15-Day Itinerary for Exploring the Wonders of India

  • Day 1: Delhi
    Indira Gandhi International Airport to Lotus Temple - 16km / 35mins

    Start your journey with a visit to the famous and beautifully designed Lotus Temple in Delhi. This Bahá'í House of Worship offers a serene atmosphere and a chance to learn more about the Bahá'í faith.

  • Day 2: Agra
    Lotus Temple to Taj Mahal - 233km / 3hrs 40mins

    A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal. Marvel at this stunning white marble mausoleum, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

  • Day 3: Jaipur
    Taj Mahal to Amer Fort - 244km / 4hrs

    Head to Jaipur and explore the Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed of red sandstone and marble. The fort houses several palaces, art galleries, and a museum.

  • Day 4: Jaipur
    Amer Fort to Hawa Mahal - 12km / 30mins

    Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.

  • Day 5: Varanasi
    Jaipur to Varanasi - 887km / 13hrs

    Visit one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, Varanasi. Take a boat ride on the river Ganges at sunset and witness the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony, a Hindu spiritual ritual.

  • Day 6: Varanasi
    Sarnath Archaeological Museum to Dhamekh Stupa - 11km / 30mins

    Explore the ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Visit the Sarnath Archaeological Museum to see artifacts dating back to the Mauryan period.

  • Day 7: Kolkata
    Varanasi to Kolkata - 681km / 10hrs 30mins

    Head to Kolkata and visit the Victoria Memorial, a stunning white-marble palace built in memory of Queen Victoria.

  • Day 8: Kolkata
    Howrah Bridge to Belur Math - 12km / 35mins

    Visit the iconic Howrah Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in Kolkata, with a unique engineering design. Then head to the Belur Math, a monastery, and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.

  • Day 9: Mumbai
    Kolkata to Mumbai - 1650km / 24hrs

    Get ready to explore the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. Head to the Gateway of India, a monument built during the British Raj overlooking the Arabian sea.

  • Day 10: Mumbai
    Taj Mahal Palace to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - 3km / 10mins

    Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, also known as Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then head to the Taj Mahal Palace, a luxury hotel built-in 1903, and known for its rich history.

  • Day 11: Goa
    Mumbai to Goa - 580km / 9hrs

    Escape the chaos of the city and head to Goa for some relaxing time. Spend the day lounging on the sandy beaches or exploring the Fort Aguada.

  • Day 12: Goa
    Old Goa to Dudhsagar Falls - 75km / 2hrs

    Visit Old Goa and explore the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Se Cathedral, one of the largest church buildings in Asia. Stop by the breathtaking Dudhsagar Falls, known for its stunning scenery.

  • Day 13: Bangalore
    Goa to Bangalore - 556km / 9hrs 30mins

    Explore the beautifully landscaped Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore, spanning over 240 acres. Then visit the Bull Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the sacred bull Nandi.

  • Day 14: Mysore
    Bangalore to Mysore Palace - 145km / 3hrs

    Visit the famous Mysore Palace, known for its unique architecture, and rich history of the royal Wodeyar dynasty.

  • Day 15: Hampi
    Mysore to Hampi - 320km / 6hrs

    End your trip with a visit to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire, including the famous Virupaksha Temple, and the iconic Stone Chariot.

Estimated Time and Costs

  • Lotus Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Taj Mahal (2-3 hours, INR 1000)
  • Amer Fort (2-3 hours, INR 500)
  • Hawa Mahal (1 hour, INR 50)
  • Varanasi Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 100-200)
  • Sarnath Archaeological Museum (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Victoria Memorial (2-3 hours, INR 30 for Indians, INR 500 for Foreigners)
  • Belur Math (1 hour, Free)
  • Gateway of India (1 hour, Free)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (1 hour, Free)
  • Fort Aguada (1-2 hours, INR 20)
  • Dudhsagar Falls (2-3 hours, INR 400)
  • Lalbagh Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, INR 20 for Indians, INR 200 for Foreigners)
  • Bull Temple (30 mins, Free)
  • Mysore Palace (2 hours, INR 70 for Indians, INR 200 for Foreigners)
  • Virupaksha Temple (1-2 hours, INR 50)
  • Stone Chariot (30 mins, INR 30)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2700-3000

Transportation

One of the most convenient ways to get around India is by hiring a private driver or using ride-sharing apps like Uber, Ola, or Rapido. Be sure to negotiate the price with drivers before boarding. Flights and trains are also available for longer journeys but book in advance to ensure availability. Estimated travel costs vary by mode of transportation and distance covered, and ranges around INR 500 - 2000 per trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more than 15 days, consider visiting other popular destinations in India like the Pink City of Jaipur or the wildlife sanctuary of Bandhavgarh. If you have less time, cut off locations based on your preferences. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing and footwear to deal with the hot and humid climate prevalent in many regions of India. Carry cash as not all places accept cards or e-wallets.

Airports

India has several international airports like Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM). Goa International Airport (GOI) is well-connected to other cities in India and Southeast Asia. These airports have several amenities like currency exchange, lounges, and shopping centers.

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