Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport and clear immigration and baggage; your driver will transfer you to your hotel in central Delhi, a trip that typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on traffic. Check in, freshen up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a short rest so you’re ready for a gentle first taste of the city.
Spend a relaxed afternoon settling into the rhythms of Delhi — unpack, enjoy the hotel facilities, or take a short walk around the neighbourhood (many central hotels are near Connaught Place or Khan Market). If you prefer, visit a nearby café for chai and people-watching or stroll through a leafy hotel garden to recover from travel.
As the sun softens, drive past India Gate and along Rajpath for a scenic photo stop and brief walk on the lawns to feel the city’s civic heart. Head to Connaught Place or Khan Market for dinner — choose from classic North Indian restaurants or contemporary bistros — and savour your first meal in India while planning the full sightseeing days ahead.
After a hearty hotel breakfast, head to Old Delhi to begin at the magnificent Jama Masjid, where you’ll climb the mosque’s southern tower for panoramic views of the bustling bazaars below. From there, weave through Chandni Chowk’s narrow lanes on a rickshaw ride, sampling street-food staples like crisp jalebi, spicy chaat and a steaming cup of roadside chai while watching traditional markets in full swing.
Cross to New Delhi to explore the stately Red Fort’s exterior and its on-site museum, tracing Mughal history through ornate halls and ramparts, then enjoy a leisurely Punjabi-style lunch—Karim’s or a nearby local eatery offers classic kebabs and curries. After lunch, choose between the soaring minarets of Qutub Minar or the tranquil gardens and tomb of Humayun’s Tomb for the afternoon, soaking up different eras of Mughal and Sultanate architecture.
As dusk falls, drive past the illuminated India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhavan for a photo stop and a sense of Delhi’s grand civic axis before returning to your hotel for a short rest. Later, head out to Dilli Haat or Connaught Place for dinner, where you can enjoy regional dishes and perhaps an evening cultural performance or browse handicraft stalls to pick up a colourful memento.
Set out after breakfast for the scenic drive from Delhi to Agra, either aboard the fast Gatimaan Express to Agra Cantt or by private car along the Yamuna Expressway; enjoy changing countryside views and a comfort stop en route. On arrival, check in to your hotel near the Taj precinct, freshen up, and take a short walk around the hotel neighbourhood to stretch your legs and absorb the city's atmosphere.
Relax at the hotel after checking in and have a leisurely lunch featuring local Mughlai specialties such as petha bites for dessert, then prepare for your late-afternoon excursion. Use this quieter window to consult your guide about the Taj’s history and photo opportunities, or visit a nearby workshop to see artisans at work on marble inlay if time permits.
Arrive at the Taj Mahal in the late afternoon to experience the monument’s famed golden-to-rosy light at sunset, wandering the gardens and taking iconic photos from the main platform and Mehtab Bagh across the river. After your visit, return to Agra Fort for an optional quick tour of its glowing ramparts or head back to the city for dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Yamuna, sampling classic Agra cuisine as you reflect on the day.
If you choose the optional sunrise visit, rise before dawn and return to the Taj Mahal to watch the monument glow in soft morning light — wander the marble platform and gardens for quieter, reflective photo moments and listen to your guide share fresh insights into Shah Jahan’s masterpiece. Afterward, return to the hotel for a leisurely breakfast, pack and complete check-out formalities while enjoying views of the Yamuna or a final short walk through the nearby bazaars where artisans sell marble inlay and petha sweets.
Depart Agra mid-morning and drive toward Jaipur, stopping en route at the UNESCO site of Fatehpur Sikri to explore its red-sandstone courtyards, Panch Mahal and the haunting Buland Darwaza while stretching your legs and learning about Akbar’s royal city. Continue the scenic drive through rural Rajasthan, arriving in Jaipur around early afternoon for hotel check-in and a relaxed lunch of Rajasthani thali or dal baati churma to sample regional flavours.
As the late afternoon light softens, take a gentle stroll through Johari Bazaar and the old city lanes to browse traditional textiles, block-printed fabrics and gemstone shops, then return to your hotel to freshen up. For dinner, choose a rooftop restaurant overlooking the pink-hued streets or a heritage haveli turned restaurant to enjoy a sunset meal and a first taste of Jaipur’s vibrant evening atmosphere.
