Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
Due to its fame as a beach destination, most travellers think Goa in the monsoons is a wasted trip. However, this is a misconception. Goa during this time of year is very different from the peak seasons. Hence, going in with the right expectations is your best bet.
off-season months in goa
Off-season months in Goa are usually the months between May and September. May is likely to be very uncomfortable and unbearably hot for travellers. The monsoons usually hit Goa in the first half of June, which cools it down and turns the countryside to a lush shade of green.
Chill by the stunning blue sea (Photo Credit – Sarang Pande Unsplash)
what can I not do in Goa in the monsoon season?
With Goa in the monsoons, it can sometimes rain all day, and the power can go off in some hotels and houses. We recommend staying in a modern accommodation – it is the perfect season to spend some money on some luxury. However, if you are travelling on your own and are looking to meet other travellers, then Goa has plenty of hostels. Despite there being fewer parties, this guarantees you are unlikely to be alone and you’ll find exciting things to do nonetheless.
Beaches at this time of year are a no-go; waters will be choppy and not safe for swimming. Likewise, there are unlikely to be any water sports on offer.
best beaches to visit in Goa in the monsoon
We recommend choosing a beach in North Goa. Baga-Calangute is a good bet – they’re walking or a short-ride distance from shacks and restaurants that will still be open, as this beach tends to be open all season. For quieter travellers, staying around Anjuna or Vagator is a better choice. Although, most restaurants and shops will be shut. We suggest avoiding the very North of Goa, as there will be very little activity there. The beaches in South Goa during this time are likely to be pretty empty, but the resorts of North Goa are ideal. We can help you sort the confusion – just click Plan Your Trip.
Vagator Beach (Photo Credit – Dinesh Kumar)
nightlife in goa in the monsoon
The nightlife in Goa during monsoons is likely to be minimal. Most of the major clubs are closed during the off-season. We could still try finding party hotspots for you but give no guarantee of availability.
For more information about travelling to India in the monsoon season, visit our blog. Please feel free to contact us – we can help you plan the perfect Goa trip no matter what time of year.
If you are planning a trip to India, the main question you will ask yourself is, âHow many days are enough to explore India?â, or âHow many days to spend in India?â Well, saying that India is a diverse country would be an understatement – you will find different cultures, traditions, and cuisines in every region. So whether you know what you would like to see or you are confused, it is a challenge to decide exactly how many days are enough to explore the country.
We have tried to make things easier for you in this blog so that you can see as much of India as possible irrespective of how long you stay in the country. Also, whether you are looking to plan a family holiday or are asking yourself how long to backpack in India as a solo traveler, you can contact us and we at India Someday can help you with your India itinerary.Plan Your Trip now!
Solo travellers can enjoy India as much as a family would – Tomb of IâtimÄd-ud-Daulah, Agra (Photo Credit – Ibrahim Rifath)
How many days are enough to explore India?
Before planning a trip to India, we are sure you have wondered how long your dream trip to India should be, or how many days are enough to truly experience India. Honestly, you can spend six months in India and still not see and experience the entire country. Moreover, not all people have the luxury of spending that much time on vacation. So if you are wondering about a practical time frame to tour India, see a few diverse regions, and really experience the Indian culture, we would recommend spending 3 weeks here ideally.
Planning an itinerary for India is exceedingly challenging. If you want the right mix, be it authenticity and comfort or activity and luxury, just let us know by hitting thePlan Your Trip button. Consider what sites are high up on your list to see so that we can help you plan your India itinerary accordingly.
We can help you plan your dream family holiday to India
How much of India can you see in three weeks?
How much you can see in three weeks in India depends on the pace of travel that you enjoy and your budget. Travelling by train, bus or even rented car is fairly inexpensive in India. However, including a lot of flights can make your trip expensive. Although, more flights would mean more destinations that you can visit, so decide accordingly.
Ideally, if you have three weeks, we would recommend touring two regions in this timespan. One good option is North India and the Himalayas. So you could visit the Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), which would allow you to explore some of Indiaâs most-visited tourist attractions along with some lesser-frequented places. Visit the Red Fort in the capital city of New Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, the Pink City. You could also add Varanasi and more of Rajasthan in this circuit. You can do a day tour in the holy city of Varanasi – visit Kashi Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and attend the aarti (chants) on the ghats of the holy river Ganges. You could then explore the regions at the Himalayan foothills, such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Alternatively, you can also explore three to four states in South India, for example, Goa – Karnataka – Tamil Nadu – Kerala.
