Welcome to India — after you land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and clear immigration, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in central Delhi. Check in and take time to rest and freshen up; a brief nap and a shower will help shake off jet lag so you can enjoy the day and stay energized for the week ahead.
Once settled, step out for a gentle introduction to the city with a leisurely drive past the grand government buildings along Rajpath — including a photo stop at India Gate and a quick drive-by of Rashtrapati Bhavan for an orientation to New Delhi’s monumental core. If you’re feeling peckish, stop for a light lunch or chai at a café in Connaught Place and stroll the circular colonnades to get a first taste of Delhi’s lively urban rhythm.
As evening falls, wander the atmospheric arcades of Connaught Place for window shopping and perhaps an early dinner at a classic North Indian restaurant, or head back to India Gate for an illuminated view and people-watching on the lawns. If energy allows, finish the night with a calm rooftop drink or a short walk through Lodhi Gardens (if your hotel is nearby) to ease into the pace of your classic India journey.
Start early with a sensory plunge into Old Delhi: visit Jama Masjid to admire its soaring Mughal domes and then take a narrow-lane rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, tasting street snacks like hot jalebi or chaat as you pass historic bazaars and spice stalls. Pause for photos at the bustling Spice Market and enjoy the contrast between the living, breathing Old City and the calm you felt yesterday at India Gate.
After a hearty local lunch in Old Delhi, explore the Red Fort precinct — walk the exterior ramparts and drop into the museums to learn about Mughal history before heading south to Humayun’s Tomb, where orderly gardens and Persian-style architecture offer a tranquil, photogenic counterpoint. Finish this segment at Qutub Minar, taking in the towering minaret and intricate inscriptions that highlight the continuity of Delhi’s layered past.
As daylight fades choose a peaceful modern or bohemian end to the day: visit the serene Lotus Temple for contemplative architecture or head to Hauz Khas Village to browse boutiques and enjoy a rooftop café with views over the reservoir and ruined madrasa. This relaxed evening ties together the day’s old-and-new theme and sets you up comfortably for tomorrow’s journey to Agra.
Rise early and transfer from Delhi to Agra by Gatimaan Express (about 1h40m) or by private car (3-4 hours), enjoying changing countryside views en route; if traveling by train, arrive refreshed and take a short transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. If you prefer a very early start, a brief pre-breakfast photo stop at the Yamuna riverfront near the Taj can whet your appetite for the day ahead before a relaxed hotel breakfast.
Spend a leisurely afternoon settling into Agra with a visit to the imposing Agra Fort — stroll its red sandstone courtyards and climb to the battlements for distant Taj vistas, then sample Mughlai specialties for lunch at a nearby restaurant such as Pinch of Spice or Esphahan at The Oberoi. After a siesta, take a short drive to Mehtab Bagh for a contemplative riverside walk and preview of the Taj from across the Yamuna as you prepare for your sunset visit.
Plan your Taj Mahal entry for late afternoon so you can watch the mausoleum’s famed glow as the sun sets; wander the marble platform, admire the filigree inlay work and capture golden-hour photos from the main forecourt. After the visit, enjoy dinner with views of the city or return to your hotel for a relaxed meal, perhaps finishing the night with a rooftop drink while you reflect on one of India’s most iconic sights.
Begin the day at Agra Fort, wandering its vast red-sandstone courtyards, private palaces (like the Jahangir and Khas Mahal) and the Musamman Burj for a last, framed view of the Taj across the Yamuna. After a guided stroll through the fort’s museums and ramparts, return to the hotel for a leisurely brunch and to collect your luggage before setting off on the drive to Jaipur.
Travel overland to Jaipur (about 4-5 hours), with the option to stop at the evocative deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri to see Buland Darwaza and the intricate Jama Masjid — a delightful mid-route history break and excellent photo opportunity. Continue through the Rajasthani countryside, pausing for a stretch and a local lunch at a roadside dhaba or heritage restaurant before arriving in Jaipur and checking into your hotel.
After settling in, take a gentle orientation walk around Jaipur’s Old City, passing the pink-hued Hawa Mahal façade for photos and browsing small shops in the bazaars for textiles and jewelry. Finish with a relaxed dinner at a rooftop restaurant such as 1135 AD or a local haveli-style eatery, enjoying Rajasthani specialties and early views toward Amber Fort lit up above the city.
Wake early and drive up to Amber Fort to beat the heat and crowds; ascend by jeep (or walk the steep path) to explore the Sheesh Mahal’s mirrored halls, ornate courtyards and panoramic views over Maota Lake. Take time to photograph the fort’s honey-coloured ramparts and descend through the old bazaar route, where you’ll catch your first glimpses of local life and traditional crafts.
