Begin with the journey from Thrissur to Indira Gandhi International Airport via Cochin International Airport. Allow 8–10 hours door to door, including the road transfer from Thrissur, airport check-in, security, baggage collection and the ride into central Delhi. Leave early and pre-book both the flight and an airport transfer; Delhi traffic can make the final 15–20 km surprisingly slow. From the airport, a prepaid taxi or app cab to your hotel is easiest, while the Airport Express Metro is quicker if your accommodation is near New Delhi or Shivaji Stadium stations. Keep the afternoon light after the long travel day and carry a warm layer—February evenings are often cool.
After checking in and resting, head to India Gate and Kartavya Path for an easy first look at Delhi. Visit around sunset, when the broad avenue becomes more comfortable for walking and the monument is beautifully lit; allow about an hour, with extra time for security checks and crowds. Walk onward to the National War Memorial, immediately beside India Gate, for a quieter and more reflective visit. Entry is generally free, but timings and access arrangements can change, so check the official notice before setting out. Use an auto-rickshaw or app cab between the hotel and this area rather than trying to walk from distant central-Delhi neighborhoods.
Continue to Dilli Haat INA, an open-air marketplace where different Indian states are represented through handicrafts, textiles and food stalls. Spend roughly two hours browsing at an unhurried pace and sampling regional dishes; budget ₹300–700 per person for entry, snacks and small purchases. It is usually open from about 11:00am to 10:00pm, though stall timings vary. Finish with a pre-booked dinner at Indian Accent at The Lodhi on Lodhi Road, allowing around 1½ hours and approximately ₹3,000–5,000 per person before drinks and service charges. This is a destination restaurant, so reserve well in advance and plan a cab rather than relying on last-minute seating.
Start around 8:00–8:30am with Jama Masjid, when the courtyard is quieter and the winter air is still pleasant. Allow about an hour, including security and time to appreciate the enormous red-sandstone courtyard. Visitor access can change around prayer times, so dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—and follow the entrance instructions. Photography fees and shoe-storage charges, if applied, are usually modest; avoid unofficial guides offering fixed “special access” prices.
Walk or take a short e-rickshaw ride into Chandni Chowk, then use a cycle-rickshaw for the old commercial lanes. The ride takes roughly 1–1½ hours depending on congestion and stops. Agree on the fare before leaving—around ₹150–300 for a short shared-style sightseeing ride is a reasonable starting point, though private rides may cost more. Continue to Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, where you can spend about 45 minutes observing the architecture and Sikh tradition of hospitality. Cover your head, remove your shoes, and keep your voice low; visitors are welcome, but this is an active place of worship.
Have lunch at Karim’s in Gali Kababian, a short walk from Jama Masjid. The Mughlai dishes are rich and filling—order selectively, especially if sharing—and budget approximately ₹400–800 per person. Service can be brisk rather than leisurely, and waiting is possible during the lunch rush, so allow about an hour. Afterward, take an auto-rickshaw or app cab to the Red Fort; traffic through central Old Delhi can make the short distance take 20–30 minutes.
Spend around two hours inside the Red Fort, allowing time for security, ticket checks and the museum areas. Verify its opening status for your visit and purchase eligible tickets through the official ASI or government ticketing channel where available; entry procedures and museum access can change. The fort is generally closed on Mondays, but hours, ticket categories and security restrictions should still be checked shortly before going. Wear comfortable shoes—the complex is extensive—and carry water, though avoid bringing large bags.
Finish at Raj Ghat, reached by cab in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Allow about 45 minutes for the quiet memorial and riverside surroundings; shoes are removed before approaching the platform, and respectful silence is expected. It is a good place to slow down after the intensity of Old Delhi. Try to arrive before dusk, when the garden atmosphere is most pleasant, then return to your hotel by app cab. Keep the evening unplanned: after a full day on foot, an early dinner near your accommodation will be more enjoyable than adding another distant sight.
Leave your Delhi hotel around 5:00am for Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, allowing 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and time for station entry. The Gatiman Express to Agra Cantt takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes, but budget 4–5 hours door to door once hotel checkout, station access, the train journey, luggage drop and the transfer onward are included. From Agra Cantt, take a prepaid auto-rickshaw or app taxi to your hotel in Tajganj, leave your bags, and continue to the Taj Mahal by e-rickshaw or battery shuttle. Your Sunday timing is ideal: the monument is closed on Fridays, while early morning usually brings gentler light and fewer crowds. Reserve the official timed ticket in advance; allow about 2½ hours for security, the gardens and the mausoleum, with no large bags, food or tripods permitted.
