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Introducing India

From the food to the rhythms of life in India, travelers who seek the renowned cultural experience of visiting this country rich in history and culture find an unpredictable yet unparalleled experience.

When is the best time to visit?
India is an enormous country with diverse weather patterns, but usually the best time to travel to India is from October to March. Learn more
 
Where to go in India?
If strapped for time or visiting India for the first time, travelers usually opt to explore the Golden Triangle, the cultural hubs of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Visitors who want a less traditional vacation should consider the temples of North and Central India, the Goan beaches of the south, and the mountains and outdoor paradise near the Kullu Valley or Rishikesh. Balance the hustle and bustle of the big cities with time spent in the countryside away from the crowds. Learn more

How many days do I need?
2 weeks is the bare minimum to spend in India, but if possible, travelers should budget about a month to see the country, perhaps broken up into several visits. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

India Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Ranganathaswamy Temple
Map of Tamil Nadu Temple Tour - 10 Days
Tamil Nadu Temple Tour - 10 Days

Hit the temple trail to visit some of the stars of South India on this 10-day itinerary. You'll experience the modern culture of the state of Tamil Nadu alongside ancient Indian history and mythology, touring some of the world's most impressive and intricately carved temples and taking in the natural views along the Bay of Bengal.

Stay a night on a houseboat for the ultimate Kerala experience
Map of Highlights of Kerala - 10 Days
Highlights of Kerala - 10 Days

This exciting 10-day itinerary introduces travelers to South India's serene state of Kerala. Kicking off in the historic city of Cochin, located on the Arabian Sea, you'll set off for lush plantations, protected parks, and hill towns in the Western Ghats. Next, cruise your way through the area's glittering backwater canals before finishing the adventure with some relaxed beach time, fresh seafood, and a taste of Ayurveda. 

Jama Masjid Mosque, Old Delhi
Map of Golden Triangle Tour - 6 Days
Golden Triangle Tour - 6 Days

Perhaps the most popular route in India, you'll visit the three famous sites of India's northwest—Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—known as the Golden Triangle. You'll travel by road or train over the course of six days, exploring each city's cultural and historical heritage. This is a great tour for people's first visit to India if you're looking to see the main highlights.

This area of South India is known for its palm-lined network of canals
Map of Discover Kerala Tour - 6 Days
Discover Kerala Tour - 6 Days

This exotic itinerary is the ultimate introduction to South India's state of Kerala—an up-and-coming destination for savvy travelers. Kick off with an Arabian Sea sunset in Cochin before a private guide drives you through lush, hilly interiors peppered with tea and spice plantations. Continue the journey with an overnight cruise through infamous waterways, followed by a tour of Fort Kochi (by tuk-tuk) to finish the adventure.

Discover Rajasthan
Map of Best of Rajasthan Tour - 10 Days
Best of Rajasthan Tour - 10 Days

With its colorful culture and rich history, Rajasthan is a splendid display of a unique Indian heritage. This trip focuses on spectacular sights of India’s largest state, including the palaces and temples of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. This itinerary not only showcases the traditional architecture characteristic of the region, but also allows you to understand the depth of India’s past, making for an unforgettable experience.

Ladakh lake
Map of Highlights of Ladakh: Leh, Nubra Valley & Pangong Tso - 7 Days
Highlights of Ladakh: Leh, Nubra Valley & Pangong Tso - 7 Days

With a week to visit Ladakh, you'll have the chance to see all of the region's highlights. Start by exploring the city of Leh and touring the surrounding monasteries, then head to the Nubra Valley (whose Tibetan name means "valley of flowers") for sightseeing and a camel safari. Your next stop will be Pangong Tso, a sprawling lake known for its blue-green waters. Afterward, pass by scenic Sindhu Ghat and visit a local children's NGO, before returning to Leh for one last stroll through its colorful markets.

Make the Most of Your Time in India

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Humayun's tomb in Delhi
How Many Days to Spend in India

In India, there are itineraries to suit every traveler, from short sightseeing sprees to months-long backpacking trips. Whether you're on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick...

