Discover India on a budget: A 14-day itinerary to explore the best of the country in April

India is a country of contrasts, where ancient traditions and cultures coexist with modernity and innovation. April is the perfect time to visit this fascinating country, as the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for exploring its many temples, palaces, and markets. In this post, we will provide a 14-day itinerary for a trip to India, featuring some of the most iconic and must-see destinations in the country.

The Magic of India in April

India in April is truly a magical experience. The country is awash with vibrant colors and rich cultural traditions as the hot summer months approach. The weather is perfect for exploring, with comfortable temperatures and clear blue skies. The landscape is also at its most lush and green, making for stunning views as you travel through the country. April is also a great time to witness traditional festivals and ceremonies such as the Holi festival of colors, where people come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

One of the highlights of a trip to India in April is the opportunity to experience the country’s rich history and culture. From the ancient temples and palaces of Rajasthan to the bustling markets and street food of Mumbai, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. The country is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, with national parks and reserves offering the chance to spot tigers, elephants, and monkeys. Additionally, the country’s spiritual heritage is on full display in April, with holy cities like Varanasi and Rishikesh offering a glimpse into the country’s religious traditions. With so much to see and do, India in April is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here is our proposal for your 14-day trip in April:

Day 1-2: Arrive in Delhi

  • Upon arriving in Delhi, you can check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and adjust to the time difference.
  • In the evening, take a stroll around Connaught Place and explore the local street food.
  • The next day, start your sightseeing with a visit to the iconic Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.
  • In the afternoon, visit Raj Ghat and the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
  • Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 3-4: Agra

  • Take a train or a car to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal.
  • Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Agra Fort and the Itimad-Ud-Daulah.
  • Overnight stay in Agra.

Day 5-6: Jaipur

  • Take a train or a car to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.
  • Visit the Amber Fort and the City Palace.
  • In the afternoon, take a stroll around the colorful bazaars of Jaipur and shop for traditional Rajasthani souvenirs.
  • Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 7-8: Udaipur

  • Take a train or a car to Udaipur, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’.
  • Visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and the Jag Mandir Palace.
  • Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir Palace
  • Overnight stay in Udaipur

Day 9-10: Jodhpur

  • Take a train or a car to Jodhpur, also known as the ‘Blue City’.
  • Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, the Jaswant Thada, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
  • Take a stroll around the old city, and explore the local bazaars
  • Overnight stay in Jodhpur

Day 11-12: Varanasi

  • Take a train or a car to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world.
  • Take a boat ride on the Ganges and witness the Aarti ceremony
  • Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Sarnath, and the Ramnagar Fort.
  • Overnight stay in Varanasi

Day 13-14: Kolkata

  • Take a flight to Kolkata, also known as the ‘cultural capital of India’.
  • Visit the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Indian Museum
  • Take a stroll around the famous Park Street, and try the local street food
  • Overnight stay in Kolkata

How can I get there?

There are several ways to get to India from all continents.

From North America:

  • Direct flights from major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are available to major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

From South America:

  • Flights from major cities like Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Lima usually have stopovers in European cities before reaching India.

From Europe:

  • Direct flights are available from major cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt to major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

From Africa:

  • Flights from major cities like Johannesburg, Cairo, and Nairobi usually have stopovers in European or Middle Eastern cities before reaching India.

From Australia and New Zealand:

  • Direct flights are available from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland to major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

From Asia:

  • Many Asian cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong have direct flights to major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

We recommend using some of the tools we mentioned in our post ‘ Top tools to find cheap flights online‘ to find the best possible flights to India.

Where to stay?

When planning a 14-day trip to India on a budget, the key is to research and book accommodations in advance. Hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels are widely available in all major cities and can provide a comfortable and safe place to stay at a reasonable price.

In Delhi, options include the popular chain of Zostel hostels or budget hotels such as Hotel S.K. International or Hotel Arpit Palace. In Agra, budget options include Hotel Amar and Hotel Shanti Palace. Jaipur offers budget options like Hotel Shree Ganesh or Hotel Pearl Palace. In Udaipur, budget hotels include Hotel Lake Pichola and Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace. Jodhpur has budget options like Hotel Mandakini and Hotel Ratan Vilas. Varanasi has budget hotels like Hotel Surya and Hotel Sita. In Kolkata, budget options include Hotel Golden Park and Hotel President.

It’s also important to research food options and street food is a good and cheap option. It is also a good idea to purchase a local SIM card for your phone so you can easily access information and make reservations on the go.

If you’re planning a trip to India in April, be sure to check out our 14-day itinerary guide on social media. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay and what to eat in each place, all while staying on a budget. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned Indian veteran, our guide is sure to make your trip an unforgettable experience. So don’t hesitate, to book your tickets and let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

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