6-Week Driving Itinerary Across India from Goa Through Karnataka to Northern Highlights

Day 1: Goa to Karnataka

Goa, India on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Bodega

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Bodega in Goa, renowned for its fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Goa to Bangalore

Embark on a scenic drive from Goa to Bangalore, Karnataka’s bustling capital city, which will take approximately 10-11 hours.
INR0, 10h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms), Bangalore

Enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine at the iconic MTR, famous for its dosas and thalis, which will give you an authentic Karnataka dining experience.
INR600, 1h
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Day 2: Explore Bangalore

Bangalore, India on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vidyarthi Bhavan

Taste classic masala dosas and filter coffee at this legendary Bangalore eatery opened since 1943.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Spend the morning admiring lush gardens and a remarkable glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, open from 6:00am to 7:00pm.
INR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nagarjuna

Enjoy Andhra-style spicy biryanis and thalis at the popular Nagarjuna restaurant.
INR500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bangalore Palace

Explore the grand Bangalore Palace built in Tudor style, open from 10:00am to 5:30pm.
INR230, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Karavalli

Relax with authentic coastal Karnataka cuisine at Karavalli, highly recommended for its seafood dishes.
INR1200, 1h
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Day 3: Drive Bangalore to Mumbai

Bangalore to Mumbai, India on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick hotel breakfast before your long journey north-west to Mumbai.
INR400, 0h45m

8:00am

Flight from Bangalore to Mumbai

Take a flight from Bangalore to Mumbai (approx 2.5 hours) since the road distance is very long (over 980 km).
INR3500, 3h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Britannia & Co.

Enjoy traditional Parsi cuisine, including berry pulao, at the historic Britannia & Co. in Mumbai, open from 11:00am to 10:00pm.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gateway of India & Marine Drive

Stroll along the famous Gateway of India and then walk the scenic Marine Drive promenade.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bademiya

Sample delicious street-style kebabs and Indian grills near Colaba at Bademiya, open until late.
INR600, 1h
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Day 4: Mumbai to Udaipur

Mumbai to Udaipur, India on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Pantry, Mumbai

Light breakfast with fresh juices and bakery items before your onward journey.
INR500, 1h

8:30am

Flight from Mumbai to Udaipur

Fly to Udaipur (around 1.5 hours), gateway to the romantic lakes and palaces of Rajasthan.
INR4000, 3h including airport procedures

12:00pm

Lunch at Krishna Dal Bati Restro

Try traditional Rajasthani specialties like dal bati churma at this well-known eatery.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit City Palace

Explore the sprawling City Palace complex with stunning views over Lake Pichola, open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
INR300, 2h

5:00pm

Boat ride on Lake Pichola

Experience a tranquil boat ride at sunset for spectacular views of Udaipur’s palaces.
INR400, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ambrai

Dine with lakeside views and sample regional dishes at Ambrai Restaurant.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 5: Udaipur to Pushkar

Udaipur to Pushkar, India on June 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast at the hotel to prepare for the journey ahead.
INR400, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Udaipur to Pushkar

Drive approximately 6 hours northeast to the holy town of Pushkar, famous for its temple and lake.
INR0, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Sunset Café

Rest and refresh with vegetarian dishes and international fare next to Pushkar Lake.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Brahma Temple and Pushkar Lake

Explore the rare Brahma Temple and take a peaceful walk around the sacred Pushkar Lake, open daily.
INR50, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Laughing Buddha Café

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a menu offering Indian and international cuisine.
INR700, 1h
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Day 6: Pushkar to Rishikesh

Pushkar to Rishikesh, India on June 15, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Early light breakfast before a very long drive or preferably an overnight train/flight combination to Rishikesh.
INR400, 0h45m

7:00am

Drive/train to Delhi then drive to Rishikesh

Due to distance (approximately 900km), it’s best to take a combination of train/flight to Delhi then 6-hour drive to Rishikesh.
INR2500, 12h total travel

8:00pm

Late dinner at Ram Jhula area

Enjoy casual local vegetarian dishes in a restaurant near the iconic suspension bridge Ram Jhula in Rishikesh.
INR500, 1h
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Day 7: Explore Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Beatles Café

Famous for its connection to the Beatles, enjoy relaxed breakfast options in this serene café.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Yoga and Meditation session

Join a morning yoga and meditation class offered at one of Rishikesh’s ashrams, typically starting around 9:30am and lasting 2 hours.
INR1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chotiwala

