
Alappuzha - This former colonial trading port provides the entry point for trips into the surrounding backwater region of Kuttanad – a watery world like no other in Asia. Periyar - Scale the Western Ghat range to enter Kerala’s Cardamom Hills, where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers the chance to sight elephants. Madurai - The shrine of the Fish-Eyed Goddess is Tamil Nadu’s greatest living monument, renowned for its multicoloured, deity-encrusted gateway towers. Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) - Gaze from the summit of Trichy’s exotic rock fort across the Kaveri River to the largest temple complex in India. Thanjavur - The mighty Brihadishwara Temple and collection of Chola bronzes in the town’s art gallery make Thanjavur the perfect springboard for the Kaveri Delta region. Puducherry - Soak up the lingering Gallic ambience of France’s former colony on the Coromandel Coast, ideally from the confines of a heritage hotel. Mamallapuram - Sculpted by the Pallava kings, Mamallapuram holds a tempting combination of ancient stonework and breezy tropical beaches.
Chennai - The old colonial hub of Fort St George is the standout sight of the Tamil capital, but there’s also a wealth of succulent southern cuisine on offer. You’ll need at least three weeks to cover this route comfortably, or two at a rushed pace with your own transport. The Deep South offers dramatic landscapes and world-class monuments. Taj Mahal, India India Itinerary 3 - The Deep South - 3 weeks Nawalgarh - After a succession of big cities, this small town on the fringes of the desert makes an enjoyable base for trips to nearby forts and havelis. #Lonely planet india itinerary free#
Bikaner - Quirky architecture and a temple where thousands of rats run free are two vestiges of this city’s former prominence on the trans-Thar caravan route.Jaisalmer - A long trip across the Thar is rewarded by the sublime vision of Jai Sigh’s yellow-stone citadel floating above the sand flats.Jodhpur - Rajasthan’s most spectacular medieval fortress, Mehrangarh, towers above the warren-like old city painted a hundred shades of sky blue.Udaipur - Dine by candlelight on a haveli rooftop for the ultimate view of the Sisodia maharanas’ fairytale palaces.Pushkar - Ringed by the white domes and sacred ghats of Hindu shrines, Pushkar makes a perfect base for leisurely desert walks and souvenir hunts.Ranthambore - If sighting a tiger is a priority, aim to spend at least a couple of nights at a camp near this world-famous reserve.Jaipur - The Pink City, with its hectic streets and flamboyant Rajput architecture, is a real baptism of fire.You’ll need at least a month to really do justice to India’s dazzling desert state, Rajasthan, or three weeks at a pinch. India Itinerary 2 - Around the "Land of Kings" - 1 month
Shekhawati - Set on the fringes of the Thar Desert, the painted havelis (walled mansions) in the market towns of this once rich area make the ideal stopover on the journey back to Delhi. Jaipur - Approach the ochre-walled palace of Amber Fort on elephant back, before spending a day in the textile and gemstone bazaars of the Rajasthani capital – a riot of quintessentially Indian colour. Keoladeo National Park - Bicycle safaris along the dirt tracks and banks that crisscross this teeming bird reserve offer a perfect antidote to the noise and traffic of India’s northern cities.
Fatehpur Sikri - Overnight at a guesthouse below the deserted capital of emperor Akbar to see its deep red sandstone architecture at its most ethereal, in the diffuse light of dusk and dawn.Agra - Cross the Yamuna River by boat in the early morning for an unforgettable view of the Taj just after sunrise, then spend the rest of the day ticking off the city’s other Mughal splendours.Delhi - Start out at Shah Jahan’s mighty Red Fort in the Mughal Old City, then work your way south through the medieval monuments of the southern suburbs.Allow at least a week to complete the circuit, with a diversion south to the tiger reserve at Ranthambore if you’ve time to spare. No other region of India packs in as many awe-inspiring monuments as the so-called “Golden Triangle” connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. India Itinerary 1 - The Golden Triangle - 1 week If you are planning your travel to India yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.