13 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Rajasthan Palaces & Forts: Delhi, Agra, Udaipur & Jaipur

This 13-day highlights itinerary introduces some of India's biggest tourist draws. Ideal for first-timers to India, you'll see the sights of its busy capital, Delhi, the iconic Taj Mahal, and relish the highlights of the whistle-stop tour of Rajasthan and Jaipur.

Your India trip kicks off with a tour of the sights and sounds of Delhi. First, it's Old Delhi and the Jama Masjid, one of India's biggest mosques, and the buzzing lanes of Chandi Chowk market. Then you'll see the sights of New Delhi, such as India Gate and the Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The next day, you'll head for Agra, where you'll visit Agra Fort and marvel at the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Your trip suddenly gets adventurous with a halt at Ranthambore National Park, one of the biggest tiger reserves in India. During an early morning safari, you may spot the elusive Bengal tiger or a leopard, while monkeys are sure to keep you company.

Next, the best of Rajasthan and its many forts, step wells, and palaces await you. After a stop to see the palaces of Bundi, you'll arrive at the famous lakeside Udaipur, the white city. Then it's on to the blue city of Jodhpur, and its celebrated hill forts, recognized by UNESCO. Other highlights are Pushkar, its temples and sacred lake, and Jaipur, the pink city. Here you'll visit the City Palace, the 18th-century Jantar Mantar observatory, and Hawa Mahal, the "Wind Palace." In a cooking class, you'll learn how to make typical Indian dishes before returning to Delhi, where your tour concludes. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Cultural Highlights of Rajasthan: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur & More

Covers the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur before heading to the varied landscapes of Rajasthan on this cultural highlights itinerary, perfect for first-time visitors to India. You'll ride camels, go on safari, participate in cooking demonstrations, visit tribal villages, and take to Lake Pichola on a boating outing.

Your India adventure begins in the capital Delhi, where you can browse its bustling markets, including the spice stalls of Chandni Chowk, handicrafts at Dilli Haat, and clothing and jewelry at Janpath Market. You'll also take in tourist highlights like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, and Qutub Minar minaret. The next stop is Agra, with a visit to Agra Fort and a special sunset experience of the iconic Taj Mahal. The pink city of Jaipur awaits next, and a sightseeing tour of its significant sights, followed by a cooking class and henna demonstration. In Pushkar, you'll see the famous Brahma Temple and go on a camel ride followed by a hike through the desert.

The next stop is the desert town of Khimsar, where you'll join a Jeep safari to Black Buck Reserve wildlife sanctuary. In Thar, a sunset camel ride will take you to the dunes of the Thar desert, while on the next day, you'll explore Rajasthani tribal villages and learn about local art and culture. A halt in Bhenswara takes you off the beaten track on a safari in search of the nocturnal panther. The romantic lakeside town of Udaipur is your next stop. Visit palaces and temples, watch traditional folk dancing, and take a boat trip on Lake Pichola. The tour comes to an end back in Delhi, where you'll catch your onward flight. Learn more 

Itinerary #3: Myths, Mountains & Monuments of Northern India

This 13-day northern India tour takes you to a few of the country's most celebrated tourist attractions, including the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple. But it also leads you off the beaten track—perfect for the seasoned traveler—with stops in Chandigarh and the mountain towns of Shimla and Leh on the edge of the Himalaya mountains. Explore India's fascinating diversity with visits to mosques, Mughal monuments, Hindu and Sikh temples, and Buddhist monasteries.

Your trip starts in India's capital with a sightseeing tour of the architectural highlights of Old Delhi and New Delhi. You'll head north to Chandigarh next and visit the unusual Chandigarh Rock Garden, followed by a sunset walk to Sukhna Lake. The Sikh holy city of Amritsar is the next stop, home to the sacred Golden Temple perched on the edge of a lake. The next day, you'll travel to tiny Pragpur, India's first Heritage Village, known for its cobblestone streets and traditional houses. Then it's on to the mountain city of Shimla, where you'll hop on the famous Toy Train.

A trip highlight is Agra, where you'll see the iconic Taj Mahal, India's best-known monument, and visit the Red Fort, the city's second tourist attraction. On Day 9, a flight takes you to Leh in Ladakh region, a city perched at 11,480 feet (3,500 m.). Here you'll spend a leisurely day exploring Leh Palace and Leh Monastery and acclimating to the high altitude. Over the next two days, you'll visit the great monasteries of the region, like the 1,000-year-old Alchi Monastery, west of Leh, and other important sites of Tibetan Buddhism. On Day 13, you'll fly back to Delhi and then leave India for your next destination. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Safari & Cultural Tour of Northern India

Outdoorsy types will love this 13-day adventure tour that covers no less than four national parks or India's north. You'll have the chance to spot a Bengal tiger in its natural habitat and other wildlife during several safari trips. The tour also covers a few of northern India's architectural gems, including the celebrated Taj Mahal, the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, and the UNESCO-protected temples of Khajuraho.

On Day 1, you'll explore Delhi's architectural treasures: the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, Chandni Chowk market, and Rajghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Then it's off to Ranthambore National Park, home to the largest number of tigers in India, followed by a visit to spot some of the 360 species of birds at Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Some culture is next on the itinerary, with a drive to Agra, but first, a stop in Fatehpur Sikri to see the ruins of this abandoned city. In Agra, you'll have a sunrise visit of the iconic Taj Mahal, India's most celebrated monument, before heading to the Red Fort, another must-see.

A train takes you to Jabalpur on Day 6, from where you'll drive to Kanha National Park. On morning and afternoon Jeep safaris, you can spot tigers and leopards, but also deer, bison, and monkeys. Bandhavgarh National Park is the fourth national park on this itinerary, where you might spot Bengal tigers, sloth bears, Indian bison, deer, wild pigs, and many birds. The last stop before returning to the capital is Khajuraho, famous for its magnificent UNESCO-protected temple complex. A train from Jhansi will take you back to Delhi, from where you'll leave India for home or your next destination. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Wildlife & Temples in Central India: Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh & Kanha

Temples and tigers take center stage on this 13-day trip through the national parks and temple towns of Madhya Pradesh state in Central India. Take in the magnificent temples of Orchha and Khajuraho, and go on Jeep safaris through the bush in Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The tour also includes stops in tribal villages to visit craft artisans and browse local markets. 

On arrival, you'll overnight in Delhi and then hop on a train to Jhansi, from where you'll travel by road to Orchha in Madhya Pradesh. Orchha's vast palace complex, majestic temples, and famous riverside cenotaphs highlight an afternoon sightseeing tour. Khajuraho is the next destination, known for its UNESCO-listed temples carved with erotic sculptures before you transfer to Bandhavgarh National Park to seek tigers and other jungle cats, sloth bears, and birdlife. You'll hike to local villages and head out on safaris to observe wildlife up close. There will be other chances to spot a tiger at Kanha National Park, the next stop, where village visits and safari trips are scheduled.

You'll get well off the tourist trail on a visit to the small state of Chhattisgarh and the isolated village of Bhoramdeo, home to Indigenous tribes. Get glimpses into their daily life on a village visit, observing pottery and bamboo artisans at work, and stopping at Bhoramdeo Temple for an evening puja (offering). A flight will take you back to Delhi, where a tour of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib will give you a peek inside a Sikh place of worship. You'll have time to shop in Connaught Place in central Delhi to pick up any last-minute souvenirs before catching your flight home the next day. Learn more

More Great 13-Day India Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to India? Check out these other 13-day India itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.