Whether you want to party or just relax, Goaâs beaches have you covered. Visit the temples and ruins of the ancient kingdom of Hampi in Karnataka. If you wish to experience the religious side of India, Tamil Nadu has many, many temples you can visit. End your journey by unwinding at the Backwaters of Kerala by cruising in the waterways on a canoe or staying in a houseboat – You can even rent a houseboat for overnight travel from Cochin or Alleppey!
If you have the budget to take a few internal flights, then you could also do a North and South India trip. However, you will only be able to visit a few places in each region. If you think this would be your only trip to India, then this is a great option you can choose.
Always remember that travelling between places in India, especially road travel, can take time. It can be a little tiring and overexerting yourself in excitement can make you fall ill. Try not to plan too much – often, less is more.
The Taj Mahal is a special attraction to couples visiting India (Photo Credit – Sarah Sampsel)
What can you do in two weeks in India?
Often, two weeks is the maximum time one can take off from work. Plus, if this is your first trip to Asia or Southeast Asia, two weeks might be a better idea so that you donât get very overwhelmed.
Ideally, try and visit only one region in a time frame of two weeks. You can do a good mix of highlight places and some less popular destinations in North India, or the same for South India.
You could also look at an 8-9 day North India tour and end with 4-5 days on the beach. There is potential to tour both North and South India in two weeks but this may feel rushed. You would be scratching the surface without really experiencing either region.
If you plan on exploring the Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur) during your two weeks in India, you could also visit some lesser known attractions along with the major cities in the North. If you want to embrace spirituality in India, we would recommend visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar. You could also visit Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, the village of the Dalai Lama.
Another option would be to extend your route to include more of Rajasthan. Visit the mighty Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, the Blue City, or take a pristine boat ride in the pristine lakes of Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes. You could also visit the stunning sand dunes in the Thar desert and enjoy a camel safari.
You can also visit Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. The CSMT Railway Station of Mumbai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You can do a day trip in Mumbai – visit the Gateway of India and the iconic Queenâs Necklace as you watch the sun set in the Arabian Sea. Witness the architecture from the era of British India, or the many museums and art galleries in the city. No matter when you visit Mumbai, there will always be something happening!
Camel safaris await in North India (Photo Credit – Tom Bishop)
How to spend a month or longer in India?
Backpackers ahoy, wondering how long to backpack in India? We would recommend spending longer than two months ideally. You will definitely not be able to see everything, but you can cover quite a lot of places. Plus, you can take ample time savoring every place at your own pace instead of rushing from one place to another.
You will get great value for money in terms of food and accommodation in India. Train travel is remarkably inexpensive as well, though you will have to book tickets in advance. If you plan well in advance, you can also book some flights at a great price. In one month or more, you can visit multiple regions, maybe do some volunteering work, or even spend time at an Ashram. There is more than enough to do and see in India no matter how long you stay here.
India is not an easy destination for an international tourist. You will probably get a culture shock. And if you plan to stay in India for a longer time, you may miss home. So take your time to settle into the method behind the madness of this warm country. You will definitely leave with a deeper understanding and an enjoyable experience the more time you spend in India.
One week is not nearly enough to take in this vast country, but if that is all the time you have, we would recommend visiting the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle route comprises Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and offers a lot of diverse cultural attractions.
You can start your tour in New Delhi. Spend two nights in Delhi, exploring famous historical attractions in the city such as Humayunâs Tomb, India Gate, Lotus Temple, and the Akshardham Temple. You can also visit Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi. Visit the markets of Old Delhi and indulge in shopping and a food tour.
You can spend one night in Agra, sightseeing and visiting UNESCO world heritage sites like the Taj Mahal (obviously!), Agra Fort, and Jama Masjid. After your historical Agra day, you can then travel to Jaipur.
Ideally, spend three nights in Jaipur, since there is a lot to do and see in this Pink City. During Jaipur sightseeing, visit Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, and many other famous forts and royal palaces around.
We give detailed guidance to female travellers before and during their stay
So, fellow travelers, if you are not sure how much time you should spend in the country, or simply looking for more ideas, let us know and we will plan the perfect itinerary for you. Â Plan your trip with us now!
Mewar Haveli is one of the hotels we suggest you stay at in Udaipur. It is placed in a romantic city, perfect for honeymooners, luxury travellers and mid-range budgeters. This honest review will help you decide if it meets your criteria for your trip.
