Tours in India Archives - India Someday Travels

The 10 Most Picturesque Places in India that need to be on your Instagram Feed

Posted on April 26, 2019May 7, 2025 by Aaliya Shaikh

From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from the East to the West, India is a perfect blend of colourful cities, diverse cultures, and awe-inspiring landscapes. All of which lends itself oh so well to creating fantastic photographs and video memories that you can add to your Instagram feed.

Here are some of the most picturesque places in India that will enhance and add life to your Instagram feed

Boating dock for Vivekananda Rock, Kanyakumari

Ladakh

The white mountains of Ladakh are certainly one of the most picturesque places in India. Ladakh blesses you with very scenic landscapes, a background filled with mountains, and crystal-clear blue waters in the foreground, plus a whole lot of monasteries and some of the friendliest faces around.

Planning a trip to Ladakh? Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you plan your personalised holiday in India!

White mountain and clear waters

Valley of Flowers National Park

Vibrant and attractive colours are always a great addition to an Instagram feed, and you don’t get more vibrant than the gorgeous carpet of flowers in bloom at the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. The trek from Govind Ghat throws up plenty of opportunities for great photos in itself, though few things can top the valley when its in peak bloom. The best time to visit this place is between June and September. Don’t forget to zoom into the flora and fauna to highlight their eye-catching colours!

Need help getting your itinerary for the Valley of Flowers National Park together? You where to find us!

Valley of Flowers National Park (Photo Credit – Prashant Ram)

Sikkim

If you ask us, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful parts of India. This little state nestles into the lap of the majestic Himalayas and boasts of a fascinating culture to boot. You’ll find everything from beautiful, quiet monasteries perched on hillsides and spectacular mountainscapes to happy, red-cheeked subjects for your portraits here!

Thinking about visiting Sikkim? We’ll help you decide, and put together your customized trip to India.

This grand park is also known as Tathagata Tsal. The Buddha statue is the fourth-tallest statue in India

Pondicherry

The French colonial vibes in Pondicherry make it a bit of an obvious choice. This town’s got a whole lot of Insta-worthy sights; charming cafes, amazing food experiences, the beach, and, of course, the architecture. Away from the chaos of urban cities, this town will capture your heart with its subtle charm.

We can help you put together an itinerary to Pondicherry and other great parts of India – get in touch!

Green rock near seashore during daytime

Srinagar

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is full to bursting with picturesque places. While the region is troubled, that doesn’t take away from just how beautiful it is! From floating on the Dal Lake in a houseboat or a shikara to the many gardens and architectural marvels, there’s plenty to add to your Instagram feed here.

Hit us up, and we’ll help you plan your next trip to India!

This is the famous Dal lake situated in Srinagar, Kashmir

Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch, an extension of the Thar Desert in Gujarat, is a white canvas. This vast salt marsh is home to a wealth of unique wildlife, including the endangered great Indian bustard and the Indian wild ass. And there’s a whole lot of #skyporn going on too, whether it’s dramatic sunsets or gorgeous full-moon nights that set the desert aglow. And let’s not forget the festive charm of Rann Utsav, which takes place through the winter and paints the canvas with different colours, with a lot you can capture for your gram!

Want to see the spectacular Rann of Kutch? Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan a personalised trip to India!

Rann of Kutch

Jaipur

As its moniker of the Pink City suggests, you will find the city of Jaipur dressed in hues of pink. This colourful place is home to many forts and palaces, and indeed, is one of the most royal cities in India, full of culture and fascinating history.

As arguably one of the most picturesque places in India, it definitely deserves a feature or two on your Instagram feed, whether it’s the gorgeous, brightly coloured handicrafts, the elephants lumbering up to Amer Fort, or even a hot-air balloon ride over the city as dawn breaks!

Explore More: Investigate the Finest Attractions in Rajasthan

Get in touch – we can help you plan a customized trip to Jaipur and Rajasthan.

