India is a country rich in diversity – breathtaking mountain landscapes and relaxing beaches, mega metropolises and small villages, golden sand dunes and tropical forests – there is a lot to discover in this country!  Plus, you will definitely be pushed out of your comfort zone with all the challenges and excitement of this country. So if you have an entire month and want to pack all the best parts of India into this period, we have a suggestion for the ultimate four-week trip to India.

Route of the Ultimate India Tour

Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai – Hampi – Goa – Kochi – Munnar – Backwaters

A Brief Overview of the ultimate India Tour

On this trip to India, in the north, you will experience the crowds of cities like the capital Delhi, the spiritual heart of India in Varanasi, and the ancient forts and temples and vibrant bazaars of Rajasthan. In the midst of it is the vast desert landscape of Jaisalmer. The journey then takes you towards South India, where you will first visit the mega metropolis of Mumbai in Western India. Then you move on to the famous beaches of Goa and the unique rock formations and ruins of Hampi. The final leg of the trip will take you to God’s Own Country, Kerala, where  you will explore the charming town of Fort Kochi, the lush green tea plantations in Munnar, and the serene backwaters of Kerala. This tour route will take you through almost all of India’s highlights in just four weeks!

Taj Mahal, Agra

Read on, and if you feel like this India tour is a bit too “mainstream” for you, no problem! At India Someday, we are also experts in crafting travel routes off the beaten path. How about a tour through Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, or the Northeast? Anywhere you wish to go, we can help!

The trip is possible throughout the year, but some months can be challenging. The ideal time to take this trip is from late October to early March. April, May, and the beginning of October are extremely hot, while the monsoon season from June to September can disrupt a lot of plans. However, if you don’t mind some rain, the tour is still manageable during this period.

Is this India tour a bit too ‘mainstream’ for you? No problem. We’re also experts in crafting travel routes off the beaten path. How about an India tour through Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, or the Northeast? We can help with the planning.

This trip is possible year-round, but in some months, the climate could make the journey a bit more challenging. The ideal time to visit is from late October to late March. April, May, and October are extremely hot months, while the monsoon season runs from June to September. However, if you’re prepared for rain, the trip is still manageable during this period.

To learn more about the ideal travel times in India, you can continue reading here.

Highlights of the Four-Week India Tour

Sightseeing and Culture: Delhi, Varanasi, and Agra

If you want to learn about the culture and history of India, the cities of Delhi, Varanasi, and Agra should be on your list on a trip to India. These three cities offer some of the most beautiful sights and a peek into Indian history and culture. However, these places can also be overwhelming, with large crowds, chaotic streets, and extreme cultural differences. It is best to start your Indian trip here, because after this experience, nothing else will shock you.

Delhi is home to monuments with thousands of years worth of history, but also to new buildings and latest upscale shops. Varanasi, the City of 1000 Temples, or the City of Death, will offer scenes ranging from pilgrims performing sacred rituals at the ghats, a group of men performing a cremation, and a cow munching on offerings to the holy river – sometimes all at the same time! As for Agra, it houses one of the most impressive wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal.

For more travel suggestions on the Golden Triangle of Delhi – Agra – Jaipur, you can find details here.

Varanasi ghats

Vibrant Rajasthan: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur

Rajasthan is one of the favorite destinations for travelers in India, and rightfully so. With Indian history so deeply rooted in this region, you will find breathtaking ancient fortresses, old towns, intricate temples, magnificent palaces, and vibrant bazaars. No matter where you go in Rajasthan, you will always find something new to explore!

The Pink City of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is home to Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and many other monuments. Jaisalmer showcases the vast Indian desert, including sand dunes and camel rides. Jodhpur, the Blue City, has one of India’s ;largest and best-preserved fortresses, Mehrangarh Fort. Udaipur, the City of Lakes, provides a respite from all the exploring with picturesque lakes and hills.

If you’re interested in a luxury Rajasthan tour, we have a few route suggestions here.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Urban vibes, ruins, and beaches: Mumbai, Hampi, and Goa

Mumbai, nicknamed the Maximum City, is a blend of contrasts – order and chaos, new and old, wealthy and poor, and modern and traditional. With three UNESCO world heritage sites, a mix of Victorian and Art Deco architecture, and a fusion of Indian and Western influences, this metropolis has its distinct charm.