Romantic – Yes, especially if you have a lake facing room. Even otherwise, it is a cosy hotel with tasteful attention for detail and the roof top restaurant takes up a different mood from morning to sunset to night.
Backpacker friendly – Not really, initiating interactions with other guests in the hotel did not seem easy. It gets a varied age group and families, so not a high percentage of young backpackers.
Children friendly â Mewar Haveli does not have any games room or activities per se for children. Yet, families with kids would be comfortable here. It is easy to step out and get around on foot; again the restaurant with the lake view would always be fun for the kids.
Rates – Remember Mewar Haveli is between a budget and value for money hotel. Rooms start at INR 1,400 and go up to INR 2,100 approx.
The room was spotlessly clean, clean linen and cushy bed (nice soft mattresses).
The bathrooms are perfectly adequate, running hot water and very clean.
The staff were polite and non-pushy.
It has an elevator to get to the rooftop restaurant, other similar hotels around the lake do not have an elevator. And it feels a little uncourteous to walk up passing other peopleâs rooms.
The rooftop restaurant prepares lovely non-greasy, fresh and non-spicy vegetarian food. And the prices seemed fair.
What we did not like
Personally we did not have any complaints for the Mewar Haveli, Although the following is good to bear in mind –
The rooms are of different sizes and most of them are compact. Not a deal breaker, but if you travel with a lot of suitcases you might fill the room up.
That they only have two lake facing rooms. The rest are equally comfy, but after having stayed at both, you want to try and book in advance to get a lake facing room.
We hope this review has given you a better idea of what to expect and make a decision! If you have any questions or need any assistance do get in touch with us, we would be happy to help you.
The small holy town of Pushkar is extremely popular with backpackers in India. It offers a wide variety of guesthouses for budget travellers within the city, but just a 10 kms drive away you will also find luxury tented accommodation. There’s a lot of quality hotel experiences in Pushkar. There are also a few nice mid-budget options walking distance from the city as well. So get ready to relax, unwind and get in touch with your spiritual self.
Pushkar from an aerial view (Photo Credit – Vivek Sharma)
Inn Seventh heaven
This is one of India Somedayâs favourite places! This small boutique hotel is very close to the centre of Pushkar city, but manages to take you away into another world. Cascading fountains in its courtyard and vines growing along its walls, this is a lovely, great value for money hotel.
A great interior, like a botanical garden with nature, literally growing up the walls (Photo Credit – Booking.com)
Mama Luna
This backpacker hostel is clean and a great value for money. Unlike Seventh Heaven, it does not offer luxury at a minimal cost, but it does offer clean spacious minimalist rooms at a very affordable rate. It also has a nice rooftop terrace where you can meet other travellers and enjoy the view of the lake.
Decorated Camels in the fair, Pushkar (Photo Credit – Ashish Sangai)
Chacha’s Garden
Another great budget option run by a couple and their children. This is another quaint hostel where the family has converted their house into a guest house. Very close to the main market, this place is great just because of the hospitality of its owners.
Scenic view of Pushkar lake (Photo Credit – Francisco Anzola, Flickr)
Green Park Pushkar
Green Park is a comfortable, clean hotel a short work from the main city. The hotel has a pool within its premise to relax in during the hot Rajasthani mid-days. There is also a rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of mountains in the distance.
If you are looking at planning a trip to Pushkar and would like some assistance please do get in touch with us and we would be happy to help you plan a memorable trip!
The capital city of Delhi has really expanded over the past few years, leading to a large number of hotels popping up in various parts. Accordingly, you can choose to live in the heart of the city or pick Karol Bagh with its lively markets right at your doorstep. Another popular and often recommended option is to live in homestays in the residential areas of Delhi. Or, simply bathe yourself in luxury. Whatever your budget and travel style and we’ll help you find the perfect accommodation from the hotels in Delhi.
Don’t shy away from staying in the more chaotic corners of Delhi. Because it often offers great connectivity to tourist sights, the airport and the railway station via the Metro.
Woodcastle
Woodcastle stands as a pleasant oasis in the bustling chaos of the Karol Bagh markets. A good value for money option in Delhi. It has a communal area in the lobby (Wi-Fi available) where you can interact with other travellers. Subsequently, the rooms are a little small. However, in contrary, it’s still equipped with all basic amenities. It is close to the Karol Bagh metro station.