Jal Mahal in Jaipur

Meghalaya

India’s north-eastern states aren’t visited as often as other parts of the country, and it’s something we’ve never been able to understand! These are some of the most picturesque places in India – think rolling green hills, untouched landscapes, fascinating culture and history and so much more.

Meghalaya’s living root bridges, in particular, are a sight to behold – not only are they incredibly gram-worthy, but a trek through the countryside, crossing these bridges and the waterfalls and streams they span, is a special experience.

We can help you put together a personalized itinerary across Meghalaya and Northeast India – get in touch!

Clearwater in Dawki

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a sweet town, a colonial throwback, nestled amid the foothills of the Himalayas. This one has long been a favourite with travellers and might feel a bit overrun, but it’s a gateway to some of the most spectacular landscapes around!

Miles of tea estates, amazing views of the Himalayan peaks and heaped platefuls of steaming momos are just some of the experiences to look forward to here. You can even revisit your childhood with a ride in the toy train against a backdrop of magnificent mountains – great for those stories!

Planning a trip to India? We can help – get in touch!

Velvety tea gardens with small mountain village

Kumarakom

At the other end of the country, the tropical paradise of Kumarakom awaits. Swaying palms, bountiful paddy fields and a gorgeous lake on which you can cruise in a kettuvellam or houseboat. You can go on walks through spice plantations, and feast on delicious seafood.

We can help you plan your next trip to Kerala – get in touch!

Brown wooden houseboat on a lake near green trees during daytime

Family-friendly itineraries across South India

Posted on April 25, 2019May 7, 2025 by Aaliya Shaikh

As long-time explorers across India, we can vouch for the fact that there are a few things better than a family vacation in South India! We’ve got excellent memories of going on epic road trips in the South. Inspired by those childhood holidays, we’ve put together some great family-friendly itineraries across South India for you!

Guest Shawna Brashears & family welcomed with coconuts at the houseboat

Mumbai – Goa – Mysore – Kerala

Start in Mumbai, with its British-era architecture, energetic buzz and amazing food. This city offers you a wealth of historic heritage to explore. It is a great jump-off point to destinations across West and South India. But hold your horses, there is much more to come as we move to Goa to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy Goa’s various water adventure sports, lounge on the beach and visit its churches and colourful old Portuguese district. Then, head southward, with a quick stop at Mysore to enjoy its rich history. It also has a great zoo! If you can handle spice, you should try the famous Mysore masala dosa, filled with potatoes and spicy chutney. Continue to Hampi, a town of ancient ruins and plenty of outdoor activities, all wrapped up in a happy, hippie vibe. This is especially fun with slightly older children who might enjoy the treks, or even give bouldering a shot!

Wrap your family vacation in South India up by relaxing amid the backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala. You can try a bit of yoga, get an ayurvedic massage (or three!) and dine on the freshest seafood as you live on a houseboat, and we can help you find activities that’ll keep your little ones engaged too, from learning traditional fishing methods to climbing a coconut tree, or spice plantation walks if that’s more their speed.

Want to plan a family holiday in South India? Get in touch, we’ll do all the work for you!

Enjoy the miles of coastline India offers, from relaxing to bustling with life

Chennai – Pondicherry – Munnar

Start your holiday off in Chennai, exploring the capital of Tamil Nadu. Growing upon its deep-set cultural identity is a buzzing tech hub. It makes for an easy entrance into the route, with its hustle and bustle. And then, move on to a uniquely blended culture in the erstwhile French territory of Pondicherry. It’s become a haven for peace-seekers that set up artsy cafes and organic goods stores amid its colourful bylanes, and is close to the Auroville commune! You can also go on mini temple tours in South India if you want, by visiting Thanjavur and Madurai, two incredible temple towns in Tamil Nadu.

Your family trip to South India will get more laidback as you move ahead to Munnar in Kerala, where you can visit the famous tea farms and enjoy the traditional delicacies of Kerala in this beautiful hill station. It’s a great place to kick back and relax, soaking in the foggy evenings and taking in the rolling hills. Then, cut across to the coast and the sun again, and ride a houseboat down the backwaters from Alleppey. Kochi is the perfect last stop for this trip, quaint, colourful and with just enough chaos to make it interesting, but not overwhelming.