Eat wholesome traditional North Indian vegetarian food at Chotiwala, a well-known local eatery.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Triveni Ghat and Ganga Aarti

Spend the afternoon at Triveni Ghat, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at sunset around 6:30pm.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Savour healthy organic vegetarian dishes with river views in the heart of Rishikesh.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 8: Rishikesh to Haridwar

Rishikesh to Haridwar, India on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before a short drive to Haridwar.
INR400, 1h

10:00am

Drive to Haridwar

Short 30-40 minute drive to Haridwar, one of the seven holiest places in India.
INR0, 40m

11:00am

Visit Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi Temple

Explore Har Ki Pauri ghat, famous for its evening aarti, and the Mansa Devi Temple reachable by cable car, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR30, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Dine at this popular vegetarian restaurant known for its simple and delicious Indian fare.
INR400, 1h

6:00pm

Attend evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Experience the spiritual Ganga Aarti ceremony with chanting and lamp light.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zahra’s Kitchen & Cafe

Enjoy fresh locally-sourced meals, with some fusion and vegan options, perfect for winding down your day.
INR600, 1h
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Day 9: Haridwar to Amritsar

Haridwar to Amritsar, India on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the long drive to Amritsar in Punjab.
INR400, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Amritsar

Drive approximately 8 hours northwest to the spiritual city of Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple.
INR0, 8h

4:30pm

Check-in and rest

Check into your hotel and relax after the journey.
INR0, 1h

6:00pm

Evening visit to Golden Temple

Visit the enchanting Golden Temple complex, illuminated beautifully at night with free entry, open till midnight.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Langar Hall (community kitchen)

Experience the spiritual and communal tradition of Langar, served free to all visitors inside the Golden Temple complex.
Free, 1h
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Day 10: Explore Amritsar

Amritsar, India on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kesar Da Dhaba

Taste authentic Punjabi breakfast dishes like chole bhature and lassi at the famous Kesar Da Dhaba.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Jallianwala Bagh

Explore this historic memorial which commemorates the tragic events of 1919, open daily 6:00am to 8:00pm.
INR20, 1h

11:00am

Explore Partition Museum

Dedicated to the history of the partition of India, this museum gives deep insights, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
INR100, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Brother’s Dhaba

Enjoy tasty Punjabi dishes including butter chicken and dal makhani at this beloved dhaba.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Wagah Border Ceremony

Drive 30km to watch the famous Wagah Border parade at 5:00pm where Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform a ceremonial flag-lowering.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Traditional Punjabi dinner in a local setting to end your day in Amritsar.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 11: Amritsar to Varanasi (via flight)

Amritsar to Varanasi, India on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before flying to Varanasi, as the distance is too far for a practical drive.
INR400, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight from Amritsar to Varanasi (via Delhi)

Fly via Delhi, total travel time around 5 hours including layover, arriving midday in Varanasi.
INR6000, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kashi Chat Bhandar

Enjoy popular local street food and chaat in the old city.
INR300, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Dashashwamedh Ghat and evening Ganga Aarti

Wander along the famous ghat and witness the vibrant evening aarti ceremony on the river around 7:00pm.
Free, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Vaatika Café

Unwind with a fusion of Indian and international dishes in a calm garden setting.
INR600, 1h
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Day 12: Explore Varanasi

Varanasi, India on June 21, 2025

6:00am

Boat ride on the Ganges

Experience a magical sunrise boat trip to see morning rituals and temples along the river.
INR600, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at Baati Chokha

Enjoy traditional Bihari dishes in the heart of Varanasi.
INR400, 1h

10:00am

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the ghats.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Blue Lassi Shop

Try refreshing fruit lassis alongside light snacks.
INR250, 0h30m

1:00pm

Explore Varanasi’s Old City Markets

Wander the ancient narrow alleys filled with shops selling silk, handicrafts, and incense.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tandoor Villa

Enjoy delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine with a rooftop view over the city.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 13: Varanasi to Goa (flight)

Varanasi to Goa, India on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a light breakfast before your flight back to Goa.
INR400, 0h45m

9:00am

Flight from Varanasi to Goa (via Mumbai or Delhi)

Flight taking approximately 5-6 hours including layover.
INR6000, 6h

3:00pm

Arrival and check-in in Goa

Arrive in Goa and check into your hotel, rest after your flight.
INR0, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Vinayak Family Restaurant

End your journey with Goan seafood specialties in a cosy local setting.
INR800, 1h
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