Complete India Tour: East 🧭, West 🌅, South 🌴, North 🏔️ – The Ultimate Itinerary & Guide
India is a land of contrasts—snow-capped mountains, shimmering deserts, dense jungles, tranquil beaches, majestic temples, bustling cities, and timeless traditions. If you’re planning a full India tour covering East, West, South, and North, this guide will help you make the most of every region. Get ready to be enchanted, inspired, and deeply moved. Let’s go!
Why This Tour Is Unmissable
- Discover four very different faces of India in one trip
- Immerse yourself in varied cultures, cuisines, climates, and landscapes
- Perfect for travelers who want both iconic & offbeat experiences
- Great content for photography, memories, and soul-feeding adventures
Suggested Duration & Best Time to Visit
| Region | Best Time | Ideal Duration |
|---|---|---|
| North (Himalayas, Delhi, Rajasthan) | Oct – Mar (cool, clear skies) | 10‑14 days |
| West (Gujarat, Mumbai, Rajasthan deserts) | Oct – Feb | 7‑10 days |
| South (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, beaches, backwaters) | Nov – Mar (avoid monsoon) | 7‑10 days |
| East (Bengal, Assam, Northeast, Odisha) | Oct – Feb | 7‑10 days |
| Total Trip | Ideally Oct‑Mar to cover all regions comfortably | 30‑35 days for a relaxed pace |
Region‑by‑Region Highlights & Itinerary Suggestions
1. North India 🏔️
Key Must‑Sees:
- Delhi – Dual personality: Old Delhi’s chaotic charm (Red Fort, Chandni Chowk) + New Delhi’s wide boulevards, British colonial architecture, grand India Gate.
- Agra – Taj Mahal (sunrise is magical), Agra Fort.
- Rajasthan – Jaipur (Palaces, Amber Fort), Udaipur (Lake Palace, City of Lakes), Jodhpur (Blue City), Jaisalmer (desert forts & camel rides).
- Himachal/Uttarakhand – Shimla, Manali, Leh & Ladakh (if time), Rishikesh for spirituality & yoga.
Why Visit: Rich history, architectural marvels, dramatic landscapes, colorful culture & festivals, food variety (from street chaat to royal Rajasthani feasts 🍲).
2. West India 🌅
Top Attractions:
- Gujarat – Rann of Kutch (salt desert especially under full moon), Gir National Park (Asiatic lions), Somnath temple, Dwarka.
- Maharashtra – Mumbai (Bollywood, bazaars, colonial architecture), Elephanta Caves, hill stations like Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala.
- Goa – Beaches, Portuguese churches, relaxed vibes, seafood.
Unique Experiences:
- Fairs & festivals: Navratri in Gujarat, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
- Cuisine: spicy, hearty, often seafood or vegetarian; Dhokla, Thali, Vada Pav, Goan fish curry 🍛
3. South India 🌴
Highlights to Cover:
- Kerala – Backwaters (houseboat stays in Alleppey), tea plantations in Munnar, beaches like Kovalam or Varkala.
- Tamil Nadu – Ancient temples (Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram), Chennai’s colonial & modern vibe.
- Karnataka – Hampi (ruins & rock landscapes), Mysore (palaces), Coorg (coffee plantations).
Why It’s Special: Tropical climate, lush greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, Ayurveda & wellness, slower pace, beach‑life & nature blend.
4. East India & Northeast 🧡
Must‑Visits:
- West Bengal – Kolkata (cultural capital, colonial architecture, food, Durga Puja if timing matches).
- Odisha – Konark Sun Temple, Puri (Jagannath Temple, beach).
- Assam & the Northeast – Majestic tea gardens, Kaziranga National Park (one‑horned rhinos), Shillong, Meghalaya’s living root bridges, Arunachal Pradesh & Sikkim if time permits.
Cultural & Natural Gems: Tribal cultures, UNESCO heritage sites, unique wildlife, tranquil rivers, dramatic hills.
Sample 30‑Day Itinerary
Here’s how you could plan a 30‑35 day tour:
- Days 1‑4: Delhi
- Delhi arrival, Old & New Delhi tour
- Day trip to Agra & Fatehpur Sikri
- Days 5‑12: Rajasthan & West
- Jaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer → Pushkar → Udaipur
- Then move towards Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Rann of Kutch
- Days 13‑18: South India
- Fly or train to Kerala: Kochi → Munnar → Alleppey backwaters → Kovalam
- Then Tamil Nadu: Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Chennai
- Days 19‑25: East & Northeast
- Fly to Kolkata – explore city & surroundings
- Travel to Odisha: Puri & Konark
- Then Assam / Northeast: Kaziranga, Shillong / Meghalaya
- Days 26‑30+: Optional extensions
- Himalayas: Leh & Ladakh or Uttarakhand hills
- Goa (if beaches more your thing)
- Time buffer for rest, travel delays or spontaneous detours
Travel Tips & Hacks
- Visas & Permissions: Get visa in advance. For certain Northeast states, you may need Inner Line Permits.
- Transport: Mix of domestic flights (to cover big distances), trains (for scenic journeys), and cars/buses (local).
- Accommodations: Range from budget guesthouses to luxury palaces. Book ahead in peak season (Oct‑Feb).
- Local Food & Health: Try regional food but be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach; bottled water only.
- Respect & Culture: Dress modestly especially in temples. Learn basic local phrases (“Namaste”, etc.).
What to Pack
- Layers (northern mountains get cold especially at night)
- Rain gear if traveling during or near monsoon
- Comfortable shoes for walking & hills
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Power adapter, first aid kit
Final Thoughts
A “Complete India Tour” is ambitious—but every moment of it will reward you with memories, stories, flavor, culture, and beauty. Whether it’s the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, the silence of tea gardens in Assam, or the waves on Kerala’s backwaters, you’ll feel a journey that stretches your heart and senses. 🌟