We can plan your next family holiday in South India for you – get in touch!

Immaculate conception church in Pondicherry (Photo Credit – Aleksandr Zykov)

Bangalore – Mysore – Bandipur – Wayanad

This is our pick if you’re looking for an active outdoorsy family holiday in South India. This trail has wildlife parks and lush green forests, mixed in with a bit of culture and history – perfect with slightly older children!

Start off in Bangalore, and head South to explore the amazing, vast gardens and palace in Mysore. If you’ve got younger kids, don’t miss the zoo here! From there you can take a road trip to South India and visit the Bandipur National Tiger Reserve. The forestland spreads over into the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve in Kerala. You will find plenty of chances to encounter the wild in this dense and shadowy forest area. Spot elephants playing near the Kabini River, birds soaring overhead, and, if you’re lucky, tigers out on the prowl amid the undergrowth.

This region has some amazing local homes to stay in, too, so you get a taste of the local culture and cuisine while you immerse yourself in nature all day.

Read on: Exploring the Cost of Travel in India

Mysore Palace, India (Photo Credit – Keith Cuddeback)

Go on an outdoorsy family holiday in South India – we’ll help you figure out the details! Get in touch!

Common tourist scams in India

Posted on April 22, 2019May 7, 2025 by Aaliya Shaikh

India is known to be a particularly hospitable country. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, and by and large, the general public will go out of their way to help tourists in all sorts of ways. But like they say, it takes an exception to prove the rule. Especially in the big cities, where tourism is a booming business, there will always be the occasional unscrupulous tout or scammer waiting to take advantage of the unsuspecting traveller. To avoid falling a victim to scams, it is best to be forearmed. Here are some of the more common tourist scams in India.

Crowded Market (Photo Credit – Yuan Thirdy)

The fake ‘tourist office’

This is a tricky one to deal with and seems most prevalent in the North of the country. You will be led to an ‘official tourism office’ where they will tell you that the plans and reservations you’ve made are fake, and that they will help you make new bookings. As they pose as government officials, it is easy to fall prey for this common tourist scam.

The best thing to do, of course, is to immediately contact your operator and let them know if you find yourself in this situation, and also contact the hotels you’ve been booked at. We share our contact information with you – use it! Do also be aware of where the actual Tourism Information Offices are; the one in Delhi, for example, is at 88 Janpath Road. If you’re on a trip with India Someday, rest assured, all it takes is a phone call for us to direct you to the established offices.

Always verify the credibility of tourist information centres

The hotel switch

One of the most common tourist scams in India to be aware of is the hotel switch. Again, it is important to remember that if you ask a stranger off the road for assistance, he or she is most likely to help out as much as possible. Most taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers also tend to be the same. But there are those who wouldn’t be as nice. And preying on visitors’ lack of on-ground knowledge is an easy way to fool them.

On the way to a hotel of your choice, you will be gently told that it isn’t such a great place, and that they know of one that is much better and cheaper, too. In some cases, they will tell you that the place you chose has shut down. The best way to get out of this situation without creating a fuss is to tell the driver that you’ve already paid an advance.

They may then even try and take you to a different place with the same name, so it’s best to call the hotel and ask for a nearby landmark. In addition, you can also ask the hotel to arrange a pick up, or hire a private car for the ride, both of which we can help you with. Of the scams in India to avoid, this one’s quite easy to get out of.

Also cross-check your direction (Photo Credit – Mohit Tomar)

Inflated taxi/auto fare

This also makes its way to the list of some of the most common tourist scams in India. Here, the driver will ask where you want to go and then quote an arbitrary number as fare. The reason given for not plying by the meter is that it is difficult for them to get a customer on the way back. This is far more common later at night. Threatening to call a cop can be an effective deterrent, but this could be time-consuming.

