How to plan a trip to India

Given its sheer size and diversity of landscapes, cultures, and number of beautiful places, planning a trip to India takes some doing. If you want to max out your time in the country, careful planning is essential, not least through honing in on what most want to see and do. To help you do exactly that, here we present a wealth of information on how to plan a trip to India. Covering how to choose when and where to go, and how to get around  — along with guidance on when to do what through every stage of the process — it’ll make planning your perfect trip to India so much easier.

How to plan a trip to India

Before going into some of the nitty gritty around how to plan a trip to India, here’s some advice that can be applied to multiple destinations that offer a comparable range of diverse experiences.

Our number one tip is to lessen stress by planning your trip over several months. That way, you’ll give yourself time to consider all your options, and to make better decisions that will have a big positive impact on how much the experience lives up to your expectations. 

It’ll also have a big impact on how you create — and stick to — your budget.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that quality has a habit of outweighing quantity i.e. be mindful of not overstretching your itinerary by packing in too many locations, attractions and activities. 

Better, in our view, to appreciate fewer experiences in a more immersive way than rushing round, burning yourself out and not allowing enough time to appreciate the joy of travel.

Another top general tip when considering how to plan a trip to India (and anywhere else, for that matter) is to mix up research and planning with actually booking the likes of flights, accommodation, tours and activities 

That way, you’ll feel you’re making progress with making key decisions while also keeping the flames of excitement alive as you check out other options. 

Traveling as a group? You might want to create a Google doc, or set up a WhatsApp group. That way, everyone can share ideas and keep up-to-date with plans.

Already daunted by the sound of planning? Browse our India itineraries. For example, we have suggestions for a rewarding 10 days in India itinerary, and a fabulous 14 days in India-itinerary.

You could also contact our travel experts about curating your perfect trip for any duration. 

Step 1: Define the parameters of your trip

So, the first real step of planning your trip to India should be defining the parameters of your trip. By which we mean, you need to give serious through to big-picture questions around where to go, along with practical matters, like when to go. 

When to go to India

When it comes to deciding when to go to India, the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go, as there are regional variations in weather.

In general, the best time to go is during the cool, dry season i.e. between November and March, especially if New Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are on your itinerary.

Temperatures in Goa and central India are also comfortable during these months. 

Heading south? While it’s rarely less than intensely hot in the south, May and June aren’t quite so stifling.

Meanwhile if Tamil Nadu and Kerala are on your radar, they’re best visited between January and March.

Heading to India to hike? From March, the Himalayas grow more accessible for hikers, with the trekking season reaching its peak in August and September — a time that sees the rest of the subcontinent being soaked by the rains.

On the subject of rain, one of the worst times to visit many parts of India is between late May and July. This pre-monsoon period typically see temperatures soar above 104°F (40°C), particularly in the northern and central regions.

The June/July to September monsoon season itself is also rather challenging and best avoided.

Overview of the weather in India and tourist seasons

• Peak Season (October to March): best for most of India, with cooler weather.
• Shoulder Season (April to June): these hot summer months are best for visiting hill stations like Manali, Shimla and Darjeeling.
• Monsoon Season (July to September): great for places like Kerala and Meghalaya, but humid and rainy elsewhere.

How many days are enough in India?

Now there’s a question that’s nigh impossible to answer! On balance, we suggest following a 10 days in India itinerary as a minimum. In that time, you could plan to cover 1-2 regions, or perhaps just focus on the Golden Triangle — more on that below.

All the better if you follow a 14 days in India itinerary. In two weeks, you could comfortably cover, for example, the Golden Triangle, Varanasi, and Kerala.

If you only have a week, it’s best to focus on one region, perhaps Rajasthan or the Golden Triangle, beach destinations in Goa or Kerala, or taking a tour of north India.

Meanwhile, if you’re into the idea of independent travel and fancy backpacking India, you’ll need at least a few months to do justice to the country.

How much does a trip to India usually cost?

Another almost-impossible question! The cost of a trip to India will depend entirely on your travel style, accommodation choices, how you choose to get around (e.g. public transport versus private cars with drivers), and the number of tours you take. 

On balance, India is an affordable destination. For example, you can expect to pay a lot less for upscale accommodation in India that you’d be forced for shell out for comparable luxury hotels in the US, UK and many European destinations.

