4 of us would like to visit India this year. We are planning on heading there in a month or so for 9 days. We want to stay in Goa (perhaps the Taj Holiday) and also venture to a city which at the moment is Mumbai. Is this a good way to get a taste of India? Are there better spots to visit. We'd like to get a taste of culture, try exotic delicious foods, relax, and feel pampered. We're in our mid-late twenties and it is our first time in Asia.

Go here:
www.indiamike.com/india
Explore.

have fun.

If we decide to do Jaipur instead of Mumbai. are there trains that go to Agra so we can visit the Taj Mahal?

Go here:
www.seat61.com
Explore.

have fun.

Thank you! I have been looking on google for an hour!

"Are there better spots to visit." In July or August? For a first visit? Absolutely. Think hill towns - Darjeeling or Simla. Think mountains. Spend some time with some guidebooks.

Hi Keli220

Goa is a fun place for your age group - however in July there shall be a lot of rains there due to the monsoons. So inspite of the fact Goa has its own charm during the monsoons - I would advise not to go there as it does rain a lot all over south India in July (except in Tamil Nadu area) .

But the point is that you only have 9 days and in this short time you want culture, exotic cuisine, relax and feel pampered. So in view of the limited time and also the rainy weather - I would suggest that you visit North India - Delhi-Agra-Jaipur - Udaipur since for this is the best experience for a first time visitor to India and within this itinerary it is possible to incorporate a little bit of everything that you want in your tour . From great monuments, temples, restaurants to palaces and forts as well as some of the best hotels in the world - - everything can be incorporated.

Let me know if you need any more info...

Cheers and all the best

I would certainly not recommend the hills in the month of July / August. It is simply too wet & landslides are aplenty, leading to long traffic jams, which has the potential of ruining the itinerary. Only the rain-shadow areas like Ladakh or the trekking routes from Leh to Jispa are comparatively dry, although when I did this tough trek some years back, the rains kept company for the entire length of the trek!
October may be considered a great time to be in the hills, for the rains have made them green & the overall atmosphere is infectious!!
Anyone who has stayed in Rajasthan in the months of July / August would agree with me that it is not all that hot there in these months when the monsoons have broken over. Infact the banks of clouds building over adds to the pleasure of being part of the scene & photography. The high end hotels offer low season discounts, as well. You shall find the destinations relatively free of crowds. As your first trip to India, this is just the right introduction to her!!
Very best for your plans!!!