West India Travel Guide

West India is rolled down with the amber color of palaces, rustic flavor of historical India, sand dunes of the Rajasthan deserts, hippie culture of Anglo Indic Goa, the Western Ghats colored in the shades of green and white salt deserts of the Rann of Kutch. The topographical changes while traveling to western India is mirrored in its culture. The spiritual rituals followed and Mughal Dravidian architectures still maintained is the best illustration of the cultural significance of Western India.  Visiting west India offers a plethora of colors and landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world, and we highlight them all here in our West India travel guide.

India is the seventh largest country in the world, with 29 states.  Each has its own culture and festivals, food habits and language.  Visiting West India takes us through Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujurat, and Goa, from temples and palaces, to Portuguese mansions and Kutchi tents, through the desert and the jungle, along the beaches and the city streets.  The places to visit in West India truly do seem to include a bit of everything.

This is Sneha Thomas again, a freelance writer and PharmD graduate, based in India.  If you have read my South India Travel Guide, here on Gypsy With a Day Job, or my North India Travel Guide, we have already met.  I own and operate the travel website Earth’s Tenant, which features budget tips and cultural explorations for traveling in India.

 

Places to visit in West India – Rajasthan

• Jaipur:

 

Jaipur, the city in pink is treasured with centuries-old beautiful palaces and buildings with interesting historical backstories. Visit Hawa Mahal, the pink honeycomb-like architecture built for the royal women to enjoy the festival celebrations happening on the street. Take the special ticket and witness the marvelous architecture of the private rooms of Jaipur city palace, used by the royal family during festivals. Watch the sunset at Nahargarh Fort with Jaipur city as a backdrop. Take a guided tour at Amber Palace, the oldest surviving palace in India and see the 16th-century facilities which can beat the current technologies. Go for shopping in old Jaipur or pink city and get some Rajasthani souvenirs.

You may also be interested in detailed information on visiting all of these sites, as well as where to shop and eat, in A Day in Jaipur.

 

• Udaipur:

 

Udaipur known as the Venice of the east is adorned with palaces and lakes. Take a boat ride through the Fateh Sagar lake to have a closer look at the haveli (old mansions) lifestyle and Lake palace built in the middle of the lake. Take a guided tour through the Udaipur City Palace and immerse in the brave history of Rajput kings, who fought against the Mughal invasion. Walk through narrow streets of the old Udaipur and watch the traditional Rajasthani art forms at Bagori Ki Haveli. Visit the UNESCO world heritage site, Chittor Fort which looks similar to a fish at a bird’s eye view.

 

• Jaisalmer:

 

Jaisalmer anchored on the heart of Thar Desert is nick-named as the Golden city. Walk through the old narrow lanes of Jaisalmer Fort, which is the largest living fort in the world built in 1156 AD. Trace the Jain culture in the seven Jain temples built using sandstones with beautifully detailed carvings located inside the Jaisalmer Fort. Visit the magnificent Patwa Haveli with intricate carvings speaks of the innovative craftsmanship of those days. Take the mandatory Camel Safari in Jaisalmer through the Thar Desert to experience the rural desert life. Watch the sunset at Sam sand dunes and stay at the traditional desert tents with cultural performances which gifts a carnival kind of experience. Drink bhang (marijuana), which is a special drink of Jaisalmer sold openly at the government authorized bhang shops.

Jaisalmer is called the Golden City of India for good reason, and it is a city that must be part of your India itinerary.  Be sure to check out the stunning photos and detailed information about the amazing things to do in Jaisalmer.

 

• Jodhpur

 

Jodhpur at the onshore of Thar Desert is geographically the center of Rajasthan. Go for a flying fox zip lining experience at Mehrangarh Fort and visit the beautiful Mehrangarh museum. Wander and capture beautiful pictures from the blue city of Jaipur, Navchokiya, a street of alleys painted in blue color. Visit Toorji Ka Jhalra, the ancient step well and see the people’s lifestyle by having a coffee from one of the cafes on its shores. 

General Information

Language: Hindi and Rajasthani

Food: Rajasthan serves vegetarian cuisines due to religious restrictions. Some of the must-try Rajasthani dishes are Dal baati churma, Gatte ki subzi, Laal(red meat), Pappad ki subzi, Bajra ki roti with lasun chutney, Raab, Onion kachori, Panchkutta, Ghevar.

Climate: Winter (October to March) and monsoon (July to September) are the best time to visit Rajasthan since summer is extremely hot with temperature up to 45 degree Celsius. Udaipur is the best place to visit during monsoon in Rajasthan. 

