India’s extensive travel network makes it easy to reach popular destinations by air, train, or road. Each mode of transport offers its own charm—whether it’s soaring above the Himalayas, experiencing India’s countryside through its railway system, or enjoying scenic road trips. Over the years, I’ve learned that choosing the right travel option can make a huge difference in your journey’s comfort, cost, and overall experience.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach some of India’s top tourist destinations, complete with air, train, and road options.
1. Agra (Uttar Pradesh) – Home of the Taj Mahal
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Agra Airport (AGR), but it has limited connectivity.
- Alternative: Fly to Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport), which is 220 km away.
- Flight Duration: From major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata to Delhi – 2 to 3 hours.
By Train:
- The Gatimaan Express (Delhi to Agra) is a high-speed option, covering the journey in just 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Other trains: Shatabdi Express, Taj Express
By Road:
- Delhi to Agra: 3.5 hours via the Yamuna Expressway
- Regular buses and taxis are available from Delhi.
Tip: Take an early morning road trip to avoid traffic and catch sunrise at the Taj Mahal.
2. Jaipur (Rajasthan) – The Pink City
By Air:
- Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
- Flight Duration: 1 to 2 hours from most major cities.
By Train:
- Popular trains: Shatabdi Express and Ajmer Shatabdi (Delhi to Jaipur – 4.5 hours)
- Jaipur Railway Station is a major hub with trains from all over India.
By Road:
- Delhi to Jaipur: Approx. 5 hours via the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH 48)
- Luxury and sleeper buses operate frequently between Delhi and Jaipur.
Tip: Break your journey at Neemrana Fort for lunch and sightseeing.
3. Goa – India’s Beach Paradise
By Air:
- Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) near Vasco da Gama offers regular flights from all major cities.
- Flight Duration: 2 to 3 hours from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
By Train:
- Major stations: Madgaon (Margao) and Thivim
- Popular trains: Konkan Kanya Express (Mumbai to Goa), Matsyagandha Express
- Scenic coastal views along the Konkan Railway route.
By Road:
- Mumbai to Goa: 10 to 12 hours via NH 66 (formerly NH 17)
- Bus services like Paulo Travels and VRL offer comfortable overnight journeys.
Tip: Plan a road trip during the monsoon to see Goa’s lush, green landscapes.
4. Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir) – Land of High Passes
By Air:
- Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh) has direct flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Srinagar.
- Flight Duration: 1.5 hours from Delhi
By Train:
- There is no direct train to Leh.
- Nearest major railheads: Jammu Tawi (700 km from Leh)
By Road:
- Manali to Leh: 480 km, takes 2 days with overnight stops (open from June to October)
- Srinagar to Leh: 434 km, takes 2 days (open from May to November)
Tip: Acclimatize to the altitude by spending a day in Leh before embarking on road trips to Nubra Valley or Pangong Lake.
5. Kerala (Cochin, Munnar, Alleppey) – God’s Own Country
By Air:
- Cochin International Airport (COK) is the main gateway to Kerala, with direct flights from major Indian and international cities.
- Flight Duration: 2 to 3 hours from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru
By Train:
- Major railway stations: Ernakulam Junction (Cochin), Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam
- Trains like the Kerala Express connect Kerala with cities across India.
By Road:
- Bengaluru to Cochin: Approx. 10 hours via NH 44
- Kerala has a well-connected state bus network, including private luxury buses.
Tip: Hire a car for a scenic drive through Kerala’s backwaters and tea plantations.
6. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – The Spiritual Capital of India
By Air:
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) in Varanasi has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
- Flight Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours from major cities
By Train:
- Varanasi Junction is a major railhead with direct trains from across the country.
- Popular trains: Kashi Vishwanath Express, Mahamana Express
By Road:
- Lucknow to Varanasi: 6 to 7 hours via NH 31
- Bus services are available, but the train is a more comfortable option.
Tip: Take an early morning boat ride on the Ganges for stunning views of the ghats.
7. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) – Adventure and Spirituality Hub
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 20 km from Rishikesh.
- Direct flights are available from Delhi and Mumbai.
By Train:
- Nearest station: Haridwar Junction, 25 km from Rishikesh
- Popular trains: Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express (Delhi to Haridwar – 4.5 hours)
By Road:
- Delhi to Rishikesh: Approx. 6 hours via NH 334
- Several state and private buses connect Rishikesh with Delhi and nearby cities.
Tip: Opt for a self-drive or rental car to explore nearby spots like Haridwar and Rajaji National Park.
8. Hampi (Karnataka) – Ancient Ruins and Rock Formations
By Air:
- Nearest airport: Hubli Airport (HBX), around 160 km from Hampi
- Alternatively, fly to Bengaluru and take a train or road trip to Hampi.
By Train:
- Nearest station: Hospet Junction (13 km from Hampi)
- Trains like the Hampi Express connect Hospet with Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
By Road:
- Bengaluru to Hampi: Approx. 6 hours via NH 50
- Private buses and taxis are available from major cities.
Tip: Rent a bicycle in Hampi to explore the ruins at your own pace.
India’s vast network of airports, railways, and highways makes it easy to travel between popular destinations. Whether you’re looking for a scenic road trip, the charm of a train journey, or the convenience of a short flight, there’s a travel option for every itinerary and budget.
Which travel option suits your adventure style best? Share your travel plans and experiences in the comments below!
