Visiting India in a weekend?

This is Calcutta flower market. This bustling market provides the visitor with a Kaleidoscope of colour and just the smell will bring the exotic to life.

At first glance, it can seem almost laughable even to consider visiting this massive country for a weekend by what if that is all the time you have to spare? Your dream is to visit India, but realistically many of us have responsibilities such as mortgages, children, jobs or their pet cat mittens they need to get back home to. So many of us cant take a year off and live out of a backpack.

So what should you do? Give up and look somewhere else? Absolutely not! Instead, check out this post on Visiting India for the weekend to learn what you can get out of your trip and how to maximise that precious little bit of time.

The thought of India strikes a chord with many of us and for a good reason. That vision of the exotic and the exquisite is a reality for those who dare. If you don’t have much time, that does not mean you should miss out. Have a look at what I suggest and see if any of it appeals to your interests. I have not checked, but I would imagine there are not many posts on this matter as it is simply discredited as pointless. So let’s jump right in, and you can judge for yourself.

This beautiful piece of colonial architecture is the Victoria memorial in central Calcutta. For me it can rival anything found in the west for its elegance and grandeur. All very easy to take in on a weekend.

A weekend away.

While you can’t expect to achieve much in this amount of time it is better than nothing right? How much would you expect to see on the weekend anywhere? You can at least go on a city break, and some of the cities in India are fascinating. I have four recommendations that you will get something meaningful out off with your designated time slot.

Number 1 New Dehli.

This city has more people living in it that the whole of Australia. Now let that sink in for a moment. Delhi is a kaleidoscope of humanity and is sure to leave your jaw dropped. It has a fast and effective Metro system that can whisk you into the city from the airport in no time. For the best results, check out Old Dehli as you want to maximise your time and this is where all the juicy stuff is. For more information, check out my post on what this part of town has to offer.

The ancient spice market in Old Delhi has been trading in this same spot for hundreds of years. A walk in here can make you feel like you have stepped back into another time. All very achievable in a couple of days

Number 2 Chennai.

While there is not much to see in Chennai itself, it is only a short taxi ride to the fabulous Mamallapuram. This tiny town sits on the coast, and there are some ok beaches there. But the highlight is the remains of the Pallava dynasty dating back to the 7th century. These ruins are world-class and include the spectacular shore temple. While it is no castaway style adventure here, it is a relaxing little town, and there is very little hustle.

Number 3 Panjim (Goa)

While any trip to a Goan beach would be fleeting, it is still possible. If you must get your toes in some sand on your holiday, this is your best bet. Panjim is not without its charm. Far from it and if its culture you want its culture you will get. The town is dotted with magnificent churches leftover from the Portuguese colonial era, and they can rival anything you can find in Europe, particularly those found in Old Goa. Exploring this little slice of history is a lovely way to spend your time. Another plus point is the local food that I have only ever found in Goa itself. You can eat yourself silly here as it is delicious.

I found it contradictory to what I know to see this tropical vegetation around the classic European architecture.

Number 4 Kolcutta

The city is associated in the west with poverty, and I would imagine the residence are not thrilled by that. The truth is its the intellectual capital of the country. There is so much to see here without leaving the city and all within easy reach of your hotel. If you decide this is for you don’t miss the Victoria Memorial or the Flower Market. Calcutta is my favourite city, and I often use this as my entrance into the country just because I love this city.

Summary of my post Visiting India for the weekend.

I think you will agree you can get some pretty impressive experiences here even with a couple of days. So don’t listen to the naysayers you can get a bit of bang for your buck. You can have a little bit of culture and eat some good food. You can even get your toes in some sand and all in a weekend! So why wait? Book your tickets and see what this wonderful country has to offer you and I guarantee it will have you coming back again and again.

For a more look at how long should you go backpacking in the subcontinent and what your time invested will get you. Check out my detailed post on this matter as everyone is different and can spare a different amount of time for there dream trip to this fabled country. It is packed full of information and suggestions on routes. I am sure anyone making a journey here will find it off some value.

That about wraps up my post on Visiting India for the weekend and why I believe you should not write it off. If you have any questions on these or any other cities just drop your questions in the comments section provided and I will get back to you. So until the next time my fellow intrepid traveller’s, happy planning!