India is a vast country overflowing with history, culture, and flavors that can make your head spin faster than a Bollywood dance number. With just a week to spare, you’ll want to hit the highlights without feeling like you’re on a marathon. Here’s a week-long itinerary that will take you from the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala, with plenty of stops along the way. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
Morning: Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Grab a quick bite at the airport (because who doesn’t love overpriced sandwiches?). Head to your hotel and check in. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Delhi Metro to your first destination.
Afternoon: Visit the Red Fort. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s also a great place to ponder how many selfies you can take before it gets old. Walk to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Don’t forget to try some street food nearby—chaat is a must!
Evening: Stroll through Chandni Chowk. It’s chaotic, it’s colorful, and it’s a sensory overload. End your day with dinner at a local restaurant. Try butter chicken or paneer tikka. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Day 2: Delhi to Agra
Morning: After breakfast, hop on a train to Agra (approximately 2 hours). Book your tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute chaos. Arrive and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Head straight to the Taj Mahal. Yes, it’s as stunning as they say. Grab a guide to avoid missing out on the good stuff. After soaking in the beauty, visit Agra Fort, where you can pretend to be a Mughal emperor for a few hours.
Evening: Try some local delicacies at a restaurant near the Taj. Petha (a sweet made from ash gourd) is a local specialty that you must taste. After dinner, go for a sunset view of the Taj Mahal if you’re not too stuffed to walk!
Day 3: Agra to Jaipur
Morning: Post breakfast, take a car to Jaipur (about 4 hours). Enjoy the scenic route and maybe even a pit stop for some roadside snacks. Arrive in Jaipur and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the City Palace to marvel at its architecture. Don’t forget to check out the Jantar Mantar observatory—it's like science class, but way more interesting with all the cool instruments.
Evening: Head to the famous Hawa Mahal. Snap some pictures and then treat yourself to dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Try Rajasthani thali for a filling meal.
Day 4: Exploring Jaipur
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Amber Fort. Get there early to avoid crowds. If you’re feeling fancy, take an elephant ride up to the fort. Yes, it sounds touristy, but who doesn’t want a picture on an elephant?
Afternoon: Explore the markets of Jaipur. Pick up some handicrafts, textiles, or just some quirky souvenirs. Bartering is half the fun, so channel your inner negotiator.
Evening: Relax at your hotel or catch a traditional dance performance. You might even learn a few moves—who knows? Dinner at a local spot to wrap up your day. Laal Maas for spice lovers!
Day 5: Jaipur to Kerala
Morning: Fly from Jaipur to Kochi (around 3 hours with a layover). Once you've landed, make your way to your accommodation in Fort Kochi.
Afternoon: Visit the famous Chinese fishing nets and explore the quaint streets of Fort Kochi. Take a break at a café and sip on some local coffee while watching the world go by.
Evening: Head to a local restaurant for a seafood feast. Kerala is known for its outstanding cuisine. Don’t skip the appam and stew combo. It’s like a hug for your stomach.
Day 6: Backwaters of Alleppey
Morning: Depart for Alleppey (around 1.5 hours by car). Get ready to board a houseboat for a day of relaxation on the backwaters. Enjoy the views, and don’t forget to take a million pictures—your friends will want proof!
Afternoon: The houseboat will serve lunch, which usually consists of rice and curry. Savor every bite while watching the palm-fringed landscape glide by. Take a nap if you can; it’s a vacation after all.
Evening: Return to Kochi for dinner. Take some time to reflect on how you can convince your friends to join you next time. Maybe a PowerPoint presentation with lots of photos?
Day 7: Kochi to Delhi
Morning: Take a leisurely morning stroll and grab breakfast at a local café. Soak in the last bits of Kerala’s charm before heading back. Fly from Kochi to Delhi (around 3 hours).
Afternoon: If time permits, do some last-minute shopping or visit any sites you missed on Day 1. A quick visit to Qutub Minar might just do the trick.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Delhi. Try a mix of North Indian and South Indian dishes to round off your culinary journey. Look back at the week and think about how much you’ve seen and eaten. Not a bad way to spend a week, right?
With this itinerary, you’ve tasted the vast flavors of India in just seven days. From the majestic Taj Mahal to the serene backwaters of Kerala, you’ve experienced a bit of everything. Now, go ahead and start planning your next adventure. Who knows where your wanderlust will take you next?