Transportation: Rajasthan is well connected by air transport. But Jaipur is the only international airport in Rajasthan. Indian railway is well connected to almost all the towns and cities in Rajasthan. Palace on wheels, the luxury train in Rajasthan served with the best facilities has a 7 nights and 8 days itinerary for tourists. Rajasthan has bus services provided by private and government operators. Luxury to mundane buses is available for interstate and intercity transportation. You can hire one-day taxis to see tourist places within the city for a pre-fixed rate. Online cabs (Uber), cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws and tongas (horse driven carriages) are available for transportation within the city. 

Find the best rated hotels in Rajasthan for all budgets!

 

Places to visit in West India – Maharashtra

• Pune

 

Pune, the capital of academics and business, holds a spiritual backbone as well. Trek to the Rajmachi point at Lonavla and get deep on the green mountains. Visit Bhaja and Karla caves with the archeological significance which has centuries-old Buddhist statues. Go for a monsoon trek at Lohagad Fort.

 

• Mumbai:

 

Mumbai, the metropolitan city is the blend of glamorous Indian cinema and shadows of the Mumbai slums. Visit the remarkable landmark of Mumbai city, Gateway of India, which has a significant role in Indian history. Go for an evening walk at Marine drive, the ‘c’ shaped the six-lanes concrete road along the bay. Visit the Indo-Islamic architecture, Haji Ali Shrine, the tomb and mosque named after the famous saint, Haji Ali. Tour at the UNESCO world heritage site, Elephant caves which has a history dating back to 800 AD. If you are interested in street photography and would love to capture real life moments, go for a walking tour at Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghat (laundry) and Dharavi slum to get a glimpse into the life inside the city. 

 

• Nashik:

 

Nashik, drenched in the red of wineries and vineyards is also a devotees paradise. Trek to Pandavleni caves and get a panoramic view of the city. Attend a wine tasting tour at one of the wineries like Sula Vineyards, York winery, Soma Vineyards, Grover Zampa or Vallone in the wine capital of India. Explore the picturesque Someshwar waterfalls to spend a relaxed evening. Take your camera and go for a photographic walk at the mythological river for Hindus, Ram Kund.   

General Information

Language: Marathi, Hindi, and English

Food: Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav(Indian version of burger), Puran poli(dessert), Modak(dessert), Bharli vangi(stuffed brinjal), Sreekhand(sweet flavored yogurt), Poha(a breakfast dish) are some of the must-try food items in Maharashtra. 

Climate: Winter (October till February) is the best time to visit Maharashtra. But Monsoon (June till September) is also celebrated at hill stations like Lonavla since it is the time when green mountain comes fully in glory. 

Transportation: Most of the towns and villages in Maharashtra are connected by Indian Railways. Flights, trains, and buses (private and government) are available for interstate and intercity transportation. Auto rickshaws, online cabs, and taxis are available for transportation within the city. When you travel in auto rickshaws and taxis, make sure to either run in meter price or pre-fix the rate.    

Find the best rated hotels in Maharashtra for all budgets!!

 

Places to visit in West India – Gujarat

• Rann of Kutch:

 

Kutch, known as India’s “wild west”, see-saws between wet(submerged in water) and dry lands as the climate changes. Go for a camel safari at world’s largest salt desert and stay in one of the Kutchi bhungas, the traditionally crafted mud huts. Attend the Great Rann of Kutch festival held every year during the months of November. Take a safari ride at Wild Ass Sanctuary at the Little Rann of Kutch to spot the endangered wild ass. Visit one of the handicraft villages to get an insight of the Kutch lifestyle.

 

• Modhera:

 

Modhera Sun Temple, famous for the solar deity Surya is the Monument of National Importance. Walk back in time at this marvelous architecture built in 1027 CE. Marvel at the most beautiful rectangular shaped stepwell with intricate carvings, Surya Kund. Get a closer look at the etched images from the Hindu scriptures on the pillars of Sabha Mandap. Attend Modhera dance festival held every year during the month of January. 

 

• Junagadh:

 

Junagadh is the historical city which has long stories of the dynasties to explore along with the wilderness of green. Go for a safari ride at Gir National Park to spot the endangered species of Asiatic lions. Visit Somnath Temple and learn about its history of construction.  Get an amazing view of the city from the roof of Jama Majid, the palace turned mosque with delicate mihrab stonework. 

 

• Ahmedabad

 

Ahmedabad is the city with the sleeping traces of its heritage. It is also India’s first UNESCO world heritage city. Visit Sabarmati Ashram, the place where Mahatma Gandhi, father of nation lived. Get to know the history of Indian independence from Sabarmati Ashram. Sneak peek into India’s one of the most beautiful mosques, Jama Masjid and admire the architecture. Bring out your creativity by exploring the Calico Museum of Textiles, which has a complete collection of antique Indian textiles. Marvel at the Indian architectural brilliance of Adalaj Stepwell, the symbol of religious harmony. 

