How to Plan 14 Days in India as a Couple
Two weeks in India works best with 3-4 destinations max. Start with Delhi, add Rajasthan (Jaipur/Udaipur), then either Goa for beaches or Kerala for backwaters. Book trains in advance, get visas 30 days early, and budget $60-80 per day total.
- Get your visas sorted first. Apply for e-Tourist visas 30 days before travel. Takes 3-5 business days. Costs $25 each. You'll need passport photos and hotel bookings.
- Pick your route and stick to it. Choose either Golden Triangle + Rajasthan (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur) OR Golden Triangle + South India (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur then fly to Kerala/Goa). Don't try to see everything.
- Book trains immediately. Download the IRCTC app and book AC 2-tier sleepers between major cities. Delhi-Jaipur takes 4 hours, Jaipur-Udaipur takes 6 hours. Book 60 days in advance for best seats.
- Choose hotels in safe areas. Stay in Paharganj or Aerocity in Delhi, near City Palace in Jaipur, Lake Pichola area in Udaipur. Book mid-range hotels ($40-60/night) for comfort and safety.
- Plan 3 days maximum per city. Delhi: 3 days (Red Fort, India Gate, markets). Agra: 1 day (just the Taj Mahal). Jaipur: 2 days (City Palace, Amber Fort). Udaipur: 2 days (boat rides, palaces). Keep 2 days flexible.
- Get travel insurance and vaccinations. Buy comprehensive travel insurance. Get hepatitis A/B and typhoid vaccines 4 weeks before travel. Bring hand sanitizer and anti-diarrheal medication.
- Is India safe for couples?
- Yes, if you stay in tourist areas and use common sense. Book reputable hotels, use official taxis/ride-sharing apps, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur are well-set up for tourism.
- Should we book everything in advance?
- Book flights, trains, and first 3 nights of hotels in advance. Leave some flexibility for the rest. Popular trains sell out fast, especially during peak season (Dec-Feb).
- How much cash should we carry?
- Carry $200-300 in small US bills to exchange. ATMs are everywhere in cities but often run out during festivals. Keep cash in multiple places and use hotel safes.
- What about monsoon season?
- Avoid June-September in North India due to heavy rains and humidity. Kerala monsoons are June-September and December-January. October-March is ideal weather nationwide.