Hello there! Are you wondering how to explore India when you have never been there? Don’t worry, I got you with this 14-day India Travel Itinerary, tailormade for everyone who is traveling India for the very first time. My India Travel Itinerary will show you some of India’s highlights, such as the breathtaking Taj Mahal, the UNESCO World Heritage Forts, and the beautiful temples. You will eat the most delicious Indian cuisine and sleep in luxurious yet cheap hotels. Following this India Travel Itinerary not only ensures you see the top places in India but also has a trip that will forever be engraved in your memory!
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FAQ on Traveling India
When to travel to India?
The best travel time for India is in the winter months, from October – March. Then you can expect a colder weather. From April – June, summer is in full swing in India, and you are most likely going to melt when visiting most of the sights. July – September is usually known as the monsoon season in India, so avoid that too. The trip described in this India Travel Itinerary took place from the 25th of September – to the 7th of October, and it was dry and hot enough, so it was a great moment. However, this is, of course, no guarantee.
How to Get to India?
When following this India Travel Itinerary, you will fly to New Dehli and travel to Udaipur, from where you will travel further. From Udaipur, you will most likely travel back to Dehli by plane, where you can board an international flight back home!
How do I Get Around in India?
Did you know that India has one of the most developed train systems in the world? That being said, I must admit that I completely ignored that fact and India’s trains and opted to go for a private driver who drove me and my friend Ines from city to city and from sight to sight. We booked his services via a travel agency, and Chagan was the best driver we could have wished for. He is a steady and calm driver and always had an eye on the two of us. He sometimes even walked us up to most sights so the street vendors would leave us alone.
What do I Need to Pack for India?
What you need to pack for India heavily depends on when you will visit India. During our time, it was very hot and humid, which had us longing for shorts and tops, but in India, you should make sure to cover your legs and arms in public. So make sure to bring long, flowy skirts and dresses. Perfect for this occasion is anything linen, in my opinion. Furthermore, you should also make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
Is There Anything Else I Should Keep in Mind When Planning a Trip to India?
Before traveling to any tropical destination, I always make sure to consult with my doctor regarding any shots and medicines that I should bring with me. I will not share her advice regarding my India Itinerary here with you, as it is very important for you to go to one and get the consultancy yourself. Conditions in India can change, shots may need a refreshment, etc, and that’s why you should make sure to get it done a good while before your trip!
Day 1 – Arrival New Delhi
Welcome to India! The first day of our trip mostly consisted of us staying strong in the seats 48H and and 48K of the Lufthansa flight LH760 and arriving safely in New Delhi. Upon our arrival, we were directly greeted by Chagan, who took us to our hotel for the next 3 nights for our stay in New Delhi, the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Delhi Airport. At this point, we were tired and scrunched from sitting in Economy but so hungry to explore India the next day!
Day 2 – Exploring New Delhi, Red Fort, Old Town, Jama Masjid, Lunch, Akshardham
Good Morning! The Radisson Blu wakes you up with the most incredible breakfast buffet. However, we opted to skip breakfast and directly go to the first sight of the day before it would be crowded. Then, we made our way to the Old Town of Delhi, visiting the Jama Masjid before having lunch. With the first taste of Indian cuisine still lingering on our tongues, we headed to Akshardham.
Red Fort
Once the primary residence of the Mughal emperors, it is today a UNESCO World Heritage. The Red Fort is the top place to see in Delhi. Once you have climbed its impressive red walls, you get to know the court of the former emperors, their living spaces, and from where they reigned their empire. It is an awe-inspiring place and you should have enough time to explore it properly without a rush!
Helpful Tips:
- You can order your tickets in advance via the website of the Heritage Monuments of India. If you want to explore the monument with a guide, check out a Guided Tour!
- Bring water to stay hydrated here!
- Long sleeves and skirts are appropriate here.