Begin your day with a scenic drive up to Amber Fort, arriving early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the cool morning light on its ramparts; explore the Hall of Mirrors, Sheesh Mahal and the sprawling courtyards, and opt for a short jeep ride up the hill for classic palace arrival views. Your guide will share tales of Rajput valor and architecture as you wander the fort’s terraces and take in panoramic views over Maota Lake and the surrounding Aravalli hills.
Return to the old city for a leisurely lunch near the City Palace, then spend the afternoon inside the City Palace complex visiting the Mubarak Mahal and museum, admiring royal textiles and weapons while learning about Jaipur’s Maharajas. Follow with a visit to Jantar Mantar to marvel at the giant sundials and precision instruments, then pause for photos at the pink façade of Hawa Mahal to capture the city’s signature postcard view.
As the light softens, lose yourself in the bustling bazaars—Johari and Bapu Bazaar—hunting for block-printed textiles, meenakari jewelry and blue pottery while sampling roadside snacks like kachori or lassi. Finish with a rooftop dinner overlooking the old city or a heritage haveli to reflect on the day’s monuments, with the option of an evening folk music performance to round out your Rajasthani experience.
Early morning transfer to Jaipur Airport or railway station after a relaxed hotel breakfast, with time to admire the pink city once more as you leave; if flying, catch a direct or connecting flight (often via Delhi) that will get you into Varanasi by afternoon or evening. For train travellers choosing the overnight option, board a comfortable sleeper or AC express and settle in for the journey while reflecting on Rajasthan’s forts and palaces as the landscape slips by.
If your flight arrives midday, check in at your Varanasi hotel and take a short rest before heading out to explore the lanes near Assi or Godowlia, sampling local sweets and paan while soaking up the city’s intense, devotional atmosphere. Alternatively, use the afternoon to visit Sarnath (a 30-45 minute drive) to see the Dhamek Stupa and the informative museum, which offers a calm, historical counterpoint to the riverfront bustle.
As dusk falls, make your way to Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti — either from the riverbank or aboard a small boat for a glowing perspective of lamps, chants and priests in motion. After the ceremony, enjoy a riverside dinner at a rooftop restaurant near the ghats, sampling local specialities like kachori sabzi and lassi while reflecting on the day’s long journey and the spiritual energy of Varanasi.
Rise before dawn for a serene sunrise boat ride along the Ganges from Dashashwamedh or Assi Ghat, watching priests perform morning rituals and seeing the ghats come alive as boats, bathers and flower sellers begin their day. After the boat, wander the narrow lanes toward Kashi Vishwanath Temple and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a rooftop café overlooking the river while your guide points out hidden shrines and centuries-old lanes.
Midday, take a short drive to Sarnath to explore the Dhamek Stupa, the peaceful ruins of the ancient monastic complex and the well-curated Sarnath Museum, where elegant Mauryan-era sculptures and the Lion Capital of Ashoka bring Buddhist history to life. Return to Varanasi for a relaxed lunch of local specialties—kachori sabzi and lassi—then stroll through the weavers’ quarters or visit a Banarasi silk workshop to see traditional brocade looms in action.
As dusk approaches, head back to Dashashwamedh Ghat for the spectacular Ganga Aarti, choosing either a riverbank seat or a boat for an immersive view of the synchronized lamps, mantras and drums; afterwards, enjoy a riverside dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated ghats and reflect on the day’s spiritual and cultural contrasts.
After an early hotel breakfast, transfer to Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport for your short flight to Delhi; allow time for airport formalities and soak in a final view of the Ganges as you leave. If your schedule permits, arrive mid-morning in Delhi and check in at your hotel, where a brief rest will refresh you after travel before stepping back into the capital’s pace.
Spend the afternoon on a gentle exploration or shopping run — visit Dilli Haat for regional crafts and street food stalls, or head to Connaught Place for a mix of colonial arcades and modern boutiques followed by lunch at a café in Khan Market. Alternatively, choose a cultural stop such as the National Museum or the serene Lotus Temple for a quieter, reflective interlude before evening plans.