From Tajganj to Agra Fort is about 15–25 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi, depending on traffic. Spend around two hours among the red-sandstone courtyards, marble apartments and the riverside viewpoints associated with Shah Jahan. Entry is generally around ₹50 for Indian visitors and ₹650 for foreign visitors, though charges can change; arrive with water, comfortable shoes and some cash for small transport fares. For lunch, choose a simple restaurant near Sadar Bazaar or return toward Tajganj rather than committing to a long sit-down meal—the afternoon is better kept flexible after the early start.
Reach Mehtab Bagh on the Yamuna’s opposite bank by taxi or auto-rickshaw in roughly 25–35 minutes; allow about an hour and arrive before sunset, as the garden’s closing time is often around dusk and can vary seasonally. This is one of the best places to pause and see the Taj Mahal across the river without the monument crowds—bring a light layer, since the open riverbank becomes cool quickly in February. Afterwards, return to Tajganj for dinner at Peshawri in ITC Mughal, where the clay-oven kebabs, dal bukhara and breads are a polished take on North-West Frontier cooking. Expect approximately ₹2,000–3,500 per person, plus taxes; reserve ahead, particularly for Sunday evening, and arrange your onward Jaipur car through the hotel before dinner.
Leave Agra around 7:00am in your pre-booked private car, allowing 6–7 hours for the journey, luggage, traffic and sightseeing. Your first stop is Fatehpur Sikri, roughly 40km from Agra. Spend about two hours exploring the red-sandstone imperial complex, including Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal and the courtyards around Diwan-i-Khas. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water; the site is open from roughly sunrise to sunset, with entry commonly around ₹50 for Indian visitors and higher for foreign visitors. Ignore anyone insisting they are official guides at the roadside—use an Archaeological Survey of India guide or arrange one through your driver or hotel.
Continue to Jaipur, arriving around 2:00–3:00pm if traffic cooperates. Ask the driver to drop you near Hawa Mahal in the Old City, where you can admire the honeycomb façade from the street and take photographs from one of the rooftop cafés opposite. Allow about 30 minutes, then walk through the colorful lanes to City Palace, approximately 10 minutes away. Set aside two hours for the royal courtyards, textile displays, weaponry and private apartments; check the official ticketing page or have your hotel arrange admission in advance, as special museum areas may require separate tickets. Keep your belongings close in the busy Old City and expect some congestion around the palace gates.
After the palace, take an auto-rickshaw or app cab towards MI Road—usually 15–25 minutes depending on traffic—and stop at Lassiwala for its thick traditional lassi. It is a quick, old-school stop rather than a long meal; expect around ₹100–250 per person, and choose a busy outlet with good turnover. Leave Jaipur by about 6:00pm for Chokhi Dhani on Tonk Road, allowing 30–45 minutes in evening traffic. Spend around three hours enjoying folk music, puppet shows, crafts, village-style performances and a Rajasthani dinner. Budget approximately ₹1,000–2,000 per person, confirm the current entry and dining package before going, and carry a light layer for the cooler February evening. Arrange a return cab through your hotel rather than relying on finding one outside the venue.
Start around 7:30am and take an auto-rickshaw or app cab from central Jaipur to Amer; allow 35–50 minutes, more if staying near the railway station or Bani Park. Reach Amber Fort soon after opening, generally around 8:00am, and spend about three hours through the Diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, palace courtyards and hilltop viewpoints. The fort is best explored on foot, so wear shoes with grip and carry water. Entry is usually a few hundred rupees for international visitors, with separate charges for cameras and guides; book a licensed guide at the ticket area rather than accepting unsolicited offers outside. Avoid elephant rides, which are not necessary for seeing the fort.
Walk or take a short rickshaw ride to Panna Meena ka Kund, about 5–10 minutes away, for a 30-minute stop. The geometric stairwell is especially photogenic from the upper level, but access to the steps may be restricted for safety. Continue by cab along Amer Road to Jal Mahal, allowing roughly 20 minutes in light traffic. Spend half an hour at the lakeside viewpoint—the palace itself is generally not open for ordinary interior visits—and use this as a relaxed photo break rather than trying to linger beside the busy road.
Have a light lunch near Amer Road before visiting the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, allowing about 1.5 hours for the galleries, demonstrations and quiet courtyard. This is a particularly good contrast to the grand fort: you will see carved wooden blocks, natural dyes and the detailed process behind Rajasthan’s printed textiles. Check the museum’s official Tuesday schedule before leaving, as opening days and hours can change; if it is closed, do not assume admission will be available. A taxi is the easiest connection, taking roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
In the late afternoon, head into the Pink City for Johari Bazaar, allowing about 1.5 hours to browse jewellery, lac bangles and traditional textiles. Ask shopkeepers to explain the difference between genuine gemstones, imitation stones and gold-plated work, and negotiate politely if you are buying. The market becomes livelier toward evening, but narrow lanes can be crowded; a cab can drop you near Badi Chaupar, after which walking is usually faster than driving.
