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 Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib and Hemis Monastery. Explore Leh's surroundings by going to Alchi Monastery (in Alchi) and Likir Gompa (in Likir). There's lots more to do: relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, take a memorable drive along Khardung La, steep yourself in history at Riasi Fort or Zorawar Fort, and don't miss a visit to Temple at Sumda Chun.

To find photos, reviews, 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.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Nubra Valley day trip planning website.

You can drive from Leh to Nubra Valley in 3.5 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 Sam Sand Dunes and Kuldhara Abandoned Village. Spend the 24th (Sat) exploring nature at Desert National Park. The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Jain Temples, steep yourself in history at Jaisalmer Fort, stop by Jaisal Art House, and make a trip to Bada Bagh.

To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Jaisalmer trip itinerary maker.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Nubra Valley to Jaisalmer. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) to allow 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.

For photos, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Dwarka route maker.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Jaisalmer to Dwarka in 13.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a 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 Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj and Chattardi. Next up on the itinerary: admire nature's extreme beauty at White Desert Of Kutch, explore the historical opulence of Pragmahal Palace, make a trip to Rudramata, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Siddha Shree Dhoramnath Monastery.

For maps, photos, and tourist information, read Bhuj vacation maker.

Drive from Dwarka to Bhuj in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Bhuj can reach 39°C, while at night they dip to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) to allow time to fly 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 Dudhsagar Falls and Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Arambol Beach, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Michael's Church, stroll through Vagator Beach, and take a stroll through Old Goa.

To find ratings, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Goa route maker site.

Traveling by flight from Bhuj to Goa takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. When traveling from Bhuj in November, plan for slightly colder days in Goa, with highs around 34°C, while nights are a bit warmer with lows around 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: tour the pleasant surroundings 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.

To find reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Rameswaram trip app.

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Goa to Rameswaram takes 9.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) to allow time to drive 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 other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read Chikmagalur online itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Rameswaram to Chikmagalur takes 11.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, flight, and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. 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.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Havelock Island online travel planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi, 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 ride a ferry 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 North Bay Island Andaman. There's lots more to do: get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour, don't miss a visit to Cellular Jail, step off the mainland to explore Ross Island, and examine the collection at Anthropological Museum.

For ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Port Blair route planner.

You can ride a ferry 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. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight 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.

To find ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Gangtok day trip tool.

Getting from Port Blair to Gangtok by flight takes about 9 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can catch the flight 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 Gulaba. Get out of town with these interesting Manali side-trips: Naggar Castle (in Naggar) and Hot Water Spring (in Kullu). And it doesn't end there: take a memorable drive along Rohtang Pass, take in the spiritual surroundings of Siyali Mahadev Temple, contemplate the waterfront views at Bhrigu Lake, and witness a stunning natural landmark at Vashisht Baths.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Manali travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Gangtok to Manali by flight takes about 7 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. On the 20th (Thu), you're off to home.