Old Dehli and the Jama Masjid
Almost right across the street from the Red Fort, you will find Old Delhi and its biggest mosque. The Jama Masjid was the emperor’s main mosque, to which he would go on a daily basis. The mosque is insanely beautiful and worth a visit! Furthermore, you can also explore the Old Town and its bazaar Chandni Chowk in all the surrounding streets. Be aware – this is one of the busiest areas in Delhi and very rich in impressions.
Lunch at Haldiram’s
After so much exploring and sightseeing (and probably the first overstimulation already; India is next level busy and impressive!), we got hungry and decided to have our lunch at Haldiram’s, which is a great place to try Indian food if you are only getting started with it! The chain mainly sells candies and sweets, but don’t be fooled; their restaurants do have actual restaurant sections where you can sit down and order food. We ordered Idlis, Samosas, and a delicious chickpea curry with naan.
Akshardham Temple
Once we had filled our bellies with so much deliciousness, it was time to head to the last great sight of the day! After seeing so many Mughal influences like the Red Fort and the Mosque, we were super happy to see the first Hindu Temple in our India Itinerary. The Akshardham Temple is a huge spiritual campus with a shrine, gardens, and even a few restaurants. It is incredibly breathtaking and might be one of the biggest temples, I have visited yet. It is not allowed to take pictures inside of it and not bringing my phone was a refreshing experience, but that’s also why you just have to believe me, that this temple is breathtaking!
Evening in the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Once we arrived at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, we really made the most of our evening. After a refreshing dip in the incredible pool, we washed the day off and continued our evening in the quiet hotel room (which is a blessing after a day in India) getting cozy. Ordering room service also proved to be worth it – although pricer than any meal we had in India, the curry here was without a doubt the best one I had in India.
Day 3 – Exploring New Delhi, Breakfast, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Pool Time
After an early breakfast, it is time to spend your next day exploring New Delhi! This day, like the last will be filled with wonderful places like Humayun’s Tomb, the iconic India Gate, lovely gardens, and some more pool time at the Radisson Blu!
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb might be my favorite sight in Dehli. The UNESCO World Heritage is the tomb of one of the Mughal Emperors and was the inspiration for the later-built Taj Mahal. The area is incredibly impressive, with lush gardens, palm trees, and magnificent buildings. Make sure to bring enough time with you when visiting it, as there are many places here to explore!
India Gate
Another place that is too iconic to miss out on in New Delhi is the India Gate. The massive Arc can already be seen from afar and counts as one of the top tourist attractions of New Delhi.
Pool Time
Again, we ended our day in New Delhi with time spent in the hotel pool. With the heat that comes with exploring India, we felt like we should start our days slow and steady and don’t pack our days too full, as we were quite cooked by the heat.
Day 4 – Drive to Agra & Red Fort in Agra
You have reached the first travel day of your India Itinerary! After exploring all the monuments and beauties that New Dehli has to offer, it is time to embark on the journey to the one and only – the Taj Mahal. Located in Agra, getting there is the first thing you need to do to see what might be the most incredible place in the world. Chagan, our driver picked us up in the morning after breakfast and drove the 4-hour drive to Agra. Once we reached it, we checked into the incredible Agra Taj Hotel & Convention Center. When you are staying in Agra, it is the only hotel, because not only are the rooms perfect and comfortable but it also has the most special pool overlooking the Taj Mahal. Honestly, can you imagine a better thing than swimming right in front of the Taj Mahal?
Lunch at Green Veg Thali & Restaurant
Once we had gotten rid of our bags and refreshed after our trip, it was time for a delicious lunch before exploring more of Agra. We chose the Green Veg Thali & Restaurant and had a delicious lunch! With papadam, naan, cauliflower, and delicious curries, we filled not only our bellies but also our hearts (being just as cheese as my Naan bread here) and made sure to lick off every drop off our plates.
Red Fort Agra
If you are not too exhausted from the drive already, you can also spend the rest of your afternoon exploring another great fort in Rajasthan. The Red Fort in Agra is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan in my opinion with incredible details and courtyards. And one of its grandest highlights – the glimpse you get of the Taj Mahal!
