Planning Your First India Route: How Many Cities Is Too Many

Most first time India itineraries start life as a list that is far too long. The country will always be bigger than your available days; the art is choosing a route that matches your energy rather than your fear of missing out.

💡 QUICK INTEL

• Best for: First or second time visitors planning multi stop trips

• Trip lengths: 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and beyond

• Key question: Depth in fewer places or a quick sample of many

• Tip: Use travel time as part of planning, not as an afterthought

How to translate days into realistic stops

A simple rule of thumb is that each significant stop deserves at least two full days, preferably three, once travel time is removed. On a 10 day trip, that often means two main bases and perhaps a day trip. On a two week trip, three or four bases are usually enough. Think in clusters rather than isolated points: for example, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as one region, or Mumbai and Goa as another, instead of trying to jump across the map every two days.

Matching routes to travel styles

Some travelers prefer a classic highlight route, such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi. Others might focus on a single state like Kerala or Rajasthan to reduce long transits. If you know that you like a slower pace, build in extra nights in cities with good walking, food and day trips. If you are energized by movement, keep at least one buffer day in the schedule in case of delays. The goal is to finish the trip with some curiosity left rather than total exhaustion.

Leaving room for change

India often asks you to adjust as you go, whether due to weather, festivals or simple human tiredness. Booking key flights and high demand trains in advance is wise, but leave flexibility in the middle of your route when you can. A city you expected to like may feel overwhelming; a town you added as an afterthought may feel worth an extra day. Treat the itinerary as a draft that responds to the real trip rather than a rigid script.