As far as travel destinations are concerned, India is like a heady cultural cocktail that everyone needs to taste, either in part or in full, at least once in their lifetime. But planning a trip to could be a daunting task, especially if you're a first-timer planning a short trip. From which places to squeeze in and what to give a miss, to finding the right mix of its various regions and cultures, here's how to get the full India experience in just two weeks.
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
There is no better place to start a trip to India than its capital city Delhi, primarily since the city boasts of excellent international connectivity with the Indira Gandhi International Airport being the busiest in the country. The airport is located close to several amazing neighbourhoods such as the popular Hauz Khas Village, Sarojini Nagar and Khan Market.
Day 2: Explore Old Delhi and historical monuments
As the former capital of the Mughal Empire and one of the oldest modern cities in India, Delhi is steeped in history and is home to more heritage monuments and structures than any other city in the country. For those that don't want the hassle of selecting and visiting monuments on their own, there are a number of great heritage tours and guided walks that offer a great package experience. The heritage district around the famous Connaught Place is a must-visit and has several monuments including the Hazrat Nizammudin Dargah, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, and the Purana Qila. There are also a number of great newer structures and attractions worth visiting such as the Parliament of India or Rashtrapati Bhavan. There are also several important historical monuments spread all across Delhi such as the Qutub Minar and the Lotus Temple.
Day 3: Day-trip to Taj Mahal and Agra
One of the most popular tourist circuits in India is the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, popularly known as the Golden Triangle. Most itineraries for the Golden Triangle include a night stay in Agra, however, for those wanting to do a lot more than just a three-city tour of India, it is advisable to take a day trip to Agra, which is adequate to visit not only the famous Taj Mahal but also get a taste of several other historical attractions in the vicinity. Travelling to Agra from Delhi takes around four hours and is fairly easy since the circuit is among the most well-connected ones in India. A bus ride will cost anywhere between Rs. 300 - 500 and taking a cab will set you back by a little more than Rs. 2,000.
Pro Tip: To combat overcrowding, the government has introduced a three-hour visitation cap on the Taj Mahal. However, if you'd like to admire the structure a little longer, head to rooftop restaurants or hotels on the other side of River Yamuna to get the prize shots!
Day 4: Visit to Jaipur ( Pink City )
Another city that is part of the Golden Triangle is Jaipur, the capital city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Getting to Jaipur from Delhi is fairly easy with several buses plying the route regularly. The journey takes about 5 hours via road, however, the two cities also have regular flights for those looking for a shorter travel time. Popularly known as the Pink City for its colourful architecture, Jaipur is filled with historical monuments, palaces and other attractions. Jaipur is also a great starting point for getting to know Rajasthani culture and cuisine. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur include the 16th-Century Amer Fort, Jaipur Jantar Mantar, and the popular Hawa Mahal .
Day 5: Overnight trip to Udaipur and soak in the Rajasthani local culture
When it comes to Rajasthani opulence, heritage and culture, one of the most popular places to visit is the city of Udaipur, which is located about 7-8 hours away from Jaipur. Udaipur is home to some of the best heritage hotels in the country, with several of these having been actual historical palaces that housed royals of Rajasthan, such as the popular Shiv Niwas Palace Heritage Hotel. There are also several high-end properties known for luxe-stay such as the Taj Lake Palace, Oberoi Udayvillas, and the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Day 6: Arrive in Mumbai & Explore its heritage and culture
Take a flight to Mumbai, the city of dreams, after a culture-soaked stay in Udaipur. Udaipur has a full-fledged international airport and there are several daily flights Mumbai. Depending on when you arrive in Mumbai, you can either choose to take a quick tour of the city’s various attractions or choose from a wealth of restaurants and head straight to dinner. As for stay, Mumbai’s Airport is located fairly central to the city and the region around the airport is home to several business and luxury hotels such as the Hilton Mumbai and Leela Mumbai.
Day 7: Marine Drive and Heritage District
South Mumbai's heritage district is one region that still retains the charm of the city's colonial past. The most iconic heritage structure in the city is the famous Victoria Terminus or CST Station. The region surrounding the Terminus is home to several popular heritage buildings such as the BMC Building, High Court Complex and Ballard Estate, a commercial neighborhood that is home to several colonial heritage structures.
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