6 Days in India - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Golden Triangle Tour

This six-day highlights itinerary is a whistle-stop tour of the renowned Golden Triangle, taking you to the best sights of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This is a great option for first-timers to India, with the highlight being its most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, the famed monument to eternal love.

Your India trip starts in the buzzing capital, Delhi, with a visit to all its tourist highlights, including Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, as well as India Gate, the Presidential Palace, and monuments from the Mughal era, such as the Qutab Minar, and Humayun's Tomb. Then it's on to Agra to see Agra Fort and the famous Taj Mahal, which you'll visit at sunset when it's bathed in a glowing light.

The pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan is your next stop on Day 4, but before that, a halt in the fascinating abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. The following day you'll head to the Amer Palace Fort and then see other Jaipur landmarks, such as the City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory, and pink sandstone Hawa Mahal. Then it's back to Delhi, where the tour will come to an end. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Taj Mahal & City Highlights of India: Delhi, Agra & Mumbai

Explore Delhi and Mumbai, two of India's most vibrant cities, and see the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra on this city highlights tour, adding in Mumbai for Jaipur. Cycle and walking tours will take you up close to historical monuments such as the Presidential Palace and Gateway of India, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sikh temple and other holy sites, and busy city markets such as Chandni Chowk.

Your first stop is Delhi, where you'll explore its colorful markets, architectural landmarks, and sacred temples on foot and as part of a cycle tour. Agra is your next destination, home to its majestic Agra Fort and, of course, India's best-known landmark, the Taj Mahal. A sunrise visit to this monument of eternal love highlights the trip on Day 4, followed by a short flight from Delhi airport to frenetic Mumbai. A private guide will show you its top tourist sights, including Marine Drive for delicious eats, the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, and Kamla Nehru Park.

On Day 6, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Mumbai International Airport for your departure from India. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Kerala Tour

Get close to nature on this six-day tour through the lush southwestern state of Kerala. Visit tea and spice plantations, go bird-watching on a jungle trek, and try your hand at traditional cooking. A trip highlight is a slow cruise on the famous scenic backwaters on the back of a traditional boat.

Your South Indian adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Cochin with a wander along the seaside promenade of Fort Kochi, past colonial bungalows, and the famed Chinese fishing nets. You'll also have the opportunity to see Kathakali, one of India's eight classical dances, and take a sunset cruise. Then it's on to Munnar and its endless tea plantations, where you'll visit the Tata Tea Museum and learn about tea production.

At Thekkady, a guided visit will take you to a spice plantation, and the next day, you'll join a sunrise jungle walk to spot butterflies, kingfishers, and hornbills followed by boarding a kettuvallam (traditional houseboat) for a slow sail from Alleppey through the beautiful backwaters. Your trip concludes back in Cochin, from where you'll leave India. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Goa

This balanced six-day itinerary covers Goa's highlights, India's smallest state that sits on its west coast. Explore unique Goan cuisine on a street food crawl, take a Jeep safari through a national park, marvel at one of India's highest waterfalls, and admire the Portuguese cathedrals of Old Goa.

Goa's unique Portuguese-inspired cuisine is the first of this state's many treasures you'll be savoring on a street food walk. Next, on a full-day tour of Mollem National Park, you'll marvel at Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls at 107 feet (310 m), and head out on a Jeep safari in search of tigers and leopards, as well as birdlife, monkeys, and deer. A cultural highlight is the European-style churches and cathedrals of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Church of the Immaculate Conception, reached by a switchback stairway.

Also known for its many sandy beaches—you'll visit Goa's Miramar Beach and cruise atop the clear waters along Palolem Beach. Enjoy afternoon as you please, sun bathing between the inviting Arabian Sea and swaying palms or trying your hand at jet-skiing, kayaking, an inflatable "bumper ride," and a banana boat ride. An adventure awaits at tiny Divar Island, where you'll chase crocodiles and explore hidden caves, paddy fields, temple ruins, and colorful Portuguese villas across the island. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Culture & Spiritualism in Northern India: Delhi, Agra & Varanasi 

Culture and spirituality are the focus of this six-day tour through northern India, taking in Delhi markets, the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, temple visits and yoga in Varanasi, and a stop in Buddhist Sarnath.

Your tour starts in Delhi with a chance to browse fascinating markets like Chandni Chowk and its spice stalls and food carts, Dilli Haat and its handicrafts, and Janpath Market, where you can pick up crafts, clothes, and jewelry. The next stop is Agra, and a visit to Agra Fort, and the next day, the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise.

An overnight train journey whisks you to Varanasi, a pilgrimage town and center for spirituality. Explore its many temples on a walking tour and the fascinating riverside ghats where you'll witness Ganga Aarti, an elaborate prayer ceremony at dusk. Other highlights include a yoga class, watching silk weavers at work, and a stop in Sarnath, where Buddhism originated. From Varanasi, you'll fly back to Delhi on Day 6 and continue your journey from there. Learn more

More Great India Itineraries

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