Return to the heart of the Pink City for a guided visit to the City Palace complex — wander the Mubarak Mahal and museum galleries to see royal textiles and weapons, then step outside to Jantar Mantar to admire the enormous stone astronomical instruments and learn how they were used. Pause for lunch in the Old City at a rooftop café, watching street scenes unfold beneath the iconic façade of Hawa Mahal which makes a perfect photo stop en route.
Spend the cooler hours browsing Jaipur’s lively bazaars (Johari and Bapu Bazaar) for hand-woven textiles, meenakari jewelry and block-printed fabrics, stopping for masala chai and street snacks as you shop. Finish the day at a rooftop restaurant or haveli-style dining spot with views toward Amber Fort lit up on the hill — a relaxed Rajasthani meal will round out your Pink City experience and set you up for tomorrow’s journey onward.
Rise early for a smooth transfer to Jaipur Airport or railway station; if flying, your morning will include a short drive to Jaipur Airport (JAI) and a connecting flight via Delhi, otherwise board an early train bound for Delhi before connecting onward. Use this travel time to rest, enjoy chai and a light breakfast at the airport lounge or station refreshment room, and watch the Rajasthani landscape give way to the plains as you head toward the spiritual heart of India.
On arrival in Varanasi you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and a refreshing lunch—choose a local thali to sample regional flavors like kachori and lassi—then take a gentle orientation walk through the lane-lined ghaṭ neighborhoods near Dashashwamedh Ghat. Spend the late afternoon visiting the ghats and the Kashi Vishwanath precinct, where the narrow alleys, temple bells and saffron-clad priests provide an evocative introduction to the city’s living traditions.
As dusk falls, experience one of Varanasi’s most moving ceremonies: the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where rows of priests perform synchronized lamp offerings to the river amid chanting and incense—arrive early to secure a good riverside or boat-side viewpoint. After the aarti, stroll the lit ghats or return to your hotel for dinner, reflecting on the day’s transition from royal Rajasthan to the timeless spiritual rhythm of the Ganges.
Wake before dawn for a serene sunrise boat ride on the Ganges from Dashashwamedh Ghat, watching saffron-clad pilgrims perform morning rituals while the river mists lift and the ghats come alive. After the boat, stretch your legs with a guided walk through the narrow lanes by Assi and Manikarnika ghats, pausing for a traditional breakfast of kachori and sweet lassi at a riverside stall and to glimpse early puja offerings and local life.
Spend the afternoon exploring Varanasi’s sacred core: visit the luminous Kashi Vishwanath Temple (note modest dress and queue times) and wander the adjoining lanes and silk shops for Banarasi saree weaving demonstrations and kawab snacks. Later, take a short drive to Sarnath to see the Dhamek Stupa, the archaeological museum and the serene deer park where the Buddha first taught—this calm, contemplative site provides a striking contrast to the bustling riverfront.
Return to the ghats in time for the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, securing a spot on the steps or a boat for a front-row view of the ritual’s swaying lamps, chanting and incense. After the ceremony, stroll the lit ghats and alleys to sample street food—try chena ghugni or rabri—before retiring to your hotel to reflect on a day rich in spiritual atmosphere and timeless river rhythms.
Early transfer to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi for a short flight to Khajuraho (direct or via connection); settle into your small, characterful hotel and enjoy a relaxed late-morning brunch. Take a brief orientation walk around the tree-lined streets to stretch your legs and visit a local craft shop to see stone-carving or miniature painting—an easy, gentle transition from the intense rhythms of Varanasi.
After lunch, step into history at the Western Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site—wander among the intricately carved Kandariya Mahadeva and Lakshmana temples, admiring the sensuous sculptures and finely detailed friezes while your guide unpacks their iconography and medieval context. Continue to the nearby Eastern and Southern groups for contrasting styles and quieter corners where you can photograph reliefs and enjoy the peaceful gardened settings.
As the light softens, return to your hotel to freshen up and then choose between an atmospheric Light & Sound show that brings the temple builders’ story to life or a leisurely rooftop dinner with views over the temple complex at sunset. With the day’s archaeology behind you and an evening at ease, relax with a nightcap or a walk under the starlit Rajasthani sky before tomorrow’s flight onward to Mumbai.
Early transfer to Khajuraho Airport for your flight to Mumbai (likely with a connection); use the morning flight time to relax, read up on Mumbai’s history, and enjoy airport chai before takeoff. On arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, your driver will take you to your hotel in South Mumbai for a quick check-in and a short freshen-up before lunch.