Also a small history lesson: the Red Fort in Agra was another important place in the Mughal empire. Humayun, who is laid to rest in Humayun’s tomb was crowned emperor here. It was later renovated by Shah Jahan, the emperor who had the Red Fort in Dehli built. He was also the one to build the Taj Mahal in honor of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. In the war over his succession, he was then confined in the Red Fort in Agra, before he was buried next to his wife after his death.
Day 5 – Taj Mahal for Sunrise & Drive to Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri Fort
Are you ready for a legendary morning? Day 5 of this India Itinerary was probably the one that I was most excited about. Seeing the Taj Mahal was on my Bucket List forever and there was so much anticipation about it, that I could barely sleep before we got up. However, to also get the most out of the experience, it is crucial to see the Taj Mahal as early as possible, meaning to be there for sunrise. Sleeping in on this occasion will result in you visiting the busiest tourist attraction you can imagine, while being there at sunrise will ensure you have the monument all to yourself, even for a brief moment.
Taj Mahal
Once you get up, have your driver get you to the Taj Mahal, where you try to be the first one in line at the entry counter. Make sure, that you buy your tickets in advance and that you only bring what’s necessary and no pointy objects. You would have to leave those in a locker, costing you precious moments. When you make it past the counter, rush towards the Taj Mahal Mosque for the best sunrise views. Chances are high that you will be tempted to stop at the iconic fountain, but it will be worth it to see the sunrise at the mosque, I promise you!
When the sun has risen, you will also already have more and more people around you and you will realize how important it is to be early here. Once you finish admiring the Taj Mahal from every corner outside, you also have the option to visit the mausoleum, where Mumtaz Mahal and Emperor Shah Jahan are buried. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place, so make sure to include it in your ticket.
To be honest, I think I could have admired the Taj Mahal for hours but in reality, the crowds were getting too much, that’s why, after a few hours, we decided to call it a morning and embark on the next part of our day, the long drive to Jaipur. The drive will take approximately 3 – 4 hours in total but you will enjoy one more stop on the way to Jaipur!
Fatehpur Sikri Fort
The next fort in this India Itinerary is the Fatehpur Sikri Fort. With its massive gate and marble mosque, it definitely stands out with its immense impressiveness. It is an incredibly beautiful place but also filled with many vendors trying to sell you thing after thing after thing.
Arriving at the Alsisar Haveli – Heritage Hotel
Once you have made it through the long drive, it will end with you arriving at the most wonderful hotel, the Alsisar Haveli, one of the dreamiest hotels in this India Itinerary.
Day 6 – Jaipur 1 – Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Tailor, Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan, Hawa Mahal
Welcome to Jaipur! Today you are going to explore the pink city. It is quite obvious that it got its nickname from its pastel-colored houses that all line the main streets. It is very fairytale-like and one of India’s most breathtaking places. This day you are going to explore some of the most fantastic spots in this India Itinerary, like the Amer Fort and the Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan and if you like you are also going to do some shopping!
Amer Fort
Another day in India, another fort to explore! Embedded in the surrounding mountains, Amer Fort is one of my favorite forts that I got to see during my time in India. Its name comes from its amber-colored walls and I love how all of its decor plays with its main color. It was amazing to explore all the different courtyards and be led from room to room by the audio guide. It’s so incredibly wonderful!
Jal Mahal
The next place on your first day in Jaipur is a quick stop at Jal Mahal. The construction that looks like a palace is only a lodge and covers four levels of construction but due to flooding, only one is left above the water level. The flooded construction is quite a mesmerizing view, that you can now only enjoy from the shores of the lake.
Tailor
One of the things that are a highlight in Jaipur is the tailors! For comparable cheap money, you can get amazing tailored clothing from dresses to silk pyjamas and traditional Indian clothing like Punjabis. They have different fabric types at their disposal, so you get to decide how you want your clothing to be made. I got myself a fitted pyjama in my favorite color and matching vanity bags I now use as packing cubes on trips.