Situated in Karol Bagh, central Delhi, Florence is surrounded by shopping arcades, entertainment plazas and a lot of hustle-bustle. The rooms are of a good standard and would be what you would expect in any new developed modern properties. Even though there is nothing spectacular about this property, you will still get good services and secondly, it’s a good location.
A great budget option near the New Delhi railway station in the backpacker area of Paharganj. They have acceptably clean rooms and bathrooms, great central location, however, no real service and windowless rooms is what you get. But, having stayed here before, it’s definitely worth the price they charge. Each room has an air conditioner, television and hot water facilities. Great budget and value for money hotel.
Centrally located Lals Haveli (Photo Credits – Booking.com)
Hotels in Delhi: Residential location
Tree of Life
A popular pick for our guests. This cozy bed and breakfast is located in a charming residential part of South Delhi. It is set in a small, leafy street away from traffic and city. Moreover, an added advantage of staying at Tree of Life other than its lovely hosts and decorative furnishings is its proximity to the metro in Saket. Having stayed here ourselves we can safely say that this is an oasis in the chaos of Delhi. A hotel experience in Delhi like no other.
Located in the plush suburb of Delhi, Hauz Khas, this is an ethnically decorated and jewel-coloured serene haven. Accordingly. thereâs lots of colour, Indian textiles, artefacts and imaginative designs in the entire property. However, having only 6 rooms this is a place you have to book early. This is not too far from the metro in Hauz Khas.
A Bright spacious Dining room (Photo Credits – TripAdvisor)
Something Different
Shanti Home
‘Shanti’ means peace and that is what you will get in this tranquil getaway in Janakpuri (Delhi). The 17 themed rooms are tastefully decorated and the service at the hotel is great. However, the only flaw is that in spite of it being well connected by metro, it is still too far away and isolated from all the tourist sites and markets.
Teak and rosewood, Italian marble, art deco architecture is what defines this luxurious property situated at Janpath (Central Delhi). Close to Connaught Place this property is a stoneâs throw away from where the action is with bars, restaurants and the groovy market of Janpath. With 200 rooms this is still quite a large hotel, and it is also fairly expensive on your pocket.
Ranthambore is the national park located in the city of Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, where you can spot the elusive tiger. Whilst visiting here you will not find too many budget hotel options but you do have some nice properties some within the sanctuary and some close by.
Here’s a guide on hotel experiences in Ranthambore
At Ranthambore, the Bengal Tigers greet you! (Photo Credit – Annie Spratt)
Farther away from the park
Ranthambore Bagh
Is a lovely rustic property with a homely feel, it serves absolutely delicious food along with Rajasthani hospitality and service. The property is 5 kms from the park and has lovely furnished rooms and also offers tented accommodation during the peak seasons. The speciality of this place is cosy common areas where you can meet other wildlife enthusiasts.
In Season INR 5,000 onwards (approx. USD 90+ / EUR 70+), TripAdvisor Reviews
A lovely common area to chat with other wildlife enthusiasts (Photo Credit – Booking.com)
Near the park
Khem Villas
Having three types of accommodation – tents, rooms and cottages (with private plunge pools) this property is a simple and rustic approach to luxury. Situated very close to the park could spot different birds and maybe even jungle cats within the resort premise. Good food and good service only help to make your stay nice and comfortable.
In Season INR 11,000 onwards (approx. USD 200+ / EUR 170+), TripAdvisor Reviews
Feel like you’re one with nature (Photo Credit – TripAdvisor)
Hotel Nahargarh
Situated right on the edge of the park this is an old 16th-century fortress converted into a hotel. The rooms are quite spacious and all first floor rooms have individual courtyards while the second-floor rooms have private terraces. The property offers absolutely stunning views of the national park. It is slightly expensive for what it offers, but, still a good place for a couple of nights.
In Season INR 11,000 onwards (approx. USD 200+ / EUR 170+), TripAdvisor Reviews
A stunning pool to relax in after a morning safari ride (Photo Credit – TripAdvisor)
Epitome of Luxury
The VanyaVilas
This is another one of the Oberoi Vilas properties and has an all tented accommodation. You will not be roughing it out at all, in fact, they are one of the most luxurious tents we have seen. Situated right next to the park if you have the budget there is no other place that we would recommend. The Library and pool bars here are great. The best part of the VanyaVilas is its landscaping and privacy given to each tent. It’s an absolutely high-end hotel experience in Ranthambore, offering a great view of the surrounding hills.