Here’s a ballpark overview of costs for a 2-week trip to India, assuming mid-range travel choices:

• Accommodation: $40–$100 a night for 3-star/4-star hotels
• Food: $10–$30 a day
• Transport: $300–$600 for flights and trains
• Attractions and activities: $100–$300

Total estimated budget: $1,500–$3,000 per person

Where are the best places to visit in India on a first-time trip?

While we cover more detail on places to visit in India below — in accordance with different interests and vacation types — here’s an overview of some of the best places for first-timers to visit in India.

If you're new to the country, wise up with our tips for first-time travelers to India.

The Golden Triangle

A top itinerary for many first-timers to India is the aptly-named Golden Triangle, which covers a trio of extraordinary destinations.

Most Golden Triangle trips kick off in New Delhi, where you can soak up a mix of old and new attractions, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the vibrant markets of Chandni Chowk.

Agra is the second highlight of this route — it offers access to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri — with the Pink City of Jaipur completing the triangle, with Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and a bounty of bustling bazaars among its top attractions.

For more detail, dive into our guide to visiting the Golden Triangle.

Rajasthan

Another recommended region for first-timers to India is Rajasthan – Land of the Kings.

Highlights here include Udaipur, the "City of Lakes”, and the Blue City of Jodhpur, with its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and vibrant markets.

Fancy doing a deep dive into this region? Take inspiration from our Rajasthan itineraries.

Kerala

Stretching along India’s southwest coast for 550km, Kerala also comes highly recommended for first-timer visitors to India, as showcased in our overview of top things to do in Kerala.

Split between the densely forested mountains of the Western Ghats inland and a lush coastal plain of rice paddies, lagoons, rivers and canals, we really rate experiencing the region’s famous backwaters on a houseboat.

Meanwhile, Munnar’s cooler tea plantations are a joy to explore, and Kochi blends colonial and Indian heritage.

Goa

Perfect for beach lovers, Goa offers golden stretches of sand, Portuguese architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

Beyond the beaches, the UNESCO-designated town of Old Goa is a must-visit. We also rate visiting the beautiful colonial-era Palacio do Deão in Quepem, and checking out Anjuna flea market and  Arpora’s Saturday night market.

Do I need a visa for India?

As part of your planning process, you should apply for a Tourist e-Visa

Available for US, UK, and EU citizens — and many other countries — you simply apply online, with validity options ranging from 30 days, 1 year or 5 years.

The processing time is 3-5 days and the fee ranges from $10–$100, depending on your nationality and visa duration.

At the very least, you’ll want to spend 2-3 days in each location. Even then, you'll most likely barely touch the surface.

Here’s an overview of the best cities to visit in India, with pithy summaries of the top attractions in each:

• New Delhi: India’s capital is home to historic sites like Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate.
• Agra: head here for the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Jaipur: a joy to visit, thanks to Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal.
• Mumbai: be sure to visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves and swanky Marine Drive.
• Varanasi: head here for the Ganges River and ghats 
• Udaipur: home to scenic lakes, City Palace and Jag Mandir.
• Kolkata: be sure to visit the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge and enjoy the city’s celebrated street food.
• Chennai: visit Fort St George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and one of the longest city beaches in the world.

What are the top attractions to see in India?

As always, must-see attractions vary from person to person — while some of us have a hankering for natural attractions, others are more into celebrated cultural sights. 

That said, here’s a list of iconic attractions to have on your radar when planning your trip to India. 

• Taj Mahal (Agra)
• Amber Fort (Jaipur)
• Varanasi Ghats 
• Mysore Palace (Mysore)
• Hampi Ruins
• Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra)
• Golden Temple (Amritsar)
• Ladakh’s monasteries and Pangong Lake

What are the best beaches in India?

If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to India and have a beach vacation in mind, you might want to focus your attention on Goa, where Palolem, Vagator, Baga and Anjuna come very recommended. 

Read our guide to the best beach in Goa for more inspiration as your plan your trip.

Kerala is another great area for beaches, with Varkala, Kovalam and Marari beach being of note.

