Delhi
Mughal monuments, bustling Old Delhi bazaars and leafy New Delhi, with some of the country’s best restaurants.
Best for History, food, arrival days
Why India
India is a feast for every sense. Rajasthan's palaces and forts, the Taj Mahal at sunrise, tiger reserves and the backwaters of Kerala can all fit into one carefully paced journey.
Highlights
- The Taj Mahal
- Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur
- Tiger safaris in Ranthambore
- Kerala's backwaters
Where to go in India
Palaces, tigers, temples and tea country. A first trip usually starts in the north, with Kerala a wonderful second chapter.
Getting around the classic route
- Delhi to AgraAbout 2 hours by express train
- Agra to RanthamboreAbout 3 hours by train or 6 by road
- Ranthambore to JaipurAbout 3 hours by road
- Jaipur to JodhpurAbout 5.5 hours by road
- Jodhpur to UdaipurAbout 5 hours by road, via Ranakpur
- Delhi to VaranasiAbout 1.5 hours by air
- Delhi to KochiAbout 3.5 hours by air
Agra & the Taj Mahal
The Taj at sunrise is everything you’ve heard. Add Agra Fort and the quiet gardens across the river at sunset.
Best for Bucket-list moments
Jaipur
The Pink City: Amber Fort, the City Palace, block-printed textiles and jewel-box bazaars.
Best for Palaces, shopping, color
Udaipur
White palaces on Lake Pichola and some of India’s most romantic hotels. Many travelers call it their favorite stop.
Best for Romance, slow days
Jodhpur
The Blue City below the towering Mehrangarh Fort, with rooftop dinners and walks through indigo lanes.
Best for Forts, photography
Ranthambore
One of the best places to see wild tigers, in a park dotted with ruined forts and lakes. Safari permits are limited, so we book ahead.
Best for Tigers, wildlife
Varanasi
India’s holiest city, with evening ceremonies and sunrise boat rides on the Ganges. Moving and unforgettable.
Best for Spiritual travel, culture
Kerala
Houseboats on palm-lined backwaters, misty tea hills in Munnar and Ayurvedic spas by the beach.
Best for Relaxing, wellness, nature
When to go
October to March is cool and dry across most of the country.
October to March is the classic season for most of the country, with warm days and cool nights. The monsoon brings heavy rain from about June to September.
- JanCool, clear days; foggy Delhi mornings
- FebPleasant days, wedding season
- MarWarming up; Holi festival
- AprHot; good tiger sightings
- MayVery hot on the plains
- JunMonsoon reaches Kerala
- JulMonsoon, green and quiet
- AugMonsoon; Ladakh at its best
- SepRains taper off
- OctFestival season, parks reopen
- NovDiwali glow, perfect weather
- DecCool and festive; book early
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall
Jan0.8″
Feb0.7″
Mar0.6″
Apr0.4″
May0.9″
Jun2.9″
Jul8.0″
Aug8.8″
Sep4.9″
Oct0.6″
Nov0.2″
Dec0.3″
Jan0.7″
Feb1.2″
Mar1.4″
Apr4.7″
May11.2″
Jun25.0″
Jul23.0″
Aug15.0″
Sep13.0″
Oct13.0″
Nov7.0″
Dec1.6″
Approximate average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.
October to March
The best months almost everywhere: warm, dry days and cool nights in Rajasthan. Diwali (October or November) and the winter holidays book up early.
April to June
Hot on the plains, but April and May are prime time for spotting tigers as animals gather at waterholes. The Himalayan foothills are pleasant.
June to September
Monsoon season. Kerala turns lush, Ladakh in the far north is at its best, and many national parks close their core zones until October.
Festivals
Holi in March and Diwali in the fall are joyful to experience. Dates move each year, so we plan around them with you.
Ideas by month:
Trip ideas
Starting points only. Every India trip we plan is built around you.
Golden Triangle and Beyond
Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, plus Udaipur's lake palaces.
Tigers and Backwaters
Ranthambore safaris followed by a houseboat in Kerala.
Where you'll stay
Heritage palace hotels, luxury tented camps and houseboats. We choose every hotel ourselves and know which rooms have the view.
Good to know
The small things that make a big difference once you land.
Travel with a driver
In Rajasthan, a private car and driver is the easiest way between cities, with stops at stepwells and villages along the way.
The Taj is closed on Fridays
We plan your Agra day around it and aim for sunrise, when the marble glows and the crowds are lighter.
Dress for temples and mosques
Cover shoulders and knees, and expect to take off your shoes. A light scarf is handy for women.
Book tiger safaris early
Ranthambore’s permits are limited by zone and vehicle, and the best lodges fill months ahead for the winter season.
Paperwork before you go
U.S. travelers need a visa, usually applied for online. We confirm the current rules for your dates using official sites only.
India questions
When is the best time to visit India?
October to March is cool and dry across most of the country.
How long should I spend in India?
Most of our travelers spend 12 to 16 days in India. We'll shape the length around what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Can Global Escapes plan a private trip to India?
Yes. Every trip we plan to India is designed around you, with hand-picked hotels, private guides where they make a difference and support while you travel. Call 706.549.1164 or tell us about your trip below.
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Tell us about your India dream.
Share as much or as little as you like. A member of our team will reach out personally to start shaping your trip.
Rather talk it through? Call 706.549.1164