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.
Wondering what the weather in India is like at different points of the year? Well, India tends to have three different seasons: winter, summer and monsoon. Each comes with quite an intense change in the climate bringing either impulsive rain showers, the heat so extreme you cannot step outside during midday, and even towns get covered in a blanket of snow in the northern region of the country. Â If you plan your trip with us we will help you decide which area is best to visit during the month that you are here.
Here is a comprehensive list of the weather in India at different times of the year:
Monsoons in India (Photo Credit – SHAH Shah)
Ideal Times to visit
The most ideal time to visit is during the winter months (Oct-Feb) when the days are much cooler throughout India. Although this is peak tourist season and prices will be higher, you will have a lot more comfortable trip where you won’t have to escape the heat during the day. There is even a chance of seeing snow in the north of India.
North India: (i.e. Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan etc.) visit from October to March (10ËšC – 28ËšC).
South India: (i.e. Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu etc.) visit from October to April (22ËšC – 32ËšC).
Himalayas: Visit from April-June to avoid the heat of Central India or during September – mid-November to catch the snow. These are the best times to trek (avoid July-August as this is the monsoon season).
May to September are generally the non-touristy months with a significantly lower number of tourists and cheaper hotel prices. This is because the summer brings intense heat which can be quite unpleasant, even for the locals let alone tourists! We would suggest you avoid travelling in these months but we also realise sometimes it cannot be avoided, therefore plan around the weather and head to somewhere that isn’t as unbearable.
Towards the later months from June-August, the monsoon season hits and many places will face heavy spurges of rain plus high humidity. You should visit the top of the Himalayas in Kashmir as it will have much more pleasant weather than Central and South India.
North India can be extremely hot (35ËšC – 40ËšC) and therefore is best avoided.
South India will also be hot but is more pleasant than the North (25ËšC – 35ËšC). You can also escape to hill stations or forest areas that are a lot cooler. Plus, the beaches will be less crowded so it’s not all bad!
Himalayas – April, May, June, September & October are the best months to trek. The summer melts the snow and treks that were formerly inaccessible, like the road to Pangong Lake, become open.
Sweltering heat in the Thar desert of Rajasthan (Photo Credit – Ben Ostrower)
How much would a two week holiday in India cost?
A typical two week holiday, with a couple of internal flights, train travel by air-conditioned coach, comfortable, value for money accommodation, food and monument entrance fees would cost EUR 500 to EUR 700 (USD 700 – USD 1000) per person (excluding flight to and out of India).
By spending a little more you can indulge in a few pampered hotel stays, or even rent a car (and driver) for certain legs of your journey.
Alternatively, if you decide to backpack India on a shoestring you can spend even less than EUR 500 (USD 700), but you should be willing to compromise on comfort.
Festivities around The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Photo Credit – Cuyahoga)
How much does it cost to fly to India?
Flights from Europe can range between EUR 400 to Euro 800 depending on the season and how early you book.
From North America prices can range between USD 900 to USD 1300, again depending on the season and how early you book flights.
Flights are most expensive in and around December.
Your time in Kerala is going to split between exploring the beautiful surrounding nature, complete with elephants, eating great food, perhaps a cooking class, and relaxing.
The following is an overview of various activities you could undertake and ways to get around Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey and Kochi. The list is not comprehensive and we highly recommend using a guide book and tips from your hotel/homestay in addition to this outline.
Beautiful Kerala is one of the most popular states for tourists to visit
things to do in kerala: Munnar
The highlight of Munnar is the gorgeous views of the surrounding valleys filled with trees and tea plantations. Munnar is more of a see and relax town, than having active things to do.
In terms of activities, you could still do a forest trek or ride/bath elephants. You would want to take advice of your homestay or hotel while planning these activities.
Getting around Munnar
You will need a vehicle to get around Munnar. Most of the points of interest are a generous distance apart and cannot easily be reached on foot. If we have rented a car for your entire time in Kerala, you can use this at no additional cost. Else your hotel/homestay can arrange for a car at approx INR 1,200-1,500 for a day. You could also get around Munnar by hiring a bike/scooter.
Things to do in Munnar
You could spend time visiting the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. The Nilgiri Thar (mountain goat) can be spotted fairly easily here. It is a pretty spot where you’d spend a little over an hour. The bird sightings are good but don’t expect to spot any spectacular wildlife such as tigers or leopards.
Visit the scenic Mettuppey Dam and the Sandal Wood forests. There are also many waterfalls in and around Munnar such as Lakkam and Attukal waterfalls.
You certainly want to visit a tea plantation and the Tata Tea Museum. Your hosts in Munnar, as predominantly you are in a homestay, are the best source of information for interesting activities to do.
Bird sightings in the park
Thekkady
Pretty in its own right and by the edge of the Periyar National Park, Thekkady in Kerala offers a lot more active things to do. For adventure enthusiasts the Periyar National Park provides a number of adventure activities like light treks, heavy forest treks or day rafting.
Getting around Thekkady
It is difficult to reach all the spots in Thekkady on foot. Again, if you have rented a car you can use that, else you should use a Tuk-Tuk – a much cheaper option than hiring a car for a day and can reach all spots. It will be roughly INR 400-700 for a day and can be arranged through your hotel.
Things to do in Thekkady
Here is a list of things to do with an overview compiled by the owners of Indhrivanam.
One can ride and bathe elephants at Elephant Junction. Or you can take a spice plantation tour, which is pretty educational, and see the traditional dance and martial arts show.
Over and above Thekkady too is a very relaxing place to take it slow and enjoy the views. One can particularly enjoy the traditional Indian dance and martial arts show at the cultural centre. Both last for about an hour – do not miss it!
Kalarippayattu – traditional martial art
Alleppey
The highlight experience of Alleppey in Kerala is its backwaters. Take an overnight houseboat or a day cruise or for a few hours riding along the backwaters and viewing normal day life along the banks.
Getting around Alleppey
Take an autorickshaw or a bus from the town centre to where you would like to go. The journey from Alleppey railway station to downtown is only 10-15 minutes and will cost about INR 50-60. Buses also run and are a cheap mode of travel, but Alleppey is quite small and going around on foot is far more enjoyable. Or you could consider hiring a bike/scooter from a reliable source.
Things to do in Alleppey
Accommodation options are spread along the backwaters in Alleppey. It does not offer any principle attractions, apart from the backwaters itself. You would have to speak to your hotel/homestay for additional activities.
Virtually all of them can arrange for a backwaters cruise if you are not spending a night on a houseboat. They can also arrange for cycles to roam around the countryside or guided farm walks to explore the fields.
Alleppey is also extremely close to the coast so ask your host to direct you towards the beach if you wish to spend time there.
Houseboats floating over the Alleppey backwater (Photo Credit – Abhishek Prasad)
Kochi
Kochi in Kerala is a quaint town, oozing with old world charm by the sea. The experience is just exploring the place on foot.
Getting Around Kochi
Kochi is just off the mainland and ferries are the fastest mode of transport. They run from Ernakalum and will take you to the main ferry port in Kochi. There are also tuk-tuks that will take you from Ernakalum station to catch the ferry.
Things to do in Kochi
There is an array of sightseeing in Kochi. You can visit the Synagogues, see the Chinese fishing nets and buy dinner at the fish markets. Stop by one of the lovely cafes and enjoy South Indian cuisine, or ask your hosts to direct you to find a cooking class.
Explore the old Portuguese and Dutch colonial buildings and churches such as St Francis Church, David Hall and Mattancherry Palace.
Kochi also has a cultural centre where you can catch the traditional Indian dance you should not miss!
If you do have any difficulties and need our advice or assistance to plan your trip we would be happy to help you. Just fill out our form and one of us will get back to you as soon as possible.
Delhi can be a little overwhelming and aggressive. For example, touts are all around trying to sell you products and services. The best approach to ‘Delhi touts’ is a polite ‘no, thank you’. Signing up to guided Delhi tours can be a great way of sheltering yourself from the mayhem.
Looking for more Delhi travel tips? Read this guide for more things to know when exploring Delhi.
A Street Performer (Photo Credit – Adam Waxman)
Exploring Delhi
The first thing we do for our clients is to share our Delhi travel tips and documents. It is a handy guide that helps you navigate around the city. In addition, a good guide book is always highly recommended.
