The Ultimate Guide for Planning Your First Trip to India

India is big, busy and full of contrasts, which makes it an exciting but sometimes overwhelming destination to plan. From exploring the crowded streets of Old Delhi to watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal in Agra, there’s a lot of history and culture to take in. Food also plays a central role, whether it’s enjoying snacks like samosas or thalis packed with lentils, fresh breads and chutneys. Llama Travel itineraries cover some of the country’s must-see attractions, while offering flexibility to build the holiday you want. You can mix and match extensions, excursions and accommodation to build the holiday you want. Here’s a straightforward guide covering everything you need to know when planning your first trip to India.

1. The Golden Triangle

India has so much to offer, but the main highlights of any trip often centre on the famous Golden Triangle, which includes cities like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, these experiences provide a perfect introduction to India’s culture, history and wildlife.

• a) Discover Old Delhi’s Cultural Charm

Delhi, India’s vibrant capital is a city of contrasts, with historic monuments and busy markets. You can hop on a rickshaw and ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets, packed with colours, spices and street food. It’s a fun and lively way to see the heart of bustling Delhi. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. If you’re visiting in winter, a hot cup of chai served in a traditional clay kullad is a warming local treat.

• b) Admire the Taj Mahal

Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra is best known as the home of the Taj Mahal which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Built in the 17^th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and took over 20 years to complete, with 22,000 artisans and 1,000 elephants working on it. Visit at sunrise, as it glows in the morning light, when it is at its most peaceful, elegant, and unforgettable. Aside from the Taj Mahal, there are two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can visit in Agra. One is the Agra Fort, a well-preserved Mughal palace constructed from red sandstone and white marble. The other, which lies 40km out of town, is Fatehpur Sikri, designed in the 16^th century to be the new capital of the Mughal Empire but later abandoned.

• c) Explore the Palaces of Jaipur, the Pink City

Jaipur, the Pink City, gets its name from the pink-coloured buildings first painted in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales. The tradition continues today, with the entire Old City now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While in Jaipur, visit the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, known for its five-storey façade and 952 intricately designed windows that once allowed royal women to watch the street life below. You can also explore the nearby City Palace, a grand complex of courtyards, gardens and museums, where the Jaipur royal family still resides. Just outside the city, the hilltop Amber Palace is one of the city’s most impressive sights. A short jeep ride takes you to the entrance, where you can walk through the old palace and see the traditional Rajput style architecture that reflects the city’s royal past.

2. Cultural India

India is a land of remarkable cultural variety, where every region tells a different story. From ancient rituals along the River Ganges to majestic forts in Rajasthan and the glowing Golden Temple in Amritsar, exploring India’s culture is one of the most rewarding aspects of any trip.

Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Life here revolves around the River Ganges, where pilgrims gather at sunrise to bathe in its sacred waters. Along the ghats, traditional Hindu cremation ceremonies take place, with the belief that having one’s ashes scattered in the river brings liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Walking along the ghats and witnessing the candle-lit rituals in the evening offers a glimpse into the spiritual heart of India.

Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings”, showcases India’s royal past. Jaipur, the Pink City, is full of palaces, forts and colourful markets. Jodhpur, known as the “Blue City”, is home to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, overlooking a sea of painted houses. Wander through the bustling Sadar Bazaar or visit the sleepy village of Bishnoi to experience rural life. Continue to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes”, where beautiful palaces and havellis sit beside the Lake Pichola. On the way, stop at Ranakpur to see the largest Jain temple complex in India, known for its intricate marble carvings.

In Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine. The highlight is the moving Palki ceremony, when the holy book is carried to its sanctum by crowds of worshippers. You can also see the vast community kitchen, where over 75,000 free meals are prepared daily by volunteers.

