The ULTIMATE 4-Week India Itinerary (North & South India)
If you are looking for an epic 4-week India Itinerary you have come to the right place!
India is an extremely large and diverse country and the Northern and Southern parts of the country often feel like two different worlds.
The North is often described as chaotic and intense but associated with a rich history and some of the most magnificent architecture you will ever see. The South is often described as a serene escape associated with stunning beaches, palm tree-studded shores and a chance to connect with nature.
In the North, you can explore the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi and see the colourful celebrations of Rajasthan. In the South, you can explore the sunny beaches of Goa and unwind in the backwaters of Kerala.
No matter where you go in India, you will experience warm hospitality and a strong sense of tradition. The diversity of languages, religions, and customs in the country shows how incredible it is. From the busy markets to the remote villages, every moment in India is a chance to explore and be inspired.
Whether you plan on travelling from North to South India, or from South to North India, this itinerary has you covered!
So, what’s included in this 4-week India itinerary?
Read on below to find out!
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About this India Itinerary
I’m sure it will be no shock when I say that India is a huge country so I’m sure there are 10,000 different North and South India itineraries you can choose from, however, this specific itinerary follows almost the exact route I took during my trip to India which includes seeing all of the best parts of North and South India that every first timer in the country should see!
I have incorporated some small elements of slow travel here, allowing you to rest and recuperate in nature-filled places such as Rishikesh, and the beach areas of South Goa and Varkala in Kerala.
If there was one thing I learnt during my time in India is that it is full-on, and you can experience travel burnout quite quickly, so taking some time to chill out is VERY important.
Weeks 1 & 2 – North India
- Day 1: Arrival in India
- Days 2-3: Varanasi
- Day 4: Agra
- Days 5-8: Rishikesh
- Days 9-10: Jaipur
- Days 11-12: Pushkar
- Days 13-14: Udaipur
Weeks 3 & 4 – South India
- Days 15-19: South Goa
- Days 20-21: Fort Kochi
- Days 22-23: Munnar
- Day 24: Alleppey
- Days 25-27: Varkala
- Day 28: Hometime
Please note that this India Itinerary is a rough guide, and you may need to flex slightly depending on flight/train/bus departure and arrival times. I would give yourself one complete month in India (30-31 days) to allow some room for flexibility.
When Is The Best Time To Visit India For This Itinerary
The best time to visit India is between the months of November and April when the country experiences mostly a warm and dry climate.
If you plan on visiting India between the months of November and February then doing this itinerary from North to South will work out perfectly weather-wise and it will mean that you get the spend the latter half of your trip relaxing at the beach.
However, if you do plan on visiting between February and April then I recommend doing this one-month India itinerary in reverse (going from South to North). This is because the South starts to get extremely humid from mid-March onwards.
I learnt this the hard way as I did little to no research on the weather before booking my trip to India. I was in Kerala in late March and spent 99.9% of my time there covered in sweat and struggling to breathe in the suffocating heat (see below for just how frizzy my hair got in the humidity).
Day 1 – Arrival In India
You will begin this 4-week India Itinerary in the ancient city of Varanasi. Varanasi is easily accessible by plane, train, or bus.
Varanasi’s busy airport offers domestic and international connections, however, if you are flying from Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, you’ll likely transit through Delhi. From Delhi, you can catch a 90-minute connecting flight to Varanasi.
Alternatively, you can opt for an 8-hour train journey or a 13-hour overnight bus for a more budget-friendly option. For long-distance travellers, I recommend taking the connecting flights option as it is the quickest way and still fairly cheap.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
✈️Prices from ₹5400/$65 – Book through Skyscanner
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Days 2 & 3 – Varanasi
Varanasi is an ancient and sacred city, deeply rooted in Hindu pilgrimage. Open-air cremations are a 24/7 occurrence here, contributing to the intense atmosphere that permeates the city.
It is a must-see destination for anyone exploring North India, and in my opinion, it was the highlight of my trip. I highly recommend visiting Varanasi for anyone exploring the region.
