Your First Trip to India: Where to Start, What to See

First stop: Delhi

There is so much to see and do in Delhi, so how long should you spend here on your first trip to India? Ideally, two full days. Delhi is really two cities in one - Old Delhi, which dates back to the Mughal rulers of the 17th century, and New Delhi, which was laid out by the British in the 20th century. While Old Delhi is a vibrant tapestry of history, bustling with life and steeped in tradition, New Delhi reflects India's modern aspirations, complete with wide, tree-lined avenues.

You can start your first day in this complex city with a guided walking tour of Old Delhi, exploring its vibrant bazaars, aromatic spice markets and ancient temples. From there, hop on a traditional bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. After your visit, you can continue onto Humayun’s Tomb. It is a majestic red sandstone homage to the 16th-century Mughal Emperor Humayun, surrounded by gardens and smaller structures.

On your second day here, you can explore New Delhi. Choose from an array of options, including the Gandhi Museum, and the Qutub Minar Complex. Be sure not to miss the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of India’s largest and most beautiful Sikh Temples. In my opinion, it is one of the most special places you will visit in India. Besides the vibrant colors and beautiful chants, volunteers at this sacred place feed over 10,000 people daily, regardless of their caste, creed, color or religion. You can visit the kitchens (only with a guide), and witness thousands of people who have made the pilgrimage to visit and eat here. Doing so is considered an honor. You truly have no sense of who is there out of need and who is there for the privilege, which makes it an especially moving experience.

And if a cool, urban rooftop bar is something you fancy, be sure to end your night with drinks at Cirrus 9 atop the Oberoi New Delhi!

Next stop: Agra

A stop in Agra will always be centered around your visit to the Taj Mahal. However prepared you think you are to see it — think again. I may or may not have cried (I did).

How you structure your time in Agra will depend on if you prefer to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise or sunset, the two best options for a myriad of reasons. Either way, bear in mind that it is always closed on Fridays. You can structure your time around your visit to include a visit to the truly spectacular Agra Fort. It is another amazing example of Mughal architecture, built over two generations, that contains splendid mosques and palaces in both red sandstone and white marble.

The rest of your time in Agra should absolutely be spent by the pool and/or spa at what is possibly my favorite hotel in India. The Oberoi Amarvillas — every room has a view of the Taj Mahal!

Third stop: Ranthambore

Tigers and tigers and tigers, oh my!

Depending on the length of your trip, this would be the ideal place to add in a three-night visit to Ranthambore National Park. If your time in India doesn’t allow for that, you can always add it to your next visit. Once you’ve been to India, you’re definitely going back. You can go straight from Agra to Jaipur.

If you are lucky enough to have time for Ranthambore, I’d advise at least two private Safaris - one in the early morning, one in the afternoon. The highlight of these will be the tigers. You will also spot any number of birds from the thousands of species that inhabit the park, deer and possibly even an elusive leopard. You can spend the rest of your time in Ranthambore on nature walks. If you’re staying at Six Senses Fort Barwara, you can indulge in their spa, yoga sessions and meals at their phenomenal restaurant.

Onto: Jaipur

Jaipur, India’s “Pink City” is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. The walled city is absolutely stunning — of course, make sure not to miss Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, where hundreds of intricately carved screen windows (almost 1000!) allowed women of the court to watch processions in the street without showing their faces. Built in 1799, it is said to be a perfect amalgam of Hindu and Islamic architecture, which is an amazing feat and quite an apt metaphor for India itself.

Other ways to enjoy Jaipur include visits to the City Palace (which has an amazing museum), to the Amber Fort or my own personal recommendation for the city — shopping! Jaipur is the heart of India’s block printing craft, dating back several centuries. You can spend an afternoon learning the craft yourself, or simply visit some of the many stores that feature hand-printed patterns in custom colors on the softest, most decadent Indian cottons. Or have items custom made — homewares, clothing, accessories — whatever you can dream up, the artisans in Jaipur can make! It’s also quite affordable to ship things home, as I can attest to first hand. Also in Jaipur is Gem Palace, which Vogue has called “One of the World’s Most Exceptional High Jewelry Ateliers.”

Final stop: Udaipur

A quick flight from Jaipur and you’ll find yourself in Udaipur, the “city of sunrise,” built around four lakes. Udaipur is a medieval city, dating to 1559, and it generally moves at a much more relaxed pace than Delhi or even Jaipur — an almost leisurely pace. You can feel it as you take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, wander the stalls of the Hathipole Market, browse the wares of some really phenomenal artisans and craftsmen or sip cocktails at a leafy rooftop bar.

The City Palace and Jagdish Temple are also musts for your agenda in Udaipur. Depending on how much time you have here, you could also consider an Indian cooking class, or a treatment on the Jiva Spa Boat that belongs to Taj Lake Palace (only possible for guests of the hotel).

End your stay in India with a lakefront dinner, sealing in the memories of the astounding aromas, amazing flavors, once-in-a-lifetime views and simply exceptional hospitality of this magical country!