How to plan a route from Delhi to Agra and Varanasi before flying to Goa

One contributor recommends leaving Varanasi out of a first trip to India, finding it potentially more overwhelming than Delhi.

A recent report says Varanasi’s ghats are flooded, so walking along them may currently be impossible. Check the water level and riverside access before travelling.

If adding Jaipur, plan the route as Delhi — Jaipur — Agra — Varanasi; then fly from Varanasi to Goa with a connection in Mumbai.

A workable itinerary is Delhi, Agra, Varanasi and then Goa. Allow for a connecting flight from Varanasi to Goa, potentially via Delhi or Mumbai.

There is no need to return to Delhi from Agra: travel directly to Varanasi by overnight train or overnight bus. This avoids an unnecessary backtrack through the capital.

Before finalizing Varanasi, check current flood conditions: when the Ganges is high, water can reach the steps of the riverside ghats.