Row of ocean fishing boats in the canals of the Kerala backwaters
1 Week in India - 5 Regional Itinerary Ideas

With only a week to visit India, maximize your time by sticking to a single region. Opt for a tour of the popular Golden Triangle—New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—or take in the...

The high-altitude town of Manali in northern India
10 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in India is enough to go beyond the highlights of one region, enjoying off-the-beaten-path sites or remote locales that wouldn't be possible with a shorter trip. Pair a...

Elephant showering himself in Periyar National Park
Map of 2 Weeks in India - 2 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in India - 2 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in India, travelers will have enough time to get intimately acquainted with a handful of key cities and sites. To get the most from your stay, you'll want to...

India Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
When to Visit India: Travel Tips for Every Season
Best Time of Year to Visit India

With pounding monsoons, piping hot summers, and (in certain places) snowy winters, India is a country of extremes. Spring and fall tend to be the mildest and most temperate, but...

Camels in the desert at sunset
Top 10 Things to Do in India

From tasting Mumbai's rich culinary creations to being doused in brightly hued powder during the country's colorful Holi festival, a visit to this ancient land is a feast for...

India Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
The Taj Mahal bathed in pink light
Planning Your Honeymoon in India

From the famously erotic temple carvings at Khajuraho to star-crossed lovers in today’s Bollywood films, India is in love with romance—and it has the honeymoon spots to show for...

Hawah Mahal
Family Travel in India

With delicious food, rich cultures, and stunning scenery, India has plenty of opportunities for unforgettable family adventures. You can meet rescued elephants in an animal...

Our Latest India Content

The tranquil scenery of Kerala's "backwaters"
Map of Experience Kerala: India's Backroads & Backwaters - 9 Days
Experience Kerala: India's Backroads & Backwaters - 9 Days

Leave the tourist trail behind on this nine-day exploration of the diverse southern Indian state of Kerala. Touch down in Cochin to explore its historic sights, then wind through the verdant tea plantations of the Western Ghats to reach Munnar. Spot exotic wildlife on a sunrise hike through Periyar National Park, hop on a houseboat to spend a night floating down the waterways of Alappuzha, and soak up the sun on the sands of Marari Beach.

An Indian worship offering
Map of Highlights of Buddhist India: Varanasi & Bodhgaya - 7 Days
Highlights of Buddhist India: Varanasi & Bodhgaya - 7 Days

Follow the trail of Buddhism as you explore the northeastern part of India, not far from Nepal. Land in Delhi before visiting Varanasi to witness the evening prayer ceremony. Float along the Ganges at sunrise as you observe Hindu pilgrims offer prayers on the ghats (stairs leading to the river) before purifying themselves in the river. Head to Bodhgaya to walk in the steps of Lord Buddha as you discover a circuit of holy bodhi trees and crucial sites linked to Buddhism in India.

See ancient wonders like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
Map of Temple Tour of Southern India: Tamil Nadu & Kerala - 12 Days
Temple Tour of Southern India: Tamil Nadu & Kerala - 12 Days

Explore the rich culture of the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala on this epic 12-day tour. Start in Chennai, then wander the charming streets of Pondicherry's French Quarter. Hop between ancient temples on the drive south to Tanjore, and savor Madurai's famous street food before strolling through the spice gardens of Periyar. After an overnight houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alappuzha, relax on the beaches of Marari and end your adventure with a traditional dance show in Cochin.

India Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 2 Weeks in India - 2 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in India - 2 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 15 Days in India - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
15 Days in India - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 6 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
6 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for India
Travel specialist Ravi Tickoo
active 4 mins ago

Ravi Tickoo

World traveller, professional mountaineer and passionate adventure entrepreneur, Ravi has over 25 years of experience conducting adventure, experiential and culture tours across the length and...

read more...
Travel specialist Priya Dikshit

Priya Dikshit

Traveling is about making memories. Though traveling around and exploring new places is one of the best things you can do for yourself, it is always important to explore places and meet people who...

read more...
Travel specialist Jay Kajaria
active 7 hours ago

Jay Kajaria

I am an avid traveler, wildlife enthusiast, excellent photographer and have been to more than 30 national parks, 20 nature hotsposts and numerous heritage destinations in India and sub-continent. I...

