How much time in India is enough?

When planning a trip to India or travelling in India, the main questions that you will ask yourself are – how much time in India is enough? OR how long to backpack in India? Saying this country is diverse is an understatement; it is overflowing with a range of cultures and cuisines. Whether you know what you’d like to see or you’re overwhelmed with the choice, how long to spend in India is a challenge.

This article can help you, so you can see as much as possible irrespective of how long you stay. Whether you are looking to plan a family holiday or are asking yourself how long to backpack in India as a solo traveller, contact us and we can help you Plan Your Trip now!

Read more to understand the best time to visit India and cost of travel in India.

Solo travellers can enjoy India as much as a family would – Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah, Agra (Photo Credit – Ibrahim Rifath)

hOW MUCH TIME IN India IS ENOUGH?

We are sure you’ve questioned yourself of how long should you dream trip to India be or how long to backpack in India. Honestly, you can spend six months in India and yet not see all of the country. Unfortunately, not a lot of people have the luxury of that much time. If you are looking at a practical time frame to tour India, really experience the country and culture, and see a few diverse regions, we recommend spending 3 weeks here.

Planning an itinerary for India is exceedingly challenging. If you want the right mix, be it authenticity and comfort or activity and luxury, just let us know by hitting the Plan Your Trip button. Consider what sites are high up on your list to see so that we can help you plan accordingly.

We can help you plan your dream family holiday to India

How much of India can you see in three weeks?

It really depends on the pace of travel that you enjoy and your budget. Travelling by train, bus or even rented car is fairly inexpensive in India. However, including a lot of flights can make your trip expensive. More flights would mean more regions that you can visit though, so decide accordingly.

Ideally, we would recommend touring two regions in the span of three weeks. So you could look at touring North India i.e. Delhi – Agra – Varanasi – Rajasthan and visit the Himalayas. Alternatively, you can visit up to three or four states in South India i.e. Goa – Karnataka – Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

If you do not mind taking a few internal flights, then you can look at a North and South India tour. However, you would only be able to visit a few places in each region. If you think this would be your only trip to India then this is an option you can choose.

Always remember that travelling between places in India, especially road travel, can take time. It can be a little tiring and overexerting yourself in excitement can make you fall ill. Try not to be too greedy, often less is more.

It is always a good idea to plan your trip to India around a festival, Diwali (the festival of lights) and Holi (the festival of colours) are two great festivals to plan your trip to India around.

Explore More: Plunge into Rajasthan’s Must-Experience Locations

Plan Your Trip: Best Time to Explore Kerala

The Taj Mahal is a special attraction to couples visiting India (Photo Credit – Sarah Sampsel)

Spending two weeks in India

Two weeks is often the maximum duration one can take time off from work. Also, if this is your first trip to Asia or to a very different/chaotic country then you might want to visit India for only two weeks. This way you won’t get too overwhelmed.

Ideally, try and visit only one region in a time frame of two weeks. You can do a good mix of highlight places and some less popular places in North India, (or the same for South India.)

You could also look at an 8-9 day North India tour and end with 4-5 days on the beach. There is potential to tour both North and South India in two weeks but this may feel rushed. You would be scratching the surface without really experiencing either region.

Here are some suggested travel routes for two weeks in South India and North India.

Additional Resource: Exploring India as a UK Traveler

Camel safaris await in North India (Photo Credit – Tom Bishop)

Spending a month or longer in India

Backpackers ahoy, wondering how long to backpack in India? Anything longer than two months is ideal. You will not be able to see everything but you can cover a lot of ground. Plus, you won’t be as pressured to get around in a rush!

India is great value for money in terms of accommodation and food. Train travel is remarkably inexpensive, but you have to book tickets in advance. If you plan well in advance you can also book some key flights at a good price. You can visit multiple regions, do some volunteering work or one could even spend time at an Ashram. There’s more than sufficient amount to do and see.

Do remember India is not an easy destination and will give you a culture shock. Take your time to settle into the ebb and flow of the method behind the madness. If you plan to stay in India longer you may miss home. However, you will certainly end with a deeper understanding and enjoyable India experience the more time you spend in the country.

Also see: Detailed Guide for American Tourists Visiting India

We give detailed guidance to female travellers before and during their stay

If you are considering a trip to India, you are at the right place. Irrespective of the time you have or the budget, India Someday can help you plan a route with the best choices of accommodations and transport modes. And if accommodation is booked out we will find you a suitable alternative within your budget and expectations. Plan your trip with us now!