Then there’s the idyllic Andaman and Nicobar Islands, incredible places to dive, and soak up nature and culture in serene, scenic surroundings, as revelaed in our expert’s account of India’s far-flung string of Pearls.

Read our full guide to the best beaches in India.

Traveling from the US? Direct flights operate from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), and Washington D.C. (IAD) to New Delhi and Mumbai via airlines like Air India, United and American Airlines.

If you’re traveling from the UK, you can take direct flights from London Heathrow to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore with British Airways, Virgin and Air India.

If you’re flying to the capital, and plan to spend a few days in the city, we have lots of suggestions for where to stay in New Delhi, and especially rate Maidens in Old Delhi for understated luxury in an old colonial mansion.

As a general rule, if you’re visiting during peak season (October–March), book key attractions, accommodation, and internal transport 2-3 months in advance to ensure availability and avoid last-minute price hikes.

The same is true if you’re visiting for special festivals — be sure to book hotels and transport at least 203 months in advance. 

These include Pushkar Camel Fair (November, Rajasthan), Holi Festival (March, in North Indian destinations like Jaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi and Varanasi), and Diwali celebrations (October/November in the likes of Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi and Kolkata)

In addition, if any of the following attractions or experiences are on your India wish list, we suggest booking them in advance.

Taj Mahal, Agra  

Book in advance on the official Archaeological Survey of India website to skip long queues and secure sunrise or sunset entry.

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Book through the official Rajasthan tourism site or via travel agencies to secure your spot at the light and sound show, or to take a guided tour.

Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, Delhi

Book through the Archaeological Survey of India website to avoid peak-hour crowds.

Houseboat stays in Kerala’s backwaters

With limited availability, you should book houseboat stays well in advance.

Safaris in National Parks

If you’re visiting India and hoping to spend time in Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Gir or Periyar National Parks, note that safari slots fill up fast, especially for tiger reserves.

Book either through their respective government sites or authorized safari operators.

Aarti ceremony at Varanasi Ghats

For the best views and boat seats, you must buy advance tickets from local guides or online travel agencies.

Many hotels, cafes, restaurants, airports and railway stations in India offer free Wi-Fi. However, the quality and speed can vary, especially in public places. 

For greater coverage, you could get a local SIM card to enjoy reliable internet access throughout your stay. These can be purchased at airports and official retail outlets. 

Alternatively, pre-buying an eSIM offer the convenience of activating a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card. 

They're especially useful for travelers who want the peace of mind of setting up connectivity before arrival, such as the great-value service offered by Travelsim.

In a word — yes. Cash remains the most widely accepted form of payment across India, especially in smaller towns.

So, you’ll definitely want to exchange currency ahead of your trip — exchange rates offered by airports, banks, and authorized currency exchange centers are likely to be less favorable than those available back home.

If you’re running short of cash, ATMs are pretty widespread (but not in rural locations), and you should be mindful of withdrawal limits and fees. 

In major cities and tourist destinations, most hotels, restaurants and retail outlets are happy to accept Visa and MasterCard, with American Express and Diners Club much less commonly accepted. 

In general, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and modest outfits for temples and religious sites i.e. longer skirts or trousers, and long-sleeved shirts or a cover up.

You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of sunscreen, mosquito repellent, personal hygiene items, and any medication or first aid supplies that could come in handy.

Other wardrobe essential will depend on the places you plan to visit, and the kind of activities you looking to enjoy — think beach wear, hiking gear, or fancier outfits if you’re stating in upscale accommodation or plan to visit fancier restaurants. 

Note that India uses type D and M plugs, so you might also need a power adapter.

While planning your trip, try not to get lost in the stress of planning — this planning process is all about making your trip to India all the more rewarding, and smoother, when you actually arrive.

On that subject, throughout your trip, remember to be flexible and seize the chance to go off-itinerary when exciting opportunities arise.

Another way to increase your chance of savoring every moment is to enlist the support of our local travel experts to have them curate your ideal India itinerary. 

That way, aside from thinking about how long you want to visit for — and deciding which of the best things to do in India you want to enjoy — you can forget having to follow all the aforementioned tips on how to plan a trip to India.

Instead, our experts will take care of planning and booking every detail of your journey. And, during your time in India, all your transfers, accommodation and tours will have been pre-arranged, and you’ll have access to support throughout your trip.