Mumbai is the financial capital of India and a vibrant city that is always on the move. Visit the Gateway of India, an iconic monument built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. Take a stroll through the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a historic railway station decorated with Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles. End the day with a sunset view on Marine Drive.
Udaipur is the city of lakes, palaces and gardens. Visit the splendid City Palace, which is a harmonious blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles. Witness rural life and traditions at the Jagdish Temple, a large Hindu temple located in the middle of Udaipur. End the day with a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the Pink City. Visit the awe-inspiring Amer Fort and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Learn about the rich history and culture of Rajasthan at the City Palace Museum. Take a peaceful stroll through the Sisodia Rani Palace Garden.
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Visit the magnificent white marble structure at sunrise to see its stunning reflection in the Yamuna River. Explore one of the finest architectures of its time at the Agra Fort. End the day by taking in the views of the Mughal Garden, located nearby.
Varanasi is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India. Experience the Ganges River sunrise boat ride and witness the morning rituals of the locals along the ghats. Visit the Golden Temple (Kashi Vishwanath), a popular Hindu temple. Take a stroll through the narrow lanes of Varanasi's Old Town, and end the day watching the Ganga aarti (a religious ritual on the banks of the Ganges River).
Kolkata is the cultural capital of India. Visit the Victoria Memorial, a stunning white marble building that houses a museum filled with historical artifacts. Take a walk through the streets of North Kolkata, a part of the city that's rife with history and charm. Indulge in some local street food at New Market.
New Delhi is the capital of India and a city that packs in a lot of history and culture. Visit the stunning India Gate, a war memorial that honours soldiers who died in World War I. Explore the walled city of Old Delhi, crowded, immersive, and undeniably colourful. End the day with a sunset experience at Humayun's Tomb, a stunning and majestic mausoleum.
Travelling throughout India can be an adventure in itself. It is highly recommended to take a car or train, which provides affordable and comfortable options. In case of a long-distance commute, pre-booking, and reserving seats in advance is advisable as the country is one of the most populous in the world, and last-minute planning could lead to issues.
A typical one-way flight cost from Mumbai to Udaipur is around INR 3000-5000; Udaipur to Jaipur INR 3000-4500, Jaipur to Agra INR 3000-5000, Agra to Varanasi INR 5000-7000, Varanasi to Kolkata is around INR 5000-8000 and Kolkata to New Delhi is around INR 4000-6000. Train travel cost depends on the type of class one wishes to travel.
If you have more time, you could visit other beautiful cities like Jodhpur, Pushkar, or Haridwar. However, if you have less time, it's recommended to prioritize your itinerary selections based on your personal interests. Always check the weather conditions for the cities you are planning to visit before booking a trip. Summers in India could be extreme, and traveling in the rainy season could lead to delays and other issues.
India has several international airports, with the busiest being Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi. The airport primarily serves the city but also caters to other nearby locations like Gurgaon and Noida. The airport is around 22 km (13.6 miles) from the city center, with an estimated commute time of fewer than 60 minutes through Delhi Metro or taxi.