festivals, including the Tibetan Lunar New Year.
In February, winter in India is nearing its end. Most of the country is reasonably cool and dry at this time. While the weather is pleasant in February, there are fewer visitors than in December and January, making this a good month to beat the crowds.
India in January is cool and dry. While some regions, like the mountainous Himalaya, experience freezing cold nighttime temperatures during this month, most of the country is only a few degrees cooler than usual. Winter provides a respite from the blazing heat of summer and the wetness of the monsoon. For this reason, it’s often considered an ideal time to visit.
The state of Rajasthan in northern India holds a bounty of breathtaking sites along with some of the country's most welcoming cities. This itinerary lays out a romantic trip that includes tours of ancient palaces, golden fortresses that seem to glow in the hot sun, and shrines and holy sites that seem to rise from the desert sands.
The Golden Triangle in North India symbolizes three pinnacles: culture, heritage, and metamorphosis. Your 10-day journey begins in the capital city of New Delhi, where you can learn about both Islamic and Hindu influences. In Agra, which symbolizes love, you will visit the grand wonder that is the Taj Mahal. A trip to Jaipur will reveal the beauty of the Pink City and its textile industry. On the final leg of your trip, you will visit Varanasi, where you will experience the live, iconic rituals along the Ganges, and visit the sacred Buddhist town of Sarnath.
Hit the temple trail to visit some of the stars of South India on this 10-day itinerary. You'll experience the modern culture of the state of Tamil Nadu alongside ancient Indian history and mythology, touring some of the world's most impressive and intricately carved temples and taking in the natural views along the Bay of Bengal.
Indulge your senses on this 12-day tour of southern India, featuring the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Discover Tamil Nadu's cultural wealth as you explore its ornate Hindu temples, sacred cities, and French-colonial towns. Cross over the Western Ghats into biodiverse Kerala and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of tea and spice plantations, jungle, forests, and lakes, and rivers.
This all-encompassing tour of Rajasthan covers the must-see highlights of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and features three days of the sprawling Camel Fair in Pushkar held annually every November. Come to Rajasthan for the culture, history, and magnificent architecture, stay for the lively bustling attractions and events of the fair. You'll ride camels in the Thar desert, discover historic Silk Road mansions in Mandawa, and wander ancient abandoned cities, like Kuldhara and Fatehpur Sikri.
Featuring the famous Golden Triangle (Delhi - Jaipur - Agra) and its well-visited attractions, this complete 11-day itinerary offers an in-depth look into the Rajasthani culture. In addition to seeing Jama Masjid in Delhi, the Amer Fort in Jaipur, and the Taj Mahal in Agra, you'll wander historic mansions in Churu, visit with local artisans in Bagru, and marvel at architectural feats in Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri. You'll cook with locals, tour pink cities, and count the stars from the top of a sand dune.
Spend ten days exploring one of India's most popular regions with this itinerary. You'll go from the historic monuments of Delhi to the famed Taj Mahal in Agra, then continue to Ranthambore to search for the Bengal tiger. End your trip in Jaipur, the gateway to one of India's most colorful states, before you return to Delhi.
Wind your way through colorful cities, charming villages, and stretches of sand dunes with this two-week itinerary. You'll start in Delhi with a route through the famous Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur, then continue into Rajasthan, where you'll find lakeside palaces, ancient forts, and elaborately decorated mansions along your journey.
Take a spiritual journey through Buddhist India with this itinerary that will take you to some of the most important places in Buddha's life. The birthplace of Buddhism, India is home to some of the religion's most significant sites, including the place of Buddha's enlightenment at Bodhgaya, his first sermon at Sarnath, and last sermon at Vaishali, all easily accessed with a weeklong trip out of Delhi.
Kolkata offers a rich mix of Hindu, British, and Bengali cultures that you won't find anywhere else in India. Once the capital of the British Raj, it has enough to keep you busy for weeks—or a single day, if that's all you have. Read on to find out how to spend a perfect morning, afternoon, and evening in this sprawling city.
In India, there are itineraries to suit every traveler, from short sightseeing sprees to months-long backpacking trips. Whether you're on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick off blockbuster sights or a rough-and-tumble mission lasting weeks or more, you'll be sure to find a trip for every timeframe.
