Some travelers recommended starting the India journey in the north and moving southwards. For instance, beginning in Delhi, visiting Agra, Jaipur, and then heading south to places like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, concluding in Mumbai. This route allows for a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and relaxation by the southern beaches.

For those interested in a concentrated trip around Rajasthan, a popular suggestion was to spend about a week exploring key cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. This itinerary allows for a deeper understanding of Rajasthan's rich history and architecture without rushing through each location.

Travelers seeking a South Indian focus suggested starting in Kochi, moving through the Kerala backwaters to Munnar and Thekkady, and concluding the trip in Tamil Nadu or flying out from Chennai. This route is praised for its scenic landscapes and opportunities for cultural immersion.

For wildlife enthusiasts and heritage seekers, an itinerary including Ranthambore for tiger safaris, followed by visits to historical sites in cities like Agra and Jaipur, ending in Delhi, was recommended. This plan combines the thrill of wildlife with the splendor of India's architectural marvels.

For a more comprehensive itinerary covering both the northern and southern parts of India, suggestions included starting in Delhi, moving to Rajasthan, then heading to Mumbai, and exploring the southern states before concluding the trip in Delhi. This extensive itinerary allows travelers to experience a broad spectrum of what India has to offer from north to south.

Some travelers suggest a Rajasthan tour starting with Jaipur for 1-2 days, including sightseeing in places like Ajmer and Pushkar, followed by Jodhpur for 1 day, and Udaipur for 2 days with visits to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur. This itinerary allows for cultural immersion and exploration of historical sites.

According to forum posts, another recommended route begins in Udaipur, then moves to Jodhpur, and ends in Jaisalmer, spending about 2 nights in each city. This route is praised for covering significant cultural and architectural landmarks while ensuring manageable travel distances.

Travelers have called out the convenience of hiring a private car for the journey, suggesting models like Toyota Innova for comfort. This option facilitates easy travel between cities and visiting various attractions without the constraints of public transport schedules.

According to forum posts, applying for an e-visa to India involves a detailed online application process. Travelers have called out the need to upload a recent photograph with stringent specifications and a scanned copy of the passport page in PDF format.

Some travelers mentioned the necessity of providing detailed personal information, including parents' birthplaces, employment details, and a comprehensive travel history covering up to 20 countries visited in the last ten years. Additionally, accommodation details in India and an emergency contact must be provided.

For many users, navigating the e-visa application can be technically challenging, especially in terms of converting files to the required formats and resizing images. The official website for the e-visa application is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in, as highlighted by multiple posts, ensuring applicants use the correct portal.

Once the application is approved, it's essential, as noted in the posts, to print the Electronic Travel Authorization from the official website, as this document is necessary upon arrival in India, where the actual visa will be stamped into the passport.

According to forum posts, the train is a popular option for traveling between Delhi and Agra. Travelers have called out the Gatimaan Express and Shatabdi Express as preferred choices due to their speed and convenience, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Booking in advance is recommended to secure seats.

Some travelers suggest hiring a private car for a more flexible journey between Delhi and Agra, which takes about 3 to 4 hours via the express highway. This option allows for a personalized itinerary with potential stops at other sites along the way.

For many users, starting trips early in the day is advised to avoid traffic and maximize sightseeing time in Agra, especially if planning a return trip to Delhi on the same day.

Some travelers highlighted typical itineraries for India's Golden Triangle, usually spanning 5 to 8 days. Common routes start in Delhi, proceed to Agra, and end in Jaipur, covering major historical and cultural sites.

According to forum posts, key attractions include the Taj Mahal in Agra, various forts and palaces in Jaipur, and significant historical sites in Delhi. Travelers have called out additional stops like Fatehpur Sikri and Mehtab Bagh for their historical significance and scenic beauty.

For many users, hiring a car with a driver is recommended for convenience and flexibility, allowing them to explore the cities comfortably and at their own pace. This is especially useful for first-time visitors unfamiliar with local transportation systems.

Travelers have suggested booking these tours in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and potentially better rates. Engaging a local guide at each location enhances the experience by providing insightful historical and cultural context.

According to forum posts, U.S. citizens can apply for an Indian eVisa through the official website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html). This process is straightforward and can be handled without the need for a travel agency.

Travelers have called out that the eVisa application requires details such as previous travel history and other personal information. The fees associated with the eVisa are clearly listed on the official website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/Etourist_fee_final.pdf).

Some users mentioned specific cases, such as adjustments for former Indian nationals or those who have made errors in their application. Former Indian nationals often do not need to show a Citizenship Surrender certificate or a canceled Indian passport unless specifically asked. If errors occur, such as incorrect date of birth, contacting the helpdesk for rectification is advised.

Some travelers have reported persistent technical issues when applying for an India e-Visa. These include being unable to progress past the first page of the application, errors when trying to verify details, and inaccessible URLs after filling out the form. These problems seem to occur across various devices and browsers.

Applicants often face confusion regarding where and when to upload required documents, such as photographs and passport copies. This has led to situations where users are unsure if they have correctly completed their application or not.

There are instances of significant delays in visa processing beyond the stated time frames, particularly with e-Business visas. Some users have waited several days for a response, even after providing additional requested information.

Users have also encountered problems with specific fields in the application form. For example, expats have difficulties providing emergency contact details in their home country if they no longer have connections there. Additionally, the form asks for old visa numbers, which can be problematic if the previous passport was lost.

Confusion between different types of visas, such as online visa and e-visa, has led to users mistakenly submitting multiple applications. However, according to forum posts, this generally does not cause issues as the processes are handled separately.

According to forum posts, traveling from Mumbai to Goa by train is a popular option, with journeys such as the overnight #20111 Konkan Kanya Express taking about 8 to 10 hours. Some travelers prefer night trains to save on accommodation costs and suggest the scenery during daytime journeys might be worth experiencing despite the longer travel time.

Some users have discussed the possibility of flying for convenience, especially when traveling with young children. Flights can be considered to reduce the travel fatigue associated with longer train journeys.

Travelers have also explored taking different train routes, including stops at places like Hampi before reaching Goa, or flying to nearby cities and then driving to Goa. For instance, flying to Hubli followed by a drive to Hospet/Hampi is mentioned as a feasible route before taking a train to Goa.