With 11 days, you could choose to explore two to three areas of India. For most first-timers, hitting up the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) is a must.
In addition to a week's trip to the Golden Triangle, many like to spend the other 4 days in the following cities: the holy city of Varanasi, Ranthambore for a tiger safari, or Mathura for an epic Holi celebration in March.
Alternatively, consider adding coastal Goa and modern Mumbai for a more comprehensive insight into India. If you would like a still-broader exploration of South Asia, you could complete your trip with a visit to Kathmandu in neighboring Nepal.
If you've visited the Golden Triangle and other glorious gems in North India, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are worthwhile destinations on a visit to South India.
Continue on to explore our five thoughtfully-designed itinerary ideas below.
Itinerary 1: The Golden Triangle, Varanasi, and a Tiger Safari in 11 Days
- Delhi–Varanasi–Agra–Ranthambore–Jaipur
This itinerary is tailor-made for newcomers to India, covering the country's must-see highlights: explore the historical gems of the Golden Triangle, embark on an exciting tiger safari in Ranthambore, and soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi.
- Days 1–2: A Delhi city tour with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market
- Days 3–4: Fly to Varanasi; Varanasi sightseeing with a sunset boat ride on the Ganges; fly to Delhi
- Days 5–6: Drive to Agra; Agra sightseeing including a visit to the Taj Mahal alongside an Indian clothing experience and rooftop drinks
- Days 7–8: Drive from Agra to Ranthambore and enjoy a glamping experience with private tiger safaris at sunrise and sunset.
- Days 9–11: Drive to Jaipur, go sightseeing, enjoy high tea inside the City Palace, and interact with elephants.
Delhi: 3 Nights
Your India trip would start with the capital city of India, Delhi. Two days are enough to explore the city's new and old parts.
Upon your arrival, you would stay in New Delhi to get a glimpse of its modern life and enjoy more comfortable accommodation options.
Following this, embark on a classic city tour of its iconic landmarks. Climb up to the minaret of Jama Masjid mosque for a panoramic view of Old Delhi, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market, and appreciate the tranquil Humayun's Tomb, the first garden tomb of India.
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Varanasi: 1 Night
For the next 2 days, you would take a side trip to Varanasi to experience its representatively spiritual and cultural immersion.
Boat rides are the quintessential Varanasi experience. You would see the atmospheric ghats along the Ganges and watch an impressive Ganga Aarti ceremony during a sunset ride. Sunrise boat rides could offer a glimpse into the city's tranquil early-morning life and picturesque scenery.
Also, don't miss the Golden Temple, where you could learn about the Hindu culture and meet its sincere devotees.
Agra: 2 Nights
Agra tops the bucket list of most travelers for its timeless gem — the Taj Mahal. You could get an up-close view of it at sunrise for shorter photo queues, watch a sunset over it from Mehtab Bagh, and appreciate it leisurely with a rooftop drink.
For more heritage highlights, you could explore the massive Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah (the 'baby Taj Mahal'). Having afternoon tea with a local family would enhance your interactions with the locals.
Ranthambore: 2 Nights
Getting up close to wildlife in its natural habitat is undeniably thrilling, whether you're on a romantic getaway or traveling with energetic teenagers. Ranthambore National Park is India's top spot for close encounters with Bengal tigers thanks to its easy access.
Escape the crowds and noise of larger groups as we handpick less-crowded zones and arrange private jeeps exclusively for you. Ranthambore's distinctive tented camping experience is the cherry on top.
In addition to tiger safaris, you could learn to do handmade block-printing on cloth and discover a hidden medieval fort inside the park.
Jaipur: 3 Nights
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, which is famous for regal attractions.
Immerse yourself in the Pink City with its icons — Amber Fort, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. To make your trip more special, you could take afternoon tea in the City Palace and enjoy a candlelit dinner at Amber Fort. For animal lovers, feed and walk with elephants in Dera Amer camp.
If this itinerary sparks your interest, please reach out to us and we'll tailor-make your trip and provide a quote. If you're traveling with teenagers, Varanasi might feel a bit overwhelming and you could replace it with to the more leisurely Udaipur, the 'city of lakes', which is just a 1-hour flight from Jaipur.
Itinerary 2: 11-Day India Holi Festival Tour
- Delhi–Vrindavan–Agra–Jaipur–Varanasi
What could be more culturally engaging than joining in the color fights of Holi as a traveler to India? For those craving the full-on immersive experience, look no further than this Holi festival tour. It perfectly balances the must-sees for first-timers with Holi experiences.
