Planning a trip across India can feel overwhelming — long distances, many seasons, and countless ways to travel. This guide breaks down the essentials, whether you want a ready-made tour package or a fully custom itinerary. At Rao Travels, a trusted travel agency in Vellore since 1996, we plan trips of every kind across India and abroad, so you can simply travel.
Start with the season
India's best travel window depends on where you are headed:
- South India & Tamil Nadu — pleasant from October to March; hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal are lovely almost year-round.
- The Himalayas & the north — best in summer (April to June) and the post-monsoon autumn.
- Kerala & the coast — October to March for backwaters and beaches; avoid the heavy monsoon months unless you want the green season.
- Pilgrimages — popular round the year, but weekdays and off-peak weeks mean shorter queues.
Package tour or custom itinerary?
A package tour is ideal when you want a proven route, fixed budget and minimal planning — hotels, sightseeing and transport are arranged for you. A custom itinerary suits travellers with specific dates, a particular pace, or a mix of destinations. We do both, and every package we offer is fully customisable.
Getting around: flights, trains and taxis
- Flights — fastest for long distances; book early for the best fares. We handle domestic and international ticketing.
- Trains — scenic and economical; reserved tickets sell out fast on popular routes, so book ahead.
- Taxis & cars with driver — the most comfortable way to explore a region at your own pace, with door-to-door pickups.
Budgeting your trip
Final trip cost depends on the season, your group size, hotel category and vehicle type. Travelling in a group, choosing the shoulder season, and booking early all stretch your budget further. We give a clear, itemised quote up front — no hidden charges.
Popular trips we plan
- South India temple trail — Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
- Hill getaways to Ooty and Kodaikanal.
- Kerala backwaters and Munnar.
- Tirupati darshan and other pilgrimages.
- International holidays to Dubai, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Let us plan your India trip
Tell us where you'd like to go and when. We'll reply with a clear, tailored quote — usually within a few hours — covering stays, sightseeing and comfortable transport across India.
Common questions
What is the best way to plan a trip in India?
Decide your season and destinations first, choose between a ready-made package or a custom itinerary, then book flights, trains or a car with driver well in advance. A travel agency like Rao Travels can handle all of this for you and confirm a clear quote up front.
Is it cheaper to book a package or travel independently?
It depends on the trip. Packages often save money on hotels and transport through established rates and remove planning stress, while independent travel offers more flexibility. We can compare both for your specific dates and group size.
Can Rao Travels arrange travel anywhere in India?
Yes. Based in Vellore, we plan trips across India — South India, the hills, Kerala, pilgrimages and more — as well as international holidays, with flights, trains, hotels and taxis arranged end to end.
When should I book to get the best price?
Book flights and trains as early as possible, especially for festival seasons and long weekends. Reaching out a few weeks ahead also gives us room to secure better hotel rates and vehicle availability.