Kashmir
Fly into Srinagar for the valley. Rail travellers can look at Jammu as a gateway and continue by road with a pre-arranged transfer.
Srinagar · Gulmarg · Pahalgam
The useful bits, all in one place
Getting there is part of the story.
Use these sample pointers to start shaping your journey: possible arrival gateways, sensible bases, and regional flavours worth seeking out. Times and connections change, so confirm them for your dates.
Ways to arrive
Take the route that fits.
Indicative travel-planning notes only. Check live flight, train, road and transfer options before booking.
Rajasthan
Jaipur has air and rail connections. For a multi-city loop, compare train legs with a driver for the Jodhpur–Udaipur stretch.
Jaipur · Jodhpur · Udaipur
Kerala
Kochi is a useful air and rail gateway. Continue to Munnar by road, then plan a separate onward transfer towards the backwaters.
Kochi · Munnar · Alleppey
Himachal
Shimla and Manali are commonly planned by road from Chandigarh or nearby rail gateways. Leave flexible time for mountain transfers.
Shimla · Manali · Dharamshala
Goa
Compare the airport closest to your stay with rail arrival at Madgaon or Thivim. Pre-book the last-mile ride if arriving late.
Panaji · South Goa · Old Goa
Varanasi
Arrive by air or rail, then stay close to the riverfront or in a quieter neighbourhood with an easy ride to the old city.
Old City · Sarnath · Riverfront
Find your home base
Stay somewhere that makes the days easy.
Choose the neighbourhood first, then find a property that fits your comfort and budget.
Kerala · Slow escape
Backwater homestay
Look around Alleppey or Kumarakom for a waterside base. Ask what meals and boat transfers are included.
Jaipur · Old-city character
Heritage haveli
Pick a central neighbourhood for an easier start to market walks, forts and evening food stops.
Himachal · Fresh air
Mountain guesthouse
Check road access, heating, meal timings and the actual distance to the places on your plan.
Follow your appetite
Leave a little space for lunch.
Ask what is cooked locally and in season. These dishes make a lovely first list.
Kashmir · Wazwan & kahwa
Explore a traditional multi-course wazwan meal, and warm up with saffron-scented kahwa.
Rajasthan · Dal baati churma
A hearty regional classic. Try a local thali and leave time for a sweet bite after the market.
Kerala · Appam & stew
Pair soft appam with a gently spiced stew, then look for a fresh seafood special near the coast.
Himachal · Siddu
Ask for this steamed local bread in a hill café, often served with ghee or a savoury accompaniment.
Goa · Fish curry rice
Find a family-run kitchen for a tangy coconut-based curry and the day's catch, when available.
Varanasi · Kachori sabzi
A beloved breakfast stop in the old city. Choose a busy clean shop and follow the morning crowd.
Local names, menus and availability vary. Ask about ingredients and dietary needs directly with the restaurant.