Lunch at Niros Restaurant
After so much walking, we were getting quite greedy to get something to eat, so we asked our driver to get us to a nice place for lunch and he took us straight to Niros Restaurant, an amazing place in Jaipur. While my friend had the most delicious dish with eggplant, I opted for a wonderful spicy chickpea curry.
Patrika Gate
The beautiful Patrika Gate is the last stop on this probably hot day in Jaipur. The beautifully decorated and ornamented place would be so wonderful to marvel at, wouldn’t it be for the many crowds that are occupying it during the day. As you don’t have to pay any entrance fee for it, you can expect many people to be there. A few of them will also try to make you hire them as a photographer, so be prepared that you will have to say no to them many times before they leave you alone. Anyway, admiring the Patrika Gate and its beauty is compensation enough for the pushy vendors.
Hawa Mahal
Are you ready for the final stop of the day? It is a very epic one! The Hawa Mahal also the Palace of the Winds, is an iconic palace in Jaipur and I am sure, you have seen it before on Social Media. The funny thing about it is that it isn’t a palace, but only a facade. With its many windows, it was designed so the women of court could look outside of the palace walls while actually not being seen by anyone outside of the palace. The best way to see it and to capture it is to check out the Tatoo Café & Lounge and their rooftop bar for some cold drinks and maybe even a little snack, while marveling at this gorgeous place.
Dinner at the Alsisar Haveli
After our sightseeing for the day, we returned to the Alsisar Haveli sweaty and happy. We spent some time at their gorgeous pool and in their spa, getting a massage. It was perfect to unwind after our long day.
We had our dinner at the hotel then and it was perfect to stuff ourselves with delicious food before almost rolling into bed right away.
Day 7 – Jaipur 2 – Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum
Another day in Jaipur! Are you ready to explore more magnificent places today? Day 2 in Jaipur is filled with beautiful gems like the royal tombs, the City Palace, and one of the best museums in India. But before all that, it is time to have either an omelet or waffle made for you at the Alsisar Haveli for breakfast!
Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan
Starting the day strong with a visit to the Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan. The beautiful complex is an assortment of some of the most beautiful marble constructions you can imagine. The sight is the former royal crematorium and, therefore, has a beautiful, serene, and calm atmosphere. After visiting many busy places in India, this calmness was a welcome exchange and we took a long time enjoying our time here.
City Palace
After the Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan, we went to the next sight of the day – the city palace of Jaipur! A richly ornamented place with more carvings and paintings your eye can even marvel at. There are multiple courtyards for you to explore here, one more breathtaking than the other. Truly beautiful.
Helpful Information:
- The entry to the palace is 200 Rupees. This doesn’t include the insta-famous blue room of the city palace. To enter this one, you have to book an additional special ticket, which we deemed too expensive.
Albert Hall Museum or sometimes there is something more important.
The next stop for the day would have been the Albert Hall museum, an impressively beautiful building hosting one of the biggest collections in India and was declared the „best museum in India“ many times over. However, for us, it was just not meant to be. After a week in India, I got what you usually call the Dehli belly and had to rush back to our hotel, where I would be stuck sick for the rest of the afternoon. Lucky for me, it got better, once everything was out of my system, but I would have preferred to see the museum, trust me.
Day 8 – Drive to Jodhpur
On day 8 of this India Itinerary, it was time to wave Jaipur goodbye and drive to Jodhpur. This one is also the longest of the drives with 5 – 6 hours of driving time. Once we arrived in Jodhpur, we checked into the marvelous Radisson Blue Jodhpur, where we stayed for the next three nights with breakfast and dinner included. The place has a fabulous spa, pool, and spacious rooms and we fell so in love with it. The buffet was fantastic too and we had the best time here!