From Mumbai, head to Hampi, where you might feel like you have stepped back in time. This once powerful kingdom today is a place of ruins, countless stones, boulders, temples, and green rice fields, transporting you to the Stone Age.

Next up is Goa, India’s chilling destination. Three words sum up Goa – beach, party, and food. This tiny state on the west coast of India is blessed with clean beaches and known for its vibrant parties and cheap alcohol. However, if the party scene is not your vibe, there are many quiet spots to enjoy a peaceful evening. If you are getting tired of Indian cuisine, Goa has many international restaurants and cafes where you will be spoilt for choice.

West coast of India

God’s Own Country: Kerala

Situated in the southwest corner of India, Kerala is unique in landscape as well as culture. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians live together peacefully, and temples, mosques, and churches are located in surreal proximity to each other. The landscape is extremely diverse, with lush green tea plantations, tropical rainforests with wildlife aplenty, clean beaches along the coast, and the backwaters of Kerala.

Start from the small island of Fort Kochi, with a rich colonial and trade history. Today, the region has friendly cafes and galleries featuring modern art. Next is Munnar, a beautiful hill station known for its vast tea plantations. You can visit the Tea Museum, try plucking tea leaves, drive to the viewpoints, or simply take a walk through the lush plantations. End your journey at the Backwaters, a labyrinth of 900 kilometers of waterways, lakes, canals, lagoons, and rivers. Rent a houseboat for the night as you drift across the lakes and larger canals while gorging on delicious food. You can also stay in one of the homestays or resorts, surrounded by nature or a view of the backwaters. You can explore the backwaters by taking a boat ride through the smaller canals and lakes or renting a canoe. From the Backwaters, it is a 1 to 2 hour drive to the international Kochi airport, where you can conclude your India tour.

Kerala Backwaters

Transport on the ultimate India Tour

For this tour across India, we would suggest a mix of flights, trains, and bus journeys, along with private transportation with a driver and vehicles for intercity transport. The choice of transport will depend on your budget and preferences, but on some routes, due to distances and limited infrastructure, options will be limited.

Within Cities:

– Driver Service: We can arrange for a driver so you can comfortably explore the destinations.

– Self-Transport: You can use rickshaws, taxis, and public transportation. Taxi apps like Uber and Ola, which are affordable and reliable (without the hassle of negotiating), are available in most cities.

Suggested Transport Options:

– Delhi to Varanasi and Agra: We recommend domestic flights. If booked early, you can find affordable tickets from Varanasi directly to Agra. Alternatively, you can book a return flight to Delhi and then reach Agra within 3-4 hours.

– Rajasthan: You can travel between cities using day trains or private cars, depending on your budget and preference. Jaipur to Jaisalmer is a longer journey and requires either a domestic flight or an overnight train ride.

– Mumbai: For travel to Mumbai, you will need to fly, take a very long overnight train ride, or endure a night bus journey. To reach Hampi from Mumbai, the only option is a night bus, which is quite comfortable with sleeping cabins and air conditioning. From Hampi to Goa, travel early in the morning by train.

For more information on train travel in India, you can find details here.

From Goa to Kerala, you can either take an overnight train or book an indirect flight via Bangalore. Within Kerala, you can use public buses or opt for private driver service. This is especially useful in Munnar, as it allows for flexible excursions into the expansive landscape.

Trains in India

Accommodations in North and South India

India has a wide range of accommodation options depending on your budget and preferences, including heritage and boutique hotels, local homestays, or affordable hostels.

Rajasthan: Known for its beautiful traditional ‘Haveli Hotels,’ which are former royal mansions or palaces converted into hotels. You’ll also find homestays where you can experience local life and enjoy delicious, authentic cuisine.

Curious about homestays? Learn more about them here.

Goa: We can arrange a beachfront hut so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Kerala: Famous for its small boutique hotels in colonial or traditional styles, Kerala is renowned for its excellent hospitality and delicious food. You’re sure to be pleased with your accommodations here.

If you prefer budget travel, nearly all cities now offer hostels with dormitory-style rooms and lots of social activities, making it easy for solo travelers to meet other travelers.

Homestays are a great option to experience local life

Are you interested in an ultimate India tour covering both North and South India? Or would you prefer to explore a region at a slower pace and in greater depth? At India Someday, we create personalized travel plans tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and budget. Start planning your journey with us now!