Our top India itineraries for first-time visitors

Here we present you with the finest of the itineraries for the beginners

India, a captivating tourism destination, unfolds like a mesmerizing tapestry of diverse landscapes, ancient cultures, and unparalleled diversity. From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the south, the terrain shifts like chapters in an epic novel. Here, ancient traditions echo in every corner, where over a thousand languages weave stories of history and heritage. But perhaps, the most enticing aspect is the culinary odyssey – a kaleidoscope of Flavors that range from the fiery curries of the North to the subtle aromas of Southern spices. India beckons, not just as a destination, but as an immersive experience where each moment is a vibrant brushstroke on the canvas of cultural richness.
How can you even start to arrange your first vacation to India when a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore all of its treasures? The best way to fully see this enormous country, which happens to be one of the largest on Earth, is to visit each province separately as each one offers a very unique experience. We have something for everyone when it comes to the finest of itineraries designed especially for first-time tourists to India, so let’s start.

Best for: Architectural wonders, Diversity of North Indian Culture, Exquisite North Food, Massive Royal Indian Castles and much more.

For beginners, a classic Golden Triangle itinerary is a sure thing. Ruhm provides customised options for the smaller and the larger groups. A curated experience that seamlessly blends the cultural splendour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur with the regal allure of Rajasthan. Explore the iconic Taj Mahal, witness the grandeur of historical forts and palaces, and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of India’s heartland. Visit Delhi, India’s bustling capital, to experience a whirlwind of contemporary Indian life set against a backdrop of colonial and Mughal history. The bazaars in the historic part of the city are a never-ending labyrinth of fabrics, spices, and street food. To ease yourself into the pandemonium if you’re feeling overwhelmed, enjoy the calmer enchantment of Delhi at dawn or go on a rickshaw tour.

Jaipur streets

Then discover Jaipur’s streets with their amazing street food. Witness the charisma of this Rajput-era city with a visit to the beautiful temples, spectacular Rajasthani cuisine food court and the havelis & Royal forts, where family-run havelis like Dera Mandawa can be reached through hidden passageways, for many, as they consider Agra, the location of India’s renowned Taj Mahal, to be the pinnacle of the Golden Triangle. Take a bike ride across the countryside and stay at Oberoi Amarvilas, the closest hotel to this UNESCO marvel, for spectacular views of Shah Jehan’s monument to love. Dive into a storytelling tour with a native escort to uncover more about Agra, which was for 300 years once the capital of the Central Asian Empire.

Taj Prakash Palace

As we stretch your Golden Triangle journey, via the enchanted deserts of Rajasthan we make our passage to Jodhpur. Jodhpur, a vibrant blue wonder, happens to be a photographer’s paradise and a hub of the arts where one can explore the breathtaking Mehrangarh Fort lakes and its battlements. Moreover, meet tie-dye masters along the way. Heading to the city known for its romantic vibe, Udaipur is the place to go for mind-blowing Royal palaces and sparkling lakes. Enjoy your Stay in Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, a royal residence, and get up early to cycle around the city and gaze at locals going about their everyday lives.

Best for: Wildlife Lovers

Explore our national parks if you are a true Wildlife enthusiast as our recommended wildlife sanctuaries are a true treat for you, offering the best opportunity to go on safari and see Royal Bengal tigers roaring, bears climbing, beautiful deer chasing one another, whole Elephant family marching as they rumbling across the forest and other variety of exotic creatures which will surprise you in every way. Begin your tour with Ranthambore National Park, which is rumoured to have served as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s well-known story of Mowgli and his animal friends. In this immaculate park, stay in a luxurious jungle camp or tree house. During your days, go on jeep safaris through a region of tall teak trees and lush plains, looking for rare black panthers, sloth bears, and Bengal tigers—the living embodiments of Shere Khan, Baloo, and Bagheera.