read more...
Travel specialist Sebastiaan Naus
active 10 mins ago

Sebastiaan Naus

Being born in the lowlands of Holland, my passion for mountains may not seem logical. However, my parents took me to the European Alps before I could barely walk and I can't remember any family...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

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Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for India

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

I already filled this out elsewhere and think...
India | Mar 25 - Apr 9, 2024

D
Dorothy S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024
I already filled this out elsewhere and think it was a wonderful trip and am still high from it. Thank you. I did want to say a few things that I would keep in mind for future trips. The schedule was great, but it would have been good to have a planned down day in the middle of the trip. I realize this was hard with the Jennifers coming and going. The husband of the woman that did the cooking class was also wonderful. He does food tours and other kinds of tours. It would be great to have... Read more

I already filled this out elsewhere and think it was a wonderful trip and am still high from it. Thank you. I did want to say a few things that I would keep in mind for future trips. The schedule was great, but it would have been good to have a planned down day in the middle of the trip. I realize this was hard with the Jennifers coming and going. The husband of the woman that did the cooking class was also wonderful. He does food tours and other kinds of tours. It would be great to have include his work as an option to split up the visits to temples and historic sites. Thanks for all. Best, Dorothy

Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo

Kim Kim made our trip easy to plan, smooth to execute and we were well cared for the entire trip!
India | Mar 25 - Apr 4, 2024

Jennifer
Jennifer H.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2024
Three of us were traveling to India with little time to plan, so we have a few parameters to Kim Kim who connected us with Active India Holidays and our travel planner, Ravi and his team put together an excellent itinerary for a 3-week trip with 3 different people coming and going at various dates and times. The platform is easy to use, we had smooth communication throughout the planning and travel. We were warmly welcomed and cared for the entire trip from Day 1 all the way through... Read more

Three of us were traveling to India with little time to plan, so we have a few parameters to Kim Kim who connected us with Active India Holidays and our travel planner, Ravi and his team put together an excellent itinerary for a 3-week trip with 3 different people coming and going at various dates and times. The platform is easy to use, we had smooth communication throughout the planning and travel. We were warmly welcomed and cared for the entire trip from Day 1 all the way through departure, with guides meeting us at airports for transfers, safe drivers (with clean AC cars) for every destination, and knowledgeable local guides who showed us the local sites and were able to provide top notch information, history and local insight everywhere we went. Our hotels were lovely and exactly as we asked for (mid-range, clean and locally owned). Our favorite places were Amritsar and the Golden Temple, the border ceremony, hiking to local villages in Dharmashala, and the boat ride on the Ganges with the Aarti Ceremony in the evening with excellent viewing seats. Our guides were flexible, patient with all our endless questions and coconut water diversions, and we had an amazing time. I would highly recommend working with Kim Kim and their local in-country companies - you won’t be disappointed! We will definitely use their services again!

Hotel Reviews
Surya Kaiser Palace

We really enjoyed our time at the Palace! It was a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the Ghats. The breakfast buffet was delicious and food was great on the restaurant. We loved the gardens and the pool and appreciated that our balcony opened and we could sit outside. Only complaint was the mosquitos!🦟

Authenticity & Character
Loved the palace grandeur feel and lovely gardens. The pool was a treat and very refreshing in the heat.
Location
Was set back off the road so quiet and the gardens, pool and restaurant were very nice
Staff
We had an amazing housekeeper who made cute towel animals and was super sweet, the restaurant staff were also very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was not super spicy and span when we arrived but after introducing herself our housekeeper paid special attention to keeping our room neat and clean
Chonor House
Dharamsala

Great location near the temple, nice restaurant patio and beautifully decorated rooms. We loved our little balcony and the bathrooms were large. The dogs barking all night were a major distraction and the breakfast buffet was pretty limited. Some of the wait staff were incommunicado but seemed to take the orders, they just didn’t say anything to acknowledge what you said. The entrance is on a steep hill with lots of stairs, so guests should be prepared physically to access the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Very Tibetan in character and lovely welcome tea upon arrival
Location
Very near the temple and easy to walk to town and shops
Staff
Staff did not seem super friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Hotel Ritz Plaza

