In India, there are itineraries to suit every traveler, from short sightseeing sprees to months-long backpacking trips. Whether you're on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick off blockbuster sights or a rough-and-tumble mission lasting weeks or more, you'll be sure to find a trip for every timeframe.
Five days is a quick trip to India, but you'll still have time to explore important sites, stroll through markets, and discover a slice of this fascinating country. Try a Golden Triangle tour to see Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur, or pair Maharashtra wine tasting with Mumbai. Other options include tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park, visiting Buddhist temples in the Himalayas, or relaxing on the beaches of Goa. Find out more with these five unique itinerary ideas.
In six days, you can cover a few of India's cities to experience a brief introduction to the diverse country. Those looking to take in its most iconic sights can explore the highlights of the famed Golden Triangle of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. Nature lovers wanting to take a deep dive into India's flora and fauna will enjoy the tours to the southern states of Kerala and Goa. Finally, those looking for insights into spirituality can explore the Hindu temples of Varanasi and the Buddhist center of Sarnath on a spiritual tour.
It would probably take several lifetimes to fully do this country justice, but with a week in India, you'll still get a spectacular taste—don’t be surprised if you end up coming back for more. From sun-dappled palaces and millennia-old temples to palm-fringed beaches and lazy backwaters, here are three possible trip plans for an unforgettable 7-day Indian adventure.
In just one week in India, active families can explore the Golden Triangle's ancient sites and natural marvels. Meanwhile, those looking to get well off the beaten path can opt for a trip to northern India, complete with an overnight stay on a houseboat. If your family prefers an abundance of beach time, enjoy the perfect blend of Mumbai and Goa's sun-kissed shores. Or, head to southern India and delight children during enthralling cultural shows and wildlife encounters.
With only a week to visit India, maximize your time by sticking to a single region. Opt for a tour of the popular Golden Triangle—New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—or take in the highlights of Rajasthan. If you're looking to relax, head to the beachs of Kerala. Active travelers will love a bike tour through Karnataka, with stops at hills stations and national parks. And if you're looking for a cultural experience, head into the Himalayas to see monasteries and temples in Ladakh.
Eight days will give you a quick introduction to two or three of India's cities, states, or regions. A best-of tour takes you to the highlights of the Golden Triangle, while fans of nature and wildlife can explore UNESCO-protected national parks on boating and walking safaris. Looking for more adventure? Take a tour of the Buddhist monasteries of the remote northeastern state of Sikkim or a hiking and camping trip through mountain landscapes while getting close to Tibetan culture and tribal peoples.
With nine days in India, you can visit four or five destinations if you move at a reasonably fast pace. First-timers and families can combine the Golden Triangle with tiger safaris in Ranthambore or a deeper dive into Rajasthan. Foodies can taste their way around the north and even take a cooking lesson in a palace. Couples will enjoy romantic activities on the "Heritage & Cuisine of Rajasthan" itinerary, while those looking to get off the beaten path can explore the dunes of Thar or join wildlife lovers on safari in Gujarat.
With 10 days in India, you can see at least three destinations. Families visiting for the first time can hit the highlights of the Golden Triangle. Or, satisfy a range of ages with cooking lessons, wildlife safaris, a houseboat experience, and more in Kerala. Families with a sense of adventure will appreciate the monastery visits and outdoor activities, including camping at Pangong Lake, in the Himalaya, while those seeking beach days and cave temple exploration should head for Mumbai, Aurangabad, and Goa.
Ten days in India is enough to go beyond the highlights of one region, enjoying off-the-beaten-path sites or remote locales that wouldn't be possible with a shorter trip. Pair a classic Golden Triangle Tour—including a sunrise Taj Mahal visit—with two days in Ranthambore National Park, a protected tiger sanctuary. Or, experience the best of Rajasthan, from the Golden City of Jaisalmer to the blue houses of Jodhpur. Other options include a guided hiking trip in Kerala, and a multi-country tour that crosses the Himalaya into Nepal.
In 11 days, you can explore a different aspect of India as you cover several states on a single trip or familiarize yourself with one in-depth. Choose a classic itinerary of the Golden Triangle for history and architecture or a tour of Gujarat's vibrant crafts and textiles if you have an artistic bent. Nature lovers can go on wildlife safaris through UNESCO-listed national parks, explore the bird sanctuaries and tea and spice plantations of Kerala, or join an adventurous 11-day trek through the remote mountains of Ladakh.
Focusing on the highlights of one of India's regions in 12 days makes for an excellent introduction to this vast county. Lovers of architecture and history will not be disappointed: each corner of India is chock full of heritage monuments and impressive sacred sites. Nature and wildlife lovers can opt for one of the national parks, while those looking for an adventure will be fascinated by the rugged beauty of Ladakh, tucked in the Himalayan mountains.
In 13 days, you can cover major highlights in a few states, like on a classic tour of Rajasthan and the Golden Circle, or go off-the-beaten-track to Shimla and Leh mountain towns on the Himalaya border. Alternatively, seek out Bengal tigers and other wildlife in four of northern India's national parks or visit tribal villages, Hindu and Buddhist temples, and national parks in central India. See the epic Taj Mahal, ride a camel in the Thar desert, and explore hill forts, lakeside palaces, tribal villages, and Buddhist monasteries.
With two weeks to explore India, you can take your time and get to know more about the country. Visit the Golden Triangle and relax on Kerala's beaches, or opt for a cultural itinerary that includes some of India's most intricately-carved temples. For a more active vacation, spend two weeks cycling through Karnataka and Kerala, or combine your trip to India with a visit to Nepal to see temples, palaces, and views of the Himalaya.
With two weeks in India, travelers will have enough time to get intimately acquainted with a handful of key cities and sites. To get the most from your stay, you'll want to focus on exploring just one or two regions. Consider going for depth, rather than breadth, and resist the temptation to cover everything in one visit. Just think of it as a reason to keep coming back for more.
You take the kids to explore six to seven destinations in two weeks in India. Since the country is expansive, it's best to focus on one region, such as the famous Golden Triangle route through Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Adventurous families will love the off-the-beaten-path thrills of monasteries in the far north. Meanwhile, South India is more relaxed with Munar's tea history trail and cruises on Kerala's backwaters. Kids will love sampling India's cities, jungles, and beaches on a trip that involves exploring caves and animal safaris.
Fifteen days is enough time to see several regions of India. See the best of North India by visiting the Golden Triangle, Varanasi, Rajasthan, and Mumbai, or take a culinary tour across the same region for cooking classes in Luckawi and market tours in Delhi. Alternatively, consider a Delhi to Mumbai culture tour where you'll visit ancient cities and religious art. Last, there's the option to explore the states of Karnataka and Goa, where you'll take pottery classes and visit spice plantations.