After lunch, step out to the Gateway of India and take in the colonial-era waterfront panorama, then wander through the bustling Colaba Causeway for lively street stalls, antiques and cafés — a great place to pick up souvenirs and feel the city’s pulse. Continue with a short drive to the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) or stroll through the nearby Kala Ghoda arts district to see galleries, street art and heritage architecture.
As the day cools, head to Marine Drive to watch the sun dip over the Arabian Sea and stroll along Chowpatty Beach, sampling bhel puri from a beachside vendor for an authentic Mumbai snack. Finish the evening with dinner in Colaba or a rooftop restaurant, enjoying seafood or regional dishes while the city lights sparkle along the coast, setting you up for fuller explorations tomorrow.
Begin your day in the architectural heart of South Mumbai with a guided walk around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), admiring its Gothic façades and learning about its UNESCO-listed history; continue on to the nearby Oval Maidan and view colonial-era buildings that trace the city’s transformation. Pop into the bustling Crawford Market to sample local fruits and spices, and browse the vibrant stalls for antiques or curios that capture Mumbai’s cosmopolitan pulse.
After a leisurely lunch in the Kala Ghoda arts district, explore its boutique galleries and street art, then visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum) to see curated collections of Indian decorative arts and archaeology. If you prefer a seaside interlude, take the short ferry to Elephanta Island to walk among the rock-cut cave temples and giant Shiva reliefs (allow 3-4 hours for the round trip).
Return to the city for a sunset stroll along Marine Drive, watching the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ lights come alive as the Arabian Sea cools the air, and stop for bhel puri at Chowpatty Beach to savor a classic Mumbai street snack. Finish with dinner in Colaba or a rooftop restaurant near the Gateway of India, enjoying seafood or regional specialties while reflecting on the day’s blend of colonial history, local markets and coastal charm.
Decide whether to extend to Goa or squeeze in one more Mumbai highlight: if staying in Mumbai, begin with a behind-the-scenes Bollywood studio tour (Mumbai Film City or a smaller private studio) or a guided street-food walk through Mohammed Ali Road and Crawford Market to sample kebabs, pav bhaji and fresh fruit chaat. If opting to fly to Goa, take an early morning flight (1-1.5 hrs) and arrive mid-morning to settle into a beachside guesthouse in Calangute or the quieter Agonda, followed by a relaxed swim or a short beach stroll to shake off travel fatigue.
In Mumbai, spend the afternoon visiting the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum and then explore the boutiques and cafés of Kala Ghoda, or take a short ferry to Elephanta Caves if you haven’t done so yet for the island’s rock-cut Shiva panels. In Goa, choose between lazy beach time with a seafood lunch at a shack (try Goan fish curry and feni), a spice-plantation visit near Ponda to learn about local crops, or a short heritage tour of Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
For a Mumbai evening, enjoy a sunset drive along Marine Drive followed by a farewell dinner at a classic restaurant in Colaba (such as Trishna for seafood or Leopold Café for a lively atmosphere) and final souvenir shopping on Colaba Causeway. In Goa, savour a relaxed beachfront dinner at a shack on Baga or a candlelit Portuguese-style meal in Panjim, or attend a sunset river cruise on the Mandovi with live music—either choice offers a gentle, memorable close to this leg of your India journey while you prepare for departure the next day.
Wake to the sound of surf and choose your mood for the day: head north to Baga or Calangute for lively water-sports (parasailing, jet-skiing) and a beachfront breakfast at Britto’s or Infantaria, or opt for the quieter south and stroll the soft sands of Palolem before a yoga class on the beach to stretch out after travel. Either way, enjoy fresh coconut water and a seafood omelette or Goan sannas to fuel a relaxed day under the tropical sun.
After lunch at a beach shack—sample Goan fish curry with rice and a local feni—explore nearby heritage sights such as Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral for a taste of Portuguese-era history, or visit a spice plantation around Ponda for a fragrant guided tour and a traditional lunch amid cashew and pepper trees. If you prefer more beach time, take a short boat trip for dolphin watching or simply laze under a palm with a good book and a chilled kokum cooler.
As the day cools, watch the sun sink over the Arabian Sea from a clifftop spot at Chapora Fort or on a sunset cruise along the Mandovi, enjoying Goan folk music or a beach bar’s live set; follow with a candlelit dinner of prawn balchão or pork vindaloo at a seaside restaurant in Panjim or a relaxed shack in Anjuna. Wind down with a slow walk along the shore or a nightcap at a beachside bar, letting the gentle rhythms of Goa round out this restorative extension to your India highlights tour.