A better option would be to simply use an aggregator service, which has become fairly common in all big cities in India. A Government-authorized prepaid counter is another workaround. We can also help you with transport options so you have a car and driver at your disposal! Get in touch and we’ll sort things out for you.

Navigating through local transport can be tricky, but if you know your way through the scams, it can be a very eventful experience (Photo Credit – Dion Hinchcliffe)

An ‘honest’ billing mistake

Sometimes, Hotels and Bars perpetrate sophisticated tourist scams in India. When you find additional items on your bill, the person in question will quickly acknowledge the mistake and take the said items off the bill. But, the service charge and luxury tax (if applicable) which is calculated on the previously inflated amount will remain. Asking for a new bill is the easiest way to avoid prolonged discussion on the matter.

Keep an eye out on those bills and ask for a new one in case you smell something fishy (Photo Credit – Oliver Menyhart from Pixabay)

The old switcheroo

When trying to get change for a larger currency bill, or while paying for something, the perpetrators will either palm a few notes and say you haven’t paid enough, or switch your currency note for a counterfeit one. Counting the notes while paying or declaring that you just withdrew them from an ATM are good ways of avoiding currency scams.

Be careful while you deal with cash and watch your notes

The road fee

Owing to its reputation of being a slightly unfriendly city, tourists often ask ‘is Delhi safe for foreigners?’. For the large part, it is, provided you take adequate precautions. But sometimes, the very people responsible for safeguarding the people’s interests exploit them.

Although this isn’t actually dangerous except for a little monetary loss, it is still one of the scams to be aware of in India. Officials, either designated or pretend, ask for arbitrary fees or taxes from unsuspecting tourists. Although, asking for proper identification and a clear explanation of the said demand is enough of a deterrent.

Read on: Immersing in Things to do in India

On the whole, India and her people love tourists, and we love sharing the wonders of our country with you. Don’t let these scams scare or deter you; now that you know about the common tourist scams in India, you’re well prepared to grab it by the horns. Planning your next holiday in India, or dreaming of visiting India someday? Get in touch, and we’ll help you put it together!

Best time to visit Kerala

Posted on June 8, 2017May 6, 2025 by Aishwarya Shete

With rolling hills, tea plantations, mesmerizing landscapes, beautiful beaches and backwaters, finding the best time to visit Kerala in South India can be a task. While the best time to visit Kerala depends on your preference, winters and monsoons are ideal according to us.

November to March is the best time to visit Kerala. It is the winter season and peak tourist season, since the climate is extremely pleasant. Kerala in monsoon season has its own charm, as the entire state is filled with lush greenery.

Even the Kerala summer season is bearable with its green hills, cooler climate and hill stations.

Known as God’s own country, Kerala is a year round destination for budget travellers, luxurious vacationers, couples, families, and solo travellers alike.

This guide tells you the best time to visit Kerala so that you get the most out of the beaches, backwaters, major attractions, festivals, and nature.

Get in touch with us to find out more, including the famous ayurvedic treatments, or to start making the perfect tour plans for your next trip!

Weather in Kerala:

If you are planning to visit Kerala, you need to know the climate and weather in Kerala throughout the year. Kerala experiences four seasons – winter, summer, south-west monsoon, and north-east monsoon.

Kerala is a tropical state, which means that the weather in Kerala is typically humid all year round. You can expect heavy rains during the summer monsoon season from June to August.

During summer season, Kerala can experience storms and cyclones, so Kerala summers are not the best time to visit Kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is between November and March, with clear blue skies and minimal rainfall. The pleasant weather continues throughout the season.

However, Kerala doesn’t get extremely hot in summer like most other parts of India, even though it is close to the equator. That is because the Western Ghats, India’s high mountain ranges along the western coast, prevent the warm winds from reaching there. So the average temperature is consistently below 35 degrees celsius on most days.

Kerala’s hill stations like Munnar and Thekkady are cooler than coastal cities of Kochi and Trivandrum, with a comfortable climate throughout the year.

