India holidays: Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, Kerala and Goa
Lake palaces in Udaipur, the Taj Mahal in morning haze, houseboats in Kerala and beaches in Goa. India is a continent in one country, and the first trip should be kept simple.
Taj Mahal
Photo: Jovyn Chamb / Unsplash
India at a glance
It is sunrise in Agra and the Taj Mahal shifts from grey to pink while you queue at the gate. India is the world's most populous country, and no trip covers it all. Choose one region or a classic route and give yourself time.
The currency is the Indian rupee. Most UK visitors apply for an e-Visa before travelling. For more of the region, see our Asia travel guide.
Which route suits you?
The Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
The classic first trip. Delhi has Mughal monuments and bazaars, Agra has the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur is the pink city with Amber Fort. Around a week by car with a driver.
Rajasthan, for palaces and desert
Udaipur has palaces on Lake Pichola, Jodhpur is the blue city below Mehrangarh Fort, and Jaisalmer sits in the Thar Desert. Ranthambore is one of the best places to see tigers.
Kerala, for houseboats and spice
The backwater canals around Alleppey, tea estates in Munnar and ayurveda on the coast. A gentler start to India.
Goa, for beaches and Portuguese heritage
Beaches, seafood and old Portuguese churches. The north is lively, the south quiet.
Udaipur
Photo: Pranav Panchal / Unsplash
When to go
October to March: dry and comfortable in most of the country. The best time for Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa.
April to June: very hot on the plains. The mountains of the north are best then.
July to September: monsoon. Green, but wet.
Good to know
A car with a driver is common and not expensive. Trains are a good alternative for longer distances.
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Drink bottled water and be careful with raw food for the first few days.
See a doctor about vaccinations before you travel.
Where to stay
India has some of the world's most spectacular hotels. Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur and Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad have three Michelin Keys, and The Oberoi Amarvilas has Taj Mahal views from its rooms. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is on the World's 50 Best Hotels list. A dedicated India hotel guide is on the way. Adding a beach? See our Maldives guide.
Frequently asked questions about India
When is the best time to visit India?
October to March for most of the country.
How long should I spend in India?
Ten to fourteen days cover the Golden Triangle and two more stops in Rajasthan.
Do UK citizens need a visa for India?
Yes. Most visitors apply for an e-Visa online before travel.
Can I combine India and the Maldives?
Yes. Flights from southern India to Malé are short.