How to Plan Your India Holiday: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a trip to India can be both exciting and overwhelming. With its vast size, rich culture, diverse landscapes, and ancient history, India offers something for every kind of traveler — whether you’re seeking spiritual peace, mountain adventure, royal palaces, or tropical beaches. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your perfect India holiday.
1. Decide the Duration of Your Trip
India is huge — stretching from the snowy Himalayas in the north to the palm-lined beaches of the south. Ideally, a minimum of 10-15 days is recommended to explore one or two regions comfortably. If you have less time, focus on one area like Rajasthan, Kerala, or the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur).
2. Choose the Right Time to Visit
India’s climate varies by region, but the best overall time to visit is October to March. This is when most of the country enjoys pleasant weather. If you’re planning to visit the Himalayas or Ladakh, May to September is ideal. For beach destinations like Goa or Kerala, November to February is perfect.
3. Select Your Destinations
India is divided into regions with unique flavors:
North India: Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal),
Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur),
Varanasi, and the Himalayas.
South India: Kerala (backwaters, Ayurveda), Tamil Nadu (temples), Karnataka (heritage sites), and Pondicherry.
West India: Mumbai, Goa (beaches), Gujarat (Rann of Kutch).
East & Northeast: Kolkata, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya – less touristy and culturally rich.
Central India: Madhya Pradesh for wildlife safaris and historical sites.
4. Book Your Flights & Visas
International travelers need a valid Indian visa. Most nationalities can apply for an e-Tourist Visa online. Book your international and domestic flights in advance, especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons or festivals.
5. Plan Your Itinerary Smartly
Avoid packing too many cities into one trip. Travel in India can be time-consuming due to road and train conditions. Use a mix of flights, trains, and private cars for convenience. Try to stay at least 2 nights in each place to truly enjoy it.
6. Choose Accommodation Wisely
India offers everything from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxury resorts and heritage palaces. Use trusted booking platforms and check reviews. Booking in advance is a good idea during festivals and tourist seasons.
7. Embrace the Culture (but Be Prepared)
India is beautiful but intense. Expect vibrant markets, spicy food, chaotic traffic, and warm-hearted locals. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Carry cash, but also use digital payment apps like UPI. Stay hydrated and avoid drinking tap water.
8. Book Local Experiences
Enhance your India holiday with local experiences — yoga classes in Rishikesh, a houseboat in Kerala, a cooking class in Jaipur, or a tiger safari in Ranthambore.
Final Tip: Use a trusted travel planner or tour operator if you’re unsure. India is magical, and with good planning, your trip can be a life-changing adventure.
Hill stations are most preferred when it comes to escaping the regular life. India is an abode to more than 50 popular hill stations. If the meaning of hills for you is snow-capped mountains then Shimla. Manali, Darjeeling are the places for you. This place can let you breathe your dreams from a road trip to trekking and numerous other adventure activities. Another place to experience a high-altitude life is Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, aka ‘The Scotland of East’. The enchanting beauty of this place is owed to the fluttering pine trees, clear blue sky amid the floating clouds and lush green gardens to wander. If you are not a lover of hills then the vast coastlines of India await you.
The beaches of Goa are exemplary in their exotic beauty. Calangute and Baga beaches are visited by thousands of foreign and domestic tourists.
The matchless nightlife, beach parties, and cruises are some experiences you will not want to miss. Moving towards the Arabian sea coastline, the most beautiful beach in Kerala is Kovalam beach. This place will fill your heart with exceptional delight and contentment.
If the wild and adventurous is what you are seeking then you can choose according to your convenience any wildlife hotspot. Some top choices are Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal; Gir National Park, Gujarat; Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand; and Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
An architecture buff will always prefer the marvelous monuments over any other place. Delhi, the capital of the country has a number of historical buildings like Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Rajasthan is the home to the most glorious Royal Palaces of India namely The Amer Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, Hawa Mahal and many more. These are just a few of the endless number of places to visit in India.
The choice of place can vary as per your convenience. If you have a week’s time then going on a full-fledged tour will be best. On the other hand, if you only have 2-3 days then selecting a nearby and easily accessible location is a wise decision. The season in your region can also affect your choice of location. You may want to relax on a beach when it’s winter or may want to get a glimpse of high snowy peaks; it’s up to your will.
Indian tourism is one of the cheapest, so your worries for expenses can be kept aside with the right choice of package. Some might want their holidays to be filled with exploration if it is the case then adding some more local places will be worth it. Alternatively, if you want a relaxing weekend then a single peaceful destination like Munnar, Alleppey in Kerala State will be enough.
Your advance planning can shape your trip into a whole different experience. It can save you a lot of time and a stress free mind to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Just get in touch with us at Special Holidays. We specialist in handcrafting holidays to suit your need. We have been presented with the National Tourism Award by the president of Indian for our top-notch services. No matter what you are looking for in your tours – luxury, culture, adventure or spirituality – we can build it for you. Just get in touch with us on our website and We will provide you with the best deals and the most unforgettable experience.