The country is too big to see in one trip
India is roughly the size of Western Europe. Trying to see Rajasthan, Kerala, the Himalayan foothills, and Goa in three weeks produces a blur of airports and exhaustion. Every experienced India traveler gives the same advice: choose one region and go deep. Here are the main options.
The Golden Triangle (2 weeks, first-time classic)
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → back to Delhi. This circuit covers three of India’s most famous destinations and can be done comfortably in 10-14 days. Delhi for 3 nights (Old Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutb Minar), Agra for 2 nights (Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri day trip), Jaipur for 3 nights (Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal). Well-touristed, good infrastructure, manageable for first-timers.
Rajasthan extension (add 1-2 weeks)
From Jaipur continue to Jodhpur (the Blue City, Mehrangarh Fort), Udaipur (City of Lakes, romance capital of India), and possibly Jaisalmer (desert, camel safaris). This circuit shows Rajasthan’s variety and has excellent heritage hotels at every price point.
South India (Kerala + Karnataka, 2 weeks)
Completely different from the north — lush, green, more relaxed. Kochi for 2 nights, Kerala backwaters houseboat overnight, Munnar hill station, Varkala beach. Add Hampi (extraordinary ruined empire) and Mysore if extending. Fly into Kochi, out of Bangalore or Chennai.
Getting there
Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are the main international entry points. Check Kiwi.com for the best fares — prices vary significantly by entry point and season. October to March is the most comfortable time to visit most of India.