Once you navigate the ‘aggressiveness of the city’ you come to appreciate its beauty. Delhi is a much older city than Mumbai (Bombay). It has a string of stellar monuments: The Humayan Tomb, the Lodhi Gardens, the Jama Masjid, the Lotus Temple, the Akshardham Temple.
The streets are packed with buzz and activity. The chaos of the bazaars is intriguing. But once you realize that Delhi can be ‘managed’ then it can be appreciated and enjoyed. Delhi has a lot of different experiences to offer. So if the hustle-bustle of Old Delhi or Paharganj is too overwhelming, take a relaxing walk in one of the several gardens like Lodhi Gardens. Try to always keep the balance between hectic areas and calmer places like museums, temple or gardens. Not to forget Delhi offers a great food experience as well, particularly when it comes to street food.
You should probably spend about a day or two in Delhi. Accept that you will not be able to see everything that it has to offer. Nonetheless, even a day of venturing out will leave you with impressions of great sights and experiences.
The grandeur of the Lotus Temple at night
Getting around Delhi
A popular way of exploring Delhi is by renting a car for a day. We can either pre-arrange this or it can be easily requested for from your hotel. The price would be between INR 1,000 – 1,500 for a day (8 hours) for an air-conditioned car and a driver. The drivers are very efficient at taking you to all the sites.
One of our Delhi travel tips is to use the metro as another very ‘doable’ option. It is extremely modern and connects the city very well! However, it does not take you to all the attractions. To see Humayan’s Tomb and the Lotus Temple you need to take a rickshaw. Do not hesitate to use the metro. We highly recommend it as an easy way of getting around since the connectivity is really good.
For backpackers or experienced travellers, it is clearly a no-brainer. If you are older, or if travelling with children, the metro could be exhausting so you should consider taking a rented car which is very convenient and helps you getting around without being totally overwhelmed.
Delhi offers a number of guided tour options. We need to confess at this moment, we have not tried too many of them first hand but others have given these recommendations.
A group of American guests heard about the City Walk Delhi tour on NPR (National Public Radio) and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They recommended it as a way to get an authentic experience in the streets of the city.
Other promising options are the Delhi Heritage Walks and Delhi Metro Walks. These Delhi tours are great value for independent travellers and backpackers. Plus, these walks through the city, are a great way to discover a large majority of Delhi.
Overall, Delhi tours are a great way to see the city with a detailed analysis given from a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Check out what Reality Tourshave to offer.
If you still did not find the ideal tour, India Someday can arrange for a dependable, knowledgeable guide and driver for a day’s private city tour. It focuses on Old and New Delhi and costs INR 5,500 for a day (includes guide and a car.) The payment for this would be direct.
‘Kaali Peeli’ taxi (Photo Credit – Ibrahim Rifath/flickr)
Independently
Travel Delhi independently, why not? This momentous city can also be navigated and experienced without a guide. In fact, 80 per cent of our guests do not opt for a tour. One of our Delhi travel tips for independent travellers is to ride the metro to the monuments. You can do most of these without a guide as they are well explained or (some) have an audio tour. This makes the trip extremely cost-effective and you won’t miss out on the extent of what you can learn about the sites.
As a modern-day city, Agra never fails to impress just about anyone and there are many great guided tours to take. Once you spend time there your impression will be that it is a remarkable city. This guide will help you with getting around Agra.
The Taj Mahal lives up to its expectations. If you can, try and visit it at the break of dawn, then the experience is surreal (avoid winter seasons from mid-December to mid-January when there is fog and poor visibility).
People often make the mistake of considering Agra just as the city of the Taj Mahal. However, there are lots of different things to do in the city. There is also the Agra Fort that is fairly impressive with gorgeous views of the Taj in the distance and from across the river. At sunset this makes for another delightful experience. The Fortress city of Fatehpur Sikri is very interesting too and is a must-see. In addition, it has small, rarely visited monuments like the Baby Taj and Akbar’s Tomb. Many guided tours are also on offer that makes for a great way to experience the city.
Beautiful sights of the Taj Mahal (Photo Credit – Laxmi Lodhi from Pixabay)
Getting around Agra
There are many ways of getting around Agra. You can get to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the other smaller monuments by Auto Rickshaw, (approx INR 500 – 700 for a day.) For a car with a driver it will cost you INR 1,000 – 1,200 per day, and INR 1,800 if you were to include a visit to Fatehpur Sikri. This includes visits to all other monuments as well. Depending upon which hotel you are staying at, sometimes the Taj is accessible by a short walk and there is no need to take transportation.
Fatehpur Sikri (Photo Credit – Koen)
Recommended Guided Tours
One of the best ways to get around Agra is through guided tours. We book practical, private guided tours through an agency in Agra. Our guests have consistently spoken highly of their experience and the guides. It costs INR 3,500 for the guide (transport is additional), spread usually across two days. There is a chance to visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, The Fortress city, and other monuments in these tours. This can include a second trip to the Taj Mahal at sunset which we highly recommend.
There are many other activities you can do in Agra. We have heard good things about the Mohabbat Taj dance performances that re-creates scenes from the Mughal Empire (EUR 15+ / USD 20+). Headsets are available in a variety of languages including English and German. Passes can be arranged through the hotel or guide.
If you are travelling with kids or are animal lovers there is a very interesting bear rescue facility in Agra that takes about three hours to visit. Please let us know if you would like to visit this facility as we will need to e-mail them in advance.
Getting around Agra can also be done independently. But, if travelling with family or older guests we always recommend a guided tour. The tour guides are good but, more importantly, the city is very aggressive. A local guide shields you from encountering any problems.
For younger guests: the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort have excellent audio guides. Even without audio they can be explored on your own. The Taj Mahal at sunset viewing point can be reached on your own as well as the other monuments.
The Fortress city of Fatehpur is the only difficult place to experience on your own as it is spread out and you will need someone to explain the area to you. Once you get to Fatehpur Sikri, there are also a string of touts waiting to harass you so be careful.
Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri (Photo Credit – Bruno Girin)
So what are you waiting for, click on Plan Your Trip for your ideal itinerary.
Trains are one of the safest and most economical modes of transport in India. Either when travelling on a budget or just for the experience; trains are the best bet, and so these are some of the best trains and best train routes in India that the Indian railways have to offer.
Indian trains are also quite complicated and different in the variety of classes available. Ranging from sleepers to extremely luxurious A/C trains, here’s a complete guide to the range of classes.
If you’re already deciding to come to India but have no idea where to start, or if you need some help with the logistics, get in touch with us and we’ll sort out all the hassle for you.Â
Best trains in Indian railways (in North India)
Trains in the Indian Railways provide range of luxury train journeys in India, that one can experience, such as the Palace on Wheels. Launched by the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development, The train service serves its line: New Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur – Bharatpur – Agra – New Delhi.
Train name – 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi (Station of origin – New Delhi up to Bhopal)
Departure time – 06:00 hrs (Delhi)
Arrival time – 08:06 hrs (Agra Cantt)
Pros: Shatabdi is the fastest train after the Rajdhani. This train reaches Agra in 2 hours whereas a car would take about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. There are other trains to Agra but this is the only one that reaches in such a short time. Breakfast is served, as catering is available in the train. The train also halts at Jhansi so take this train to get to Orchha from Delhi or Agra (Jhansi is the nearest station to Orchha).
Cons: As it’s an early morning train, it’s not entirely ideal for late risers.
Return journey – 12001 Ndls Shatabdi
Departure time – 20:35 hrs (Agra Cantt)
Arrival time – 22:45 hrs (New Delhi)
Indian Trains from Agra to Jaipur
Train name – 12195 Af Aii Intercity (Station of origin – Agra Fort up to Ajmer)
Departure time – 05:10 hrs (Agra Fort)
Arrival time – 09:30 hrs (Jaipur)
Pros: As it originates from Agra itself, the train will depart on time. The other trains on this route are long-distance trains, which originate from Kolkata, Varanasi, Khajuraho, etc. and will be delayed by the time they reach Agra.
Cons: The travel time is the same as driving to Agra. And if you rent a car, you can also stop to visit the fortress city of Fatehpur Sikri. Also not ideal for late risers.