Where To Stay In Varanasi
To be closer to all of the best things to do in Varanasi, I recommend staying in the Assi Ghat area.
Some of the top places I recommend are:
Things To Do In Varanasi
- Sunrise and Sunset Boat Tour along the Ganges
- Watch the Open-Air Cremations at Manikarnika Ghat and Maharaja Harishchandra Ghat
- Explore the 88 Ghats along the Ganges
- Sunrise Arti at Assi Ghat
- Sunset Arti Dashashwamedh and Maharaja Harishchandra Ghats
- Visit the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Explore the Back Streets
??2-Days In Varanasi??
Read my comprehensive 2-day Varanasi itinerary here.
Days 4 – Agra
No trip to North India would be complete without a visit to Agra to witness the iconic Taj Mahal. Personally, Agra didn’t captivate me, so I suggest spending only 1 day here to experience one of the world’s 7 wonders.
How To Get From Varanasi To Agra
The best way to get from Varanasi to Agra is either by overnight train or bus. The train takes approximately 8-9 hours and the bus takes roughly 11-12 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹800/$10- Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Agra
The Tajganj is the best part of Agra to stay. This area is very close to the Taj Mahal, which is ideal if you plan on visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Some of the top places I recommend are:
Things To Do In Agra
- Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise (Book tickets online here)
- Visit I’timād-ud-Dallah (Baby Taj)
- Visit Sheroes Hangout Café (Support acid attack survivors by visiting this cafe)
- Explore the Agra Fort
- Watch the Sunset over the Taj Mahal at Mehtab Bagh
Days 5 to 8 – Rishikesh
Rishikesh, known as the birthplace of yoga, will be a key stop during your one month in India, providing a chance to unwind and rejuvenate during a 3-day stay. The destination also offers the opportunity to explore the spiritual aspects of India.
How To Get From Agra to Rishikesh
The best way to get from Agra to Rishikesh is by overnight bus. The bus takes roughly 8-10 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
Where To Stay In Rishikesh
Rishikesh is split into 3 main areas Lower Tapovan, Upper Tapovan and Lakshman Jhula. All 3 areas are good options to choose from. However, if you prefer to be more located closer to the central area of Rishikesh then Lower and Upper Tapovan will be the best options for you.
Some of the hostels and hotels I recommend are:
Things To Do In Rishikesh
- Practice Yoga and Meditation
- Visit Kunjapuri Temple for Sunrise
- Watch Ganga Arti at Parmarth Niketan between 6 and 7 pm daily
- Visit The Beatles Ashram
- Explore Lakshman Jhula (the town on the opposite side of the river)
- Go For a Dip in the Ganges
- Visit Vashistha Meditation Cave
- Explore some of the incredible restaurants in Rishikesh
??Best Restaurants and Cafes In Rishikesh??
Read my comprehensive guide to the best foodie spots in Rishikesh here.
Days 9 & 10 – Jaipur
Jaipur, located in Rajasthan, is widely known as one of the most iconic cities in the region. It is a key stop on the well-known Golden Triangle route, which includes Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The city is recognized as “The Pink City” due to its numerous buildings and structures made of pink terracotta, giving it a unique look.
How To Get From Rishikesh To Jaipur
The best way to get from Rishikesh to Jaipur is via overnight bus. The bus takes approximately 10-11 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹650/$8 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
Where To Stay In Jaipur
The C Scheme Area is one of the best areas to stay in while you are in Jaipur. It’s home to some of the best and most modern hostels and hotels in the city.
Other places to consider in the C Scheme Area include:
Other parts of the city that you can consider staying in are The Old City and Raja Park areas.