Munnar, and hill stations like it, are painted with a broad stroke of luscious green, especially in the Monsoon (Photo Credit – Sreehari Devadas_unsplash)

Winter season in Kerala

Winter is considered to be the best season to visit Kerala. The end of November till late February constitutes winter season in Kerala. Temperature remains pleasant during this time, rarely rising above 30 degrees celsius. The mountainous regions of Wayanad, Munnar, and Thekkady can get quite cold, so be sure to pack some warmer clothes.

The peak season for tourism in Kerala begins from November, and rightfully so – it is the best time to visit Kerala.

The pleasant weather makes it the best season to enjoy local sightseeing in Kerala. Winters are perfect to visit as many destinations and tourist attractions as you can fit in your itinerary.

You can visit the famous tea plantations in Kerala, go for beach visits and enjoy beach activities and water sports, explore the backwaters of Kerala with boat excursions and houseboat cruises, or trek to the waterfalls during this season. Thanks to the cooler weather, the backwaters will experience less humidity and feel more pleasant.

For wildlife enthusiasts, winter is a great time to visit the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala, or even go on some wildlife safaris.

Popular tourist destinations will be crowded during this season, but it is worth it. The climate is cool and you can soak the natural beauty of this state to the fullest.

The best time to visit Kerala is also the best time to see the gorgeous tea plantations (Photo Credit – Girish Gopi)

Summer in Kerala

Kerala commences its summer season towards the end of February. The weather in Kerala in summer can vary from warm temperatures to scorching heat depending on the diverse range of region.

But while most regions in India tend to get intensely hot in summers, Kerala’s climate differs because of its geography.

The state is close to the equator, but the climate is not as hot as you would expect. That’s because the Western Ghats block the hot winds and the Arabian Sea offers a constant flow of cool breeze along the coast, keeping the heat in control.

Temperatures range from 32 degrees celsius to 36 degrees celsius. However, there is too much humidity in the air, so Kerala remains hot and physical activities can get exhausting.

The hill stations of Kerala are perfect to beat the summer heat. The slightly cooler weather at the picturesque Munnar, Thekkady, and Vagamon are great for trekking, hiking, and biking.

There are many local festivals that happen in summer in Kerala. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Kerala, summers are a good time to do so.

The summer season doesn’t see a lot of tourists in Kerala, so if you are on a tight budget, it is the perfect time to visit: you get lesser crowds and reduced prices.

The backwaters of Kerala are in season throughout the year, but during the summer months of April and May, the water levels are too low to explore as much of the river and lake landscapes. Adding the humidity in the mix, it can be challenging to visit backwaters for a long time.

Pack light clothing, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses while travelling to Kerala during the humid summer season. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated and eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.

There’s something about Kerala’s empty beaches that can be very appealing(Photo Credit – weareaway)

Monsoon in Kerala

The unique thing about Kerala is that this state experiences two monsoon seasons: The Southwest monsoon season from June to August, and the Northeast monsoon season from October to November. August constitutes monsoon season in Kerala, and rains are at their peak in this month.

The Western Ghats get hit first by the clouds in Kerala, making precipitation and humidity extremely high.

Ideally, the rainy season is not the best time to visit Kerala thanks to the constant rains, but since monsoon travels have started becoming popular, Kerala is one of the topmost destinations for a monsoon vacation.

Kerala’s monsoon season offers beautiful scenery. The lush green landscapes of Kerala become even more vibrant during monsoons – a sight to behold, as long as you can withstand the heavy rainfall. Monsoon seasons in Kerala, with their refreshing showers, can give its winter seasons a run for their money.

An added bonus? Monsoon is considered to be an off season for travel in Kerala, so you get great discounts on your hotel rates, tickets, and transportation. With lesser crowds, you can also explore the stunning landscape of Kerala without the rush.

Kerala is a popular destination for wellness centres, Ayurvedic therapies, and the Kerala massage. The best time to undergo these Ayurvedic massages is during the monsoons. The cool, moist, and dust-free weather help the Ayurveda therapies work more effectively by opening up our skin pores. The post-treatment period for the Ayurvedic treatments also needs your body to cool down, which is helped by the cool monsoon weather.

