36 days in India Itinerary

The former capital of the Kingdom of Ladakh, Leh possesses a historic old town area marked by stupas, monasteries, and traditional mud-brick houses.

Explore hidden gems such as Shanti Stupa and Likir Gompa. Explore Leh's surroundings by going to Hemis Monastery (in Hemis) and Alchi Monastary (in Alchi). There's lots more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Leh Royal Palace, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chokhang Vihara Temple, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and contemplate the long history of Riasi Fort or Zorawar Fort.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Leh trip builder website.

New Delhi to Leh is an approximately 3- hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, taxi, and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to travel to Nubra Valley.

A trip to Nubra Valley must be planned in advance due to the area's weather extremes, which include freezing winters.

On the 20th (Tue), contemplate the waterfront views at Yarab Tso Lake, appreciate the views at Nubra Valley, and then go for a walk through Hunder Sand Dunes.

For other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Nubra Valley day trip planning website.

You can drive from Leh to Nubra Valley in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to travel to Jaisalmer.

A World Heritage Site, the desert city of Jaisalmer has a number of historical attractions, buildings, and legends worthy of protection.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Jaisalmer War Museum and Desert National Park. Change things up with a short trip to Sam Sand Dunes in Kanoi (about 44 minutes away). There's much more to do: stop by Shree Laxmi Art Home, steep yourself in history at Jaisalmer Fort, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jain Temples, and make a trip to Bada Bagh.

To see photos, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Jaisalmer sightseeing planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Nubra Valley to Jaisalmer. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Dwarka.

Way out west, the small city of Dwarka has a long history of pilgrimage, as a place central to Hindu mythology and belief.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): step off the mainland to explore Beyt Dwarika, then don't miss a visit to Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, and then walk around Gomti Ghat. Keep things going the next day: visit a coastal fixture at Dwarka Lighthouse, then head outdoors with Dunny Point, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Nageshwar Shiva Temple, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

To see maps, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Dwarka route maker.

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Jaisalmer to Dwarka in 12 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi, flight, and train; or do a combination of taxi and train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Bhuj.

Established long ago as an important regional city, Bhuj has had to rebuild on several occasions due to devastating earthquakes destroying its temples, palaces, and residential areas.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at White Desert Of Kutch and Pragmahal Palace. There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, explore the ancient world of Chattardi, don't miss a visit to Bhujia Hill, and examine the collection at Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan Museum.

To find maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Bhuj tour planner.

Traveling by car from Dwarka to Bhuj takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 39°C in November, and nighttime lows around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to travel to Goa.

On India's western coastline, the former Portuguese colony of Goa tells a visibly different story than the rest of India.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Mandrem Beach and Zuari River. There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, explore the ancient world of Fort Aguada, kick back and relax at Arambol Beach, and wander the streets of Old Goa.

To find more things to do, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Goa road trip site.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Bhuj to Goa in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus; or drive. While traveling from Bhuj, expect a bit cooler days and a bit warmer nights in Goa, ranging from highs of 34°C to lows of 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to travel to Rameswaram.

A trip to Rameswaram on Pamban Island will take you across a long limestone shoal bridge with spectacular ocean scenery.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Wed): take in the views from Pamban bridge, then snap pictures at Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Ruined Temple/Church of Dhanushkodi, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Dhanushkodi Beach Point. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Water Bird Sanctuary, stroll through Kunthu kal Beach, Rameswaram, and then see the interesting displays at Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam House.

For other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Rameswaram trip app.

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and train from Goa to Rameswaram takes 12 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, taxi, and flight; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Chikmagalur.

Located at the foot of the highest mountain range in the state, the city of Chikamagalur features a number of natural and man-made attractions of rich variety.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Fri): take in the awesome beauty at Baba Budangiri and then take in the awesome beauty at Mullayanagiri.

For maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Chikmagalur online itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of train, flight, and taxi from Rameswaram to Chikmagalur takes 11 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train, flight, and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can travel to Havelock Island.

Known for its scuba diving spots, picturesque beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, Havelock Island stands out as the largest island in the archipelago, and one of the most tourist-oriented places in the Andaman Islands.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): tour the pleasant surroundings at Kalapathar Beach and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour. On the next day, kick back and relax at Radhanagar Beach and then add some adventure to your tour with Captain Hook’s.

For photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Havelock Island online travel planner.

Traveling by combination of train and ferry from Chikmagalur to Havelock Island takes 76 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, bus, and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Port Blair.

The capital and largest city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair acts as a gateway to the landmasses that lie in the Bay of Bengal.

Explore hidden gems such as Jolly Buoy Island and Chidiya Tapu. And it doesn't end there: step off the mainland to explore North Bay Island Andaman, don't miss a visit to Chatham Saw Mill, examine the collection at Anthropological Museum, and get outside with Outdoor Activities.

To find ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Port Blair online trip planner.

Drive from Havelock Island to Port Blair in 3.5 hours. In December in Port Blair, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 32°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to travel to Gangtok.

Situated in the eastern Himalayan range, state capital Gangtok combines a modern, resort town style with ancient spiritual beliefs and an impressive natural heritage.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Fri): don't miss a visit to Hanuman Tok, then take some stellar pictures from Ganesh Tok View Point, then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Himalayan Zoological Park, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Tashi View Point. On the 15th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Flower Exhibition Centre, then take a stroll through MG Marg, then admire the sheer force of Banjhakri Water Falls, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Ranka Monastery.

For maps, photos, and more tourist information, read Gangtok day trip tool.

Getting from Port Blair to Gangtok by combination of flight and taxi takes about 15 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can travel to Manali.

People visit Manali for a number of reasons, but all of them revolve around the landscape.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Jogini Waterfall and Vashisht Baths. Get out of town with these interesting Manali side-trips: Van Vihar National Park (in Bhopal) and Hot Water Spring (in Kullu). And it doesn't end there: get great views at Gulaba, explore the activities along Bhrigu Lake, take a memorable drive along Rohtang Pass, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Siyali Mahadev Temple.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Manali travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Gangtok to Manali by combination of taxi and flight takes about 8 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.