There is also an evening train that runs every day apart from Thursday departing at 18:00 hrs from Agra reaching Jaipur at 22:20 hrs (Af Jp Shatabdi 12036).
Return journey – 12196 Aii Af Intercity
Departure time – 17:10 hrs (Jaipur)
Arrival time – 21:30 hrs (Agra Fort)
Trains are a great way to see the countryside by day, and meet new, exciting people by night (Photo Credit – Belur Ashok)
Trains in the indian railways (in Rajasthan)
From Jaipur to Jaisalmer
Train name – 14659 Dli Jsm Exp (Station of origin – New Delhi up to Jaisalmer)
Departure time – 23:45 hrs (Jaipur)
Arrival time – 11:15 hrs (Jaisalmer)
Pros: It’s the only train on this route and the best alternative. You can take a one stop flight or drive. Both are not recommended as there is just one flight between these 2 cities and is operated by 2 different carriers with a long layover and the drive is too long. You can take a bus but there is no direct connectivity. The bus only goes up to Jodhpur and from there you have to take another bus to Jaisalmer. You can also end your trip in Jaisalmer and take this train up to Delhi (if your international flight is from Delhi. This train reaches Delhi at 11:10 hrs.
Cons: Late night train, however, Jaipur is a busy junction and you will always find people around so don’t worry about being alone and unsafe.
Return journey – 14660 Jsm Dli Exp
Departure time – 17:15 hrs (Jaisalmer)
Arrival time – 04:50 hrs (Jaipur)
Trains to Jodhpur from Jaisalmer
Train name – 14660 Jsm Dli Exp (This is the same train that goes from Jaisalmer to New Delhi)
Departure time – 17:15 hrs (Jaisalmer)
Arrival time – 22.25 hrs (Jodhpur)
Pros: The train runs at a convenient time, you can spend the day in Jaisalmer and leave at your own leisure.
Cons: As it is a long-distance train (goes up to New Delhi), it can get delayed although it doesn’t happen too often.
Return journey – 14659 Dli Jsm Exp
Departure time – 05:30 hrs (Jodhpur)
Arrival time – 11:15 hrs (Jaisalmer)
There is an intercity that runs between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. This train departs at 23:30 hrs arrives in Jodhpur at 05:20 hrs. However, as the timings are odd and inconvenient (you miss out on a good nights rest), we recommended taking the evening train.
Trains from Jaipur to Udaipur
Train name – 09721 Jp Udz Superfast Special
Departure time – 06:45 hrs (Jaipur)
Arrival time – 13:45 hrs (Udaipur)
Pros: Although the travel time is the same, the train is convenient and cost-effective as compared to renting a car. As this is a special train, it is not permanently on the railway system but extended on a regular basis.
Cons: This train has only a Chair Car seating (like in an A/C Volvo Bus). For some, it can get uncomfortable sitting at a stretch for 7 hours.
Return journey – 09722 Udz Jp Superfast Special
Departure time – 14:15 hrs (Udaipur)
Arrival time – 21:15 hrs (Jaipur)
The train halts at Ajmer (nearest station to Pushkar), you can take this train if you’re going to Pushkar from Jaipur or you want to go to Udaipur from Pushkar.
Jaipur to Jodhpur by train
Train name – 22478 Jp Ju Superfast Exp
Departure time – 06:00 hrs (Jaipur)
Arrival time – 10:30 hrs (Jodhpur)
Pros: Driving to Jodhpur takes about 5.5 hours or more depending on traffic conditions. The train is super fast and reaches in 4.5 hours so definitely worth saving the extra bucks.
Cons: It is an early morning train, still being, however, the best option available on this route.
Return journey – 22477 Jp Ju Superfast Exp
Departure time – 18:15 hrs (Jodhpur)
Arrival time – 22:40 hrs (Jaipur)
If you’re very interested in exploring Rajasthan and want to include Delhi and Agra into your tour, here are some great routes that can help you do that.
trains in the indian railways (In and around new Delhi)
From Khajuraho to Agra by train
Train name – 19665 Kurj Udz Exp (Station of origin – Khajuraho up to Udaipur)
Departure time – 09:10 hrs (Khajuraho)
Arrival time – 17:35 hrs (Agra Cantt)
Pros: The best way to get to Agra from Khajuraho. There are no direct flights and the only other way is to fly to Delhi (again most flights are via Varanasi) and from Delhi, drive to Agra.
Cons: An entire day is spent in the train. However, when possible, travel by First Class as the fare is cheap enough and you get to spend the day in absolute comfort.
Return journey – 19666 Udz Kurj Exp
Departure time – 10:50 hrs (Agra Cantt)
Arrival time – 19:30 hrs (Khajuraho)
Here’s a list of the twenty best places to visit in the entire Northern region of India.
Trains from Delhi to Pathankot
Train name – 14033 Jammu Mail
Departure time – 20:10 hrs (Old Delhi)
Arrival time – 06:10 hrs (Pathankot)
Pros: The train timings are perfect. You take the train after an entire day of sightseeing in Delhi and after a good sleep; you wake up in the Himalayas.
Cons: Pathankot is the nearest station to Dharamshala and it’s a 3 hours drive from the railway station to Dharamshala. So after a long train journey, another 3 hours driving can get tiresome. Nevertheless, the drive is extremely scenic.
Return journey – 14034 Jammu Mail
Departure time – 19:05 hrs (Pathankot)
Arrival time – 05:45 hrs (Old Delhi)
Recently flights have been introduced and Air India and SpiceJet have regular flights between Delhi and Dharamshala.
Reaching Amritsar from New Delhi by railway
Train name – 12029 Swarna Shatabdi
Departure time – 07:20 hrs (New Delhi)
Arrival time – 13:35 hrs (Amritsar)
Pros: If travelling on a budget, taking a train to Amritsar is the best alternative. You can also take buses, but the train would be more comfortable. There is another Shatabdi that leaves in the evening at 16:30 hrs towards Amritsar.
Return journey – 12030 Swarna Shatabdi
Departure time – 16:55 hrs (Amritsar)
Arrival time – 23:05 hrs (New Delhi)
Indian Railway from New Delhi to Haridwar
Train name – 12017 Dehradun Shatabdi
Departure time – 06:50 hrs ( New Delhi)
Arrival time – 11:25 hrs (Haridwar)
Pros: The bumpy roads from New Delhi to Haridwar make this train a better alternative. There is another Shatabdi that departs Delhi at 15:00 hrs reaching Haridwar around 19:00 hrs.
Return journey – 12018 Dehradun Shatabdi
Departure time – 18:13 hrs (Haridwar)
Arrival time – 22:45 hrs (New Delhi)
Haridwar is a 30-45 minutes drive to Rishikesh. You can also fly to Dehradun which the nearest airport to Rishikesh from New Delhi. Rishikesh is an hour’s drive from Dehradun.
Trains in the Indian Railways are filled with interesting people, so interacting with them can pass time quite easily (Photo Credit – Rignam Wangkhang)
Here we provide you with the different train options for South India. Not to deny that train travel within South India is not as extensive when compared to the North. The popular places (for eg in Kerala) are not well connected and most of the time, it is more convenient to hire a car or fly. Having said this, the Konkan Railway (Southern railway) is the most scenic, and taking a train is well worth the effort.
Listed below are a few of the best train options for South India.
Trains passing from both direction (Photo Credit – Belur Ashok)
1. different train options (Mumbai to Goa)
Train Name: 10103 Mandovi Express Station of origin: Mumbai CST up to Madgaon Departure time: 07:10 hrs (CST) Arrival time: 18:45 hrs (Madgaon)
*if staying in North Goa, alight at Pernem or Thivim.
Pros: As it is a day train, the countryside is best explored. You chug through the winding waterfalls, mountains, rice fields, and lush greenery.
Cons: The train has the most stops and one that takes the longest to reach Goa. The train is for those who enjoy long journeys.
Return Journey: (10104 Mandovi Exp) departs from Madgaon at 09:30 hrs and reaches Mumbai CST at 21:40 hrs.
