The short answer
- Best first route
- Golden Triangle
- Ideal length
- 10 to 14 days
- Best months
- October to March
- Easiest way
- A private or small group tour
India is a big, intense and wonderful country, and a first visit can feel overwhelming. The good news is that it is also one of the easiest places in the world to travel with a guide, and a little planning makes all the difference.
Step 1: choose one region
The classic first trip is the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, which packs the Taj Mahal, Mughal monuments and Rajasthan's forts into a week. With more time, add Varanasi, Ranthambore or Udaipur, or fly south to Kerala.
Resist the urge to see everything. India rewards depth, and every extra stop costs time in transit.
See how many days you need in India and our Golden Triangle guide.
Step 2: pick the right time
October to March is the best time for a first visit to the north and to Kerala. Avoid May and June on the plains, when it is extremely hot. See India month by month.
Step 3: decide how to travel
- Private tour: The most popular choice for first timers: your own car, driver and local guides, with hotels and tickets arranged.
- Small group tour: Great for solo travellers, with a tour leader and built in company.
- Independent: Cheaper, but trains, touts and logistics take time and energy on a first visit.
Compare private and group tours.
What to expect when you arrive
- Noise, colour and crowds, especially in Delhi. Give yourself an easy first day.
- Attention: people may ask for photos or try to sell you things. A firm, friendly no works.
- Warmth and hospitality. Many travellers find Indians extraordinarily welcoming.
- Food you will remember. Start gently and stick to freshly cooked dishes.
First timer mistakes to avoid
- Trying to see the whole country in two weeks.
- Booking the Taj Mahal for a Friday, when it is closed.
- Buying an e-Visa on an unofficial website. See our visa guide.
- Drinking tap water or brushing teeth with it. See our travel tips.
- Packing revealing clothes for temples. See what to pack.
Want your first India trip planned for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 10 days, built around your dates.
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Frequently asked questions
Where should I go on my first trip to India?
The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is the classic first trip. With more time, add Varanasi, Ranthambore, Udaipur or Kerala.
Should I take a tour on my first trip to India?
Most first time visitors do, and it makes the trip much easier. Private tours are affordable in India, especially for two or more people.
India month by month
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