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 River Rafting & Tubing and Khardung La. Explore Leh's surroundings by going to Likir Gompa (in Likir), Hemis Monastery (in Hemis) and Alchi Monastery (in Alchi). The adventure continues: admire the landmark architecture of Leh Royal Palace, take in the spiritual surroundings of Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, steep yourself in history at Riasi Fort or Zorawar Fort, and stop by De Pashmina Emporium.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Leh day trip site.

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 go by car 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 drive 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 1h 5 min away). There's lots more to do: stop by Shayama Cashmere Store, contemplate the long history of Jaisalmer Fort, don't miss a visit to Bada Bagh, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rishabhadeva Temple.

To see where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Jaisalmer trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from Nubra Valley to Jaisalmer takes 37 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can 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: enjoy the sea views from Dwarka Lighthouse, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Dunny Point, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nageshwar Shiva Temple, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.

To find photos, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Dwarka tour itinerary website.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Jaisalmer to Dwarka in 13.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) so you can 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 Aina Mahal. Next up on the itinerary: explore the ancient world of Chattardi, explore the historical opulence of Pragmahal Palace, make a trip to Rudramata, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Aath Koti Nani Paksh Jain Sthanak.

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

Drive from Dwarka to Bhuj in 6.5 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 Tomb of St. Francis Xavier and Zuari River. There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Michael's Church, take in the dramatic scenery at Dudhsagar Falls, stroll through Arambol Beach, and wander the streets of Old Goa.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Goa road trip site.

You can fly from Bhuj to Goa in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. 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 Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ruined Temple/Church of Dhanushkodi, and then kick back and relax at Dhanushkodi Beach Point. On the 6th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: tour the pleasant surroundings at Water Bird Sanctuary, enjoy the sand and surf at Kunthu kal Beach, Rameswaram, and then examine the collection at Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam House.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Rameswaram online route maker.

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) early enough 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 14 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 train and ferry from Chikmagalur to Havelock Island takes 78 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 Speed Boats Tours and Samudrika Marine Museum. And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Wandoor Beach, don't miss a visit to Murugan Temple, see the interesting displays at Anthropological Museum, and head off the coast to North Bay Island Andaman.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read Port Blair planning site.

You can ride a ferry from Havelock Island to Port Blair in 3.5 hours. December in Port Blair sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 32°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can fly 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 Hot Water Spring. When in Manali, make a side trip to see Naggar Castle in Naggar, approximately Naggar away. And it doesn't end there: hit the slopes at Solang Nullah, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Siyali Mahadev Temple, cruise along Rohtang Pass, and get great views at Gulaba.

For other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read Manali day trip website.

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.