There are different trains options available for South India; such as Konkan Kanya which is an overnight train and Jan Shatabdi which is the fastest, reaching Goa in 7 hours time. However, as all Shatabdi’s, it has chair car seats so not the most comfortable.
Watch the beautiful countryside pass you by on your journey (Photo Credit – Belur Ashok)
2. different train options (Goa to Hampi)
Train name: 18048 Vsg Howrah Express Station of origin: Vasco Da Gama up to Howrah (Kolkata) Runs on: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday Departure time: 07:10 hrs (Vasco) Arrival time: 14:53 hrs (Hospet Junction)
*Hospet is the nearest station to Hampi.
Pros: This is the only train to Hampi from Goa. However, the biggest plus of taking this train is that you pass through the very famous Dudhsagar Falls (Sea of Milk). It one of the most scenic waterfalls and if travelling in the monsoons, a definite must-see. The train halts for about a minute in the falls.
Cons: As the train does not run every day, you have to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Return Journey: We suggest avoid the train if going from Hampi to Goa. The train starts from Kolkata and hence in all likelihood would be delayed by the time it reaches Hospet and would also be used and dirty. Alternatives are taking a bus/ renting a car, but please note that the roads on this route are not very good.
3. different train options (Hospet to Mysore or Bangalore)
Train Name: 16591 Hampi Exp Station of origin: Hubli Junction up to Mysore Departure time: 20:45 hrs (Hospet) Arrival time: Next day 09:40 hrs (Mysore)/ 06:10 hrs (Bangalore City)
Pros: It is the most convenient and inexpensive alternative. The train is well-timed. You do not waste a day travelling.
Return Journey: (16592 Hampi Exp) Departs from Mysore at 18:15 hrs (Bangalore City – 21:50 hrs) and reaches Hospet next morning at 07:40 hrs.
Trains are a convenient and inexpensive way of travel (Photo Credit – Rolling Okie)
4. different train options (Goa to kochi)
Train Name: (16345) Netravati Exp Station of origin: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) up to Trivandrum Departure time: 23:00 hrs (Madgaon) Arrival time: Next day 14.10 hrs (Ernakulam Junction)
Pros: Cheapest way to get to Kochi. There are rarely direct flights on this route. Flights are via Mumbai, Bangalore or Hyderabad.
Cons: One of the most-used trains, especially by Indians, hence tickets have to be booked well in advance (two months before departure date) as they get sold out quickly.
Return Journey: (16346 Netravati Exp) Departs from Ernakulam at 14:05 hrs and reaches Madgoan next morning at 05:00 hrs.
*There are other trains on this route that take less travel time, however, they do not run on all days. Check your travel dates to see if they are available.
An old man reading newspaper while waiting for his train to Ernakulam (Photo Credit – Vishwaant Avk)
5. differet train options (Alleppey to Varkala)
Train Name: (12075) Jan Shatabdi Station of origin: Kozhikode (Calicut) up to Trivandrum Departure time: 18:15 hrs (Alleppey) Arrival time: 20:05 hrs (Varkala)
Pros: Quicker than driving and much cheaper too. Also, if only on a Kerala trip, there are not many instances where one can travel by train so if both these places are part of your itinerary, take a train, just for the experience.
Return Journey: (12076 Jan Shatabdi) Departs from Varkala at 06:32 hrs and reaches Alleppey at 08:15 hrs
This train starts from Calicut and halts at Kochi (Ernakulam Junction) too.
Station name display board in yellow (Photo Credit – LushLitBlog)
6. different train options (Mumbai to Aurangabad)
Train Name: 12071 Jan Shatabdi Exp Station of origin: Dadar Station up to Aurangabad Departure time: 14:00 hrs (Dadar) Arrival time: 20:35 hrs (Aurangabad)
Pros: The fastest train with the fewest halts. You can also fly to Aurangabad, however, flights are either very early in the morning or late evening.
Return journey: (12072 Jan Shatabdi Exp) Departs from Aurangabad at 06:00 hrs and reaches Dadar at 12:30 hrs
7. Different train options (Chennai to Pondicherry)
Train Name: 12635 Vaigai Exp Station of origin: Chennai Egmore up to Madurai Departure time: 13:20 hrs (Chennai) Arrival time:Â 15:45 hrs (Villupuram Junction-nearest station to Pondicherry)
Pros: Again the cheapest and most convenient way to get to Pondicherry. Rented car fares in Tamil Nadu are the highest when compared to other regions and taking trains when possible makes it easy on the pocket. If not delayed, the train takes lesser time than driving.
Return journey: (12636 Vaigai Exp) Departs from Villupuram Junction at 11:42 hrs and reaches Chennai Egmore at 14:40 hrs.
*The train goes up to Madurai. You can take this train either from Chennai or Pondicherry to get to Madurai.
We hope reading this article on the different train options in South India has inspired you to take on this adventurous a journey. Just click on Plan Your Trip for any assistance.
Chennai Central Station (Photo Credit – Vellupura)
A unique way to travel which every traveller must try at least once.
WWOOFing
In India, it’s a special experience. A unique way to travel which every traveller must try at least once. It’s something you will remember fondly for sure and for all you know, you might find yourself addicted.
What is WWOOF?
WWOOF or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a non-profit organization which is active all over the world. It works on the concept of bartering a few hours of daily volunteer work on an organic farm in return for accommodation, delicious food and a chance to learn organic farming techniques. About a hundred countries the world over have WWOOF organizations that place people on organic farms of their choice.
How does it work? How do I go about WWOOFing in India?
It is fairly simple. You visit the WWOOF website, choose which country you would like to go and register yourself as WWOOFer in that particular country. There are independent WWOOF websites for each country. Once you register, you are given a membership number which is valid for a year, as many times as you want to use it.
For WWOOFing in India, you should register through http://www.wwoofindia.org/. Their membership page (http://www.wwoofindia.org/member.htm) outlines the steps for joining as a WWOOFer with great clarity. The co-ordinator responds promptly and the entire process is quite smooth. Once your payment has reached them, the organization will email you a membership ID and a list of hosts to choose from. You then contact hosts of your interest independently and exchange details with them. Hosts are free to accept or reject you as a volunteer, just as you are to accept or reject a host.
How many hosts does WWOOF India have? How do I choose?
WWOOF India at present has a list of over 150 hosts in different parts of the country. When making your choice, here are the things you should consider
Organic farm
Where do you want to go?
You can choose on the basis of which Indian state you’d like to visit. WWOOFing is a great way to be a tourist. You build a personal rapport with local people and that’s the best way for a traveller to gain insight into any destination. But of course, you have to prioritize with the work assigned to you first. Most hosts are very accommodating and flexible though. The bottom of the host list has a state-wise key. You can choose a few states and refer to the farms listed within those states specifically.
Since a lot of farming is about physical work, you might want to choose a location where the weather will be most suited to you at that time of the year. You should also keep in mind that terrain plays an important part. Farm work on hilly terrain might be more difficult for you as compared to that of a farm in the plains. You should choose what is most comfortable not push yourself too much, at least in the beginning.
Plucking Tea (Photo Credit – Akarsh Simha)
What do you want to do? What do you want to learn?
The great thing about WWOOFing in India is that it’s not just about working on the farm. You can choose to volunteer in a number of ways. A certain host might need someone to help with accounts and marketing of farm products or someone to implement renewable energy systems or simply someone who can help spread awareness amongst local folk. See how you can come in handy and choose accordingly.
On some farms you can learn yoga while on others you can learn how to grow herbs and spices while still others might teach you how to cook great dishes using organic food or how to work with medicinal plants. Many farms are implementing innovative, clean power and irrigation systems which might be your area of interest.
The host list carries a description of the activities on each farm and also what is expected of you as a volunteer. You should exchange enough emails or talk enough over the phone to your host till you are both convinced that the association will be fruitful.
You can volunteer at a vegetable & fruit garden (Photo Credit – Dorine Ruter)
What are your habits?
Each farm has its own set of rules. Some, in fact, most, are strictly vegetarian. Many do not encourage alcohol consumption. You may be expected to wake up early in the morning and participate in farm activities and call it an early day or dress a certain way, especially since many farms are in rural areas. You should take all this into consideration before choosing your farm. Do not feel shy about asking questions and clearing doubts with your host and try not to overstate your own abilities at all.