Travelling with kids or an animal lover:
There is a very interesting bear rescue facility in Agra that needs about three hours to visit. Let us know in advance if you are interested in visiting them, as we need to e-mail them.
In Season INR 42,000 onwards (approx. USD 800+ / EUR 600+), TripAdvisor Reviews
If you would like a customized trip to India, we at India Someday would be happy to help plan your trip to India. Just get in touch with us and we will get back to you with some thoughts and questions.
If you’re visiting Jaipur then we can suggest the best hotel to stay in depending on your budget and criteria. We have stayed at the HR Palace Hotel and can recommend it for those travelling on a budget. Read our review to get a wider image.
Hawa Mahal, one of the many beautiful monuments in Jaipur
Who should stay at HR Palace hotel
Romantic – Not particularly, however, if you are backpacking on a relatively strict budget (during the warmer months), the rooms can be extremely cosy, especially for the price.
Children friendly – Children comfortable yes, again the rooms are very nice. No swimming pool, or any activities kids can engage in. It does have a small and a very safe lawn though.
Backpacker friendly – H R Palace is not particularly conducive for backpackers. It attracts a mixed age of both Indian and International crowd. Although chance conversations are always possible, it is still not your typical backpacker hotel.
Rates – H R Palace is a budget to value for money hotel, room rates range between INR 1,600 – 2,000.
The room quality for the price is unbeatable; H R Palace is a newly renovated hotel with very comfortable, western standard rooms. Very comfortable mattresses and big bathrooms, you are getting 3-4 star hotel quality rooms for a bargain price
What we like about H R Palace
The location is very central, a short drive from the railway station and a short drive to the old city sites
The hotel is very clean and the staff is cordial
What we did not like about HR Palace
It is a modern day building and lacks any traditional or heritage charm. Good to bear in mind that Jaipur does have numerous heritage and traditional hotels. Not at the same price point and comfort value as H R Palace.
It lacks a swimming pool which could be a nice addition during the warmer months.
Overall the hotel has more of a corporate feel.
Here is the website that can give you more information about bookings…
Jaipur is the largest city and the capital of Rajasthan offering a plethora of places to stay. Options range from budget backpacker hotels to opulent palaces and havelis scattered around the city. But what is the hotel experience in Jaipur like?
Jaipur has some of the nicest homestays and boutique properties in India. So when visiting Jaipur enjoy the hotel as much as enjoying the chaos of the pink city.
Devi Niketan is a lovely, centrally located homestay in Jaipur. You will realize that the place is run by someone with a military background owing to how spic and span it is, with everything in order. It is a lovely mansion with fourteen rooms and a good spot to relax in the craziness of the city. You can especially relax and kick back in the homes huge courtyard.
This is a lovely property in a northern residential part of Jaipur but away from the city centre. Art deco and frescoes accentuate the beauty of this property. The swimming pool is a good place to dive into after a long day of sightseeing.
Bright painted walls, well-manicured lawns, and nice cosy rooms. Diggi Palace is truly a royal experience. The charming terrace with bougainvillea draped around it does not let you feel that you are only a short drive away from the city centre. With a swimming pool and a nice restaurant, this property is a good value for money. A real quality hotel experience in Jaipur.
Hotel HR Palace is another centrally located hotel with very comfortable rooms. And what this hotel lacks in terms of heritage charm it makes up in service and hospitality. This property has been redeveloped into a hotel and it offers all the basic modern amenities, The best part of this hotel is its proximity to the city centre.
This little gem is tucked away within the city walls but allows you not to be touched by the hustle-bustle of the city. The pool area is beautiful and so is the dining room with its incredible paintings. The courtyard and lounge area around it is a great place to sit and read a book or browse the internet and finish up on some work during your vacation. An added advantage is that this lovely heritage property is almost bang in the middle of the market and the pink city walls. The same brand also has two other properties called Samode Bagh and Samode Palace in Jaipur.
Around 30 mins from Jaipur and closer to the Amer Fort is this lovely hotel. They have private villas which have private pools and houses 6-8 people. It also has lovely rooms for couples and is a very romantic holiday resort. Located in the Aravalli hills this property is definitely unique and is worth visiting if your budget permits.