Hotel was nice with a nice garden outside, decent breakfast buffet. The hallways were a bit dark and the door lock on our room was a bit loose. The rooms could use a bit of updating and the walls were thin so there was a lot of noise from adjoining rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Was a very local place
Location
Was farther from the main attractions than we had hoped
Staff
Reception desk staff were very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean and waters refilled daily
Hotel Udman Ferns N Petals
New Delhi, Delhi

Loved the decor or the hotel, the comfy beds and great breakfast buffet. We enjoyed sitting outside on the patio garden area for breakfast. Staff were friendly, rooms very clean and the hotel was in a nice residential neighborhood close to the metro.

Authenticity & Character
Great breakfast buffet, loved the wall of Buddhas
Location
Nearby a nice park, but not many restaurants nearby and on a busy road.
Staff
Friendly staff in the restaurant
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfy, rooms kept nice and clean and waters refilled
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo

Jam-packed Itinerary: Delhi, Agra, Ahmedabad, and tour of Kerala
India | Mar 18 - Mar 29, 2024

B
Bella P.
Hough, OH | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2024
Our trip to India went very smoothly from the time of inquiry through our return home. Ravi was very responsive to questions and feedback as we finalized the itinerary, and the Active India team was responsive while we were traveling as well. Our drivers were fabulous - kind, considerate, extremely safe. They went above and beyond to make sure our family was comfortable. The guides in each city were knowledgeable and flexible to the interests and needs of my family. Read more

Our trip to India went very smoothly from the time of inquiry through our return home. Ravi was very responsive to questions and feedback as we finalized the itinerary, and the Active India team was responsive while we were traveling as well.

Our drivers were fabulous - kind, considerate, extremely safe. They went above and beyond to make sure our family was comfortable.

The guides in each city were knowledgeable and flexible to the interests and needs of my family.

Hotel Reviews
Greenwoods Resort Thekkady
Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable to some stores in our downtime.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fragrant Nature Munnar
Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful location but not near anything else.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Francis Residence
Location
Difficult to find, driver could not drop us at the door.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
A/C was only in bedrooms so the common space was not comfortable.
The House of MG
Authenticity & Character
Location
Not a great neighborhood to be able to walk and explore
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cockroaches in our room.
Grand Mercure Agra
Agra
Authenticity & Character
Location
Centrally located - we were able to walk to a store for some shopping.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lalit Hotel, New Delhi
Delhi

Our family was amazed by this hotel - the buffet was extensive, the staff was helpful, and the rooms were wonderful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not much in the vicinity to walk to
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Houseboat

The houseboat facilities were not great - no hot water, wet bathroom, a/c only in bedrooms. When the boat wasn't moving, the heat was uncomfortable. Staff was very kind and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Better facilities - bathroom in particular
Activity Reviews
Explore the marvelous  and historic monument : Agra Fort
Explore the marvelous and historic monument : Agra Fort
Agra
Full Day Delhi Sightseeing
Full Day Delhi Sightseeing
Delhi

Chandni Chowk - spice market was a bit overwhelming for our first morning. Restaurant for lunch was just ok.

Experience a different world at Elephant Junction in Thekkady
Experience a different world at Elephant Junction in Thekkady
India
Early morning Jungle Walk in Periyar National Park
Early morning Jungle Walk in Periyar National Park
Periyar
Cochin sightseeing
Cochin sightseeing
India
Spice Plantation Walk in Periyar
Spice Plantation Walk in Periyar
India
Participate in Cooking demonstration activity at a Local Family House
Participate in Cooking demonstration activity at a Local Family House
Cochin

Great experience to cook with Rosy, but it was very hot!

Quality of Experience
Cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey
Cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey
Alappuzha
Boat cruise in the lake and experience the wilderness.
Boat cruise in the lake and experience the wilderness.
Periyar
Half-Day Ahmedabad Tour 
Half-Day Ahmedabad Tour 
Ahmedabad
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was so flexible to meet the needs and interests of our family.
Transport
Taj Mahal at Sunset
Taj Mahal at Sunset
Agra

Perfect timing for our visit - wasn't too crowded and the weather was perfect!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ravi Tickoo