River field trip with the host (Photo Credit – Ajay Tallam)
Is it safe? Are there additional costs? How long will I have to stay at the farm?
Yes, WWOOF farms all over the world have a reputation for being quite safe. Volunteers have rarely reported any bad experiences if at all.
As far as costs go, all your tourist activities beyond farm work will be at your own expense. Some hosts might charge you a nominal amount for accommodation which they will make clear in your discussions before you go to the farm. In such cases, much less work is expected of you and you are given relatively more freedom as a volunteer and tourist. Your host might also waive off this amount once you have proved an asset to the farm as a volunteer. Such costs are an informal arrangement and not mandatory as per WWOOF rules.
Most hosts expect you to stay at least for a week or two so that the experience can be mutually beneficial but this duration varies from farm to farm and season to season.
We often find that getting from Goa to Kerala is a frequented route for travellers journeying in South India. Both these states lie on the West Coast of India, but how to get from Goa to Kerala is a tricky question; travelling between these two states can be somewhat difficult. Read through our article with a few listed travel options to help you get from Goa to Kerala.
Trains, running along the west coast, are one of the best ways to get from Goa to Kerala. There are more than half a dozen trains that run between them, but keep the following points in mind before choosing a train from Goa to Kerala.
Firstly, you must book your Goa to Kerala train ticket well in advance as it gets sold out months in advance.
Most of the trains that connect Goa to Kerala originate from further north of Goa. Some originate from Delhi or Rajasthan while most of them start in Mumbai. Try picking a train that starts from Mumbai as chances of it running delayed are lesser than the other trains. For more information on train travel in India, check out our blog.
Some trains reach Goa in the middle of the night between 02:00-03:00 Hrs. While Goa is generally safe it is better to avoid these trains, because the railway stations can be deserted at that hour.
Goa has a number of railway stations. If you are staying in North Goa then either Pernem or Thivim should be your boarding station. For South Goa, Madgaon or Cancona should be your boarding station.
Similarly, Kerala has a number of railway stations. If you plan to visit Kochi/Cochin followed by Munnar and Thekkady, you should disembark at Ernakulam Junction railway station. If you plan to head to the backwaters then Alleppey, or Varkala if you plan to head to the beaches in Kerala. Calicut is you stop if you are looking at exploring North Kerala.
Any train from Goa to Kerala takes between 12-14 hours to complete it’s journey and again it is advisable to book your train tickets well in advance. Ideally, as soon as bookings for your travel date open up i.e. 120 days prior to date of travel.
As Mumbai to Goa buses are popular, travellers think they can also take a direct bus from Goa to Kerala. Unfortunately, this option is not possible.
There are no direct buses that run between Goa and Kerala. One might think it would be possible if they break the journey into two separate bus journeys. Even then there are no convenient bus options in whichever combination that will take you from Goa to Kerala.
Hiring a car and driver to drive you between Goa and Kerala will be extremely difficult to find, it would be a very long and expensive journey even if you found a driver that agreed to drive you.
getting from goa to kerala (by flight)
One can fly between Goa and Kerala, however, there are no direct flights between Goa and Kerala. Rather, you can fly to Kochi with a stop, or change in Mumbai, and also maybe a stop or flight change in Bangalore. This one stop flight tends to be more expensive than other direct flights that you may take between two cities in India. It is advisable to book in advance as the fares for one stop flights can really soar closer to travel dates. However, this is not the most sustainable way to travel, so we would suggest train travel as the better option.
UPDATE – Since 2019, there was one direct IndiGo Airlines flight between Goa to Kochi, it was a 23:00 Hrs flight reaching Kochi at 01:00 Hrs. At the moment with the COVID -19 disruption this flight has not been resumed and we are not sure if the flight will be reinstated soon.
(Photo Credit – Daniel Eledut)
stops en-route
One can travel from Goa to Kerala using a combination of trains and buses; doing this lets you include a few more destinations on your way. You can travel eastwards to Hampi, then south to Mysore or Bangalore, and finally to Kerala. One can also make stops along the coast in Gokarna, Mangalore, North Kerala and finally Kochi, Kerala.
If you have time we would highly recommend taking a train from Goa to North Kerala first, spending some time in the region which is beautiful and has a lot fewer tourists and then exploring the more popular backwaters and Kochi.
If you are planning a trip to India, you are probably researching the best places to visit in Rajasthan. With a rich cultural heritage steeped in colorful history and a glimpse of authentic rural India, Rajasthan is truly one of the best places to visit in India. The state is nestled in the Aravalli mountain range with the Great Indian Desert winds flowing through it. It displays the Indian history of the valor of the Rajputs and the remnants of the Mughal invasions. A land of scarce resources, the region’s response to its arid climate resulted in the creation of some magnificent lakes, tanks, and step-wells. Plus, the royal forts, palaces, and intricately carved monuments such as Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal and Udaipur City Palace showcase the vast cultural history of the state. The geographical terrain has given rise to the stunning sand dunes of the Thar desert and the Ranthambore National Park – Rajasthan has a lot to offer to its guests. In this blog, we talk about some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan?
An architect’s dream, Rajasthan has a complex and rich history that has endowed the region with many famous places like colossal citadels, bejeweled palaces, lakeside temples, and princely mansions carved through sandstone, marble and indigenous rock. The sheer skill of their artisans is evident through the variety of handicraft, art, cloth and semi-precious stones sold in bazaars and stores.
Once you have explored all the magnificent forts,royal residences, some of the most ancient cities, memorials, and the history left behind, take a camel safari, explore the sand dunes, or camp in the desert. Experience the vibrant culture, colorful festivals and fairs where you can blend with the locals. Take a jungle safari around the wetlands and forests inhabited by majestic tigers and migratory birds. Stay in the large palaces and exuberant forts that are not grandiose heritage hotels. Every year, major attractions call out tourists to visit the beautiful state with so much to offer. Here are some of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
If interested in planning a visit through Rajasthan,send us your preferences and we’ll get straight to it!
The Stunning Hawa Mahal, Jaipur (Photo Credit – Aditya Siva)
Best Places to Visit in Eastern Rajasthan
Jaipur
Painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1853, the Pink City Jaipur has magnificent forts, palaces, and heritage temples. One of the major cities and top tourist destinations in all of Asia, this capital city of Rajasthan is truly one of the most unique places to visit in the state. You can come visit tourist attractions like the Amer Fort, or Amber Fort, a sandstone and marble palace built in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I. Amber was the former capital of Rajasthan.
Apart from the unmissable Amer Fort (Amber Fort), the elevated Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort, located on the ‘Hill of Eagles’ in the Aravalli hills are part of the same complex and a beautiful sight to see. Jaigarh Fort, overlooking the bustling city of Jaipur, is home to Jaivana cannon, considered to be the largest in the world. Nahargarh Fort has been the backdrop for many Bollywood movies. You can also visit the Jaipur City palace and grab a meal at its popular restaurant Baradari. Just a few minutes away from the City Palace is Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Hindu Lord Vishnu. The stunning architecture of this finely carved temple is in the Indo-Aryan style.
The Albert Museum in Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II and named after the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward. The museum showcases a large collection of artefacts, an interesting visit for history buffs. Every evening, there is a light and sound show, something you should definitely check out while you are here!
Science lovers can visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory in the center of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Jai SIngh II, this observatory is one of the five Jantar Mantars in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you want to experience luxury in Jaipur, visit Rambagh Palace, a 5-star hotel managed by the Taj Hotels Group. This palace was built in 1931. It acted as the residence of many Maharajas, a garden house, a hunting lodge, and then the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. Today, it is a grand hotel and one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
The Pink City is also great for walking around the different colorful markets. The city palace is at the center of the pink city walls and is also close to the observatory called Jantar Mantar which is fascinating and interesting. You can also find some lovely places to eat from old institutions like Laxmi Mishtan Bhandar to the new and innovative cocktails at The Johri.
Amidst the bylanes around the city palace shopaholics can lap up traditional footwear, textiles, crafts, and eye-catching gems. Participate in several festivals including the Elephant Festival in spring, when pachyderms pout and prance around. The Hawa Mahal, or the famous ‘Palace of Winds’ is just another site to go visit while in Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 to provide a windy setting for the royal women of the family so that they could be comfortable. The Hawa Mahal is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
In the middle of a lake in Jaipur is the Jal Mahal, a beautiful mansion that was once a hunting lodge for kings. The magnificent architecture is sure to leave onlookers awestruck.
