Which MUST SEE states/cities in 3-4 weeks trip?

FarrahSaleem

I am planning a trip to India next summer. I have never been to India before so am wondering if anyone can recommend the MUST SEE cities/states? I have about 3-4 weeks. Thanks.

machadinha

Hi, and welcome to IndiaMike.

I'd strongly suggest you get hold of a guidebook (or perhaps several, can be free copies from the library for starters, the general info doesn't change much. You can then take along an updated title that you like when you do go, if you feel like) and/or read around this site or the web all you can, then come back with more targeted questions.

It's obviously much easier and productive for others to go on your own suggestions which will likely reflect your interests, than to come up with some random tips out of the blue.

In your period, I'd try to concentrate on one general area, perhaps one state, or a couple of adjacent ones. Two separate areas with a flight inbetween could be doable (and I'm sure others cover even more), but it is a big big country. My usual advice in this regard: Try to look up India on a map that shows it on the same scale as your home country. And bear in mind the infrastructure and speed of transport may not be what you're used to.

For inspiration on how to best get the answers you seek, see also How to get the most out of the Itinerary section.

ps You will realize summer there mostly equals (very) hot and possibly (very) wet. For some general weather overviews, check this whole thread: India climate chart

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Aishah

Farrah - I have changed the title of your Thread so members can see at a glance what you are seeking.
Which month are you thinking of coming? What sort of things do you want to see and do you want beaches, mountains, villages etc?
3-4 weeks is not a lot of time, so I think you should narrow down the area where you go to, rather than rushing from one place to another and travelling vast distances.
Mach makes most of these points in his post and has very valuable suggestions for you.

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FarrahSaleem

Thanks to both of you. 3-4 weeks is not a long time. I am just trying to get a feel of how much I can see within that period as I am doing some travelling elsewhere following this. I could extend but ideally, 3-4 weeks would allow me to visit other places surrounding India.

As it is my first visit to India, I think the Golden Triangle route is a must i.e. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I am also interested in visiting Varanasi but would like to catch a flight to Mumbai too. Do you think this is do-able? Is there anything that you would recommend or do you have any suggestions about this?

Oh also I am coming from mid-June for about 3-4 weeks

Aishah

All these places are going to be very hot (temps up in early 40's celsius) but yes, this is doable in that time. Check out the Delhi Forum here for ideas there - a day tour would be good I should think. The Taj at Agra and some other places too - do a search on 'Agra'. Check out Jaipur and Varanasi here as well - then work out a rough itinerary for yourself covering that length of time , mapping out what you would like to see. Post your itinerary for comments.

machadinha

Sure, 3-4 weeks will make for a (very) nice introduction, don't worry about it, just keep your ground to cover realistic.

Hm, yes. Like Aishah says, the weather quite apart, route-wise this should be well-doable I think.

If it's advisable, I don't know. The Golden Triangle and some of its natural sidesteps is obviously famous for a reason and visited by many, no question about it.

Thing is by virtue of it being so popular and highly touristed, and mostly covering fairly if not ultra-large cities, aside from its famous highlights, it will also treat you to the worst India has to offer, in terms of beggars, touts, congestion and pollution, the general feeling that everyone's out to make a buck from you, and so on. (Bear in mind all that in the blazing heat again will not make it easier on you, and you will generally have to take it easier and perhaps avoid the daytime heat, and locals may be testier than otherwise because of the heat. On the other hand, you can perhaps expect some interesting discounts because of a relative lack of customers, and may have some sights a little more to your own.)

So anyway the weather apart I'm never sure if it makes for the best introduction to India. Again, that's just what many many people do though, so don't let me put you off. To get a car & driver around the Golden Triangle could be a consideration, it will allow you greater flexibility and the opportunity to see some villages and stuff inbetween. (And could be air-conditioned if you opt to which again might be something that time of year! You will conversely and obviously be stuck to your driver who you need to happen to get along with, so I don't know. Never done it. Wouldn't mind to though.) Other than that, I'd try to throw in some lesser destinations as well. Which ones, you will now ask. Again, it's best to read around some for it & see what takes your fancy. Those "lesser" places may still offer splendid sights but just be less touristed (and hence often present fewer hassles and a generally more relaxed pace), or it can be just fun and rewarding to observe regular small-town life.

Other than that, the Golden Triangle as well as the other places you mentioned must be among the most-covered subjects here, so like Aishah said, just read around for them. You'll find the whole site's sub-forums structure here to help you find your way (it's under the "Forums" tab): http://www.indiamike.com/india/

zoltan

It would help to know where you are arriving and departing from.

If for example you arrive in Mumbai and depart from Delhi, people can help you with itineraries to assist you.

And, as mentioned above in June, it's going to be HOT, unless of course, you go to the hill stations (eg. Shimla; Dharamsala), where it will be much cooler but also more expensive because so many other people will be there already.

Cheers
Zoltan

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FarrahSaleem

I am thinking of arriving in Delhi and departing from Mumbai. At the moment, a possible rough plan for the route only (with no consideration for how long in each place) is Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur and Jaisalmer in the North but I would also like to squeeze a brief trip in there to Amritsar before I then head off down towards Mumbai. Can anyone suggest any possible route for this?

I was thinking of Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Amritsar but I notice that there is no direct train from Jaisalmer to Amritsar and perhaps the other ways of getting there would be too time consuming for the amount of time I have?

Does anyone have any other suggestions of where to go or any thoughts on the places that I am interested in? A few have mentioned the heat, I am quite well prepared for the heat - I lived in Singapore for 6 months during the peak of its heat for the year and I cope well!! I think I will use this to relish the opportunity for the sightseeing while the other tourists are indoors!

Aishah

If you did your tour Delhi - Varanasi -Agra-Jodhpur - Jaisalmer -Jaipur, there is a train from Jaipur to Amritsar. Running only on certain days of the week but you might be able to do this. Full details need checking for this one... will try later!

Now later: This train is No.9781 leaving Jaipur at 7.20 p.m. (1920hr) and arriving Amritsar 9.30a.m. the next morning. It runs on Monday and Wednesday only.

Train No. 9771 is slower and runs only on Tuesday and Saturday: Leaves at 7.20 p.m. Jaipur, arrives Amritsar 1.45 p.m. the next day.