Things To Do In Jaipur
- Explore the Amber Fort
- Visit the Panna Meena ka Kund Step Well
- Admire Hawa Mahal (best viewed from the Tattoo Cafe)
- Visit the Nahargarh Fort at sunset
- Visit Jaipur City Palace
- Explore Ranthambore National Park for the chance to see tigers in the wild
Ranthambore National Park Tiger Safari
Price: $80
Rating: 4.2/5
Duration: 12 hours
Includes: Roundtrip transport, National Park fees
Days 11 & 12 – Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in India. Many Hindus consider Pushkar a place of pilgrimage because of its connection to Lord Brahma, who is said to be the creator of the universe as well as Pushkar Lake which is the town’s spiritual centre.
How To Get From Jaipur To Pushkar
The journey from Jaipur to Pushkar is one of the shortest journeys on this one-month India Itinerary
You can either take a bus directly to Pushkar, which will take around 4-6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a 2.5-hour train from Jaipur to Ajmer, then catch a bus or Tuk Tuk to Pushkar, which takes about 40 minutes.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹200/$3 Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹500/$6 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Pushkar
When booking accommodation in Pushkar, I recommend staying as close to the lake as possible.
Some of the best hotels and hostels in Pushkar include:
The best hotels and hostels in Pushkar include:
Things To Do In Pushkar
- Walk around Pushkar Lake
- Visit the Lord Brahma Temple
- Do some souvenir shopping
- Watch at Arti Ceremony by the lake
- Visit Savitri Mata Temple for Sunset
??2-day Pushkar Itinerary??
Read my comprehensive guide to Pushkar here.
Days 13 & 14 – Udaipur
Udaipur, often called “the city of lakes,” is nestled among the stunning Aravalli mountains and definitely earns its reputation as one of the most romantic cities in India. It was my favourite destination in Rajasthan, making it an essential stop on this itinerary.
How To Get From Pushkar To Udaipur
You can travel to Udaipur from Pushkar either by train or by bus. To do so you will need to first travel from Pushkar to the town of Ajmer which will take you around 40 minutes by Tuk Tuk or public bus.
From Ajmer, you can either take the train which will take 4.5-5.5 hours or the bus which will take 8 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹200/$3 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹200/$4 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Udaipur
During your time in Udaipur, I really recommend staying in the Lal Ghat area.
Some of the best hotels and hostels in Udaipur include:
Things To Do In Udaipur
- Explore the City Palace
- Visit The Jagdish Temple
- People watch at Gangaur Ghat
- Wander the streets of the old town.
- Watch the Dharohar Folk Dance Show (held at Bagore Ki Haveli daily from 7 pm)
- Book on a Sunrise Tour of the Bahubali Hills and Udaipur lakes.
- Visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort (one of the longest walls in the world, known as the “Great Wall of India).
?? 2-Week North Itinerary??
Read my comprehensive North Itinerary here.
Days 15-19 – South Goa
South Goa is known for its serene beaches, lush greenery, and laid-back vibe. Unlike North Goa, it offers tranquil beach spots like Palolem and Patnem and it is the best part of Goa to be in for those who want to relax.
If you would prefer to get involved with the thriving music and party scene in Goa then I recommend staying in North Goa.
How To Get From Udaipur To South Goa
There are 3 ways to get from Udaipur to South Goa, but be warned, this is one of the longest travel days you will have on this 4-week India itinerary.
The first is via an internal flight, flying from Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport to Goa Dabolim Airport. Almost all flights are indirect so will require a layover in either Delhi, Mumbai or Hyderabad airports. This will take approximately 4-6 hours depending on layover times.
The second and third options involve travel by train or bus. You will first have to travel to Mumbai which will take approximately 14-18 hours. From Mumbai, you will then have to catch a second train or bus to Goa which will take another 10-17 hours.
Whether you have taken the train, or bus or opted for a flight, once you reach central Goa you will then have to catch a public bus or a taxi to South Goa.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
✈️Prices from ₹6000/$70 – Book through Skyscanner
?Prices from ₹6000/$70 – Book through 12go Asia or RedBus
?Prices from ₹6000/$70 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In South Goa
During your time in South Goa, I recommend staying in the Palolem or Patnem areas.