For a unique experience, you can try hot air ballooning in this city. For more details on things to do in Jaipur, you can visit our detailed blog. or get in touch with us to plan your trip to Jaipur.
Already planning on going, but confused about what kind of accommodation you can find?Check out this Jaipur guide on homestays.Â
Abhaneri (Chand Baori)
Abhaneri is the perfect pit stop to visit in Rajasthan between Agra and Jaipur. The region is known for its arid weather because of which, locals had to find inventive and innovative ways to combat the extreme conditions. Locals would build step-wells to try and trap rainwater to use throughout the year.
The Chand Baori step well in Abhaneri consists of 3,500 narrow stairs and 13 stories, Chand Baori is intricately designed with an interior palace built. It’s one of the biggest step-wells in India going as far as 30 meters underground.
Located opposite the step-wells is the Harshat Mata Temple, built a little after the step-wells in the 9th century. The temple is considered to have been a Vaishavite shrine earlier.
Bharatpur
The Eastern Gateway of India, Bharatpur is home to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the petite Keoladeo National Park. This is a must for bird watching enthusiasts and nature lovers. Only 29 sq. km in total, more than 300 species of migratory birds from all around Asia have been recorded in the park, which also contains a lot of separate wildlife. It is a wonderful mosaic of different vegetation, ranging from swampy woodlands to dry grasslands, and hence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another attraction in Bharatpur is the town of Deeg. It has several heritage forts, palaces, and gardens, along with many bazaars for shopping. In the past, Deeg was a summer resort for the royals of Bharatpur.
Everyone’s welcomed at the Pushkar Lake (Photo Credit – Max Art)
Pushkar
The holy city of Pushkar is one of the most largely visited city in Rajasthan, not only by foreigners but by many Indians. It is one of the most sacred places to visit in all of India, and consequently a popular Hindu pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. This is because of the serene Pushkar Lake, a holy lake from the Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also other scriptures mentioning the famous place and lake. The city is also known for its annual camel fair.
Due to its religious significance, Pushkar houses a myriad of temples and ghats that surround the sacred lake, including the extremely rare Brahma temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. The ghats host magnificent evening aarti (chants) every day. You will see that a lot of tourists visit Pushkar, especially younger travelers, as it attracts backpackers frequently. It’s a great break from the chaos of Delhi, Agra, or Jaipur, and it’s quite small so very easily accessible by foot. Try and go during the two-week annual world famous Camel Fair of Pushkar, one of the largest livestock fairs in India during October or November. Do remember that luxurious high-end accommodation is virtually non-existent in Pushkar. But if you are in Rajasthan and want to experience the spirituality of India, do not miss visiting Pushkar.
Mandawa
190 kms off Jaipur in the north, Mandawa is a small town that is most known for its small forts and most notably its intricately decorated havelis (mansions). The Mandawa Fort, founded in the 18th century is adorned with fantastic frescoes in the medieval style. Now a rich heritage hotel, couples can celebrate by having a romantic getaway to this picturesque stay. The town, because of the Havelis, is known as an open-air art museum, as their exteriors are intricately and lavishly painted and decorated. A worthwhile visit if time allows for it.
Situated in North-east Rajasthan, the city of Alwar is best known for the haunted place, Bhangarh Fort. Known as one of the most haunted places in India, the fort is off-limits for visitors after sunset. For all horror enthusiasts, this is one of the most popular places to visit in Rajasthan. We don’t know if the paranormal activities are true, but if you are interested in such stuff, you must definitely visit Bhangarh Fort.
Near the fort is the Sariska Tiger Reserve and Sariska National Park, major attractions of which include the royal Bengal tigers. It was once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar.
Alwar was founded by Rajput ruler Pratap Singh in the 18th century and was a part of various battles. It was one of the first cities to sign a treaty with the East India Company. Apart from the haunted Bhangarh fort, you can visit many beautiful lakes, palaces, and grand forts in the city. The town of Neemrana is located in Alwar, popular for the Neemrana Fort Palace. Built in 1464, Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III reigned from here. Today, Neemrana Palace is converted into one of the oldest heritage luxury hotels in Rajasthan.
The 14th-century tomb of Tarang Sultan is also located in Alwar.
Jhunjhunu
Jhunjhunu district in the northern east part of Rajasthan is known for the beautiful Badalgarh Fort, built in the 16th century under Nawab Fazal Khan. The fort has many echo points that you must experience during your visit. The fort also has ancient painting exhibiting the tales of the early days of life at the fort.
Ajmer
Ajmer is a town in Rajasthan located at the center of the state, thus known as the heart of Rajasthan. It is famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti. The fifth largest city in Rajasthan, Ajmer is nestled between the Aravalli and Naag Pathar Range. The Dargah is known to be one of the holiest Muslim shrines in the country. You can also visit the Ana Sagar Lake, an artificial lake built by the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan in the 12th century A.D.
Sawai Madhopur/ Ranthambore
Sawai Madhopur in South-Eastern Rajasthan is a haven for wildlife lovers. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Madho SIngh in 1763, the place is home to Ranthambore National Park, known for its high population of royal Bengal tigers. TheRanthambore National Park is the perfect nature backdrop if you’re interested in seeing some tigers. It’s quite easy to spot tigers in this 392 sq. km park, prowling and roaming freely in their natural habitat. It also includes a variety of different wildlife and flora, like the native dhok trees.Â
Another attraction here is the Ranthambhore Palace, one of the most majestic UNESCO world heritage sites in Rajasthan. The Ranthambore Fort is massive and overlooks the entire park from above offering a stunning sunset and sunrise. There are also many historical and religious sites in this place.
Welcome to the Jungle (Photo Credit – Syna Tiger Resort)
Best Places to visit in South Rajasthan
Bundi
Off the well-worn path,Bundi is another photographer’s delight with the phenomenal landscapes of medieval India. The major attractions from a visit to the ancient city include exquisite temples, sometimes even referred to as the Little Varanasi, ornate step-wells, slender by-lanes, and lively bazaars. Two of the most notable structures are the Bundi Palace and the incredibly built Taragarh Fort. The fort rises on a steep hill directly above the town, giving it the aura of an intimidating old guard watching over Bundi. Explore Badal Mahal inside, visit the ancient baoris (step-wells), sit by the lakes, and marvel at the beautiful architecture.
Kumbhalgarh
In the 15th century, the Gujarati rulers tried to attack Kumbhalgarh and failed quite miserably. Of course, this can be easily ascertained from the mammoth-sized Kumbhalgarh Fort, 36 km perimeter walls, and built 1,100 meters above sea level! One of the largest wall complexes in India and the world, the fort also houses water tanks and intricate Jain temples. Take a horse safari from the fort to the wildlife sanctuary to see leopards, gazelles, and antelopes. Visiting Kumbhalgarh Fort is a great option between Udaipur and Jodhpur.
Udaipur
Udaipur is undoubtedly a major tourist attraction, a romantic city of gleaming lakes and stately palaces that immediately catch the eye. Located amidst the hills of the Aravali range, the ‘City of Lakes’ attracts travelers with its many incredible accommodations of historic palaces converted into heritage hotels. Such palaces surround the famous Lake Pichola, including the marvelous City Palace, built over 400 years ago. In the vicinity, lie the Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, both marble island palaces that sit majestically atop the lake.
Another attraction near Lake Pichola by the royal City Palace complex is the Fateh Prakash Palace, built by Maharana Fateh Singh. The marvelous Rajasthani architecture, large galleries, the huge tank, and Surajkund, an intricately carved pillar make Fateh Prakash Palace worth visiting.
Nearby is the Fateh Sagar Lake, named after Maharana Fateh Singh. It is the second-largest lake in Udaipur and is divided into three islands. Take a boat ride in this beautiful lake with a view of the Aravalli range surrounding the lake.
Bagore ki Haveli museum is located at the Lake Pichola waterfront. The museum has traditional Rajasthani artefacts on display, along with a cultural show every evening.