To get the best Holi experience, you would visit Vrindavan for authentic Holi stick "beatings" a week before Holi, then have fun in Varanasi for colorful powder "fights" with local people.
- Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
- Day 2: Delhi city tour and transfer to Vrindavan (about 2½ hours)
- Day 3: Experience the Lathmar Holi celebration in Vrindavan
- Days 4–5: Vrindavan to Agra (about 1½ hours) to see the Taj Mahal
- Days 6–7: Agra to Jaipur (about 4½ hours) for a Jaipur city tour with a sunset view from Nahargarh Fort
- Day 8: Jaipur to Delhi (about 2½ hours), then have a driving tour of Delhi's highlights
- Days 9–11: Delhi to Varanasi, enjoy Holika Dahan (with a Holi bonfire) and a Holi color fight
Before heading to Vrindavan on day 2, you would take a short city tour in Delhi: ascend Jama Masjid, have a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, and visit Raj Ghat (to learn about Gandhi).
On day 3, you would go to Nandgoan Village and see their unique tradition — the craziest way to celebrate Holi: witness how women "beat" men with sticks (playfully) in addition to the customary color "fights".
Transfer to Agra on the morning of day 4. Upon arrival, dress up in traditional Indian attire, marvel at the Taj Mahal, and capture the most unforgettable moments with photos. On day 5, discover the architectural treasures of Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, and conclude your day with a leisurely afternoon tea, enjoying a rooftop view of the Taj Mahal.
For the next 2 days, you would stay in Jaipur. En route, you would explore an abandoned capital — Fatehpur Sikri. Then, you would have a city tour to discover Jaipur's historical relics: the hilltop Amber Fort, the pink Hawa Mahal, the colorful City Palace, the astronomical wonders of Jantar Mantar observatory, and a panoramic city view from Nahargarh Fort at sunset.
Then, cap off your trip in Varanasi. Besides its classic experiences of temples and the Ganges, you would arrive in time for Holika Dahan (featuring a Holi bonfire in the evening) with locals. You would visit a local family to throw Holi colors with them and their neighbors and prepare festive sweets together.
Note: This itinerary would be tailored to coincide with the schedule of Holi celebrations in Vrindavan and Varanasi. As the timing varies each year, please contact us for the latest information.
Itinerary 3: 11-Day India Romantic Trip from Delhi to Goa
- Delhi–Agra–Jaipur–Mumbai–Goa
This journey is exclusively designed for couples, seamlessly blending the historical and cultural richness of the Golden Triangle, the vibrant modernity of Mumbai, and the laid-back beach vibes of Goa.
- Days 1–2: Delhi city landmarks — Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk by rickshaw, Humayun's tomb, and Qutub Minar.
- Days 3–4: Transfer to Agra — see the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
- Days 5–6: Travel by road to Jaipur — have a candlelit dinner in Amber Fort and a cooking class.
- Day 7: Fly to Mumbai and visit the Gateway of India, Kamala Nehru Park, and Dhobi Ghat.
- Day 8: Half-day Bollywood tour; fly to Goa
- Days 9–11: Half-day sightseeing tour in Old Goa, relax on the beach
On this romantic journey through India, you and your loved one would first experience the essential sights of the Golden Triangle: the lively life of Delhi, the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra, and the romance of the Pink City — Jaipur.
To give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we've specially arranged a foodie walking tour with a local chef in Delhi, a traditional Indian attire experience in Agra, and a candlelit dinner at Amber Fort in Jaipur.
After your historical immersion in the Golden Triangle, you would experience India's rich and poor contrast in Mumbai from its skylines along Marine Drive to Dhobi Ghat (a laundry spot) and the sprawling Dharavi slum. Experience the magic of Bollywood behind the scenes and capture pictures with your partner in similar poses to your favorite Indian movies.
Then, indulge in the colonial charms of Old Goa's Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, and Se Cathedral before unwinding on a beachfront resort in Goa.
For an immersive and romantic stay, we would specially arrange characteristic boutique hotels for you, such as The Oberoi Amarvilas, offering views of the Taj Mahal, and The Oberoi Rajvilas, a real-palace experience.
Contact us to tailor-make more exclusive experiences for you!
Itinerary 4: 11-Day India and Nepal Essence Tour
- Delhi–Varanasi–Jaipur–Agra–Kathmandu
If you would like to have a quick multinational taste of South Asia, this 11-day India and Nepal tour could be ideal for you.
