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15-Day January 2026 India Itinerary

Viewed by 156 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Morning: Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Delhi. Take a short rest and enjoy a traditional Indian breakfast of paratha and chai.

Afternoon: Begin exploring with a visit to the iconic India Gate, followed by a leisurely walk through the bustling lanes of Connaught Place. Stop for a quick street‑food tasting of chaat and jalebi.

Evening: Head to Lotus Temple for a peaceful sunset view, then dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline.

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Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Morning: Tour the historic Red Fort, marveling at its massive red sandstone walls and intricate palaces. Continue to the nearby Jama Masjid for a glimpse of Mughal architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the UNESCO‑listed Qutub Minar complex and climb the surrounding ruins. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Chandni Chowk market for spices, textiles, and sweets.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural dinner with a live Rajasthani folk performance at a heritage restaurant near Humayun’s Tomb.

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Day 3: Delhi to Agra

Morning: Depart early by train to Agra, watching the countryside roll by. Check into a boutique hotel with a view of the Yamuna River.

Afternoon: Visit the world‑famous Taj Mahal, strolling through its marble gardens and admiring the sunrise‑lit façade. Take a guided tour inside to learn about its love story.

Evening: Explore Agra Fort, wandering its massive walls and royal chambers before watching the sunset over the Taj from a nearby rooftop café.

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Day 4: Agra to Jaipur

Morning: Travel by road to Jaipur, stopping at the beautiful marble mausoleum of Itimad‑ud‑Daula (Baby Taj) along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in the Pink City and check into a heritage haveli. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, taking an elephant ride up the hill.

Evening: Wander through the bustling Johari Bazaar for jewellery and handicrafts, then savor a traditional Rajasthani thali for dinner.

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Day 5: Jaipur Exploration

Morning: Explore the regal City Palace, admiring its museums and courtyards. Don’t miss the intricate mirror work in the *Chandra Mahal*.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal and learn about its ventilation design. Continue to the astronomical marvel of Jantar Mantar.

Evening: Attend a folk dance show at Albert Hall Museum and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.

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Day 6: Jaipur to Varanasi (flight)

Morning: Fly to Varanasi and settle into a riverside guesthouse near the ghats.

Afternoon: Take a guided walk through the historic Old City, discovering narrow lanes, temples, and the famous Manikarnika Ghat cremation site.

Evening: Board a traditional boat for a sunset cruise on the Ganges, watching priests perform evening prayers at the illuminated ghats.

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Day 7: Varanasi Spiritual Day

Morning: Witness the magical **Ganga Aarti** at Dashashwamedh Ghat before sunrise, as devotees chant and offer flowers.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath, exploring the Dhamek Stupa and the museum housing relics of the Buddha.

Evening: Stroll along the riverside promenade, sampling local street foods like kachori and jalebi, and reflect on the day's experiences.

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Day 8: Varanasi to Rishikesh (flight)

Morning: Fly to Dehradun and transfer to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world.

Afternoon: Check into a riverside ashram and join a beginner’s yoga class by the Ganges. Later, explore the iconic Laxman Jhula suspension bridge.

Evening: Attend the soulful **Ganga Aarti** at *Triveni Ghat*, followed by a vegetarian dinner at a local café.

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Day 9: Adventure in Rishikesh

Morning: Experience white‑water rafting on the Ganges, navigating thrilling rapids amidst stunning Himalayan scenery.

Afternoon: Relax with a meditation session at the peaceful Parmarth Niketan ashram, followed by a short hike to the waterfalls of Neer Garh.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural program featuring traditional music and dance performed by local artists.

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Day 10: Rishikesh to Kochi (flight)

Morning: Fly to Kochi, Kerala’s historic port city, and settle into a boutique hotel in Fort Kochi.

Afternoon: Explore the colonial charm of Fort Kochi, visiting the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and the vibrant Jewish Synagogue.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant while watching a traditional Kathakali performance.

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Day 11: Munnar Tea Gardens

Morning: Drive to the misty hills of Munnar, checking into a tea‑estate resort.

Afternoon: Tour the sprawling Tea Museum and walk through fragrant tea plantations, learning about tea processing.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening by the resort’s garden, sipping a cup of locally grown tea and watching the sunset over the hills.

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Day 12: Munnar to Alleppey (houseboat)

Morning: Depart for Alleppey and board a traditional Kerala houseboat, cruising the serene backwaters.

Afternoon: Glide past lush paddies, coconut groves, and quaint villages, with the crew preparing a fresh Kerala lunch on board.

Evening: Relax on the deck under a canopy of stars, listening to the gentle lapping of water and enjoying a candle‑lit dinner.

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Day 13: Alleppey to Kovalam (beach)

Morning: Disembark and travel to the coastal town of Kovalam, checking into a beachfront resort.

Afternoon: Spend leisurely hours at Varkala Beach**, swimming, sunbathing, and trying local snacks from beach shacks.

Evening: Watch a stunning sunset from the cliff‑top promenade, followed by a dinner of Kerala fish curry.

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Day 14: Kovalam to Goa (flight)

Morning: Fly to Goa and settle into a beachside resort in North Goa.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Fort Aguada and its lighthouse, then wander the colorful streets of Old Goa visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Evening: Experience Goa’s vibrant nightlife at a beach shack in Anjuna, enjoying live music and fresh coconut water.

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Day 15: Goa Relaxation & Departure

Morning: Unwind with a sunrise stroll on Calangute Beach and a leisurely brunch by the sea.

Afternoon: Take a short trip to the spice plantation for a guided tour and a tasting of local spices.

Evening: Transfer to Goa International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of India’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Red Fort (Delhi) – 2 hrs – $15
  • Qutub Minar (Delhi) – 1.5 hrs – $10
  • Taj Mahal (Agra) – 3 hrs – $25
  • Agra Fort (Agra) – 2 hrs – $12
  • Amber Fort (Jaipur) – 3 hrs – $18
  • City Palace (Jaipur) – 2 hrs – $12
  • Hawa Mahal (Jaipur) – 1 hr – $8
  • Ganga Aarti (Varanasi) – 1.5 hrs – $5
  • Sarnath (Varanasi) – 3 hrs – $10
  • Laxman Jhula (Rishikesh) – 1 hr – $5
  • Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh) – 2 hrs – $8
  • Chinese Fishing Nets (Kochi) – 1 hr – $5
  • Jewish Synagogue (Kochi) – 1 hr – $5
  • Tea Museum (Munnar) – 2 hrs – $10
  • Houseboat Cruise (Alleppey) – 8 hrs – $120
  • Varkala Beach (Kovalam) – 3 hrs – $0 (free)
  • Fort Aguada (Goa) – 1.5 hrs – $7
  • Old Goa Basilica (Goa) – 1 hr – $5
  • Spice Plantation (Goa) – 2 hrs – $15
  • Total Estimated Cost: $458

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a few days in the Himalayan region—such as Shimla or Leh—for breathtaking mountain scenery, or explore the wildlife sanctuaries of Madhya Pradesh like Kanha and Bandhavgarh. If you need to shorten the itinerary, you can combine Delhi and Agra into a single “Golden Triangle” day and skip one beach day in Goa, still capturing the cultural highlights while reducing travel time.

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