If you are looking for luxury, your hotel experience in Jaipur cannot be complete without this. Run and managed by the Taj and Oberoi respectively these hotels can be described in one world only – âlavishâ. Both are a pinnacle of luxury and more than you would expect from them. At the Rambagh, you get the kingâs palace converted into an incredible heritage property. At Raj Vilas you’ll find a luxurious tented and roomed accommodation in a palatial 35-acre property
During season INR 40,000 onwards (USD 800+ / EUR 560+)
A comprehensive list of insider tips for Delhi! All the must-do attractions including visiting temples, markets and gardens, as well as eating some of the tastiest food in Delhi. There are many attractions built in the Mughal Empire for the history buffs who enjoy learning about the city’s rich past and will enjoy seeing some mausoleums. Plus, let’s not forget about the many religious groups within India, and therefore Delhi, which means there are chances to visit a mixture of Hindu temples, Mosques, and also BahĂĄ’Ă places of worship.
Visit Delhi for great architecture, markets and beautiful parks (Photo Credit – J&M)
Walk through Chandni chowk
First and foremost, you must sample the street food cuisine. Old Delhi is a bustling place of narrow lanes filled with chaotic energy, a great depiction of India. You can start by visiting the Sikh temple opposite the metro station of Chandni Chowk. From here you can walk the bylines or take a cycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid. Dress appropriately (no shorts, sleeveless t-shirts). This mosque is beautiful and very peaceful. Then you can visit the Red Fort and go for the evening light and sound show. Not maintained as well as it can be but it still shows the power of the Mughal Empire in India.
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
Cost: Red Fort Entry INR 250
Jama Masjid INR 150 plus for the camera
Cycle rickshaw – negotiable, but they put in a lot of labour so we always give them a little more.
Hint- walking around in the heat is tiring but great for shopping. A must do is eating at Karims opposite Jama Masjid.
Jama Masjid mosque just by Chandni Chowk (Photo Credit – Naveed Ahmed)
Humayun’s Tomb
A great prelude to the Taj, made from red sandstone with intricate work of white marble. This tomb of the Mughal emperor is worth a visit. Located in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, there are also a few quaint mosques just a little ahead of the car park of Humayun’s Tomb. Peacocks roam the garden regularly and if you catch its monsoon dance, it just adds to the beauty of the Tomb.
Time: 2 hours
Cost: INR 150
Humayun Tomb (Photo Credit – Mohan Nannapaneni)
Lodhi garden
A place where the business elite come for their evening walks and runs, where the common man comes to find shade for a afternoon nap. A place where the birds of Delhi flock in the evenings and early mornings. A large garden sprawling in the middle of south Luytens Delhi, Lodhi Garden is a photographers delight and a great place for an evening stroll. The Gardens also have a few dilapidated Mughal architecture based structures.
Time: 2 hours in the evening (the best time to go is sunset)
Cost: Free
Delhi is greener than you might expect with a few parks to offer a break from crazy city life (Photo Credit – Uttam Sharma from Pixabay)
Delhi Haat
Delhi Haat is a market where there is an aggregation of various handicrafts and art from across India. Vendors have their products for sale. During winter it is great to walk around the colourful textiles, charming jewellery and exquisite woodwork at the market. Other than the wares for sale, they also organize musical events and shows in the evenings. Also, there are food stalls from different parts of India. So if one wants to taste the complete Indian cuisine, step into Delhi Haat and sample food from different states. The momos are especially good along with the kebabs. To get here you may take the yellow line metro to AIIMS, or a rickshaw/taxi.
Time: 2 Hrs
Cost: INR 50-100
There are dozens of market stalls to shop around, but this one is prominent for being the best in Delhi (Photo Credit – Meenakshi Madhavan)
India Gate and Parliament
Being the centre of Indian politics and Judicial System, Delhi has the honour of having Indiaâs Parliament and Secretary offices. The area of Central Secretiat Delhi houses the President of India and the Prime Minister’s offices in the complex called Rasthrapati Bhavan. This building is truly majestic and very elegant. You can walk around outside without much hassle. From here you can also see in the distance the India Gate, made in honour of Indian soldiers who fought in WWII for the British.
Time: 1.5 Hrs
Cost: Free
India Gate (Photo Credit – Shalender Kumar from Pixabay)
Lotus Temple
For those spiritually inclined the Lotus temple near the Akshardham in Delhi is a fantastic experience. Approximately a 45 mins to an hour ride from the centre of Delhi, the temple is indeed a reflection of serenity and peace. A BahĂĄ’Ă house of worship, the temple is noticeably composed of marble-clad ‘petals’ to shape it like a lotus flower. It is open to all for visit, regardless of religion or sex.