Day 9 – Jodphur 1 – Jaswant Thada, Mehrhghahnga Fort & Pachetia Hill
After an early breakfast, it was time to explore Jodhpur! It is safe to say that Jodhpur became one of my favorite cities in India not only because of its beauty but because in comparison to the other places we visited in India, it was way cleaner. That is because the city is much richer due to its trade with silver and fabrics than other places in India. Furthermore, most of its sights are still owned by the Maharaja and you can see that he is investing in tourism in Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada
The most impressive place in Jodhpur. Jaswant Thada is a royal mausoleum and simply incredible. With its white, delicate marvel decorations, it creates a strong contrast with the red of the mountain range behind it, and due to its position just above the city, a light breeze goes through the site, giving you a break from the scorching Indian heat. It is so marvelous and breathtaking!
Mehrangarh Fort
Just across the street from Jaswant Thada, you can already see the next sight of the day. Mehrangarh Fort is another fort not to miss in Rajasthan. At the entry, you will get a free audio guide that will help you understand its history, while you walk through courtyards and royally decorated rooms, one more breathtaking than the other.
The Blue City & Pachetia Hill
From above, you have already spotted the blue city that is spreading below you, now you also get to explore it! The Blue City is an incredible place and once you are done exploring the houses, make your way up to Pachetia Hill from where you can watch the most breathtaking sunset.
Day 10 – Jodhpur 2 – Mandalore Gardens & Umaid Bhawan Palace
After an afternoon with a great massage and great dinner at the Radisson Blue in Jodhpur, we were thrilled to wake up to another day of exploring Jodhpur. However, we also quickly realized that India’s heat wore us down on this day and after only seeing two more sights, we called it a day. We used its remains to unwind in the hotel pool and order room service for lunch. However, here’s to what we did manage to see!
Mandore Gardens
One place I love to explore in Jodhpur is the Mandore Gardens! Imagine a lush green oasis with the temples and Chhatris of a city that was once the capital of its region. It gave me Tomb Raider vibes to explore the area, especially with wild monkeys roaming around it!
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Once we returned to Chagan, he took us directly to the next sight of the day! The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the residence of the former royal family turned into part hotel/part museum. It is quite an impressive building; inside, you can marvel at the beautiful possessions and heirlooms of the royal family.
Day 11 – Drive to Udaipur – Temple
Are you ready for the last city to visit on this India Itinerary? Get ready to explore Udaipur, the city of lakes! Day 11 of traveling Rajasthan is dedicated to getting from Jodhpur to Udaipur and honestly, it is still one of my favorite days on this itinerary. Because on the way to Udaipur, you are going to explore one of the most beautiful temples I have ever seen and drive along an incredibly scenic route.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
In case you don’t know what the term Jain means – Jainism is an Indian religion whose followers’ ultimate spiritual goal is to part with the endless cycle of rebirth by self-reflection. They usually practice non-violence, which results in them not eating meat. Jain temples are usually built with white marble decorated in incredibly detailed carvings. I read that the stone masons were paid by the weight of the marble dust they were able to shave off the stone.
Ranakpur Jain Temple is considered one of the biggest temples of the Jain religion and it is incredibly beautiful.
Helpful Information:
- Make sure to get the Audio Tour – you will learn so much more about this place!
- To get into the temple you will have to take your shoes off.
- Bringing your camera will cost you extra and make sure not to do any excessive photoshootings.
Your Hotel in Udaipur
Udaipur is a wonderful city with even more wonderful hotels. One of the most exquisite places to stay in is the Taj Lake Palace, in the middle of Lake Pichola. You get there exclusively by boat and also only when you have a reservation. Another gorgeous hotel is the Amet Haveli. With its opulent rooms and gazebos, it looks exactly like you would imagine a palace by the lakeside.
We stayed in the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace for our time in Udaipur and if a picture of its lake view during sunset doesn’t convince you to book your stay here, nothing I could put in words will! 10/10 recommend!