If you’re in Goa, wake to the sound of surf and choose a gentle start with a yoga session on Palolem Beach or a dolphin-spotting boat from Miramar, followed by a beachfront breakfast of Goan sannas and fresh coconut water at a shack. If you remain in Mumbai, begin with a guided street-food walk through Mohammed Ali Road or Mohammad Ali’s breakfast stalls and then visit the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum or the Kala Ghoda district’s galleries for a cultural morning.
In Goa, spend the afternoon exploring Portuguese heritage in Old Goa—visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral—or take a fragrant spice-plantation tour near Ponda, tasting local produce and enjoying a traditional Goan lunch. In Mumbai, devote the afternoon to a behind-the-scenes Bollywood studio tour or a relaxed ferry ride to Elephanta Island to see the rock-cut cave temples and Shiva panels before returning to South Mumbai.
Finish your Goa day with a sunset at Chapora Fort or a Mandovi River cruise, followed by a candlelit seafood dinner of prawn balchão or fish curry at a beachside restaurant in Panjim or Baga. In Mumbai, watch the lights of Marine Drive at dusk, sample bhel puri at Chowpatty, and enjoy a farewell dinner in Colaba—perhaps at Trishna for seafood or a lively rooftop spot—tying together the flavors and memories of your trip.
Spend your final morning at a relaxed pace—enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or a nearby café in Colaba, perhaps revisiting the Gateway of India for one last seaside photo and a short stroll along the arc of Marine Drive. Use this time to pack thoughtfully, pick up any last-minute souvenirs from Colaba Causeway or a specialty spice shop, and confirm airport transfers with the hotel concierge to allow for Mumbai’s variable traffic.
Allow at least three hours for international check-in and security at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM); if your flight departs later, consider a brief visit to the nearby Kala Ghoda district for a final coffee and gallery browse, or enjoy a calm seafood lunch in South Mumbai at a trusted spot like Trishna or Cannon Pavillion. If you have time before leaving, a short drive past the historic Oval Maidan and CST offers a last look at the city’s colonial architecture and lively street scenes.
Board your flight home with plenty of buffer time, reflecting on the journey from Delhi’s monuments to the ghats of Varanasi and the beaches of Goa; if your schedule allows an evening departure, relax in the airport lounge with local snacks such as masala peanuts or a hot chai. Arrive home refreshed with memories and photos, and keep receipts and contact details from hotels and guides handy in case you wish to follow up or plan a return visit.
Use the extra morning to follow your mood: in Mumbai, enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Kala Ghoda and visit the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum or take a guided Bollywood studio tour to see sets and pre-production life; in Goa, greet the day with beach yoga on Palolem or a dolphin-spotting boat trip from Miramar before a leisurely seafood brunch at a beach shack. This unhurried start gives you time to rest, squeeze in a missed attraction from earlier in the trip, or make any last-minute travel arrangements.
Spend the afternoon pursuing a favorite interest: in Mumbai, explore Chor Bazaar for antiques and stop at the Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS) for a final cultural fix, or take a short ferry to Elephanta Caves if you haven’t visited yet; in Goa, choose between a fragrant spice-plantation tour near Ponda, a heritage visit to Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus, or simply reclining on Baga’s sands with fresh Goan curry for lunch. The flexible afternoon is ideal for shopping, photography, or ticking off one more highlight at a relaxed pace.