Time: 2-3 Hrs
Cost: Free
One of the most impressive architectural pieces in Delhi you should not miss (Photo Credit – Shalender Kumar)
Connaught Place
This is a circular high street shopping district. The British had used this as their offices and have created a circular market which is always protected from the sun. It is now the hub of branded shops and fancy bars and restaurants. This is a must-do for many a place to eat, and of course to shop. They do have some great deals on roadside bookstalls here. You can also enjoy a few Bollywood movies as there are quite a few movie theatres in this region. The largest Sikh temple in Delhi and the monkey god temple (Hanuman Temple) is also nearby.
This is one attraction that you can add to your itinerary if you have enough time, but it is not necessarily one you have to rush to. Another Tomb of a Mughal emperor built-in 1754, the Safdarjung tomb is nice but repetitive. The mausoleum is built mainly of marble and sandstone thus given it that reddish glow. It also has a lot of monkeys who can be troublesome and try to steal your bag and grab your food.
Another tomb built in the Mughal era (Photo Credit – Arya Visuals)
Eating/Dining tips
Delhi has a multitude of food and having lived there for a while. Harsh, one of the partners of India Someday, has too many places to suggest. But we have tried to narrow it down. From high end to roadside (North Indian food), Delhi is known for its food. The term Delhi belly (for slightly upset stomach), though negative, indicates that people eat so much that they always tend to get a Delhi belly.
Garden of Five senses (View 4.5/5, taste 4.5/5)
A slightly expensive affair, this place is situated next to Lodhi Gardens and has a beautiful ambience and equally eloquent food. The food is more European and Continental but is delightfully made by international chefs. They have a good collection of wines as well.
Price – INR 1,200-1,800 per person for a meal
Karims (Jama Masjid) (View 4.5/5, taste 5/5)
You cannot go to Delhi and not eat at the Karimâs at Jama Masjid. The owners of this establishment were cooks for the king during the 1800s and have carried the secret recipes from one generation to another. The meat here is to die for and the simplistic vegetarian is also great. The gosht kebabs along with the roomali rot (thin tossed bread) are perfect. Add to this Dal Makhani (lentils) and some ran (goats leg) and you have a complete meal. They have multiple branches across Delhi, but we recommend only eating at the original one opposite Jama Masjid for the true experience. The view here is just seeing people relishing the food and the number of plates being consumed.
Price – INR 200-350 per person for a meal
Delhi Haat
As mentioned earlier this place has food stalls which serve food from different parts of India. This is a great place to sample and have a few snacks. The momos in the Arunachal stall are particularly good. Even the Thali Peeth at the Maharashtrian stall is good.
Near Connaught Place is an establishment known for its South Indian food. This place has chains across India, Singapore, Malaysia and a few other countries. They are known for their quick service and great food. South Indians mostly eat rice based dishes along with lentils. So taste idliâs (rice cakes served with coconut chutney and spicy lentils) and dosa (flat crispy rice pancakes).
Price – INR 100-150 per person per meal
There are so many places to choose from and so many yummy dishes to try (Photo Credit – Jusfoodonline)
One of the biggest questions travellers face when planning to visit India is – should I go to North India or South India? And, of course, when they think ‘North India or South India’, they’re usually considering between Rajasthan (and the surrounding region) and Kerala (and the region). These are two beautiful states/regions with a lot to see and do and have great accommodation options, so it’s no wonder they’re wildly popular with tourists!
While Rajasthan and Kerala are by no means the only two regions worth visiting in India, the intention of this article is to give you a practical overview of both, and the key factors to consider when deciding between them or deciding to include both the regions in your trip. This will help you decide if you should visit North India or South India â or both!
Between Delhi, Agra, and the cities of Rajasthan, this part of North India has some of the most fabulous architectural marvels of India. There’s the Taj Mahal, of course, as well as many magnificent forts and palaces. Exploring these forts and palaces is a delightful experience. They showcase intricate architecture, some offer commanding views, and they tell incredible tales of history.
If you are a huge history buff, you can read up before visiting the monuments or hire a guide (or an audio guide). Even if you aren’t into history and do not care too much about the stories behind the monuments, aimlessly wandering around them is a lot of fun.