Day 12 – Udaipur Day 1 – Jagdish Temple, Udaipur City Palace, Saheliyon ki bari, Lunch at Ambrai, Gem Arts Emporium
Welcome to the city of lakes! Udaipur is such a gem with so many dreamy places. On day one in Udaipur, you are going to explore Jagdish Temple, the magnificent Udaipur City Palace, picturesque river views & delicious lunch with a view!
Jagdish Temple
Let’s start the day bright and early and the small yet beautiful Jagdish temple. It is covered in incredible carving and I loved admiring them one by one!
Udaipur City Palace
Next on this India Itinerary is another great city palace turned museum! The Udaipur city palace is a colorful place filled with treasures, arts and crafts, and many things to learn about the maharajas of Udaipur throughout history.
Saheliyon ki bari
Once you have finished marveling at the different courtyards of the Udaipur City Palace, another gem is waiting for you! Saheliyon ki bari is quite the hidden gem of Udaipur and was recommended to us by our driver Chagan. It is a lovely garden with fountains shaped like elephants. It is perfect for a little stroll and seeking some shade from the sun.
Lunch at Ambrai
Are you getting hungry already? I have the perfect lunch spot for you! The Ambrai is the restaurant of the Amet Haveli Hotel, and it is incredible! You sit directly next to the lake overlooking Udaipur’s skyline and the lake, watching as boats pass you by. The food is very delicious here, especially with that incredible view!
Gem Arts Emporium
Our last stop for the day was at the Gem Arts Emporium for a little shopping spree! You will find amazing pieces here if you are looking for nice jewelry with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or other stones!
Dinner at 1559 AD
If you are wondering, where to have a nice dinner close to your hotel, check out the 1559 AD. It is a very nice restaurant with great food and an eclectic interior!
Day 13 – Udaipur 2 – Sunrise at Bahubali Hill, Monsoon Temple Lookout, Badi ki Pal Lake View
Are you ready to catch another sunrise in India? On this last full travel day of this India Itinerary, you are going to start super early again and enjoy a day full of magnificent lake views before your last dinner in Udaipur.
Sunrise at Bahubali Hill
Just outside the city, you can find Badi Lake and, right next to it, Bahubali Hill. And it is the perfect location to watch the sunrise from there. It is the most magical sight. I couldn’t believe my own eyes, watching how the sun appeared over the mountain range, throwing such an ever-changing soft light over the lake. To get the most of your sunrise, make sure you arrive at the parking lot of Bahubali Hill 45 – 60 minutes before sunrise starts. From the parking lot, you will have to walk 20 – 30 minutes uphill, depending on your speed. Make sure to be early to get a good spot because this place is very popular among Indian wedding photographers. And then, just enjoy.
Monsoon Palace Lookout
After watching the sunrise, Chagan brought us back to the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace for some more sleep and breakfast. Once we felt rested and fit again, we drove to the Monsoon Temple Lookout. The Palace was built to watch the Monsoon clouds and offers some of the most epic views of Udaipur, the lakes, and the surrounding nature. It also is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Badi ki Pal Lake View
The last sight of this India Itinerary is the beautiful lake gazebo Badi ki Pal. From there you can see Bahubali Hill. It is a very peaceful and serene place, perfect to sit and reminisce about your fabulous time in India.
Dinner at Restaurant Harigarh
The last dinner in India should be a special one! At the Restaurant Harigarh, we sat directly next to the lake as the sun went down and enjoyed a delicious Indian meal. A very special place to bid India farewell.
Day 14 – Leaving & Transfers.
Once you packed your bags, you can have one last breakfast at the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace before leaving India. Chagan drove us to Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), from where we left for New Delhi again, where Lufthansa brought us back home again. As the Maharana Pratap Airport is only a domestic airport, you will have to fly via another city to leave India again.
Thank you so much for sticking to the end of this India Itinerary. It is a long one. I hope you like it and that it will help you to have a fantastic time in India!
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