Things to do in India
6 destinations in India, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in India
- Things to do in Bangalore city, food, culture
- Things to do in Delhi city, culture, food
- Things to do in Goa beach, relax, nature
- Things to do in Jaipur culture, city, adventure
- Things to do in Mumbai city, food, culture
- Things to do in Udaipur culture, relax, adventure
Best time to visit India
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Bangalore
- Fly between late January and early March (post-New Year lull) or in September for the lowest fares, typically 25-35% cheaper than peak December holiday season. Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently show the lowest prices on major booking platforms; Bangalore's pleasant year-round climate means there is no true 'bad' time to visit.
- Delhi
- Flying to Delhi in September through early November or in February hits the sweet spot of pleasant weather and lower fares, typically 20-35% cheaper than the December holiday peak or the summer travel surge in June. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently run $50-100 less than weekend flights.
- Goa
- Flying in May or October (shoulder season, just before or after peak winter season) can save 30-45% versus December-January peak fares, with the added bonus of fewer crowds. Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Wednesday) consistently price $40-80 lower than weekend departures.
- Jaipur
- Flying to Jaipur is cheapest from mid-July through September (monsoon season) and again in January-February after the New Year spike, with savings of roughly 25-40% versus the peak October-December heritage tourism season. Midweek departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) on the international leg typically shave another 10-15% off fares.
- Mumbai
- Flying in September through early November (post-monsoon shoulder season) or late January through February typically yields fares 25-35% below December-January peak holiday pricing; mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) add another 10-15% savings on average.
- Udaipur
- Flying into India in January-February and again in September-October hits Udaipur's sweet spot of pleasant weather and lower fares-expect roughly 20-35% savings versus the December peak holiday window and the March-April festival surge. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend fares by 10-15%.
Is India expensive?
It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.
Free things to do in India
- Bangalore: Cubbon Park morning walk Stroll among 300 acres of greenery, colonial architecture, and birdlife, a beloved local ritual
- Delhi: Lodi Garden Beautifully landscaped park dotted with 15th-century Lodi dynasty tombs-perfect for a morning walk among locals.
- Goa: Palolem Beach Sunrise Walk One of Goa's most beautiful crescent beaches is free to enjoy at dawn before the crowds arrive.
- Jaipur: Stroll the Old City bazaars Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are a riot of color, spices, textiles, and street life, pure sensory overload at no cost.
- Mumbai: Stroll Bandra Bandstand & Promenade Sea breeze, street performers, and views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link at golden hour
- Udaipur: Gangaur Ghat stroll Iconic lakeside promenade perfect for people-watching, photography, and soaking up the sunset atmosphere.