India is a popular destination for visitors of various interests. This post will try to address interest for someone who wants to take a trip to explore India and get a glimpse of it’s various cultural and regional diversity. And try some of it’s various cuisines.
If you have at least a week or two to explore – here is a sample itinerary recommendations for a two-week and one-week trip to India, along with some must-try cuisines:
Two-Week Trip:
Delhi (2-3 days):
This is the capital of India – and has direct flights from almost ALL major airports around the world. Usually Delhi, Agra and Jaipur can be covered by road without a need to fly again. This is called the golden triangle tour and is quite popular.
Visit the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, and the India Gate.
Don’t miss out on the street food in Chandni Chowk and Paranthe Wali Gali. Be careful of the Delhi Belly – use caution and only eat from reputable safe to eat places – ask a local guide for recommendations. Use the same caution everywhere – street food Style – but not ON the street 🙂
Agra (1-2 days):
See the iconic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Jaipur (2-3 days):
Visit the magnificent Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the City Palace.
Sample some delicious Rajasthani cuisine, such as dal baati churma and laal maas.
Udaipur (2-3 days):
This is at the far end of Rajasthan – may be better to fly from Jaipur or Delhi.
Explore the stunning Lake Palace, City Palace, and Jagmandir Island.
Try some delicious Rajasthani street food, such as kachoris and mirchi bada.
Goa (3-4 days):
Again, this is a popular destination – but accessible by airline travel from Delhi, Jaipur or Udaipur.
Relax on the beaches, visit the ancient churches and temples, and indulge in some spicy Goan cuisine, such as vindaloo, sorpotel, and fish curry.
One-Week Trip:
Delhi (2 days):
Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque, and India Gate. Try some street food in Chandni Chowk.
Agra (1-2 days): See the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Jaipur (2-3 days):
Visit the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace.
Sample some Rajasthani cuisine, such as dal baati churma and laal maas.
If you have three weeks, you can definitely add Hyderabad, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), or Assam to your itinerary.
Three-Week Trip:
Places to See: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Kashmir, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Assam
Delhi:
Visit historical landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and Qutub Minar.
Explore the bustling markets of Old Delhi and try street food. (see note in the two week itinerary next to Delhi)
Agra:
Visit the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
Jaipur:
Explore the Pink City and visit the Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace.
Enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
Kashmir:
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and visit the Dal Lake, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg.
Try the famous Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.
Kerala:
Relax in the serene backwaters, visit the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and explore the tea plantations of Munnar.
Taste the delicious seafood and coconut-based cuisine.
Tamil Nadu:
Visit the temples of Madurai, Thanjavur, and Mahabalipuram.
Enjoy the traditional Tamil cuisine.
Hyderabad:
Explore the historic Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Chowmahalla Palace.
Taste the delicious Hyderabadi biryani.
Kolkata:
Visit Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Belur Math.
Try the famous Kolkata street food and sweets.
Assam:
Visit Kaziranga National Park, Majuli Island, and Kamakhya Temple. Taste the famous Assamese cuisine.