Days 1–3: Delhi and Agra
Delhi is the perfect place to start. Spend your first day exploring Old Delhi’s chaotic charm—visit Jama Masjid, wander Chandni Chowk, and try street food like parathas and jalebis. In New Delhi, check out Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the Lotus Temple.
On day two, take a day trip or overnight visit to Agra. The highlight is, of course, the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Don’t miss Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah (known as the Baby Taj). If time allows, catch the sunset at Mehtab Bagh, across the Yamuna River.
Day three can be used for Jaipur travel (a 4–5 hour drive) or catching a train/flight.
Days 4–6: Jaipur and the Golden Triangle
Jaipur, the Pink City, is full of regal palaces and vibrant bazaars. Spend two days exploring Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Dive into the local markets for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts.
If you want to go deeper into Rajasthan, add a quick detour to Pushkar or Udaipur, but for a two-week trip, sticking to Jaipur keeps things balanced.
Days 7–9: Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities. This is where India’s spiritual heartbeat comes alive. Take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges to witness pilgrims bathing and priests performing rituals. In the evening, don’t miss the Ganga Aarti ceremony—an unforgettable sight of fire, chanting, and devotion.
Spend another day walking along the ghats, visiting Sarnath (where Buddha gave his first sermon), and exploring the winding alleys of the old city.
Days 10–12: Mumbai
Next, head to Mumbai, India’s most cosmopolitan city. Visit the Gateway of India, stroll along Marine Drive, and explore the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dive into Mumbai’s food scene: street-side vada pav, spicy pav bhaji, and fresh seafood at Colaba. If you have time, take a ferry to Elephanta Caves or explore Bandra’s trendy cafes and street art.
Days 13–14: Kerala (Cochin and Backwaters)
Finally, fly south to Kerala. Start in Cochin (Kochi), a coastal city with colonial charm. Wander through Fort Kochi, see the Chinese fishing nets, and explore spice markets.
For your last day, take a houseboat trip through Kerala’s backwaters in Alleppey. Glide past palm trees, rice paddies, and small villages. This slow-paced finale is the perfect way to unwind after two busy weeks.
Tips for the Journey
- Flights to India: Most international travellers land in Delhi or Mumbai. Open-jaw tickets (flying into Delhi and out of Cochin) save travel time.
- Transport: India’s domestic flights save time, especially when covering long distances like Varanasi to Mumbai. Trains are scenic but slower.
- Food: Every region has its own flavours. Try chaat in Delhi, Rajasthani thali in Jaipur, kachori in Varanasi, seafood in Mumbai, and appam with stew in Kerala.
- Pace: Two weeks is packed, so pick your priorities. If you prefer a slower trip, consider skipping one major stop (like Mumbai) and spend more time in Rajasthan or Kerala.
Final Thoughts
This two-week itinerary captures India’s contrasts: ancient rituals and modern cities, desert forts and tropical backwaters, street snacks and fine dining. By the time you’re floating through Kerala’s canals, you’ll have seen a mosaic of India that’s as colourful and varied as the country itself.
