2 Weeks in India - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Classic Golden Triangle, Mumbai, & Kerala

This two-week itinerary includes some of India's most beautiful spots, from the thriving metropolises of New Delhi and Mumbai to the peaceful backwaters of Kerala. Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, explore Cochin, and spend a few days relaxing on the golden sand beaches of Mararikulam.

Start your trip in New Delhi, and go on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city to see the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, and the Jama Masjid. Then, head to Agra to explore Kachhpura Village, tour the Agra Fort, and see the Taj Mahal light up at sunrise. 

Next, travel to Jaipur, the third city in India's Golden Triangle and the capital of Rajasthan. There, visit the massive Amer Palace Fort and former Rajput capital of Amer, tour the City Palace—which occupies a seventh of Jaipur's total area—and learn about historic astronomy instruments at the Jantar Mantar observatory. 

On day seven, fly from Jaipur to Mumbai, the wealthiest and busiest city in India. There, spend a day touring the city and visiting the nearby Elephanta Caves, whose origins are still a mystery today. 

After visiting Mumbai, catch a plane to Cochin on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Visit Fisherman's Beach, Mattancherry, and Fort Kochi to learn more about Cochin's long history as a trading port. On day 11, drive to Mararikulam to enjoy a few days at Marari Beach and go on a half-day cruise of Kerala's backwaters. After relaxing on the beach for a few days, catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of India - Delhi, Taj Mahal, Mumbai, & More

This 14-day tour takes you through northern, western, and central India, including a couple of days exploring the temples of Khajuraho, a visit to Sanchi Stupa near Bhopal, and a tour of the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of cultural sights and city tours, with stops in New Delhi and Mumbai. 

Begin your vacation in Delhi. Spend a couple of days exploring the city before traveling to Agra, a city known for its spectacular Mughal architecture, including the world-famous Taj Mahal, the elegant Agra Fort, and the delicate Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah.

Spend a couple of days exploring Agra's architectural marvels, then fly to Khajuraho, a complex of Hindu temples and Jain temples in central India's Chhatarpur district. There, visit the complex's most famous temples, including Kandariya Mahadev temple, Chaunsat Yogini, and the Devi Jagdambe temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess. 

Next, take the train from Khajuraho to Bhopal, where you can visit the nearby Sanchi Stupa to see beautifully-preserved Buddhist stupas and delicate Buddhist artwork. 

On day nine, fly from Bhopal to Mumbai, India's main economic hub. From there, tour the city, visit the nearby Elephanta Caves, and go on a full-day excursion to the rock-cut Buddhist shrines in the Karla Caves near Lonavala.

Then, fly from Mumbai to Aurangabad, your base to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Caves of Ellora, which are carved into a hill 19 miles (30 km) outside of Aurangabad. Finally, head to Bibi Ka Maqbara, a mausoleum built for Aurangzeb’s wife Rabia Daurani in 1679 and modeled on the Taj Mahal, before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Cycling Karnataka and Kerala

This 2-week itinerary is perfect for cycling aficionados who want to explore the beautiful landscapes of Karnataka and Kerala. Visit Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park, pedal from Cochin to Alleppey and through Kerala's gorgeous backwaters, and relax on Varkala's beautiful beach. 

Once you land in Bangalore, drive to Mysore to start your cycling adventure. In Mysore, bike north to the Srirangapatna Ruins, then visit Chamundi Hill to see the statue of Shiva’s bull, Nandi. 

On day three, cycle from Mysore to Bandipur National Park (56 miles / 90 km), through the forested foothills of the Western Ghats. Then, spend a morning enjoying the park by going on a safari to see gaur (Indian bison) and wild elephants, before continuing on to neighboring Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. 

From Mudumalai, bike up to Ootacamund Hill Station—more commonly known as Ooty—in the Nilgiri Hills, then through the tea plantations of the Nilgiri Hills until you reach Guruvayur. Spend a day exploring the area, including Chavakkad Beach and Sri Krishna Temple. 

On day eight, leave Guruvayur behind and travel along a coastal road through groves of mango, coconut, and palm trees to Cochin. The following day, take a break from biking to tour Fort Cochin and Mattancherry Palace. Then, pedal through Kerala's gorgeous backwaters to Alleppey, and spend a night cruising Kerala's many canals on a houseboat. Finally, cycle to Varkala and reward yourself for your biking efforts with a day relaxing on the beach. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of India & Nepal

This tour of India and Nepal takes travelers from the busy streets of New Delhi to the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. Visit Kathmandu's beautiful stupas, watch the sunrise over the mountains in Pokhara, see the world-famous Taj Mahal up close, and lots more on this two-week adventure that takes you to five cities in two different countries.  

Begin in New Delhi, and spend the first couple of days of your vacation touring the city. Then, hop on a plane to Nepal to explore Kathmandu's most beautiful cultural sites, including Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath, before flying to Pokhara in central Nepal. In Pokhara, visit the World Peace Pagoda, then head to Sarangkot early in the morning to watch the spectacular sunrise light up the Himalaya. You'll also get to explore Pokhara's gorgeous natural surroundings, including Devi's Falls, Gupteswore Cave, and Seti Gorge.

Then, return to the Kathmandu Valley to visit Patan and Bhaktapur before flying back to New Delhi on day nine. Once you land in Delhi, drive to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, which was built in 1569 and abandoned 15 years later. Finally, drive to Jaipur, the last stop on your tour, on day 11. There, you can tour the massive Amer Palace Fort, visit the City Palace, and learn about ancient astronomy techniques at the Jantar Mantar observatory.

Finally, stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) to take photos of its unique facade. Then, go on a spiritual tour of the city to see some of its most spectacular temples. Early on day 14, your driver will take you back to New Delhi for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 14-Day India Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your India trip? Check out these other 14-day India itineraries, or describe your ideal trip, and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.