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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.