General Information:

Language: Hindi and Gujarati

Food: Khandvi(snack), Gujarati kadhi(curry), Dhokla(snack), Khichdi(fragrant rice), Handvo(savory tea cake) are the main Gujarati dishes. Gujarat is famous for its mouth-watering sweets. Kansar, Dhoodhpaak, Sutarfeni, Faada Lapsi, Kaju Katri, Ghari, Koprapak, Mohanthaal, Basundi are some of the must-have Gujarati desserts. 

Climate: Winter from November till February is the best time to visit Gujarat when the climate is pleasant for sightseeing. 

Transportation:  Gujarat is well connected by rail, road, and air. Private buses and taxis are the best modes of road transportation. City buses or government buses is not a recommended mode of transportation in Gujarat. Major cities are well connected by Indian Railways in Gujarat. Auto rickshaws and online taxis are available for the transportation within the city. 

Find the best rated hotels in Gujarat for all budgets!!

 

Places to visit in West India – Goa

• North Goa:

 

North Goa is the best place to hang out after being supersaturated with the culture and chaos of India. North Goa is the hippie capital of India with parties, celebrations, great food, yoga retreats and much more. Visit Fort Agoda and climb on to the top of the lighthouse to capture the view. Go for shopping at Anjuna flea market on Wednesday and satisfy the shopaholic in you with cheap beach clothes. Try your good luck at the casinos on poker and teen Patti. Visit the pottery hub, Bicholim and buy some beautiful handmade Goan souvenirs and share some moments with the potters. Get your dose of sun at Vagator Beach. Go for an expensive shopping at Calangute Beach and grab handicrafts from Indonesia, Tibet, and Kashmir. Satisfy the adventurist in you at Sinquerim Beach. Go for a walking tour at Fontainhas Latin Quarter, a street with old colorful Portuguese buildings. 

 

• South Goa:

 

Contrary to North Goa, South Goa is relatively calm and peaceful and a paradise for solo travelers and solitude seekers. Experience Goan village life at one of the heritage property. Visit Old Portuguese mansions at South Goa which are open to public and well restored. Get lazy and find your solitude at Butterfly Beach, Palolem Beach, Polem Beach or Agonda Beach. Visit the beautiful gothic style churches at Old Goa.

General Information:

Language: Konkani, Hindi, and Engish

Food: Goa is a paradise for foodies. Pork Vindaloo, Crab Xec Xec, Prawn balchao, Sanna with Goan pork sorpotel, Chouris pao, Poee, Kingfish, Bebinca, Kokum (fruit juice) are the best Portuguese inspired Goan dishes. 

Climate: Winter(November to February) is the best time to visit Goa with the optimum temperature. Monsoon tourism in Goa is gaining prominence among offbeat travelers with the less crowded and beautiful villages drenched in rain.

Transportation: Dabolim is the only airport in Goa. There are two railway stations – The south central railway terminal station and Konkan railway terminal station- in this smallest state of India. Auto rickshaws, rented two-wheelers and taxis are available for transportation within the city. Goa is well connected by road. Private and government buses are available for interstate and intercity transportation. 

Find the best rated hotels in Goa for every budget!!

 

Ready to visit West India?

If you have considered visiting India, I hope this West India Travel Guide has shown the vast diversity of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujurat, and Goa.  Western India offers an experience that is quite unique!

Pin it, so you won’t forget!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL INDIA TRAVEL TIPS:

Currency: Indian rupee or INR. (Check the current conversion rate here.)

Visa: All foreign nationals who are planning to visit India must have a national passport along with a valid Indian Visa obtained from an Indian Mission or post abroad. Indian Visa can be applied through an online application link. The completed application form signed by the respective individual has to be submitted to the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/post along with the supporting documents on the day of the scheduled interview. Click here for detailed information.

SIM cards: Best SIM cards in India are Reliance jio, BSNL, Airtel, Idea, and Vodafone. Indian SIM cards are available from the kiosks of mobile service providers such as Airtel or Reliance at the International airport or cell phone shops of the downtown areas.  For complete details, see this section of our South India Travel Guide.

What to pack: India is a conservative country with traditional norms.

Safety tips: Women’s safety is always questioned in India. Women are advised not to travel alone at night.

Emergency numbers: National emergency number: 112; police: 100; women helpline: 1091

For complete details on these topics, and others such as lodging, see this section of our South India Travel Guide.

 

 

 

About the Author:  Sneha Thomas is a travel blogger and freelance writer based in India focusing on exploring offbeat destinations and celebrating cultural travels. She has written for travel websites like Tripoto, Arrivedo, and The art of travel, among others.  Be sure to check out her website Earth’s Tenant.  You can also find her on the Earth’s Tenant Facebook Page, and the Instagram feed.