Jim Corbett Park

Proceed to Jim Corbett national park located in the Aravali Mountain range. During an eco-walk with a ranger, you can witness a variety of colourful birds, swamp deer, leopards, and about 100 endangered Bengal tigers in one of India’s oldest reserves. Singinawa and other African-style safari lodges make the perfect starting points for exploration. Moreover, other smaller, equally stunning parks of Sariska, Bandhavgarh and Panna provide chances to see tigers. Their meadows, rocky outcrops, and forests—once royal hunting grounds—now serve as nature sanctuaries for Indian species. Highlights include excursions of Bandhavgarh’s tribal villages and sunrise boat rides on Panna’s Ken River.

Ken River
Best for: Hikers, Adventure and Spiritual seekers, Nature lovers

Travel to the Indian Himalayas and discover a region of icy peaks and Tibetan monasteries. Trekkers and religious pilgrims alike are drawn to the high-altitude region, which is home to the Dalai Lama and features huge Tibetan momos for dinner and prayer flags that flap in the breeze. In the meantime, hill stations reached by steaming trains and plantations with generations-old green tea trees can be seen cut into the lower foothills.

Enter into the western Himalayas initiate from Amritsar, the brave Sikh warrior’s capital of India, known for its illustrious brutal and glorious past and the famous Golden Temple, which you may learn about on a tour guided by locals. As the path heads north to Dharamshala, the seat of the exiled Tibetan Dalai lama. There, you will spend your days wandering through Himalayan villages, learning related to the Buddhist customs, and touring the Tsuglagkhang temple complex happens to be home to the various of the Buddhist monasteries. Along with the well-known Masroor rock temples, there are more monasteries to be found in Palampur and Pragpur. Shimla, used to be the 19th-century British Empire capital, will be the final destination before New Delhi. Here in Shimla, you have the chance to unwind in a fantasy cottage at Jungle Lodge and stroll pine-scented trails.

Mighty Himalayas-1

A UNESCO-listed steam train and tea plantations are the main draws of Darjeeling, which is located in the eastern Himalayan foothills. Discover the history of Darjeeling on a cultural trip and learn how India’s national beverage is made while lodging at Glenburn Tea Estate. Enjoy beautiful landscape while hiking higher to the hill towns of Pelling and Gangtok, where people will welcome you in for lunch, gold-topped stupas will stand against snow-covered peaks, and monks will chant in monasteries. You can stay at a Himalayan spa resort at the old trading post of Kalimpong, which is widely-famous for its Bhutanese monastery Thongsa Gompa, before concluding your Voyage in the city of joy Kolkata.

Best for: Recreation & Sand

If its leisure is you seek, a visit of Kerala, in southern India, will let you explore the state’s tranquil backwaters, sip tea in hill towns, and enjoy golden sand beaches. You can travel individually or while making new friends on a small group excursion. Kochi, called as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” due to its flourishing spice trade, is a fantastic place to start. Indulge yourself in the cooking workshops and enjoy evening Kathakali dance performances. Get familiarity with cosmopolitan history of Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese traditions exploring with the native tour guide.

Move further north to Munnar, considered as the state’s highest very own tea valley, discover with Tuk Tuk the breathtaking tea estates and stay at Our Windermere Estate where you will have the sense of thrill by truly staying in a working farm. Windermere Estate is the renowned tea gardens located on a 60-acre thriving cardamom plantation, in 90’s a British empire property. lies on a small knoll offers to the guests a 360-degree view of the alpine grasslands studded with settlements, manicured gardens, and the forest.

Coastal South Indian charm

As we head further, we reach Thekaddy, wandering through the farms of spices we travel to Alleppey, the inception to Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, Discover the maze-like waterways in traditional houseboats known as kettuvallams, which earlier used to carry passengers and the bunch of productions. In the Kumarakom village, Philipkutty’s Farm expect Southern India’s styled hospitality as well as an opportunity to witness the amazing lush greenery. Lastly, Marari Beach Resort and the nearly empty beaches of Mararikulam are home to that paradisiacal stretch of sand, where your only task is to swing in a hammock beneath the palm trees. An extension to the hippy utopia of Goa, which is adored for its bohemian feel and white-sand beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea, is a must if you’re seeking extra sun-drenched chill time. Immerse in the uniqueness of this location as it says a lot of its own glamour with stunning beaches and amazing trance parties.

South Indian charm
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