The Northeast monsoon season can cause heavy downpours with thunder and lightning. The climate can get as hot as the summer season. So make sure to check the Kerala weather forecast while planning your travels.

Heavy rains might hamper tour plans. Prepare to be flexible, as the landslides and flooding may cause blockages and delays in terms of transport. If this happens, we highly recommend some chai and hot local snacks along with indulging in ayurveda therapies.

Make sure you pack raincoats, umbrellas, and appropriate shoes if you plan to visit Kerala during monsoons. Carry plastic bags to keep your gadgets safe from the rainwater. On nature treks you’ll encounter some blood-sucking leeches but not to worry, locals know how to prevent and handle those situations.

The beaches are empty from May till September. The current is too strong for swimming, and the wind and weather don’t allow you to sunbathe either. Many places close down for the season.

Festivals in Kerala:

Due to its history of colonization and trade, Kerala is home to many religions – Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. As a result, there are many religious festivals, spiritual and cultural festivals that are celebrated in this state. Experience Kerala’s ancient traditions as you see the people of Kerala celebrating elephant festivals, dancing to folk dances, praying to Gods, and keeping their heritage intact.

Here are some famous festivals that you should not miss if you are travelling to India during this time.

These magnificent elephants are a part of some festival celebrations in Kerala (Photo Credit – Brian Holsclaw)

Onam:

A traditional harvest festival, the Onam festival is a 10-day celebration that happens in September. It is the biggest festival for locals in Kerala. Everybody decorates houses, prepares feasts, and plays games. The best part is the Onam Pulikkali Tiger Play, where people dress up as tigers. There are also snake boat races across multiple cities in the state.

Thrissur Pooram:

The Thrissur Pooram Festival is celebrated in April or May in Thrissur. The highlight of this festival is a procession of 101 decorated elephants, with five musical instruments and incredible fireworks.

Pongala:

Pongala is a 10-day festival attended by thousands of female devotees at Attukal Bhagavathy temple near Trivandrum. Men are not allowed near the temple. On this day, the goddess is offered Pongala, a sweet porridge, prepared in a clay pot on open fire.

Vishu:

Celebrated in April or May, Vishu festival is the astronomical New Year celebrated by Hindus in Kerala. They believe that the first object you see on this day influences the fortunes of the subsequent year.

Kochi-Muziris Biennale:

If religious festivals aren’t your thing, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is a contemporary art festival that takes place every winter from December to March in Kochi. You will find art exhibitions of different mediums in galleries and open spaces all over the city.

Men and women participate in the festivities in Kerala (Photo Credit – Bobinson K B)

A year round destination, the natural beauty of Kerala will ensure that you have a memorable holiday that keeps you wanting more. From the hill stations of Kerala to beach getaways, tea and spice plantations to floating on a houseboat in the enchanting lagoons of the Kerala backwaters, there is magic to be unravelled. Whether you are seeking adventure or wanting to explore Kerala luxuriously, we will plan the perfect Kerala holidays for you. So, if you are interested in travelling to Kerala on your own customized itinerary, plan your trip with us now.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit India: Expert Suggestions

Travel Routes through India: Explore India in 4 weeks

Posted on April 11, 2016October 13, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Travelling in India for a month? This article will explore travel routes through India in one month. The famous saying goes, ‘a life time is not enough to explore all of India’, and rightly so. Therefore, we suggest that one month in India is the least amount of time you would want to spend here.

There is no single best route to travel across India, so we have provided 5 different routes. Each outline covers 4 weeks in India and includes an overview of the routes, the destinations, the highlights, and the modes of travel.

The suggested routes are moderate to fast-paced trips, that contain the drawbacks of the tours. They also have an approximate indicative budget for each route, going from backpackers to luxury travellers. You can compare different routes of travelling in India and see what you should be prepared to miss out on. The E-Visa and Visa On Arrival have made India a much simpler place to get to for travellers wanting to visit India.

