Leading Indian Cities Ideal for Newcomer Tourists

Top Regions to Explore for a First-Time Visit to India

India, a vibrant and culturally rich country, offers a myriad of destinations for the discerning traveller. For those planning their first trip, travel experts recommend focusing on the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and Rajasthan, combined with selective destinations such as Varanasi and Kerala. These regions are best visited during the cooler months from October to March, providing a comfortable and fulfilling travel experience.

The Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

This classic itinerary offers famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort, providing a good introduction to India’s culture, history, and architecture. The Golden Triangle is particularly attractive during the cooler months, as the pleasant weather allows for a more enjoyable exploration of these iconic sights.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, with its royal palaces, desert landscapes, and colourful bazaars, offers an unforgettable experience. The region can get extremely hot outside November to March, so it is essential to plan your visit during the cooler months to ensure a comfortable exploration of this vibrant state.

Varanasi

Known for its spiritual atmosphere along the Ganges River, Varanasi offers a deep cultural immersion. It can be part of a Golden Triangle plus spiritual circuit and is best visited in the cooler months alongside other North Indian destinations.

Kerala

In South India, Kerala provides backwaters, beaches, and Ayurveda. The best time to visit is October to March for a pleasant tropical climate and to avoid heavy monsoon rains.

Additional recommended destinations depending on interests and time include:

Goa for beaches and nightlife (best November to March)
Ladakh and Himalayan states (best May to September to avoid snow-blocked passes)
Mumbai for an urban experience, especially in dry months
Rishikesh for yoga and adventure seekers (also best in the cooler dry season)
Darjeeling and hill stations for scenic mountain retreats

Travel experts advise first-timers to pick one or two regions and allow at least two weeks per region to appreciate India’s diversity without rushing. Seasonal planning according to India’s diverse climate zones is crucial for a comfortable and fulfilling trip.

In summary, the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan in North India during October–March, combined optionally with Kerala in the South, are the top recommended regions for a first visit, balancing cultural richness, iconic sights, and favourable climate conditions according to travel experts.

Some additional highlights of these regions include:

Kathakali dance performances in Kochi
Old Goa's UNESCO-listed churches dating back to the 16th century
Kochi, Kerala's coastal gateway, with layered histories and Portuguese and Dutch architecture
The ornate Nakhoda Mosque in Kolkata towering above a bustling market
Rishikesh, India's "Yoga Capital," located at the foothills of the Himalayas and known for its ashrams and yoga centres
Amritsar, the spiritual center of the Sikh faith, home to the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, located across Lake Pichola, now a hotel
Kolkata, famed for literature, theatre, and cinema, the hometown of Nobel-prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore and filmmaker Satyajit Ray
India is a country with a mosaic of cultures, where ancient rituals coexist with modern life
Spice plantations in Ponda, Kerala offer tours
Inside Mehrangarh Fort, courtyards and museum galleries showcase palanquins, weapons, and royal artifacts
Goa's unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences is evident in its whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, and cuisine
The UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station in Mumbai has Gothic spires
The 11-palace City Palace complex in Udaipur houses museums and royal residences
North India (Delhi, Rajasthan, and Agra) is best visited between October and March
Jodhpur is nicknamed The Blue City due to its indigo-painted houses
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is a massive fortress and a popular tourist attraction
Udaipur is a gateway to lesser-known gems like Ranakpur's Jain temples and the fort of Kumbhalgarh
The backwaters of Kerala can be explored aboard a traditional houseboat
North Goa thrums with energy, while South Goa is quieter, offering space for yoga, meditation, and dolphin spotting
Mumbai and Goa shine in the dry months of November to March
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and is romantic in nature
Varanasi is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, located on the banks of the holy Ganges
Udaipur offers boat rides at sunset that reveal the city's whitewashed facades and havelis
Stroll along streets lined with cafes and art galleries in the old quarter of Fort Kochi.