As the city lights come on, treat yourself to dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Connaught Place or the atmospheric lanes of Hauz Khas Village, enjoying contemporary Indian cuisine and skyline views. If you’d like a cultural nightcap, attend a short classical music or dance performance at India Habitat Centre or Dilli Haat, or simply stroll the illuminated India Gate and Rajpath for a peaceful end to the day.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or railway station for your chosen extension — a short flight to Udaipur (approx. 1 hour) or Jodhpur (approx. 1 hour) or a slightly longer hop to Goa (2.5-3 hours). On arrival, check in and take a gentle orientation walk: in Udaipur wander the lakeside promenades by Lake Pichola and glimpse the City Palace from the water, in Jodhpur stroll the blue-painted lanes of the old city beneath Mehrangarh Fort, and in Goa breathe sea air along Calangute/Anjuna (North Goa) or Colva/Palolem (South Goa) to reset after travel.
After settling in, enjoy a relaxed introduction to your destination: in Udaipur choose a short boat ride to Jag Mandir and a visit to the City Palace museum for royal art and panoramas; in Jodhpur visit the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, followed by a wander through local bazaars for textiles and spices; in Goa opt for a beachfront lunch of seafood vindaloo or xacuti, then explore Portuguese-era churches in Old Goa or local markets in Panaji.
Spend the evening soaking up local atmosphere — in Udaipur watch the sunset from the rooftop of a lakeside café with views of the palaces and enjoy a traditional Rajasthani thali, in Jodhpur dine under the ramparts with folk music and sample sweet masala chai in the Clock Tower market, and in Goa relax at a beach shack for a chilled sunset, sip a feni cocktail, and stroll the shoreline or visit a lively beach market as you plan the next two days of discovery.
Begin your day with signature sights suited to your chosen extension: in Udaipur take a morning boat on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir and stroll the City Palace terraces for frescoes, royal apartments and sweeping lake views; in Jodhpur ascend to Mehrangarh Fort to explore its expansive courtyards, museums and panoramic views over the blue lanes; in Goa head to the northern beaches (Calangute/Baga) for sun and sea or visit Old Goa’s grand Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral to soak up Portuguese-era architecture. These introductions build on your arrival day, offering immersive context—palaces and water for Udaipur, fort grandeur for Jodhpur, and relaxed coastal or colonial history for Goa.
After a leisurely lunch sampling local specialties—Rajasthani thali and kachori in Udaipur/Jodhpur or Goan fish curry and xacuti—spend the afternoon exploring complementary experiences: in Udaipur visit the Crystal Gallery or take a heritage walk through narrow lanes to artisan workshops; in Jodhpur drop into Jaswant Thada and the bustling Sardar Market for textiles and spice stalls; in Goa tour Fontainhas in Panaji to admire Portuguese houses and stop at a beach shack for fresh seafood. Each option deepens the local flavour and offers excellent photo opportunities and chances to meet artisans or vendors.
As daylight wanes, choose a memorable sunset and dining experience tied to your location: in Udaipur watch the sun set over the Aravallis from a rooftop restaurant by Gangaur Ghat with live folk music; in Jodhpur enjoy dinner beneath Mehrangarh’s floodlit ramparts or sample street snacks near the Clock Tower while local musicians play; in Goa head to a beachside shack for a relaxed sunset with feni or attend a lively beach market and dine on grilled seafood as the waves roll in. These relaxed evenings round out the day’s discoveries and set a pleasant tone for the next day of exploration or travel.
Ease into the day with a hands-on cooking class or artisan workshop that builds on what you’ve seen so far — in Udaipur learn to prepare a Rajasthani thali (dal baati churma, ker sangri) at a home-style kitchen or join a block-printing session with local craftsmen in a nearby village; in Jodhpur try a traditional snack-making class followed by a guided walk through the blue lanes and textile workshops; in Goa take a short fishing-boat trip with a local fisher followed by a market visit to sample fresh catch and learn Goan spice blends. These immersive experiences deepen your connection to local foodways and crafts while supporting neighbourhood artisans.