You would focus on the highlights of North India: the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) and Varanasi. Then, fly to Nepal to get a taste of Buddhist culture in Kathmandu and see the breathtaking view of Mount Everest from Nagarkot.
- Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
- Day 2: Delhi city tour with a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk market
- Day 3: Fly to Varanasi, take a heritage walk, and enjoy the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- Day 4: Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges; fly to Jaipur
- Day 5: A city tour with Amber Fort, the City Palace, and Hawa Mahal
- Day 6: Private vehicle to Agra, Mehtab Bagh, and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.
- Day 7: Explore the best of Agra — including the Taj Mahal — and we'll drive you to Delhi.
- Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu and explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
- Day 9: Changu Narayan Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square
- Day 10: Drive from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square en route.
- Day 11: Enjoy sunrise at Nagarkot and drive back to Kathmandu for your departure.
In India, you would spend 7 days exploring the iconic highlights of the northern regions. You would immerse yourself in chaotic Old Delhi with a rickshaw ride. Experience its well-kept spiritual traditions, such as the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti ceremony, and enjoy the peaceful life of Varanasi.
Our trip to Jaipur would reveal the beauty of the Pink City, with its splendid palaces and forts. Your trip to Agra would feature the Mughal treasures, such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.
In Nepal, you would take in the temple complexes and palaces of the top three ancient areas: the most popular Kathmandu Durbar Square, the most exquisite Patan Durbar Square, and the least-touristy Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Then, venture into Nagarkot, where you could watch a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.
To enhance your trip, we could arrange additional experiences, such as a henna painting experience, a pink e-rickshaw drive around the Pink City with a female driver in pink as well as a full-body Ayurveda massage in India. In Nepal, you would meet with a Hindu astrologer for a personal future prediction in Pashupatinath Temple. Then, embark on a flightseeing trip to Mount Everest for an up-close view.
Itinerary 5: 11-Day South India Exploration from Tamil Nadu to Kerala
- Chennai–Pondicherry–Thanjavur–Trichy–Madurai–Thekkady–Alleppey–Mararikulam
This 11-day South India vacation is recommended for those who have already seen the best of North India.
Tamil Nadu holds a different range of Indian historical gems — from French-colonial Pondicherry to the grand temple complex at Thanjavur. Then there is Kerala — a laid-back paradise with picturesque beaches and backwater cruising experiences.
- Day 1: Arrival in Chennai
- Day 2: Explore Chennai's highlights: Fort St. George, San Thome Church, Kailasanathar Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple.
- Day 3: Travel by road from Chennai to Pondicherry (about 4 hours), see the spectacular rock sculptures at Mahabalipuram, and visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
- Day 4: Travel on by road from Pondicherry to Thanjavur (about 4 hours) and go sightseeing there, including visits to the City of Dawn and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
- Day 5: Saraswathi Mahal Library, Brihadishvara Temple, Thanjavur to Trichy by car (about 1½ hours), and Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort
- Day 6: Trichy to Madurai by road (5 hours), Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and Meenakshi Temple
- Day 7: Madurai to Thekkady by car (about 4 hours) and Periyar National Park
- Day 8: Transfer from Thekkady to Alleppey (about 4 hours) for an overnight backwater cruise.
- Day 9: From the cruise, continue by car to coastal Mararikulam Beach (half an hour) for beach relaxation.
- Day 10: Beach time at Mararikulam Beach
- Day 11: Departure
Your South India adventure starts with a city tour of Chennai. Discover its most famous colonial-style buildings, including Fort St. George and San Thome Church, and visit Hindu Kailasanathar Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple.
On day 3, explore spectacular UNESCO-listed rock sculptures and monuments, including the must-see Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) in Mahabalipuram on your way to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, experience the serenity of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which is ideal for meditation.
On day 4, after discovering the utopia, Auroville, you would leave for Thanjavur, stopping at Gangaikonda Cholapuram for its superb Nataraja sculptures.
On day 5, in Thanjavur, see the world's highest temple towers in Brihadishvara Temple and Asia's oldest library — Saraswathi Mahal Library, and climb up to Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort for a panoramic view.
You would continue to Madurai the next day, and see its architectural beauty at Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Meenakshi Temple. An evening puja ceremony in Meenakshi Temple would cap off day 6.
For the last 5 days, unwind in Kerala. Spot wildlife with a boat ride in Periyar Tiger Reserve, take an overnight traditional houseboat on the backwaters alongside rice paddies and palm trees in Alleppey, and relax at Mararikulam Beach.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.