Some of the top hotels include:
Things To Do In South Goa
- Visit the beautiful beaches (the best beaches include Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Cola Beach, Butterfly Beach, and Cabo de Rama Beach)
- Practice Yoga and other spiritual mediums
- Indulge in some clothes shopping
- Go on a Day trip to Gokarna
Days 20-21 – Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi, a historically important town in Kerala, India, is known for its stunning Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture. The town also has a lively art scene with a mix of traditional and contemporary art.
How To Get From South Goa To Fort Kochi
There are two ways to get from South Goa To Fort Kochi. The first is via an internal flight, flying from Goa Dabolim Airport airport to Kerala Cochin International Airport. Flights are under 90 minutes and still fairly cost-effective
The second option is to travel by train from Goa’s Madgaon Station to Ernakulam station located just outside of Fort Kochi. The train takes approximately 13 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
✈️Prices from ₹3300/$40 – Book through Skyscanner
?Prices from ₹800/$10 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Fort Kochi
There are lots of beautiful hotels and cheap hostels in Fort Kochi. My favourite hotels in Fort Kochi include:
Things To Do In Fort Kochi
- Experience a traditional Kathakali performance at the Kathakali Centre.
- Visit the Chinese Fishing Nets
- Admire the Santa Cruz Basilica – one of India’s oldest churches
- Visit the Paradesi Synagogue
- Enjoy breakfast at one of the many Art Cafes located in Fort Kochi
Days 22 & 23 – Munnar
Munnar is a picturesque hill station known for its lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and breathtaking natural scenery. The town’s cool climate makes it a popular destination for nature lovers. Here you can explore the vast tea estates, trek through the rolling hills and get the chance to see wild elephants.
How To Get From Fort Kochi To Munnar
To get from Fort Kochi to Munnar you will need to either hire a private taxi or catch the bus. If you hire a driver you can expect the journey to Munnar to take around 3 hours.
To catch the bus you will need to travel from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam bus station. Buses to Munnar depart about every hour or two, depending on the season. This journey will take around 4-5 hours depending on the weather conditions (the road to Munnar can be a little Sketchy at times).
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from₹3000/$35
?Prices from ₹100/$1.20 – Book through KeralaRTC
Where To Stay In Munnar
There are many places to stay in and around Munnar. You can either opt for the town centre or choose to head slightly further out to be closer to nature.
Some of the best hotels include:
Things To Do In Munnar
- Visit a Munnar Tea Plantation & Tea Factory
- Enjoy some Hiking in Munnar (some of the best hikes include the Chokramudi Peak and the Meesapulimala Trek)
- Visit a Spice Farm
- Visit some of the best waterfalls in Munnar (Lakkam Waterfalls, Attukal Waterfalls, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Kuthumkal Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls & Valara Waterfalls)
Days 24 & 25 – Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is famous for its peaceful backwaters, houseboat cruises, and lush green landscapes. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as experience traditional village life.
How To Get From Munnar To Alleppey
To get from Munnar To Alleppey you will need to either hire a private taxi or catch the bus. If you hire a driver you can expect the journey to Alleppey to take around 3 hours.
There are only 2 direct buses a day from Munnar to Alleppey and the journey takes around 6 hours. An Alternative route would be to catch the bus down to Kochi and from there catch the train to Alleppey from Ernakulam station.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹3000/$35
?Prices from ₹250/$3 – Book through KeralaRTC
Where To Stay In Alleppey
Alleppey is full of small boutique guesthouses and homestays at great prices.
Some of the best places to stay in Alleppey include:
Things To Do In Alleppey
- Backwaters Cruise**
- Alappuzha Lighthouse
- Alappuzha and Marari beaches
You should be able to book a backwaters cruise through your accommodation, however, if you would prefer to book ahead, I have listed some of the best tours below.