After lunch, enjoy a relaxed cultural immersion tailored to the town — in Udaipur visit the Shilpgram crafts complex to meet rural artisans and browse folk art, or take a boat back onto Lake Pichola to photograph palaces from the water; in Jodhpur spend time at Mehrangarh’s museum with a curator-led tour or explore the bustling Sardar Market for textiles, sweets and masalas; in Goa explore Fontainhas in Panaji to admire Portuguese-era architecture and stop at a gallery showcasing local contemporary artists. Allow time for unhurried shopping, a short spa treatment, or a visit to a small local museum to round out the afternoon at an easy pace.
As the day winds down, choose a memorable local evening — in Udaipur watch sunset from a rooftop café by Gangaur Ghat with live folk music and a Rajasthani thali; in Jodhpur enjoy dinner under the illuminated ramparts of Mehrangarh with a traditional folk performance or sample street-food favourites near the Clock Tower while listening to local musicians; in Goa head to a beach shack for a relaxed seafood dinner and cocktails as waves lap the shore or attend a small cultural event featuring Konkani music or dance. These gentle, sensory evenings are a perfect way to reflect on your extension before preparing for the return journey.
After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, complete check-out formalities and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Delhi or to your international departure city; allow time for traffic and security checks and enjoy one last view of the local skyline or shoreline as you leave. If you’re in Goa, consider a final quick stop in Panaji to pick up cashew feni or Goan spices; if in Udaipur or Jodhpur, take a brief lakeside/fortside photo stop before heading to the terminal.
On arrival in Delhi, check into your hotel or proceed directly to the airport depending on your international schedule; if time permits, slip into Connaught Place or Khan Market for a leisurely lunch and any last-minute shopping—pick up pashmina scarves, Banarasi silk or hand-blocked textiles. Alternatively, use this afternoon as buffer time for connecting flights, airport lounges and final packing, ensuring you meet the recommended 3-hour international check-in window.
Spend your final evening with a relaxed farewell dinner — choose a rooftop restaurant in Delhi near India Gate or Hauz Khas Village for contemporary Indian cuisine and skyline views, or enjoy a calm meal at your departure city’s hotel to rest before early travel. If your schedule allows a cultural note, attend a short classical music recital or savor a final cup of masala chai while reflecting on the journey’s highlights before tomorrow’s departure.
Ease into the day with a late breakfast and an optional visit to Akshardham to admire its ornate carvings and light-filled exhibitions (allow 3-4 hours for security checks and the cultural boat ride). If you prefer a quieter start, head to the Lotus Temple for contemplative time in the gardens or browse the boutiques of Khan Market for pashminas and books while enjoying a relaxed café lunch later.
Spend the afternoon hunting for final souvenirs at Dilli Haat’s regional craft stalls or explore Chandni Chowk’s specialty shops for spices, Banarasi silk and street snacks—stop at Paranthe Wali Gali for a traditional bite or at a Banarasi weaving workshop to see looms in action. Alternatively, book a spa treatment at your hotel or a short guided walk through Lodi Gardens to stretch your legs and soak up one last dose of local life before packing.
For your farewell evening choose a rooftop dinner in Connaught Place or Hauz Khas Village to toast the trip with views of the city skyline and contemporary Indian cuisine, or attend a short classical music or dance performance at India Habitat Centre for a cultural coda. If you’d rather keep things simple, return to India Gate and Rajpath for a twilight stroll and photos, followed by a calm meal at the hotel as you prepare for departure.
Pack leisurely after breakfast, finish check-out formalities and take a final stroll through Connaught Place or the hotel neighbourhood to pick up any last souvenirs—pashmina scarves in Khan Market or a small box of masala tea from a local shop make excellent mementos. Allow ample time for the transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport (or your departure terminal), planning to leave the hotel 3-4 hours before an international flight to account for Delhi traffic and airport security procedures.
At the airport, breeze through airline check-in and immigration if you’ve left plenty of time, then relax in an airport lounge or enjoy a final meal of Indian flavours—try a thali or a comforting dal at one of the terminal restaurants before boarding. If your international flight departs later, use this buffer to reconfirm connections, repack duty-free purchases, and reflect on the journey with one last cup of chai or a walk through the terminal art displays.