Rajasthan has a huge variety of delightful heritage and traditional properties to stay at. A lot of old palaces and homes have been converted into hotels. Perhaps in no other region of the world will you find so many heritage properties to stay at within one region!
From the religious city of Pushkar to the Ranthambore tiger reserve, and the lakes in Udaipur to the desert town of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan offers very diverse experiences.
Rajasthani locals add bright bursts of colour to the countryside in their saris and turbans.
Rajasthan offers many chances to get a glimpse of rural life as you travel between towns. There are a few rural excursions to choose from, too â contact us if you’re interested in one!
What you may not like about Rajasthan and North India:
Travelling between towns takes time and often involves a combination of modes of transport. You should always expect multiple five to seven-hour road journeys. Overnight bus and train journeys from Jaipur are among the most used ways to reach Jaisalmer, though there are now flights from Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi as well.
Delhi, Agra and Varanasi (and even Rajasthan to an extent) are aggressive. We basically mean a lot of touts trying to sell you things or services, or overcharging you. This is significantly less prevalent in the South of India (Kerala).
On the whole, Rajasthan is dry and arid in contrast to the forever-green Kerala.
Rajasthan might not be too conducive when travelling with very young kids. Distances are long, and there’s not as many activities for kids. Having said that, forts and palaces can be great fun for imaginative young kids to explore.
Varanasi, though vibrantly alive, is a bustling and aggressive city (Photo Credit – Jon Rawlinson)
South India
(What we and former guests love and like)
Kerala is extremely green! It’s a stunning state, and very easy to relax in.
The hill station of Munnar offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and rolling hills and valleys.
Thekkady, near Periyar National Park, offers great trekking opportunities along with boat rides on the lovely Periyar Lake and spice plantation tours.
Fort Cochin is arguably the quaintest town in India! It has old India, Dutch and colonial structures, ancient markets, and plenty more. It’s very easy to walk through and explore at your own pace. Our tip: a Kathakali dance performance is always fun to watch when you’re here.
Kerala is easier in the sense that travel times are much shorter – 3 to 5 hours is typically the longest you’d spend in transit, and the attitude is not as aggressive and ‘touty’. You are more likely to get a fair price and will not be harassed to spend your money as much as you would in North India.
Kerala offers delightful accommodation options, too. In contrast to Rajasthan, there are not really any palaces converted into hotels. However, you will find lovely traditional villas, homestays, the famed houseboats and colonial stays. In most cases, it’s the views that make the stay. You can easily find a room that overlooks a valley or stay by the waterfront along the backwaters.
Somehow, hospitality in Kerala is more laid back and honest. People are always trying to make sure you are well fed!
Kerala by itself has nothing you can complain about. It is only when you contrast it against Rajasthan and consider the benefits of North India or South India that you’ll see that it offers no forts, palaces, monuments or noteworthy temples to visit. But, then the theme of a holiday in Kerala is different. It is all about nature and relaxation.
The Athirapally Falls in the Thrissur district are the exact kind of thing waiting for you in Kerala (Photo Credit – Rashi Raffi_unsplash)
North India or South India â what do you choose?
If we are allowed to be biased, for a first-time visitor, Rajasthan trumps Kerala. This may just be for the sheer stunning monuments it has to offer. If you like exploring history and ruins and want an active holiday, then perhaps North India is more suited for a ten-day holiday.
On the other hand, if you are convinced that you want to relax during your holiday, experience nature and engage in some light trekking, then Kerala is your answer. Kerala is absolutely gorgeous, and you have the backwaters, the hills and tea plantations, and loads of lovely accommodation options to choose from.
If we had couple of weeks to visit India, would you recommend only North India or South India or both Rajasthan and Kerala?
This is a hard choice. Kerala by itself for fourteen days would be a leisurely paced, relaxing holiday, A North India trip can easily span over fourteen days without getting excessive or feeling repetitive.
So the choice is either to just take a North India trip or include Kerala in the itinerary. It’s important to understand that a combined trip works out a little more expensive. This is because you have to take flights between the two regions.
We usually send our guests multiple travel plans to help them decide. Here are a few routes which some past guests have done.
If you have seventeen to eighteen days or up to three weeks then, you can include both in your trip.
**Please note, this article only focuses on Rajasthan and Kerala and does not include regions like Goa, the city of Mumbai or other regions of India and the merit/demerit of visiting them. However, they are worth considering too.
