A country so vast it changes completely every few hundred kilometers.
India's Golden Triangle covers a lot of ground in a short loop, and a further trip south or east shows how much the country changes region to region.
Butter chicken
Tandoori chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato sauce, a north Indian classic.
Dosa
A thin, crispy fermented rice-and-lentil crepe, popular across South India.
Biryani
Fragrant spiced rice layered with meat or vegetables, cooked slowly in a sealed pot.
Chai
Strong black tea brewed with milk and warming spices, sold on nearly every street corner.
Taj Mahal, Agra
A white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, its perfectly symmetrical form shifting in color from pink at dawn to golden at sunset. Intricate inlaid semi-precious stones cover nearly every surface, a technique called pietra dura. It remains one of the most recognized buildings in the world and is best visited at sunrise to avoid both heat and crowds.
Amber Fort, Jaipur
A hilltop fort overlooking Maota Lake, its Sheesh Mahal mirror palace designed so a single candle could illuminate the entire room through thousands of reflective glass fragments. Elephant or jeep rides once carried visitors up the fort's ramp, though jeep transport is now more common. It forms the centerpiece of Jaipur's Pink City circuit.
Varanasi's ghats
Riverside stone steps along the Ganges where cremation rites, morning bathing, and evening prayer ceremonies happen side by side, offering an unfiltered view into one of Hinduism's holiest cities. A dawn boat ride along the river reveals the ghats waking up, while the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony fills the main ghat with fire, chanting, and music. It's considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Kerala backwaters
A slow houseboat trip through palm-lined canals, lagoons, and lakes in South India, offering a markedly different pace and landscape from the north. Traditional kettuvallam houseboats, once used to transport rice, now serve as floating accommodations with onboard meals. Village life along the banks continues much as it has for generations, visible from the water.
Jaisalmer Fort
A living fort in the Thar Desert, still home to around a quarter of the old city's population within its sandstone walls, unusual among India's major forts. Its honey-colored stone glows especially warm at sunset, giving Jaisalmer its nickname, the Golden City. Camel safaris into the surrounding dunes are a common addition for visitors.
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
A five-story palace facade of pink sandstone, its 953 small windows designed to let royal women observe street life below without being seen themselves, in keeping with purdah customs of the time. Built in 1799, it remains one of Jaipur's most photographed buildings despite having little depth behind its ornate front. Morning light gives the sandstone its most vivid color.
12 days covers Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, and the Kerala backwaters — a genuinely broad north-to-south route. 7–8 works for just the Golden Triangle (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur); 15+ lets you slow down considerably given India's size.
1. Days 1–3
Delhi
Old and New Delhi, from Humayun's Tomb to Chandni Chowk's food lanes.
2. Days 4–5
Agra
The Taj Mahal at sunrise and Agra Fort.
~3h by train from Delhi
3. Days 6–7
Jaipur
Amber Fort, the City Palace, and the Pink City's bazaars.
~5h drive from Agra
4. Days 8–9
Varanasi
Dawn boat ride along the ghats and an evening aarti ceremony.
~1h flight from Jaipur via Delhi
5. Days 10–12
Kerala backwaters
A houseboat stay near Alleppey to close the trip at a slower pace.
~2.5h flight from Varanasi
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, an e-visa is required for most nationalities — apply online in advance at the official indianvisaonline.gov.in and avoid third-party sites that charge a markup.
Which airport should I fly into?
Delhi (DEL) for this route; Kochi (COK) if you'd rather start or end directly in Kerala.
Is tap water safe to drink in India?
No — stick to bottled or filtered water throughout, including for brushing teeth.
Is India safe for solo travelers?
Millions travel safely every year, but take standard precautions: use registered taxis or ride apps, dress modestly at religious sites, and stay alert in crowded areas, especially as a solo woman traveler.