Backwaters Guided Kayak Tour
Sunrise Backwaters Tour
Small Boat Backwaters Cruise
Days 26 & 27 Varkala
Varkala is Kerala’s most popular coastal town on the Arabian Sea’s shores. Varkala is split into 2 sides, North Varkala and South Varkala. The Northside tends to be more touristy, while the South offers a more cultural “village” style experience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy yoga, surfing, delicious food and lots of relaxation.
How To Get From Alleppey To Varkala
The journey from Alleppey To Varkala is extremely straightforward. You can jump on a direct train from Alappuzha station to Varkala station. The journey is approximately 2 hours.
⬇️Book Your Transport⬇️
?Prices from ₹100/$1.20 – Book through IRCTC website or 12go Asia
Where To Stay In Varkala
There are lots of nice hotels in Varkala that are all very reasonably priced some of my favourite hotels in Varkala include:
Things To Do In Varkala
- Enjoy The beaches in Varkala (the best beaches in Varkala include Varkala Beach (North & South Cliff), Odayam Beach, Edava Beach and Kappil Beach)
- Learn how to Surf
- Practice Yoga
- Purchase some tailor-made clothes (I recommend ACTO Tex & Tailoring shop in North Cliff)
- Book on to a South Indian Cooking Class
??1-Week Kerala Itinerary??
Read my comprehensive Itinerary here.
Day 28 – Hometime
To depart India from Varkala you can choose 1 of 2 options.
Option 1
You can fly out of Cochin International Airport. To do so you will need to catch a train from Varkala to Ernakulam Junction Station which takes approximately 5 hours.
To get to the airport from the station, you will need to catch a taxi/Uber. This journey is about 30 minutes and should cost you $15-$20.
Option 2
You can fly out of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is much closer to Varkala. From Varkala, you can order a taxi to the airport which will take 45 minutes and cost approximately $30.
Alternatively, you can catch a train to Thiruvananthapuram Central Station from Varkala and take a 10-minute taxi or public bus from the station to the airport.
The train journey from Varkala to Thiruvananthapuram Central takes just over an hour.
Train Travel Versus Overnight Bus Travel
Train travel is one of the main experiences that every traveller visiting India should try. With that being said, I did find that bus travel was far easier and I used strictly overnight buses during my first 2 weeks in North India.
I found that the booking process for trains was quite complex when booking through the official train website ( IRCTC) because I didn’t have an Indian mobile number. When booking trains (during my time in South India) I would either have to get my accommodation to help me book a train, or I would book through 12go Asia which meant I was paying more than I really needed to.
If you would prefer to travel by train then I would make sure to get an Indian SIM card when you arrive at the airport so that your booking process goes smoothly when booking through the IRCTC website. Alternatively, I would use the 12go Asia if you are happy to pay a little more for the convenience of it.
Please note that if you do take the train you will need to book these more in advance than the overnight buses as tickets sell out quickly. If you are more of a last-minute or spontaneous traveller then the bus is probably the best option for you.
Also, when catching overnight buses in India (especially for solo female travellers) the bus ‘stops’ and ‘stations’ were often random spots on the side of the road rather than official stations. When getting transport to these spots I would highly recommend asking your driver to wait with you until your bus arrives.
Want more information?
Please note I have elaborated on all of the points above In other guides on my blog, so if you’re looking for more information on the things to do in each location then please check out the blogs below:
- An EPIC 2-Week North India Itinerary For First Timers
- 1-Week Rajasthan Itinerary For First Timers
- The ULTIMATE Varanasi 2-Day Itinerary
- The ULTIMATE 2-Day Pushkar Itinerary
- The ULTIMATE 1-Week Kerala Itinerary For First Timers
- 14 Drool-Worthy Restaurants & Cafes In Rishikesh
You Might Also Enjoy…
- Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?
- Is Pushkar Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
- Is Varanasi Worth Visiting?
- Is Varanasi Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
- Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers?
Happy Exploring
I hope this post has helped you plan an awesome one-month trip to India itinerary. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
