1. How Long for a First Trip? If you have limited time, 12 to 15 days is ideal. However, if you are unsure about investing that amount of time in a destination that may not be necessary for your needs, then keep it short and sweet. I find 7 to 9 days (5 days off work) is enough time to get a good break from what you are doing, see if India is for you or not. If you enjoy it here, you can always come back. Some of my favorite vacations were short as well. One of my absolute favorites was only 8 nights long. It was leisurely and relaxed yet still showed India at its best with amazing places like palaces and rural retreats in Rajasthan included in the itinerary. A Perfect Introduction to India starts at £2200 per person for two people when booked (excl. international flights).
2. The first step on your trip to India should be figuring out where to go. Most first-time visitors are drawn to the Golden Triangle in the north which includes Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan. These areas cover Mughal India and the impressive forts and palaces of Rajasthan while staying in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The second is the coastal states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the south which are more tropical and laid back. With so much more in India than these few areas, it’s a good idea to start your tour with one of our 14 day itineraries that combines the highlights of the north and south. Our special itinerary that combines these two regions – Essential India – is available at £6600 per person (excl. international flights) based on two sharing (unless noted).
3.A travel advisory recommended visits to India in November to March but this outdated advice was not taking into account the steadily increasing popularity of air-conditioned buildings, the less tiring and more formal clothing, the more advanced transport options and accommodation that are more geared towards relaxing weather instead of severe heat, as well as changes in weather patterns. It also doesn’t account for areas that have opened up such as Ladakh which is at its best from June through September. The window during which you should visit India multiplies during a luxury tailor-made tour with an earlier time frame. I usually travel to India between August and September because it’s usually cooler than other times of the year with fewer people around so you can save extra money on hotels and enjoy a refreshing escape.
4.Taking a vacation can be stressful when there’s work and family duties to tie up, as well as jet lag and sleep deprivation. My suggestion is to taper off at the beginning of your trip so your body can recover from the journey, adjust to time changes and acclimatize to being in India. Then you can really enjoy your holidays to the max. Too often vacations start with busy and hectic days, especially in familiar cities where people become sick or overwhelmed. You’ll have less worries about food hygiene in India, which has improved dramatically over recent years. It’s unlikely that you’ll fall sick if you’re careful about what you eat on trips.
5. You should not underestimate distances in India. While places on a map might seem close, they may be several hours apart in reality. Even with improved roads and air links, a 200km journey may take much longer and feel much more tiring than at home. Therefore, spend more time visiting fewer places, cherry-pick the places you want to visit and ensure they form an efficient and logical route.
6.It will give you a better insight into the way the majority of the population lives since 65% of the population still lives in rural areas. Additionally, it provides greater variety and a change in tempo, both of which are crucial to making the perfect trip. You won’t want to miss the beautiful Indian countryside and the kindness and warmth of the hospitality. Don’t miss it!
7. Expect the unexpected. Both good and bad. A road can be blocked, a museum may close unexpectedly, a flight can be canceled, or you may receive an impromptu wedding invitation or want to stay longer at the place you love. As we’re used to dealing with the unexpected, we always have a Plan B and a Plan C in place so you don’t miss a beat if something does go wrong.
8.In spite of the Taj Mahal’s iconic beauty, I would suggest skipping it on your first trip to India. Traveling to Agra adds a lot of extra dreary travel to an itinerary. It is also one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world and is crowded and commercial. The trip may show India at its worst rather than at its best. Once you’ve fallen in love with it, save it for a second visit.
9.When in India, be open-minded and see the culture on your own terms. Things that apply everywhere else in the world don’t necessarily apply in India. Even poverty can be thought-provoking, as shocking as it may be. It’s not unusual for people who have nothing to still share their happiness with those around them, sometimes. Travel to India is transformative because it makes one question everything you believe about life and sees things with a new perspective. My partner says “I think of my life in two parts – before and after my first visit to India.”
10. Have your holiday/vacation planned by an expert with extensive geography knowledge, preferably one that has been to the places you’re considering going to. They will have at least five years of experience arranging holidays in India and ideally more; they’ll be able to make suggestions for hotels, tours, excursions and more that best suit your needs. Because good advice usually comes from experts who know their territory well, make sure they understand what you need from them and be sure to give them clear instructions on what you expect from them when it comes to guides (with translators), cars and drivers, itineraries, places visited and anything else. This is key information that will save you time and budget—and help ensure a better experience for all involved.