To the north of Udaipur is Eklingji Temple, one of the most famous temples devoted to Lord Shiva in Rajasthan. The temple dates back to 734 A.D. The ancient architecture of the double-storeyed temple is brilliant, with pyramid-style roof and intricate carvings.
One can also go horse riding, learn yoga, visit the museums, take cooking classes, or visit the Sajjan Garh Palace. Sajjangarh Palace, also known as Monsoon Palace, offers breathtaking views of the greenery, lakes, and stunning sunsets. The magnificent palace is known as Monsoon Palace because it is a sight to behold during this season.
Udaipur is a very popular destination and rightly so. Staying in the old city on the banks or on the lake is a very memorable experience. Do try the authentic Rajasthani cuisine at the many eateries around the city. You won’t regret including Udaipur to your list of places to visit in Rajasthan.
View from the Elegant Lake Palace, Udaipur (Photo Credit – Utturag)
Another royal place in Rajasthan, Jhalawar shares a border with Madhya Pradesh. The city is home to many palaces, religious places, and forts dating back to the medieval period. Explore the Jhalawar Fort, also known as Garh Palace. If you are an art lover, you wil surely appreciate the gorgeous paintings and artefacts present in the palace. Another place to visit is a government museum in the city, along with Virendra Bhawan and Prithvi Palace.
Ahar
Ahar, a couple of km east of Udaipur, can be a quick excursion if you’re interested in a little bit of history. It consists of a large area covered in domed cenotaphs, close to 400, of the Mewar maharajas and queens. It also includes an archaeological museum with relics dating back to before Christ. The cenotaphs themselves are also a wonderful view to take pictures and take a stroll around.
Deogarh
The area is primarily famous for the Deogarh Palace, an intricately beautiful yellow palace now one of the most luxurious hotels in Rajasthan. While Deogarh also has other luxury heritage hotels, the main palace is definitely worthwhile for those wanting to enjoy some alone time. Another spot to visit is the Dashavatara Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu.
Mount Abu
A change from the desert climate of most of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, famous for the Dilwara temples,is the state’s only hill station. Situated at 1722 meters above sea level, Mount Abu is nestled in the lush greenery of the Aravalli range in Sirohi district. Explore the famous Dilwara Jain temples, take a boat ride in Nakki Lake, or check out the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary if you love nature. Enjoy a stunning sunset from the sunset points and gorge on some delicious food from the many restaurants and eateries around Mount Abu. Visit the peace park near Brahma Kumaris headquarters at this hill station. Mount Abu is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan if you need a respite from the heat.
Chittorgarh
Situated in South-Eastern Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is known for its rich culture and the mighty Chittorgarh Fort, renowned for its unbelievable history of the royal family of Mewar. Spanning 700 acres, the historic fort is the largest in India built on a hilltop. The magnificent fortress was under the siege of Alauddin Khilji, who wanted a glimpse of the Queen of Mewar, Rani Padmini. However, before he could ever see her, Rani Padmini, along with the other women in the village, performed a self-sacrificing Jauhar, the ultimate act of courage to stop Khilji’s conquest.
You will need a few hours to explore the fort complex. See the Rana Kumbha Palace and the Padmini Palace, Rani Padmini’s palace in the fort. Rana Kumbha’s palace is the largest structure in Chittorgarh fort. You can also visit the Kalika Mata temple and Meera Temple in Chittorgarh.It is also the birthplace of many historical figures of India like Maharana Pratap and Meera Bai.
Ranakpur
The village of Ranakpur is most famous for its magnificent Jain temple. It’s said to be the most important and beautiful Jain temple in the world. The campus itself contains four separate Jain temples of lightly colored marble. Each of the 1444 marble pillars is distinctively different and supports the immensely intricate carved frame. This masterpiece attests to the skill of the Rajasthani builders and craftsmen of the past.
Marvel at the intricate designs on the Ranakpur Jain Temple (Photo Credit – Volker Glätsch)
Best Places to visit in Western Rajasthan
Jodhpur
The second largest city in the state is Jodhpur, popularly known as the‘Blue City’ , or ‘Sun City’ of India. Just an extension of the royalty of Jaipur and Jaisalmer, Jodhpur is a very important tourist destination, although somewhat polluted. However, the major attractions in Jodhpur will leave you gaping in wonder at the architectural feats. The Mehrangarh Fort, a massive 15th-century structure sits high above the blue city itself, which is enclosed by thick and tall imposing walls. One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort has seven gates built by Maharaja Man Singh to celebrate his victories. At the southern end of the mighty fortress is the Chamunda Mataji Temple, dedicated to Hindu Goddess Chamunda. The magnificent Mehrangarh fort offers a great view of the city.
The beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Jaswant Thada Mausoleum are another two sites worth visiting. The former was one of the largest residential buildings in the world, and now also one of the best hotels in the world. Other sites include the blue houses which lend the city its name, the clock tower, and the famously vivid markets, including distinct Jodphuri shoes. The Mandore Gardens, an often-skipped tourist attraction, are home to cenotaphs of the royal house of Jodhpur. You can also visit the ancient town of Osian, which developed from an oasis in the Thar desert, and houses exquisitely sculpted Jain temples. You can also enjoy a desert safari in this old city.
Chandelao
This small town is known for its historical significance, being the home to the dynastic presence of the Chandelao Tikana. Chandelao Garh was built in the late 1700’s as the living palace and quarters for the Chandelao family. Now it’s a beautiful homestay that we’d highly recommend to anyone. It provides an authentic traditional Rajasthani experience and additionally offers a great change to the popular places to visit in Rajasthan.
The desert city, aptly named the ‘Golden City,’ commands attention for its generous sprinklings of historic sites and heritage monuments. Jaisalmer’s most interesting monument is the Jaisalmer Fort. A fascinating fact about the Jaisalmer Fort is that a quarter of the population still resides inside the living fort. Set in the sandy expanse of the Thar Desert, it’s the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in the early 12th century. It has gargantuan yellow sandstone walls at the top of a hill, making it visible from miles away. This extremely imposing structure only becomes better during the evening when it’s lit. The Laxmi nath temple, dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu, is located inside the temple. The city also has old havelis, Jain temples, and spectacular camel rides in the desert. Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of five havelis in Jaisalmer, built in the 19th century. Translated as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants, this is the first and largest haveli in the Golden City Jaisalmer.
The Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan. You can truly take in the Thar desert of Rajasthan by staying in tents and experiencing desert camping under the stars in the middle of the desert. You can also experience camel rides, desert safaris, camel cart rides, folk dance shows and bonfires in the desert. You can see the India Pakistan border in the desert. Visit the Tanot Mata temple, around 120 kms from the city. Attend the annual desert festival of Jaisalmer city, which takes place in February every year.
If you’re looking for another scenic touch to your trip, visit Ramdevra and the Gadisar Lake. Jaisalmer is definitely one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan.
Need a little inspiration for a route?Check this trip we planned for a client that included the great Jaisalmer.Â
Bikaner
Located northwest in the region, it’s the fourth largest city in Rajasthan, and contains a historical heritage worth mentioning. With extremely narrow streets, it’s best to travel with horse carts. The Junagarh Fort, from the late 16th century, is one of the major forts of Rajasthan not built on a hill. Historically, Junagarh Fort has only been captured once for a one-day occupation, the size of the fort extending almost 6 hectares. Other sites include the Laxmi Niwas Palace, a residential palace to the old kings of Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple, and the Lalgarh Fort. The cityBikaner is part of the three desert triangle cities, with Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
The Lalgarh Palace was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji a century ago. A blend of Indo-Mughal architecture, the palace is said to be its architect, Sir Samuel Jacob’s, finest creation. Today, a part of it has been converted into a heritage luxury hotel.
If you are in Rajasthan during January, you should not miss the Bikaner Camel Fest, an yearly camel festival in this desert city. The city is also famous for the Usta and Chadwa art forms, which use floral and geometric patterns in their artwork.