Board your flight home with time to spare and memories of forts, palaces and the Ganges fresh in your mind; during the flight, flip through photos from the trip and make note of favourite experiences to share with friends and family. If you’re staying an extra night in the departure city, enjoy a quiet farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant near India Gate or Hauz Khas Village, savouring contemporary Indian cuisine and the city skyline before final rest.
Use the morning as a gentle buffer — sleep in, enjoy a long hotel breakfast and finish packing with no rush. If you have time in Delhi, consider a last cultural stop such as the serene Lotus Temple for contemplative gardens or a quick visit to the Crafts Museum to pick up a few final textiles and handicrafts before departure.
Spend the afternoon according to your travel plans: catch a midday flight home from Indira Gandhi International Airport (allow 3 hours for international check-in), or, if staying local, take a relaxed walk through Dilli Haat for regional snacks and artisanal souvenirs or enjoy a light spa treatment at your hotel to unwind after two weeks of travel. Alternatively, use this window to visit any missed highlights — Akshardham’s exhibition (allow 3-4 hours) or a final stroll around Connaught Place for a leisurely lunch and last-minute shopping in Khan Market.
For your final evening, savour a farewell dinner that matches your mood — a rooftop meal near India Gate or Hauz Khas Village for skyline views and contemporary Indian cuisine, or a calm riverside/seafood dinner if you extended to Goa. If your flight is late, head to the airport with plenty of time, relax in a lounge with a final cup of chai, and reflect on the journey’s highlights as you prepare to board.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi International Airport → hotel transfer (Delhi) | ₹600-₹2,000 by prepaid taxi/airport cab; ₹1,500-₹4,000 by private car transfer |
| Connaught Place / Khan Market stroll | Free to browse; coffees/tea ₹150-₹400 per person; souvenirs ₹200-₹2,000+ |
| Drive past India Gate & Rajpath (photo stop) | Free if self-guided; car + driver ₹500-₹1,500 (half day pro rata) |
| Jama Masjid (Old Delhi) + tower climb | Entry to mosque: Free; tower access: donation / token ₹50-₹200 |
| Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride & street snacks | Cycle rickshaw ₹150-₹400 per short route; street food ₹100-₹400 per person |
| Red Fort exterior & museum | Entry (Indian citizen): ₹35-₹50; foreigner: ₹600-₹650; guide ₹500-₹1,200 (optional) |
| Lunch at Karim's / Punjabi restaurant (Old Delhi) | ₹300-₹800 per person |
| Qutub Minar | Entry (Indian): ₹40; foreigner: ₹600; guide ₹500-₹1,000 (optional) |
| Humayun's Tomb | Entry (Indian): ₹40; foreigner: ₹600; audio guide ₹150-₹300 |
| Dilli Haat / Connaught Place evening & dinner | Entry to Dilli Haat ₹30-₹100; dinner ₹400-₹1,200 per person; shopping variable |
| Delhi → Agra train (Gatimaan Express) | AC chair car ₹800-₹1,200 per person |
| Delhi → Agra private car (Yamuna Expressway) | Private car full day ₹6,000-₹12,000 (depending on vehicle and inclusions) |
| Hotel near Taj Mahal (Agra) — check-in/relax | Mid-range hotel ₹3,000-₹6,000 per night; boutique/heritage ₹6,000-₹15,000+ |
| Agra local lunch / petha tasting | ₹200-₹600 per person |
| Taj Mahal (sunset visit) | Entry (Indian): ₹50; foreigner: ₹1,100; sunset timing entry rules vary; camera charges ₹25-₹200 |
| Mehtab Bagh (across river for Taj views) | Entry included with Taj ticket or small local fee ₹50-₹200 depending on access |
| Agra Fort (optional evening) | Entry (Indian): ₹35; foreigner: ₹600; guide ₹500-₹1,200 (optional) |