For your final evening, celebrate the trip with a memorable meal: in Mumbai, enjoy a farewell dinner at Trishna or a rooftop in Colaba followed by a sunset walk along Marine Drive; in Goa, watch the sun set from Chapora Fort or on a Mandovi River cruise and dine on prawn balchão at a seaside restaurant. Use this gentle, reflective night to pack, confirm onward transfers, and savor a last taste of India before departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) — transfer to hotel | INR 1,200-2,500 (private airport transfer; cheaper with app taxis INR 500-1,200) |
| India Gate & Rajpath (photo stop / drive-by) | Free (parking INR 50-200 if stopping) |
| Connaught Place — café, stroll | INR 300-1,200 per person (light lunch / chai and snacks) |
| Lodhi Gardens (walk) | Free |
| Jama Masjid | Free (modest donation or shoe-holding service INR 20-50; photography fee minimal) |
| Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride & street snacks | Rickshaw INR 200-500; snacks INR 100-400 per person |
| Spice Market (Khari Baoli) visit | Free to browse; purchases vary (small spice pack INR 100-300) |
| Red Fort (exterior walk & museum) | Entry INR 35 (Indian) / INR 650 (foreign) + guide INR 300-800 if hired |
| Humayun’s Tomb | Entry INR 40 (Indian) / INR 600 (foreign); guide INR 300-600 optional |
| Qutub Minar | Entry INR 30 (Indian) / INR 500 (foreign) |
| Lotus Temple | Free (donations accepted) |
| Hauz Khas Village — rooftop café / stroll | INR 300-1,200 per person (drinks / light meal) |
| Delhi → Agra by Gatimaan Express (train) | INR 1,000-2,000 per person (AC chair car / executive class) |
| Delhi → Agra by private car | INR 6,000-12,000 (one-way, sedan to SUV, including tolls & driver allowance) |
| Agra hotel transfer & check-in | Often included with hotel; otherwise INR 300-800 |
| Agra Fort | Entry INR 35 (Indian) / INR 650 (foreign); guide INR 300-700 optional |
| Lunch — Mughlai restaurant in Agra | INR 300-1,200 per person |
| Mehtab Bagh (riverside park view of Taj) | Entry INR 30-50 |
| Taj Mahal (sunset visit) | Entry INR 50 (Indian) / INR 1,100 (foreign) + INR 200-500 (camera fee / guide optional) |
| Agra → Jaipur by private car | INR 7,000-14,000 (one-way; depends on vehicle type and stops) |
| Fatehpur Sikri stop (mid-route) | Entry INR 25 (Indian) / INR 300 (foreign) |
| Hawa Mahal (photo stop) | Free to photograph from outside; small viewing window entry INR 50-100 |
| Amber Fort — jeep up or walk | Entry INR 25 (Indian) / INR 550 (foreign); jeep INR 300-600 round-trip per vehicle OR elephant ride (where available) INR 1,200-2,000 per person; guide INR 300-700 |
| City Palace (Mubarak Mahal) & Jantar Mantar | City Palace entry INR 70 (Indian) / INR 700 (foreign); Jantar Mantar INR 50-200 |
| Shopping — Johari / Bapu Bazaar | Variable — INR 500-10,000+ depending on purchases (textiles, jewellery imitation) |
| Jaipur → Varanasi (via Delhi) — flight or train | Flight INR 5,000-12,000 per person (one-way, economy, depends on carrier & routing); train INR 500-2,000+ |
| Varanasi hotel transfer & check-in | INR 200-800 |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat & Kashi Vishwanath precinct (afternoon orientation) | Free to visit; temple donations small INR 20-200 |
| Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (evening) | Free (boat for close view INR 400-1,200 per boat depending on duration & season) |
| Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges | INR 300-1,500 per boat/session (shared vs private; price varies by season) |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple (visit) | Free entry; token system or VIP options cost more; donations INR 20-500 |
| Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa & museum) | Entry museum INR 10-50; transport INR 200-800 round trip |
| Varanasi → Khajuraho (flight via Varanasi) | INR 4,000-10,000 per person one-way (depending on routing & advance booking) |
| Khajuraho — Western Group of Temples | Entry INR 40 (Indian) / INR 650 (foreign) |
| Khajuraho — Eastern & Southern groups | Often included in combined ticket; otherwise small local fees |
| Light & Sound show at Khajuraho (optional) | INR 100-400 per person |
| Khajuraho → Mumbai (flight) | INR 4,500-12,000 per person one-way |
| Gateway of India & Colaba Causeway (Mumbai) | Free to visit; shopping INR 300-3,000+ depending on purchases |
| Prince of Wales Museum (CSMVS) | Entry INR 85 (Indian) / INR 500 (foreign) |
| Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach (sunset & snacks) | Bhel puri / snacks INR 50-200 per person |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) & Oval Maidan walk | Free |
| Crawford Market and Kala Ghoda district (markets & galleries) | Entry free; purchases and museum entries INR 50-500 |
| Elephanta Island ferry & caves | Ferry INR 120-300; entry INR 40-100; guide INR 300-600 optional |
| Bollywood studio tour (optional, Mumbai) | INR 1,500-5,000 per person depending on provider |
| Flight Mumbai → Goa (if extending) | INR 2,000-6,000 per person one-way |
| Goa — beach shacks, water sports (Baga/Calangute) | Water sports INR 500-4,000 per activity; meals INR 300-1,500 per person |
| Old Goa churches (Basilica of Bom Jesus & Se Cathedral) | Free to visit; donations appreciated; transport INR 300-800 from major beach areas |
| Spice plantation tour near Ponda (Goa) | INR 500-1,500 per person (tour + traditional lunch) |
| Mandovi River sunset cruise (Goa) | INR 300-1,500 per person depending on boat & inclusions |
| Airport transfers (BOM departure) | INR 800-2,500 for private transfer; taxi app INR 400-1,200 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | INR 95,000-325,000 per person (range depends on choices below) |