Wanderlust and desert dust (Photo Credit – Richard McAll)
Things to know before visiting Rajasthan
How to reach Rajasthan
You can explore Rajasthan as a part of the Golden Triangle tour, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Visit the Red Fort, India Gate, and Lotus Temple in Delhi, get mesmerized by the Taj Mahal in Agra, and marvel at the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. After arriving in Delhi, one would usually drive to Jaipur via Agra and then start their Rajasthani tour. Alternatively, if you’re flying into Mumbai, one would take an internal flight to Udaipur. Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur all have an active airport. Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport from Mumbai, Delhi, or Agra.
Getting around Rajasthan
Definitely travel by the local trains and buses. However, the state of Rajasthan is incredible to drive through; so try hiring a car and admire the impressive and unique landscape. Occasionally, you can hail a cycle rickshaw – the most environment-friendly option.
Accommodation options in Rajasthan
You can choose from top-notch heritage hotels in old, majestic forts and royal palaces we’ve listed above. Nevertheless, there will also be moderately priced rooms in guesthouses with families. Rajasthan definitely offers the most fantastic range of boarding and lodging options.
What is the best time to visit Rajasthan?
Best time to visit Rajasthan? The winter season from October to March is the peak season for tourism in Rajasthan. With sunny weather during the day and cool nights, it is indeed the best time to visit this desert state. Summers, from the end of March until June, can be scorching hot. It is not the best time to visit Rajasthan, but if you do, make sure you wear sunscreen and drink lots of fluids. The monsoon season is not considered the best time to visit Rajasthan, but we would recommend it if you do not mind a little rain. Since it is a desert state, Rajasthan does not get much rain. So from June to September, the state is beautiful with lush green surroundings. Plus, you will get accommodations at a much cheaper rate!
For every head there’s a headgear (Photo Credit – Christian Trachsel)
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Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan are probably the most visited places in India by foreign tourists. The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur being the most popular of those. But Rajasthan as a state is quite varied and diverse, it is not all about Forts and Palaces. You have a tiger safari in Ranthambore, the desert in Jaisalmer and Bikaner, small rural villages, and the spiritual town of Pushkar. Combine this with great food and some lovely charming boutique hotels and homestays and you can easily spend 2 weeks in this region.
With this blog we have given a few options of different travel routes to Rajasthan you may take depending on your interests and number of days you have to travel. If you do need help in planning your time through Rajasthan and other regions, we can help you customize your trip to India.
Route 1 – Golden Triangle plus one more city (7-8 days)
We believe the Golden Triangle i.e. Delhi – Agra – Jaipur, by itself is slightly overrated and touristy as a travel route. Delhi and Jaipur are bustling cities that offer a combination of monuments, markets and diverse places to eat. However, they do not offer much time for relaxation. Agra, solely in terms of a city, is fairly disappointing. However, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and other monuments are breathtaking and make a trip to Agra worthwhile. But whilst saying this, combine these cities with offbeat homestays, interesting activities and you can have a completely different experience. So if you do only have 5-6 days in India, we could still help you plan it differently.
If you have a little more than a week to spare for your holiday, you can easily add one more city apart from Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
One of the following options is possible to include in a weeklong Golden Triangle trip to India.
Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
If you love the forests, you can include a stop at Ranthambore National Park. Using a detour, it can be placed between Jaipur and Agra. Ideally, spend two nights here, go for the morning and evening Tiger Safaris, and relax at your hotel/resort during the time in between. Another offbeat destination (especially for bird enthusiasts) could be the Bharatpur bird sanctuary.
Recommended mode of travel: Private car with driver. It can also be done using a combination of train rides and a car.
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Mandawa – Delhi
Looking for something rural and less touristy with interesting architecture and fresco paintings, include a stop at Mandawa in the Shekhawati Region.
Recommended mode of travel: Private car with driver.
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Delhi
Include Udaipur for a romantic end to your trip. Although Udaipur is a little touristy, it is an absolutely charming city. Stay in a haveli hotel in a room with a view of the lake or in one of the luxurious resorts on the outskirts of the city.
Recommended mode of travel: Private car with driver + train ride + flight.
Route 2 – Classical Rajasthan Tour(12-14 nights)
Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Jodhpur and Udaipur, plus one more city
A more complete Rajasthan experience should include a couple of stops in Southern Rajasthan. The towns in Southern Rajasthan are more relaxed, offer a combination of stunning architecture and landscape. Start with the hustle and bustle of Delhi – Agra – Jaipur and end your trip with stops in Jodhpur and Udaipur.
Recommended mode of transport: Private car with driver between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, a train from Jaipur to Jodhpur, then another car from Jodhpur to Udaipur and a flight back to Delhi. En route to Udaipur from Jodhpur, you can also visit the splendid Jain temples of Ranakpur. This trip can be done the other way round too i.e. fly Delhi to Udaipur and then trace your way back to Delhi.
If you do not like to compromise on your comfort you can exclude the train journey and look at a rented car all through.
If you have a little more time you can also include a rural stop at either Rawla Narlai or Deo Garh Mahal between Jodhpur and Udaipur. Or you could also add a tiger safari in Ranthambore, stay in Pushkar the hippie and spiritual city, or even visit Jawai and catch some leopards in action.
One of our German clients Henning did a similar trip staying at interesting homestays. You can see the details of his trip for further details.
Route 3 – Rajasthan, all the way around (14 nights)
Jaisalmer is a magical desert city by the edge of the Thar Desert. Getting to Jaisalmer takes a little effort, but it is worth the travel. Try and stay within the fort walls that offer gorgeous views of the city. Take a camel ride in the dunes around sunset or even better spend a night in the desert. It is a magical experience to be surrounded by sand dunes under the starry night sky.
There are a few points one should bear in mind when including Jaisalmer; It can get notoriously hot and should be avoided April onwards. Jaisalmer is best accessible from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur by overnight trains. These trains need to be booked well in advance, ideally two months in advance.
Recommended mode of travel: Private car with a driver between Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, followed by an overnight train and then another car from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur to Udaipur. Train options are possible between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur too.
This trip can be done the other way around i.e. starting with Udaipur.
If you have more time you can include a stop at Ranthambore National Park or the hippie-spiritual town of Pushkar.
Route 4 – All across Rajasthan with A trustworthy car and driver (14-18 nights)
If you have the luxury of time you can do a long loop across Rajasthan covering Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur.
This trip is best enjoyed in a comfortable car with a driver that is with you all through your trip.
Try spending more time in Jaisalmer as it is usually the halfway point of your trip and you would be driving a lot. Remember Rajasthan is dotted with wonderful heritage hotels; old Havelis (Villas) and Palaces and many of them are very affordable. Ensure you pick your accommodation wisely. Stay in a healthy mix of hotels, some in the heart of the old city and then at times perched by the edge of the city.
Route 5 – Rajasthan during Festivals
You can time your Rajasthan trip to coincide with one of the many festivals that are celebrated in Rajasthan and India. Here is a list of a few festivals:
Diwali
Sometime between the end of October and early to mid-November, Diwali is celebrated. The exact dates change from year to year. Diwali is celebrated across most of India, especially with much more gusto in North India and Rajasthan. No matter where you are in Rajasthan during Diwali you will see the festivities all around. The general mood is festive.
Note – Noise and air pollution are elated during Diwali and it is a busy time for Indians to travel, so book in advance.
Holi
Holi (the festival of colours) – If you are willing to brave the onslaught of colours and a street party, plan a trip in March to coincide with the festival of Holi. Pushkar is the best town to celebrate Holi.
Note – the colours can be toxic and people are inebriated on the streets so one should be careful while travelling. However, if you are at a hotel with many tourists that organize a holi party you would get to participate in the festivities and still be safe.
Pushkar camel camp fair
The camel and cattle fair of Pushkar is another interesting festival one can include during their trip to Rajasthan. The celebrations are spread across a week. The first 5 days are the most active and interesting. The celebrations are restricted to only Pushkar and it is advisable to book well in advance.
Music Festivals
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer have music festivals each year. The exact dates change each year. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur takes place in the month of October. And, in Jaisalmer in the month of February each year. If you can plan in advance as there’s nothing like planning your Rajasthan trip around a festival.
In conclusion, Rajasthan is a great state to visit for the first trip to India. If you are looking at other options to travel to India you can also see two-week travel routes for North India. And, if you would like to personalise your trip to India, do just fill out this short form and we will get back to you with an indicative travel plan.
