Regions of India
Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal) & Jaipur (Golden Triangle) — Best in Oct–Mar (Crisp Sunny Winter; Avoid May–Jun Extreme Heat) · Gateway: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL — 19m Airport Metro to New Delhi, ₹60)
Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal) & Jaipur (Golden Triangle) (दिल्ली, आगरा और जयपुर) is famed for Taj Mahal (Sunrise at East Gate, Closed Fridays!), Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Amber Fort & Hawa Mahal. Signature regional specialties include Old Delhi Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, Mughlai Biryani, Agra Petha & Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma. Primary transit hub: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL — 19m Airport Metro to New Delhi, ₹60).
Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Pushkar (Rajasthan) — Best in Oct–Mar · Gateway: Udaipur (UDR), Jodhpur (JDH) & Jaipur (JAI) Airports + Vande Bharat Rail
Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer & Pushkar (Rajasthan) (राजस्थान (मेवाड़ और मारवाड़)) is famed for Udaipur Lake Pichola & City Palace, Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort & Blue City, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Jaisalmer Living Golden Fort & Thar Desert. Signature regional specialties include Laal Maas (Fiery Mathania Chili Lamb), Pyaaz Kachori, Makhania Lassi & Ker Sangri. Primary transit hub: Udaipur (UDR), Jodhpur (JDH) & Jaipur (JAI) Airports + Vande Bharat Rail.
Varanasi, Rishikesh, Amritsar & Himachal Himalayas — Best in Oct–Apr (May–Jun for Shimla/Manali/Ladakh) · Gateway: Varanasi (VNS — 8h Vande Bharat from Delhi), Amritsar (ATQ) & Dehradun (DED)
Varanasi, Rishikesh, Amritsar & Himachal Himalayas (वाराणसी, ऋषिकेश, अमृतसर और हिमाचल) is famed for Varanasi Dashashwamedh Ghat Ganga Aarti & Sunrise Boat, Sarnath, Amritsar Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Rishikesh & Shimla Toy Train. Signature regional specialties include Varanasi Tamatar Chaat & Winter Malaiyyo Foam, Amritsari Kulcha & Langar at the Golden Temple. Primary transit hub: Varanasi (VNS — 8h Vande Bharat from Delhi), Amritsar (ATQ) & Dehradun (DED).
Mumbai, Goa, Ajanta & Ellora Caves & Gujarat — Best in Nov–Mar · Gateway: Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport (BOM) & Goa Manohar / Dabolim (GOX/GOI)
Mumbai, Goa, Ajanta & Ellora Caves & Gujarat (मुंबई, गोवा, अजंता-एलोरा और गुजरात) is famed for Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (UNESCO), Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Old Goa Churches, Palolem/Agonda Beaches & Ellora Kailasa Temple. Signature regional specialties include Mumbai Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Berry Pulao (Britannia & Co.), Goan Fish Curry Rice, Pork Vindaloo & Bebinca. Primary transit hub: Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport (BOM) & Goa Manohar / Dabolim (GOX/GOI).
Kerala (Kochi, Munnar Tea Hills, Alleppey Backwaters & Varkala) — Best in Sep–Mar (Lush Post-Monsoon Green in Sep–Nov; Peak Dry Winter Dec–Mar) · Gateway: Cochin International Airport (COK) & Trivandrum Airport (TRV)
Kerala (Kochi, Munnar Tea Hills, Alleppey Backwaters & Varkala) (केरल / കേരളം (God's Own Country)) is famed for Alleppey / Kumarakom Kettuvallam Houseboats, Fort Kochi Chinese Fishing Nets, Munnar Eravikulam Tea Estates, Periyar Wildlife & Varkala Cliff. Signature regional specialties include Kerala Sadhya (24-Dish Banana Leaf Feast), Appam with Coconut Stew, Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish in Banana Leaf) & Malabar Parotta. Primary transit hub: Cochin International Airport (COK) & Trivandrum Airport (TRV).
Hampi, Mysore, Bengaluru, Pondicherry & Tamil Nadu Temples — Best in Nov–Feb · Gateway: Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) & Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Hampi, Mysore, Bengaluru, Pondicherry & Tamil Nadu Temples (कर्नाटक और तमिलनाडु) is famed for Hampi UNESCO Boulder Chariot Ruins, Mysore Illuminated Palace, Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Pondicherry White Town, Brihadeeswara (Thanjavur) & Madurai Meenakshi. Signature regional specialties include Masala Dosa with Filter Kaapi, Mysore Pak, Chettinad Pepper Chicken & Pondicherry French Bakeries. Primary transit hub: Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport (BLR) & Chennai International Airport (MAA).