Calcutta, Agra, Rajastan, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai in 21 Days?

by GL
(Shenzhen, Gaungdong, China)

My friend and I just bought Air Asia tickets that arrive in Calcutta and depart from Chennai. We have about 21 days to travel.

Both of us hate to spend only 24 hours in a city or tourist spot and then move on, but due to our holiday schedule and limited tickets we could find (we live in China so Air Asia is the best option) we are stuck with this rather ridiculous itinerary.

Also, we are both super into food and spices (hence the trip), so we'd prefer to sacrifice landmarks in favor of local delicacies.

A few questions, and we appreciate your help with any and all of them!

1. Is it possible to spend any worthwhile time in Calcutta, Agra, Rajastan, Mumbai, and Goa, then get to Chennai without resorting to flying? If we should fly, which legs of the journey are worth the plane ticket vs the train?

2. Is a culinary tour of eastern India (Calcutta to Madras and skipping the entire western coast) worth it when factoring time spent on a train vs time spent getting to know a few places?

3. What are your favorite places to linger?

4. Are there any decent swimmable beaches in eastern India? I've read that strong ocean currents near Chennai make swimming impossible. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

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Nov 25, 2011

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by: Amanda/Backpacking Tips Asia

1. Is it possible to spend any worthwhile time in Calcutta, Agra, Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Goa, then get to Chennai without resorting to flying? If we should fly, which legs of the journey are worth the plane ticket vs the train?

In 21 days, I think you should fly as much as possible. If I were you, I would fly from Jaipur to Mumbai, and from Mumbai to Goa. By train, it takes at least 17 hours from Jaipur in Rajasthan to Mumbai, and then another 10-12 hours from Mumbai to Madgaon in Goa.

Kolkata is a large city, so I would probably spend 3 days there, then to Agra for 2 days to see the Taj Mahal. I think Rajasthan is really exciting - you have Pushkar which is relaxed and amazing, camel safari in Jaisalmer and also Bundi. Both north and south India has delicious food, so if you choose to travel more in the south than the north, that's a good choice.

2. Is a culinary tour of eastern India (Calcutta to Madras and skipping the entire western coast) worth it when factoring time spent on a train vs time spent getting to know a few places?

If a culinary tour is really what you want, then go for it. But I personally think it's a little waste to spend too much time on Indian trains or other means of transport, especially when you have so little time!

3. What are your favorite places to linger?

Definitely Palolem and Anjuna in Goa, and Varkala in Kerala.

4. Are there any decent swimmable beaches in eastern India? I've read that strong ocean currents near Chennai make swimming impossible. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Marmallapuram in Tamil Nadu has an OK beach for swimming - can be rough, but depends on the time of year.

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