20-Day North India Trip Itinerary from Kolkata

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi & Initial Exploration

Morning: Arrive in New Delhi and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic India Gate and explore Connaught Place for shopping and lunch.

Evening: Enjoy a walk around the vibrant Chandni Chowk market and have dinner at a traditional restaurant.

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Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

Morning: Explore the historic Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

Afternoon: Visit Qutub Minar and the Lotus Temple.

Evening: Relax at Lodhi Garden with some light snacks and photography.

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Day 3: Travel to Agra

Morning: Take a train or drive to Agra (approx. 3-4 hours).

Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal.

Evening: Explore the historic Agra Fort and enjoy local Mughlai cuisine.

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Day 4: Fatehpur Sikri & Local Exploration

Morning: Excursion to Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted Mughal city.

Afternoon: Return to Agra and visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (“Baby Taj”).

Evening: Leisure time at hotel or stroll through local markets.

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Day 5: Travel to Jaipur

Morning: Drive to Jaipur (approx. 4-5 hours), check into hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the vibrant Johari Bazaar for handicrafts and jewelry shopping.

Evening: Evening walk at the scenic Central Park.

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Day 6: Jaipur Sightseeing

Morning: Explore the majestic Amber Fort and take an elephant or jeep ride up the hill.

Afternoon: Visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory.

Evening: Experience Rajasthani culture at a local folk dance show and dinner.

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Day 7: Jaipur to Pushkar

Morning: Drive to Pushkar (approx. 3 hours), check into hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the sacred Pushkar Lake and the Brahma Temple.

Evening: Stroll through the bustling Pushkar Bazaar and enjoy street food.

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Day 8: Pushkar Leisure Day

Morning: Optional camel safari in the nearby desert areas.

Afternoon: Relax at a café or spa, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Evening: Attend the evening Aarti ceremony at Pushkar Lake.

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Day 9: Travel to Jodhpur

Morning: Drive to Jodhpur (approx. 4-5 hours), check into hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the striking Mehrangarh Fort.

Evening: Explore the colorful lanes of the Old City.

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Day 10: Jodhpur to Udaipur

Morning: Drive to Udaipur (approx. 5-6 hours), check into hotel.

Afternoon: Visit City Palace and its museums.

Evening: Boat ride at Lake Pichola with views of the Lake Palace.

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Day 11: Udaipur Sightseeing

Morning: Explore the Jag Mandir island palace on Lake Pichola.

Afternoon: Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari garden and Bagore Ki Haveli.

Evening: Attend a cultural dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli.

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Day 12: Udaipur to Haridwar

Morning: Fly or take a train to Haridwar.

Afternoon: Visit the revered Har Ki Pauri ghat.

Evening: Witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony.

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Day 13: Haridwar to Rishikesh

Morning: Short drive to Rishikesh, check into hotel or ashram.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges.

Evening: Attend meditation or yoga sessions by the Ganges River.

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Day 14: Adventure & Spiritual Day in Rishikesh

Morning: Optional white-water rafting or trekking near the hills.

Afternoon: Visit the Triveni Ghat and nearby temples.

Evening: Enjoy a peaceful dinner along the riverbank cafes.

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Day 15: Rishikesh to Amritsar

Morning: Travel to Amritsar by train or flight.

Afternoon: Visit the divine Golden Temple.

Evening: Explore the bazaars around the temple and try Punjabi cuisine.

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Day 16: Amritsar Sightseeing

Morning: Visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh.

Afternoon: Explore the peaceful Partition Museum.

Evening: Witness the Wagah Border flag-lowering ceremony.

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Day 17: Amritsar to Chandigarh

Morning: Travel to Chandigarh (approx. 4-5 hours by road).

Afternoon: Visit the architecturally famous Rock Garden.

Evening: Relax at Sukhna Lake and enjoy boating.

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Day 18: Chandigarh & Surroundings

Morning: Tour the Rose Garden and the Government Museum and Art Gallery.

Afternoon: Visit Pinjore Gardens nearby for a historic experience.

Evening: Dinner at a popular local restaurant in Chandigarh.

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Day 19: Chandigarh to Delhi

Morning: Drive or take train/flight back to Delhi.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit Humayun’s Tomb.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant.

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Day 20: Departure from Delhi

Morning: Relax and pack.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Kolkata.

Evening: Travel home with lasting memories of North India.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• Taj Mahal: 3 hours, ₹1500 (entry + guide)
• Amber Fort: 3 hours, ₹700 (entry + elephant ride optional)
• Golden Temple: 2 hours, Free (donations optional)
• White-water rafting in Rishikesh: 4 hours, ₹1800
• Mehrangarh Fort: 2-3 hours, ₹600
• City Palaces (Jaipur & Udaipur combined): 5 hours total, ₹1200
• Train/Flight Travel (Kolkata to N. India + intercity): Approx. ₹10,000
• Accommodation (20 nights): Approx. ₹20,000 - ₹40,000 depending on choice
• Food & Miscellaneous: Approx. ₹8000
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹44,800 - ₹62,800

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a few days in the Himalayas via Shimla or Manali after Chandigarh for trekking and nature experiences. Alternatively, spend more time in spiritual towns like Varanasi or Dharamshala for a deeper cultural immersion.

To reduce the trip duration, focus on the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) plus one additional destination like Udaipur or Amritsar. This will allow a more relaxed pace by cutting long road journeys and concentrate on fewer highlights.