Read more to understand the best time to visit India and cost of travel in India.

North India contains several such stunning sights (Photo Credit – Ravi Shekhar)

travel routes through India – route 1: the classic north and south

Route 1: Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Kerala (Route on GoogleMaps)

This travel route through India is one of the most popular month-long routes for travellers, especially with backpackers. This route has you starting in the historically rich capital of Delhi. Head east to visit Varanasi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities known to civilization. Travel west to visit the Taj Mahal, and then loop around the desert state of Rajasthan.

While traveling in India, you’ll get to explore cities rich in culture and character in Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur). You can also take part in the Camel Safari & the Desert Camp in Jaisalmer. End the northern leg of your trip in Udaipur before taking a bus or flight to Mumbai.

Travelling to the South is more relaxing, as you’ll be travelling along the same coast as Mumbai. Relax on the beaches in Goa. Explore the boulders and rice fields of the time-bound Hampi. Visit the beautiful state of Kerala known for its backwaters and its tea plantations.

For a more detailed explanation on travelling in India and the best things to do in North India and South India, visit our blogs.

Explore More: Discover Exciting Activities in India

Drawbacks

Depending on when you are looking to travel, this travel route through India can be quite busy. This is one of the most frequented routes by travellers wanting to visit India. If you plan on picking it, we suggest you ensure all your transport and accommodation is booked well in advance.

Since all these places are popular among tourists, it’s likely you will bump into more than a few on this trip. While that isn’t always a bad thing, but if you’d like to avoid the crowds we’d suggest you travel a little early (mid July – September). While the North would have great weather, the South would be wet, but beautiful.

Backpacker! Boutique! or mix and match, we can help you plan a well thought and cost effective month across India.

Cost of a four week tour across North and South India?

In terms of backpacking – dorm beds, day and overnight trains and a possible flight – you could potentially do this tour for as little as 700 EUR. Together, we can cater to your budget when booking hotels and modes of transport. Travelling in India isn’t extremely expensive in regards to spending money, for example, the food is cheap yet healthy.

The backwaters of Kerala will steal your breath away (Photo Credit – Nahel-Abdul)

route 2: a glimpse of the mountains

Route 2: Delhi – Dharamshala – Amritsar – Rishikesh – Delhi – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Agra – Varanasi (Route on GoogleMaps)

Being home to a billion people, a million Gods and plenty of wacky rituals, India is also home to the incredible Himalayas. This is the best possible travel route for people who have only a month in India and want to combine their trip to India with a trek in Nepal (Everest Base Camp/Annapoorna Mountain Pass).

You will begin your trip in Delhi, a city extremely central to some of the most prominent locations in North India. From here on, head north to Dharamshala (home to the Dalai Lama), followed by Amritsar (known for the beautiful Golden Temple) and Rishikesh (the Yoga capital of the world, also known for its adventure sports).

After Rishikesh, you come back to Delhi before heading southwest, this time in to Rajasthan. Start with the state’s three gems – Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur – before visiting Pushkar and Agra and then taking an overnight train to Varanasi. Varanasi is quite intense, it’s one of the oldest civilizations in the world and also a great place to end your trip in India. If you’re up for an adventurous assault on the senses, you can take a bus from Varanasi into Nepal.

Luxury Getaways: Hotels in India

Drawbacks

Like the first route, this is also extremely popular among travellers, so if you decide to take it, you might want to book your train tickets well in advance. It is a hectic route, so we would recommend it to active travellers.

Apart from that, this is a good route to cover three regions (the Himalayas, Rajasthan and Varanasi) in the month you have in India.

Here’s what our guests who travelled to India with us had to say.

Cost of a mountain tour in India

Again if you plan to backpack, take train and buses you can do the tour for as little as 600 EUR/ 700 USD per person. You would want to double your budget to travel comfortably.