3. Train rides for an authentic experience

Train journeys are one of the best ways to experience India. They’re not only practical but also offer a glimpse into local life as you travel across the country.  All Llama Travel India itineraries include a train journey to Ranthambore, then perhaps, take the historic narrow-gauge Toy Train to Shimla, built to transport the British rulers of India to the summer capital, when the heat and rains of the plains got too much. This UNESCO World Heritage railway climbs over 1,500 metres through mountains, crossing more than 800 bridges and passing through 100 tunnels on its 60-mile route. The carriages are simple, but the scenery is unforgettable.

4. Spot Tigers on a Game Drive in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in India to spot wildlife, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the park became a protected reserve in 1980 and now covers 400 square kilometres of forest, lakes and rocky hills between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges. On a game drive through the park, you might spot leopards, crocodiles, deer and over 300 species of birds. But the real highlight is the chance to spot a tiger in the wild, an unforgettable experience for any wildlife lover.

5. Relax on the sandy beaches of South Goa

After exploring the Taj Mahal in Agra, the busy streets of Old Delhi and spotting Royal Bengal tigers in Ranthambore, you can end your trip with time to relax on the sandy beaches of South Goa. The golden beaches on India’s west coast are the perfect contrast to the cultural highlights of the north. Goa, once ruled by the Portuguese for over 400 years, still reflects this heritage in its food, streets and culture. Llama Travel offers stays in beach resorts on Varca Beach, where you can unwind by the pool, wander along the shoreline, or watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea. For those wishing to explore, there is plenty to do. Dolphin-watching trips set out in the early morning, while kayaks and snorkels can be rented nearby for gentle coastal adventures. You can also join a Goan cooking class and learn to prepare traditional dishes using local spices and coconut, or take part in a relaxed yoga session under the trees.

6. What to Pack

We recommend taking clothing suitable for hot weather, although modest clothing is appropriate in many parts of the country, including covering shoulders and knees. Something to cover shoulders, such as a pashmina can be useful, allowing you to make an outfit more modest when required, and can be used as a headscarf when visiting a religious site where this is a requirement. If you are visiting in December – February, it is worth bearing in mind that temperatures can be cool, especially at night, and taking appropriate clothing. If you are visiting Shimla, particularly in January, we recommend taking clothing suitable for cold weather and even snow. Insect repellent is advisable, especially when visiting Ranthambore. Electricity in India is 230V. Most sockets are D-type (3 round pins).

7. Enjoy the Flavours of Indian Cuisine

Food is a big part of the Indian experience, and each region has its own local favourites. In the north, a popular snack is the crispy samosa, while a typical meal often includes a bowl of lentil dal served with fresh breads like naan or roti. A traditional North Indian thali is a great way to try a bit of everything it usually includes lentils, vegetable curries, rice, pickles, chutneys, and something sweet to finish, all served on a round metal tray. It’s filling, full of variety and flavour, and widely available in the northern parts of the country. In winter, don’t miss a hot cup of chai (tea), especially in Delhi, where it’s served in clay cups and spiced with cardamom or ginger, perfect for cooler mornings.

8. Currency and tipping Culture

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee. Debit and Credit cards are widely accepted across tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. Tipping is common for guides, drivers and hotel staff. In restaurants, a tip of around ten percent is appreciated, although service charge is sometimes included. If you want to tip guides or drivers, £2 – 3 per person per day is usual if you are in a group.

9. Getting Around India

Transport within cities includes taxis and rickshaws. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are also widely used and can be a convenient way to get around in most urban areas. For journeys of four to five hours between cities, private vehicles and trains are common. For longer distances, there is good domestic flight connectivity. Roads can be busy and driving standards differ from Europe and the US, so it is advisable to rely on arranged transport with a driver.

10. Best time to visit India

The most comfortable months to visit India are from October to March, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. In the northern parts of the country, daytime temperatures during this period are around 15 to 25°C, while average night time temperatures are around 10°C.  In December and January, night time temperatures can drop down to 5°C in cities like Delhi and Shimla. This is also a festive time, with Diwali usually taking place in late October or November.