| Sunrise Taj Mahal (optional early visit) | Same as Taj entry; transport early-morning transfer ₹300-₹1,000 |
| Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur | Entry (Indian): ₹35; foreigner: ₹600; guide ₹500-₹1,000 |
| Agra → Jaipur drive | Private car ₹6,000-₹12,000 (shared among passengers) |
| Johari Bazaar & old city stroll (Jaipur) | Free to browse; shopping variable ₹500-₹10,000+ |
| Amber Fort (Jaipur) + jeep ride to entrance | Entry (Indian): ₹50; foreigner: ₹600; jeep ₹300-₹600 roundtrip per vehicle; light-and-sound extra |
| City Palace (Mubarak Mahal & museum) | Entry ₹200-₹700 (different ticketing for foreign/domestic); guide ₹400-₹1,000 |
| Jantar Mantar | Entry (Indian): ₹40; foreigner: ₹200-₹300 |
| Hawa Mahal (photo stop / quick visit) | Photo stop free; small entry to museum ₹50-₹200 |
| Bazaars (Bapu, Johari) evening shopping & snacks | Snacks ₹100-₹300; shopping variable |
| Jaipur → Varanasi flight (direct/connecting) | Flight ₹3,000-₹8,000 one-way economy (depends on advance booking) |
| Jaipur → Varanasi overnight train (AC sleeper) | AC 2-tier/3-tier ₹1,000-₹3,000 per person |
| Varanasi hotel check-in & short rest | Budget ₹1,000-₹3,000; mid-range ₹3,000-₹8,000; heritage/river-facing ₹8,000-₹15,000+ |
| Sarnath (Dhamek Stupa & museum) | Entry to museum ₹10-₹200; transport ₹300-₹800 roundtrip; guide optional ₹500-₹1,000 |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat — Ganga Aarti (riverbank) | Free from bank; boat for viewing ₹400-₹1,500 per boat (shared) |
| Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges (Dashashwamedh / Assi Ghat) | Boat ₹300-₹1,000 per boat depending on boat type; private boat higher |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple area (visit) | Free; special entry/puja fees vary ₹50-₹500 |
| Varanasi → Delhi flight | Flight ₹3,000-₹8,000 one-way economy |
| Dilli Haat (Delhi) — shopping & food | Entry ₹30-₹100; food ₹200-₹700 per person; crafts ₹500-₹5,000+ |
| National Museum / Lotus Temple | National Museum entry ₹10-₹650 (special exhibits extra); Lotus Temple free (donation optional) |
| Optional extensions: flight to Udaipur / Jodhpur | Flight ₹2,500-₹6,000 one-way |
| Optional extension: flight to Goa | Flight ₹3,000-₹9,000 one-way |
| Udaipur: Lake Pichola boat & City Palace | Boat ₹150-₹600 per person; City Palace entry ₹200-₹600; combined tours variable |
| Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada | Mehrangarh entry ₹100-₹600; Jaswant Thada ₹20-₹200; guide/audio ₹200-₹800 |
| Goa: Beaches / Old Goa churches | Beaches free; water sports / shacks ₹300-₹2,000+; Old Goa entry free or small fees for some churches |
| Cooking class / artisan workshop (Udaipur/Jodhpur/Goa) | ₹1,000-₹4,000 per person depending on the activity |
| Spa treatment / hotel massage (30-90 minutes) | ₹800-₹4,000 depending on property and treatment |
| Airport transfer to Indira Gandhi International (Delhi) | Prepaid taxi ₹600-₹2,000; private transfer ₹1,200-₹4,000 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹72,000-₹2,30,000+ (per person, approximate range based on choices) Cost breakdown (typical mid-range 14-day plan, per person sharing double room): - Accommodation (13 nights mid-range): ₹39,000-₹78,000 - Domestic flights & trains (multiple segments): ₹15,000-₹40,000 - Local transport & private car days: ₹8,000-₹30,000 - Entrance fees, guides, activities: ₹4,000-₹12,000 - Food & incidental expenses: ₹6,000-₹18,000 - Optional extension (Udaipur/Jodhpur/Goa for 2-3 days): add ₹6,000-₹40,000 depending on flights & hotel Notes: choosing budget hotels, sleeper trains and street food can reduce costs toward ₹72k; selecting boutique hotels, private transfers and extra flights pushes totals to ₹2.3L+. |