The Himalayas have hidden secrets to be explored (Photo Credit – Steven Lasry)

route 3: Exploring the south

Route 3: Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Bangalore – Chennai/Pondicherry – Trichy/Thanjavur – Madurai – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Kochi – Varkala (Route on GoogleMaps)

As a country, India has a myriad of facets and each region is often drastically different from the last. This travel route through India (the South) will be extremely gratifying – a full trip in itself.

Fly into Mumbai and head South to the fabulous beach state of Goa. Next, you can catch a bus or train to the evergreen Hampi and then spread out across Karnataka from royal Mysore to urban Bangalore before moving southeast to Chennai. Take a long break in Francophile Pondicherry or break it up with the southern spice of Trichy and Madurai. End the trip on the beach in Varkala or carry on to the stunning hill station of Munnar, and the backwaters in Alleppey.

For more detailed information about the best things to do in the South of India, read our blogs.

Drawbacks
South India is a beautiful region to explore, but it is slightly more expensive compared to the North. Flying into Mumbai and staying there can be quite expensive. There aren’t too many budget options in the South, even though there has been a rise in the number of hostels. It’s also sometimes convenient in the South to hire a car to get from one place to another, which racks up a higher bill than buses.

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Munnar, and hill stations like it, are painted with a broad stroke of luscious green, especially in the monsoon (Photo Credit – Sudheesh S)

route 4: mix it up in south india

Route 4: Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Wayanad – Calicut – Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey – Varkala (Route on GoogleMaps)

This route, like the previous one, is all about exploring South India. However, while traveling in India on this route, you will not be travelling southeast. You’ll fly into Mumbai and head South to Goa, Hampi and Mysore before crossing into Kerala and spending the rest of your days exploring God’s own country.

This route is more relaxed and moves at a slower pace than the others, giving you time to soak in the beauty of the South without dropping dead from exhaustion. Getting from Mumbai to Goa to Hampi by bus is not tough, but if you throw in a few trains and maybe a car hire, it’ll be easier.

Drawbacks

Limited to the South alone, and includes all the same drawbacks as the previous route.

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Goa! A dose of vitamin sea with high tides and good vibes (Photo Credit – Alexander Annenkov)

ROUTE 5: THE NORTH AND THE NORTH EAST

Route 5: Delhi – Bagdogra – Gangtok – Ravangla – Pelling – Namchi – Darjeeling – Kolkata – Varanasi – Khajuraho – Orchha – Agra – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Pushkar – Delhi (Route on GoogleMaps)

The Himalayas, the Taj Mahal and the serene backwaters are a few things that people associate with India. And rightly so! However, India is also home to the divine but underrated Northeast, a virtual paradise nestled in the out-flung arm of the country. So when travelling in India remember this gem as well.

If you are looking to go off the beaten track, this is a great travel route for you to take. Travel through Bagdogra, Gangtok, Ravangla , Pelling, Namchi and Darjeeling, then make your way west to Kolkata; one of the oldest metros in the country. From there you can catch a train to Varanasi, then move through Khajuraho (known for it’s erotic temples), Orchha (the quintessential Indian town), Agra and Rajasthan, before heading back to Delhi.

Drawbacks

Apart from being diverse, India is also simply large. You may have to take a few flights, Delhi – Badgogra, or Bagdogra – Kolkata to save time, since there is only a month and so much to see and do in it. Travelling in the Northeast could be slightly more expensive as the local transport, though very economical, is inconsistent with its timings. You may want to trade some of your other luxuries on the trip for a comfortable car ride.

Places like Khajuraho and Orchha are beautiful places to visit, but make sure you’ve made travel arrangements in advance. There is a dearth of options and not very great connectivity either.

Further, depending on the time of year you are planning to travel, the North and Northeast can get pretty cold, especially in the mountains. For more information on travelling in India, contact us or check out our blog. Don’t have a month? Here are a few two week itineraries you could follow for North India or the South India. For any further assistance, or for help with planning the trip of a lifetime, simply click on Plan Your Trip.

The magical states of Northeast India has ageless forests and formidable mountain ranges