Finish at 1135 AD, inside Amber Fort, for an atmospheric Rajasthani dinner amid illuminated courtyards and palace views. Reserve ahead, request an outdoor or terrace table if available, and allow 1.5 hours; expect approximately ₹2,000–3,500 per person before drinks, depending on the menu. From Johari Bazaar, allow 30–45 minutes by car back to Amer, and arrange a return pickup in advance because app-cab availability around the fort can be less reliable at night. After dinner, return to your Jaipur hotel by pre-booked taxi rather than walking along Amer Road.
Leave Jaipur by private car around 5:00am for Shimla, travelling via Chandigarh and Kalka. Allow 10–12 hours door to door, including breakfast, lunch, fuel stops, Chandigarh traffic and the slower final climb through the hills. This is a demanding transfer, so confirm the vehicle has seat belts, luggage space and an experienced Himachal driver; a sedan is possible, but an SUV is more comfortable with luggage. Keep water, warm layers and snacks accessible rather than packed in the boot. The estimated cost is ₹12,000–18,000 per vehicle, and the route may take longer if there is congestion or bad weather. Ask your hotel in Shimla in advance about road access, parking and luggage assistance, since vehicles generally cannot drive directly along the pedestrian centre.
After checking in and resting briefly, take an easy orientation walk to The Ridge, the broad open terrace above the town. Allow about 45 minutes for views across the surrounding hills and a first feel for Shimla’s steep, layered streets. From there, visit Christ Church, whose illuminated neo-Gothic façade is one of the town’s defining sights; allow roughly 30 minutes. Entry is usually free, although timings can change and visitors may be restricted during prayer or services, so keep the visit quiet and follow on-site instructions. Continue along Mall Road for about 1½ hours, browsing the pedestrian promenade and colonial-era lanes without trying to cover every shop. From the Ridge area, everything is walkable, but expect uphill and downhill sections; comfortable shoes are essential.
Finish at Wake & Bake Café on Mall Road, a relaxed choice after the long drive, with mountain-facing views and casual food. Budget approximately ₹500–900 per person. Go directly if you arrive before the dinner rush, as seating can be limited; otherwise expect a short wait. Keep the rest of the evening unplanned—February nights in Shimla are cold, and the combination of an early departure and mountain drive makes an early night worthwhile. Check the latest closing time on the day, and carry a jacket, gloves and a phone torch for the walk back to your hotel.
Return towards Chaura Maidan and visit the Shimla State Museum, allowing roughly 1½ hours for its miniature paintings, woodwork, sculptures and Himalayan cultural displays. Verify Thursday opening hours before setting out, as government museums occasionally change schedules; budget approximately ₹20–100 for entry. From there, continue by taxi to Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill, one of Shimla’s most atmospheric colonial buildings. Allow another 1½ hours for the guided interior visit and gardens. The lodge generally operates during daytime hours, but entry tours and garden access may have separate timings, so arrive with some flexibility. The two museums are best connected by taxi in winter rather than trying to walk the full distance on icy or steep roads.
After lunch, hire a local taxi for Kufri, allowing about 45–75 minutes each way depending on traffic and road conditions, plus around three hours at the destination. February snow is possible but never guaranteed, so confirm conditions with your hotel or driver before paying for activities. Use a reputable Himachal taxi operator and agree on a full-day or half-day fare—roughly ₹2,500–4,500 for the vehicle, depending on the season and waiting time. Avoid unofficial activity sellers who pressure into expensive snow rides or equipment; if snow is present, rent waterproof shoes and outer layers locally, and keep the plan relaxed rather than trying to fit every available ride.
Return to central Shimla before dark and settle into Café Simla Times on Mall Road for a warm meal and sunset atmosphere. Expect around ₹600–1,000 per person; popular tables can fill quickly in the evening, so arrive before the main dinner rush. The Mall Road area is pedestrianised, and taxis usually drop passengers near Scandal Point or The Ridge, so allow a short uphill walk. Keep the evening unhurried—February temperatures fall sharply after sunset, and the stone pavement can become slippery.
Leave Shim around 6:00am in your pre-book private car for the long mountain to Manali via Mandi Kullu Allow 8–10 hours, though winter road conditions traffic, and short breaks can push arrival later 4:00pm Keep water, snacks motion-sickness medicine, and warm layers reach; the road scenic but winding. Stop briefly the Pandoh Dam viewpoint on the Mandi for about 20, following your driver’s advice about safe parking and roadside conditions. A private car is much more comfortable than the bus for this route, and the expected vehicle cost is roughly ₹8,000–12,000**.
After checking in and resting briefly, visit the Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhistastery, a peaceful spot near central Manali. Spend around 45 minutes quietly observing the prayer wheels, murals, and monastic atmosphere; dress modestly and avoid interrupting prayers. From here, continue into Mall Road Manali, where a relaxed 1–1.5-hour stroll is ideal after the drive. Browse woollen shawls, socks, caps, and small handicrafts, but compare prices before buying—shops around the main stretch often quote higher rates than nearby side lanes. Expect the centre to be busy in the evening, and use a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride if your hotel is outside central Manali.
Have dinner at Johnson Bar and Restaurant Circuit House Road, a convenient walk or short taxi ride from Mall Road Manali. The warm interior and substantial mountain-style menu make it a good first-night choice after the journey; budget approximately ₹800–1,500 per person Reserve a table if possible, especially on a Friday evening, and ask your driver to collect you afterward if your accommodation is farther uphill. Keep the rest of the night easy—roads can be icy after dark, and you will enjoy tomorrow’s sightseeing more with an early, rested start.
Leave central Manali around 7:00am with a pre-booked local taxi for Solang Valley, allowing 45–75 minutes each way depending on snow, road conditions and weekend traffic. February is a good time for snow, but it is never guaranteed in the valley itself; your driver can advise whether the lower slopes, snow-play area or higher ropeway zone has the best conditions. Spend about three hours here enjoying the Himalayan views and, if operating safely, simple snow activities such as tubing or sledging. Confirm prices before participating—activity packages vary considerably, and equipment or gondola operations may stop during strong wind or snowfall. Wear waterproof shoes, gloves and sunglasses; rented winter clothing is available, but quality is mixed.
Continue north toward the Atal Tunnel rather than returning directly to town, allowing roughly two hours for the tunnel visit and traffic, plus additional time for security checks. The route is dependent on snowfall, avalanche controls, police restrictions and road clearance, so confirm the status with your taxi operator or the local administration before leaving Solang Valley. Carry your passport or government ID, as checks may occur, and do not assume that a private vehicle can proceed if permits or convoy rules are in force. The tunnel itself is a brief roadside experience rather than a sightseeing complex, so keep expectations realistic and treat the surrounding snowy landscape as the main attraction. Return to Manali by late afternoon and rest at your hotel.
Around 5:00pm, take a short taxi ride to Vashisht Temple and hot springs, allowing about 1½ hours for the wooden temple setting, village lanes and a look at the bathing facilities. The hot springs are locally managed, and bathing areas can be crowded or have variable hygiene standards; modest clothing and a quick visit are sensible if conditions do not feel comfortable. Afterwards, return toward Old Manali for an unhurried final walk through its riverside lanes and small shops. This is a good time for woollens, handmade items and café browsing, but compare prices and inspect products carefully before buying.
Finish with dinner at The Lazy Dog Lounge, a relaxed riverside choice in Old Manali. Allow around ₹700–1,300 per person, with service sometimes slower during busy Saturday evenings. Reserve or arrive early if you want a riverside table, then use a pre-arranged taxi back to your hotel rather than relying on finding transport late at night. Reconfirm tomorrow’s onward travel tonight, as February mountain roads can change quickly after overnight snow.
Leave Manali before dawn, ideally around 3:30–4:30am, after confirming your flight and road conditions the previous evening. Your practical airport choices are Bhuntar Airport—the closest, around 1.5–2.5 hours by road—or Chandigarh Airport, usually 7–10 hours away and more reliable for flight frequency but much riskier on a same-day mountain transfer. Do not rely on a tight connection: winter weather, road closures, traffic near Mandi and Kullu, and occasional flight disruptions can all cause delays. A pre-booked hotel taxi is preferable to arranging transport at departure time; agree in advance on the fare, luggage space and whether tolls are included.
If your flight schedule allows, pause for about 30 minutes in the Kullu Valley, preferably at a clean roadside café on the Kullu–Bhuntar stretch rather than making a detour. Have tea, use the facilities and enjoy the last views of the Beas Valley, but keep this stop flexible—skip it entirely if the road is slow. For Bhuntar Airport, aim to arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure; for Chandigarh Airport, allow a full 3–4-hour airport buffer after reaching the city, including the terminal drive, baggage drop and security. Carry warm layers until you reach the airport, and keep medicines, documents, electronics and one change of clothes in your cabin bag.
Fly onward from Bhuntar or Chandigarh to Kerala, most likely requiring a connection depending on the confirmed schedule. Allow at least 12–16 hours door to door, and potentially longer if the itinerary involves an overnight wait or a late road arrival. Confirm the actual winter flight operation, baggage rules and final airport before paying for the taxi; Bhuntar Airport has limited services and weather-sensitive operations, while Chandigarh Airport generally offers a broader choice of connections. From your arrival airport in Kerala, arrange a pre-booked taxi or onward train to Thrissur rather than assuming a convenient late-night public-transport connection.
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